p dir="ltr"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 /And obviously spoilers from the original /—/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"I opened my eyes too... A sight I wasn't expecting. It was on a rooftop. The early morning sun had risen. I looked down at myself, feeling a little odd, to realize that I couldn't see my body. br /Ah. So I was dreaming./p
p dir="ltr"I turned towards the sunrise to see Jess on the edge of the building. She looked around, as if waiting for someone or something./p
p dir="ltr"It was then I realized I was definitely dreaming since I *knew* it was Jess, but everything about her was hazy. Her exact appearance down to her height was unclear and seemed to shift if I didn't focus hard enough./p
p dir="ltr"After a moment of waiting, another figure approached. This one I couldn't identify at first. I had to focus a lot harder to get any detail to work with./p
p dir="ltr"The two began speaking in mutterings. At least, that's all I could hear. Their conversation seemed to grow in tension. With the figure becoming more and more animated. Eventually, Jess began to walk away./p
p dir="ltr"I took the chance to try and focus in. I got closer and closer to try and make out any minute detail to help. Until something came into view. It was a hat. Then, it all clicked. I was looking at Diata. The guy that met Rikka and I in that... Place... The one who showed me Shiki.../p
p dir="ltr"Diata: -t know what's at stake!/p
p dir="ltr"Just as I came to this revelation, he froze and turned to me. Locking eyes./p
p dir="ltr"Diata: What the hell?/p
p dir="ltr"He stepped towards me, and suddenly the world flew from view, like I had been thrown out the window of reality, and I faded back to sleep.../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Day 3/p
p dir="ltr"My eyes slowly opened to an overcast sky. Not uncommon for Tokyo, but often meant rain wasn't too far away. I looked around for Jess. She wasn't immediately nearby. No- no where in sight... Which- was unnerving, to say the least./p
p dir="ltr"Stumbling to my feet, I began to regain my senses. I was on the side of road near the station. I vaguely recall the dream I had. It involved Diata and Jess. I couldn't remember much else... Only that I was high up. Very high up.../p
p dir="ltr"I looked at No. 1. It towered over the rest of the city. I decide to say screw it to Jess and make my way over./p
p dir="ltr"On the way, my phone buzzes. I ignored it. My arm jolts with pain. I ignored that too. For some reason, that dream had stuck out to me. It was- strangely vivid. In a way that was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Truth be told, it was eerily similar in the way Jess made me feel./p
p dir="ltr"Upon approaching No. 1, I notice the plaza was being used for an event in front. There was a stage with seats scattered all around. Everything seemed to be in the process of assembly./p
p dir="ltr"Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a few reapers meandering. I was able to notice them thanks to their... Unfortunate colored trench coats. Seems like reapers had a dress code here./p
p dir="ltr"Another unhooded reaper came out from behind the stage, rejoining their brethren. Their face was unmoving, like they was so focused on the task at hand, nothing would or could get in their way. Their midlength hair was methodical, symmetrical, and just as unmoving. Looks like someone loves their hairspray./p
p dir="ltr"They spoke in a soft tone to the other reapers. The others seemed to look at them as a leader. I tried to position myself just out of sight, but still in earshot buried amongst the boxes of what looked like music equipment./p
p dir="ltr"?: The arrangements are made. All we have to do, Is keep tge area clear./p
p dir="ltr"Another clearly masculine reaper chimed in./p
p dir="ltr"?: What about the GM? Where has they been./p
p dir="ltr"A sigh eminates from the leader./p
p dir="ltr"?: If only I knew. It seems that yesterday caused quite the fuss. I'd also appreciate an explanation./p
p dir="ltr"?: Meanwhile we've heard nothing from the composer... br /?: We had an official address on sunday, I'm not sure if you wre present or not-br /?: Oh I was. But that was just Diata blowing smoke out his ass I'm sure-/p
p dir="ltr"A slap echoed the plaza, catching the attention of a passersby or two./p
p dir="ltr"?: Don't talk about the conductor like that... Or-/p
p dir="ltr"The reaper got close and quiet./p
p dir="ltr"?: (You know what will happen.)/p
p dir="ltr"There was silence. It sounded like everyone was in agreement. Their leader stepped away and coughed./p
p dir="ltr"?: You all know your positions. Keep an eye out. And remember, players are to steer away from this area./p
p dir="ltr"They all scrambled. I positioned myself away from the crowd and in on a seat, twiddling my thumbs in / To hopefully further any interest in me, I pull up my headphones as I gaze across to the stage. There were roadies setting up speakers and placing guitar stands. I counted how many groups of stands they had placed. Four in total. My mind immediately wonders to the previous week. With a band Rikka and I had a run in with./p
p dir="ltr"I check if the coast is clear, then I stood to make my way to the back of the stage. Why were the reapers back there? What were the "arrangements" that one made? My worry only grew as I drew closer to the back./p
p dir="ltr"I suddenly got the feeling I was being followed. I slowed until the footsteps were close enough, the I spun around, pulling the figure behind a stack of boxes and slammed them up against it, holding them up with my arm. I whispered./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You have two seconds to tell me what the hell you want. br /?: Same thing as you you dipshit!/p
p dir="ltr"Once getting a better look at the figure I found it was the same player from yesterday. The one who doubted me and Jess. My eyes widen./p
p dir="ltr"?: You want back there right?! That's the days mission... br /Right?/p
p dir="ltr"Damn. I hadn't looked at the mission proper. Tunnel vision had overtaken whatever drive I had. Still holding him with one arm, I pull out my phone with my other hand: "Resolve Grivances at the square, 120 mins". Lucky me I guess. Or was I related to that? Or... Was it the reapers.../p
p dir="ltr"I let the player go and pondered for a minute. Before he grabbed me by the shoulders and got in my face./p
p dir="ltr"?: What are you doing here-? Huh? What's your game?/p
p dir="ltr"I pushed the punk off me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: My "game" is whatever the hell my phone yells at me. I just so happened to be here beforehand./p
p dir="ltr"The player raised his eyebrow./p
p dir="ltr"?: Pretty damn convenient. Wouldn't you say?/p
p dir="ltr"I stared at him briefly. I didn't have time to care about this asshat./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Sure./p
p dir="ltr"I pushed him aside and continued back stage./p
p dir="ltr"?: Wait- what the hell?!/p
p dir="ltr"The player followed me. Just as I was about to get in, a big, burly man stepped in front. It was a bouncer./p
p dir="ltr"Man: You got a pass?/p
p dir="ltr"I was surprised to even be seen since we were out in the open. So I had a suspicion.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You a reaper?/p
p dir="ltr"The man chuckled to himself./p
p dir="ltr"Man: What? Like that reaper creeper crap? Do I have a hood or a scythe or something? Get out of here./p
p dir="ltr"The man shoved me away onto the brick ground. Thankfully, a softer landing than asphalt. I stood and walked to the front of the stage. With the player still following./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: How did he see me?/p
p dir="ltr"?: Maybe we need a special psych to get in?/p
p dir="ltr"I glare at him./p
p dir="ltr"?: We're fighting the same fight, right? The name's Price, by the way./p
p dir="ltr"I sigh. Clearly he wasn't going away and Jess was nowhere in sight./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I'm Neku. br /Price: Right- but like I was saying. Didn't Sunako mention special emblems?/p
p dir="ltr" Sun mentioned that some form of the reapers symbol could be found in some places and provide a special psych. Since the bouncer could see us.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: We need to find that emblem./p
p dir="ltr"Immediately before we were about embark, we get another text: " - is none, while O is all."/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Price: Are- are they high? br /Neku: Here we go again... This all feels so slapped together. Like this is the GMs first time-/p
p dir="ltr"I'm suddenly reminded that the reapers game was under "new management."/p
p dir="ltr"Neku: God- I hate being right... br /Price: Tonigi, right? br /Neku: Sorry? br /Price: The Viper?br /Neku: Again with the snakes!/p
p dir="ltr"Price scratched his head before continuing./p
p dir="ltr"Price: He calls himself. Viper. I dunno. It's like, a thing among GMs here. They give themselves snake related names to identify a sort of playstyle. Or, at least, that's what I've /Neku: Ok, so then Viper hasn't lead a game before... Why start now?br /Price: Well- that's just it. Apprently, it's supposed to be one GM per series. And- uh. Well, Copperhead kocked the bucket didn't she?/p
p dir="ltr"Thats right. This was a "Series." Diata mentioned that before the second week started. I assumed it was as self explanatory as it sounded./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Yeah... Do you know much more about series? br /Price: Not that much, just that it's a series of three games each with their own gimmick. Except... This whole series seems... I dunno-br /Neku: Broken? br /Price: Yeah, I guess that sums it up pretty well. br /Neku: I know that Mitaka, Copperhead to you maybe, had been breaking some rules. I couldn't say what /Price: Rumors had been circulating that she attacked players prematurely and apparently killed a few of their own. br /Neku: Reapers?/p
p dir="ltr"Price put his hands up./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Maybe. I'm just passing along the message. The takeaway is that the Shinjuku reapers seems to be unhinged. That's why we players have to band together whenever we can./p
p dir="ltr"I nodded. But, I was also very aware that at any time, the GMs could turn us against each other./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: But about that text... br /Price: Yeah, I'm not sure./p
p dir="ltr"I perched myself on the edge of the stage. Trying to think what the "none" or "all" could possibly mean./p
p dir="ltr"Price: While you mope. I'm gonna go take a better look around. br /Neku: Yeah. You do that./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Some time passed and I wasn't any closer to an answer. Price was about half way around the area. It seemed that the reapers weren't paying us any mind... Yet that is... br /Eventually I was just staring at a seat. Letting my mind get lost in the boring white. My eyes meandering over to a black seat. Noting the difference in reflection between the metal seats. Meanwhile, my mind, being... Somewhere, decided to tell itself a joke:/p
p dir="ltr""Heh, I knew this band was metal but this is ridiculous!"/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Needless to say, I'm no comedian.../p
p dir="ltr"...?/p
p dir="ltr"It suddenly hit me like a truck. I stumbled on the stage and began trying to get a good view of the seating /Sure enough.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Hey Price!/p
p dir="ltr"I yelled across the plaza, frazzled at my discovery. But I needed to get higher. The question was how... Price, in tge meantime, turned around, being sure that there were no reapers about the to get the jump on us, then ran towards the stage. He whispered:/p
p dir="ltr"Price: Why are you yelling?!/p
p dir="ltr"I leaned down and offered a hand, pulling him up next to me. br /I pointed out to the seats./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Notice anything out of the ordinary?/p
p dir="ltr"Price stared out at the arrangement of black and white metal seats and just shrugged./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Not whatever your seeing. Clearly. br /Neku: The all and nothing is referring to color. All being white, and nothing being black. If I'm a betting man, I'd say if we get a good look from above, we'll find a symbol formed from the seating arrangement. Probably black against /Price: I- think I see it./p
p dir="ltr"I hop down and. Began looking for the tallest stack of boxes I could find. Unfortunately, it was right next to the group of reapers./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Right... Hey. br /Price: What now?br /Neku: How comfortable would you be acting as a distraction?/p
p dir="ltr"Price raised an eyebrow with a sneer of distaste./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: O-K then, how fast can you climb? br /Price: Fast enough. br /Neku: That's fair.../p
p dir="ltr"He hops down. I pat him on the shoulder nodding and pointing towards the box tower./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I'll get their attention, you get that /Price: But-br /Neku: What? br /Price: Were not partners you know. If I take the photo, I think it'll be split between only me and my partner./p
p dir="ltr"It suddenly donned on me that Price had been all alone./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Say- where is your partner? br /Price: Um. Good question. I think she's probably nearby, but I haven't seen her all day. br /Neku: Same deal here... br /Price: Women. Huh?/p
p dir="ltr"I narrowed my eyes. Clearly not the same page./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Erm- well- that is to say... br /Neku: Forget it. Just do the climbing. I'll distract them. br /Price: But what about -?br /Neku: Did I stutter? I have my own things to do anyway. You go ahead and finish the mission./p
p dir="ltr"Price nodded with determination. Then we split./p
p dir="ltr"I began by stomping towards the reapers. Hopping up on a crate, and kicking down the nearest box. It promptly collapsed on an unsuspecting reaper. I whistle in case they didn't notice me yet./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Hey reapers!/p
p dir="ltr"They all turn to me. But their leader and a few reapers seemed to not be present.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I hear your planning something? Well? I'm all ears./p
p dir="ltr"I was expecting a number of things. None of which involved one of the reapers to pull out an uzi and unleash a flurry of bullets. I dove behind the box, taking cover as I heard a clatter of foots steps circling around./p
p dir="ltr"I reach in my pocket, plant a card on the ground, and made a run for it./p
p dir="ltr"As I ran, a rapid gust of wind blew crates all over the place. Knocking into reapers all around. Thankfully, my distraction was working./p
p dir="ltr"A reaper managed to body slam me from the side and throw me into another stack of crates. I tried to push myself up, but they all collapsed on me, shoving me to the ground. I waited quietly underneath the pile as reapers began surrounding me. While not too far away, Price was still climbing. From underneath the pile of boxes I heard his foot scrape as he misstepped, I had to act fast. I pulled out the first card I could reach, forced myself up shoving all the boxes away, and threw the card towards the nearest reaper./p
p dir="ltr" I was oddly fortunate I didn't look at that card. Because next thing I knew, a giant psychic blade formed and impaled the reaper. Wide eyed, I was frozen. I just killed a man, and his friends were right in front of me. It took a moment for everyone to comprehend what just happened. As everyone came to their senses, I was already taking steps back away from them as they turned to face me./p
p dir="ltr"Then, as if the situation couldn't get any more tense, there was a brief flash that blinded me for a second. No accompanying sound, just a blink of flash./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Oh no./p
p dir="ltr"Price was now scrambling down very audibly, trying to run for cover. Photo in hand. Half of the reapers broke off to make chase. The other half continued to menace me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Don't suppose to you'd be willing to chat?/p
p dir="ltr"They pull out guns./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Ah- dammit./p
p dir="ltr"My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I pull it out to see the photo Price had taken. Sure enough, the black seats were arranged in such a way that the reapers symbol was formed against the white seats. Not even a second later, I get another text: "Influence. Briefly, people around you cooperate, regardless of their alignment toward you."/p
p dir="ltr"Bingo. With my ticket out of there, I focus on my phone, repeating the name of the psych in my head without any other real direction./p
p dir="ltr"The reapers cock their guns. One mutters to his cohorts./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: On my mark, ready?/p
p dir="ltr"They steady their aim. I focus harder in desperation./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: Aim-!/p
p dir="ltr" Then, I felt it. I don't really know how to describe the feeling of "having influence," but I knew the psych was in effect. Only one way to be sure./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: STOP!/p
p dir="ltr"The reapers freeze./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: It- it was an accident, I didn't mean to kill your friend. Just- please let me go.../p
p dir="ltr"The reapers look at one another, lower their weapons and begin walking back wothout a word. I let out a sigh of relief./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Holy hell.../p
p dir="ltr"Now. That bouncer./p
p dir="ltr"Knowing I didn't have long, I ran back to the backstage entrance. Getting right in front of the bouncer. Price wasn't anywhere in sight./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Erm- hey! I need backstage. br /Bouncer: You again... Do you have ID? br /Neku: Do... I need an ID? I really need to speak to the peole back there. I won't be long ok?/p
p dir="ltr"The bouncer had a look of frustration, that ultimately levied./p
p dir="ltr"Bouncer: Fine. Make it quick./p
p dir="ltr"I give the man a two finger salute as I pass./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I will... Try my damnest./p
p dir="ltr"Finally, I entered the backstage./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Once I entered, I notice that Masaya, the manager of "Cleanse Your Pallette" is talking to Price./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: For the last time, how did you get in here-/p
p dir="ltr"I catch the managers eye./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Oh. You again. br /Neku: Well... You again./p
p dir="ltr"I approach./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: So your band is playing here at No. 1?br /Masaya: Yeah- uh. We were approached by a rep of the tower not long after you and your friend wrecked shit up in that resturant. br /Neku: Oh yeah... I hope me and my partner didn't make things too difficult. br /Masaya: Partner huh. Well- just know that things haven't changed much for us since then. In fact, that whole event got us more attention I'd say./p
p dir="ltr"He chuckled to himself./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I figured you'd be fine. Especially since you're a reaper after all./p
p dir="ltr"He froze. Price took a few steps back./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: What-? br /Neku: Cut the act, that's probably why your band is as well known as they are. You Shinjuku reapers seem to have extra influence here for some reason. Plus that one reaper that came back here earlier? Probably chatting with you. br /Masaya: That's- A mighty bold claim. br /Neku: Let's just say that I'm getting a little deja vu. Are any of the band members reapers?br /Masaya: No. They're not./p
p dir="ltr"I raise an eyebrow./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You admit it then? br /Masaya: Why not? I've got nothing to hide. It's a minor gig I do in between tours, events, or records. br /Neku: But you probably don't work all that much with the other reapers do you? br /Masaya: Nah. I've done my time for a few decades now. I'm transitioning to retirement here soon. Hopefully so I can devote all my time to the band./p
p dir="ltr"Price reentered the conversation as he positioned himself next to me./p
p dir="ltr"Price: So you must care a fair bit about them, huh? br /Masaya: Yeah... So, are you both players? br /Neku: Right. We actually lost our actual partners and- well, just sort of met up here./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya nodded. Looking down./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: It's good to hear players can still cooperate with one another. Especially after all the news that's been making rounds./p
p dir="ltr"Price and I shared a look of concern./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: What news?/p
p dir="ltr"Masaya eyed us up and down. Seemingly to guage our intent./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Well, you didn't hear it from me, but I've been hearing something about players attacking one another. I don't know why for sure. But a personal theory is it has something to do with those monsters I've also been catching wind about./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Mutants... br /Masaya: So that's what you're calling them... Either way, those reapers wanted me to help them with whatever it is they're doing. I don't know what, I told them off before they explained. So, the reason I bring this up, is because I need you two to do something for me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: What? Now we're errand boys? br /Masaya: Yep. Unless you want me to toss you two out./p
p dir="ltr"I crossed my arms. Waiting for the explanation./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Right, so, I need you two to shoo away those reapers. They're causing my trouble. Get them to leave us alone and your mission is done./p
p dir="ltr"I crossed my arms./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: This is the most direct mission so /Price: I'm on it!/p
p dir="ltr"Price makes his way to the front stage./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Er-br /Masaya: Remember kid, this is still a competition. I think you're on your own now./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: ... Dammit.../p
p dir="ltr"I followed Price out, but found that he'd already disappeared. I got close to the reapers yet again to find a proper approach./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"The lead reaper was examining the group that had gathered./p
p dir="ltr"?: So, how exactly did this happen?/p
p dir="ltr"The reapers were silent./p
p dir="ltr"?: Well... I suppose it can't be helped now. But if anyone feels the need to convey their experience, by all means. Especially if it can get us back on track./p
p dir="ltr"?: Ah~ um- excuse me?/p
p dir="ltr"A feminine voice came from the group. She sounded... Disturbingly young to be a reaper./p
p dir="ltr"?: There was an- uh... I dunno. "Influence" over us. I think?/p
p dir="ltr"Their leader stepped forward./p
p dir="ltr"?: Please, continue./p
p dir="ltr"?: Well- there's not much else to it. The player told us to stop and leave him alone... And we all just sort of... Did./p
p dir="ltr"Silence ran over the small crowd. Eventually, the leader chimed in./p
p dir="ltr"?: I don't know how this place works, but that sounds like a psych. And- if I understand correctly, a damn powerful one at that. Especially if it effected a group of you./p
p dir="ltr"I paused. Are psychs effected by the caster? Wasn't it explained to me as a "you do or you don't" sort of deal?br /Before I could question any more, another voice joined... Unfortunately for me, I immediately began banging my head on a crate once I heard it./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Let me go-!/p
p dir="ltr"Price was thrown in front of the lead reaper. Who looked down in distain. They almost seemed disappointed./p
p dir="ltr"?: So. You're the one who controlled my reapers. br /Price: I just told one of them to take a hike. I didn't control anyone!/p
p dir="ltr"They scoffed./p
p dir="ltr"?: I'm tired of these moronic games. Clearly, no one knows what's at stake here. So-/p
p dir="ltr"I heard the sound of a hand torch turning on. Confused, I try and shift the boxes to make a small peep hole. Loe and behold, the reaper had flame hands./p
p dir="ltr"?: I think you're time is up, player./p
p dir="ltr"The leader reeled back. I instinctively pulled out a card, preparing to get the jump on the reaper and duel them one on /But then, a voice cried out./p
p dir="ltr"?: Wait-!/p
p dir="ltr"The small reaper stepped forward. Getting a proper look, she wore a purple gradient trench coat. With multiple piercings on her ears and nose with a funky quiff punk styled haircut. I suddenly remember she was a part of the group that tried to shoot me. But- she couldn't have been older than Rhyme... Maybe younger... The mere thought sent a terror filled shiver down my spine./p
p dir="ltr"?: That's not the same player.../p
p dir="ltr"The leader turned to Price, holding their flame close to his face./p
p dir="ltr"?: Where's your partner? br /Price: He- he's not my partner, you freak!/p
p dir="ltr"I facepalm. Clearly, and maybe even understandably, Price wasn't focused on working with me./p
p dir="ltr"I had to think though, I needed to lure all of the reapers away somehow./p
p dir="ltr"?: Oh. So I'm a freak?br /Price: H-hey man- your the one threatening me with fire hands./p
p dir="ltr"The lead looked at their hands and sighed./p
p dir="ltr"?: My name is Kyo. Please refer to me as such. br /Price: Ok then K-Kyo... Why are you all here anyway?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo looked towards the stage. Presumably toward Masaya specifically./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: We were sent here to- negotiate the return of a colleague. But, that's not important to you./p
p dir="ltr"They looked at the girl, pointing at Price./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Please- eh.../p
p dir="ltr"The girl perked up slightly./p
p dir="ltr"?: Junko./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Junko... Please take his phone and read out todays mission./p
p dir="ltr"Price and I shared a similar reaction of confusion./p
p dir="ltr"Price: But- you're reapers... You should be in on the job right?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo merely glared at Price while Junko rummaged through his pockets, pulling out a phone. She opened it up and began clicking away, searching its contents. She froze. Looking back and forth between the message and Kyo. She swallowed with anxiety./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Well?/p
p dir="ltr"Junko: "Resolve grivances at the square,".../p
p dir="ltr"Kyo looked away, absorbing the message and what it could mean. They look around at their men./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Well... It seems we've been found out. Long in advance I assume./p
p dir="ltr"Junko: The message was sent this morning. So at least yesterday./p
p dir="ltr"I glance down at my hand to verify the time while I was at it. "45:29... 28..." I wasn't doing too bad. But I had to get them out of here sooner rather than later.../p
p dir="ltr"Junko: There's more... He sent an image to this number.../p
p dir="ltr"Dammit it Price. I shuffled for my phone as fast as possible, but it was too late. It began to ring loudly./p
p dir="ltr"Suddenly all eyes were turned to me. I backed away from the boxes and readied a card./p
p dir="ltr"My phone continued to ring, and ring, and ring, and ring... Then... Silence. All around it sounded like every had held their breath. Then, the slow clack of shoes on the brick ground began to grow closer. That same blowtorch sound, faintly eminated on the other side of the boxes./p
p dir="ltr"I hold my breath, sweat now beading down my face. I waited. br /And waited.. br /And waited... br /And waited... br /Until I couldn't hold my breath any longer and slowly exhaled, still holding my pose.../p
p dir="ltr"... br /... br /... br /br /p
p dir="ltr"*CRASH*br /*VOOSH*/p
p dir="ltr"The boxes grouped in front of me exploded into shrapnel all around me, trying to anticipate the attack, I lunged with two different cards in hand. I tossed one in the air as I swung my claymore clean through the dust and debris. Once my psych had finished, I grabbed the card out of the air and threw It straight forward, as a vortex of flame trailed behind it./p
p dir="ltr"It was a flame card. One I had gotten the previous day from one of the monsters we fought. Always fun when you find some random new cards in your pocket after a fight.../p
p dir="ltr"The dust cleared, the crowd of reapers stood agast. Price starred in horror. While Junko looked pained./p
p dir="ltr"I probably looked like shit. I certainly felt like it. Being peppered with wooden shrapnel isn't what I would consider "pleasant."/p
p dir="ltr"I thought, regardless of whatever pain was enveloping me at the time, that I got Kyo. But like a snake, they managed to slither behind. They thrusted their hand towards me, I collapsed to the ground, hearing the squeal of the flame approach. Falling into a roll, I pull out a bullet card and throw it as I stumble out of it. Kyo simply swipes the card away./p
p dir="ltr"They approached slowly just as the downpour of rain began. I tried to stand, but the pain was taking over. I fell back down, trying desperately to hold myself up. Kyo got right in my face, pulling my head up./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Your... Him.../p
p dir="ltr"I spit in their face. They wince, glaring in response. They toss me back down./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Let's take them both with us./p
p dir="ltr"A reaper pipes up./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: But- what about-?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: We can handle that later. Right now./p
p dir="ltr"They turned to me./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Something... More important, has come up.../p
p dir="ltr"... br /.../p
p dir="ltr"em*Due to the lengthy size of this day, it will be split into two parts*/embr /em*Part II Next Week*/em/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"I opened my eyes too... A sight I wasn't expecting. It was on a rooftop. The early morning sun had risen. I looked down at myself, feeling a little odd, to realize that I couldn't see my body. br /Ah. So I was dreaming./p
p dir="ltr"I turned towards the sunrise to see Jess on the edge of the building. She looked around, as if waiting for someone or something./p
p dir="ltr"It was then I realized I was definitely dreaming since I *knew* it was Jess, but everything about her was hazy. Her exact appearance down to her height was unclear and seemed to shift if I didn't focus hard enough./p
p dir="ltr"After a moment of waiting, another figure approached. This one I couldn't identify at first. I had to focus a lot harder to get any detail to work with./p
p dir="ltr"The two began speaking in mutterings. At least, that's all I could hear. Their conversation seemed to grow in tension. With the figure becoming more and more animated. Eventually, Jess began to walk away./p
p dir="ltr"I took the chance to try and focus in. I got closer and closer to try and make out any minute detail to help. Until something came into view. It was a hat. Then, it all clicked. I was looking at Diata. The guy that met Rikka and I in that... Place... The one who showed me Shiki.../p
p dir="ltr"Diata: -t know what's at stake!/p
p dir="ltr"Just as I came to this revelation, he froze and turned to me. Locking eyes./p
p dir="ltr"Diata: What the hell?/p
p dir="ltr"He stepped towards me, and suddenly the world flew from view, like I had been thrown out the window of reality, and I faded back to sleep.../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Day 3/p
p dir="ltr"My eyes slowly opened to an overcast sky. Not uncommon for Tokyo, but often meant rain wasn't too far away. I looked around for Jess. She wasn't immediately nearby. No- no where in sight... Which- was unnerving, to say the least./p
p dir="ltr"Stumbling to my feet, I began to regain my senses. I was on the side of road near the station. I vaguely recall the dream I had. It involved Diata and Jess. I couldn't remember much else... Only that I was high up. Very high up.../p
p dir="ltr"I looked at No. 1. It towered over the rest of the city. I decide to say screw it to Jess and make my way over./p
p dir="ltr"On the way, my phone buzzes. I ignored it. My arm jolts with pain. I ignored that too. For some reason, that dream had stuck out to me. It was- strangely vivid. In a way that was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Truth be told, it was eerily similar in the way Jess made me feel./p
p dir="ltr"Upon approaching No. 1, I notice the plaza was being used for an event in front. There was a stage with seats scattered all around. Everything seemed to be in the process of assembly./p
p dir="ltr"Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a few reapers meandering. I was able to notice them thanks to their... Unfortunate colored trench coats. Seems like reapers had a dress code here./p
p dir="ltr"Another unhooded reaper came out from behind the stage, rejoining their brethren. Their face was unmoving, like they was so focused on the task at hand, nothing would or could get in their way. Their midlength hair was methodical, symmetrical, and just as unmoving. Looks like someone loves their hairspray./p
p dir="ltr"They spoke in a soft tone to the other reapers. The others seemed to look at them as a leader. I tried to position myself just out of sight, but still in earshot buried amongst the boxes of what looked like music equipment./p
p dir="ltr"?: The arrangements are made. All we have to do, Is keep tge area clear./p
p dir="ltr"Another clearly masculine reaper chimed in./p
p dir="ltr"?: What about the GM? Where has they been./p
p dir="ltr"A sigh eminates from the leader./p
p dir="ltr"?: If only I knew. It seems that yesterday caused quite the fuss. I'd also appreciate an explanation./p
p dir="ltr"?: Meanwhile we've heard nothing from the composer... br /?: We had an official address on sunday, I'm not sure if you wre present or not-br /?: Oh I was. But that was just Diata blowing smoke out his ass I'm sure-/p
p dir="ltr"A slap echoed the plaza, catching the attention of a passersby or two./p
p dir="ltr"?: Don't talk about the conductor like that... Or-/p
p dir="ltr"The reaper got close and quiet./p
p dir="ltr"?: (You know what will happen.)/p
p dir="ltr"There was silence. It sounded like everyone was in agreement. Their leader stepped away and coughed./p
p dir="ltr"?: You all know your positions. Keep an eye out. And remember, players are to steer away from this area./p
p dir="ltr"They all scrambled. I positioned myself away from the crowd and in on a seat, twiddling my thumbs in / To hopefully further any interest in me, I pull up my headphones as I gaze across to the stage. There were roadies setting up speakers and placing guitar stands. I counted how many groups of stands they had placed. Four in total. My mind immediately wonders to the previous week. With a band Rikka and I had a run in with./p
p dir="ltr"I check if the coast is clear, then I stood to make my way to the back of the stage. Why were the reapers back there? What were the "arrangements" that one made? My worry only grew as I drew closer to the back./p
p dir="ltr"I suddenly got the feeling I was being followed. I slowed until the footsteps were close enough, the I spun around, pulling the figure behind a stack of boxes and slammed them up against it, holding them up with my arm. I whispered./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You have two seconds to tell me what the hell you want. br /?: Same thing as you you dipshit!/p
p dir="ltr"Once getting a better look at the figure I found it was the same player from yesterday. The one who doubted me and Jess. My eyes widen./p
p dir="ltr"?: You want back there right?! That's the days mission... br /Right?/p
p dir="ltr"Damn. I hadn't looked at the mission proper. Tunnel vision had overtaken whatever drive I had. Still holding him with one arm, I pull out my phone with my other hand: "Resolve Grivances at the square, 120 mins". Lucky me I guess. Or was I related to that? Or... Was it the reapers.../p
p dir="ltr"I let the player go and pondered for a minute. Before he grabbed me by the shoulders and got in my face./p
p dir="ltr"?: What are you doing here-? Huh? What's your game?/p
p dir="ltr"I pushed the punk off me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: My "game" is whatever the hell my phone yells at me. I just so happened to be here beforehand./p
p dir="ltr"The player raised his eyebrow./p
p dir="ltr"?: Pretty damn convenient. Wouldn't you say?/p
p dir="ltr"I stared at him briefly. I didn't have time to care about this asshat./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Sure./p
p dir="ltr"I pushed him aside and continued back stage./p
p dir="ltr"?: Wait- what the hell?!/p
p dir="ltr"The player followed me. Just as I was about to get in, a big, burly man stepped in front. It was a bouncer./p
p dir="ltr"Man: You got a pass?/p
p dir="ltr"I was surprised to even be seen since we were out in the open. So I had a suspicion.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You a reaper?/p
p dir="ltr"The man chuckled to himself./p
p dir="ltr"Man: What? Like that reaper creeper crap? Do I have a hood or a scythe or something? Get out of here./p
p dir="ltr"The man shoved me away onto the brick ground. Thankfully, a softer landing than asphalt. I stood and walked to the front of the stage. With the player still following./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: How did he see me?/p
p dir="ltr"?: Maybe we need a special psych to get in?/p
p dir="ltr"I glare at him./p
p dir="ltr"?: We're fighting the same fight, right? The name's Price, by the way./p
p dir="ltr"I sigh. Clearly he wasn't going away and Jess was nowhere in sight./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I'm Neku. br /Price: Right- but like I was saying. Didn't Sunako mention special emblems?/p
p dir="ltr" Sun mentioned that some form of the reapers symbol could be found in some places and provide a special psych. Since the bouncer could see us.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: We need to find that emblem./p
p dir="ltr"Immediately before we were about embark, we get another text: " - is none, while O is all."/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Price: Are- are they high? br /Neku: Here we go again... This all feels so slapped together. Like this is the GMs first time-/p
p dir="ltr"I'm suddenly reminded that the reapers game was under "new management."/p
p dir="ltr"Neku: God- I hate being right... br /Price: Tonigi, right? br /Neku: Sorry? br /Price: The Viper?br /Neku: Again with the snakes!/p
p dir="ltr"Price scratched his head before continuing./p
p dir="ltr"Price: He calls himself. Viper. I dunno. It's like, a thing among GMs here. They give themselves snake related names to identify a sort of playstyle. Or, at least, that's what I've /Neku: Ok, so then Viper hasn't lead a game before... Why start now?br /Price: Well- that's just it. Apprently, it's supposed to be one GM per series. And- uh. Well, Copperhead kocked the bucket didn't she?/p
p dir="ltr"Thats right. This was a "Series." Diata mentioned that before the second week started. I assumed it was as self explanatory as it sounded./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Yeah... Do you know much more about series? br /Price: Not that much, just that it's a series of three games each with their own gimmick. Except... This whole series seems... I dunno-br /Neku: Broken? br /Price: Yeah, I guess that sums it up pretty well. br /Neku: I know that Mitaka, Copperhead to you maybe, had been breaking some rules. I couldn't say what /Price: Rumors had been circulating that she attacked players prematurely and apparently killed a few of their own. br /Neku: Reapers?/p
p dir="ltr"Price put his hands up./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Maybe. I'm just passing along the message. The takeaway is that the Shinjuku reapers seems to be unhinged. That's why we players have to band together whenever we can./p
p dir="ltr"I nodded. But, I was also very aware that at any time, the GMs could turn us against each other./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: But about that text... br /Price: Yeah, I'm not sure./p
p dir="ltr"I perched myself on the edge of the stage. Trying to think what the "none" or "all" could possibly mean./p
p dir="ltr"Price: While you mope. I'm gonna go take a better look around. br /Neku: Yeah. You do that./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Some time passed and I wasn't any closer to an answer. Price was about half way around the area. It seemed that the reapers weren't paying us any mind... Yet that is... br /Eventually I was just staring at a seat. Letting my mind get lost in the boring white. My eyes meandering over to a black seat. Noting the difference in reflection between the metal seats. Meanwhile, my mind, being... Somewhere, decided to tell itself a joke:/p
p dir="ltr""Heh, I knew this band was metal but this is ridiculous!"/p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Needless to say, I'm no comedian.../p
p dir="ltr"...?/p
p dir="ltr"It suddenly hit me like a truck. I stumbled on the stage and began trying to get a good view of the seating /Sure enough.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Hey Price!/p
p dir="ltr"I yelled across the plaza, frazzled at my discovery. But I needed to get higher. The question was how... Price, in tge meantime, turned around, being sure that there were no reapers about the to get the jump on us, then ran towards the stage. He whispered:/p
p dir="ltr"Price: Why are you yelling?!/p
p dir="ltr"I leaned down and offered a hand, pulling him up next to me. br /I pointed out to the seats./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Notice anything out of the ordinary?/p
p dir="ltr"Price stared out at the arrangement of black and white metal seats and just shrugged./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Not whatever your seeing. Clearly. br /Neku: The all and nothing is referring to color. All being white, and nothing being black. If I'm a betting man, I'd say if we get a good look from above, we'll find a symbol formed from the seating arrangement. Probably black against /Price: I- think I see it./p
p dir="ltr"I hop down and. Began looking for the tallest stack of boxes I could find. Unfortunately, it was right next to the group of reapers./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Right... Hey. br /Price: What now?br /Neku: How comfortable would you be acting as a distraction?/p
p dir="ltr"Price raised an eyebrow with a sneer of distaste./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: O-K then, how fast can you climb? br /Price: Fast enough. br /Neku: That's fair.../p
p dir="ltr"He hops down. I pat him on the shoulder nodding and pointing towards the box tower./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I'll get their attention, you get that /Price: But-br /Neku: What? br /Price: Were not partners you know. If I take the photo, I think it'll be split between only me and my partner./p
p dir="ltr"It suddenly donned on me that Price had been all alone./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Say- where is your partner? br /Price: Um. Good question. I think she's probably nearby, but I haven't seen her all day. br /Neku: Same deal here... br /Price: Women. Huh?/p
p dir="ltr"I narrowed my eyes. Clearly not the same page./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Erm- well- that is to say... br /Neku: Forget it. Just do the climbing. I'll distract them. br /Price: But what about -?br /Neku: Did I stutter? I have my own things to do anyway. You go ahead and finish the mission./p
p dir="ltr"Price nodded with determination. Then we split./p
p dir="ltr"I began by stomping towards the reapers. Hopping up on a crate, and kicking down the nearest box. It promptly collapsed on an unsuspecting reaper. I whistle in case they didn't notice me yet./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Hey reapers!/p
p dir="ltr"They all turn to me. But their leader and a few reapers seemed to not be present.../p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I hear your planning something? Well? I'm all ears./p
p dir="ltr"I was expecting a number of things. None of which involved one of the reapers to pull out an uzi and unleash a flurry of bullets. I dove behind the box, taking cover as I heard a clatter of foots steps circling around./p
p dir="ltr"I reach in my pocket, plant a card on the ground, and made a run for it./p
p dir="ltr"As I ran, a rapid gust of wind blew crates all over the place. Knocking into reapers all around. Thankfully, my distraction was working./p
p dir="ltr"A reaper managed to body slam me from the side and throw me into another stack of crates. I tried to push myself up, but they all collapsed on me, shoving me to the ground. I waited quietly underneath the pile as reapers began surrounding me. While not too far away, Price was still climbing. From underneath the pile of boxes I heard his foot scrape as he misstepped, I had to act fast. I pulled out the first card I could reach, forced myself up shoving all the boxes away, and threw the card towards the nearest reaper./p
p dir="ltr" I was oddly fortunate I didn't look at that card. Because next thing I knew, a giant psychic blade formed and impaled the reaper. Wide eyed, I was frozen. I just killed a man, and his friends were right in front of me. It took a moment for everyone to comprehend what just happened. As everyone came to their senses, I was already taking steps back away from them as they turned to face me./p
p dir="ltr"Then, as if the situation couldn't get any more tense, there was a brief flash that blinded me for a second. No accompanying sound, just a blink of flash./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Oh no./p
p dir="ltr"Price was now scrambling down very audibly, trying to run for cover. Photo in hand. Half of the reapers broke off to make chase. The other half continued to menace me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Don't suppose to you'd be willing to chat?/p
p dir="ltr"They pull out guns./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Ah- dammit./p
p dir="ltr"My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I pull it out to see the photo Price had taken. Sure enough, the black seats were arranged in such a way that the reapers symbol was formed against the white seats. Not even a second later, I get another text: "Influence. Briefly, people around you cooperate, regardless of their alignment toward you."/p
p dir="ltr"Bingo. With my ticket out of there, I focus on my phone, repeating the name of the psych in my head without any other real direction./p
p dir="ltr"The reapers cock their guns. One mutters to his cohorts./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: On my mark, ready?/p
p dir="ltr"They steady their aim. I focus harder in desperation./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: Aim-!/p
p dir="ltr" Then, I felt it. I don't really know how to describe the feeling of "having influence," but I knew the psych was in effect. Only one way to be sure./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: STOP!/p
p dir="ltr"The reapers freeze./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: It- it was an accident, I didn't mean to kill your friend. Just- please let me go.../p
p dir="ltr"The reapers look at one another, lower their weapons and begin walking back wothout a word. I let out a sigh of relief./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Holy hell.../p
p dir="ltr"Now. That bouncer./p
p dir="ltr"Knowing I didn't have long, I ran back to the backstage entrance. Getting right in front of the bouncer. Price wasn't anywhere in sight./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Erm- hey! I need backstage. br /Bouncer: You again... Do you have ID? br /Neku: Do... I need an ID? I really need to speak to the peole back there. I won't be long ok?/p
p dir="ltr"The bouncer had a look of frustration, that ultimately levied./p
p dir="ltr"Bouncer: Fine. Make it quick./p
p dir="ltr"I give the man a two finger salute as I pass./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I will... Try my damnest./p
p dir="ltr"Finally, I entered the backstage./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"Once I entered, I notice that Masaya, the manager of "Cleanse Your Pallette" is talking to Price./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: For the last time, how did you get in here-/p
p dir="ltr"I catch the managers eye./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Oh. You again. br /Neku: Well... You again./p
p dir="ltr"I approach./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: So your band is playing here at No. 1?br /Masaya: Yeah- uh. We were approached by a rep of the tower not long after you and your friend wrecked shit up in that resturant. br /Neku: Oh yeah... I hope me and my partner didn't make things too difficult. br /Masaya: Partner huh. Well- just know that things haven't changed much for us since then. In fact, that whole event got us more attention I'd say./p
p dir="ltr"He chuckled to himself./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: I figured you'd be fine. Especially since you're a reaper after all./p
p dir="ltr"He froze. Price took a few steps back./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: What-? br /Neku: Cut the act, that's probably why your band is as well known as they are. You Shinjuku reapers seem to have extra influence here for some reason. Plus that one reaper that came back here earlier? Probably chatting with you. br /Masaya: That's- A mighty bold claim. br /Neku: Let's just say that I'm getting a little deja vu. Are any of the band members reapers?br /Masaya: No. They're not./p
p dir="ltr"I raise an eyebrow./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: You admit it then? br /Masaya: Why not? I've got nothing to hide. It's a minor gig I do in between tours, events, or records. br /Neku: But you probably don't work all that much with the other reapers do you? br /Masaya: Nah. I've done my time for a few decades now. I'm transitioning to retirement here soon. Hopefully so I can devote all my time to the band./p
p dir="ltr"Price reentered the conversation as he positioned himself next to me./p
p dir="ltr"Price: So you must care a fair bit about them, huh? br /Masaya: Yeah... So, are you both players? br /Neku: Right. We actually lost our actual partners and- well, just sort of met up here./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya nodded. Looking down./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: It's good to hear players can still cooperate with one another. Especially after all the news that's been making rounds./p
p dir="ltr"Price and I shared a look of concern./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: What news?/p
p dir="ltr"Masaya eyed us up and down. Seemingly to guage our intent./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Well, you didn't hear it from me, but I've been hearing something about players attacking one another. I don't know why for sure. But a personal theory is it has something to do with those monsters I've also been catching wind about./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Mutants... br /Masaya: So that's what you're calling them... Either way, those reapers wanted me to help them with whatever it is they're doing. I don't know what, I told them off before they explained. So, the reason I bring this up, is because I need you two to do something for me./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: What? Now we're errand boys? br /Masaya: Yep. Unless you want me to toss you two out./p
p dir="ltr"I crossed my arms. Waiting for the explanation./p
p dir="ltr"Masaya: Right, so, I need you two to shoo away those reapers. They're causing my trouble. Get them to leave us alone and your mission is done./p
p dir="ltr"I crossed my arms./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: This is the most direct mission so /Price: I'm on it!/p
p dir="ltr"Price makes his way to the front stage./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: Er-br /Masaya: Remember kid, this is still a competition. I think you're on your own now./p
p dir="ltr"Neku: ... Dammit.../p
p dir="ltr"I followed Price out, but found that he'd already disappeared. I got close to the reapers yet again to find a proper approach./p
p dir="ltr".../p
p dir="ltr"The lead reaper was examining the group that had gathered./p
p dir="ltr"?: So, how exactly did this happen?/p
p dir="ltr"The reapers were silent./p
p dir="ltr"?: Well... I suppose it can't be helped now. But if anyone feels the need to convey their experience, by all means. Especially if it can get us back on track./p
p dir="ltr"?: Ah~ um- excuse me?/p
p dir="ltr"A feminine voice came from the group. She sounded... Disturbingly young to be a reaper./p
p dir="ltr"?: There was an- uh... I dunno. "Influence" over us. I think?/p
p dir="ltr"Their leader stepped forward./p
p dir="ltr"?: Please, continue./p
p dir="ltr"?: Well- there's not much else to it. The player told us to stop and leave him alone... And we all just sort of... Did./p
p dir="ltr"Silence ran over the small crowd. Eventually, the leader chimed in./p
p dir="ltr"?: I don't know how this place works, but that sounds like a psych. And- if I understand correctly, a damn powerful one at that. Especially if it effected a group of you./p
p dir="ltr"I paused. Are psychs effected by the caster? Wasn't it explained to me as a "you do or you don't" sort of deal?br /Before I could question any more, another voice joined... Unfortunately for me, I immediately began banging my head on a crate once I heard it./p
p dir="ltr"Price: Let me go-!/p
p dir="ltr"Price was thrown in front of the lead reaper. Who looked down in distain. They almost seemed disappointed./p
p dir="ltr"?: So. You're the one who controlled my reapers. br /Price: I just told one of them to take a hike. I didn't control anyone!/p
p dir="ltr"They scoffed./p
p dir="ltr"?: I'm tired of these moronic games. Clearly, no one knows what's at stake here. So-/p
p dir="ltr"I heard the sound of a hand torch turning on. Confused, I try and shift the boxes to make a small peep hole. Loe and behold, the reaper had flame hands./p
p dir="ltr"?: I think you're time is up, player./p
p dir="ltr"The leader reeled back. I instinctively pulled out a card, preparing to get the jump on the reaper and duel them one on /But then, a voice cried out./p
p dir="ltr"?: Wait-!/p
p dir="ltr"The small reaper stepped forward. Getting a proper look, she wore a purple gradient trench coat. With multiple piercings on her ears and nose with a funky quiff punk styled haircut. I suddenly remember she was a part of the group that tried to shoot me. But- she couldn't have been older than Rhyme... Maybe younger... The mere thought sent a terror filled shiver down my spine./p
p dir="ltr"?: That's not the same player.../p
p dir="ltr"The leader turned to Price, holding their flame close to his face./p
p dir="ltr"?: Where's your partner? br /Price: He- he's not my partner, you freak!/p
p dir="ltr"I facepalm. Clearly, and maybe even understandably, Price wasn't focused on working with me./p
p dir="ltr"I had to think though, I needed to lure all of the reapers away somehow./p
p dir="ltr"?: Oh. So I'm a freak?br /Price: H-hey man- your the one threatening me with fire hands./p
p dir="ltr"The lead looked at their hands and sighed./p
p dir="ltr"?: My name is Kyo. Please refer to me as such. br /Price: Ok then K-Kyo... Why are you all here anyway?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo looked towards the stage. Presumably toward Masaya specifically./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: We were sent here to- negotiate the return of a colleague. But, that's not important to you./p
p dir="ltr"They looked at the girl, pointing at Price./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Please- eh.../p
p dir="ltr"The girl perked up slightly./p
p dir="ltr"?: Junko./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Junko... Please take his phone and read out todays mission./p
p dir="ltr"Price and I shared a similar reaction of confusion./p
p dir="ltr"Price: But- you're reapers... You should be in on the job right?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo merely glared at Price while Junko rummaged through his pockets, pulling out a phone. She opened it up and began clicking away, searching its contents. She froze. Looking back and forth between the message and Kyo. She swallowed with anxiety./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Well?/p
p dir="ltr"Junko: "Resolve grivances at the square,".../p
p dir="ltr"Kyo looked away, absorbing the message and what it could mean. They look around at their men./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Well... It seems we've been found out. Long in advance I assume./p
p dir="ltr"Junko: The message was sent this morning. So at least yesterday./p
p dir="ltr"I glance down at my hand to verify the time while I was at it. "45:29... 28..." I wasn't doing too bad. But I had to get them out of here sooner rather than later.../p
p dir="ltr"Junko: There's more... He sent an image to this number.../p
p dir="ltr"Dammit it Price. I shuffled for my phone as fast as possible, but it was too late. It began to ring loudly./p
p dir="ltr"Suddenly all eyes were turned to me. I backed away from the boxes and readied a card./p
p dir="ltr"My phone continued to ring, and ring, and ring, and ring... Then... Silence. All around it sounded like every had held their breath. Then, the slow clack of shoes on the brick ground began to grow closer. That same blowtorch sound, faintly eminated on the other side of the boxes./p
p dir="ltr"I hold my breath, sweat now beading down my face. I waited. br /And waited.. br /And waited... br /And waited... br /Until I couldn't hold my breath any longer and slowly exhaled, still holding my pose.../p
p dir="ltr"... br /... br /... br /br /p
p dir="ltr"*CRASH*br /*VOOSH*/p
p dir="ltr"The boxes grouped in front of me exploded into shrapnel all around me, trying to anticipate the attack, I lunged with two different cards in hand. I tossed one in the air as I swung my claymore clean through the dust and debris. Once my psych had finished, I grabbed the card out of the air and threw It straight forward, as a vortex of flame trailed behind it./p
p dir="ltr"It was a flame card. One I had gotten the previous day from one of the monsters we fought. Always fun when you find some random new cards in your pocket after a fight.../p
p dir="ltr"The dust cleared, the crowd of reapers stood agast. Price starred in horror. While Junko looked pained./p
p dir="ltr"I probably looked like shit. I certainly felt like it. Being peppered with wooden shrapnel isn't what I would consider "pleasant."/p
p dir="ltr"I thought, regardless of whatever pain was enveloping me at the time, that I got Kyo. But like a snake, they managed to slither behind. They thrusted their hand towards me, I collapsed to the ground, hearing the squeal of the flame approach. Falling into a roll, I pull out a bullet card and throw it as I stumble out of it. Kyo simply swipes the card away./p
p dir="ltr"They approached slowly just as the downpour of rain began. I tried to stand, but the pain was taking over. I fell back down, trying desperately to hold myself up. Kyo got right in my face, pulling my head up./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Your... Him.../p
p dir="ltr"I spit in their face. They wince, glaring in response. They toss me back down./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Let's take them both with us./p
p dir="ltr"A reaper pipes up./p
p dir="ltr"Reaper: But- what about-?/p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: We can handle that later. Right now./p
p dir="ltr"They turned to me./p
p dir="ltr"Kyo: Something... More important, has come up.../p
p dir="ltr"... br /.../p
p dir="ltr"em*Due to the lengthy size of this day, it will be split into two parts*/embr /em*Part II Next Week*/em/p