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.
—
Needless to say, the morning was... Awkward... I tried giving Jess some space once I noticed she was up likely long before me. But in the meantime, I was performing a few mental recaps.
After our... Success yesterday, we took shifts keeping watch. Jess had found an abandoned complex that she snuck into and a place we ideally, could stay in without much issue. I wasn't entirely prepared to take that bet, but for the night it worked.
We had taken shifts all night to be sure we weren't being followed or watched. But it seemed that at some point in the night, Jess simply stopped waking me up. I knew she had a difficult night. After our brief, but effective heart to heart. She was distant, understandably so. She felt guilt for something that I don't think I could comprehend. But I was mentally preparing myself for when she let it get too far.
I took a seat at the table. Noticing the bowl of the reheated stew-like substance from the night before. Jess was standing and starring at the wall as she was leaning on the counter, sipping on what smelled like coffee.
As I began to quietly eat, I realized just how long it'd been since I've had an- I dunno... A normal morning? It may have only been just over a week and a half, but it felt like years.
As I recounted every event up to this point, meeting Joshua, Rikka, finding Rhyme was alive and- mostly well... Meeting Jess and Shourin on our second day, meeting Sunako only a few days later, our confrontations with Mitaka, as well as Joshua, I realized something...
The reapers game here in Shinjuku probably doesn't have a composer behind it. At least, not right now. This whole series of events reminded me all too well of my time previously in the reapers game. As such, I knew for certain, that between the coup of reapers against the GM and maybe the conductor, would have been known to the composer. That, or the composer is in on the events, watching and waiting...
During this messy mental transaction, I eventually rounded my way back to Joshua. He likely wasn't involved. But- you never can tell with him... Which was always my issue. I wanted to trust him... But, after learning how he used me... How he forced me to chose between him and Shibuya. It was hard to trust anything he said.
Jess: You finished eating kid?
I snapped back to the reality. Looking at my bowl of half eaten stew. I sighed, placed my spoon down and pushed the bowl away.
Neku: Yeah... I'm good.
Jess continued starring at the wall. Upon getting a better look at her, I realized just how tired she was. But my concern quickly turned into suspicion. About twenty four hours ago, I had a dream involving her and Diata on top of No. 1. I barely remembered any details, but I remember that the I was alarmed enough to head out alone to No. 1.
Neku: Hey, Jess.
Jess: Yeah?
Jess was still starring at the wall, presumably deep in a separate conversation entirely.
Neku: D-do you know much about Diata?
Jess flinched slightly, and placed her mug on the counter.
Jess: Yeah... Yeah I do. Why are you asking?
I looked away as she aimed her flaming gaze directly at me. I was striking a nerve it seemed.
Neku: I-I ask because I ran into him at the end of last wee-
I paused... How did I know Diata's name? It was from the dream right? Did someone mention it? I don't remember him introducing himself proper when he met Rikka and I...
I shook my head and continued.
Neku: -last week. I was wondering if you met him when you, well... Finished.
Jess eased her insense anger slightly, and turned away. She grabbed her mug fron the counter and took a sip.
Jess: He just gave the "good job on not dying" bullshit. No mention of Shourin. The asshole.
Jess gripped the mug sightly. So tight in fact, that it shattered in her hand. She tossed the shards away inspecting the mess she left on her clothes.
Jess: God-
She looked at her hand. It was cut in a number of places.
Jess: Dammit...
I stood upon seeing this.
Neku: You- ah... Need help.
Jess shot me a glare.
Jess: I'm fine. But for right now, I need you to wait outside for me ok?
I scratched my head.
Neku: Um. Sure. What for though?
The glare intensified.
Jess: Just go.
Wanting to avoid any more trouble, I made my way down the building.
I waited outside in the alleyway we were tucked in. Arms crossed and only half paying attention to my surroundings. Jess wanted to avoid talking about yesterday. At least, that's the impression she gave. At least part of the reason is likely because the story she gave regarding her whereabouts didn't exactly invoke all the confidence in the world. Why leave alone? I knew firsthand what guilt can drive someone to do, but between her apprehension and the dream I had... I couldn't write off anything.
Jess exited the building with a change of clothes. Sporting a generic black tank top and a baggy flannel long sleeved button up... That she didn't bother buttoning...
Her hand was wrapped up a little,with now mildly red stained cloth.
Neku: So- what's your plan?
Jess looked around.
Jess: First, I'll show you No. 3. After that, I want to scout out No. 2.
I pulled out my phone to check the time. It was 10:45. We should have a message by now... I gave Jess a worried look.
Jess: What?
Neku: No mission yet. I'm worried that he's planning something...
Jess: You're giving him too much credit.
Neku: Not so much in terms of the game but-
I was worried the GM had gone rogue.
Jess: But what?
I shook my head. If that was going to be an issue. I could handle it again.
Neku: Never mind, we'll cross that bridge if we come to it.
I started out the alleyway and followed Jess towards No. 3.
The walk was quiet. Not that I particularly minded. But It was definitely noticeable. It didn't help that Jess would occasionally look back at me like she wanted to say something, but would ultimately psych herself out of it.
As we approached No. 3 from a distance I noticed immediately the lack of- well, a building. Jess mentioned that it had partially collapsed, with murmurings of a meteor being responsible. I had to see myself to be certain.
Jess stopped me in an alley near No. 3.
Jess: You're going to have to be quiet. The reapers will have this place heavily guarded. But above all else, be ready to fight if necessary.
Neku: Sure. Let's just hurry up before our GM gets wise.
Jess rolled her eyes and continued.
We hid an alley and watched on as reapers circled the building. The very much torn up building.
It was like a giant chunk was taken out of it. A single corner remained the middle level. About half of the lower levels were still standing, with a giant ellipse taken out of the entire building...
Jess was absolutely right when she mentioned the musings of a meteor. Putting aside the shape of the remains of the building; as I noticed the ground was peppered with small but familiar pieces of space rock. While no one was looking, I ran out, snagged one, and ran back. Jess pulled me aside and slammed me into the side of one of the building we were hiding in between. Speaking as stern, but quiet as possible.
Jess: Are you *trying* to get us killed?!
I held up the meteor piece up to her face.
Neku: That's definitely his.
Jess frowned and let me go. She turned away and let out a deep breath.
Jess: Alright. So your friend was here?
Neku: I'd be hard pressed to call us friends, but yeah. If not him, then someone damn near a strong.
Honestly, it couldn't be anyone else. If it was Shinjuku's own composer, then I would be even more confused than I already was. Plus, Joshua is the type to shatter the rules if given the chance anyway and- well, no normal person can summon a meteor out of nothing, there's also that.
Neku: OK. So I believe you for sure now.
Jess: You doubted?
Neku: You literally disappeared before I woke up yesterday. What the hell am I supposed to think?
Jess was quiet for a second, starring off into space while in thought.
Jess: OK, fine. That's fair.
Neku: Then- to No. 2?
Jess: In a minute, I wanted to get a closer look at the site.
It was at that point when our phones rang, a pain shot up in our arms, ext, ext. You get the idea. We didn't pay it any mind, however, as we maneuvered around the building lining the area.
I wasn't entirely sure what Jess was looking for. Seeing as the building was both in pieces and heavily guarded.
As we peered out, now on the other side of the building, nothing immediately stood out. Jess, however tensed up.
Neku: Something wrong?
Jess looked at me then back to the scene. She backed away.
Jess: You don't see it?
I blinked. That sort of response was never a good sign.
Neku: Clearly not.
She pointed back out. I walked up next to her to see.
Jess: Right up there...
She pointed to an open side of the building. It was scorched all around.
Neku: Yeah, the whole thing is a barbecue. What are you seeing in all that?
Jess turned my head towards the edge top- well, missing floor.
Jess: That edge there, it's missing a chunk. Exposing material that isn't actually burnt. It's not that big, but it's right-
She tried pointing next to me head to line everything up correctly.
Jess: There...
Neku: O-ok? Why is that important? The building is literally falling apart anyway.
Jess: Not like that though. A hundred yen says someone tripped and fell there.
Looking down, I noticed a small crowd of reapers. They were all looking at something and discussing it. I bumped Jess.
Neku: What are they looking at?
Jess: Something suspect, if there's that many.
Jess began to slink out of the alleyway, checking both sides before continuing. I, not sure what she was doing, about had a panic attack when she stepped out.
Neku: Jess-!
She was already out of a whispers earshot. I sighed. Deciding I'd make myself useful. I grabbed a card and aimed at a nearby bench. I ready my arm.
Neku: One... Two... Three-!
I threw the card, it gained speed until smacking into the bench splitting one of the wooden boards with a loud "CRACK". It got the crowds attention, drawing two of them away. I hoped it was enough for Jess to get a good look.
Jess, meanwhile, was hiding behind a trashcan. Waiting for an opportunity to get closer. Thankfully, the two that left were enough for her to catch what they were looking at. The sight made her stomach sink. She recoiled, grabbing her mouth to keep her unsteady breathing from leaking out. I could only watch her from a distance. Having never seen Jess so clearly stressed, I was obviously concerned. I gestured for her to come back. It took a moment for her to notice, but she ultimately made her back way over.
Neku: So-? What is it?
Jess avoided eye contact. I was getting especially nervous at that point.
Neku: Come on Jess, don't leave me in the dark here.
Jess: Well- there were feathers...
Neku: I'm- sorry?
Jess nodded, as if I understood what that meant.
Neku: Erm- What about the feathers?
Jess looked up with a look of confusion, then seemed to realize my own confusion.
Jess: Right- sorry. I mean, there was definitely-
She paused, shaking her head.
Jess: *More*. But- I figured you'd know...
Neku: Work with me Jess, why's that important? What else was there?
Jess: There was- there was a corpse. It was mangled pretty bad. I think they were smashed by some debris, but-
Neku: And the feathers?
Jess: That- normally suggests something a bit more- crazy...
I cocked my head.
Neku: Isn't "crazy" your middle name or something?
Jess narrowed her eyes at me.
Jess: You obviously have no idea. So I'll lay it out: feathers like that, normally mean the composer was involved.
I looked down, trying to put two and two together.
Neku: "The" Composer? Or "A" Composer?
Jess gave me a weird look.
Jess: I- guess that depends. But-
Neku: But it could have been... Right?
Jess Gauging by your response, I'm going to say probably.
I stood up, arms crossed. My immediate thought was Joshua just killed someone again. But I couldn't be sure. The reaper could have simply fallen, and Joshua made a get away... But if Joshua escaped by means of his flight... Then what happened to Rhyme?
With all that in mind, I could only sigh. We had no more leads. I suspected Sunako knew something about this whole mess, hence her apprehension to fill me in. Ideally, Rikka was just as in the dark as I was, since she was new to the whole guardian businesses.
Neku: So then... Now we head to No. 2?
Jess: Wanna fill me in on your thought process first?
Neku: Soon. I wanna be sure. In fact, if we can, let's stop by Sunako's café first. I also want to finally fill her in on the mutants and the rest of this mess...
Jess shrugged.
Jess: Sure, should be on the way.
She began walking off. I followed, noting, again the lack of noise.
Neku: Where are all the noise?
Jess: They were pretty active last week weren't they?
Neku: Yeah, but instead, we've got these mutants.
Jess: There's been a little bit of both.
Neku: Well- a lot of mutants, not enough noise.
We made our way to Sunako's café with basically no interference.
I pushed open the door and the a bell ringed. At that moment I noticed the place had been given quite a few renovations. I whistled at the sight. New tables, booths, and a new door. In addition to the general cleanliness of the place.
Neku: Hey- Sun?
I heard a stumble and a crash from the kitchen. The door opened slightly and Rikka poked her head out.
Rikka: Oh- it-t's you guys... Give me a s-sec.
She closed the door. Some more clanking and rattling of presumably pots and pans continued. Jess gave me an awkward look before she started walking around the cafe. I waited at the front counter in the meantime.
After a good minute, Sunako came out from the back. Still in her usual attire, sans the hat.
Neku: Hey Sun, I just wanted to-
Sun: Why are you here?
I blinked.
Neku: I was- getting to that...
Sun: I hope you realize I can't help you with whatever the crap it's convenient for you- right?
Neku: I- what? Jess and I were just at No. 3. We saw what happened?
Sunako frowned, and pulled out her phone.
Sun: That isn't a part of today's game is it?
Neku: Sun- to hell with the reapers game! Ok?! We're focused on something far more important than that!
Sun narrowed her eyes at me. I noticed they were almost glazed over when she looked directly at me.
Sun: What did you do?
Neku: Sun- the reapers are fragmented. They're turning against the GM, and are rallying people for something. Not to mention the mutants that appeared out of nowhere and- well. I know that someone of- particular skills was involved in the destruction of No. 3.
Sunako tensed up at that last comment. She was about to say something, but paused.
Sun: Listen, I don't give a damn about whatever you're mucking about with right now. If you're not going to take this game seriously, then get the hell out of my cafe!
I starred at her awestruck. She'd been more than helpful before, even expressing her concerns about what had been happening. Why the change of heart? Why the aggression?
Neku: Can I at least talk to Rikka?
Sun: She's busy.
Neku: When I talk to her, I'll be gone... Ok?
Sunako sighed with frustration.
Sun: Make it quick.
She pushed away from the counted and slammed the door open. A moment later, Rikka came out.
Neku: Am I glad to see you- listen, Sunako won't listen to me for some reason, but the reapers are planning something behind the GMs back! There are also these mutants that have been attacking us, plus the noise have all but disappeared and apparently Joshua took down a building-
Rikka: You done?
My soul just sank. The only other hope I had to getting some sort of extra help, just slammed the door in my face. Even more, it was Rikka. Who was suddenly so cold and distant. Dismissing me without any hint of anxiety. Which, liking someone or not, was unnatural for her. Awestruck, I tried my damnest to muster some response.
Neku: I- uh- yeah... I'm done.
She backed away, eyes still locked with mine. I noticed she also had a strange glaze over her eyes too... She shook her head and walked away.
Out of nowhere, Jess piped up behind me.
Jess: You're quite the charmer you know?
I shoved her out of my way.
Neku: Shut up.
With that, I exited the café.
...
Neku: I don't get it... Why did neither of them care *at all* about what's happening here?
Jess: I mean, it is odd I guess. They were both pretty helpful on day one.
Neku: Exactly. But I also know Rikka! She should have- I dunno... At least acknowledged what I was saying... Is that- presumptuous of me?
Jess shrugged.
Jess: All I know is that she was pretty cold towards you in there. Which is inconsistent with what I saw last week and the start of this week. I mean, she stuck her neck out for you in the end, didn't she?
Neku: I mean- I guess... But-
Jess: But what? Look. Let me talk to them. I'll see if at least Sun will listen.
Neku: Well, I'm not sure you won't nake things worse to be honest...
Jess: What does that mean?
Neku: I don't think Sun has very high opinions of you... Just a guess though.
Jess: How about you keep your opinions to yourself? K?
Jess huffed back into the café. I leaned against the wall next to the door to try and listen in.
Next thing I knew, Jess was slamming on the counter.
Jess: EY! SUN! I WANNA TALK TO YA!
Smooth Jess. Very smooth.
It seemed to be effective none the less, as the kitchen door slammed open not a second later.
Sun: What the hell are you doing?!
Jess: Come here. I have a bone to pick with you.
Sun approached the counter yet again. But not even looking at the scene, I could feel the tension in the air. Which only magnified once she spoke.
Sun: Make it quick.
Jess: I'm not sure if you heard, but There's sort of a situation going on with the reapers. Also we know who was responsible for No. 3 breaking down. Or- I guess burning down might be more accurate.
There was a pause, before more glass began squeaking and was placed down on the counter.
Sun: I- am aware. Yes.
Jess: Then-? Let us help!
Sun: "Us"?
Jess: Are you high? Neku you idiot!
There was another pause. Followed by the glass being picked up.
Jess: Where the hell are you going?
Sun: I don't have time for this-
Suddenly I heard a click and a scream from inside the café. It wasn't either of the people I knew. So I figured Jess just pulled out her gun.
Jess: Well- you're gonna make some goddamn time. Unless you want reaper bains spalttered all over your lovely café.
Sun: And you called me the idiot.
Jess: Oh? So you are paying attention to what I'm saying. Good. Why aren't you giving a solitary *shit* about any of it then?
Sun: Like I've been saying, I have better things to do.
Jess: And what? These problems aren't worth your time? We're not worth your time? Neku isn't worth your time?
Sun: I mean- yeah. You hit the nail on the head really.
Jess: You really are stupid aren't you?
Sun: No. It's called respect. I have none for Neku. Ok? Ok. Put the gun down your scaring my customers.
I- didn't know what to think about Sunako's comment... "No respect" huh?
There was one last pause. Then-
*BANG*
Glass suddenly shattered, followed by Sunako cursing very loudly.
A few seconds later, Jess walked out.
Neku: What the hell did you do?
Jess: She didn't want to listen, so I broke her shit.
Neku: You didn't shoot her did you?
Jess scoffed.
Jess: Nah. I just broke a glass. Anyway. To No. 2?
Again, I didn't know how to respond. So I just nodded.
Jess: Did you check what the days mission way anyway?
Neku: No. I didn't.
Out of pure morbid curiosity, I flipped open my phone to see- ah. I honestly didn't know what. It was just a text with no subject, with its only contents being "know who rules".
Neku: It's- um. Definitely in character... I think?
Jess raises an eyebrow, and checks the text herself.
Jess: Well. He must have gone mad.
Neku: We didn't do anything, did we?
Jess: Not that I can remember. Last we saw he was just dicking with us on day one. That was that.
Neku: You... Didn't see him yesterday? Did you?
Jess: Again with the accusations.
Neku: Can you honestly blame me?
Jess pondered for a second, and then looked at her currently jankily holstered gun.
Jess: Ok, fair point...
With that, we continued to No. 2. We mutually agreed that we would likely run into the reapers from yesterday if we made it inside. So for today, it was recon around the building.
As we drew closer I realized how close we were to No. 1. It was unsettling how close it was in fact. No. 3 was segmented slightly closer to the station. It was also obviously the newest of the bunch. It had a very modern theme throughout. But No. 2? It was just as obvious how much older it was.
We approached the fairly tall building slowly, and began circling once we noticed any reapers. Once we made a full rotation, I think behind the Shinjuku Washington, Jess spoke up.
Jess: That's odd.
Neku: What?
Jess: I was expecting more reapers.
Neku: Maybe our friendly neighborhood GM is keeping them occupied, if they are at odds.
Something caught Jess' eye, a smirk appearing on her face.
Jess: How about we stop asking questions, and start finding answers?
Neku: What do you mean?
Jess: I'm gonna grab that reaper over there. The one scouting alone, you see?
Jess pointed to a reaper who was looking around alone. Visible between the buildings we were hiding behind.
Jess: I want you to wait that alleyway over there. The one with the big industrial garbage bin.
She pointed to a perfectly generic green rectangular bin.
Jess: Go ahead. I'll be there in a sec.
Neku: Hey- wait! That's only going to grab their attention!
She was already sneaking up to the reaper through the alleyway.
Neku: Dammit all!
I slammed my fist onto the pavement. Because why wouldn't I?
Jess dropped her boots off at the alley, before slowly slinking to behind the reaper. She grabbed the reaper by the mouth and beginning the process of choking them out. I watched the two struggle from a distance as Jess attempted to pull her pray back into the alleys with her.
Was I supposed to do anything? Was I just waiting? Having nothing better to do at that moment, I peeked in the bin. To my surprise, it was only full of old computer with their perriferals. The occasional stray fast food wrapper dropped in there to give it the familiar trash bin stink.
Eventually, Jess overtook the reaper and pulled back next to the bin. She sat them down and-
Neku: Well- *shit*.
It was that young reaper from yesterday, Junko. So- Kyo's reapers are working with the ones at the numbered buildings at least. How far does their reach extend then?
Jess: You know her?
Neku: She was one of the reapers yesterday.
Jess: Huh. That's- mildly concerning...
Neku: It means that the GM has likely gone rogue, rather than the reapers splintering...
Jess: Is he responsible for the mutants then?
Neku: Maybe... The reapers probably know most of this already.
Jess flinched, remembering who she was holding.
Jess: Right-! Right... What's in the bin then?
She laid Junko on the ground.
Neku: Old computers... And old food wrappers...
Jess: Perfect! Rummage through, and grab some cable will you?
Raising an eyebrow, I peek in again. Pulling out an old computer mice and a keyboard.
Jess: Yeah! Exactly.
Jess yanked the chords off the old components and began tying up the reaper.
I stood somewhat dumbfounded at the strange circumstance. Jess looked at me annoyed.
Jess: Well keep going. I need more cable.
Neku: R-right...
This continued until the reapers arms, hands, and legs were sufficiently bound.
Jess pulled out her gun and began bumping the hilt on Junko's head. I honestly felt bad for her. She likely had a rough upbringing, and life. Know she was forced to be a reaper at an extremely young age, and is now going to be threatened at gunpoint on things she likely knows very little about.
Neku: Hey Jess?
She paused and turned to me.
Jess: What?
Neku: Just- go easy on her. We're not looking to kill her ok?
Jess: God- you're such a ladies man.
Neku: Excuse me-?! Do you see how young she is? Why wouldn't I feel sorry for her?
Jess: Young or not, she's still a reaper. And reapers don't deserve our pitty.
Neku: Speak for yourself asshole.
Jess straightened up and looked down at me with intensity.
Jess: You wanna repeat that?
Sweat now forming on my forehead, I held my form.
Neku: Speak. For yourself. You asshole.
Jess narrowed her eyes in disgust.
Jess: What is wrong with you? Honestly? They're the reason we're in this situation to begin with- and here you are, wanting to show mercy? Well I'm not having that.
Neku: Are we gonna do this again?
Jess: Yeah, except this time, I don't have anything to share to ease off.
Neku: Fine with me.
Just as the tension was about to explode in our faces, Junko began groaning herself awake. Jess just looked at me.
Jess: Later.
She pulled put her gun and rammed it into the reapers head, and began to whisper to her. I knelt down to inject myself into the conversation.
Jess: Ok, I have a few questions, your gonna answer them, unless you want a bulled in your head. K?
Junko, now wide eyed, whimpered a response.
Junko: D-doesn't that thing not work on reapers.
Jess cocked her head. Reeling back and jamming the gun into Junko's leg.
Jess: You wanna find out?
Neku: Jess! What the hell?!
I shoved Jess off Junko, who was watching in horror.
Jess rolled up and pointed her gun at me, all but to find I was know pointing a lightning card at her.
Neku: Like I said: Are we *really* doing this again?
Jess: Never interrupt my process, and we never will.
Neku: How about- your process is bullshit, and we do it my way instead?
Jess: Are you high?
Neku: No, but you're sure as hell crazy. I thought between Shourin and you, you were the voice of reason. But know I know you're both just as crazy.
Jess: DON'T- Talk about him that way... He was more of a partner than you've ever been.
Neku: And you wish you were half of what Rikka was.
Jess: *Is* you mean?
Neku: Oh- that's true. I didn't let her die.
In hindsight, I was a total asshole. But my frustration with Jess had reached a boiling point in a matter of minutes. All thanks to her antics up until then this week.
In response to my obtusely harsh words, Jess fired a shot directly next to my head, shattering my headphones instantly. I recoiled from the blast, wide eyed.
As this happened, Junko began screaming at the top of her lungs. Jess instinctually turned her aim to the reaper. Seeing this going very wrong, very quickly, I made the jump on Jess, trying to pry away the gun from her. She kicked me off. Knocking me against the wall.
Unfortunately, the impact knocked the wind out of me. Forcing me unconscious for a brief moment.
...
When I came to, I saw Jess running away from the scene with Junko in her arms. I try to stumble to me feet, but was quickly met with a blow to the back. Knocking me prone.
A familiar face walked in front of me. Shaking their head.
Kyo: You've made a grace mistake, friend. Or-
They pondered for a moment.
Kyo: Perhaps, you've saved your life.
They gesture behind me.
Kyo: Take him inside. I want to have a one on one conversation.
I try again to get to my feet. But upon seeing my movement, Kyo up and kicked me in the head, forcing me unconscious yet again...
...
Day 4: Conflict