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.
—
After a solid hour of running through the streets of Shinjuku, Jess and I decided we'd try to hide out in Sun's café. With Jess promising to explain what just happened.
Finally, we approached and- Rhyme was standing at the door, with Junko still tied and gagged.
Neku: Erm- h-hey, Rhyme.
Rhyme sighed heavily.
Rhyme: Ask your friend about the reaper here.
Jess: What? I'll get rid of her, don't worry.
Junko began to moan and groan in a panic.
Neku: Jess!
Jess slowly turned to me. Eyes narrowed.
Jess: I said, I'll deal with it.
I stepped towards her.
Neku: And I say, go screw yourself.
Jess shoved me.
Jess: Why are you so stubborn! It's a reaper! We shouldn't care!
Neku: Yeah- well- she's still human!
Jess: Now that's a joke if I'd ever hear one-!
As we we were bitching at one another, Rhyme took it upon herself to untie Junko, then guide her into the café. Eventually, we both caught on.
Jess: What-? why-? Did she-?
I nodded.
Neku: Congrats, you're in the minority. She's staying for now. And we WON'T kill her... Right?
Jess was smoldering. Not that I cared. Jess was the reason I was imprisoned to begin with. With that, I followed Rhyme into the cafe.
We all sat down at a booth, expecting Sun to ignore us. Rhyme brought us all water, and we began relaying information.
Neku: So. Do either of you know Zethube?
Jess and Rhyme starred at me blankly.
Neku: Right- well, he told me about what's been happening this game. At least, the important footnotes...
Rhyme: Like- what's been going on with missions?
Jess: The mutants?
Neku: Yes and yes. As it turns out, Tinogi is responsible for all of it. He and Zethube are a part of a group trying to take down Diata. I wasn't told exactly why, but after yesterday, I think I can wager a guess.
Rhyme: So Tinogi is on our side?
I scratched my head, recounting everything Zethube had told me. If only it was that simple.
Neku: Tinogi was tasked with building an army, similar to the reapers, but- apparently, that resulted in the-
Jess: Mutants...
Neku: Er- right-
Jess slammed her fist on the table.
Jess: That son of a *bitch*!
Rhyme and I were taken aback by the sudden outburst, Junko flinching while quietly trying to drink her water. We shared a concerned glance, both likely concerned about the exact same thing.
Neku: It sounds like you're not too surprised, but just immensely pissed.
Jess hesitated. She looked at the counter and back at us. Feeling bold, I kept pressing.
Neku: Also, what the everliving hell was that you pulled back there?!
Jess: What?
Neku: Don't "what" me! Kyo thought you were Junko!
Junko looked up at me, seemingly wanted to say something, but looked back down.
Jess: I have- talents...
Neku: No. You're not stopping there. Explain.
Jess: Ok then, who's Joshua? Why is he so important? And why doesn't blondie want to talk about him?
Frustratingly enough, I recalled that Joshua and Rhyme were partnered. That fact slipped my mind on account of the rest of the insanity.
Neku: Where- is Joshua, Rhyme?
Rhyme was looked down, avoiding eye contact. I sunk. I figured something had gone wrong.
Neku: You two tore down No. 3, didn't you?
Rhyme silently nodded. Meanwhile, Junko starred at us all wide eyed, coming to realize we were probably criminals as far as the reapers were concerned. Still, she sat quietly.
Neku: I'm going to guess Joshua didn't make it...
Rhyme raised her head, a confused look on her face.
Rhyme: But- don't you remember?
I blinked. Remember anything was a big ask at that point.
Neku: Remember what?
Rhyme: We helped you and Rikka fight Mitaka?
Ah. That fight.
Neku: I don't know if you remember, but I took a hearty blow. I think I was- poisoned? I can't remember exactly. But I was out by the time Rikka landed the killing blow. Speaking of which-
I leaned back, trying to see if I could peek in the kitchen.
Neku: It'd be great if they could join us... I wish I knew
what I did to make them hate me... Or, at least not care.
Rhyme: I can explain that later, but Neku, Yoshiya- er- Joshua- He was poisoned pretty badly, spending the last of his energy to be sure Mitaka didn't kill you two. In fact- he took both of your poison.
Neku: When you say took-
Rhyme nodded.
Rhyme: He went pale. We fled the scene, then Sun took him here to try and revive him. It was too late...
I looked down at my shimmering glass. Josh was gone huh? For some reason, I didn't believe it. No- I knew exactly why.
Neku: He's not dead.
Rhyme: I'm- sorry?
Neku: The bastard has done this before. He's ethereal or- something. He can't die normally!
Jess: Ethereal? You mean-?
Neku: God- yes, Jess, he's Shibuya's composer.
Rhyme: But Neku, he barely had access to any of his powers here. He'd been mostly cut off all week, until he found something in No. 3, but even then, he said it was sucking his life away to even use that power. In truth, he wasn't right since No. 3. Probably thanks to the meteor and the poison.
Neku: Even still, there's no way he'd let himself die like-
Sun: You wanna see the body?
I stopped, we all turned to Sunako. Who was blankly watching us, drying a dish off.
Sun: Because I can show you his body.
I stood.
Neku: I- er- yes, please.
I squeezed out, and followed Sun into the kitchen, I looked back to see the others looked awkwardly at the table. They all seemed to understand that I wanted to go alone. Jess was likely still processing who Joshua was, and Junko was sort of forced to stay in place thanks to Rhyme.
Sun took me through the kitchen and out the back door. As I passed Rikka, who was wiping off a greasy stove, she showed a brief moment of enthusiasm, before that blank haze returned. Without a word, she returned to her stove.
We exited through the back into a lovely little garden tucked away behind the plethora of buildings. I couldn't help but feel thankful for even being there.
Neku: Hey, Sun, I just wanted to say thanks for-
Sun: Shut up and follow me.
That was that then...
Sun guided me to a small pond near the center of the garden. She looked down into it. I followed suit. It was crystal clear, with small fish and tadpoles rushing too and fro. I noticed a larger than usual fish linger around the edge, where a rush of water would pull them away, underneath the garden.
Sun: This pond is a habitat for newborn fish. Once they grow old enough, they're taken to a river that best suits them. I felt it was appropriate to lay Joshua in here.
Neku: But- where?
Sun waved her hand over the water.
Sun: I'll warn you now, it's not pretty.
Unfortunate for Joshua, since that was his thing.
After Sun waved her hand, bubbles began to surface, followed by- well... I don't actually remember. That specific memory was something I blocked out all detail. But- it was Joshua, I knew that much. But it definitely wasn't all there...
What I do remember was me on the ground in shock.
Neku: I- I-
I shook my head in disbelief.
Sun waved her hand again. Then began walking back into the café.
Sun: Don't touch anything else.
I blinked. Unsure how to process any of what I just saw. Joshua was- Dead?
I still doubted. I was in denial, regardless of what I was shown. My mind was going a mile a minute, combing over every thought, every action that led me here... Was it my fault? If I had been more careful and not gotten poisoned... Would Joshua still be alive?
I slammed my fist on the ground, stood up and returned to the booth where Rhyme, Junko, and Jess sat in silence.
Neku: How?
Rhyme: Like I said: in addition to getting poisoned by Mitaka, he took yours and Rikka's poison. That's enough to kill anyone...
Neku: But again- you know we're not just talking about "anyone" right?
Rhyme looked down. Clearly upset. I sighed and exited the café for some fresh air.
...
I paced the sidewalk by myself for at least half an hour. There was no mission, no timer, no text, just me, my partner, and my thoughts. I hated it. I hated myself. I hated everything about me and what I had managed to screw up to that point. If I had maybe been more trusting, would Rikka and Sun still be talking to me? If I hadn't just ignored Beat when he needed reassuring the most, would Rhyme be here? Would we have banded together to find her?
There was one other question, of course. The one that seemed to seer into my very soul. That maybe, just maybe, if I hadn't pushed Joshua away, if I had given him a second chance he tried to ask for, would he still be alive? Hell- would have either of us been dragged into this god-forsaken game again?
I felt the answer to everything was yes, and my hatred for myself only grew. I was- alone. I messed up. Maybe, just maybe, if I was erased, maybe...
I pondered this disturbing thought. The reapers were after me. Everyone already hated me... Rhyme was clearly better off on her own, and Jess? I wasn't sure what to think of her. If I just disappeared, who would care? She definitely wouldn't have.
...
...
Why not?
...
...
I dunno...
...
...
But Neku, I thought you couldn't afford to lose?
…
…
How can I not afford to lose if everyone hates me?
...
...
That's the shitter isn't it? You're existence, for better or worse, helps defines the people around you. You leave an imprint on others that- to many, the world would be a little darker without.
...
...
That's what sucks the most. I don't want people to rely on me. If they do, they'll have false expectations that I can't live up to. And in many cases, I'll just show them how much of an ass I am. My true colors so-to-speak...
...
...
It's too late to think twice isn't it?
...
...
Why?
...
...
You've already left your mark. Once your existence began, someone's life became a little bit brighter. No... The world became a litte bit brighter. No matter what you think, people care. It's not something you can voluntarily demand people start or stop. It's organic. It breaths. It's learning to love life as you experience it.
...
...
What's there to love? People who'll turn their backs on you when you need them the most?
...
...
Hardly. Not everyone is worthy of your love and vice versa, of course. But there are those whom love you all the same. Even if you don't.
...
...
You mean...
…
…
Bottom line is: Remember that existence begins with you. It's up to you to try and make your life worth living. If that means asking for help? So be it. But- If you give up on yourself, then you give up on someone else- no... the world.
...
...
...
...
I snapped back to reality, sat down on a bench. I looked around to realize Jess was sitting next to me in silence. Her eyes were closed, presumably also trying to clear her head.
I slowly tried to stand up without intruding on her.
Jess: Hey.
Damn it all.
Jess: Could you- ah. Sit down for another second?
I sat down quietly. With Jess leaning forward, avoiding eye contact.
Jess: Listen, I-
She scratched her head, letting out an awkward sigh.
Jess: I'm sorry for leaving you behind.
I blinked. We sat in silence for a moment, trying to determine how either of should respond.
Neku: I- um...
Jess: I'm also sorry- for trying to kill someone. Even though you were not keen on the idea. I mean, we're partners, right? We should at least be able to agree on a solution before I go in, guns blazing I guess...
Neku: It's- fine. Let's just- be sure we actually talk before jumping into things ok?
Jess: Talk... Right...
I only then realized Jess was fiddling with her revolver.
Jess: You know, Shourin and I had an understanding on things. We knew how to handle situations because we thought so similarly. I guess, I dunno... I'm not used to having a partner so different from me.
Neku: I'm sure you and Shourin were more different than you realized.
Jess: Maybe...
She spun the revolver's cylinder one more time before clicking it back in.
Jess: You- saw through my disguise back there, didn't you?
Neku: You mean when Kyo thought you were Junko?
Jess nodded.
Neku: Yeah. Absolutely. Wait- that was a disguise?
Jess: Yeah. It's a- quirk I have.
Neku: Care to elaborate?
Jess thought for a second, before holstering her gun, standing up, and facing me.
Jess: I have a few different quirks. I assume it's because I'm like you.
Neku: Like- what?
Jess: You're extremely strong with psychs aren't you?
Shiki did used to call me a "psych wizard"...
Neku: Y-yeah. I guess.
Jess: Same here. Except, I can use that proficiency for something else. I can outright manipulate psychs.
Neku: What does that mean?
Jess pulled out a fire pin, and bullet pin. The standard, boring pins. She clutched them in one hand, and held out the other. A flaming bullet erupted out, diffusing a short distance later.
Jess: My disguise was a result of- something like that. In fact, you should be able to do it too. Maybe not the disguise, but mix your psychs next time you're fighting.
Neku: I'll- have to give it a try. Thanks.
Jess nodded and began walking back inside.
Neku: Hey- Jess?
She turned back.
Jess: Yeah?
Neku: Thanks for the rescue.
She smirked.
Jess: Sure. Next time, I won't bail on you. Promise.
She returned to the café. Meanwhile I starred at the lowering sun, mulling over what our next move could be...
After a brief moment of contemplation, I turned around to rejoin the others, hoping we'd come up with some plan. When I turned around, I was met with Zethube starring down at me.
Neku: God-!
I stumbled to the ground, thrown completely off guard. Zethube continued to stare at me, now complete with a raised eyebrow.
Zethube: So. This is where you and your partners have been hiding?
Neku: I-I-ah... How did you-?
Zethube: I'll be quick, don't worry. On the 7th day, Tinogi is going to try and make use of his recently formed army and invade No. 2.I need you all to erase him there.
Neku: Why at No. 2?
Zethube: Because I can control most, if not all of the variables there. I can't do shit wherever the hell Tinogi is currently hiding. I can help you all enter, make your way through, and route both of you into meeting.
Neku: Wouldn't Diata take issue with us fighting?
Zethube: Quite the contrary, he always saw Tinogi as a liability. Same as you. If you both fight, he'll just have to worry about whatever's left.
Neku: Sound like what a reaper would do...
Zethube: So, it's decided. On the 7th day, you will enter and fight Tinogi at No. 2. I'll help when I can, but just know, Tinogi's no pushover. It'll take a hell of a lot of skill to take him down. But I'm sure you already knew that...
I raised an eyebrow myself, not entirely sure what he meant.
Zethube: Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Oh- and give my regards to your old partner, would ya?
Neku: What, Rikka?
He shrugged.
Zethube: Sure.
The reaper snapped his fingers, erupting a blinding light out of nowhere. When I could see again, he was gone. Instead, at the doorframe was Jess, who was presumably listening in.
Neku: So, you're still a bit of a snitch, huh?
Jess shrugged, grinning.
Jess: What can I say? 'Can't take the delinquent out of me!
I narrowed my eyes. Not mad, just disappointed.
Neku: Come on then delinquent, let's head back inside.
We re-entered the café, to began our planning for the oncoming battle...
...
Day 6: Lost Soul