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 is a fan interpretation of a potential continuation of the original story.
And obviously spoilers from the original material.
—
...
Rhyme was starring bug eyed at the same wall for about an hour now. The silence was deafening. Not being able to move was enough to send her brain into an absolute panic. She would have flinched when a towel was draped around her.
Jess: There. That should suffice.
Rhyme had no clue why Jess was toying with her. If she could say anything, she'd have pried.
Jess snapped her fingers, Rhyme stood and walked over.
Jess: Your sweater will take a bit to dry, so. Let's sit down for now.
Jess had taken their soaked clothing and hung them somewhere to dry. Leaving Rhyme with her tank top. She was surprised she hadn't caught a cold yet.
Rhyme set down at the table across from Jess' seat.
Jess: So. I'm gonna give partial control back. You're legs aren't going anywhere, but the rest? Fair game.
Jess snapped her fingers.
Rhyme let out a gasp of surprise, nearly faceplanting into the table.
Rhyme: Wh-wh-what the FU-
*slam*
A small bowl of rice was dropped in front of her.
Jess: I'm sure you're starving.
Rhyme looked at the bowl, then back to Jess.
Rhyme: Is it poisoned..?
Jess chuckled.
Jess: What the hell? Why would I poison you? My friend, you're my ace in the hole.
Rhyme raised an eyebrow and slowly pulled the bowl towards her.
Jess: Oh. Right, sorry.
Jess tossed a spoon to Rhyme.
Jess: It's not technically how you eat rice, but I'm limited on options.
Rhyme didn't think twice, she snagged the rudimentary utensil and began shoveling rice. Still recounting the previous week...
...
Day 2: Things That Matter
Rhyme disliked mornings. They're an awkward phase between the cool midnight moon, and the blistering afternoon sun.
It didn't help that she normally had sleeping issues. Mornings only ever indicated yet another failed attempt to get back on track to an ever elusive "sleep schedule." As such, she was a groggy mess when Price woke finally woke up.
The asshole stretched as he stood up, scratching his back satisfied.
Price: Whew- good morning~
Rhyme snorted.
Price: Uh. You look like shi-
Rhyme: Yes, THANK YOU, Price...
Rhyme snapped at her- partner? She was still unsure how this dynamic was going to work. It would probably have to be temporary, otherwise she'd be in the limelight for too long. Rhyme couldn't risk getting picked out at this point. Especially if that would drag Price down with her.
Price: So... Do we have a perp?
Rhyme: A- ah- What?
Price: Yesterday! The dead guy- gal- person... Who do you think did it?!
Rhyme was still piecing the parts together through the night. She knew she saw Shourin on the camera, clear as day. The only other person she knew could possibly be related was Jess... But again, she was pretty sure they met in the reapers game.
Ultimately, Rhyme gave an unenthusiastic shrug.
Rhyme: Beats the hell out of me.
Price: What about one of the reapers?
Rhyme: I thought they were directly told not to bring people to the UG...
Price: Hell, maybe. You're much more knowledgeable than me. That's for sure.
Rhyme hesitated and considered sharing the rather critical information that Joshua had shared with her the week prior.
Rhyme: But- if the reaper was rogue...
Price perked up, cocking his head in interest.
Price: "Rogue," you say?
Rhyme: Yeah. If this, hypothetical reaper, was rogue, they'd be able to do something like that. I think...
Price looks up, trying to recall details himself.
Price: But like, aren't the higher ups "omnipresent" or some crap?
Rhyme: I- I think? There's still a lot I don't know about the reapers game.
Price: But I'm guessing this isn't your first time?
Rhyme flinched.
Rhyme: Y-yeah. Second time here, technically.
Price: Shit sucks, doesn't it?
Rhyme : Honestly? That's an understatement.
Price nodded in solidarity.
Price: I figured.
Amidst the awkward silence, Price's phone began to buzz.
Price: Aw hell, I know what that means...
He whipped it out, scanning the text with a concerned look. But his expression quickly changed from concern to confusion.
Price: Uh. This isn't some cultist shit is it?
Rhyme was taken aback by that.
Rhyme: I'm sorry, what?
Price: It says: "Meet in fellowship, your fellow players en mass, 90 mins"
Rhyme: That's... Cryptic.
Price: This can't be normal... Right?
Rhyme: I mean... It depends on who's running the gane, is the long and short of it.
Price turned back to his phone.
Price: But- like, what do they mean by this?
Rhyme: No clue...
Suddenly, Rhyme got an idea. It was kind of risky, but she needed to take risks at the moment.
Rhyme: You know, since neither of us know what this mission is about, how about we go snooping around Shinjuku for our murderer?
Price frowned initially. But the more he thought about it, the more appealing the idea became.
Price: You know what, yeah. Let's take a look around town, shall we?
Rhyme: The other players can handle this, easy.
Price: Oh, for sure. Besides, I doubt any of them have this kind of lead.
Rhyme: True.
The two trailed off as they headed north, exiting the shopping district.
Quietly, Rhyme led Price past No. 1, aiming to return to Sunako.
Price: You know. This place never gets old.
Proce broke off and began walking to the open plaza in front of No. 1. Rhyme stopped and starred in confusion.
Rhyme: The hell-?
She pressed her hand where a barrier blocked her out before and, sure enough. It was still there.
She looked up at Price who wondered around as of nothing was wrong, ultimately stopping in front of the fountain.
Rhyme decided to keep walking, he'd join whenever he was done. Once she turned around, she was met with *them*.
Inches away from her face was that dark, inky, hazy figure from the week prior.
Rhyme stood, mortified.
Rhyme: Wh- what are you?
Silence...
Rhyme: I said-
Rhyme whipped out a card and thrusted it into the figure.
Rhyme: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!
With a bang, an icy mist eroded all around. The figure was momentarily frozen solid before falling to the ground as slush.
As Rhyme took a moment to catch herself, Price approached from behind.
Price: What was THAT?
Rhyme: I- um...
Rhyme shook her head.
Rhyme: I'm not sure myself. They were here last week too. We'll probably see more of them.
Price: Shit. More monsters to deal with.
"Monsters".
Rhyme had no clue what they actually were. But monsters were close enough.
...
The morning Shinjuku sun was a brisk as ever as Rhyme led Price to Sunako's café. However, they'd meet up with a long strand of reapers surrounding the the area around the café.
Price: The suits are out early today...
Rhyme: Why are they here?
Price was about to ask, but figured he'd hear about it anyway.
Price: Then what's the game plan?
Rhyme: Well, they're waiting. On what, or whom, I have no clue. For the time being, let's see if we can hear anything...
The two quietly approached a pair of reapers from behind, hiding around the corner.
The two were quiet, with one tapping their foot impatiently. The other studying the area in front of them.
The impatient reaper sighed.
Reaper 1: So. Did he say when he'd get here?
The observant reapers glanced to their side.
Reaper 2: No.
Reaper 1: Well... Is Kyo here yet?
Reaper 2: No...
The impatient reaper blew a raspberry with their lips, clearly flustered.
Reaper 1: This is bs.
Reaper 2: This is our job.
Reaper 1: Whatever. Doesn't mean I have to like it.
Reaper 2: That doesn't mean you have to bitch and moan to me.
Reaper 1: Whatever dude, I'm just saying, I could be a hell of a lot more productive if I was out there screwing with players.
Reaper 2: Good for you.
The impatient reaper began to tap their foot more aggressively until taking note of something about the café.
Reaper 1: Hey- um. What's that on the window?
Reaper 2: That's... The reapers symbol?
Reaper 1: I already figured that, but why does it look like a piece of paper taped to the window?
Reaper 2: Probably because it is a piece of paper taped to the window.
Reaper 1: God- shut up, dude...
Rhyme took note and peered around the corner. Sure enough, an awkwardly taped on piece of paper representing the reapers symbol was stuck to the window. It certainly wasn't there before...
Now that she thought about it...
Rhyme was immediately brought back to something that Sunako had mentioned the week prior. Symbols that, once taken a photo of, can grant a perk.
Rhyme smirked. Swiping her phone out and snapping an picture of the symbol.
...
Nothing happened. Rhyme blinked before letting out a sigh.
Rhyme: So much for tha-
Just like that, Rhyme appeared in a vast garden. That wasn't important, though because Rhyme became incredibly motion sick. She fled to the nearest pond and promptly vomited.
Sun: Oh god- not there!
Sun ran up and pulled Rhyme away from the pond.
Sun: Rikka, pull that symbol down!
Rhyme took a second to catch her breath, mind you, her breath smelled like rotting eggs, but that was besides the point.
Sun: Sorry about that. Had to sneak you past the reapers somehow.
Rhyme: That was- *URP* - Clever...
Sun: Hey, I thought so too.
Rhyme: What's with the peanut gallery surrounding the café?
Sun tapped the side of her nose.
Sun: I'll have to hold back on that, sorry.
Rhyme: Wha-? Then why bring me here?
Sun: I can't let them track you. So I need you to hide here.
Rhyme: But I thought-?
Sun: Forget what you thought, I need you in here for, like, ten minutes at least. Ok?
Rhyme: Ok...
Rikka ran back into the garden.
Rikka: All d-done!
Sun: Good. Rikka, I need you to wait here until I call you. I'm going to have to introduce my apprentice to the new GM.
Rhyme's eyes widened.
Rhyme: The new game master... I think I saw him yesterday, Tinogi, was it?
Sun paused.
Rhyme: It seems he doesn't get along with the reapers that well.
Sun nodded slowly.
Sun: Yeah. Well... Anyway- the two of you stay here until I'm finished. Got it?
Rhyme and Rikka nodded in tandem. Sun flashing them both a thumbs up.
With a slam, the two were alone in the garden.
...
Price, meanwhile, would wait outside the café in confusion a while. Eventually, though, a figure cut through the perimeter of reapers and walked right towards the café.
?: Tinogi!
An almost feminine voice rang out with frustrated authority. But who approached seemed to be more masculine. They wore a navy blue trench coat with black leather gloves. They approached the other figure from behind.
?: I need an explanation.
Tinogi smirked.
Tinogi: The pro-
He caught himself, trying to cough as way to mask his mistake.
Tinogi: The, ah- "guardian" has been rather quiet these past few days, I wanted to make sure she knew what was coming.
?: You needed all of my personnel for this?
Tinogi: Yes.
The reaper turned away, silently fuming.
Tinogi's cocky grin melted to a frown. He pulled out his phone, typed something out, presumably a note, and put it away. He entered the café.
Tinogi: Hello? Sunako?
Tinogi entered to see a flushed Sunako drinking at the counter.
Sun: 'ey.
Tinogi blinked.
Tinogi: I- I suspect you know why I'm here?
Sunako placed her drink on the counter.
Sun: Nope.
Tinogi: Ah. Well, I actually came to give you a proposition...
...
Rhyme was waiting cross legged in front of the pond. As Rikka was waiting against the door, trying to listen in on the conversation.
The general atmosphere of the garden was- unsettlingly calm. If she wanted, Rhyme could probably recline and have a lovely night's sleep. But, at the same time, she felt like something would come to life at night and strangle her to death.
She snagged a small rock and skipped it across the pond, disturbing the small fish that aimlessly waddled about.
Rhyme: Can you even hear in there?
Rikka was silent.
Rikka: N-no...
Rhyme: Why not come over and relax?
Rikka: Oh- y-yeah. Relax. I have no idea w-what's happening. I feel like any moment a reaper is going to barge in here and- and-
Rhyme: Hey, quit. Come. Sit.
Rhyme patted the patch of grass next to her. Rikka hesitantly followed her lead.
Rikka: Is this where we b-bond spontaneously?
Rhyme chuckled.
Rhyme: In a sense, maybe. But no. I just wanted to let you know that I'm also in the same boat. Debatably worse off, since I'm not an apprentice of anyone special.
Rikka: Th-that's t-true... I guess...
Rhyme: At most, if we do get caught, I can see you getting off with a slap on the wrist, since you're so new.
Rikka: Also t-true...
Rhyme: My point is, it's out of our hands for the moment. Let's trust Sun, and see where this takes us.
Rikka: Y-yeah. You're right...
Suddenly, there was a timid knock on the door. Rikka bolted upright. Looking between Rhyme and the door.
Rhyme: I'd offer to open it for you, but I think we'd all be worse off if I'm found here.
Rikka nodded and approached the door. Sun peeked in a whispered something to Rikka. On seeing Rhyme, she flashed her a thumbs up and left the garden with Rikka.
Alone yet again.
...
Tinogi: This is you apprentice?
Sun sluggishly nodded.
Sun: Yep. Go ahead, introduce yourself.
Rikka slowly approached the intimidating GM and bowed.
Rikka: H-hello, I'm R-R-Rikka Tamagawa, s-s-sir-!
Tinogi raised an eyebrow.
Tinogi: Can't speak very well, I see.
Rikka jolted upright, surprised by the comment. She backed away, defeated. Sunako stepped between the two, tipping her fedora.
Sun: Reguardless, as you can see, I've been busy, and will be busy training her. Is that all?
Tinogi crossed his arms. Reciting the question to himself, running through a mental checklist of all the things he intended to ask.
Tinogi: Since I've seen no evidence of a rogue player or reaper here, I see nothing else to-
Tinogi: Ah...
Tinogi: There was, In fact, one other matter...
Sun raised an eyebrow.
Tinogi: Tell me, if it were to come down to a choice between Diata or me, who would you pick?
Sunako narrowed her glance. She'd seen this song and dance before.
Sun: I'd say... No.
Tinogi: N-No?
Sun: What's wrong? Can't speak very well?
Tinogi frowned.
Tinogi: Oh. I see, your still foolishly loyal to the composer.
Sun: "Foolishly," huh?
Tinogi: The fact of the matter is that the composer is likely dead. I know it, you know it, Diata sure as hell knows it.
Sun: I wouldn't be so certain of things.
Tinogi froze, he leaned in and whispered to Sun.
Tinogi: What do you know?
Sun smirked.
Sun: Get the hell out of my diner, please.
From Rikka's perspective, Tinogi looked like he was about to blow a gasket. But he stepped back, took a breath, turned around and left.
...
Sun glared at Tinogi as he walked away, with Rikka was lost in anxious thought behind her. Once the door shut, she slumped into a sigh.
Sun: You ok?
Sun turned around to face Rikka, who nearly jumped out of her skin, she was scared.
Rikka: U-um... Y-Y-Yeah... I th-th-th-think-k s-so-
Sun: You honestly don't sound alright.
Rikka caught herself and took a number deep breaths. The last time she was this frazzled was when she and Neku were about to make a deadly jump. She thought she'd grown stronger since then... Clearly she had some ways to go...
Rikka: I-I'm ok.
Sun: You sure?
Rikka nodded.
Rikka: Why did that- m-man need to many r-reapers?
Sun lifted her fedora and scratched her head.
Sun: Probably in case they found Rhyme, but... I suspect it was largely because of that last question...
Rikka: Y-you mean choosing between him and, who was it- Diata?
Sun: Yep. I treaded carefully. Also why I'm buzzed off my ass right now.
Rikka just then noticed the smell of alcohol emitting from Sunako.
Rikka: A-are you ok? That's an- ah... Rather potent smell-
Sun shrugged.
Sun: Not important, honestly.
Rikka: You... S-sure?
Sun gave Rikka the stink eye, and began hobbling her way back to the garden.
...
"HELLOOOO SHIIINJUUKUU!"
Off in the distance, a loud, almost muffled voice could be heard, as if it was being amplified tenfold. Price glanced between the reapers nearby, and the direction the sound was coming from. The reapers were more concerned with whatever they were looking at.
"IM GOING TO NEED ALL PLAYERS OF THE REAPERS GAME TO MEET AT THE PLAZA IN FRONT OF THE STATION A. S. A. P!"
Price looked at the café with concern. He knew Rhyme was probably still in there. But he glanced at his phone and the mission text. That was probably it.
Price: Dammit-! I'm sorry!
Price broke into a sprint away towards the station plaza. He bumped into the reaper who faced off with the GM before. The two locked eyes briefly.
They sneered at Price, unamused.
Price: S-sorry!
He ran past the reaper, who raised an eyebrow. But ultimately, wasn't in the mood to deal with players.
They walked in between the two reapers, who, on seeing them, saluted.
Reaper 1: K-Kyo! We didn't know you'd return!
Kyo: Shut up and drop the formalities.
Reaper 1: Sorry...
Kyo let out a sigh.
Kyo: How did it go?
Reaper 1: They chatted for a few minutes, then... He just walked out. We were told to wait here for a few minutes after.
Kyo: For what?! What the hell does that crackpot intend on finding here?!
Reaper 1: Beats me. But I think he wants it bad.
Kyo: He know something. When you're done here, come to No. 2. We're going to run though my upcoming discussion with Diata.
The other reaper shuttered.
Reaper 2: Oh yeah, good luck with that.
Kyo: Thanks. I'm sure I'll need it. Unless he's in a good mood.
Kyo managed a weak smile, glad to remind themself they have a good team.
Kyo: Oh yeah, how's the new recruit been working out?
The two reapers glanced at each other.
Reaper 2: Oh- Right! Yeah, she's been doing OK. Still adjusting, of course. She's been, shall we say, hesitant... Not big on the whole concept.
Kyo: Of course. We'll, she'll be on the field for the first time tomorrow. I expect you all to keep an eye on her.
Kyo began walking away.
Kyo: Pass along what I told you.
Reaper 1: Yes, Kyo!
...
…
Day 3: Reunion
Rhyme woke up with a face full of dirt. She jumped awake, spitting out and rubbing off any debris on her face.
She was still in the garden. At some point during Sunako's meeting, she decided to tempt fate and take a nap, since she wouldn't have another chance. But it certainly felt longer than just a nap.
Rhyme: Sun?
Rhyme stood up and stretched. It'd been a bit since she'd had such a restful sleep.
Rhyme: Rikka?
After calling out their names, she heard ringing and clattering beyond the door. Hesitantly, Rhyme approached and opened the door.
Rhyme peered around the door.
Rhyme: Hello-?
Suddenly a pan was flying towards Rhyme out of seemingly nowhere.
Rhyme: Shit-!
Rhyme receded back behind the door.
Rhyme: It's just me! Sun? Rikka?
Sun: Oh...
Rhyme opened the door fully to see an extremely tired Sunako.
Rhyme: Wow. You look like hell.
Sun: Pffft. Feel like it too.
Sun took a swig of something from a cup she was holding. Rhyme became weary.
Rhyme: That isn't-
Sun: What's what? Oh... This?
Sun held up a glass of what appeared to be a raw egg in milk.
Sun: Yeah, no. This is my own personal remedy for a hangover.
Rhyme: Oh. I see...
...
Rhyme: Wait...
Rhyme hurried after Sun, who was already exiting to the front of the café.
Rikka was cleaning tables, preparing for the morning crowd.
It donned on Rhyme that she'd never even seen a customer in the cafe before.
Rhyme: So... What now?
Sun: Now? I don't really care. Just- please. Stay sway from the GM. He's bad news.
Rhyme: But- Neku...
Sun: What about that sorry asshole? He can't help you. In fact, he'd be dead weight right now with how little he's in the know.
Ouch. Rhyme knew that was probably Neku's entry fee speaking. But, now that she thought about it, why wasn't she affected?
Rhyme: Fine. I guess I'll take my leave then.
Sun: Guess so.
Rhyme marched to the entrance, just as she began to push the door open, Sunako spoke up again.
Sun: Still, remember that my door's always open. Regardless of how we see things right now.
Rhyme: That's... Fair. I guess.
The two shared a solemn nod as Rhyme exited the building and into the overcast streets of Shinjuku.
It was close to midday as Rhyme paced down a relatively empty street. Something she learned to hate about Shinjuku is just how lost she could get. Nothing was quite as distinguishable compared to Shibuya. Everything felt much more "business as usual." The lack of identity was rubbing off on her, with recent events in mind.
Rhyme rubbed the scar on her head, hidden by her beanie. It was a constant reminder of how she abandoned her brother and became incredibly reckless, all for the sake of identity.
She sighed, deciding to try and figure out where she should go next. Trying to face the GM without a partner was out of the question and she had no clue where Neku or Price could be. She couldn't even leech off mission texts for information, since she wasn't getting them anymore. So... Where to?
As Rhyme slowly walked down the street, lost in thought, she heard the scattering of wet footprints.
Upon looking up, she noticed the footprints in question. They were black, and inky.
Rhyme: Shit...
Rhyme ran forward, kneeling to inspect to footprints. They headed off in a nonspecific direction.
Against her better judgment, Rhyme followed them.
...
Eventually, the trail led Rhyme into the alleyways. It was darker than usual due to the overcast sky. She quickly weaved around the corners that followed, trying to keep a manageable distance from the mutant. Eventually, she was led to an opening. The mutant had stopped.
Rhyme ran and hid behind the nearest dumpster she could find, peering around.
The mutant was seemingly taking in the scene in front of it. A massive stage towered ahead with empty seats and crates lining the area. She noticed a group of individuals off in the near distance, chatting about something or another. However, before she could take a closer look, something flew from the buildings to her right up above, and fell into the metal bins next to the mutant, startling both her and it.
The scene went quiet. Shouting was heard from up ahead, surprising the mutant.
Rhyme receded back behind the dumpster as footsteps began to grow in quantity. The mutant scurried past as at least a dozen reapers made chase. Rhyme decided to follow from a far distance, being sure of what exactly these mutants were capable of.
...
It wasn't too long until the crowd of reapers stopped. They muttered to themselves as they grouped together. Rhyme scanned the crew. They weren't anything special as far as reapers go. But there was one. She was significantly smaller than the rest, it took Rhyme by surprise initially.
Before she could think anything of it, she felt an sudden drop of... Something fall on her shoulder... She reached for it, it was black and inky.
Rhyme: Oh shi-!
Rhyme recoiled as the mutant snapped overhead into the crowd of reapers. It swooped down and clung to a reaper like it was glue.
The reaper was slammed into the wall of the building the mutant had landed on across from Rhyme. The reaper kicked and screamed as it was absorbed into the mutant. Their partners could only watch in horror.
As the mutant hung from the wall, it began to glow a subtle aura as the inky substance it was made of began to boil and bubble, causing it to gyrate uncontrollably. Eventually, after spitting something back out, it shrunk. Two mutants hung on the wall now. Rhyme felt a massive hole in her stomach.
The reapers pulled out their guns and opened fire on the mutants. Causing them to squeal and spasm. Rhyme fled once the mutants leapt off the wall and into the crowd.
Lesson learned, if you're going to face a mutant, kill it quick.
On returning to the scene, Rhyme saw an androgynous reaper, standing over an unconscious Neku.
Rhyme's vision blurred as her blood boiled. Of all the ways to meet back up with him, it had to be in yet another near death situation.
She was about ready to charge, but a familiar voice called out in Neku's defense.
Price: Hey tight-ass!
Price then flew past dozens of chairs with intense velocity, sending them flying all around. He impacted the reaper and together, they created distance with Neku.
Rhyme, blood still boiling, couldn't help but smirk. It did make sense that those two would meet. Were they proper partners?
Reguardless, Rhyme decided to join Price. As she ran out into the open, she noticed another individual hunched over, steadying themselves. At first glance, it seemed to be another player, so Rhyme ran with that assumption.
Rhyme: Price!
As Price began running away from the reaper, he took notice of Rhyme, waving enthusiastically. The two shared an understanding nod as Price skid to a halt and Rhyme quickly approached.
Together, the two decided to forgo the fancy psychs, and just punch the prick in the gut.
Price whirled around as Rhyme reeled back while in a full sprint, and together the two landed two solid punched on the reapers chest and gut, knocking the wind out of them as they were sent fly backwards yet again.
The two took a brief moment to catch their breaths before the action continued.
Price: Glad to see you're ok!
Rhyme: Same.
Price held his fist up for a bump. With an ounce of hesitancy, Rhyme followed through.
Price: Let's show this bastard, huh?
Rhyme nodded in agreement.
Rhyme: Lets.
The two turned just in time to witness the reaper, flaming hands and all, come charging towards them. They thrusted their hands outwards as Price and Rhyme threw themselves to either side.
The reaper skid to a halt and spun themselves around, emitting flames from their hands, creating a vortex of yellow white and blue.
Rhyme scurried backwards and summoned an ice pillar in front to briefly shield her from the flame. By the time she kicked off of it to give herself more space, it was already crumpling from the heat.
One she created some distance, Rhyme summoned a chain to shoot right through the vortex. The chain melted on impact and disappeared into static.
Rhyme: Shit-
In an instant, the vortex died down, but from it, Kyo leapt towards Rhyme and sucker punched her in the face, sending her careening into the crates lining the area.
Kyo: You shouldn't have involved yourself in this, kid. This beyond you and your petty ego.
From behind, a chair thwacked Kyo on the back of their head. Thoroughly pissed, they turned around.
Kyo: WHO THE HELL WAS THAT?!
Kyo turned just in time to see Price, welding an ethereal claymore, flying downward towards them.
Kyo sidestepped as Price collided with the concrete, creating a small crater. They spun around and kicked Price in the side of the face, sending him similarly buried in the crates.
Kyo wiped their hand in satisfaction in a job well done.
Kyo: Like I said. This is above both of you.
Rhyme, being at least somewhat familiar with this situation having been buried in rubble before, quickly dug her way to where she heard Price land.
Kyo: I don't have time for this.
Kyo turned around to face Neku yet again, but found he had disappeared entirely.
Kyo: What the-?
Kyo's gaze darted around the general area... Nothing. He had completely disappeared.
Kyo: That son of a bitch...
Kyo turned back to the pile of broken crates to see a light shining from within. Their eyes widened, Kyo threw up a makeshift shield as a beam of energy flew from the debris and crashed into them. The air crew cold as Kyo fought to keep their balance. In fact, the shield had grown cold. Kyo realized they were fighting an ice beam.
Arm over arm, Rhyme and Price emerged from the rubble, supporting each other as they had merged psychs, creating a ice cold nexus ray to counteract Kyo's proficiency with fire.
Rhyme and Price shared an accepting glance. They nod together and began to step forward.
Kyo began to panic from behind their shield. It was weakening, they wouldn't be able to hold it much longer-
*CRASH*
With that, Kyo was sent flying backwards out of view as the blast carried them over the stage area.
Slowly, the beam weakened and the two players collapsed to the ground.
Price: You know- I gotta stop underestimating you...
Rhyme: Y-yeah. Same.
The two laid in silence as the sun began to set off in the distance.
All the meanwhile Rhyme calculated her options. As good of a team as they were, her main priority was Neku. But, after all that had happened. She felt she owed Price an explanation.
With as much strength as she could muster, Rhyme sat upright.
Rhyme: Hey... I need to tell you something...
Price chuckled as he sat up.
Price: What? That we kick ass together?
Rhyme couldn't help but smirk. She wished she had that kind of enthusiasm on any other day.
Rhyme: I mean, we do... But no. I need to explain something.
Price: You mean that beam we made together? Yeah, that confused me too.
Rhyme huffed with impatience.
Rhyme: No, not even that!
Rhyme pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
Rhyme: I'm- not actually your partner.
Price raised an eyebrow.
Rhyme: In fact, I shouldn't have even met you... I was trying to find Neku, but then-
Price: Wait wait wait- Neku? Like, the asshole player with that bitchy partner, Neku?
Rhyme: I- I guess?
Rhyme recalled that Neku isn't a people person, but didn't *typically* leave that bad an impression.
She then remembered his entry fee.
Rhyme: Oh. Yeah, no. That tracks... But still-!
Rhyme waved her hands.
Rhyme: My point is, we never made a pact. In fact, I don't think we can. I'm so sorry to do this, but I can't help you win this game.
Price blinked.
Price: Wait, you're telling me- I'm shit outta luck?
Rhyme winced.
Rhyme: Not exactly, but-
Price stood up.
Price: You're telling me, I wasted what little time I had to find a partner to find a partner that's a damn good fighter and investigator, but not actually my partner!?
A lump formed in Rhyme's throat as Price grew more frustrated.
Rhyme: Y-yeah. I think so.
A flurry of emotions flew across Price's face in an instant. He began to pace.
Price: I- you- he- what-!?
Price walked to the debris and kicked down a partially standing crate.
Price: GOD- DAMMIT!
Rhyme flinched as the crate flew apart in splinters. She stood up shakily.
Rhyme: Price, I know I messed up, but I'll try and help you find another-
Price: Don't you think you've done enough?
Rhyme stopped. The immediate answer was obvious. But she knew she had to make things right she wasn't going to leave him alone.
Rhyme: No, in fact. I haven't. I need to make things right. This is my mess. Let me fix it.
Price sneered at Rhyme.
Price: No. Go find that prick and live happily ever after or some shit. There's no way I could find a partner at this point. It's better if I took my chances surviving and waiting until next week. Goodbye, Rhyme.
With that, Price stomped away. Leaving Rhyme alone with her thoughts...
...
Sunako was oddly busy that day. She was flipping pancakes and making lattes like no ones business.
Well, aside from her own, but that was semantics.
She sat a plate down in down on the counter and Rikka quickly scooped it up and placed it at it's appropriate table. Sunako was impressed with her apprentice's punctuality. It was only a few days, but she had caught on quick, even amidst frustratingly unnatural circumstances surrounding the week.
As the late afternoon crowd finally died down, Rhyme entered with the familiar ring of the door bell. She looked exhausted.
Scanning the people present, Rhyme hobbled over to the closest vacant table and face planted.
Rikka: Here you g-g-go!
Rikka placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of an unresponsive Rhyme. She frowned and returned to her work.
Rhyme was still circling around everything that was happening. Up until then.
Between the mutants, reapers, Neku, and Price, she had her hands full.
Rhyme would continue to be lost in thought until would end up falling asleep on the table, not even touching her coffee.
Rikka took notice of the unconscious player.
Rikka: H-hey, Sun?
Sunako perked up, placing down her own cup and joined her apprentice on the other side of the counter.
Rikka: Is sh-she okay?
Sunako shrugged.
Sun: Hell if I know. It's probably been a long, unproductive day for her.
Rikka: Sh-should we wake her up and take her to the g-guest room?
Sun: But that's where you're sleeping?
Rikka: Oh no, b-but I could take the couch in the kitchen!
Sun: I'd say just leave her. She seems comfortable enough...
...
The fourth day was nothing to write home about.
Sunako and Rikka weren't being helpful with regards to Neku, so Rhyme opted to request a map of Shinjuku instead.
The table sized, yet paper thin partridge was placed in front of Rhyme, who sat pensively in her booth. She mapped out where she had been since arriving in the reapers game. From her missions and excapades with Joshua, to her meandering with Price. She figured retracing her steps would be the best way to get a clearer picture of what's changed.
She noted how she had indeed been by No. 1 in the first week. Yet, this week, she wasn't allowed anywhere near it.
Rhyme scratched her scar under her beanie. It thankfully didn't hurt anymore; just occasionally itch.
Rikka approached Rhymes booth slowly, with an empty in her arms.
Rikka: H-Hey.
Rhyme: Hey.
Rikka: I-I... Um. I just wanted to apologize for the other day. I W-was freaking out on you a bit...
Rhyme: "A bit"?
As Rhyme retorted, she noticed Rikka stiffen, as if ashamed of herself.
She let out a sigh. Neku really was rubbing off on her.
Rhyme: Sorry- you're fine. I'm just tired and snippy for some reason.
Rikka seemed to relax after the anecdote. She perked up slightly to to try and lighten the mood.
Rikka: Y-y-you need anything while you're here?
Rhyme: I'm good, thanks.
Rikka nodded and began walking back to the kitchen. As she was walking away, a thought occurred to Rhyme.
Rhyme: Actually...
Rikka halted abruptly, caught off guard by the change of mind.
Rhyme: If you could answer a question that would be great.
Rikka turned back to Rhyme and re-approached.
Rhyme: You and Neku were partners, right?
That strange haze appeared over Rikka's eyes again.
Rikka: So what? He's probably dead right now anyway.
Rhyme raised an eyebrow.
Rhyme: Excuse me?
Rikka: There's been mutterings that the reapers are hot on their trail. If he's not dead now, he'll probably be soon.
Not a stutter or stammer. Not even a quiver. Rikka was unsettling apathetic to her old partner.
Rhyme let out another sigh and looked out the window next to her. It was nearly sunset.
Rhyme: I'm still lost how you're both affected by this while I'm not.
Rikka shrugged as she walked back to the kitchen, now completely uninterested in the conversation.
Rhyme thought. Where would be a place where reapers would likely swarm...
Rhyme: Shit...
Rhyme stumbled out of the booth and began bolting towards No. 3, the same place she and Joshua made their last stand the week prior.
...
Rhyme recalled how she saw Neku being taken away by reapers. Where she followed and busted him out with Jess's help the next day.
...
Fast forward and Rhyme was catching her breath after downing the entire bowl of rice that was planted in front of her. Jess simply smirked across the table.
Jess: Enjoy the food?
Rhyme: It tasted like ass, actually.
Jess stood, taking the bowl to the sink.
Jess: You must have been starving then, huh?
Rhyme was quiet. Obviously she was being toyed with, trying to understand why.
Rhyme: You mentioned a while ago that I was your... "Ace in the hole"? What does that mean?
Jess hesitated, before turning around, still smirking.
Jess: I guess you won't be able the share either way, so what the hell.
Jess excitedly reclaimed her seat at the table.
Jess: You're going to help me.
...
Rhyme: With...?
Jess' grin grew to an unsettling size.
Jess: That's the best part... You and me? We're going to bring down No. 1.
Rhyme felt her entire being chill in an instant. Her mind going back to when she and Joshua brought down No. 3 in a presumably similar fashion. It wasn't pretty, in fact, a lot of people died. But, there was the obvious caveat.
Rhyme: Jokes on you, I can't even get near that place anymore.
Jess smirked deviously, biting on a toothpick.
Jess: Wouldn't be so sure about that~
Rhyme: What-? How- no... Why?
Rhyme figured she'd get a limited explanation.
Jess: Isn't that obvious?!
Jess frantically slammed her fist on the table.
Jess: Those bastards killed Shourin and made a fool out of me. Not only that, think of the others they've killed. How Sunako mentioned you all were targeted. Why wouldn't you want revenge?! You of all people should understand!
It was true. Rhyme had every reason in the world to want to gut this game from the inside out. But ultimately, she knew too many innocents, more specifically players and unwilling reapers, that would get caught in the crossfire.
Rhyme: I'm not willing to sacrifice other's well-being for my own revenge. You should know that by now.
Jess devious grin slowly sunk into a sneer.
Jess: You dumb bitch.
In a flash, she stood upright, throwing the chair backwards.
Jess: After all of this? You still actually pretend to give a solitary *shit* about those things you call "people"? Reapers are inhumane. Pure and simple. If you want to spare them, but are willing to leave a player unavenged, your no better than them.
Rhyme thrusted herself as far forward as her half paralyzed body could muster, shoving the table with her.
Rhyme: Violence only begets more violence! What you're doing is inciting mass genocide!
Jess: So what?
Jess lifted the revolver of her old friend and observed it. She sighed.
Jess: What am I doing?
Jess holstered the weapon and walked into the adjacent bedroom.
Rhyme blinked. She had to escape. She didn't know how, but she had to try. But try as she might, her legs weren't moving.
Rhyme: (Dammit-!)
She wasn't even able to fall over and crawl. She was just stuck.
...
After an awkward moment of waiting in thought, Jess walked back in, holding Rhyme' s sweater. She threw it over.
Jess: There. It's gonna get cold tonight. Get some rest.
Rhyme narrowed her eyes.
Rhyme: O-Ok...But-
With that, Jess snapped her fingers and Rhyme lost control of her body yet again.
Jess: Like I said: get some rest. We have a long week ahead of us.
Rhyme stood up and collapsed on the couch, immediately falling asleep.
…