"We beat it…!" Fret breathes, a mix of both exhaustion and desperation. The others are taking the time to catch their breath.

"But what about Kanon?" Rindo mumbles. That was part of the reason he had turned back time in the first place. Their team can't take another loss. Especially not after Ayano.

"Kanon!" Fret's sudden yell makes sense, considering that the woman is on the ground, her body, no, her entire existence fading away.

Even still, she gave them one last smile. "Fret…"

Fret spun around to face the rest of the Twisters. "Rindo! Your powers!"

Maybe they had one more shot at this! "We can try again!" He pulls the pin out of his pocket to turn back time again, but the pin is faded, dull. They can't try again. "Sorry… not this time."

Kanon starts to speak again and they listen. But Rindo's still clutching the pin in his hand.

Work! Please work! We just need one more shot! We need to do something, anything, differently this time so we can save Kanon and the rest of the Variabeauties!

And isn't that a thought. Since Kanon was the leader of the Variabeauties, if she went down, so did the rest of the team. All… however many of them there are. At least 50 members for sure.

He squeezes his eyes shut and clenches the pin in his hand and wishes for just one more try. And as if the pin hears his wish, he finds himself in a void with the familiar green energy that he can only assume is time. Flashes of different points throughout the day surround him, but he picks the earliest one— the start of the day at Center Street.

The vision of Kanon on the ground and the possessed Fret invades his senses for a moment, but he ignores it because he needs to focus. Shiba's broadcast plays out like it did before and Rindo ignores that too because he needs all the spare time he can get.

Fret, Shoka, Nagi, and Beat are listening attentively to the broadcast, making snide remarks towards Shiba. Shoka is especially vicious, venting out her rage for what he did to Ayano. He can't blame her. And better that she do it while the others are here, in the case that the negativity attracted any Noise.

Once the broadcast ends, his phone buzzes with messages from Kanon with the warning to stay away from her and her team, also with the suggestion to split up his own team. How did she know to do that? It's the start of the day. Did she know anything about the Noise Shiba deployed that day? Or was she just being overly cautious?

"Uh, Rindude? You there?"

Rindo startles for a moment. He needs to tell the others what's going on.

"Guys, I need you all to listen carefully."

"Fo' sure, man. What's up?" Beat is quick to understand something happening. The others know too because their entire team circles up.

"I came back here from the future."

"I see…" Nagi mumbles as the others blink in surprise.

"Does this have something to do with Shiba's Noise?" Shoka asks.

"Yeah…" Rindo confirms. "Today, Kanon is going to be erased."

"What!?" Fret is shocked, probably because of how much he looks up to Kanon. She is strong, too, so her being erased is shocking.

"Lady Kanon?" Nagi wonders.

"What we gonna do, yo?" Beat's frowning. He probably wants to do something now being, as Nagi had said when they first met him, a person who acts first and thinks second.

"I don't know. We only know that she's going to be at Spain Hill after she gets possessed by Shiba's Noise, not anywhere before. And once that happens, it's too late. She's not going to just tell us where she is beforehand though, and we have no idea where Shiba's Noise is."

"Well, what do we know?" Shoka crosses her arms. "What did we find out in the future?"

"We learned more about the Plague Noise. They can infect Players, too." The others blink in surprise. Noise normally aren't able to do that. "When that happens, you lose some of your memories and the Noise makes you think that everyone is your enemy. Once it switches targets, the Reverb sets in and Shibuya Syndrome speeds way up."

"Damn…" Fret whispers to the air.

"Does any of her team know where she's gonna be?" Beat asks. Nagi has a finger to her chin, lost in thought.

"No. She had them all split up. None of them know where the other members are, much less Kanon."

Fret looks extremely upset by that information. Rindo doesn't blame him. He's not in a better situation himself. "What are we supposed to do?"

"I don't—"

"If I may interject, Lord Rindo," Nagi interrupts. "I have a proposal."

"Oh, uh, go for it."

"The issue is merely not knowing Lady Kanon's whereabouts, correct?"

"Basically, yeah."

"What if we were to inform her of the situation?"

Fret blinks. "You mean, like, tell her about Rindude's powers?"

Beat looks a bit doubtful. "You sure that will work, Pinny?"

"T'was merely a suggestion. Ultimately, it is up to Lord Rindo to decide what we do."

"Well," Shoka crosses her arms and turns to Rindo. "It's your call, oh Fearless Leader."

It might not be the best idea, telling others about his powers. But… "The Reapers already know about my powers. Or the Shinjuku Reapers, anyways. I don't think there's any harm in telling Kanon. I'll tell her. Thanks, Nagi."

"That's a great idea! Nice one, Nagirl!"

"I do not believe I was speaking to you."

"Aww."

Rindo

hey kanon

i need 2 tell u smthn

can u meet us at somedrinks?

Kanon

Rindy, I told you already.

It's safer if our teams stay separate.

Rindo

please

ur in danger

ill explain everything then

but my psych isnt enough 2 stop it

There's a pause, as if Kanon is thinking hard and carefully about her next move.

Kanon

If this is some kind of trick then I won't be happy.

I'll grab us a table

thanks

b careful tho

"Kanon's agreed to meet us. She's waiting at Somedrinks."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Fret grins. "Let's go!"

When they get to Somedrinks (which they had practically ran to, which was quite an experience since they were halfway across the city and they had been attacked by two groups of Plague Noise), Kanon's waiting for them, sitting at a table joined with another to hold more people.

"Over here, Twisters."

They join her at the table, Rindo sitting across from her and the others spread out.

"Let's skip the small talk and get straight down to business," Kanon demands. "It's not safe for all of us to be meeting like this."

"Yeah," Rindo agrees.

"To start things off, you said I was in danger. How do you know that for certain? And from what?"

"It's kind of a long story, but it has to do with my psych— er, well, latent ability."

"Don't let me stop you from speaking."

"To put it simply, I can travel through time."

Kanon blinks, startled. "Travel through time? That would certainly explain a few things… Do continue."

"Today, Shiba sent out a special kind of Noise like he said in the broadcast. It, uh, possessed you."

"Noise aren't able to possess Players. Only those in the RG."

"This kind is different. It's not like the Plague Noise, and they can get people in the UG, too, for the record."

"Fair enough. But wouldn't Nagi be able to stop it with her powers?"

"'Tis not that simple, I'm afraid."

"This particular Noise," Shoka speaks next. "Got my Reaper friend Ayano yesterday."

"A Reaper? And what happened to her?"

"She's… gone. We managed to erase it, but she followed soon after."

"We tried both Nagi and Fret's powers at the same time the last time I used my powers. You were able to come back to your senses, but you were still erased."

"I see." Kanon falls silent for a moment, processing the info-dump. "So you're telling me about your powers in the hopes that this information will keep me safe from that Noise?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"And what am I supposed to do after today?"

"Whatchu mean, yo?"

"Do you really think that I'll be okay with hiding the rest of the week? With my 'Beauties still out there? I refuse to be a damsel in distress. I can handle myself. I'm not going to sit around and wait to be saved! If people, if Neku, isn't here to save the city, then I'll do it myself!"

"W-We're not saying that you are!" Fret quickly cuts in. "But if you get erased, then so will the rest of your team!"

Kanon glares at the empty table in front of her. If looks could kill, that table would be a pile of ashes.

"Permit me a question, Lord Rindo," Nagi requests.

"Uh, shoot."

"Did we encounter this particular breed of Noise ourselves?"

"No, just the one that got Kanon."

"Then is it safe to assume that there's only one?"

"...probably."

"Then it would follow to say that if Lady Kanon were to join us for the day we would eventually run into that Noise, correct?"

"...yeah?"

Kanon is quick to follow the line of thought. "And if we were to erase it, our teams would be safe to convene, aside from the threat of the Plague Noise, considering that Shiba only sent one out."

"Is that the plan then?" Shoka asks. "Take out Shiba's Noise before he hurts anyone else?"

"Sounds like it to me," Fret grins.

"Well, is everyone good with this plan?" Rindo asks the group.

"An' pass up the chance to stomp on some Noise?" Beat stretches out his neck. "Hell naw, man. I'm down! Let's do this thing!"

"Is there any chance that the Game Master will send out another one tomorrow?" Kanon's looking at Shoka, probably because she knows him better than anyone else in their group.

"I'm not sure. I haven't been able to get a good read on him in a long time."

"'Tis not improbable," Nagi answers instead. "But I have my doubts that he will."

Rindo blinks. How good of a read does she have? "What makes you think that?"

"Today, the Game Master's temperament seemed most irate. Almost certainly due to Lady Ayano's erasure yesterday. It's almost as if he's… throwing a temper tantrum of some kind. He might be cooled off by tomorrow. And, if he sticks true to precedent, then he'll mention if he sent out that Noise again during tomorrow's broadcast."

"Damn, Nagi," Fret stares at her wide-eyed. "You have such a good read on him!"

"Yo, good work, Pinny!" Beat praises.

Kanon gives Nagi a warm smile. "Your analysis is most reassuring. I suppose if we're working together for today, at least, then we ought to get moving, shouldn't we?"

Shoka nods and rises to her feet. "Let's try and stop Shibuya Syndrome from spreading any further. Let's go."

As the group gets up to leave, Fret stops for a moment.

"Hey, Kanon?"

"Yes, Fret?"

"Thanks for hearing us out. It really means a lot."

Kanon studies him for a moment, as if searching for something. Then, she smiles. "Me, too, Fret. Here's to working together."

She holds out her hand for a hi-five, and Fret gladly returns it.

Rindo smiles. Looks like Fret was finally figuring out how to be more genuine. "Let's hope this is enough to change the future." He clutches this pin and returns to the newly written present.

As it had turned out, Shiba's Noise, some kind of variant of Plague Noise, had come after them in the form of a giant scorpion. Kanon had noted something was off and Beat was the one who had spotted it. After a long battle in which several different Variabeauties joined in to help take it down (and thankfully, none were erased), with Kanon getting the last hit with a Rider Kick psych from Joli Bécot.

The day ended with no broadcast, which made sense, since the end-of-day missions before were to report the results of the day's missions, but since there weren't any, there wouldn't be anything to say in the broadcast.

But the following day, of course, starts with one. They had woken up in Tokyu Plaza, the Variabeauties not with them, more than likely starting off somewhere else. Beat had asked Fret about why he looked up to Kanon so much out of pure curiosity, to which Fret had explained about an old friend of his dying and how Fret had tried to be there for him but was unable to and how that led to him to stop caring about what he thinks and just what others want to hear.

And, of course, Kanon had heard all of that, but Rindo's vision had been blocked by an untimely vision, because of course he was still getting those even now. But it looked like they would be reuniting with someone? But if one thing was a pattern, then he would be traveling through time again today, for the third day in a row.

"Greetings, sheeple of Shibuya. Got some red-hot news for ya: I'm disappointed to report that yesterday was a success, in the fact that you erased my Noise, but you didn't turn up the heat! At all. I was hoping for a tear-jerker of an ending, but we can't have it all, I suppose."

"Oh, piss off, yo," Beat grumbles.

But my forecast says that today will be a real scorcher. We'll be throwing a sizzling hot party just for the occasion. Feel free to bring some friends. Spend some time with them before they're gone. Heh. And with that, I bid you adieu!"

"That man is very good at pissing people off," Kanon glares at the ended broadcast.

"No kidding," Rindo frowns. "Anyway, what's the plan today?" His phone buzzes. "Oh, one sec, I got a message."

"Huh. Who is it?" Shoka tilts her head.

"It's Uzuki. …Kariya?"

"What's up?" Fret asks.

"We haven't seen Kariya around, have we?"

"No, siree."

Rindo eventually puts his phone away. "I guess she was looking for him?"

There's a brief discussion about the two's dynamic, which Kanon merely watches, probably because she doesn't know either Reaper too well.

"Should we go check Cat Street?" Fret muses.

"Let's just get moving," Beat suggests. "Maybe we can find out more on the way. Yo, Kanon. You joinin' us?"

"Honestly, I think our teams should split, for today at least."

"Aw, really?" Fret whines, but in a more friendly tone.

"Yes. I'd like to see if there are other methods to stopping or at least slowing down Shibuya Syndrome. I'll see if we can't locate Shiba, too. You all are going to go see what's up with those Reapers, right?"

"Indeed."

"Then we'll stay out of your way. If you need my team's help with something, just let me know. Ciao~"

And with that, she walks off, not even waiting for a response.

The Wicked Twisters stare for a moment as she goes before eventually making their way towards Cat Street.

They free the Kariya from the Plague Noise, Uzuki accusing them of many different things all the while, before they are told that they can find Kubo at Tipsy Tose Hall. But of course, there's a wall Reaper that's possessed by Plague Noise, and at a glance they can tell that it's far too late for him. And they need to get past him into Udagawa, where they had seen Kubo walk to.

Hishima shows up and issues them a mission in the wall Reaper's stead, which is to get rid of some Plague Noise at Miyashita Park. And that's a new one. The Shinjuku Reapers telling them to get rid of Plague Noise? Guess not all of them want Shibuya gone.

When they return, after erasing the Noise (or rather, until they couldn't see anymore in that area), there are dried tear tracks on the Reapers face, and they dive into his mind to get rid of the Plague Noise in there. But the Reaper is erased alongside the Noise. It feels more like a mercy kill than anything else.

Hishima isn't there anymore, but it's clear enough that he's the one who dropped the wall for them, so they continue to follow Kubo into Udagawa, and right into his trap. They're surrounded by Plague Noise and people in the RG (but, hey, how is that possible? They wouldn't be able to hurt them, right? Right?) start to chase them like zombies.

So Rindo activates his pin and takes them back to Miyashita Park. He takes out his phone and sends a quick message as the Plague Noise multiplies.

Rindo

hey

just turned back time

can we get some help here

were at miyashita

theres a lot of plague noise

Kanon

I'd love to.

Be there in a few minutes.

And as she said, Kanon, along with several Variabeauties, arrive at the scene. Rindo quickly explains what needs to be done here, and Maito, her second in command, spots the Plague Jellyfish that's cloning itself at rapid speeds.

After the surprisingly not too long battle, in which the Twisters and Kanon take on the big jellyfish and the rest of the 'Beauties keep the smaller ones at bay, they manage to finish the battle with a Killer Remix.

The Twisters express their gratitude for the help and Rindo uses Replay to return to the present.

Kanon isn't sure how much help she and her team is, but she's damned to find out some more information. She isn't going to leave the city to those kids. It's not that she doesn't trust them, she does very much so, but it's just plain unfair that it's their responsibility to take care of this mess.

She's more than glad to help them take down those Noise in Miyashita Park, and Rindo mentioning using Replay makes the importance of it a priority. It's necessary to change the future.

But that was yesterday, and as she watches the day's broadcast, she can't help but feel… something. It's a strange feeling, but it's as if something's changed. Like the UG itself has welcomed something into it.

Her phone brings with the special notification that plays whenever there's a live broadcast.

"Greetings, sheeple of Shibuya. Got some red-hot news for ya: I'm feeling almost frostbitten in the wake of yesterday's party. After all the trouble I went through to get everyone fired up, too. Although it looks like you all enjoyed yourselves anyway. Color me jealous."

The Game Master, Shiba, seems oddly… excited? Why was that? Did something happen?

"Wish I could have personally greeted our newcomer."

Newcomer? Someone joined the Game? How? With Shibuya Syndrome the way it is, it would be nearly impossible for someone to be able to join the Game now. Then was it a Reaper who left them? Only the Shinjuku Reapers would dare do that. Not to mention, Shiba would only mention it if it were one of his own. Everyone knew that the Shibuya Reapers were for the city, anyway, and not Shiba's interest in the slightest. So that would mean it could be anyone from Kaie, or…

Hm. Well, it was definitely not Kubo or Susukichi. Both were far too loyal.

So that would leave Kaie, Tsugumi, and Hishima. But no one's seen Tsugumi since the end of last week. Which is actually concerning, on second thought.

But Shiba will probably answer that question right now, judging by the absolutely gleeful look on his face.

Kanon will never forget the Game Master's following words.

"Welcome back, Neku."

What.

"I've been looking all over for the Player of Legend to help spice up my little Game. I even went to the RG and back to find him! But all I got were these lousy Wicked Twisters and Variabeauties."

Kanon would vow to smack that man for calling her 'Beauties "lousy" if it weren't for the fact that the Neku returned. Neku. Neku Sakuraba. The Player of god damn legend.

The Player who saved Shibuya from destruction three years ago. Like they're trying to do now.

Neku Sakuraba, the one who could help them burn this Game to the ground and ensure their survival. The one who could end this Game for good.

Holy shit.

"Who in the world would've thought they'd be the last team standing! A scorching-hot turn of events for sure. And I'm not turning down the heat just yet." Of course he isn't. "Expect some guest appearances I think you'll love. Including the highly anticipated return of a few 'old flames.' Stay tuned. Heh. And with that, I bid you adieu."

Old flames? What did that mean?

She looked around and spotted a few of her team staring wide-eyed at their phones. Some of them are even hugging each other and crying.

Kanon can feel the hope from where she's standing. It's the most that she's felt in the seven months that she's been playing.

She receives a text message from Fret.

kanon look who it is!

There's a photo attached. It's a selfie of Fret with his arm thrown around an older boy with orange hair, like herself, who looks vaguely surprised by the photo. Fret must have caught him off guard then.

Kanon

How precious

What's the plan for today?

Fret

we're gonna go see one of neku's reaper friends at cat street!

gonna meet us there?

Kanon

I might just~

As if she's gonna miss the chance to meet a true legend.

She tells Maito that she's planning on going to Cat Street to go talk to the Twisters, and several latch on to the chance to go with her. Either they want to go see Neku or just see the Twisters in general. Either or.

They started at Udagawa so she's going to have to cut through Spain Hill. They walk off to Tipsy Tose Hall, and that's when they find out what Shiba meant by "old flames."

There's a man, a very large man with dreadlocks, who, if his wings are anything to go by, is a Shibuya Reaper.

But they're not the only ones to see him.

"Huh!? What the hell is he doing here!?"

It's the pink-haired Reaper, Uzuki, Rindo had called her, with her friend Kariya.

"This is what he must have meant when he said 'old flames.'" Kariya muses, lollipop in hand. "Never thought we'd ever see old Higashizawa again. Especially since he got erased when he was GM three years ago."

Kanon dares to venture closer and the man, Higashizawa, takes notice. The other two Reapers notice too and back off. Kariya seemed injured so it makes sense that Uzuki would force him to stop fighting and opt to keep an eye on him. That's fine, the Variabeauties are strong and they'll prove it.

"SoMe fiNe inGreDienTs HavE cOme. I'Ll maKe a fIne eNtRee ouT of yOu alL."

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but we're not on the menu," Kanon declares.

"ComE Face tHe puDdiNg of youR dooM!" The Reaper roars, and they're pulled into a battle. Kanon can hear a few of her 'Beauties snickering or making different sounds of confusion at the word choice. Oh, well.

They're set off against a few Grizzly Noise that she's never seen before, alongside some Plague Grizzlies. The ones she doesn't recognize are cream and yellow in color with dark blue claws. They go down without too much trouble besides just being tanky in general.

It strikes her as odd, though, the Noise that aren't around so much anymore were present during that fight. Maybe that was also just part of the "old flames" theme Shiba had set up.

"Nice job taking care of that apparition there," Kariya praises. "Higashizawa was a Game Master once. Well, before he got erased by Neku."

"Really? He didn't seem to be all that strong."

"Things were different back then," Kariya shrugs.

"No kidding," Uzuki muttered. "When Neku came through, people didn't really wanna be GM after his first round. The role of Game Master was different back then."

That's kind of interesting, actually. Kanon may not be too invested in the Game, but she's been trapped for long enough that differences between the Game from before the Shinjuku gang and now are intriguing.

"Different? How so?"

"Well, GM's only switch when they're erased by Players on the last day. Though Players making it that long is more of a rare occurrence, since they only have one person to work with. Reaper's could only directly attack on the last day, and even then, it was the GM for the mission to take them down."

Yeah, that certainly was different.

"So before, the goal of the Game was to just survive, not just win."

"Something along those lines. And how the Game was set up, Players hardly ever made it to the fifth day. What with the Reapers sending Noise after Players all the time."

As confident as she is, Kanon doesn't think that she could do it. Constantly attacked by Noise with taking the GM down being helped by only one person? She's been fighting Noise for seven months and she doesn't think that her whole team could take down Shiba. Then again, maybe his power is just for show and nothing else.

"I see… Are there any other past Game Masters that I need to watch out for?"

Kariya holds his lollipop in his mouth, deep in thought, before removing it and speaking. "Prolly the Iron Maiden and mayyybe Megs."

Uzuki blinks at the second-mentioned Reaper. "Megs? You mean Mr. Kitaniji? The previous Conductor?"

"One and the same, girl." He turns to Kanon. "The Iron Maiden, Konishi, is blonde and has glasses. Megs has long black hair, dark pair of shades, well dressed—" (which already sounds like some of her 'Beauties) "—and has a pair of red headphones. His voice is real deep too, can't miss him."

"Got it. Thank you, Kariya, Uzuki." Kanon may not have really spoken to them before, but she knows their names at the very least. Not all Reapers are cut from the same cloth it seems.

The two wave goodbye before leaving and Kanon leads her team out of Tipsy Tose Hall into Spain Hill. And, as before, another Noise apparition is waiting for them.

Yep, long, carefully, and formally styled blonde hair, blue eyes, along with a thin pair of glasses that rests on her nose. Her outfit, a one-piece, vaguely reminds her of something a maid might, but also completely different at the same time. Black stockings and white heels match her dress, a few gold bracelets completing the outfit.

It wouldn't look as nice on anyone besides the woman before them, her cold and calculating gaze observing their every move.

This is the Iron Maiden all right, according to Kariya's description.

"JusT As I preDicTed."

And just as her gaze had suggested, she's the type to analyze things beforehand. But that doesn't mean that the Noise will.

They're set off against a variation of different Noise, ranging from frogs (some Plague, some not) to wolves to… are those crabs? She's never seen carcin Noise before. Are they new? Based on the GM's wording… they were probably also part of the old flames he had been talking about. So old Noise that died out? Or moved along to a different area?

How interesting.

The crabs throw obstacles like traffic cones and bicycles at them which catches some of her 'Beauties off guard. How can she blame them? She's certainly never had Noise throw things at her before.

But they go down easy enough and they move on to Tower Records. And she spots a group of people making their own way through. And there's only one group of six that could be.

"My, my, if it isn't Rindy and the gang," She calls out to them.

"Oh, hey, Kanon!" Fret raises his hand to wave.

The Twisters slow to a stop so Kanon and her team can catch up. Neku looks confused, observing their team. Beat takes notice, though, and catches him up to speed.

"Yo Phones, tha's Kanon. She's the leader of the various beauties."

"Variabeauties, actually," Kanon corrects gently. "Though that does have a nice ring to it."

"Ohh, sorry, my B," Beat sheepishly grins.

"'Tis the only other team besides ourselves," Nagi explains.

Kanon extends her hand. "My name is Kanon Tachibana. It's nice to meet you."

Neku steps forward to take her hand and shakes it. "Neku Sakuraba. It's nice to meet you, too."

Kanon steps back to give them an appraising look. "How have you all been holding up? What with the old flames and everything."

"We've been holding up pretty well, all things considered," Fret explains. "But, honestly? I think we're all starting to get emotionally worn down."

"Yeah," Shoka murmurs…

"We're almost to Cat Street, so just a little more, guys," Rindo cheers them up.

"These old flames are proving more troubling than I first thought," Kanon admits.

"Indeed," Nagi sighs.

"So far we've encountered Ayano, Fuya, and Motoi." A pause, Rindy more than likely racking his brain for those they still need to encounter. "I think that's everyone who's been erased. Actually, wait, who have you guys been encountering?"

"Apparently GM's from three years ago, along with some Noise types I don't recognize."

"Wait, really?" Neku asks, surprised. "Who've you seen?"

Kanon holds a finger up to her chin in thought. "First was a man who made a few cooking analogies."

"The first GM," Neku says after a moment. "I can barely remember him."

"The next one was a blonde-haired woman."

"She look like she was constantly plotting the best way to poison you?" Neku asked.

"That about sums her up, yes."

Beat groans. "Man, if I'd known, I would've helped, yo. Wouldn't've passed up a chance to fight her, yo. She deserves it after what she did to Rhyme. An' fo' what she put us through, yo."

Fret blinks. "Rhyme? Who's that?"

"My little sib, yo."

"Dude you have a sister!?" Fret lets out, completely shocked. Nagi and Shoka look to be in similar boats.

"Sib, yo, none of that brotha sister shit."

"Nonbinary," Neku translates.

"Ohh," Fret realizes. "Sorry, my bad."

"S'all good, man," Beat shrugs. "You didn't know."

"Heh, thanks, Beat."

"Getting back on topic," Kanon says. "We fought some Noise types that I've never seen before."

"Yeah, you mentioned that," Shoka crosses her arms. "What were they?"

"There was a type of grizzly Noise that were a different color than I recognized. But there were also some crabs, too."

"Kweh?"

"A crustacean type Noise?" Nagi muses.

"I've never seen crab Noise before," Rindo frowns.

"I have," Neku says, and they all turn to him. "Three years ago. These apparitions we're encountering, they're made by Noise taking the form of the Soul left behind by those who were erased. So it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that Higashizawa and Konishi had the same thing happen to them."

"Then why didn't they appear earlier?" Shoka asks. "Those GM's were erased three years ago, but Fuya was erased only three weeks ago."

Neku considers the question for a moment. "It's probably something that Shiba did. Like you said, even though Fuya was erased three weeks ago, he didn't appear until now. The same thing probably happened with those from three years ago, except they've been festering for three years. It's probably why there's Noise you don't recognize mixed in."

"Twould appear to be the case," Nagi concludes.

"We should keep moving," Rindo points out.

"Yeah," Neku agrees. "Let's go."

"Sally forth!" Nagi declares, taking the lead despite being over a foot shorter than Neku.

The group continues up the road, but stops short when they find another apparition. And if Kariya's description was anything to go by, then this was Kitaniji, the previous Conductor before Shiba claimed the position.

"Yo, izzat… Shades!?" Beat yells, startled.

Neku frowns. "Looks like it."

Kitaniji opens his mouth to speak, and Kanon won't deny the shivers that shoot down her spine at the words.

"To riGhT tHe couNtLesS wRonG—"

Kitaniji gets cut off because both Neku and Beat are attacking, starting the fight. Kitaniji's own power is apparent by the sheer amount of Noise that appears around them, several of which Kanon doesn't recognize.

So Kanon does what she does best and leads her team and has them take on the Noise before the remaining Twisters even react. They're just kids. They shouldn't have to fight. They shouldn't have to be in the Game.

They shouldn't have to be their only hope.

So they fight the minks that spin and bounce off all of their attacks, the weave between the sword and fireballs that drakes send at them, pull each other out of the way of kangaroos that descend from where they had jumped way up high, kick bombs back into the holes that shrews drill into, create barriers that block the incoming spikes from porcupines, trade hits against the foxes that turn into different objects and imitate their own members, and knock tadpoles off each other that slow them down to make them easier to kill.

Because they're a team. They're balanced, they work together flawlessly. They're strong, and they've survived the Game this long for a reason, not just luck.

With the power of the Twisters backing them up, the Noise don't put up too much of a fight, Kanon using her rider kick pin just as Neku backed away with a vortex saber psych.

"Nice timing," Neku sends a grin and a thumbs-up from where he's catching his breath.

"Thanks," Kanon nods to him, before turning to check on her 'Beauties who have minimal injuries.

Once everyone is good and ready, they continue on to Cat Street, no one daring to ask why Neku and Beat had practically launched themselves at Kitaniji. Kanon herself assumes it has something to do with the near destruction of Shibuya and leaves it at that.

Neku's Reaper friend strikes Kanon as very… pink, for lack of a better description. Kanon's never met her, and the wings mark her as a Shibuya Reaper, but she's slightly familiar. Maybe she's seen her walking around?

Her introduction leaves much to be desired, as Coco Atarashi seems to be stuck in her own head of whatever made her think that she's the fairy princess of Shibuya.

However, she does explain something that's been bothering Kanon for a long time. About one of the Ruinbringer's two-man army.

Tsugumi's heart and Soul are trapped inside Mr. Mew and have been for the past three years, ever since some place named Shinjuku got erased from the sounds of it. (Kanon's never heard of the city. But there's a gut feeling inside her that reminds her of tall buildings and bright lights that aren't Shibuya. Maybe she's been there before? But then why can't she remember?)

The Twisters use Nagi's powers on Mr. Mew to erase the Noise keeping Tsugumi from being able to have her mind. She'll still be trapped, but it's a start, at least. They vanish from sight, signaling that Nagi's dive activated.

"So! You must be Kanon, leader of the Variabeauties! I'm ever so pleased to meet you." Coco smiles, approaching.

"That's right. Nice to meet you, too, Coco."

Coco may look all friendly, but Kanon did not miss the way she snapped at Beat, letting her genuine rage come through as the two had almost immediately started yelling at each other before Neku quickly broke up the fight.

"How long have you known Neku?" Kanon can't help but ask.

Coco thinks over the question, before answering the question slowly, words decidedly careful. "I met him three years ago when I was trying to get help for the Shinjuku situation. But, unfortunately, we were too late."

"Out of curiosity, what did Beat mean by you trying to kill him, if you don't mind me asking."

Coco frowns and then sighs, a bit too dramatically to be considered as honesty. If it were anyone but Kanon or perhaps Nagi, it wouldn't have been noticed. "I tried to get their help by leading them out of Shibuya and towards Shinjuku after I managed to pull them into the UG. But then that damn Fuzzface had to ruin everything. If he had just, like, GTFO'd when I wanted him to, then we could have saved them." A scowl had risen on her face halfway through speaking. "So, I had to take matters into my own hands. I wasn't expecting the Composer to send him straight to Shinjuku though, but by then it was already destroyed. Neku was trapped there for three years until the other day when I had finally figured out how to get him out a bit after I did."

He's been there in the UG for three years? And whatever this Inversion entailed… he was trapped in a city with no personality, with no one with him (except maybe Coco, by the sounds of it), for three years?

"How old is Neku now?" Kanon can't help but ask.

There's a guilty look on Coco's face. "He's eighteen. So he was fifteen when he got trapped. It wasn't that long after he escaped the UG for the first time, either."

Kanon can't even imagine what Neku's going through. Trapped in a Game that was determined to kill him for good, escaped after three weeks only to be pulled right back in and trapped for three years in a completely different city only to get back to his own when it's on the verge of being destroyed yet again.

Three years stolen from him that he can't get back. What's he supposed to do about school? Is he a third year? Is he supposed to have graduated by now? He would have been, what, a first-year when he was pulled back in? The final stages of his teenage years were just ripped away, and there was nothing anybody could do about it.

"I'm glad Neku's back," Coco sighs. "But I was hoping it wouldn't be in a situation as dire as this. Like, ew. I'd hate to be him."

"Well, there's nothing he can do but move forward," Kanon says. "He has you and all his other friends to support him."

Coco brightens up. "Yeah, you're, like, absolutely-tootly right! Y'know I always thought that you'd be, like, stuck up, but you're, like, way more chill than I expected."

Kanon blinks a little, but can't help the smile that rises to her face. "I suppose there are people who call me that. Anyways, you should say what you mean more."

Coco blinks before conjuring a sugary sweet, fake, dangerous smile. Kanon can practically see razor-sharp teeth. "Why, whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing." Kanon gets the sense that Coco knows what she's talking about anyway.

The Twisters reappear and Coco turns away to talk to them with a cheerful "Welcome back!" before asking about Tsugumi. There's a quick talk about a girl named Shiki— apparently the only person able to free Tsugumi.

The day ends shortly after. It makes Kanon wonder what determines the day ending if there aren't any missions. If Shiba really wanted to make sure they couldn't save Shibuya, then he could just end every day after a few minutes.

But then again, Shiba is a sadist who is hell-bent on extending their suffering as long as possible. And arrogant if he really thinks that they can't beat him and save Shibuya.

But, Kanon thinks idly, if it weren't for Rindy's powers, then she and her team would be gone, with the Wicked Twisters as Shibuya's only hope.

It's Day 6, the second to last day of the Game. Kanon gets a message from Fret explaining how Susukichi is challenging them to a Game in exchange for Shiba's location if they win. She asks if they need help but Fret says that they should be fine, considering that they've won against him twice, now, and this time with Neku on their side.

So, she sets out around town with her 'Beauties and focuses on erasing Plague Noise when they encounter them. Not much happens that day, aside from a concerning message from Rindo that simply said "time traveling". She offers to help but he turns her down, saying that they only needed to do one thing different this time, so she backs off, trusting that they have it handled.

(In her dreams, though, this day is wildly different. There's a large humanoid black deer with golden chains not unlike Susukichi's own fighting Shiba. She only gets glimpses of it, but she's frantically messaging the Twisters as the results of their battle leave the city in absolute ruins. The dream always ends the same: Her pushing one of her 'Beauties out of the way of a building that collapses around them and gets caught in the rubble as her teammates scream. Either in fear or erasure, she'll never know.)

(...she's glad that it's just a dream.)

It's the last day. The day of Shibuya's fated destruction. And Kanon's ready to finally return home. Like the Game Master had said on the first day of this week, take him down and Shibuya is saved. And the broadcast he sends out says the same. But as it ends, she gets a message from Rindo.

Rindo

just time traveled

change of plans

were not fighting shiba

That causes Kanon to pause. They're not fighting Shiba? But wouldn't that not end the Game and ensure Shibuya's erasure? But Rindy did say that he was time traveling… something must have gone wrong, then. Or, defeating Shiba does not stop Shibuya's destruction.

Kanon

What's the plan, then?

Rindo

meet us at the crossing

shibas there rn but don't fight him

we need as much manpower as possible

Kanon

Got it.

See you soon.

She leads her team to the Scramble Crossing from where they had started (which was Shibuya Stream, so it wasn't too far of a walk). When they get there, she can see Shiba, his bright yellow hair acting as a beacon, since the city had grown far too dark to see past whatever street you're on.

It had unnerved her a little, not being able to see past the area they were in, the silver sky practically blocking any natural light. They only have one encounter with Plague Noise, and they do their best to conserve their energy. Kanon has the feeling that they'll need it.

They wait for a while, quietly conversing amongst themselves. Shiba had noticed them right away and had watched them for a few minutes before eventually turning away, probably realizing that they weren't going to fight or that they were waiting for the Wicked Twisters.

Eventually, the Twisters make it to the Scramble with Tsugumi, and a Reaper that Kanon thinks is named Hishima trailing along behind them. Fret waves for Kanon to join them, so she gathers up her team and does.

"Well, look who it is," Shiba says as soon as her team is in earshot. "My favorite sheeple." He dramatically waves an arm to address all of them. He pauses as Tsugumi and Hishima step into his view. "And you."

"Shiba, listen. We need your help. Please," Tsugumi says, and Kanon blinks. She sounds different than she did before. She sounds free-er than she has ever had. And judging by the determined look on her face paired with the lack of red around her brown eyes (and Kanon's finally able to clearly see her eye color), she probably is. Did that mean that Shiki returned to Shibuya and managed to free her?

Rindo explains about a Reaper named Kubo and how's the one who causes Shibuya's destruction. Kanon's gut says that the name should be familiar

Tsugumi explains her theory about Kubo being an Angel. Kanon doesn't know what that is, but judging by Shiba's reaction it's nothing good.

"So you're saying that I was some sort of puppet, made to dance by this charlatan?"

Hishima speaks next, voice cold as he calls Shiba out on his past actions and his determination to keep the Game going. "Precisely. How exhausting it must've been to have your string pulled for three full years. You left your friends behind in your single-minded lust for power."

Shiba snaps. Kanon doesn't think she's ever heard the man so emotional, so genuine, about anything. "What are you talking about? You left me behind!"

"I may have."

"You did. And the rest followed."

Tsugumi explains how the others felt about his change and grows angry when Shiba tries to defend himself. She uses her latent ability to show him something, presumably the future, and Shiba finally relents, asking questions about what erased them. But there's one small problem.

"And what, pray tell, will become of my Game?"

"Is that all you can think about in our hour of need?" Hishima frowns.

"You misunderstand. I'll gladly help you take care of the Noise created by this 'Kubo'. My concern lies with what happens after the battle is won."

Was this man serious? She'll fight him by her own damn self if that's what will get him to help with whatever it is that Rindo needs to be done. She's not the only one who thinks that.

"Fine," Rindo snaps. "If it's a fight you want then I'm game."

Shiba laughs at that, long and slightly maniacal. "Then it's time for a pestilent resurgence!" Then he follows up with an explanation on how they can use Plague Noise in order to help take down the Noise.

Kanon's glad that they'll have the power of a GM on their side, even if they'll have to fight him right after, as exhausted as they'll be.

"But if we are to stand a chance, we'll need to turn the heat up higher than ever before. Hishima, Tsugumi. Lend me a hand. I need you to rouse the citizens of Shibuya from their stupor. Light them up, and set their souls ablaze!"

Kanon can't help but smile at the passion in the man's words.

Hishima apparently agrees because he's smiling, too. "Welcome back, old friend."

"It's funny…" Shiba says. "I haven't felt a fever like this in years. Now let's get out there and burn this Game to the ground."

"Hear, hear," Kanon agrees. "Rindy, what is it that you'd like my team to do? I assume we have a plan of some kind?"

"Yeah," Rindo nods. "We have to thank Rhyme for this, later." Kanon has to think for a moment as to who Rhyme is, then remembers the conversation two days earlier about Beat's younger sibling. "But the plan is to have Neku sync up with everyone in Shibuya, and then have Tsugumi use her powers to open their minds. Then, once their minds are open, Nagi can dive in to have Fret send a reminder to everyone at the same time."

Kanon thinks that she gets it. Kinda, but not really. "And, what will this accomplish?"

"It will get rid of Shibuya Syndrome and the Reverb, which will make Kubo's Noise weaker."

"Giving us a better fighting chance. That works for me. My team can't exactly help out with this, so what shall we do?"

Rindo pauses to think for a moment, "There may be some Plague Noise that are still around causing trouble. The other Reapers are going to take care of that, too, but they might need some back-up."

"My 'Beauties would be more than happy to help out with that."

"But what are you gonna do, Kanon?" Fret asks.

"Help with the main fight, of course. My team can handle themselves. And I can't in good conscience leave all of it to you kids."

That garners a fair amount of shock from the Twisters and her own team (though she can hear a lot of their support).

"Well, Rindo," Neku gives an encouraging smile. "It's your call."

Rindo thinks for a moment before answering. "We're grateful for the help."

"No problem, Rindy. What do I need to do?"

"Just sit tight. We're about to start Operation: Awakening in a minute, before Kubo's Noise emerge."

"Do we have an exact time?"

"26 seconds before 4:45."

So, 44 seconds past 4:44. That's… oddly specific.

"Got it. That's fairly soon, so we should work quickly."

"Yeah," Rindo agrees. "I'm gonna return to the present now."

"Mm. See you soon."

The present arrives with Neku standing in the center of the Scramble Crossing, accompanied by Beat, and two others that Kanon can only assume to be Rhyme and Shiki. Rindo, Tsugumi, Nagi, and Fret, accompanied by Shoka and Hishima for protection, are stationed on top of 104, being one of the tallest buildings in Shibuya, along with being nearby. The Reapers are more spread out around Shibuya, taking down any stray Plague Noise as they come.

Fret's reminder is visible, a huge purple pulse of energy that rushes out, freeing all of the lost souls to time while clearing away Shibuya Syndrome, said souls rising to the sky that seemed to be a dome around the city.

Everyone reconvenes at the Scramble as the deadly quiet ambiance slowly reverts back to its usual loudness as all of the citizens begin to speak to each other as if nothing happened to them.

Then, Rindo's Player Pin glows and a mass of red Noise comes bursting out, startling everyone standing nearby. They go shooting into the sky and the souls of those lost to time begin to fight back against the Noise before all grows quiet.

It's just Kanon and the Wicked Twisters in the area, everyone else having been instructed to leave for their own safety.

"Look skyward!" Nagi calls to them and they do, seeing a Noise symbol staring down at them, glowing ominously.

Then, something emerges from it. It's a pure ball of fire that Kanon can see eyes peeking out, as whatever this thing is screeches at them. The world around them shifts and they're in a void of some kind as the Noise in front of them grows wings and a tail.

"Sure is gaudy," Fret comments.

"The bright colors are a bit much," Kanon agrees.

"All those Noise came back," Shoka realizes. "And merged into one."

"Like some nefarious phoenix," Nagi shivers as the Phoenix Cantus stares them down.

"C'mon," Rindo tells them, walking towards the final fight. "Let's erase this Noise for good!"

They charge towards the Phoenix, but are forced to stop to fight off its many tails that surround them. They send slow-moving lasers that are easy enough to dodge, and the tails pulse with purple energy before releasing a charge that knocks down anyone in range. So, Kanon charges up her psych and attacks right after it releases its energy, and flies into one at the same time Nagi attacks with a psychic shotgun.

After beating back six tails, the phoenix moves closer and they aim straight for its head. The phoenix screams, knocking them back to where they started, and breathes a dark purple fire breath at them which they have to avoid while getting closer at the same time.

After attacking the head again and dodging the assault of two more tails that came back to try and stop them, Phoenix Cantus disintegrates into fire which quickly dissolves.

"...is it over?" Rindo asks tentatively.

"Did we beat it!?" Kanon can tell that Fret's exhausted. They all are, but there's no confirmation.

"Is v-v-victory ours at last!?" Nagi's desperate, and Kanon can relate.

It's too quiet. Way too quiet if this were actually over.

Beat picks up on that, too. "Hol' up. Somethin' ain't right…"

"You're right— look." Neku is the one to notice a small rainbow-colored bird fly off into the distance.

"I don't like the looks of this," Kanon murmurs.

"What in the world is it doing?" Nagi is trembling at the thought of having to continue fighting.

"I am so ready for this to be over," Shoka groans.

"Well, it ain't over yet…" Fret tells her as Phoenix Cantus brings itself back to life, back at full power.

"Ugh, seriously?" Shoka complains as it screeches again.

"Risen from the ashes… It is immortal!?" Rindo's words terrify Kanon. How many times are they gonna have to fight this thing?

"I don't think so," Neku comforts, voice determined. Having him on their side is very reassuring. "Let's finish this!"

"Fo real!" Beat agrees. "Just keep hittin' it 'til it stays down, yo!"

"Those tails are getting annoying, let's get rid of those first," Kanon suggests.

There are various noises of agreement as balls of various colors are sent towards them. Forcing them to run back and forth, weaving desperately between each one.

"Move, y'all! Get out of the way!" Beat practically demands, pulling both Rindo and Fret back by their respective hood and scarf from running straight into one they don't see.

"We must weather this storm!" Nagi comments.

The onslaught continues.

"Just gotta wait for an opening!" Shoka reminds everyone, jumping over one.

"Well, we haven't got all day here!" Fret counters.

Kanon ducks under a red blast and sidesteps a purple one. "Patience is key. We can't win if we're injured."

Eventually, the onslaught stops, and they all take a quick moment to catch their breath.

"Is it over?" Fret asks cautiously.

"Not yet!" Neku yells back from where he's standing as Phoenix Cantus draws nearer.

"Now's our time to strike back!" Rindo points out, except a barrier surrounds the Phoenix Cantus's main body.

"The head is immune to attacks!" Kanon calls out, already recognizing what the barrier means. "Get rid of the tails first!"

"Keep an eye out for any stray attacks," Neku reminds everyone.

They all get to work, hitting tails until they move away.

"It's all my fault for turning back time…" Rindo murmurs.

"What're you talking about, Rindude? None of us would be here if it weren't for you!"

"I agree," Kanon tells him. Sweet Fret, always cheering people up. "If you didn't, all of us would be long erased by now."

"Yeah… Good point!"

The battle rages on, and the appearance of a destroyed tail becomes more apparent after Nagi hits one with a psychic shotgun psych and the tail falls apart rapidly, starting from the end where they had been attacking, and continuing all the way until the Phoenix's main body.

So hitting the tails was definitely damaging it, then. Nagi must have come to the same conclusion because she speaks next.

"Each feather, a step closer to victory."

"It's working…" Rindo realize

"We shan't rest until its fate is sealed!"

Somehow during the fight, the group had spread out into groups of two and three, Rindo, Fret, and Shoka taking on one feather, Beat and Nagi teaming up with another, leaving Kanon and Neku to team up on one.

"Damn, could you have made this thing any tougher, yo?"

Rindo huffs a tired laugh. "My bad…"

"Hey! Quit apologizin' and start attackin'!"

"Okay!"

Kanon grabs the back of Neku's jacket and yanks him back, pulling him out of the way of a few attacks Phoenix Cantus had launched at them from far away. She doesn't blame him for not noticing, there was too much going on. He shoots a quick "thanks" before rushing forwards with his Hotaru pin that Kanon recognizes as a vortex saber psych, destroying the tail.

"We're almost there… Everybody ready?" Neku quickly surveys their group, checking up on everyone with a brief glance.

"I am… it's my responsibility to make things right!"

"Rindo…"

"This city isn't going anywhere!"

"Good. Let's go!"

Of course, now that he's said that, Phoenix Cantus moves farther back and launches the same rainbow onslaught attack at them. The tails must've affected the duration or something because it doesn't feel like it goes on for quite as long as it had before.

"Die already!" Shoka shouts in frustration, hitting with a psychic shotgun that was part of an ensemble with Nagi's own pin.

"Just a little more… We've got this! Don't let up now!" Rindo assures her.

"Gotta say Rindo, you sure have changed."

"Huh? I have?"

"Yeah, you're finally making your own decisions."

"H-hell yeah, I am!"

Then, Phoenix Cantus moves back again, like it's about to do that attack for the third time, except it raises its head up and opens its mouth, several beams shooting out to rain down on them.

Those beams are the most dangerous attack in its arsenal, blasting the ground destructively (if there were anything besides them to destroy), with different blasts that lasted way longer than the Phoenix had sent out.

They quickly realize that the best way to attack is to stand right outside the blast radius and move back where the blast had previously been. This attack of seeming desperation doesn't last too long, thankfully, and it draws closer, only a few tails remaining.

"Don't let your guard down!" Neku reminds them.

Beat grins, more than ecstatic that he's alongside his best friend again. "Roger that, yo!"

"Onward, soldiers!" Nagi commands, pointing towards the last tail.

"Don't give up now!" Kanon encourages.

"Almost… there!" Rindo is determined to win against the Noise he had inadvertently helped create, but Kanon doesn't miss the exhaustion in his voice.

Eventually, the final tail is destroyed, and the Phoenix lets out a cry as the shield around it vanishes.

"I think this is it!" Fret grins as their entire team rush towards the head.

"It is, so don't screw it up!" Shoka tells him.

Rindo lets out a battle cry, rushing forwards, psych at the ready.

They use a Killer Remix against it, and Kanon can sense it— this fight is almost over.

"It's almost down!" Kanon calls out, power surging through her. "Just a bit more!"

"One last hit! Everybody ready?" Fret yells, hand glowing.

"Battle ready!" Nagi screeches.

"Let's make it count, yo!" Beat agrees, fist pulled back and glowing.

Shoka raises her arms in preparation. "You know I will!"

Power builds in Neku's hands as they all sync up. "This is it!"

"We're gonna take back this city!" Rindo declares, and they all unleash their synced-up power at once, blasting Phoenix Cantus with seven beams of sheer energy.

Eventually, after nearly a minute of blasting it, Phoenix Cantus falls and disintegrates, and Kanon finds that all of them have been returned to the Scramble Crossing, bright blue skies overhead, and the world around them continuing as normal.

She's unsure if they're still in the RG or not until her 'Beauties come running up to them, praising them, tears and snot running down their faces. Heh. Her 'Beauties are the same as always.

"We did it," Rindo breathes out. "It's gone!"

"Seriously?" Fret asks, eyes wide. "Like, did we actually beat that thing!?"

Beat answers with a toothy grin. "Damn right we did."

"Duuuuude!" Fret gives a cry of victory. Then, Nagi promptly bursts into tears. "C'mon, don't cry, Boss!"

"Well, Rindo," Neku gives a soft smile. "It worked."

"Yeah, thanks to you! I'm just glad it's finally over."

"Me, too," Shoka agrees.

Kanon realizes that she should probably address her team. She turns and all of them listen carefully, listening to her words as if they were gospel.

"Time to go home now, everyone."

And then they're charging towards their group, crying and hugging the first person they can reach. Fret and Beat welcome the hugs with open arms, with Rindo and Shoka seeming much more hesitant. Nagi outright hisses at the few who come near her, but they ignore her anyway and she gets pulled into the mass of hugs. A few brave Variabeauties look like they want to hug Neku, too, but stray away a bit. Neku notices them and after a few moments of seemingly careful deliberation, opens his arms for hugs, and they go barreling towards him, too. Neku gets knocked down with an alarmed yelp, but Kanon can hear him laughing anyways.

Maito approaches her, though, with a handshake. "It's been an absolute honor being on your team, Kween Kanon."

Kanon can't help the giggle that escapes her. "Just Kanon, please. I'm sorry that I couldn't get you guys out sooner."

Maito shakes his head. "Blame the Ruinbringers, not yourself. Besides, we saved the city. I'd play the Game for the rest of my life if I had to to keep the city safe."

"If you say so." But Kanon understands one thing. Just because they lived, doesn't mean the Game's over. There were two teams left, both tied for first and last.

"Wait, what about the Game?" Rindo asks once the Variabeauties had untangled themselves from the hugging.

"Ah, yes, we still haven't declared a winner." And there was the Game Master, as if on cue.

"Shiba," Kanon says under her breath, trying hard to make it not sound like a snarl.

"Seriously?" Rindo sighed, and Kanon had to agree. Couldn't he just skip the theatrics and get straight to the point?

"I must say, I was heated for our final showdown. And I can only speak for myself here, but I'm not fit to fight at this point. I'm all burnt out."

So he… wasn't going to fight them? He changed his mind?

"You and me both," Rindo agrees.

"Technically speaking, you have beaten me once before, but there isn't much sizzle in a victory by default."

Oh god damn it.

"I have to say," Kanon interrupts. "I'd rather not play another round. Especially if there's only going to be two teams."

Shiba merely smiles. "Heh. In case you didn't hear me the first time, I'm all burnt out."

Kanon relaxes. "Good."

"Let's just call it a draw. …This time. I hadn't given much thought to what to do in this situation, but I suppose that means it's Game Over. In other words, we're done here, everyone."

"Just like that?" Rindo asks, a small sliver of distrust in his voice. "What are we supposed to do?"

"Go home. Back to the RG. Toss that pin and you're all set. You'll be home before you know it."

Shiba turns to address Shoka. Kanon knows the rule about Shinjuku Reapers, and she had been wondering how she was going to avoid it. But it looks like the girl was unwilling to rejoin the Reapers and ready to accept her fate and let herself end in erasure.

Shiba gives her a deadline for her decision and leaves. Rindo begins to talk with Shoka and Kanon politely decides not to eavesdrop. That's a private conversation between the two of them.

Instead, Kanon turns to talk with the remaining Twisters.

"Thank you all for everything."

"No, thank you, Kanon," Fret smiles. "You taught me so much and helped me confront myself and how I dealt with something I thought I got over so long ago. So… thank you, for everything."

"That change was all you, Fret," Kanon smiles. "I merely bought them to light. It was your decision of what to do." She turns to Neku. "I know you showed up a little late to the party, but you were just in time to help us all out. We really appreciate it."

"I'm just glad we managed to save at least one other team," Neku smiles. "Back in the last game, it… usually ended with just one pair of Players left."

"At least it's ending on a high note, hmm?" She turns to Nagi and Beat. "Thank you for everything, too. I would've been erased if it weren't for your help."

"There is no need for thanks, Lady Kanon," Nagi begins. "After all, you showed us—"

"No prob, Kanon," Beat interrupts before Nagi can devolve into a long speech.

Kanon's about to say something else when a shout interrupts her.

"SHOKA!" They turn to see Rindo, by himself, facing a boy with ash blonde hair. Who in the hell was this? "What did you do to her!?"

"I put her back on the street with the other stray cats. Find her, and you win," The boy smirks.

"She could be anywhere…!"

"Good luck finding that anywhere… Rindo."

The boy waves a finger, and Rindo's Player Pin goes flying and Rindo disappears back into the RG.

Kanon's put immediately on guard when the boy turns to them. Fret and Nagi are on guard, too. Beat's in a defensive stance, but it's more of a frustrated defensiveness than Fret and Nagi's anxious, scared, and angry ones.

Neku, on the other hand, merely sighs. "Really, Josh? You're doing this again?"

'Josh' giggles, "At least it's not a bullet, hmm?"

"Not funny, Priss-Kid," Beat says, a mix of tired and annoyed. He gets another giggle in response.

He turns to Kanon next. "Congratulations on winning the Game. As a prize, you'll be returned to the RG without anyone knowing you were dead in the first place. Why, it'll be as if you never left!"

And with a wave of the finger, Kanon and her 'Beauties are returned home— back to the RG.