Chapter Text

That goddamn idiot. That spineless moron. Why did he do that? Why didn't he just followed my orders???

I guess it didn't matter at that point. I fled the scene bound reaper over arm, and was running as fast as I could. Where to? Beats me. I was just running from the onslaught of reapers.

I would have been lying if I said I wasn't feeling guilty. After Neku got the jump on me once the reaper began screaming, I kicked him off me and into the side of a nearby building. I guess I knocked the wind out of him. Before I could check him, reapers began charging into the alley. So I had to bail. But not before picking someone to run off with...

I eventually ran away from the Shinjuku Washington, eastward, following the road until I lost sight of the reapers. I figured Neku would be enough for them.

I decided to hide out between some café and a bank to get my bearings. I placed the reaper down and began to pace as she struggled against her bindings.

Junko: Urg- just- just let me go!

I sneered at her. She had caused me enough trouble as is. I kneeled down and got close.

Jess: Why should I? You're the perfect leverage to get my partner back.

The reaper saddened. I simply frowned, expecting what was next.

Jess: Let me guess, they don't care do they?

Junko: Most of us are considered expendable by the conductors standards... Kyo tries to help us when things get rough, but- there's only so much they can do.

Jess: Yeah, yeah.

I stood and continued pacing.

The moon was directly above us now. It was probably around midnight when I had the idea to try and chat with Sunako again. Maybe she'd help... Maybe...

So I decided, I'd hideout for the night, and head over to Sun's café first thing in the morning...

I just hoped Neku would stay alive that long...

Neku: Day 5

After being kicked again, I was unconscious for a while. When I finally came to, however, I found myself in an ominously quiet room. Everything was metal. The walls, the floor, the ceiling. Even the table, chair, and door. All of it was bolted down. Meanwhile, I was shackled to one of the chairs.

After realizing I was all alone, I checked my pockets... Nothing. They took everything off me it seemed. Including my phone. Left with only my thoughts to keep me sane.

So. Recap. How did I get here again???

I was face to face with Kyo. But before that... I was thrown into a building... But by who-?

Neku: Oh...

I realized quickly, even through my throbbing head, that Jess had basically left me for dead.

Just then, the door opened, and in came Kyo. They sighed.

Kyo: I'm really not fond of how you're partner took one of pur own.

Neku: Did she? Honestly, I'm more concerned that she seemed to care about them over me.

Kyo pondered the idea. Narrowing their eyes at me.

Kyo: Yes. I can see. But- nothing can be done now.

Kyo sat down.

Kyo: And thankfully, you're probably worth more to us than she was.

Neku: That's- messed up...

Kyo cocked their head upwards, reached into a bag and pulled out a number of folders. They proceeded to lay them out in from of me and open them one by one.

It was three in total, with my eyes growing wider with each one opened. It was files on me, Joshua, and Rhyme.

Kyo: These should look familiar to you, yeah?

Speechless, I simply glanced at Kyo in confusion.

Neku: I- what? What the hell am I looking at???

Kyo slammed the table getting uncomfortably in my face.

Kyo: You know damn well, you copied these, did you not?

Neku: What are you talking about?!?! You're saying you all surveyed us before bringing us here???

Kyo raised an eyebrow, sitting back down.

Kyo: Let me get this straight, you haven't seen these?

Neku: Why would I have?!?! You're the ones who shot me and Joshua!!!

Kyo leans back.

Kyo: No. If you're a civilian of Shinjuku, we have you on file. Easy as that really.

Neku: Try Shibuya jackass.

Kyo froze. Then proceeded to check the files.

Kyo: It clearly says you're address in Shinjuku here.

Neku: That's bullshit- Joshua and I were in Dogenzaka, Shibuya before getting shot and waking up here. Someone wants us here, but I don't know-

Kyo slammed the table again.

Kyo: Shut up! Why on gods green earth would these files be forged???

Why would they be? Unless-

Neku: One year ago, Shibuya had a- situation... One that nearly led the composer to wipe it from the map. I'm guessing someone higher up saw that, and- for some reason, brought us here because of it.

There was an prolonged silence. Eventually, Kyo stood, took the files and exited the room without a word. Meanwhile I leaned back in my metal chair, letting out an anxious sigh of relief.

…

The sun eventually started glaring on my sunken, baggy eyes. It was time to make a house call, so-to-speak.

Jess: Hey- hey! Wake up reaper!!!

The reaper mumbled awake. God she was slow.

Junko: Urg- Just- call me Junko alright-

She stopped when looking at me.

Junko: Oh my god, what happened to you?

Jess: Why are you worrying about it?

Junko: Because you look- did you sleep at all last night?

Jess: No. Why? Should I have?

Junko blinked a few times before shaking her head.

Junko: Um- sure. Whatever floats your boat.

Junko squeaked as I picked her up and began making my way to Sunako's place.

As I walked through the streets, hefting a Junko over my shoulder, she began to try and make conversation...

Junko: So... Um- why did you leave your partner?

Jess: You seemed more valuable at the time.

Junko: What does that mean?

I rolled my eyes.

Jess: You maybe have information.

Junko snickered to herself.

Jess: What?

Junko: It's just- I did say we're disposable aren't we?

Jess: And?

Junko: Why would they give disposable troops valuable information?

Shit.

Jess: See, issue is: I have no reason to believe you. So if you don't mind, shut up, speak only when spoken to, and we'll be fine and dandy.

Thankfully, that got her to shut up. As I approached Sun's café, hearing the trains pass by amidst the quiet, but potent morning hustle, I saw Neku's old pal, Rikka wiping windows. Turely, they were our guardians.

I stopped in the alley next to the café, planting Junko down. I pulled off my flannel shirt, and began tearing the bottom part.

Junko: What are you doing? Why not take me in with you?

Jess: Well- If I'm right, Sun won't like that I've kidnapped a reaper. So, I'll just leave you here for safe keeping.

I began rolling up the torn flannel.

Junko: Sun-? She lives here?

Jess: Probably not "live" but she spends most of her time here. Now, I'm gonna need you to shut it for now.

I shoved it the flannel into the reapers mouth, and hid her in the dumpster. I wave before I close it.

Jess: I'll be back, don't worry- Jeez. Even their dumpsters got cleaned.

I slammed the dumpster shut.

Jess: The hell Sun...

I put back on my- almost- midriff flannel button up, and step inside.

...

I sat in silence for what felt like forever. But eventually, the door opened again. This time a familiar figure from last week walked in. Someone I wasn't expecting to see.

It was Zethube.

He put a finger to his lips as he slowly closed the door.

The reaper grabbed a chair, turned it around, and sat down.

Neku: Gotta say, you're the last person I expected to see.

The serpent shrugged, seemingly aware of the odd circumstance himself.

Zethube: Yeah. It's ah- definitely unconventional. But here I am, and boy, it's your lucky day.

I narrow my eyes.

Neku: How so?

Zethube: I have some information regarding everything.

Neku: What do you mean by-

I hesitate. Zethube's gaze becoming more intense.

Neku: -Everything...

Without missing a beat, Zethube pull out all too familiar files. He sets my file in front of me, and opens. He points to my address.

Zethube: That's not you. Right?

Neku: Y-yeah... How did Kyo get that?

Zethube: Kyo didn't. In fact, Kyo is only a pawn in this whole shitfest of a series of games.

There was a pause.

Neku: Care to elaborate?

Zethube: I'll give you one guess..

My face grew grim. Catching onto what he was implying.

Neku: Diata?

The serpent nodded.

Zethube: Diata is involved in a lot of messes here. He's the front for most of the reapers. Now? The composer.

Neku: Is he why the composer is gone? Why the rules aren't being enforced???

Zethube chuckles.

Zethube: God- if only it were just Diata. Let me spell this out as clear as I can.

I tense up. Readying myself for those desperate answers I've been seeking all week...

Zethube: Tinogi and I- we're a part of a group intending on dethroning Diata.

Neku: God- another coup huh?

Zethube: Maybe closer to impeachment? I dunno. I don't care. All I know is that my fellow reapers are getting tossed in the can for reasons "we can't comprehend", according to Diata. He claims the Composer is alive and well, that they're pulling all the strings, but we know better.

Neku: Who's "we"?

Zethube: Like I said. Tinogi and I. All of pur other associates are nameless right now. They're none of your concern.

Neku: So then- do you know about the mutants?

Zethube: Mutants???

Zethube thought for a minute before something hitting him. He scratched his head.

Zethube: O-oh. Those guys... That's Tinogi doing, unfortunately... Which actually lead me to my next point-

He stopped. Jerked out of his seat, and ran to the door.

Zethube: Sorry kid, be back in a while.

The door slammed behind him. Leaving me alone with my thoughts yet again...

...

I swung open the door with *just* the right amount of force. It got everyone's attention, and it didn't break anything. A win win for everyone really.

Sun, however, wasn't so amused. In fact, she looked pissed. I walked up to the counter anyway.

Jess: Fancy seeing you again.

Sun: What do you want?

Jess: Simple. I need information on No. 2. I figure your the ideal person to turn to.

Sun: And why would I give you any information?

Jess: Maybe because Neku is captured by reapers? Locked up and likely being interrogated as we speak.

Sun narrowed her eyes.

Sun: Ok then.

She turned around and began walking back to the kitchen.

Jess: Oh my god- what's your problem???

Sun: It's not my problem. That's the issue.

Jess: Oh- well.

I swung my gun from my pocket, aiming directly at Sun.

Sun: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?!

Jess: Now is it your problem?!?!

Suddenly, from behind Sunako, a tendril extends and slams me into the glass wall right next to the door. The tendril wrapped around my hand, forcing the gun out and onto the ground.

Sun: You think this is some suck joke?!?!

Jess: It's- not a joke- why don't you- listen?!?!

As I was nearly getting chocked to death, a sound comes from behind.

I hear a voice.

???: What in the hell is happening?!?!

A chain shot through the tendril, releasing me. I dropped to the ground, finally letting me catch my breath.

Sun: Oh. Good. She'll care. Rhyme, let me know if anyone *actually* needs me.

Jess: Rhyme? Wait...

I looked up, and sure enough. The orange, beanie wearing punk was standing in front of me, arms crossed. She hands me my gun.

Rhyme: I'm guessing this is yours?

I snag it back forcefully and straighten myself.

Jess: So, you're Rhyme.

She looked to either side.

Rhyme: I mean, I'm the only one with that name here so... Yeah. That's me.

She gave me a cocky smile. The look of it was enough to make my stomach churn. I dunno why, but she rubbed the wrong way.

Jess: So then, what are you doing here? And-

I looked around.

Jess: Where's your partner??? What's his face?

Rhyme looked down with a now pained expression.

Rhyme: I'm not a part of the reapers game right now...

Jess: Wait- then your back in the RG?

Rhyme: Not true either. I'm just as dead as you are.

Jess: Then- how-?

Rhyme: I have Sun to thank for that.

Jess: Oh. Then, since she said you'd care, want to explain why neither of those two do?

Rhyme frowned. Clearly annoyed herself. She began walking to a booth.

Rhyme: Sit down, let's chat.

We sit down. At a booth, the morning sun out of view by the window, as the general hustle and bustle drags by. I lean back in my seat arms crossed.

Jess: So?

Rhyme fiddles with her fingers, seemingly trying to articulate the words she needs to use in her head prior to the explanation. Eventually, she leans forward.

Rhyme: So, Neku, this is his second game right?

I slowly nod. That much should be obvious.

Rhyme: So that means he already has an entry fee for the first game. That means there needs to be something taken for the second game.

I raise an eyebrow.

Jess: But an entry fee has to be tangible... Right?

Rhyme shook her head.

Rhyme: Unfortunately... They can also be pretentious and abstract. In this case, it seems that any respect for Neku has been taken as his entry fee...

I narrow my eyes at Rhyme, who clearly still cared about Neku's well being.

Rhyme: Oh- right. Me. Well- like I said, I'm not a part of the game. As such, I don't seem to be effected. But you...

She narrowed her eyes in return.

Rhyme: Here you are. Trying to help Neku, why?

I raised an eyebrow. Not entirely sure how to respond.

Jess: I dunno. Maybe I have to respect him enough??? I honestly don't care about the semantics of it all. What I want to know now, is how we get into No. 2.

Rhyme: That's- a little complicated... I have no way in myself. But if Josh-

I lean in.

Jess: Who?

Rhyme: No one you know, clearly.

I huffed yet again.

Jess: Both you and Neku I swear, are the worst when it comes to trying to keep secrets.

Rhyme: The point is: There's no easy way in. Unless your a reaper, you can't get in there.

A little lightbulb went off in my head. Immediately turning to a particular dumpster...

Rhyme: What's that look for?

Jess: Oh, nothing. I just think I have that covered. Here-

I stood up and began walking out the door.

Jess: Give me a sec'.

...

It was a good, say twenty minutes of not really getting anywhere before Kyo started posing the threats.

Kyo: Let's keep this simple. I want to know where *this* one-

They point to Joshua's file.

Kyo: -is. If you can't provide that, I'll just have to erase your entry fees.

Neku: But- you can't do that!

Kyo: Actually, I can do as I damn well please. I'm not restricted to traditional regulations. I'm assuming you don't want a demonstration...

Neku: But I've already told you, I don't know where Joshua is! Last I saw, he was in No. 3!

Kyo: And No. 3 is now torn down.

Neku: If he really did do that, I've had no idea when, or even how.

Kyo let's out a sigh.

Kyo: Well- I guess you've pressed my hand... I'll be back.

They stood and walked out, slamming the door behind them.

Again, not long after, Zethube reentered.

Zethube: OK. Let's make this quick: Tinogi has gone rogue.

Neku: *What*.

Zethube: I know- I know. Those, what did you call them, mutants? That was his doing. He was given instructions to gather forces, but clearly, he's gone too far.

Neku: Wait- what exactly *are* the mutants?

Zethube lowered his head, looking away.

Zethube: I mean, I don't know how else to say it but- they're players turned into monsters...

My heart just sort of- stopped at that moment. Does that mean, that whole time, we'd been killing players?

Zethube: Truth be told, I don't even know how Tinogi managed to do that. But they call him the puppet master for a reason. So, I'm gonna try and present you an offer.

Neku: Go on...

Zethube: You promise to take Tinogi down, and I can help you get back your leverage against Diata...

Neku: What does that mean?

Zethube: Take him down, and I'll show you.

I thought for a second. At that point I had little to lose. Odds were I was on death row from whatever Kyo was planning. I nodded.

Neku: Alright, I'll do it. But I need to get out of here first.

Zethube: Way ahead of you.

Zethube slid a card in front of me. It was a- ball and chain?

Neku: I- what?

Zethube: I knew Kyo when they went by a different name. They were... More feminine, I guess. But regardless of what's changed, Kyo is still Kyo. Just as rule bound and devoted as they've ever been. I want you to help show them that their only real authority doesn't have their best interests in mind. They're good people, just a little misguided in this case.

He smirked.

Zethube: But- ah, if they fail to listen to reason, you have my permission to beat the crap out of them until they listen.

For the last time, Zethube stands and exits.

I pocket the card, and await my fate with Kyo.

...

...

...

The door flung open. Kyo stood with a grim look. Sweat was slowly trickling down my head as they just stood at the doorframe for a bit, before walking over and undoing my shackles.

Neku: You- know, Diata probably isn't as reliable as you think.

Silence. Kyo stood, yanking me out of my seat. They shoved me out the door, guiding me through the corridor.

Everything around me was metal. Not just like sheet metal, I'm talking borderline stainless steel. It was a straight hallways with dozens of doors lining either side, each presumably leading to an isolated prison of their own.

Repeatedly, I was shoved through, eventually exiting into an assembly hall. I turned to see where we came from, but the door was simply- gone.

In the center of the assembly sat Diata and a group of hooded individuals, including Zethube.

Kyo led me down in front of the table where the group all stood. They kick my legs, bringing me to my knees. Diata smirked.

Diata: Ahhh. We meet again, Neku.

Diata stood.

Diata: Excuse me, please.

He walked around the table and knelt in front of me.

Diata: I hope your stay has been as pleasant as it could have been. But- you know... I've had my eyes on you since last week.

I narrowed my eyes. He was going to give me some sort of offer to join, isn't he?

Diata: I think it would be smart if-

Neku: I'm not joining you bastards.

Diata sneered, holding back the rage. He stood.

Diata: Well, that's rude of you. Jumping to conclusions, presuming we want you to join. When in fact-

Diata then kicked me in the face. I flew backwards onto the marble flooring. I lurched upright, to meet an ethereal sword pointed right at me.

Diata: That couldn't be further from the truth. You see- you have something. Something I don't know about. Something I want.

Neku: I- you- what???

Diata: Yes. I'm going to get what I want, then, I'll kill you. Sound simple enough?

I was frozen. What could he possibly get from me? Besides the card Zethube gave me, did I have anything on me?

Diata snapped his fingers, and two minx noise appeared on either side. Once summoned, they began to sniff me with intent. I could only stay frozen. Diata mumbled to himself.

Diata: Come on... Do it!

Kyo, who was now next to Diata appeared puzzled.

Kyo: Is this really necessary sir? Doesn't it seem rather- wasteful???

Diata: Not- now, Kyo... I'm so close... If he'll just... Do... It...

Diata was about to burst a vein he looked so pissed. Meanwhile I was desperately trying to not antagonize two rather already antsy noise.

What's more? I had no clue what the hell he wanted. But regardless, I reached into my pocket, locking eyes with Zethube, who was watching with curiosity. He solemnly nodded. Issue was, if I made any sudden movements, the noise would pounce. I managed to get my hand in my pocket...

???: Hello? Kyo???

Then- panic ensued. That was Jess' voice. Why was I hearing Jess' voice?

Kyo: Junko?

Kyo walked right past me, one of the noise snapping at them. They responded with a flaming palm to the face, and continued.

Diata was fuming now.

Diata: Kyo-!

I turned to see Jess making the most- out of character pose I'd ever seen. But, Kyo walked up to her as if nothing was wrong.

Jess: What's going on Kyo?

Kyo: Junko... First, how did you escape? I thought you were kidnapped by that- that...

She probably would have shot them then and there... But instead, she kept her composure.

Jess: She was exhausted after staying up all night keeping watch, I was able to slip away.

Kyo turned around and began walking back to the center.

Kyo: So long as you're okay, we'll have to debrief you so we can-

Jess suddenly let out a whistle, pulled her gun, and shot Kyo in the side.

They let out a screech, keeling over in pain. I was still surrounded by two very pissed off noise. But with the sound to grab their attention, I pulled out my card and swung it outward, full force. As I swung my arm, a ball sprawled out with a chain attached to the card and it. It swung around me, making a full 180, knocking both noise into the seats to my right. Just like that, the ball and chain disappeared.

I stumbled to rejoin Jess, who aimed right past me. Suddenly, I heard a series of clicks all around.

Everyone, including Zethube had a gun pulled, and was aimed at me.

Diata: I wouldn't do that if I were you...

Jess: Well thank god you're not him then.

Neku: Let's just- put down all the guns okay?

Diata: NO!!! YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I'M GODDAMN LOOKING FOR, OR YOU'RE GOING TO DROP. DEAD.

Jess: Come on... Where are you...

I turned to Jess.

Neku: Who-?

Of course. On que, a very loud squeal was heard from above, eventually leading to the windows shattering all around, letting in the immensely loud feedback to seer into the room and deafen everyone.

Jess grabbed me and pulled me back into the entrance from where she came from and we took cover.

Neku: What the hell is going on?!?!?!

Jess: In a sec-!

From one of the windows as the sound began to fade, a silhouette appeared in the evening sun and thrusted their arm toward the reapers. I realized that they threw a card, which began the spark and churn. Building up to an electrical shear through the hall. The table was split in two, reapers were knocked to either side from the blast. Just before the figure went back into cover, my eyes finally managed to focus and reveal... Rhyme???

Neku: Wait- is that-?

Jess: Yeah, it's your pal, we'll talk later. First run!

Jess pulled me out of the building. As the reapers opened fire both on us and Rhyme.

We ran out to meet the evening sun, and looked around.

Jess: Shit.

That was the nice way of putting it...

Reapers surrounded us on all sides. I turned around and looked at where we came from to see... No. 1? Was I in No. 1?

Neku: Where did I-

Jess: Not now.

Also from behind came a furious Diata, followed by his lackeys... And Zethube...

Diata: You- you *killed* Kyo.

Jess: They're not dead. Don't worry. I just needed them out of the way for now. Give 'em a day or two. They can get back to sucking you off in no time-

I elbowed Jess as hard as humanly possible.

Jess: *H-urk*!

Diata slowly raised his gun.

Diata: I have no idea who you are but- your gonna die too. How about that-?

Neku: Jess, duck!

As fast as I could I pulled the wrecking ball card out again and flung around in circles. I grew massive in size, but simply holding was zapping me of my stamina fast.

I couldn't see clearly as I was spinning, but reapers were definitely flying. However, Diata looked like. He was simply walking through it, and was fast approaching. I release the card and stumble back behind Jess.

Neku: Jess! Now-!

Jess twisted her feet around and pushed herself in front of me. She swung her gun towards Diata and fired. It only took one shot. Diata staggered, and knelt down, groaning in pain. I peeked to see that he was shot right in the eye, but it just bounced off. What was left, however, was a massive bloody wound around his eye.

Diata: D-damn... You...

Seizing the opportunity, Jess grabbed me again and shoved through the field of reapers that were very slowly regaining their footing. Together, we ran into the city...

...

Day 5: To Hell