Chapter Text

White.

Nothing but white...

...

It was strange, like waking from a dream. A very long, sluggish dream.

He was only half awake the whole time, of course. Whether that was a good thing, or even helpful... That wasn't something worth considering.

Not long after lingering in full consciousness, he realized it wasn't just white.

Huh.

He stretched from his fetal position stretching his wings.

Daintily landing on the ground, hands in his pocket, he looked around. Yep. About what he'd expected, unfortunately. This was a last resort, one that he had little pleasure in undertaking. The pure static that was the sky, the dark silhouette that was the buildings in the distance, he recalled why he hid in his wings during the restoration process.

Ah. Yes.

He looked at his hands. They were in tact. He ran one through his hair.

Oh? He pulled a strand out, inspecting it.

It seemed to have lost even more color. Glorious...

He scanned the area, getting a proper idea as to where he was. No. 1? Of course that's where he hid...

He noticed something though. There was no noise in view. Where was-?

Upon turning around, he saw the army approaching.

Why *wouldn't* they be there?

A miscellaneous mixture of noise were grouped together approaching the building.

He sighed, outstretched his wings, and took flight. The view was remarkable, but what caught his attention was how the noise were being kept out of a radius around No. 1. The primary point of interest. It made some sense. It's likely where all of their operations were being performed.

Out in the distance, however, he spotted something else. A familiar young boy on top of a nearby building. The only ounce of color in the dark, mostly monochrome world. He flew towards the boy.

Upon approach, the boy recoiled.

Boy: Who- who are you???

He sighed sadly.

???: I'm sorry. It seems you met a sad end. As well as choosing to fight at the worst moment imaginable.

Boy: W-what the hell are you going on about?!?!

He flicked his hair out of his face. It was even longer now. It seems the restoration process aged him up slightly.

???: Call me Joshua. Not that you'll need names...

Boy: What do you mean?

The composer's expression soured slightly. He tried to parse the word as straightforward as possible.

Joshua: You've been damned to the planes in between my friend. This is the noise' home world.

Week 2: Day 7

...

Boy: W-what?

Joshua rubbed his temples, shrugging.

Joshua: I'd hoped that would have been enough for you, but fine. I'll *try* to keep it brief- You must have been fighting the noise before appearing here... Right?

The boy nodded, hesitantly.

Joshua: Right. That means while you were fighting, someone destroyed that plane. Or- both planes. I guess.

Boy: So- I'm stuck here???

Joshua: Probably.

The boys face was stuck in panic mode for a moment. Before it turned into determination.

Boy: But- what about my friend???

Joshua paused. That's right. There was a girl with him. He and Rhyme had seen them both while searching Shinjuku for the first time. They were both complaining about the cards...

But something clearly didn't add up...

Joshua: I'd imagine, if you haven't seen her already- she's probably dead.

The boys face returned to dread.

No time to dwell on sour feelings, unfortunately. Joshua had to figure out how to rejoin his cohorts. If he could at all.

As if on cue, Joshua saw something appear behind the boy. A tear. It was brief, but it seemed like- the UG?

Just as soon as it appeared, it vanished. However, Joshua saw all he needed to see.

Neku and Rhyme.

They were gathering their things, looking behind him. Joshua turned around to see another, not quite as big a building not far from No. 1.

Joshua: Do you know what that is?

He pointed to the building.

Boy: Oh- erm. It- it's No. 2. I think.

Joshua: No. 2... Sounds about right.

Boy: W-What about that sounds right?

Joshua: I get to burn down another one of the reapers' hideout.

Boy: I- ah- how?!?!

Joshua rolled his eyes. He didn't want to go through this song and dance with a nobody. So he wasn't going to.

Joshua: How good are you with psychs?

The boy paused, recalling his brief experience in the reapers game so far.

Boy: Alright... I think.

Joshua: Now spawning much confidence, but I can work with that.

Joshua cracked his knuckles and dragged the boy with him as he flew over the noise army towards No. 2.

Boy: WOAH- WHAT THE HELL?!?!

Joshua rolled his eyes again. At this point the reactions were tired and repetitive. Humans really were mundane, weren't they?

He ignored the boy's flailing and wailing as he approached the rooftop of No. 2. Upon touching down, another tear appeared.

Joshua: Oh?

There wasn't anything of note at first glance. The sky was slowly lightning up with the morning sun. Perhaps they were about to be on the clock...

Joshua tapped his feet pensively. Trying to understand the existence of a tear to begin with.

Boy: What- are you looking at?

Ah. Right. Joshua hadn't had to elaborate on the "I see dead people" bit before. But in essence it was the same idea. But rather than the RG and UG being melded together in some fashion, Joshua apparently saw a tear from the Noise Realm into the UG. But only him, it seemed.

Joshua: Right now, just keep watch. It's too much to explain.

The boy narrowed his eyes.

Boy: Why should I trust you of all people?

Joshua turned to him and blinked.

Joshua: Because I'm the only people you're gonna see here?

The boy wanted to protest further, but seceded. Likely having been in this realm for a while already. He began to circle the rooftop, keeping an eye out for anything potentially hostile.

Joshua, meanwhile, began to circle the tear; as it was lasting much longer than expected.

It followed him as he circled. Always facing him directly. It was disorienting just how unnatural it looked. But it was almost like a moving window. As he circled, so did the perspective of the tear. Once behind it, he saw the occasional flash of light in the distance.

Joshua cocked his head at the odd sight. Then, suddenly, a stray bullet flew by directly next to him. Startled, he fell backwards on the ground.

He shook his head. Slowly, he reached out to the tear. He eventually hit something. Something hot. Something very hot. It was, in fact, burning his hand it was so hot. Joshua immediately recoiled.

Joshua: The barrier between... Huh.

He positioned himself back where the flashes were in frame. He could barely make out Neku in the distance, who was launching flames towards something or someone just out of view. Presumably a reaper.

So. That's their plan? Not particularly elaborate... But should suffice.

Joshua nodded to himself and began looking for an entrance to the building. The boy looked over.

Boy: What's the plan then?

Joshua: We're going in. There are people on the other side that could use our help.

Boy: What people?

Joshua: Shut up and maybe I'll tell you.

Joshua stopped at a latch on the floor. He pulled it up to reveal a ladder leading down into the building proper.

Joshua: Here we are-

He began to climb down, gesturing the boy to follow.

Joshua: This way.

The more Joshua had to deal with the baggage that was another person's presence, the less patient he was with it. By now, he could have floored the entire building if he wanted.

Of course- he wouldn't actually...

Would he?

...

Joshua shook his head. No. No he probably wouldn't have. Whether he would admit it or not, Neku was a large reason he was there to begin with. Another one of those fabled emotions he would occasionally hear about... Or- in recent cases, actually felt himself...

The more his mind wondered, the more he questioned himself: why was he there again? What was keeping him from leaving and helping Neku personally? Was he bound to this plane for one reason or another???

Well- he assumed he could leave if he wanted, but he knew Neku hated him. That wasn't up for debate. So then that probably meant Joshua didn't hate Neku if he couldn't face him under those conditions...

"Didn't hate."

What a roundabout way of saying you at least have feelings for someone. Joshua scoffed to himself in frustration, stepping off the ladder into the dark room.

They seemed to have found themselves in a storage room. Joshua was getting deja vu from his time bringing down No. 3. He glanced at the boy cautiously following him. The events coming up probably didn't bode well for him.

Boy: So- what's the plan? Why are we here?

Joshua: Dunno. I'm going to try and find Neku again. We'll see what he needs.

The boy cocked his head, clearly bewildered by everything happening at once.

Joshua traced his hand across one of the boxes as he passed. They were metal. No- aluminum? It was quickly absorbing his body heat, so it was a thin metal of sorts. He began to push the boxes around, trying to find the door.

The boy stood, looking around, trying to regain his bearings. He noticed a switch next to the ladder. Upon further inspection, there was a label: "power to utilities". He look up at the ceiling to see if that included light.

As Joshua pushed around, he heard a *click* followed by a low persistent hum. He froze, turning around slowly. At seeing the boy starring at the ceiling, he turned his gaze upwards as well. He saw the lights "turn on," but it wasn't quite "on" in the traditional sense. It was almost like they could see the light was on, but there was no light.

Joshua looked at the boy and narrowed his eyes.

Joshua: Turn it off.

Boy: Why- isn't the light on?

Joshua: It is.

Boy: But-

Joshua: Turn it off. We don't have time for this.

Joshua finally found the door. He turned back to the boy again.

Joshua: Well?

The boy starred at the light for only another moment before turning it off and following Joshua.

...

As the two wondered through the halls they noticed how empty it wall was.

Boy: Nobody here?

Joshua: Not quite. But there are no noise.

Boy: Could you be anymore cryptic?

Joshua turned back and gave the boy a smirk.

Joshua: It's part of my charm.

The boy was not amused.

They continued down the hall, noting how close cornered everything was. No windows, no decor, just a white hall, with the most basic of carpets. The whole set of government buildings were out of character for Tokyo as is, but it felt- lifeless. The lack of people sure didn't help.

Boy: You mentioned that this is the plane between? Between what, exactly?

Joshua narrowed his eyes. Unsure of how to respond. He didn't know if any explanation would sent him into an existential crisis or if he'll try to quickly cope with it on the fly. No telling with humans.

Against his better judgment, he decided to bite.

Joshua: The plane between the UG and oblivion.

Boy: Oblivion???

Joshua: Yes. You know- death?

Boy: So this is-

Joshua: A part of purgatory, yes.

Boy: "Part?"

Joshua: The reapers game is the majority of it. But the noise- well... They exist due to negative emotions. Emotions like that die quickly. As such, they're sent to the UG and are in abundance. But...

Joshua froze. It hit him, why he felt something was off.

Joshua: The noise are then sent here, where they normally either die off, or try and force themselves back into the UG. So then why the hell are there so many-?

Joshua had an epiphany. The noise were here because the planes between the noise' and UG, or- where players fight the noise, disappeared. At the very least, they were locked off. So, what happens if they stay here? If the noise plane gets *too* full...

Joshua: Shit...

Boy: What?

Joshua: Well- if nothing else, everyone's going to be able to fight the noise sooner rather than later...

Boy: Again, with the cryptic remarks!!!

Joshua turned to the boy and grabbed his shoulders.

Joshua: If the noise are allowed to fester here for too much longer, then this plane will be overflowing with noise. And if that happens-

A tear appeared behind Joshua, but this time, he could hear voices. Muffled voices, but voices.

???: You hear about what happened outside No. 1 a few days back?

???: I thought it was yesterday?

???: I'm not sure. Nobody keeps me in the loop...

???: Maybe if you attended the weekly meeting in stead of constantly trying to get laid...

???: I don't want to hear it from you-!

The voices faded away as the duo walked past.

At this point, sweat was beating down Joshua's face.

Joshua: The barriers between shatter...

Not a moment later there was a muffled boom that rang through the tear.

Joshua: That's our cue. We need to get the entrance!

Boy: Cue? WHAT CUE?!?!

Joshua ran up and touched the tear again. The burning sensation returned. But this time, he tried to see if he could tap into it, and see what it's made of...

...

The duo ran down flight after flight of stairs until they reached the ground floor. Joshua ran into the door, forcing it open, and ran out into the lobby. He immediately took notice of the debris and the noise which were crowded at the door. They were swarming like a bunch of angry bees. It was a colorful and terrifying sight.

Joshua: Come on out here!

The boy followed hesitantly, taking note of everything surrounding them.

Boy: What happened here???

Joshua: Neku happened.

Joshua thrusted his hand in front of him, focusing on a specific point. He attempted to tug. On what, he wasn't sure. It felt almost like a middle layer of blankets on a bed. But once Joshua had a good enough grip, he began to pull. As he pulled, an audible hiss was heard around him. The boy noticed a world wrinkle around them as the white haired angel continued to pull the fabric of reality around them.

Boy: Um- Josh-

At a certain point, Joshua froze, he had been mentally calculating how much force he was putting into his pull, as well as taking note of the resistance he was meeting. With that, he tugged the slightest more, and a tear was created. It was shockingly clean as well. Featuring the muffled sound and one way perspective to boot.

Inside was an... Interesting sight. Where Joshua was expecting reapers, he found more of those... Creatures- from the week prior. They were sluggish. Seemingly trying to gain their bearings for the first time. A group of at least four were hovering over the debris from a battle.

Boy: That- was incredible!

The boy stepped towards the tear. Apparently, everyone else could see what he made...

Boy: What is this-? Can- can we go home?

Joshua looked away.

Joshua: I- ah... Thought I made that clear...

Boy: What?

...

Joshua shook his head.

Joshua: Nevermind. We have to stay on this end for now.

Like he said- humans...

Joshua circled the tear. Seeing the elevators untouched towards the back of the plaza. More of those fuzzy creatures were sprawled again the elevator doors, trying to claw away at them.

Joshua: So then, they must have passed us on the way up.

Boy: So we came down here for nothing???

Joshua: Not quite. This scene paints a picture. One we can use to try and determine their next move.

The boy crossed his arms, staring at Joshua impatiently.

Joshua: The better question is what these things are doing here... I've seen them before... But the fact that they're here, now? It's unsettling, to say the least.

Boy: So you don't know what they are?

Joshua shook his head.

Joshua: Not really...

Suddenly, a *CA-CHUNK* reverberated throughout the plaza. The creatures continued their business, unfazed.

Joshua: You heard that, right?

Boy: Yeah- Unfortunately...

The boy was rubbing his ears. It was loud, now that he thought about it...

Joshua scanned the plaza to find nothing. He relaxed slightly. It thankfully wasn't noise.

Boy: Erm- Hey, don't they seem a bit-

Joshua turned to the entrance where the boy was pointing, to see that the noise were more feral than ever. They must have seen the tear.

They wanted out.

With the flick of his wrist Joshua closed the tear, sending the noise in a frenzy. He grabbed the boy and headed straight for the stairway door.

Their ascent began with a stumble. As they ascended, Joshua thrusted his arm behind them, summoning a beam of light to destroy the stairway behind them.

Joshua exited into the second floor. Throwing the boy aside and slamming the door shut with a familiar *CA-CHUNK*.

Joshua: That won't keep them for long...

Boy: Well- what's our plan of attack? Where are those friends you're looking for???

Joshua: Not sure. We need to get our bearings.

Joshua quickly created another tear. He paused. Reapers were standing at the ready, looking at the door. They were all masked, but Joshua could sense the tension they were feeling.

The crowd was silent, waiting for something or someone. Joshua slowly walked around to get an idea as to what they were waiting for.

Boy: They couldn't have seen the noise- could they?

Joshua: Maybe more of those... Things.

They both stood for a moment. Seeing if anything was going to happen.

Boy: So, ah- Where would your friends be heading? What's here that's so important?

Joshua pondered. It must have been the GM of the week. There was Mitaka week one, but this week....? He didn't know. Embarrassed at the realization, he scratched his head.

Joshua: Do you know who the GM is?

The boy shook his head.

Boy: If only I'd stuck around long enough...

Ah. Right.

Joshua: Well- the GM normally dwells on the top floors of these buildings-

Joshua slowly turned around, reminding himself that he'd sort of locked them in.

Joshua: Well then...

Boy: There's gotta be another way up. Maybe on the other end of the building?

Joshua: Probably. But then there's the issue of the noise.

Boy: So what? Just blast them.

Joshua: You underestimate the noise in their most natural environment.

Boy: I dunno. They didn't seem so tough.

There it was again. It was like a prick on the back of his neck, a scratch on the most irritating spot on his back- what was bothering him?

Joshua: Tell me, how did you die?

Boy: Come again?

Joshua sighed. Again with the humans. Always forcing him to ask twice...

Joshua: I said: How. Did. You. Die?

Boy: OK! Ok... Chill out-

The boy rubbed the back of his head.

Boy: I- ah...

He frowned.

Boy: Don't... Remember???

The boy said this to himself as if he realized it for the first time.

Boy: Huh. Well that's a bitch isn't it?

Joshua rolled his eyes. Trying to steadily breathe in and out.

Joshua: Fine. Come on.

Together they began their jog to the other side of the building. This floor was just as plain as the others. The only thing differentiating it was the odd trash can. Winding halls and the most generic office spaces you could imagine were dotted all over.

Joshua could *feel* the emotion being sapped from his very being, just by standing in one of the office spaces. It all felt joyless, lifeless, hopeless... Whatever else you could tack on- it was probably just as valid.

They made their way to a separate stairwell. Joshua took a second to try and listen through the door for noise...

It sounded clear... But he has to be sure.

He slowly cracked it open. Taking a peek, he saw an empty stairwell. He opened the door and turned to the boy.

Joshua: Coast is clea-

*WHAM*

Next thing he knew- Joshua was skidding across the floor with what felt like a hole in his chest. Upon regaining his balance, he saw the giant in front of him. A Rhino that forced itself through the doorway. Unlike most noise he saw in the UG, this one had no distinct color. Instead, it was constantly shifting, in brief moments, it would even become a color that even Joshua had a hard time comprehending.

Joshua shrugged the existential dread of visual concepts away and began to focus his power into one large beam.

However, for reasons Joshua didn't *want* to understand, the boy ran up and jumped off of Joshua's arched back, his body glowing with an aura. The boy reeled back midair and thrusted his arm downwards, and, from the ceiling, a massive spike of ice slammed into the Rhino sending it howling down through the floor.

The boy steadied himself on the floor, aghast at what he'd managed to pull off.

Joshua: Hey.

Boy: Yea-

The boy was backhanded across the face by Joshua.

Joshua: Pull a stunt like that again, and I will kill you with them.

Boy: I- thought we were partners? It looked like it was ready to charge.

Joshua: Well, quite frankly, you idiot, I don't give a shit. Next time I need your damned help, I'll ask for it!

The boy stepped back. Unsure of how to think.

Boy: You're welcome then- I guess.

Suddenly, the floor gave out from below. The Rhino had gotten wise, it seemed. The two fell into a free fall towards the debris below. From which, the Rhino thrust itself upwards towards Joshua. The boy, trying to think as fast as he can, spun around midair and thrust his arm be between the two, summoning an ethereal chain that broke into the noise' horn.

With a fancy flick of the wrist, the chain wrapped itself around the entry point of penetration, and, with a pull, sliced the horn right off.

Joshua collided with the now blunted base of the horn, kicked off and summoned a beam of light.

The composer summoned his wings and flew back up to the floor above, dusting himself off. The boy falling into the dust below.

Joshua narrowed his eyes at hole trying to peer through the cloud. Before he could even flinch, the Rhino jumped upward and body slammed Joshua, pinning him into the wall with a crater.

Joshua tried to regain his focus to summon an attack of any kind, really, but as soon as he tried to lift his hand, the Rhino began to grind Joshua into the wall further with its blunted, yet roughed up horn.

He began to lose feeling in parts of his body as his presumed eternal body was being ground to dust.

Joshua, feeling at least somewhat remorseful, tried to call out for help, but was quickly silenced by another shove from the noise.

Is- is this what they call karma???

Joshua almost wanted to laugh, if it wasn't going to hurt so much. Such a crude concept actually being applicable. It was ironic, really.

Desperately, he tried to push the Rhino off of his body, it was heavy, but Joshua had an ace up his sleeve, he was frustrated to use it so soon, but it was necessary...

Well- it was. Then the Rhino finally eased it's push, as if distracted. It turned its head. Leaving Joshua to collapse to his knees.

Just beyond the noise, however, was the boy wielding a giant ethereal sword, preparing to swing.

The Rhino in frustration began to shift its whole body to try and charge him, and at once two massive, objects collided. The blade lodged into the remaining portion of the noises horn. Miraculously, the boy managed to stand his ground. It was basically watching a wrestling match, two forces trying desperately to overtake the other. What boggled Joshua the most, was that the boy was actually standing a chance. He wasn't sure if it was the psych, or something the boy has tapped into, but his feet were planted, he wasn't going to move.

With what little strength Joshua had, he struggled to leave the hold in the wall, making some space between himself and- whatever the hell was happening behind him.

Once far enough, he collapsed to the floor, turned around and pointed two finger at the eye of the noise, abd focused. It didn't have to be big. It didn't have to be flashy. It just had give the boy time.

With a loud ring, a beam shot from Joshua's fingers, penetrating straight through the Rhino's eye. Causing him to bellow in pain and lose footing. With this upper hand, the boy pull the sword to the side, exposing the Rhino's neck.

The boy leapt into the air summoning a bright yellow saber, and began to spin rapidly in the air, falling toward the noise.

With a loud discharge of static, the boy fell into the hole in the wall, and the Rhino faded away with a much more audible shriek.

Joshua laid back on the ground. Exhausted from the last few minutes of his life.

Like, god- this again???

He wanted to say there was a pattern. Hell, he *knew* there was a pattern. He just wasn't sure if he could admit it to himself...

He took a deep breath, his wings extending from the ground. He quickly wrapped himself in them, absorbing the glow that they emanated. Joshua felt restored... Mostly. But also felt more of- *that* fade away.

It was hard to describe. But, in essence, he had given up some of his composer life force to quickly restore his physical body. Something he had done a few times prior, with himself, with Rhyme, then with Neku and Rikka.

He chided himself for his recklessness. Turning back to the doorway, flew over, and once again turned to the boy.

Joshua: What was I-? Oh, right. The coast is clear.

Joshua walked through the door and into the stairwell. The boy rolled his eyes and followed.

The trek up the rest of the way was silent. Joshua would occasionally create a tear to see what people were doing around them and would continue based off of that. This cycle repeated until they hit the second to last floor. The 4th floor, to be exact.

They stepped off and Joshua created a tear to peek in, only to be met with a face full of a very strange looking man.

The colorful tie die overcoat almost blinded him and his pointed scraggly beard almost poked through the tear. He was grinning. Almost as of he could see straight through.

He turned away, letting the raising sun catch his visor sunglasses. Chatting with another reaper. A- male? Female? Joshua couldn't really distinguish.

Tinogi: Kyo- I don't want to hurt you.

The reaper known as Kyo readied themselves.

Kyo: I don't want to hurt you either Tinogi, sir...

Tinogi sighed. Joshua could tell his smirk had melted.

Tinogi: If only you knew how much bigger this situation actually is. I'm sure you wouldn't be siding with *him* if you did.

Kyo: Those damned kids have one of my own. If you're associated with them, then you certainly are no ally of mine.

Tinogi: I'm not, actually. In fact- I think they have the same goal as you. Just as I also share a goal with them.

Kyo: Oh? Do tell.

Tinogi: Well, you both want me dead, for one.

Kyo: But what could they possibly have in common with you, if you aren't associated?

Tinogi tapped the side of his nose, knowingly.

Tinogi: Ah- ah- ah! Not quite...

Tinogi began emitting a power unfamiliar to Joshua. It was building quickly. It was- unstable?

Joshua quickly closed the tear. Then turned to the boy, unsure of what to say.

Joshua: I- ah...

Boy: So? We gonna make chase?

Joshua was trying to figure that out himself. As he was doing so, space began to warp around them. Another tear was opening, but-

Oh.

Joshua broke into a sprint trying to follow the source of the tear as quickly as possible. If a tear was created improperly, it could create a hole in the planes between and give the noise a permanent entrance. Nobody wants that.

After rounding a corner, they found the tear up against a wall opposite to the large windows, exposing all of shinjuku. The noise were crawling all over, they had began to cover the buildings...

Joshua approached the tear to inspect the damage. He tried reaching out, and closing it... But he only himself obtaining massive burns instead. He recoiled from the sudden impulse of heat, inspecting his hand.

It was okay, but there was definitely going to be a mark.

Boy: You can't close it?

Joshua: N-no.

Boy: But what about the noise? What if they get out?

Joshua: One step at a time. Panicking won't solve anything.

Boy: What about pulling it shut???

Pulling? Like-?

Joshua paused.

Joshua: Explain.

Boy: I dunno- can't you just, pull it closed like fabric?

Joshua: What the hell are you-?

The boy let out a frustrated sigh, pulled off his sweatshirt, and made a tear at the end.

Boy: See? Tear. Now:

He pulled the two ends together and tied them off using loose threads.

Boy: Tear gone.

Joshua blinked.

Joshua: How-?

Boy: How what?

Joshua: How could you know that?

Boy: Given what I've seen you do already, I don't think it's that crazy.

Joshua looked down, crossing his arms.

Joshua: No... That's- *too* specific... How could you know that's possible???

Boy: Well I- I-

The boy seemed more and more confused the more he thought about it.

Joshua: And don't give me that "I don't know" crap either. You know something I don't . What is it?

Boy: No- your right... Why- How *could* I think like that??? Not to sell myself short, but, like- I dunno anything about this place.

He seemed to slowly be trying to remember *something*.

Joshua: Well. I can wait.

After a moment of pause, the boy jolted up, starring at Joshua dead in the eyes.

Boy: No. We can't

Suddenly, the window beside them shattered, letting in at least a dozen of vulture-like noise, shrieking at them in anger.

Joshua stepped back and summoned a flurry of beams to try and cover the area the noise were swarming. Only for most of them to miss, with the exception of a single noise getting clipped on the wing, causing it to fall to the streets below.

Boy: We don't have time, others are climbing up!

The boy ran to the tear.

Boy: Can you get to Neku from here???

Joshua hesitated. Worst case scenario, this kid was playing him like a fiddle and was trying to get to Neku... Better safe than sorry...

Joshua: Don't know for sure, for all I know they've left already.

Boy: Good enough-

The boy jutted his arms outward into the tear. Sparks that dissolved into static emitted from the interaction, as if metal was grinding against metal. He began to scream in pain.

Joshua: Just- stop! I can handle it! Just help me with these noise!!!

Boy: No- Time-

With that, the boy thrusted his arms to either side, creating a hole into the UG.

Joshua: WHAT DID YOU DO???

Joshua turned to the boy, who was trying desperately to keep the hole open

Boy: Get in!!!

The second Joshua eased on his attacks, more birds began to swarm. He continued his assault.

Joshua: Like I said- Help me with this first- then we can-

Boy: You said it yourself right? I'm stuck here. I don't know how or why, exactly- H-URG-!

Smoke began to arise from his hands.

Boy: But- once this closes, I don't think another one will open.

Joshua hesitated, feeling *extremely* mixed feelings towards these sudden happenings. Just who was this boy, exactly?

Boy: Now- GO!

Joshua unleashed one last burst of beams to clear the room, then ran towards the hole.

Boy: Wish- Neku luck for me, will ya? Especially- if he's gotta put up with you- ha ha- urg-

Joshua, jumped through the hole, turning around to face the boy.

Joshua: I never got your name. Sorry to say but, I didn't think it'd matter.

Boy: Still don't think it will. But I get it- my name is-

The boy hesitated, looking down, and chucking to himself.

Boy: Shit...

He looked at Joshua.

Boy: It's Nao.

Joshua took one last good look at Nao, someone who might have just saved his life. He gave him a smirk.

Joshua: Well thanks, Nao. And-

Joshua's expression pained. Knowing full well what going to happen next.

Joshua: I'm sorry.

Nao: Heh- don't worry too much about it. I chose to save you- remember that, despite you being an ass the whole time~

His voice wavered. Looking at his hands Joshua knew he wasn't going to last much longer.

Joshua: Just- jump through!

Nao shook his head.

Nao: Sorry, I don't think I can. Again- tell Neku good luck, and- If you ever find a man named Diata, I think was the name...

Nao's expression became grim.

Nao: Tell him to go to hell.

With that, the hole closed. But- not only did it close, but space seemed to almost pull inward around the space. Joshua began taking steps back, before breaking into a sprint down the hall.

The building began to creak and distort in a very unsettling manner. After a minute, the pulling stopped. Joshua turned around to find that the floor had bowed awkwardly were the tear once stood. Not only that, but it was almost as if a chunk of the building had just- folded in on itself, and was gone.

Joshua blinked.

Joshua: What- the-?

...

Hell???

…

...

...

...

...

You know the worst part about plans? They nine times out of ten, often go to shit before you can think twice.

That, unsurprisingly, is about how the assault on No. 2 had been going with Rhyme and I. We hit head on against the reapers protecting the front entrance, we nearly tore apart the lobby, and now we were running from god knows what somewhere on the third floor. All we knew was that *something* was tearing the place apart behind us, and it sure as hell wasn't a reaper.

We rounded a corner to hear an ass ton of crashes and clatter from behind. I twisted around and threw a lightning card, feeling an extra sharp shock from the static the carpet decided to accumulate.

Neku: Arg- dammit!

Rhyme: I said be careful!

Neku: We can't run from this thing forever!

Rhyme: We can't fight what we can't even see!

I pounded my fist on the wall as we continued out jog down the hall.

Rhyme: If I understand this layout right, next corner should bring us to the other stairwell.

Neku: Cool- great- then we just keep running right-?

Rhyme: I don't know if we can stop!

Sure enough, to my shagrin, there was the stairwell. Fourth floor was bound to be the same as the third, and the second, and the first...

I missed the lobby...

Rhyme body slammed into the door and began running up the stairs as fast as possible. I followed suit. Unfortunately, I gracefully tripped on one of the steps. Turning around to gauge how far behind the thing was, I was greeted with a giant hole where the door once was. So, whatever it was, it was massive...

Joyous.

Neku: HOW THE HELL DID THAT NOT HIT YOU-!

*CRASH*

Upon seeing some of the stairs in front me cave in, I decided to shut my trap and run. It didn't stop, either. As I ran up the stairs, following Rhyme, as did the crashes of the monster close behind.

As I ran through the door, Rhyme shoved me tp the side, and tossed out a new card. I couldn't get a good look, but next thing I knew, there was a giant ethereal fist that appeared around the card, slugging the giant what's its face.

The card flew back into Rhyme's hands where she starred at it with amazement.

Rhyme: Huh.

Neku: Huh.

Rhyme: I swear, with psychs you never know what you're gonna get.

Neku: No kidding.

We turned around, taking the moment to catch our breath. In that moment, I heard a strange creaking above.

Neku: You heard that- right?

Rhyme looked up, trying to listen herself... Nothing.

Rhyme: Heard what?

Neku: There was a- a noise? I think?

It suddenly began to increase in volume. To make matters worse, I felt the floor below me move.

Neku: Er- we need to move!

Rhyme: Where??? Towards it? Or back there with the god knows what?!?!

My brain was trying to run through a thousand scenarios in a second. Ultimately, being incapable of doing this, I settled on the most obvious option. Which, historically, has also been the dumbest.

I ran towards the source of the creaking.

Finding- nothing... Well, I guess that isn't entirely true. There was an area om the floor that was crinkled- almost. It also bowed just enough to be noticeable. I walked over, placing my hand on the deformed flooring.

Rhyme: We should leave. Just standing here feels wrong...

I knew what she meant. As we stood there, sounds began to emit from *somewhere*. Like- it came from a single point, and depending on where you stood, it would literally be coming from your head. So yeah, unsettling was an understatement.

Not too far off, we could hear the rushing of footsteps. Seems we were the only people who heard the ruckus.

Except- as the sound approached, an all too familiar hissing. My instincts kicked in. I pulled Rhyme behind, grabbed a card from my pocket, and, as if I knew exactly what card I had pulled out, I sheared it across the floor and a massive gash appeared, creating a gap in between us, and whatever was coming.

Rhyme: What was *that*?

Neku: Something's coming.

Rhyme: What-?

The his became louder and around the corner came dozens upon dozens of mutants. Being led by none other than the intrepid GM, Tinogi. His face never looked more punchable.

Neku: Well, look what the existential cat dragged in.

Rhyme: You're finally putting these mooks to good use I see.

Tinogi just wore a stupid grin on his face, thrusting his arms to either side.

Tinogi: Behold! My army of both human and noise!

I stepped forward, trying to see what he was seeing in the mutants. Again, they held not definite form. It was like smoke, but was held together, and was much more dense.

Neku: Human- and noise?!

Tinogi: Of course! In fact- you might see a few... Familiar faces...

The GM waved his hand and two mutants stepped forward. One tall and buff the other short and scrawny.

Tinogi: I believe you should know both of these individuals.

At first, I wasn't sure what I was looking at. It was just a pair of odd looking individuals. It took me a second to realize who was standing in front of me.

The short one was Price. Full stop. It was difficult to forget a face like that. The person immediately next to him- that's were my brain began to hurt. It *looked* like Shourin, but unlike Price, there was so much detail missing from his form.

Neku: You- what did you do?!?!

Tinogi: I did what I had to. Obviously I was on my own, learning the forbidden arts required to obtain this army of mine. So I rounded up players. Easy peasy. Why go hunting for candidates, when they could come to me?

My mind suddenly raced to earlier in the week, when Jess called a bunch of players to the plaza, and when we arrived to only find mutants...

Neku: But- how??? We never saw you!!!

Tinogi grinned, slowly opening his mouth to reveal absurdly long fangs.

Tinogi: All natural fangs, modified to my liking. Why do you think I'm, at least sometimes, referred to as the Viper? These inject a- special kind of poison, let's say. One in which entrances the victim, allowing me to take control.

Thinking about for more than a second made me sick to my stomach.

What if-

Was Jess-?

Rhyme stepped forward, putting a hand on my shoulder.

Rhyme: It doesn't matter anymore. We will stop you.

Tinogi: Stop me from what? Destroying this building? If I remember right that was your plan verbatim.

I clenched my fist.

Enough was enough.

I pulled out a handful of cards and threw a lightning bolt towards the crowd. Price and Shourin stepped aside, but a few stragglers in the crowd weren't so lucky.

Those are players. Remember?

Doesn't that make me-?

I pulled my headphones up. Turning them to full blast in a vain attempt to drown out the horrific thoughts flooding my brain.

I ran forward and jumped off my side of the hole, throwing a card to the wall on my left and clenching my blade card in the other hand. The card ricochet off the wall and formed a boomerang, shearing into the crowd of mutants.

I rolled on impacting the ground. Swiping at any mutants that tried to charge me.

Summoning my inner Jess, I grabbed onto the nearest mutant, pulled their head down and used it as a springboard to try and get above them all.

I stepped from mutant to mutant until one got wise and jumped for me. In response, I tossed another card in the air. Then threw the blade card at it. Upon collision, the other card sparked and sprung up to the ceiling and slammed back down in a burst of lightning, eviscerating not only my target, but also removing a sizeable chunk of the remaining mutants ahead. In fact I'm pretty sure I was also singed during the ordeal...

I landed in the center, with Tinogi standing right in front of me. I was ready to pounce. All around, mutants were slowly creeping in, as if waiting for Tinogi's command.

Tinogi: Do you think you can take on all of these???

I looked back; Rhyme was holding her own, try to catch up. But she was taking it slow. I wasn't going to have her help.

I simply shrugged in response.

Neku: Guess it doesn't matter.

Tinogi frowned.

Tinogi: You wanna bet kid?

With the snap of a finger they poured in. I immediately grabbed a card and spun around rapidly, shredding any mutant that got too close. Once they got wise and stopped advancing, I pulled out a series of card. Throwing bullets to either side then behind.

As mutant began their charge again, I launched myself in the air with an ice pillar, throwing a lightning card behind the try and assist Rhyme. As I descended I spun rapidly in the air, making myself into a buzz saw as I collided.

Once I landed, I took a look at a new card I had obtained recently. With a smirk I thrusted my hand forward, gripping onto the card tightly. I suddenly was hurled forward towards Tinogi at an absurd velocity, a powerful aura covering me as I flew.

After the initial impact of the psych staggering the GM, I decided to say "screw it" and deck him in the face. Which he took with stride, might I add. He gripped my arm and slammed me to the ground. Mutants ran up on all sides pinning me to the ground, but not attacking me... Yet...

Tinogi looked up at Rhyme.

Tinogi: I think I've had enough of this fighting. Come, join us!

Rhyme was caught off guard by the cheerful call-out and was immediately overwhelmed by mutants. They dragged her next to me and pinned her as well.

Tinogi clicked his tongue, presumably figuring out what was next.

Tinogi: So. I don't *want* to kill you. Not yet. But at the same time, you've been an absolute pain in my ass! You're impossible to work with!!!

Rhyme and I shared a confused glance.

Neku: "Work with"?

Tinogi let out an exhausted sigh.

Tinogi: Really? You- ah... Listen: we both are literally after the same thing. We want Diata- gone! Poof! Kaput! Kapiche?

Neku: You missed the part where you turned players into mutant!

Tinogi: Your missing the part where you've consistently destroyed them whenever they get in your way. I dunno, I'd certainly be impressed.

Neku: So what? You want a truce???

Tinogi bellowed out in laughter.

Tinogi: Oh- GOD no! You'd all slaughter me the second I had my back turned. No no no... I don't need a truce...

As Tinogi slowly turned around, something changed about him. His smirk turned into a large open smile revealing his maw lined with fangs that dripped an orange colored liquid. His eyes had also lost all color with the exception of his pupils, which had became stipes.

Tinogi: I just need some volunteers...

It was a snake.

He looked like a damn snake.

I audibly sighed I was sick of his shit.

Neku: You're hysterical.

Tinogi: What's with your attitude? I basically give you a free week, and here you are. On the floor at my mercy. Pathetic.

In a flash, Tinogi went from standing, to being right on top of Rhyme, who could even react it was so fast.

Neku: Rhyme!!!

I desperately squirmed, trying to get free from the mutants grasp.

Rhyme's head went limp, falling to the side. She was alive, just- out of it. The color had also drained from her eyes as well.

Neku: Damn you! Have some goddamn pride and let me fight you!!!

Tinogi: You still don't get it... I know your stronger. In fact, I've known since day one. That was Mitaka's greatest mistake. Me? I have insider info. Information that I'm not even sure you're privy to. What's even better, is that it's so crazy- so tide turning-! And it's all about you. But you have no clue.

As Tinogi spoke, he slowly crept over me, getting closer and closer to my face. Until he finished and prepared to bite.

*SNAP*

The sudden amount of pressure surprised me. Very quickly I felt all of my senses go numb. I was panicking internally, but I couldn't scream.

It was like a nightmare-

No.

This was a nightmare.

Both me and my only other friend that actually gave a damn about me were about to lose ourselves from some asshat with fancy teeth.

The mutants walked away from Rhyme and I. Watching with intent. Tinogi stepped back, clearly pleased with his work.

As I was about to lose consciousness... A- strange feeling bubbled up inside me.

It felt familiar. Or- something untapped?

No.

I definitely felt it before.

In a flash I saw images rush through my mind.

Diata was coming.

Sun was at the plaza facing off against mutants.

Then Jess-

*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*

A sudden rush flowed through me. I felt everything. It was like a shot of adrenaline had purged the poison from my blood stream.

I stood. Starring at Tinogi, who had a look of shock on his face.

The GM clutched his chest in disbelief, turning around to see Jess, wielding the smoking revolver of her only real friend.

Jess: Drop dead you son of a bitch.

Tinogi struggled to articulate anything at that point.

Tinogi: J-J- J- Je-

*BANG*

The GM dropped like a rock to the floor, a bullet hole in his forehead. I starred at his body, wide eyed, as it faded into static.

I looked up to Jess whose bloodshot eyes were fading back to normal. She took a deep breath.

Jess: Phew. So? How's it going?

I was honestly speechless in that moment. How- was I supposed to respond???

Neku: I- I-ah-?

Jess narrowed her eyes and cocked her head.

Jess: Don't start with the stuttering again. I've heard enough of that from your not-girlfriend.

Putting the incredibly obtuse and insensitive comments aside, I turned around to Rhyme. She was lying on the floor, unmoving. A bead of sweat fell down my face as a very deep pit began form my stomach.

Before I could run over, Shourin and Price jumped in between us. Still speechless, I glanced at Jess for help. She was also in shock upon seeing the two mutants.

Jess broke, falling into a roll to the side. Upon straightening, she let loose a flurry of bullets towards the mutants.

I fell to the ground in a panic, bullets whizzing overhead. While on the ground, I felt it again.

Diata was coming.

I had no idea what the feeling was or where it was coming from. I was certain at that point that I had felt it before, though.

Struggling to my feet, I ran around the mess of mutants beginning to culminate around Jess. But Shourin tried to step in, his fist catching my in the gut. I staggered, proceeding to them backhand him with a card, sending him airborne towards Jess.

Even from my position, I could see the fury in her eyes as she looked at someone she mourned over. But it wasn't just pure anger. No. She knew what she had to do.

And she hated it...

Expecting what was next, I shoved through the crowd once more, trying to make my way to Rhyme. As I ran, I heard at least a dozen more shots as Jess screamed bloody murder.

I slid next to Rhyme, who was turning- well- not pale, but she had definitely lost color. Her skin had darkened and her breathing was heavy. I tried opening her eyes, they were bloodshot.

Neku: Dammit- dammit- DAMMIT!

I slammed my fist on the ground. What was I supposed to do? I wasn't like I could just take whatever was screwing with her and throw it else where. At a loss, I turned to the crowd.

Neku: Damn freaks.

I stood and swung my arm, card in hand, a massive blade cleaved at least half a dozen mutants directly in front of me.

Everything stopped. They all turned to me. A pissed little teenager, who was officially sick of this shit. I wanted them gone. All of them.

In a flash, I threw lightning into the crowd, followed by plunging myself with intense velocity towards Jess. The aftermath was a straight line of mutant debris- whatever you'd call it. I was covered in it.

Jess looked at me, unimpressed as ever.

Neku: We gotta bail.

Jess: And why would we do that?

Neku: The conductor is about to rain on our parade.

Diata: I think it's a little late to call this a parade.

Diata walked in, reapers in tow, from the opposite side of the hall.

Neku: What'd I say? Were in too deep. We gotta grab Rhyme and get the hell out-

Jess elbowed me, pointing out how the mutants were eerily still.

Jess: You get it?

Neku: No clue...

Diata snapped his fingers and reapers lines up, wielding guns that were trained on us and the mutants.

My eyes darted around the scene frantically, trying to formulate any idea that could give us the leeway we needed.

Diata: You know, I had high hopes for you. Both of you.

I raise an eyebrow. Glancing at Jess, who was as stone cold as ever. However, she began stepping to the side.

Diata: I thought you wanted out of this mess. But fine. I can take a hint.

Jess, now behind a crowd of mutants, suddenly pulled up her gun towards the reapers. On instinct, the reapers opened fire on everything. Both Jess and I dove for the ground as bullets whizzed overhead. The mutants were much more sturdy, it seemed. They began marching towards the reapers, being slowed by the barrage of bullets.

Across the room, I saw Jess get on all fours and charge through the crowd. I blinked. Not quite sure what I was seeing.

Not a moment later, she dove out with Rhyme slouched over her shoulder.

Jess: COME ON!!!

She stumbled to her feet and began booking it around the corner and hopefully, back to the stairwell. I followed.

As we approached the door to the stairs, it swung open. There stood Kyo. With a thoroughly pissed look on their face.

Kyo: I figured as much...

On instinct, Jess pull out her gun and took aim. I ran over pulling her arm down.

Neku: Let's not.

I turned to Kyo.

Neku: Listen, your fellow reaper is OK. She's waiting for us to return, in fact.

Kyo: Return where?

I glanced back a Jess with caution. She made a throat slitting gesture.

Neku: Sorry, can't really say.

Kyo rubbed their nose, pondering their options.

Kyo: How's about this: I guide you all out, and you take me to her.

Jess: You sure do care about this reaper, don't you?

Kyo: She's a lost soul. I've been doing my best to guide her. But- I'm afraid she's been slipping...

Neku: Slipping how?

Kyo scratched their head.

Kyo: I'm afraid she's losing hope...

I furrowed my brow, slowly catching on. Then, down the pall perpendicular to us, the hall rattled and echoed with loud booming sound.

Jess: We need to go.

Jess raised her gun again.

Neku: Fine.

Jess starred at me, with a confused expression.

Jess: I'm- sorry???

I ran past and shoved Kyo through the door.

Neku: Let's *go*!!!

The three of us ran down the stairs. Not long after, the doorframe exploded inwards. Our invisible friend was back.

I stepped to the side, letting the two go ahead. Jess stopped.

Jess: What are you-?

Neku: Go! Take Rhyme to Sun! She'll do something, I'm sure!

Jess hesitantly chased after Kyo. As I turned my gaze upward. Where everything was still. Eerily still. If I winced, I could make put a fuzzy figure above, coating an entire floors worth of stairs. Whatever this thing was, it was big. I skid my foot back, bracing for whatever came next.

Letting out a deep breath, I swung my arm upward, card in hand. After a moment, from the bottom floor, a large ice pillar erupted, dislodging the stairs I stood on, throwing me back.

The frost flew upward, attaching to the creature. Getting a better look at it: it was, as suspected, huge. It had a burly shape, with giant shoulders, but surprisingly thin forearms. In fact, it was almost like the forearms were nothing but bone. It's claws were similar. Pieces loosely held together much akin to bone being held together with muscles. Except it was an disgustingly thin layer.

The creature bellowed in anger as the ice punctured its chest. It thrusted it claw at me, causing me to jump up the stairs in response. A huge chunk of the stairwell behind me was sent a floor downward.

While the creatures arm was embedded in the wall, I saw my opening, I summoned a large blade and like an axe on wood, chopped the freaks forearm clean off.

The creature plunged its now blunted stump of an arm into me, pinning me to the wall.

Just being pinned, I could feel that strange yet familiar feeling from before... It was bubbling up.

I gripped the arm, sending... Something through it. It was a warm energy, almost. As it wrapped around the creature, it became more and more visible.

My eyes widened at the realization of what I was looking at. The creature, from head to toe, was a mutant. But, not just one. No... Red eyes dotted the body and peered through the shadowy mist. It was a mishmash of mutants made into one giant freak of nature. It wasn't phased by becoming visible, fortunately. Or unfortunately? Depends on how it was *supposed* to react...

It pressed a talon against my head, forcing it upwards. Its head drew closer, inspecting me like piece of meat. I closed my eyes, avoiding those petrifying red beams that covered its body.

It went quiet as the creature inspected me. As it did so, J took a deep breath. I needed to calm down.

Focus.

Slowly, I pulled my headphones over my ears and began to turn them up. A live performance began playing with the crowd clapping with the beat in excitement, preparing for the band to kick in.

My face loosened as I relaxed. As I did so, the creature put more pressure on my head. I let my arms fall slack, next to my pockets.

I dropped a card to the floor below, praying it was the right one...

After I managed a plan of sorts, another finger arose. This time, it pressed against my neck, presumably gauging how fragile I was.

I too a sharp breath.

How much longer???

...

I could feel my heart beating out of my chest.

Was I not fast enough?

I could feel it pulling on my skin.

Is this-

*WHOOOOSH*

A sharp wind pulled the creature upwards. I was dropped immediately, choking for air.

As the creature was airborne, I pulled out a handful of cards and tossed them in the air, grabbing them and using them as they fell.

A chain pierced the creatures torso.

A series of bulled blasted most of the exposed eyes.

A flame set the whole thing ablaze.

The last card fell in my hand, I clutched it tight, and waited as the creature fell to my level.

Just as It approached, I got a running jump off my platform, and began to spin wildly in the air. In an instant, I tore through the creature's now softened texture, landing on another platform below. I turned around to see it fade into static, leaving nothing but remnants of flame and ice to fall theground floor.

It took a moment to fully regain my senses. Eventually, I was able to come to and begin the jog down.

I body slammed the door to the main plaza. When entering, I noticed that it was completely empty. I froze.

Neku: H-hello?

I glanced around the room, slowly. Was there another one of those invisible freaks?

Maybe the other already left to Sun's place? The longer I stood there, the stranger I felt...

My head began swimming to the point where I wasn't sure if I was conscious or not.

I clutched my head and shook. Upon opening my eyes, the whole room- no... Everything was darker. Including the outside.

There was a distinct haze over everything.

*CHA-CHUNK*

Right behind me, the door slammed shut... Again? It already closed, didn't it? I turned around to observe.

Neku: What the-?

???: You heard that, right?

???: Yeah- Unfortunately...

My eyes widened.

Neku: What-?

???: Erm- Hey, don't they seem a bit-

I turned towards the center. There stood Joshua and another boy.

I was stuck. Joshua, had yet again, faked his death.

Neku: You-!

I grit my teeth. Joshua looked around and walked towards me, the boy followed.

Neku: BASTARD-!!!

I ran towards them both and tried to slug Joshua. Only to phase right through. I looked at my still clenched fist in disbelief. I turned around as they opened the door and let it close behind them.

What.. Was that???

I fell to my knees. Completely deflated. Was all of this his doing??? Is be toying with me again?!?!

Thoughts began to blur together. Much akin to the environment I- stood in? Even that was becoming a mist.

At some point, I decided to stop. I ended up lying down, trying to decompress.

Maybe, maybe if I can sleep. Just a wink. It's been a while... Hasn't it?

Imagine, day 7 of the second week. There I was, about to call it...

I took a deep breath.

...

*SLAP*

With a jolt I slugged the person immediately in front of me. As I came to I realized that Rikka was now on the floor in front of me, tears in her eyes.

Neku: Rikka-?

That swimming feeling came back. Although, not nearly so pleasant, unfortunately. A throbbing pain erupted from head.

I clutched my head as I fell against the wall. A familiar voice called out.

Sun: Neku! You gotta stay with us!

Sunako shouldered me. Together we all walked out. My head was currently soup, so I couldn't quite keep up with everyone there at that moment.

I could hear Sun trying to reassure Rikka, who was muttering to herself, still clearly upset.

Neku: Jess? Where- where'd she go???

I doubt my query was loud enough for Sun to hear. I began to glance around, seeing building regain their color as everything began to level out.

Neku: God- I'm gonna be sick-

Sun: Save it, we don't have time.

Suddenly, bullets whizzed past from behind. We all broke to the ground for cover. Both Sunako and Rikka together summoned a barrier to stop the bullets.

Neku: Where did- Jess-

Sun: She went with Kyo back to my café.

Neku: Wait- WHY?!?!

Sun: Because Kyo was being an impatient prick, they all were waiting on you, and I dunno if you saw, but Rhyme sure as hell couldn't wait either.

In the crowd of reapers firing at us, Diata emerged, very pissed. He pull out an unnervingly long, black revolver. He took aim, and fired giant blasts at the barrier. The ground rumbled with each impact.

Sunako tipped her fedora, locking eyes with Diata. He paused his firing only briefly.

Sun turned to Rikka.

Sun: You gotta take Neku and leave!

Rikka: Wh-what??? B-b-but what about you?!?! I can't leave you here alone!!!

Sun: Don't play hero kid, it'll only get you killed.

Rikka: M-maybe practice what you preach!

They couldn't it up for much longer. Still trying to shake off the dizziness, I shuffled through my pockets to see if I could find something- anything to get out of this mess.

As I did so, I heard a subtle cracking. Looking at the barrier again, it was clear there wasn't much time. I was about to call out, then it shattered.

Through the loud crash of what sounded like glass, Rikka knelt down and immediately summoned a smaller barrier. I pulled my head up from the pavement to see Sun lying next to me.

As she struggled to move, I pulled myself over to check. She was shot. It only took a split second, but she was shot.

Neku: Don't move-!

Sun: Look, Neku, you gotta leave. Now!

Neku: And why the hell would I do that?

Sun: Because you're not an idiot. You know better-

She reeled back for a moment, I looked down where she was clutching. It was bad. She was losing blood, a lot, and fast. Looking at the ground behind her, it was also obvious that it was a clean shot. She didn't have long...

I pinned her to the ground and forced her hand on her wound.

Neku: Keep the pressure on.

I desperately trued to stand up and walk to Rikka, who was very clearly trying to keep it together. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

Neku: We gotta go!

Rikka: B-but how?!?!

Good question. Bullets were blocking us from all sides. We were trapped.

Neku: Can you move the barrier?

Rikka: I th-think so?

I pulled Rikka back next to Sun.

Neku: Sun, we're trapped.

Sun: Oh, come on-

She coughed up some blood onto her hand. On taking notice, she made an attempt to hide it.

Sun: Don't tell me you haven't noticed yet?

Neku: Noticed what, exactly?

Sun: The visions and you not being like Rhyme right now?

I blinked. How did she know about that?

In an instant I recalled that Joshua was... Somewhere...

I decided to leave that bit out.

There was also the anomaly of Tinogi's poison not affecting me like it should have...

Neku: What does that have to do with anything right now???

Sun chuckled to herself. She was pleased to know something I didn't, apparently.

Sun: Listen carefully kid, there's currently a power shift happening as we speak. No one is currently in control of Shinjuku. Because the composer of Shinjuku is dead.

...

Come again?

Sun: This happened a few weeks back. Before you arrived. I don't know any details. No one does, in fact. But all that I know now is that Diata wants to take that seat, and remove any threat that anyone has the power to take it from him.

Sunako pokes my chest.

Sun: That's where you come in.

Neku: That's where-? Bullshit!

Sun: Call it want you want-

Sun broke into a coughing fit. Covering her arm with her blood.

Sun: Arg- damn. Neku, you can get out of this, you just have to focus.

Sun patted my shoulder. She was becoming noticeably more pale by the second.

Sun: H-hey, Rikka.

Rikka, still holding the barrier up, turned her head to Sun.

Sun: Take- care of him. And-- th-thank you.

All color sapped from Sunako's face as she struggled out her last words. Finally falling limp.

I was frozen solid in that moment. But, what gets me more in hindsight, is how little I can remember after that. I just remembered that, all too familiar feeling. The one I felt when the poison left me, and from the dreams... Oh... I remembered both of them?

There were flashes... The second the barrier broke is when my memory got choppy. Flashes of bullets being meters away from my face, reapers cowering in fear, and Diata booking it from the scene.

I fully came to once I turned around. Seeing an aghast Joshua stare at me in horror, with Rikka backing up next to him.

Neku: Oh. Hey there- you son of a bitch.

Joshua's face faltered. Whether it be because I likely looked like shit, slurred my words like a drunk, or some weird compromise of the two, I dunno. All that was for sure, was I fell face first into the asphalt. Falling completely unconscious.

For better or worse, I was in for another hell of a week.

...

...

Day 7: Dreams

...

...

...

...

Rhyme jolted awake. She was in the middle of Sun's café. With caution, she stood.

Upon looking around, it was obvious she was alone. How was she alive???

...

Rhyme rubbed her head, recalling how she ended up where she was... Tinogi? Right? The "puppet master" or whatever. How did she-?

*POP*

Rhyme spun around, throwing a bullet towards the front counter. It shot through the wall into the kitchen. Leaving a notable hole in the wall.

Rhyme: Dammit...

From behind the counter, a bottle came up and was placed down. Jess popped her head up right after.

Jess: Yo.

Rhyme's eyes narrowed. She let the most uninterested response she could muster.

Rhyme: Erm. Yo.

Jess stood, pulling out two glasses and pouring the liquid into both.

Rhyme: Thought you got yourself killed.

Jess: I thought you were killed.

Rhyme: Touche.

Jess pushed a glass over to Rhyme's end of the table. She stepped forward.

Rhyme: What- is this?

Jess: This, my friend... Is what we call, "negotiating".

Rhyme: Negotiating what? Exactly?

Jess shrugged.

Jess: Future events??? I guess? No... I'm actually working on that. Go ahead. Take a seat.

Rhyme raised an eyebrow, stepping back to the door.

Rhyme: What if I don't-

She stopped. Not because she wanted too. She just- stopped. She couldn't speak, couldn't move. Nothing.

Jess lifted her other hand, revealing a strange pin she was flipping in her hand. She sighed.

Jess: Sorry, but- you don't really get a choice...

She poured a little more liquid into Rhyme's cup and pushed it forward some more.

Jess: So. Shall we try this again?

...

Week 2: A False Binary