Chapter Text
This story is a work of fiction.
Similarities between characters or events to persons living, dead, or fictional in your world are purely coincidental.
Only those who have agreed to the above have the privilege of partaking in this game.
> I agree.
I do not agree.
…The contract has been sealed.
The world is not as it should be. It’s filled with distortion, and “ruin” can no longer be avoided.
Those who oppose fate and desire change… From time to time, they were referred to as Tricksters.
You are the Trickster… Now is the time to rise against the abyss of distortion.
“So… this is where the guest Igor took such pride in rests.”
Footsteps echoed within a Realm that defied what was believed to be logic. Soon followed by words from a deep voice that echoed just the same within the area. Yet, that shouldn't have been possible.
The one who spoke was walking atop Yellow Clouds which filled the ''Ground'' he walked on. And the very ''Sky'' was nothing but a Black Void filled with stars.
By all means, this could have been believed to be Space.
But Space did not have a large door with eye markings moving around as if searching for something. And space most certainly did not have a statue of a teen kneeling in front of said door, covered in barbed wires to keep the statue in place while looking like it was blocking something from opening the door behind it.
And that was what the one who spoke gazed at.
“I must admit, being able to keep Death itself behind the seal you gave your life to make is an impressive feat… but it makes me wonder. How would the greatest Guest of the Velvet Room react to the being that forced him to do this, was reduced to being my pet.” The figure continued to speak as he stepped closer and closer to the statue of the teenager before he was at last in front of it.
The Figure's words were over then as he snapped his fingers. As if commanding for something to appear.
As it turns out, it was. And that was a fact recognized by the one summoned by this command, for it emerged through the Golden Clouds used as ground.
A Creature made purely out of Shadows and Darkness emerged from it, with a body that, for the most part, had the structure of a starving Dog. Its Stomach area not only gave the appearance it was malnourished but it was even ripped open, with some skin hanging loosely from the tear. And while the front legs looked quite muscular, albeit distinctly like a Muscular Man's arms, it hinted legs were skinny and practically skeletal. The shape however remained the same.
So far, one could have perhaps claimed it was a Dog. But its faces showed it was anything but that.
The front and the back of this Body held two similar heads. Humanoid, the only thing Human about them were their Jaws made out of Bones. For their eyes were nothing of flesh, but instead Glowing Orbs that one could describe as Demonic. On top of that, both heads came with Horns, large and differently shaped between the heads.
The appearance of the beast created a pool of swirling darkness that resided beneath it. And the Figure did not even flinch against this towering Beast, for he had nothing to fear.
His gaze remained fixated on the Statue.
"With Erebus subservient to me as my Pet, almost all opposition is removed. Even Nyx may obey me with Erebus' subservience." The figure said to the statue before leaning down to look it in the eyes.
“I do not know if you are conscious in any capacity, Arisato. But when I am so close to getting what I deserve, I won’t be taking the risk of you throwing me behind that door like you have done with Nyx. So let us make a deal. Stay here, and Erebus won’t try to go for Nyx. Leave, and the fate you have been trying to stop shall befall all of humanity.”
The Ultimatum made to the Statue, conscious or not, the Figure's body leaned back straight as he made a wave with his hand. Thereafter, a collar that was previously unseen made itself known around Erebus’ neck, with a golden chain then shooting out from that collar and wrapping itself around the statue of the boy that awakened the power of the Universe Arcana.
“Make sure that boy never leaves here, my pet.” The being said to Erebus, earning a pitiful whine from it before the creature turned both sets of eyes onto the Seal.
Then, the being turned his back on both the Seal and his Pet as he made his way out. But not before saying one last thing...
“And so... the game will now begin, Philemon.”
Today, the Sky was clear of any Clouds. A fact obvious to those who watched their Sky’s reflection from the Sea, and even to the Crew within the Helicopter that was now approaching a building, made all the shinier because of the Light reflected on it
And what an unusual building it looked to be.
Matching the Tokyo Skytree in height, the building was rather thick in how wide it was. Yet its shape could be described as akin to a Tree, with how the Bottom was the widest and grew thinner the higher one went before the top extended.
But unlike a Tree with Branches, the top was a Ball. Shaped like it at least, with numerous rings surrounding it. And from each of those Rings, a thick Metal line extended to connect with a separate Gigantic Orb.
Some would see this and see it as something like a Tree. Others would say that it looked like a Pedestal. But a few would realize that this building took greatly after a Planetary Chart.
And from within this Tower, something was taking place...
The Lobby of this Tower was a sizable Room that had Four Paths in all Cardinal Directions, reconvening within the Center where Four Elevators, shaped like Four Cylinders glued to each other, rose high up to reach the top.
In its path, all within a quarter of the Path left, were the Reception Desks. Initially looking to be just a straight line, it curved over the Path and narrowed said Path in the process.
There were Nine Suited Men and Women within each of those Desks, all going through the Motions of accepting Money and giving in turn Tickets. A constant of this Reception that remained and should have remained like that.
But a Visitor noticed something blurry up at the Ceiling, and he looked over.
Initially, it only gave a view of what was decorating up there. Namely, the Pillars that were used to stabilize the whole building, soon however giving way to paths up there.
Maintenance Roads. That’s what they were for. To allow easier reach for the Cubic Lamps up high that illuminated the Ceiling.
And also giving a clearer sign, even to the bustling crowd, that something was up there. Jumping around.
Panic slowly built up, and it wasn’t helped by the Alarm that began to blare soon after some noticed. Unease crawled up, and some who’d come here for the Show presented to them began to instead leave.
It didn’t take long before more Suited Men, all wearing Sunglasses, arrived within the Room from an alternative path. Immediately looking around, one of them quickly noticed, even with those Sunglasses and the jumping, the figure that was causing this unrest.
Especially when they stopped their action when realizing he had their eyes now.
Standing atop one of those Ceiling Lamps that illuminated the Lobby, was what looked to be a Young Man.
He wore Traditional Samurai Clothing. Albeit with some modifications done to them to give a much more modern feeling to them.
Initially wearing what looked to be a Robe from under, he was in fact wearing a Traditional Hitatare. Colored Dark Green and looking to be the only thing he wore under, the bottom of said Robe was stuffed inside a Kyahan, his leggings covered on top of that by leg protection named Kegetsu’s. When in combination with his Lighter Black shoes, it made them look like Boots.
As for his top, he wore a Jinbari Ko-Gashira that concealed the Robe even further, even when taking a lighter color, it was checkered with Green and Black all over. And on top of that, he also had a Samurai Manto over his shoulders that was mostly black, but with Green Tint at its edges. And while hard to notice with everything else, under the Hitatare’s Sleeve, he had lighter Black Leather gloves with forearm protectors.
Yet perhaps what would catch one's attention the most was that he wore a Mask. Or, more accurately, a Half-Mask.
Set on the left side of his face, the design of the Mask was a single Dark Red Flame that branched off when reaching the Temple, with one going up to slightly cover the left forehead by curving while the other spread to the ear.
And said Young Man who wore all of that was at the moment allowing all to see him by remaining still.
“He’s here.” The Suited Man who noticed the Young Man first tapped his earpiece to inform someone behind it, “We’re moving immediately.”
And the suited men moved after the Young Man even if it meant shoving the People to the side.
Knowing he had their attention, the Young Man restarted moving. Now, it was time to make his escape.
He jumped away from the Lamp he’d used as perch and landed on one of the Central Pathways in the Ceiling. Hung by chains, the Floor was amazingly stable for something that was hanging.
Just by looking ahead, he knew where he had to head off to next.
''Good. Now get running!” A Girlish voice urged him from their Transmission.
''Now’s our chance!” A composed Girl’s voice then added, though less to him and more to those she was with.
''Stay calm everyone. With that opening, you can now all slip away.” A Man’s voice said then.
''We’ll get that briefcase first chance we get.” A Boy’s voice then said.
All was going smoothly so far. Everything was going according to the very last-minute plan they’d made.
''...suspects... not... confirmed... hold... your... positions...”
Except that. This Mysterious Transmission was worrisome, to say the least. An opinion shared by the voice of the Man.
''What was that...?”
Yes. That worried him deeply. But, it was also obvious to one of how he felt.
''Don’t worry about us.” The Girlish voice snapped him out of his worry, “Just concentrate on getting away!”
Right! Yeah, that was the most important. He’d given them the opening needed, and now, it was time to make his own escape.
The Young Man moved ahead to continue his escape. Opting to remain silent all the way so as to not attract more attention to him for the moment.
That didn’t mean he wasn’t listening to his Teammates chatter.
''But I have to say, showing yourself above the crowd earlier was an excellent move.” That same Girlish voice commented, and he could easily imagine her smiling, “You’ve become such a showman, Wildcard.”
Immediately, a chuckle was followed through with that comment.
''I bet Boar wouldn’t be able to pull it off nearly as smoothly.” A Snarky girl voiced her jab.
''If only he actually used his Flexibility as smoothly as his finesse…” A timid yet rather bold boy added.
''That’s it! I’ll show you two how wrong you are!” And Boar, brash and loud, shouted at them.
The Young Man had during his listening made his way towards an Intersection. His way out was just right ahead where a small Balcony with a Big Window showed the Sunny Day. The path leading there was the one he intended to take.
"There he is!”
Except an Agent had taken the Path that he had planned to use, so that one was blocked off. And when looking over to his right, he noticed other Agents showing up from the other path.
“There’s the Target.” One of them informed in their Earpiece. At this point, the Young Man had no choice but to take the left Path. The one without any Agents.
''Just run! You can’t let them near you!” And the Man was certainly of the same opinion.
The Young Man didn’t hesitate to take the left. A mostly straight path that led to a Metal Door.
''Okay. The enemy’s focus is on him. Everyone, don’t get spotted now.” The Girlish voice reminded them.
“I hope we all get to the Meeting point.” An unsure Girl’s voice spoke up.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure all of you are guided to safety.” The Man’s voice swore.
By that point, the Young Man had made it to the other side and had hastily opened it before closing it behind him. Leaving him inside a larger room that led to a Staircase. Leading both up and down.
He approached the Staircase, intending to head down.
“Stop right there!”
“You’re not getting away!”
Only Two Agents, both coming from the Lower Staircase, had arrived and were blocking his way.
They stared at him for only a moment before their forms bulged. Giving the impression they’d explode.
Yet in a snap, their forms had completely shifted into slightly bulkier states. Losing any pretense of being Human as the Beige skin was replaced by utter Blackness. Their Bodies -only faintly looking human- were giving off a Red energy, and they were wearing Masks that illuminated their eyes yellow.
And even worse, one of those same things had followed him from the door he’d come in. Blocking his way.
At one point, this would have worried him. But today? Just this wouldn’t be able to make him cower.
The Young Man turned around to stare at the thing that had pretended to be Human.
''You know the drill by now, Wildcard.”
And he fully agreed with the Man’s comment. Because then, he jumped over and landed on the things back, his right arm gripping the Mask before ripping it off.
Displaying its red eyes before pushing it away and to the Center. No longer did he have his back against more foes, and instead had all of them within sight.
Not that it was the most important.
In front of him, the thing’s body bulged Black and Red before that same Red energy burst out of him, swallowing him whole before a Sacrificial Pyrekeeper burst forth from it.
It roared at him while he drew his Katana and prepared for Battle.
''As expected. By itself, it’s no threat.”
And as expected, the Man agreed with how he felt. Alone, this thing was not going to be a danger. Though, he couldn’t waste time against it either.
And the Pyrekeeper agreed with him. Raising one of its palms, it moved to slam it on top of him. And while it did hit something, it missed the Young Man entirely.
All he had to do was Sidestep to dodge the telegraphed strike.
Not happy with him about how easy he’d just made it seem, the Pyrekeeper glared at him and swung around and tried to swing its tail at him. But strikes such as those were far too easy for him to react to.
He flipped back to avoid it.
Seeing how Physical strikes were just not working, the Pyrekeeper decided it had to take it another step. So, it used what it did best.
“Burn!”
Agidyne was cast and a Pillar of Fire erupted to swallow the Young Man whole. Except, that proved to be a mistake.
The Agidyne Spell reflected from the Young Man and was sent back after the Pyrekeeper. What swallowed him ended up being concentrated back at the Caster.
Only for it to be absorbed all by the Pyrekeeper. Chuckling from the process.
That chuckling quickly died when it noticed, however, how there was a particular Aura around the Young Man now.
“My thanks.” The Young Man expressed his appreciation before sheathing his Katana and raising that same hand over his Masked face.
“Persona!”
In a burst of blue flames, the Half-Mask vanished off the Young Man’s face as a figure formed behind him.
“Brave Blade!”
The Figure behind the Young Man swung thrice, and that was all it was needed to fell this foe. All three simultaneous swings finished off the monster in front of him as it faded into ash.
''Okay, pull out before their backup gets here.” The Man immediately told him, only to pause and give the closest thing to a gasp.
Which was the immediate silence he gave after saying that.
''More are already coming!”
As if on a cue, Three more appeared right in front of him, and with the two others who had remained to observe so far, his situation wasn’t all that bright.
Thankfully, there was a way out of this.
Those things were taller than average, and as one moved to attack him, the Young Man shot ahead and slid under the thing before it could hit him. Slipping past, he didn’t hesitate to take the staircase going up and continue his escape.
''There is a way out if you take the path with the first door. Be quick, the rest are still hot on your tail.” The man informed the Young Man, causing someone else to pipe up.
''Come on Wildcard, if I was in your place, I’d already be out of there!” The brash and loud boy said over the comms, getting the young man to smile a bit as he ran down the path.
''Strange... What is this reading?” But once the man’s voice spoke up again, the young man lost his brief smile as he tensed in for a possible fight.
''Wildcard, you need to hurry. Whatever this reading is, it’s heading in your direction.” The man informed the sword wielder, and while the young man didn’t speak in response to the warning, he did nod at the words while going down a flight of stairs and approaching a door.
''Honestly, where are all of these guys in black coming from? I think we already evaded like thirty of them and I’m already seeing more.” An annoyed female voice said over the comms, but if the young man was about to respond to them, he stopped and kept quiet as he saw a man in a suit running by a window once he opened the door.
“Where’d they go!? Damn it!” The agent yelled out clearly despite the glass between them, and to make sure he wasn’t spotted, the young man quickly hid by the side of the door.
“I can’t confirm the intruder’s location.” Soon after though, once the man likely spoke over his own comms, the young man could faintly hear footsteps and after looking past the corner, he saw that the man in the suit had left. And with that fact known, he quickly moved himself, only to pause briefly when he saw another man in a suit down the corridor, blocking the set of stairs that would head upwards as a result.
''Quick, you need to hide.” The man over his comms quickly warned the young man, causing him to hide behind cover and from sight.
''Is Wildcard going to be fine?” A concerned female voice asked over the comms.
''So long as he keeps to the shadows and sneaks past these guys, he’ll be fine.” The girlish voice reassured their teammate, making the young man smile a bit as he quickly dashed from cover to cover until he was close to the man blocking the stairs.
“Hey, are you sure he came in this way?” The man questioned, and after moments of waiting for a response, he nodded his head.
“Understood. I will continue the search!” And with that, the man turned around and ran down the way that the young man just came from.
''This is your chance. So get moving while you still can.” The man’s voice prompted him, getting the Young Man to leave his cover and head up the stairs to continue his escape.
''Wait, Wildcard, there is an enemy right before you!” Hearing the warning, the Young Man was able to react just in time and evade the baton strikes of the two completely Black-skinned and mask-wearing men that manifested before him.
He considered if retracing his steps was even an option, but before he could fully decide on his course of action, he first heard and then saw Four more of those same beings manifested behind him.
Leaving him surrounded and with few options left.
''This isn't good. You need to get out of there Wildcard.''A sentiment that the Man shared with him, but one he couldn't act upon. Not when he was surrounded by Six Masked figures who were rapidly approaching him.
''Even you can’t take tha- Wait... what?” The Young Man moved to unsheathe his Katana when he heard his ally's confusion.
''Be careful. That reading I mentioned is now closing in on you as well.”
Soon followed by a warning. One which turned out to be an understatement, as the reading the Man mentioned wasn't just close by, but within the Room itself already.
The Young Man noticed him first. Looking past the two Masked Men in front of him, he could see someone walking down the stairs ahead of him. Confusion filled his whole being as his eyes widened in surprise. Because he recognized that person.
He wore a Pale turquoise hood that came with a small cloak. Reaching his Abdomen, the thing was designed to have a misty-like form, with its edges acting like a sort of wave. The mist-cloud design didn't end there however, as that same design was a pattern that ran all over the edges of the Hood as well.
With the Mask covering his eyes he was wearing under the Hood, his face was concealed so well that not much could actually be described. The opposite of what he wore past his face.
Because he wore a simple tunic that was colored blue. The simplicity ended there however, as over that, he wore leather armor. One Pauldron on his left shoulder and another that covered most of his chest but the extremities on the right side. In addition to that, he had his arms covered by Leather straps, acting as gauntlet since his hands were gloved with Fingerless gloves.
Which then extended to his left breast, protecting both points. He wore a similarly styled belt, which was about as thick as the Leather armor around his waist, acting like a Belt that also held a sheath.
Under that, he wasn't wearing anything impressive. Just a set of slightly loose dark trousers and dark brown boots that practically reached his kneecaps.
''So I was right to come here today.'' The new arrival commented, giving away that he was a Boy and one that wasn't quite there yet into adulthood, ''You are in need of some help.''
Saying that, the Mysterious Boy unsheathed his Weapon. A Tachi. The action gained the attention of the mask-wearing men surrounding the young man in the process.
''No doubt about it. Wildcard, whoever this guy is, he's the source of this reading I've been getting.”The Man over the Comms was clearly worried at this unforeseen addition to this already problematic escape. But the Young Man, having some more context compared to his companion, didn't feel an ounce of worry. If anything, he allowed himself to smile, knowing that his precarious situation was over.
And how right he was in this prediction. Because this new arrival didn't waste a single second as he ran towards one of the Masked Men at the front and pierced their chest in the blink of an eye. Surprising its allies in the process as they moved to attack him, abandoning the surrounded Young Man in favor of dealing with the more immediate threat.
Acting quickly, the Mysterious Boy ripped out his Tachi -allowing the Masked Man to disintegrate into smoke while he was at it- and sliced through the closest one almost immediately, the other swiftly following the previous one's fate.
One of the Masked Men had drawn their Baton during this and prepared to make a leap as to slam it into the Mysterious Boy, but it was interrupted by a bang. For the Masked Man had been shot, and by the same Mysterious boy too, as he held an Antique Gun in his free hand.
The Mysterious Boy heard the sound of something making its way behind him at the time as he put his Antique Gun aside, but he acted just as swiftly as with the other two, and was able to sidestep the incoming Baton strike of another Masked Man. One could have almost believed they'd hit empty air or even mist, with how quickly he'd done it too.
That applied to his counterattack as well, as he thrust his Tachi into the side of the Masked Man's face. Upon the removal, it faded as well.
The swiftness of this and how quickly this Mysterious Boy had acted made the remaining three Masked Men back away from him. Something which allowed for the Young Man to be approached by the person while making distance for the rest.
“I hope you don’t mind me repaying that favor now of all times, but it’s long overdue.” The new arrival said to the young man as he stopped by his side, giving a clear view of his mask's appearance. Rather simple in design, as the Mask was half white and half black. And for each of those sides, the eyeholes showed different expressions an eye gave. For the right, it gave the expression of sadness. For the left, it was an indication of a smile.
The Young Man only paid attention to that detail for a brief moment as his eyes landed back on the rest of the Masked Men who exploded into Red and Black, their forms changing in the process.
“So let's get this over with quickly.”
The Mysterious Boy declared as he turned to face what creatures that now stood in the places of the previously masked Men. A single Arrogant Vulture and twoCruel Leopards.
The Young Man was in agreement with the Mysterious Boy. For he smirked.
''Yes. Let's.'' And he drew his Katana once again to combat the foes before him.
That did not settle the confusion that rose from the Man who had been paying attention to the Young Man's situation.
''What? The enemy reading dropped by half in the blink of an eye?”
And he hadn't been the only one who had been listening to what was going on with the Young Man. Another Teammate had paid attention and recognized that voice.
''Wait a minute, that’s...” The girlish voice's surprise was impossible to miss. But the Young Man did not have the luxury to listen in further, and nor did the Girlish voice either, as she was still on the move to make her own escape like many others.
The Trio of enemies went on the move.
Acting first, the Arrogant Vulture screeched out the masked fighters and unleashed a blast of green wind at the pair through Magarudyne, one which the Young Man was simply not able to evade, and instead stood his ground by stabbing his Katana down as to not be blasted away by the powerful wind.
But his new ally was able to dodge the blast of wind, backflipping in time to avoid the center point of the Ability and landing on his feet thereafter without trouble.
The Mysterious boy spoke up then, “Last time, I was nothing but a novice. But this time, let me help you by using my skills.”
Then, the Mysterious boy initiated a particular skill in his possession by changing his stance simultaneously as his Mask faded off his face.
''Brave Step''
And it wasn’t just the Mysterious Boy who felt something increase. So did the Young Man, as both were enveloped in an explosive Aura for the briefest moment.
Staring at himself, as he was unfamiliar with what had just been used on both of them, the Young Man didn’t fail to notice as one of the Cruel Leopards initiated an assault on him.
Crossing both of its Blades at him, the Young Man noticed even with his moment of distraction and moved his Katana to block the Cross Slash that came his way. His Arms shook slightly from the pressure given, but stood his ground quite well even against this Creature.
But the Second Cruel Leopard didn’t plan on being nice. It also went on to attack the Young Man. Not that it worked when the Mysterious Boy interrupted it before it could see through the action.
“Like I said, I’ll show my skills! Persona!”
The Mask faded away from the Boy again as a figure formed behind him.
“Vorpal Blade!”
In an instant, over all of the Creatures, Sword Slashes manifested as it cut through all of them. And while it wasn’t as deadly as one may have imagined, it did cause another effect.
Namely, landing a Critical strike on all of them and Downing them all. Interrupting the Blade lock the Young Man and the Cruel Leopard were under.
“Well done!” And he congratulated the Mysterious Boy for it. Because now, he could act as well.
“Persona!” His Mask faded and he initiated his own Skill, “Makougaon!”
Light rained down on them like Arrows made out of Spirals, and upon colliding with them all, the Light exploded into Pillars that swallowed the Creatures whole. Ending them at once.
A second passed where they remained on guard even as the Mask reformed on the Young Man’s head, but when nothing else sprung up, some ease returned within them.
The Mysterious Boy sheathed his Tachi and turned to the Young Man.
“That seems to have been all the ones nearby.”
The Young Man was about to answer when he overheard the Man speak through their Communications.
''I have absolutely no idea what happened there… but from what I’m able to tell, you’re all right?” The Man was clearly confused, but decided to move on from the matter, as this was most definitely not the important thing to focus on.
Not when The Young Man was supposed to make his escape from those chasing him.
''Forget that. You’re not out of the woods yet. Get out of there now!”
“I’ll be getting in their way.” The Mysterious boy stated, acting as if he’d actually heard what the Man said when he hadn’t at all.
“That’s how I’ll repay you. So get going. Whatever you’re doing here... it’s none of my business.”
The Mysterious Boy walked towards the steps the Young Man had previously taken, only stopping momentarily to add something else.
“But don’t you dare make being a Phantom Thief the reason why you’re meeting an early grave, got it?”
Not even waiting for an answer as time was precious, the Mysterious Boy faded from view by walking down.
''Wildcard. You have to move. Now!” The Man’s increasing worry was made all too clear, ‘’Continue ahead and you’ll have your way out!”
And the Young Man wasn’t about to protest, even though a part of him was worried about the risks the Mysterious Boy was taking by doing this.
Still, he ran and headed up the Stairs.
''Take the first Staircase down you see, and then go on your immediate left the next corridor in sight.” The Man informed him as the Young Man nearly missed the Staircase, and then, when he reached the first corridor in sight, he halted in his tracks.
He leaned against the wall to check there weren't any Agents. And while that seemed to be the case, he didn’t miss what this section of the Tower was for.
Going ahead, he leaned against a Glass Wall to see exactly what he feared.
A Room full of Agents at work, trying to coordinate and capture them.
“He’s not alone! Find them and kill them all!” And one of them was even on the Phone speaking to another Agent.
Still, none of them were looking in his direction, so he passed and continued his escape. Aware that he was being chased, yet unaware that coincidentally, they seemed to be the exact same Three that had spotted him earlier.
They were closely following his tracks as the Young Man ran up another staircase, then another and he found another corridor.
''On your Right. There’s your exit.”
Hearing the Man, the Swordsman acknowledged as he ran to the right as the Three Agents were now running up the same Staircase he’d just come from.
The Young Man shoved the Door open and then was met with a rather odd sight when considering this was supposed to be his exit.
“What…?” He could not help but utter out in confusion when seeing he was over a Balcony that oversaw a whole Restaurant. Still lively even with the Alarm that had been going on earlier.
''You should have taken the right way… your way out is right ahead.” The Man explained as he looked in front of him.
Namely, at the large window, rectangular at the bottom of the Balcony and Rounded the higher up it went.
“...through there…?” The Young Man couldn’t help but be astonished at the Man’s choice of “Way out”.
''That’s your only way out now. The commotion gave us the opening we needed, but now the bottom floor is closed off completely. It’s either that or being caught.”
Well... alright then. Even though he began to smile, it was more of a nervous smile, knowing that he needed to make this landing stick right. Or end up possibly with something broken or dislocated if he failed it.
“Over there!”
Snapping his head behind, he saw the Three oddly familiar Agents all holding Guns at him from where they were standing.
“There’s nowhere to run!”
And they were approaching him.
Alright then. He’s going to make it.
The Young Man ran off to his right, and the Agents rushed after him, knowing they had him cornered now.
Or so they’d believed, but once they passed through the Door, the one that had stopped to observe and pinpoint the Intruder realized something was off.
Namely that the Young Man was waving at them to say goodbye from the other side of this inner Balcony.
“Goodbye!”
And then, much to their astonishment, the Young Man jumped through the Glass Window, and out into the Sunny day.
''Like I said, you’ve really become a showman.” The Girlish voice sounded exasperated.
''Oh, please don’t make this a recurring thing… We don’t need Wildcard to become another Boar.” The Snarky Girl began to lament.
Meanwhile, said Wildcard landed down on the pavement rather smoothly, pulling off a Superhero Landing.
He gave a relieved exhale as he raised his head to look ahead, and then dread immediately crept up when he saw an almost unbelievable sight.
''There are enemies here?!” The Man was startled by this turn of events, as he had been so certain doing this escape would have succeeded.
''What’s wrong?!” The previously composed Girl’s voice exclaimed next.
''These readings… How can this…?!” The Man uttered out in shock as he realized something, but wouldn’t get to finish.
''What happened?!” The Brash and Loud voice demanded when hearing the commotion.
''It’s an Ambush?!” The unsure Girl worriedly realized.
''Wildcard, can you handle this!?” The Girlish voice directly asked him.
And that was a very good question. Because from what Wildcard could see, this Ambush consisted of over a Hundred of Policemen. Swarming the Streets so much that there was absolutely no way he could cross over. Not helped by the Vehicles blocking the way and how a majority of them were showing they’d been prepared for this.
Under normal circ*mstances, this probably wouldn’t be an issue. Especially if he weren't alone. But considering how he was picking up on what worried the Man...
Wildcard opted to run.
“Capture him!”
And that was a very good decision, as all of the Policemen began to swarm at him. What advantage he could have had died very quickly in the process as he jumped over and grabbed onto a Ladder that was part of a whole Fire Escape.
Climbing up, Wildcard looked down to be sure none were going to shoot at him, but that wasn’t as much of a good decision as he’d initially expected.
When he looked back up, it was to see Policemen also there. Armed, their guns pointed at him, and far too close to comfort.
It was at this moment, as one of the Policemen aimed the Butt of his Rifle at him, that Wildcard realized how horrible this situation had become.
Then he was hit, and he fell back on the Pavement, but this time, not landing smoothly and pinned down to stay in contact with it.
The crowd scattered slightly to allow someone else to pass through. Probably someone of Authority considering he wasn’t armed.
“Didn’t expect to find some kid.” That would be the Suited Man’s first comment when seeing him.
Then, he knelt down and told him something vital.
“You have your teammate to thank for this.” The Suited Man grabbed his hair, “You were sold out.”
And that is all he told him. He let go of his hair and then walked away. Though not without giving his orders.
“Suspect confirmed! Cuff him!”
Forcefully, the Handcuffs were put on his wrists, and the Suspect, Wildcard, was apprehended and under Police Custody.
??/??/????
Unknown Time...
Everything that was supposed to take place after this was a complete blur to the Young Man. In fact, saying it was a blur would be wrong.
It was all pitch black. No memories of what happened after this came to his mind. Only that now, in the present, he was barely gaining consciousness.
The faintest sound of Footsteps was heard by him then, alongside a voice that was clearly annoyed by a turn of events.
“Guess the drug was too strong... Wake him up.”
The only thing the Young Man registered then was the water splashed on him. And that certainly did its job as consciousness fully returned to him. Or at least, as best as it could when one was drugged and only now seemed to be recovering.
Shaking his head at the pain that shot over his head for a moment, the Young Man blinked as he finally opened his eyes to find himself in a Dark Room.
There were no other words that could be used to describe the room he was in. As said before, it was Dark and made virtually anything else hard to distinguish. Save for two things. The Camera that blinked red at one part, and the Entrance Door at the end of his line of sight. Besides that, he could see nothing else.
But he was definitely not the only person within said Room. By just looking right and left, it was already clear there were at least three people present. Maybe more behind him, though he wasn’t checking.
“No dozing off.” Not when this Suited Man clearly wanted the attention on him.
However, the Young Man wouldn’t give it to him. Not when he realized his position. Which was that he was seated against a Chair, his cuffed hands on the back.
He made the mistake of trying to break free of the Cuffs he didn’t remember being there.
“You still don’t get it, do you?” And while the Suited Man sounded annoyed, it was hard to miss the faint grin that formed then.
Because his next course of action was to raise his leg and kick the Young Man.
“Give it up!”
Hitting his gut, the Young Man was knocked back by the impact hard enough he was separated from the Chair and fell off closer to the edge of the Room. Along with that, the faintest signs of pain he hadn’t even known were there flared to Life from the kick.
“Nngh…” Grunting in pain, he coughed and wheezed for air.
But this kick wasn’t the end of it.
“Come on, Cooperate.” The Suited Man approached him and raised his leg before planting his shoe on his head and putting pressure on it, “Or what, you want another shot?”
In pain, as the Suited Man mercilessly pressured his head, the Young Man’s eyes landed on the Camera again. He wondered what the purpose of that even was, when considering what was happening in here couldn’t possibly be accepted...
The Suited Man noticed, and with his foot still planted on his head, he looked over at it.
“Huh? What about the camera?” Questioning this, the Suited Man removed his foot and knelt to have him and the Young Man look face to face. Even if it meant holding his head to get that eye level.
“Are you thinking it can be used as video evidence?”
The Young Man did answer that.
“As if you could show them what you did…”
The Suited Man let go of his hair and stood straight.
“So you aren’t that stupid. And yet, you still…”
And then kicked his Stomach yet again, if not harder than his previous kick.
“Sound like you can defy us!”
The Suited Man then turned his back on him while the Young Man went through a short coughing fit.
All while the Man took a Clipboard he was handed by a fellow worker and read its contents.
“Obstruction of justice, blackmail, defamation, possession of weapons…” The man said aloud before stopping and turning to look at him.
“Manslaughter too, yeah? Talk about the works. To think all those crimes were led by a punk like this… And you seemed to be enjoying every second of it… Huh?”
Something about that felt… wrong. So, so wrong. But the Young Man couldn’t put words into it. Not when everything was hazy and he couldn’t remember a thing.
This all felt like a Nightmare...
Shaking his head, the Suited Man admonished him.
“...You should know your place.” Then, he motioned with his head to the two other Suited Men within the Room.
Upon that, both approached the Young Man. Uncuffing him first before uncaringly shoving him up so he was in an acceptable sitting position.
He couldn’t help but rub his right wrist as the Suited Man approached again and extended the Clipboard he'd read over mere seconds ago.
“Sign here.”
Kneeling, the Clipboard was right in front of him.
“It’s a confession under your name.”
And for a second, the Young Man stared at it. Wondering if he’d truly done what they’d told him.
But that second was also when he decided he refused to believe them.
He slapped the thing away, and the Suited Man blinked once before closing his eyes in an almost disappointed manner.
“I see…”
He stood up. And for a moment, the Young Man wondered if he’d drop the subject. Stop these accusations. But what was going to be said next showed that, no, he wasn’t dropping it.
“I need your hand to sign this, but…”
The Suited Man proceeded to slam his Leg atop the Young Man’s right leg. With enough force and pressure put in that single slam, the pain he felt shot all over.
“Nngh!”
He gripped said leg with both arms, but that action was useless. Especially as the Man was only putting more pressure on his leg.
“I don’t care if you end up losing a leg.”
He glared at his skill in an eerie manner, one that would be mostly missed by the Young Man as he finally let up and tried again to hand him the Clipboard.
This time, he had to take it.
The Suited Man also pulled a Pen so he could sign the Confession. But not before adding some last words.
“Don’t expect to walk out of here in one piece. We’re going to make you understand…” The Suited Man stared at him right in the eyes, “One must take full responsibility for their actions…”
With that said, the Pen was handed to him, and the Suited Man backed away for a moment.
Leaving the Young Man with the only choice of signing his name.
Tanjiro Kamado
An undisclosed amount of time would pass after that point. The Suited Men having left and the Confession signed, there was no more use of them to be within the Room itself.
And during it, someone was approaching where the Culprit was kept.
Of a rather muscular build, the one who approached was a White Haired Man with a face -mainly the right side- covered in linear scars that all went Horizontally and Pale Purple eyes that seemed to spiral, in a sense.
He wore what was expected of his Department. A suit. All Black and with the Jacket open in a V to display his equally dark Vest. Holding within his hand was a Briefcase.
And he was getting to his destination, which was the very end of the Corridor he was taking. At its very end, a Policeman standing guard at the Door while another had his back turned initially.
The Police Detective turned around when hearing his Footsteps.
“Excuse me, but this area’s off-”
The Businessman cut him off.
“I’m Shinazugawa from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.”
The Police Detective was rather confused by this.
“The Prosecutor's Office? What business do you have here?”
“To finish what I started. I’m going to get answers out of the Suspect one way or another.” Shinazugawa casually stated.
“Shinazugawa-san.” The Detective gave a tired sigh, “I believe this case is no longer in your jurisdiction. Besides-”
The Police Detective was interrupted yet again, but this time, by a fellow Detective.
“Are you Prosecutor Sanemi Shinazugawa?” Said Detective, an Older one at that, came from behind the Prosecutor in question. All eyes turned to him.
“I just got off the phone with your director. Hurry and get it over with. To be frank, you’re being an inconvenience.” Not holding back on his words, the Prosecutor in question glared at the Older Detective.
But then, his phone was ringing, and Shinazugawa answered it immediately. He knew already who it was even before he laid it close to his ear.
“I am not even surprised.”
The SIU Director’s voice was heard clearly by him, as the Loudspeaker was on. A regal voice that many were familiar with when it came to the Law Department, and one that many would have a hard time ignoring, with how commanding it could become.
“I believe I told you that you were to stand by.”
Sanemi answered back rather hotly. The anger he felt was all too clear.
“Last I checked, I was responsible for this case since one was formed! And now that we’re this close to the truth, you’re not even letting me have an interrogation?!”
“That is exactly why I have called you.” The SIU Director explained.
“Then let me have this. I worked on this case since the start, and I am this close to getting the answers. It’s my case, and I have every intention of seeing it through.”
For a moment, silence was the only answer on the other end. For a moment, Sanemi feared that perhaps, he had gone too far with his demand.
An unfounded worry.
“Very well.” The SIU Director accepted after that moment of silence, “You will get your chance to Interrogate the Suspect. Perhaps you will even have better odds than the previous Interrogators.”
Sanemi inwardly cheered.
“But I am not expecting you will gain anything out of this besides self-satisfaction.”
The Call ended then, and the Older Detective spoke up.
“Ah, Prosecutor. I should mention to you something important.”
Sanemi already knew he wasn’t going to like it.
“Your time will be cut short. We can’t permit you to talk with him for long.” At that, Sanemi gave a scoff that was mostly ignored, “It’s for your own sake. His methods are unknown. After all, we don’t even know if it’s safe to simply meet and speak with him.”
The fact that there had already been an Interrogation going on before this told Sanemi another story. But one he couldn’t entirely picture. Not that it even mattered to him, he got what he wanted.
Even if it would be shorter than he’d have liked.
“...Fine. It’ll do.”
With a nod from the Older Detective, the Policeman who stood guard moved off to the side and allowed Entry inside.
And just as he was about to enter...
“15 Minutes, Prosecutor. Keep count.”
A reminder set into mind, the clock ticked as precious seconds now passed.
Sanemi went in with determination to get the truth out of this.
Tanjiro had gotten used to the silence that had filled the Room since the Suited Men left. But it is also why it's so obvious to notice when the door opened.
His eyes moved up to see another Suited Man, albeit much more distinguishable than he'd expected, come inside. One that was vaguely familiar as well even by just looking at his back.
When the Door closed and he turned to look at him, he addressed him.
''You never gave the impression you'd ever be able to do sh*t like this, so you can imagine my surprise right now.''
He laid over the Briefcase he had next to the Chair while taking off his jacket. Laying it over the Chair before he finally sat down on the opposite side. His eyes almost immediately felt like they were piercing right into his Soul as he glared right at him.
''But let's ignore that. Because now... you will be answering my questions.''
It was very hard to forget who this Man was when that glare sparked a reminder in his brain. And his Head, for the faintest bit, cleared up.
''Shinazugawa...'' Tanjiro whispered his name with a certain amount of uncertainty. Though that whisper was unnoticed since the Prosecutor looked off to the side.
Specifically, he noticed a Syringe on the ground.
''Those f*ckers can't even bother to clean up after their own messes.'' He unrestrainedly cursed at that, but that was also all the attention he gave to the cutthroat nature of the previous interrogation.
After all, that was not why he was here.
''You still with me?'' Still, he couldn't ignore that whatever drug had been injected into Tanjiro could in fact impede this Interrogation of his. And with the limited amount of time he had, time was all the more vital.
''You've been through a lot already, but I'm going to need your Cooperation. It's your only shot of possibly getting out of this too, because nothing short of a really good word will stop them. So enough chit-chat.''
Tanjiro showed signs he was listening, and that is all the Prosecutor needed to continue.
''Why the f*ck did you cause that major incident? It was obvious to me that it wasn't just a prank, and I sure as hell wasn't the only one that suspected something. But the Method... I couldn't figure out how you did any of it.'' The Prosecutor questioned the Teenager. But with how much trouble he had to keep his head up, he was forced to use his right arm for support and keep some semblance of eye contact.
''You wouldn't have. It's... sometimes still unbelievable...'' Tanjiro explained weakly but was still heard clearly enough by the other occupant of thisotherwise vacant room.
“You aren’t wrong. Even with the reports I've read, the idea of such a... 'world', for lack of a better word, is absurd.” Shinazugawa agreed with a nod, followed with his eyes narrowed.
''But good to know you're coherent enough to answer me. This'll make it all easier. So tell me... When and where did you find out about that ‘world’? And how is it even possible for it to allow you to steal another’s heart? And to make sure I don’t miss a thing…”
As the man questioned Tanjiro, the boy himself during this lowered his arm back on the Table. He felt he had enough strength to keep his head up on his own for the time being. No matter how short it may end up being.
“Tell me your account of everything. From the very beginning.” Shinazugawa said.
But before the young man could answer, the Room noticeably grew darker. It made the faint yet captivating blue butterfly that flew within his line of sight all the more noticeable and caused the Teenager tostraighten up in an attempt to look higher and follow it.
How had something like that even gotten here?
“...You are held captive.”
Astonishing the Young Man, Tanjiro's eyes moved away from the captivating butterfly in favor of trying to find the source of the mysterious female voice. Yet, he found no traces of where it came from. Only that as it echoed, a vague sense of familiarity filled him.
“A prisoner of fate to a future that has been sealed in advance. This is truly an unjust game… your chances of winning are almost none. But if my voice is reaching you, there may yet be a possibility open to you. I beg you. Please, overcome this game… and save the world…” The Mysterious Voice spoke to Tanjiro with words he simply could not understand, even were he not drugged.
Prisoner of Fate? Unjust Game? Save the World?
He noticed the Captivating Butterfly returning within his Line of sight, and as he looked at it, the mysterious voice continued.
“The key to victory lies within the memories of your bonds -the truth that you and your friends grasped. It all began that day… when the game was started half a year ago... For the sake of your world’s future… as well as your own… you must remember...” But soon, the butterfly escaped Tanjiro’s sight once again.
And as it flew away... as he watched it fly higher and higher into the darkness...
[ Stop Soundtrack ]
As if someone had switched on the Lights again, everything cleared up, and Tanjiro didn't find himself staring at a Butterfly or even hearing Voices.
Instead, he was met back with the sight of Shinazugawa. Still waiting and quickly losing what patience he held. And Tanjiro wondered whatever this had been about.
Had he daydreamed in the Middle of this?
“Alright…”
Something about this… whatever it may be, something in regards to that Butterfly and the warning that came felt Important. So very important...
And if he needed to remember. Then the best thing to do was to do exactly as the Prosecutor wanted. Tell him his Story, and recount how it had al started. Then, to go from there.
“I’ll tell you… back when I first arrived here, on April the 9th. That’s where it started.”
And as he told the tale, the fog that kept his memories locked slowly cracked and revealed the truth...
