Chapter 3
Heeding Teresa's suggestion, Sanae gave up on his quest to search for the troublesome girl--at least for the moment--and returned to Joshua. And so, the party continued on until late into the night. Although a few minor issues had occurred, the rest of the party seemed to go off without a hitch. At a certain point, however, the event came to an end and the guests left. They would need their rest, after all. Tomorrow would most certainly be a busy day.
Early the next day, at the Shibuya River, the realm's very own Composer was up and about, waiting in the Room of Reckoning (throne room) to begin a very important meeting he had called the Producer, Conductor, Game Master, and other reapers into. It was a new tradition he had decided to start, a tradition he hoped would help to keep order and communication between those who held power over the ordinary reapers and players of the game. In the past, he had always worked from the shadows. He only spoke with the Producer and the Conductor, relaying his messages through them to the other reapers while he kept his identity a secret. But no more. Everyone knew well enough who he was by this point, and he decided to keep it that way.
Slouching down in his throne with one leg crossed over the other sat Joshua, adorned in clean, black suit with a silver tie. Atop his head was a top hat, and in his hand was a black cane. He impatiently twirled the cane in one hand, yawning as he did. He perked up slightly, however, when he would hear the sound of the door opening and see the first person he had invited arriving for their meeting.
"Good morning, Sanae, you're early," he greeted.
"Ever find your wallet last night?"
"You're earlier," he replied back, casually walking toward his friend.
"I did find it. It was actually right in my pocket. I think whoever took it actually returned it. Well, not whoever. I know who took it. I just decided to let it go for now." The man paused before changing the subject.
"What's with the getup?" he questioned, adjusting his usual sunglasses. As always, the presence of a dark room didn't deter the man from wearing such eyewear indoors.
"This? Oh, I thought I'd dress for the occasion," Josh replied, standing up with his cane.
The Producer raised an eyebrow, moving to stand next to the other male.
"Something's up. What's going on? You're up early, dressed fancy when you don't have to be, and hanging onto a cane now. Is there something--"
"Nothing's the matter," Joshua said with a smirk, surprising Sanae when he would lift up his cane and poke the man against his chest with it.
"Is it a crime for me to be up a little early and even try a new look on the day our new Reapers' Game is to begin? I think not."
"Right," the Producer replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Anyhow, who all should be coming to this meeting? I know Teresa and some of your top reapers are a given, but you haven't exactly told anyone who the game master for this week is going to be."
"Want a sneak peak?" Joshua's smirk widened in amusement.
"You're gonna love this."
"Usually when you say that, I don't love it. Who'd ya pick, boss?"
"Hm, I'm going with Pyrrha Nikos for our Game Master. She's sharp-witted, strong, and proactive. She'll be the perfect person."
Mr. H gave his boss a deadpan expression, shaking his head afterwards.
"You're pretty manipulative, you know that? It's a wonder you have any respect at all from some people. Don't even think for a second that I'm blind as to why you chose her. She knows one of the players. He was her--"
"Hee hee, oh lighten up, Sanae. It's not like I'm trying to hide the fact that she cares about one of the players. I'm just using that fact to not only have a bit of fun watching both Pyrrha and her friend squirm, but to also test her loyalty to me. Is that so wrong?"
"Do I have to answer that question?"
"No, but you do have to live with my decision. All of you do. Is that clear?"
"Crystal," Sanae grumbled, letting out a sigh.
"Anyhow, I think the others are coming in now. Should I let them in?"
"Go right ahead," he told the man.
After a time, the Room of Reckoning would fill to the brim with a good majority of the reapers who worked in Shibuya. Joshua informed them that Pyrrha Nikos would be the game master who would work with him to come up with missions and events for the players to participle in throughout the week. The rest of the reapers were assigned to watching over the players and even creating obstacles for them to face. They were each given a pin they could use to summon noise, aka creatures of Shibuya that the players would have to fight.
Once the meeting was over, Joshua asked for Teresa, Pyrrha, Lucy, Larkin, and Saya to stay behind while everyone else would be dismissed.
"So, all of you are aware that the game is going to start very soon. At 8 a.m. to be exact. Teresa and Pyrrha, the two of you will stay here and we'll discuss plans for tomorrows events of the game," Joshua stated, waggling his cane in Teresa's face, even going so far as to poke the end of her nose with it. He always gave no shits when it came to picking on her; today was no exception.
"Today's events are already planned. Normally, the Game Master chooses events for even the first day, but they're usually simple, so I've taken the liberty of planning and sending them out to the players cell phones already. Larkin and Saya, your job will be the same thing it has been lately. Keep an eye on Arya Stark. I'm still a bit worried about her. I'm worried about not only what she might be capable of, but also what the other reapers might try and do to her. They still aren't exactly fond of her."
The Composer cleared his throat before adding,
"Lastly, Lucy, I have a special job for you," he said in a more stern tone, not even bothering to look the woman in her eyes.
"You're going to watch over Coco. Before the Murder Games incidents even started, she's been partaking in illegal activities to support the game players. I want you to watch her and immediately report back to me if you catch her doing anything of the sort. Is that clear?"
Pausing, the male would add,
"So you all have your assignments. Let the games begin."
At exactly 8 a.m. the players of the game would all find themselves waking up at Shibuya's Scramble Crossing. Each and every one of them would find a cell phone on their person that would beep very soon after they had regained their senses. When they would open their phones the players would be greeted by their very first message.
Partner up and defeat the noise at the 104 Building. You have 60 minutes. Fail and face erasure.
--The Reapers
After reading the messages, each player would feel a sharp pain etched into the palm of his or her hand. When they looked at their hand, they would see a glowing red timer, ticking down from sixty minutes. The game had begun.
Jaune wiggled his eyebrows, placing a hand on his hip as he looked around at the players.
[color=#[/COLOR]EFC769]"So which one of you lucky ladies wants to team up with... this guy!?" he exclaimed, gesturing to himself.
Graham stood up, dusting himself off as he let out a sigh.
"You do know that you can partner up with anyone, right? Not just a lady..."
"Yeah, and you won't really get a lady with that kind of attitude, now will you?" Ash questioned with a giggle, glancing around at the other possible individuals whom she could partner up with.
Beth, on the other hand, remained quiet, waiting to see who looked like they might be a useful individual to work with.
@Midnight Maiden @Atomyk @Krieg @Yun Lee @Gummi Bunnies
