sakuraba neku (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
noisecontrol) wrote2013-11-18 02:59 pm
noisecontrol) wrote2013-11-18 02:59 pm
Entry tags:
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Moments before and during death.
tiny apple pie, two uses
Pre-game, revealed on Week three, day seven
Significant Negative
Neku's death scene.
- JOSHUA KILLED ME.
- JOSHUA KILLED ME!!!!
- No, Neku already has known that he was dead, but this is going to be the icing on the cake.
- This is going to be the memory that really decides how things go differently in Aather, because in canon, he didn't know Joshua killed him until the very end. How Joshua reacts will depend a lot. Joshua and Neku play a lot of "did he or didn't he" throughout Neku's week, with Neku ultimately thinking it was Minamimoto. It will be interesting, and it will be a hard memory for him to cope with in general. After all, he has wanted to trust Joshua.
BUTTON FIXING. Stripping in ... public? (tiny clear bottle, insert a liquid inside and drink, infinite uses)
Trivial Neutral
Week one, day four
[Shibu Dept. Store]
[walking towards the Cadoi City exit]
Shiki: Ahh, enough! Just looking at you makes me cringe!
Neku: What did I do!? (What's gotten into her?)
Shiki: It's coming loose.
Neku: Umm... (What, your grip on reality?)
Shiki: Neku... That button on your shorts.
Neku: Oh, yeah. What does it matt--
Shiki: It matters! I can't stand things like that!
Neku: Who care's? It's just a button.
Shiki: Off.
Neku: What?
Shiki: Your shorts. Take them off! I'll fix the button.
Neku: Are you high!? I'm not taking my pants off in front of you-- in the middle of the street!
Shiki: Oh, grow up. What, are you going commando? You're invisible! No one's watching.
Neku: YOU'RE watching!
Shiki: Now! Pants! Off!
Neku: Doooooon't!!!
[quick fade to black]
Shiki: There. All done! Whew, I feel much better. Loose buttons drive me
nuts.
Neku: That was... fast... You always carry around a needle and thread?
Shiki: Of course. They come in handy. Plus I enjoy sewing. If you need
anything else mended, just say the word!
Neku: ...... (Will I have to strip again? ...... I'd better take care of my
clothes...)
Neku doesn't actually know a lot about Shiki, so this is one of the only memories he has of her so far (barring the one where Rhyme dies ...). This is actually on the way to Rhyme dying, so he will be able to put it in order sequentially. Essentially, this is a sign of one of Shiki's talents. It's something that he'll notice, even if he doesn't necessarily drop his Neku-like behavior after she fixes it. He does appreciate it.
Who needs friends? An angry tirade after failing to help a friend. (Just like that one time...)
Necco wafer, one use
Significant Negative
Week one, day four
Reaper: ...... Want past this wall? Bring me five 500 Yen pins.
| Shiki: He wants a lot of pins...
|
| Neku: Let's try doing some mass Noise reduction.
|
| Shiki: Um, how does that work?
[when you have the pins]
| Shiki: Whew... That should be enough pins. Now he'll open the wall
| for us. Let's hurry to Towa Records. Beat and Rhyme are waiting.
Reaper: Objective met. Wall clear!
[Cadoi City]
Shiki: Oh, hey! There's Beat and Rhyme.
Beat: The hell you been, yo? This is a race! Ain't you even tryin'?
Neku: Nope. You're on your own there.
Beat: Ain't you angry you lost? Don't you wanna WIN?
Neku: Don't YOU? Why did you wait for us?
Beat: We... We was just...
Rhyme: Hee hee... Beat said we should let you catch up.
Beat: Bwaaah! Yo, Rhyme, can it!
Shiki: Aww, Beat's a big softy underneath!
Beat: Shh...Shiki! Not you, too! I...I just wanted to see Phones squirm,
tha's all. Now le's get this mission over with. We got here first, so we win. Eat that, slowpokes.
Neku: Uh-huh. Consider it eaten.
Beat: Heh heh! C'mon, Rhyme. Le's bounce!
Rhyme: W-wait, Beat! You're going to trip if you don't slow down!
Shiki: She's so lucky to have her best friend as a partner.
Neku: Guess you should've teamed up with that friend in your picture.
(Would've saved me a lot of grief.)
Shiki: But... I couldn't... We're... ......
Neku: ?
Shiki: Come on. We should go.
[Cutscene]
[Towa Records. Beat is ahead, waving, as Rhyme runs to catch up. She notices
a
Noise in the shape of jaws under Beat's feet: A trap. Rhyme pushes Beat out
of
the way, and takes the hit from the shark Noise instead. Beat is left staring
at Rhyme's pendant after Rhyme has been erased]
[/Cutscene]
Shiki: Wh-wh-what just happened!?
Kariya: Awww! There's goes my erase streak. He was supposed to be number 16.
Neku: Reapers?
Kariya: Bingo! I'm Koki Kariya. And this is Uzuki Yashiro. There. Now that
we're all friends--
Beat: Hey! What did you do with Rhyme?
Uzuki: Um...hello? You just saw. She's gone. Erased. Noise food. Game over.
Kariya: Her soul's just another speck of Shibuya space dust.
Shiki: No...Rhyme's gone...for good?
Beat: You... You did this!?
Uzuki: Yeah. But, like, so what? That's our JOB. Boss said set a trap, so we
did.
Beat: Your job? Screw your job! Murderers! You... You erased Rhyme!!! Give
her
back, yo, or you'll pay!
Kariya: Ooh, scary. Go on, Skulls. Be the star of your little soap opera. But
Skulls, Jr. isn't gone because of us. She's gone because of you. You
failed to protect your partner. So face reality. We hunt Players
down.
You KNEW that.
Beat: I-I didn't--
Kariya: Well, Skulls, Jr. knew. That's why she protected you. Gave her life
for
you.
Beat: Rhyme is gone... because of me?
Uzuki: Awww... Boo hoo. But don't worry. You won't suffer for long, hee hee!
[Noise appears]
Beat: !? Noise!? You punks can make Noise?
Kariya: Bingo! All you need is some Soul and a pin to bind it to.
Uzuki: We'd looove to take you on ourselves, but attacking Players directly
is against the rules. So we make Noise instead.
Kariya: So! Our work here is done... Time to call it a day.
Uzuki: Buh-bye. Nice knowing you.
[Uzuki leaves]
Kariya: Oh, yeah. One last thing, Skulls. You want payback? Then man up, huh?
[Kariya leaves]
Beat: HEY!!! Get back here you son of a... Dontchu run from me! Dontchu run,
yo... Don't...
Neku: Hey, we gotta get rid of this Noise.
Shiki: Yeah. Otherwise...
Neku: Start with the smaller Noise!
[Battle with some frog Noise]
Neku: There. That just leaves the big one.
Shiki: Right!
Beat: Dontchu touch it, yo.
Shiki: Huh?
Beat: This one's mine. This bastard took Rhyme from me. Get in my way and
I'll
knock you right outta here!
Mr. H: Don't be stupid!
Neku: Who- who's there?
Mr. H: You're down a partner. How you think you're gonna take on the Noise?
Beat: Like I care! Butt out, yo! I gotta avenge Rhyme!
Mr. H: You mean waste her sacrifice! You're powerless. Accept it! Rhyme left
you a precious gift. Your life! A Player can only live for seven minutes
after their partner is erased. Which leaves you with less than three.
Thank about why she saved you.
Beat: Rrgh... My life's over anyway. You jus' said so.
Mr. H: There's a way to keep you alive. But you have to come with me. Now!
Beat: Why should I live when she can't, yo?
Shiki: Beat, go with him. Rhyme would want it that way.
Beat: But--
Neku: We'll handle this.
Shiki: She was our friend, too.
Beat: Ahhhhhh....
Mr. H: Listen. You may be alone. But there's still a role that only you can
play. I'll tell you what that is, but you have to live!
Beat: Grrraaaaaah!!! ...Fine. But you better kill that bastard dead. Avenge
Rhyme!
[Battle with the shark Noise and frog Noise]
Shiki: Well... We're alone again. Think Beat'll be OK?
Neku: Mr. Hanekoma's with him. He's fine.
Shiki: But...he only had three minutes to live.
Neku: So what were we supposed to do?
Shiki: I don't know... Why couldn't we save Rhyme?
Neku: Because we couldn't. That's how it was meant to be.
Shiki: How can you just write her off like that!? Don't you care? Aren't you
SAD!? We could have done something!
Neku: Yeah? Like what? (Dammit...I feel like crap. This is just like that
time... That time? What time? ...... I can't remember.) ...You see? See
why teaming up is a dumb idea?
Shiki: How dare you! You think NOT teaming up would have saved her? How can you be so COLD? Beat and Rhyme were our friends! What happened to her...
We're all responsible! It was our fault, too...
Neku: Then who needs 'em.
Shiki: Huh?
Neku: Who needs friends! They laugh and talk like idiots and pretend to agree with you-- so you end up caring about them...exposing
yourself...getting HURT... Screw it! We're better off without them! You want people in your way? Dragging you down? I don't! And I never said we were friends. You did!
Shiki: Neku! I am your friend. So is Rhyme--
Neku: Back off! No one's my friend. Least of all you. I just stay with you to
survive.
Shiki: Neku...How c-could you... You didn't feel anything when Rhyme was
erased? Not even a little sad? That's inhuman... You're inhuman, Neku.
No better than those Reapers!
- Neku doesn't have any other memories with Beat or Rhyme, so this is actually his introduction to them, but he was starting to get used to them, to like them, enough to be able to jokingly point out that they weren't that sharp. (Or rather, that Beat wasn't.)
- And then Rhyme dies! And then Neku just assumes that no one can save friends!
- He tells Shiki he's only using her to survive. Harsh, bro.
- But seriously, this, combined with his death memory, is going to shake him up big time. He isn't going to want to develop friends in general and he's going to be cagey when it comes to his team. He's going to be more difficult and more belligerent and this is definitely going to be a thing he's going to have to cope with. Neku doesn't take too terribly long to work past stuff, but it's going to be a doubly whammy of terrible and having to figure out what he's doing.
Tin pin slammer
crystal, hold to view once
Trivial Negative
Week two, day two
[Scramble Crossing]
Neku: Nngh... Where...? (Back at the scramble crossing... Where's that other
kid?)
Joshua: Are we still on track with the goods? What? You already got them in!?
Neku: (Oh, he's on the phone. ! Wait a minute... How did he place a call!?
And
who's he talking to?)
Joshua: The scramble... Which areas? ...Sealed? In that case... ...and the
time
limit at... And? Anything else?
Neku: (Wait, is he reporting in to the Reapers? Definitely shady... I can't
tell what he's thinking. ...... Or can I? Maybe another scan will turn
something up.
| Neku: (You're not supposed to be able to scan other Players. But
| yesterday I saw... ...... I should try it again.
>
> Joshua: Right. I know, I know...
>
> Neku: (Who is he talking to, and about what? ...... This calls for
a
> scan.)
> [if you try to leave the Scramble]
> Neku: (As much as I'd love to ditch his ass, I can't clear the
> mission without him.)
>
> Joshua: Right... Exactly, so...
>
> Neku: (I need to trust him, but... Ugh, how? Something's not right
> about him. I know it. Maybe I can scan him.)
[scan Joshua] {......}
[cutscene]
[Udagawa district. A Player Pin falls onto neku, who is lying on his back,
supposedly passed out.]
[/cutscene]
[A flash of light]
Neku: Huff...huff... That was... me? Why was I passed out in Udagawa?
And...why was that in HIS head!? (Udagawa... I can't remember... ! Wait! Was I
dead? Did I... did I die in Udagawa? That would mean... He saw me die. He
was there! Or... Maybe he did more than just watch. ) ...... (One way to
find out. But no... I can't just ask him. If that sparks some huge fight,
I'm screwed. We need to work together to clear these missions. I can't
afford to risk it. Still...he knows something.)
[Neku's phone beeps]
Neku: ! The mission!
Joshua: Hmm? Was that the mission, Neku?
Neku: What? Oh... Yeah. (For now, I can only watch and wait.) The mission
says to--
Joshua: Say, Neku. I have a little proposal.
Neku: ...What?
Joshua: Let's play hooky today. Forget about the mission.
Neku: What!? Are you crazy? If we don't do this, we get erased!
Joshua: But there's someplace I reeeally want to go. Let the other Players take
care of the mission. It's not as if we have to do everything.
Neku: Yes, we do! I can't afford to screw around on this! I'm not letting
anything jeopardize this Game.
Joshua: Oh, don't get so wound up, Neku. It's only Day 2! Enjoy it while it's
still easy.
Neku: I'm not just playing this for me anymore! Her life is on the line, too.
[flashback]
Neku: I...
Joshua: ......
Neku: I got her dragged back into this. But I'll be damned if I let it end this
way. I'm winning this Game. And I'm not relying on other Players doing it
for me.
Joshua: ...... Hmph.
Neku: ! "Hmph," what!? Weren't you listening?
Joshua: Uh-huh. And here's me playing the world's tiniest violin.
Neku: You little... I just--
Joshua: Did you think you were special? Every Player here put up something they
loved. Everybody makes sacrifices.
Neku: Sacrifices? Are you... (No. Gotta calm down. Losing it here will only
make things worse. Just take a deep breath and...) How about this? First,
we complete the mission. After that, we can do whatever you want.
Joshua: ...... Oh, I suppose. You'll just owe me one.
Neku: (Owe you one what!? You're a Player! Clearing the mission HELPS you!
Ugh...) Fine.
Joshua: You have yourself a deal, Neku. So? What's the mission?
Neku: "Game II: Acquire the v3 Au pin. "t = 300 min. Incompletes will be
destroyed."
[Neku flinches]
Neku: Nngh... Clock's ticking. So what's up with this mission? It's
gibberish.
Joshua: We know it has something to do with a pin. Any thoughts beyond that,
Neku?
Neku: Au...The periodic symbol for gold? A pin made of gold, maybe?
Joshua: Hmm... Not a bad hypothesis. Let's go with that for now. What about
v3?
Neku: v3... Well, the square root of 3 is 1.7320508. Some kind of entry code?
Joshua: Ooh, a tantalizing possibility, Neku! I'm so proud.
Neku: (...Bite me.)
Joshua: But I think it's referring to a street here in Shibuya.
Neku: A street?
Joshua: The Reapers use numbers to refer to each of Shibuya's streets. Route
1, Route 2 and so on...
Neku: (How does HE know that? And why go asking me-- to make me look stupid?)
Joshua: So let's check out Route 3.
Neku: Which is?
Joshua: The road leading from Cadoi City to Molco. Shall we?
[Joshua leaves]
Neku: (He knows too much. About the Reapers' Game and about my death... He's
dangerous. ...And I know dangerously little about him.)
| Neku: (...... He knows something.)
|
| Joshua: ...Hmm? Keep staring and you'll make me blush. Route 3 runs
| between Cadoi City and Molco.
|
| Neku: I heard you. Let's go.
|
| [Neku leaves]
|
| Joshua: Yes, sir!
[Shibu Dept. Store]
> [scan Yammer] {What now?}
> Yammer: I'm out of time. Even if I practice from now till the
> slam-off, I'm still gonna get served...
> [scan business man] {Makoto}
> Business man: What did Makoto want? He said it was important. Hmm...
> Lately he's been like a different person.
Reaper: ...... Want past this wall? Erase all the Noise possessing people in
this area.
| Neku: Eliminate the Noise possessing people here...
|
| Joshua: Well, they usually target folks who are negative. ......
|
| [Joshua inches closer to Neku. Neku backs away]
|
| Neku: Wh-what!?
|
| [Joshua returns to his normal distance]
|
| Joshua: Oh, nothing. ...I just hate negative people, don't you?
|
| Neku: (Yeah, and you're just a bundle of joy. Look, let's just kill
| us some Noise.)
> [scan Yammer] {}
> Yammer: I thought I had Shooter this time... But he keeps getting
> stronger! I'll just have to mod my pins and hope no one
> catches me...
> [scan Business man] {}
> Business man: Dammit. He must have caught me filching his fried
> chicken. Or maybe it was the takoyaki... The pudding,
> perhaps?
[Eliminate the Noise from Business man]
> [scan Business man] {Decisive action}
> Business man: Gaaah! I can't let little things like this slow me
> down. This is a job for Reaper Creeper!
[Eliminate the Noise from Yammer]
Yammer: Right... I can do this. If I'm gonna play, I'm going for gold!
Winning
this slam-off is the only way to get the Hero Pin. OK... Better get
to
Molco. The time's finally come to use my secret weapon!
Neku: Some kind of contest at Molco for Tin Pin Slammer? The grand prize is
this "Hero Pin"...
Joshua: "Going for gold"?
Neku: Of course! This is it!
Joshua: Certainly seems that way. It's a safe guess that our mission is to win
that pin.
Neku: All right, then we'd better get over to Molco.
| Joshua: Well, no more negative people around here... Nope, not a
one.
| Just bright, cheery--
|
| Neku: OK, OK. Let's go.
|
| Joshua: Hee hee.
Reaper: ...... Objective met. Wall clear!
[back to Neku and Joshua. Cadoi City]
| Joshua: Why the hurry, Neku? Molco's just a few blocks away. We've
| got hours.
|
| Neku: You never know what'll happen. Let's get this done.
|
| [Neku leaves]
|
| Joshua: OK, OK...
Neku: C'mon, already! Get a move on!
Joshua: Sigh... I don't do the whole sweating thing, Neku.
[Taboo Noise appear]
Joshua: !?
Neku: Wha-- Are those Noise!?
Joshua: Black Noise? They look different than the usual riffraff.
Neku: So what's the plan?
Joshua: I doubt we'd make it if we tried to run.
Neku: Then we take 'em out!
[battle with Taboo Noise]
Neku: What the hell were those? I've never seen black Noise.
Joshua: Likewise.
Neku: Bastards were tough, huh?
Joshua: Not only that... I couldn't really hurt them unless I had the light
puck.
Neku: Huh? ...Really? (Wow... Maybe this kid does have his uses--)
Joshua: Hmm? Don't tell me you didn't notice, Neku. That doesn't inspire much
confidence, partner. Hee hee...
Neku: (--even if he is a snot.)
Joshua: In any case, why did it pick a fight?
Neku: Yeah... Our pact should prevent that.
Joshua: How bizarre...
| Neku: We don't have time to screw around. Let's get to Molco and
| finish the job.
|
| Joshua: Yes, sir!
[Molco]
| Neku: This is it. They're holding the slam-off inside the store.
|
| Random Person: Dude, it's a Tin Pin slam-off! Those always rock.
|
| Joshua: Looks like a popular event.
|
| Neku: (...And I've got to win it.) Let's go.
> [ew2d2-1]
Neku: So this is Tin Pin Slammer... All I need to do is figure out some way
to
win this.
Joshua: Good luck with that. At least there's a Reaper decal here. You won't
have any problems entering.
Neku: The decal makes us visible, right?
Joshua: Yup. Every shop licensed to sell to Players has one.
Neku: I'm not complaining, but... why let us shop at all? The Reapers want us
erased, don't they? Why help us?
Joshua: Hmm... Does it really matter? Shopping is fun. The Game's better this
way.
Neku: (Yeah, 'cause the Game's all about fun...)
Joshua: If you don't hurry, you'll miss registration, Neku.
Neku: OK, OK, I'm going. (Going...to do what? I've never played Tin Pin Slammer
in my life. I hope I'm a natural... That, or the luckiest guy on the
planet. Shiki's counting on me... Well... Here goes!)
[Molco building]
Neku: (So... How do you even play this game?) Do you know how to play Tin Pin
Slammer?
Joshua: Who? Me? Don't be silly. I don't have a clue. Good thing I'm not
entering, hmm?
Neku: What!?
Joshua: I thought you were going to clear this mission, Neku?
Neku: ...... (I shouldn't have bothered asking. So who DO I ask?) Gah! What
the...
Shooter: SORRY! I wasn't watching where I was going! Hmm? Hey, you've got some
pins, bro!
Neku: Um, yes?
Shooter: So you're entering the slam-off?
Joshua: That's right! Losing's not an option. ...For Neku.
Neku: (But you're cool with the idea!?)
Shooter: So, if you're not losing, then-- Wait, you're going for FIRST?
WHAAAT!? With THOSE pins? Are you crazy?
Neku: Wh-what's wrong with my pins?
Shooter: Is this, like, your first time EVER or something? Forget about the
slam-off, those pins won't win you a single round!
Neku: (The kid's sure blunt enough.)
Joshua: I take it you're playing today, uh...
Shooter: Shuto Dan. Call me Shooter! And yeah! I'm actually kinda famous around
here-- the slickest Slammurai (dun dun DAAAH!!) in town! None of my
buddies can touch me!
Joshua: Wow, Shooter. You must be a real expert. Are there any tips you could
offer? ...To Neku.
Neku: (Thanks a lot, partner!)
Joshua: Come on, Neku, what do we say?
Neku: Rrgh. ...Please?
Shooter: Well, you do look pretty hopeless... OK, bro! Tin Pin's a battle
between SOULS!
Neku: Between...souls.
Shooter: Yeah, bro! It's like your fiery passion slams into the other guy's,
like WHAM!
Joshua: Hee hee. Sounds like a fun time.
Neku: ...... Think you could be a little more specific?
Shooter: Just a sec! I'll draw it out clear and easy for you!
[Shooter shows a very badly drawn picture]
Shooter: Here! THIS is Tin Pin Slammer!
Neku: ...... (It hurts to look...)
Joshua: My, my. Then there's quite a bit of depth to it.
Shooter: Right!? The timing right here is super important!
Joshua: This is practically a map to victory, huh, Neku?
Neku: ......
Joshua: Neku? Do you still not get it?
Shooter: What!? You need MORE explanation!? Aww, man! OK, fine... Let's SLAM!
That's the quickest way to learn!
Neku: What, right now!?
[Play Tin Pin Slammer. If you lose to Shooter]
Shooter: Heh heh! You've got pretty good form, bro.
> [if you won against Shooter]
> Shooter: Whoa! Y-you're a fast learner.
Neku: (So I just need to knock the other guy's pins off...)
Shooter: All clear now? Wanna slam again?
Play again?
> [if you chose [> One more time!]
> Shooter: OK! On your mark... Get set... SLAM!!!
> That's enough
Shooter: NICE!!! You picked it up pretty good!
Neku: (I kinda, sorta get it...)
Shooter: Every pin's got its own stats, so try a buncha stuff out! Keep in
mind, though, you can only play with the pins you've got on.
Neku: (The ones I'm wearing?) So I can't play if I'm not wearing any pins?
Shooter: NAW, BRO! That's totally cool, too! You can borrow special slamming
pins to play with. You could play Tin Pin Slammer NAKED, man!
Neku: Thanks, but... no.
Shooter: WHOA! Look at the time! See ya! Good luck!
Announcer: Things are rrreally heating up, folks! It's time for ourrr next
battle! In the blue corner, crowned with sound... First-timer Neku
Sakuraba!
Neku: (Bring it!)
Announcer: In the red corner, the comeback kid comes back! Slams down curry
like it was a pin... Itaru Yokoyamada!
Yammer: Heh heh... I hand-design and build all my pin mods. It's Yammer Time!
Announcer: Players, on your marks... Get set...SLAM!!!
[play Tin Pin Slammer. If you win against Yammer]
Neku: Yes!
Shooter: WOW!!! Your first time playing, and you (dun dun DAAAH!) totally
won!
Joshua: Very impressive, Neku. Show those fifth graders who's boss.
Neku: (Thanks for killing my high, man.)
Shooter: Too bad next round, though.
Neku: Huh?
Shooter: You're facing the TOP SEED, man. You're history.
Neku: Top seed?
Shooter: That means crazy insane strong. Dumb luck won't get you through the
next match.
> [If you had lost against Yammer] [ew2d2-2]
Neku: (Dumb luck? I mean, sure, I'm not exactly a pro, but... Hmm, I should
work on snapping my strokes... Gotta make sure I--)
Joshua: Hee hee. Well, I'll be waiting in the stands, Neku. Do your best,
partner.
Neku: (Damn right I will. This is important.)
Announcer: The air is electric here in the slam mall! Next up, the main event!
In the blue corner, Neku Sakuraba!
Neku: (Who wants some?)
Announcer: In the red corner, the top seed and Slammurai legend...
Neku: (I don't care who he is. I have to win.)
Announcer: Shuto Daaaan!
Neku: Him!?
Shooter: HEY, MAN! I'm impressed you got this far! Sorry, but I can't let you
win this one. Because I'M gonna win it!
Neku: I'm up against this kid? Ugh... (Well, if this is what it takes...)
Shooter: Taste the rage of my Red Kaiser! Innn... PINCIBLE!
Neku: Gah! It...it's over. I lost?
Shooter: You seemed pretty tough, bro! I had to get serious!
Announcer: And just like that, the match is over! Shooter does it again! The
top seed moves on to the finals!
Shooter: Watch out, Shibuya! When I'm on, I am ON!!! Woo! Time for the final
match! Better luck next time, bro!
Neku: There is no next time! Shiki... I'm sorry, I--
Joshua: Aww, what a shame. Not that I'm shocked. You're a Tin Pin virgin. What
could you do?
Neku: Don't you see what this means!? We failed! We screwed up the mission!
Joshua: You sure did. But relax...
Neku: Relax!? How can--
Announcer: Uh-oh! Looks like trouble for our champ!
Neku: What happened?
Joshua: What indeed? Sounds like an upset.
Neku: Let's check it out.
Shooter: My pin... It won't eject! No, Red Kaiser! NOOO!
Announcer: It looks like a freak malfunction has cost the top seed the
slam-off! Victory goes to dark horse slammer Sota Honjo!
Joshua: Oh, my! Looks like Shooter lost.
Neku: ! Huh? The timer's gone. Wait... We cleared the mission?
Joshua: The guy who just won is a Player, too.
Neku: What?
Nao: So, like, where'd the timer go?
Sota: Mission accomplished! We did it, Nao!
Joshua: I thought you knew, Neku? It doesn't matter which Player clears the
mission. So there's no reason for us to get all worked up over it.
Neku: Whew... We're safe.
[Molco]
Nao: So that's, like, another day down?
Sota: Hope tomorrow's this easy, too!
Shooter: Wait up, man! I want a... rematch... Huh? Where'd he go? You can't
just win, then disappear! It's not fair!
Joshua: Let the other Players take care of the missions. We just need to do
what it takes to stay alive. ...Whatever it takes.
Neku: And what if nobody clears the mission? If that kid's toy hadn't broken
when it did... that would've been the end of us!
Joshua: Hee hee... Oh, I'm willing to make some minimal effort. You don't
really think that was an accident, do you?
Neku: What!?
Joshua: I borrowed your opponents' pins and swapped in a few of my own. Of
course mine had a few... adjustments made. Here, you can have the
originals.
Neku: Unbelievable...
Joshua: You didn't need to win. Shooter just had to lose.
Neku: You're... You're devious!
Joshua: Oh, come on. You wanted to win. Wasn't that the whole reason for
participating?
Neku: OK, fine. Then why didn't you tell me?
Joshua: Hee hee... Don't you think it's more fun with a little suspense?
Neku: No.
Joshua: Besides, you might've won anyway. I didn't want to hurt your
feelings.
Neku: You smug little... Is this fun for you? I'm not your toy!
Joshua: If you're done, it's my turn now.
Neku: For what!?
Joshua: I've got an errand to run, and you're coming along.
Neku: I just said I'm not your--
Joshua: You agreed to this, Neku. After the mission, we do what I want.
Neku: Rrgh! ...Fine.
Joshua: Good. Then let's head back to the scramble.
- Combined with all the other memories, Neku is going to clue in on a bit more. Joshua knows more than he's saying, Joshua is toying with him, and Joshua somehow keeps him from seeing that scene in his memory. This is all pretty huge when put into the context of "Joshua is my murderer."
- Also important to note that Joshua is a giant asshole.
- Neku knows how to play tin pin now. Coming to an Aather near you ... eventually.
tiny apple pie, two uses
Pre-game, revealed on Week three, day seven
Significant Negative
Neku's death scene.
- JOSHUA KILLED ME.
- JOSHUA KILLED ME!!!!
- No, Neku already has known that he was dead, but this is going to be the icing on the cake.
- This is going to be the memory that really decides how things go differently in Aather, because in canon, he didn't know Joshua killed him until the very end. How Joshua reacts will depend a lot. Joshua and Neku play a lot of "did he or didn't he" throughout Neku's week, with Neku ultimately thinking it was Minamimoto. It will be interesting, and it will be a hard memory for him to cope with in general. After all, he has wanted to trust Joshua.
BUTTON FIXING. Stripping in ... public? (tiny clear bottle, insert a liquid inside and drink, infinite uses)
Trivial Neutral
Week one, day four
[Shibu Dept. Store]
[walking towards the Cadoi City exit]
Shiki: Ahh, enough! Just looking at you makes me cringe!
Neku: What did I do!? (What's gotten into her?)
Shiki: It's coming loose.
Neku: Umm... (What, your grip on reality?)
Shiki: Neku... That button on your shorts.
Neku: Oh, yeah. What does it matt--
Shiki: It matters! I can't stand things like that!
Neku: Who care's? It's just a button.
Shiki: Off.
Neku: What?
Shiki: Your shorts. Take them off! I'll fix the button.
Neku: Are you high!? I'm not taking my pants off in front of you-- in the middle of the street!
Shiki: Oh, grow up. What, are you going commando? You're invisible! No one's watching.
Neku: YOU'RE watching!
Shiki: Now! Pants! Off!
Neku: Doooooon't!!!
[quick fade to black]
Shiki: There. All done! Whew, I feel much better. Loose buttons drive me
nuts.
Neku: That was... fast... You always carry around a needle and thread?
Shiki: Of course. They come in handy. Plus I enjoy sewing. If you need
anything else mended, just say the word!
Neku: ...... (Will I have to strip again? ...... I'd better take care of my
clothes...)
Neku doesn't actually know a lot about Shiki, so this is one of the only memories he has of her so far (barring the one where Rhyme dies ...). This is actually on the way to Rhyme dying, so he will be able to put it in order sequentially. Essentially, this is a sign of one of Shiki's talents. It's something that he'll notice, even if he doesn't necessarily drop his Neku-like behavior after she fixes it. He does appreciate it.
Who needs friends? An angry tirade after failing to help a friend. (Just like that one time...)
Necco wafer, one use
Significant Negative
Week one, day four
Reaper: ...... Want past this wall? Bring me five 500 Yen pins.
| Shiki: He wants a lot of pins...
|
| Neku: Let's try doing some mass Noise reduction.
|
| Shiki: Um, how does that work?
[when you have the pins]
| Shiki: Whew... That should be enough pins. Now he'll open the wall
| for us. Let's hurry to Towa Records. Beat and Rhyme are waiting.
Reaper: Objective met. Wall clear!
[Cadoi City]
Shiki: Oh, hey! There's Beat and Rhyme.
Beat: The hell you been, yo? This is a race! Ain't you even tryin'?
Neku: Nope. You're on your own there.
Beat: Ain't you angry you lost? Don't you wanna WIN?
Neku: Don't YOU? Why did you wait for us?
Beat: We... We was just...
Rhyme: Hee hee... Beat said we should let you catch up.
Beat: Bwaaah! Yo, Rhyme, can it!
Shiki: Aww, Beat's a big softy underneath!
Beat: Shh...Shiki! Not you, too! I...I just wanted to see Phones squirm,
tha's all. Now le's get this mission over with. We got here first, so we win. Eat that, slowpokes.
Neku: Uh-huh. Consider it eaten.
Beat: Heh heh! C'mon, Rhyme. Le's bounce!
Rhyme: W-wait, Beat! You're going to trip if you don't slow down!
Shiki: She's so lucky to have her best friend as a partner.
Neku: Guess you should've teamed up with that friend in your picture.
(Would've saved me a lot of grief.)
Shiki: But... I couldn't... We're... ......
Neku: ?
Shiki: Come on. We should go.
[Cutscene]
[Towa Records. Beat is ahead, waving, as Rhyme runs to catch up. She notices
a
Noise in the shape of jaws under Beat's feet: A trap. Rhyme pushes Beat out
of
the way, and takes the hit from the shark Noise instead. Beat is left staring
at Rhyme's pendant after Rhyme has been erased]
[/Cutscene]
Shiki: Wh-wh-what just happened!?
Kariya: Awww! There's goes my erase streak. He was supposed to be number 16.
Neku: Reapers?
Kariya: Bingo! I'm Koki Kariya. And this is Uzuki Yashiro. There. Now that
we're all friends--
Beat: Hey! What did you do with Rhyme?
Uzuki: Um...hello? You just saw. She's gone. Erased. Noise food. Game over.
Kariya: Her soul's just another speck of Shibuya space dust.
Shiki: No...Rhyme's gone...for good?
Beat: You... You did this!?
Uzuki: Yeah. But, like, so what? That's our JOB. Boss said set a trap, so we
did.
Beat: Your job? Screw your job! Murderers! You... You erased Rhyme!!! Give
her
back, yo, or you'll pay!
Kariya: Ooh, scary. Go on, Skulls. Be the star of your little soap opera. But
Skulls, Jr. isn't gone because of us. She's gone because of you. You
failed to protect your partner. So face reality. We hunt Players
down.
You KNEW that.
Beat: I-I didn't--
Kariya: Well, Skulls, Jr. knew. That's why she protected you. Gave her life
for
you.
Beat: Rhyme is gone... because of me?
Uzuki: Awww... Boo hoo. But don't worry. You won't suffer for long, hee hee!
[Noise appears]
Beat: !? Noise!? You punks can make Noise?
Kariya: Bingo! All you need is some Soul and a pin to bind it to.
Uzuki: We'd looove to take you on ourselves, but attacking Players directly
is against the rules. So we make Noise instead.
Kariya: So! Our work here is done... Time to call it a day.
Uzuki: Buh-bye. Nice knowing you.
[Uzuki leaves]
Kariya: Oh, yeah. One last thing, Skulls. You want payback? Then man up, huh?
[Kariya leaves]
Beat: HEY!!! Get back here you son of a... Dontchu run from me! Dontchu run,
yo... Don't...
Neku: Hey, we gotta get rid of this Noise.
Shiki: Yeah. Otherwise...
Neku: Start with the smaller Noise!
[Battle with some frog Noise]
Neku: There. That just leaves the big one.
Shiki: Right!
Beat: Dontchu touch it, yo.
Shiki: Huh?
Beat: This one's mine. This bastard took Rhyme from me. Get in my way and
I'll
knock you right outta here!
Mr. H: Don't be stupid!
Neku: Who- who's there?
Mr. H: You're down a partner. How you think you're gonna take on the Noise?
Beat: Like I care! Butt out, yo! I gotta avenge Rhyme!
Mr. H: You mean waste her sacrifice! You're powerless. Accept it! Rhyme left
you a precious gift. Your life! A Player can only live for seven minutes
after their partner is erased. Which leaves you with less than three.
Thank about why she saved you.
Beat: Rrgh... My life's over anyway. You jus' said so.
Mr. H: There's a way to keep you alive. But you have to come with me. Now!
Beat: Why should I live when she can't, yo?
Shiki: Beat, go with him. Rhyme would want it that way.
Beat: But--
Neku: We'll handle this.
Shiki: She was our friend, too.
Beat: Ahhhhhh....
Mr. H: Listen. You may be alone. But there's still a role that only you can
play. I'll tell you what that is, but you have to live!
Beat: Grrraaaaaah!!! ...Fine. But you better kill that bastard dead. Avenge
Rhyme!
[Battle with the shark Noise and frog Noise]
Shiki: Well... We're alone again. Think Beat'll be OK?
Neku: Mr. Hanekoma's with him. He's fine.
Shiki: But...he only had three minutes to live.
Neku: So what were we supposed to do?
Shiki: I don't know... Why couldn't we save Rhyme?
Neku: Because we couldn't. That's how it was meant to be.
Shiki: How can you just write her off like that!? Don't you care? Aren't you
SAD!? We could have done something!
Neku: Yeah? Like what? (Dammit...I feel like crap. This is just like that
time... That time? What time? ...... I can't remember.) ...You see? See
why teaming up is a dumb idea?
Shiki: How dare you! You think NOT teaming up would have saved her? How can you be so COLD? Beat and Rhyme were our friends! What happened to her...
We're all responsible! It was our fault, too...
Neku: Then who needs 'em.
Shiki: Huh?
Neku: Who needs friends! They laugh and talk like idiots and pretend to agree with you-- so you end up caring about them...exposing
yourself...getting HURT... Screw it! We're better off without them! You want people in your way? Dragging you down? I don't! And I never said we were friends. You did!
Shiki: Neku! I am your friend. So is Rhyme--
Neku: Back off! No one's my friend. Least of all you. I just stay with you to
survive.
Shiki: Neku...How c-could you... You didn't feel anything when Rhyme was
erased? Not even a little sad? That's inhuman... You're inhuman, Neku.
No better than those Reapers!
- Neku doesn't have any other memories with Beat or Rhyme, so this is actually his introduction to them, but he was starting to get used to them, to like them, enough to be able to jokingly point out that they weren't that sharp. (Or rather, that Beat wasn't.)
- And then Rhyme dies! And then Neku just assumes that no one can save friends!
- He tells Shiki he's only using her to survive. Harsh, bro.
- But seriously, this, combined with his death memory, is going to shake him up big time. He isn't going to want to develop friends in general and he's going to be cagey when it comes to his team. He's going to be more difficult and more belligerent and this is definitely going to be a thing he's going to have to cope with. Neku doesn't take too terribly long to work past stuff, but it's going to be a doubly whammy of terrible and having to figure out what he's doing.
Tin pin slammer
crystal, hold to view once
Trivial Negative
Week two, day two
[Scramble Crossing]
Neku: Nngh... Where...? (Back at the scramble crossing... Where's that other
kid?)
Joshua: Are we still on track with the goods? What? You already got them in!?
Neku: (Oh, he's on the phone. ! Wait a minute... How did he place a call!?
And
who's he talking to?)
Joshua: The scramble... Which areas? ...Sealed? In that case... ...and the
time
limit at... And? Anything else?
Neku: (Wait, is he reporting in to the Reapers? Definitely shady... I can't
tell what he's thinking. ...... Or can I? Maybe another scan will turn
something up.
| Neku: (You're not supposed to be able to scan other Players. But
| yesterday I saw... ...... I should try it again.
>
> Joshua: Right. I know, I know...
>
> Neku: (Who is he talking to, and about what? ...... This calls for
a
> scan.)
> [if you try to leave the Scramble]
> Neku: (As much as I'd love to ditch his ass, I can't clear the
> mission without him.)
>
> Joshua: Right... Exactly, so...
>
> Neku: (I need to trust him, but... Ugh, how? Something's not right
> about him. I know it. Maybe I can scan him.)
[scan Joshua] {......}
[cutscene]
[Udagawa district. A Player Pin falls onto neku, who is lying on his back,
supposedly passed out.]
[/cutscene]
[A flash of light]
Neku: Huff...huff... That was... me? Why was I passed out in Udagawa?
And...why was that in HIS head!? (Udagawa... I can't remember... ! Wait! Was I
dead? Did I... did I die in Udagawa? That would mean... He saw me die. He
was there! Or... Maybe he did more than just watch. ) ...... (One way to
find out. But no... I can't just ask him. If that sparks some huge fight,
I'm screwed. We need to work together to clear these missions. I can't
afford to risk it. Still...he knows something.)
[Neku's phone beeps]
Neku: ! The mission!
Joshua: Hmm? Was that the mission, Neku?
Neku: What? Oh... Yeah. (For now, I can only watch and wait.) The mission
says to--
Joshua: Say, Neku. I have a little proposal.
Neku: ...What?
Joshua: Let's play hooky today. Forget about the mission.
Neku: What!? Are you crazy? If we don't do this, we get erased!
Joshua: But there's someplace I reeeally want to go. Let the other Players take
care of the mission. It's not as if we have to do everything.
Neku: Yes, we do! I can't afford to screw around on this! I'm not letting
anything jeopardize this Game.
Joshua: Oh, don't get so wound up, Neku. It's only Day 2! Enjoy it while it's
still easy.
Neku: I'm not just playing this for me anymore! Her life is on the line, too.
[flashback]
Neku: I...
Joshua: ......
Neku: I got her dragged back into this. But I'll be damned if I let it end this
way. I'm winning this Game. And I'm not relying on other Players doing it
for me.
Joshua: ...... Hmph.
Neku: ! "Hmph," what!? Weren't you listening?
Joshua: Uh-huh. And here's me playing the world's tiniest violin.
Neku: You little... I just--
Joshua: Did you think you were special? Every Player here put up something they
loved. Everybody makes sacrifices.
Neku: Sacrifices? Are you... (No. Gotta calm down. Losing it here will only
make things worse. Just take a deep breath and...) How about this? First,
we complete the mission. After that, we can do whatever you want.
Joshua: ...... Oh, I suppose. You'll just owe me one.
Neku: (Owe you one what!? You're a Player! Clearing the mission HELPS you!
Ugh...) Fine.
Joshua: You have yourself a deal, Neku. So? What's the mission?
Neku: "Game II: Acquire the v3 Au pin. "t = 300 min. Incompletes will be
destroyed."
[Neku flinches]
Neku: Nngh... Clock's ticking. So what's up with this mission? It's
gibberish.
Joshua: We know it has something to do with a pin. Any thoughts beyond that,
Neku?
Neku: Au...The periodic symbol for gold? A pin made of gold, maybe?
Joshua: Hmm... Not a bad hypothesis. Let's go with that for now. What about
v3?
Neku: v3... Well, the square root of 3 is 1.7320508. Some kind of entry code?
Joshua: Ooh, a tantalizing possibility, Neku! I'm so proud.
Neku: (...Bite me.)
Joshua: But I think it's referring to a street here in Shibuya.
Neku: A street?
Joshua: The Reapers use numbers to refer to each of Shibuya's streets. Route
1, Route 2 and so on...
Neku: (How does HE know that? And why go asking me-- to make me look stupid?)
Joshua: So let's check out Route 3.
Neku: Which is?
Joshua: The road leading from Cadoi City to Molco. Shall we?
[Joshua leaves]
Neku: (He knows too much. About the Reapers' Game and about my death... He's
dangerous. ...And I know dangerously little about him.)
| Neku: (...... He knows something.)
|
| Joshua: ...Hmm? Keep staring and you'll make me blush. Route 3 runs
| between Cadoi City and Molco.
|
| Neku: I heard you. Let's go.
|
| [Neku leaves]
|
| Joshua: Yes, sir!
[Shibu Dept. Store]
> [scan Yammer] {What now?}
> Yammer: I'm out of time. Even if I practice from now till the
> slam-off, I'm still gonna get served...
> [scan business man] {Makoto}
> Business man: What did Makoto want? He said it was important. Hmm...
> Lately he's been like a different person.
Reaper: ...... Want past this wall? Erase all the Noise possessing people in
this area.
| Neku: Eliminate the Noise possessing people here...
|
| Joshua: Well, they usually target folks who are negative. ......
|
| [Joshua inches closer to Neku. Neku backs away]
|
| Neku: Wh-what!?
|
| [Joshua returns to his normal distance]
|
| Joshua: Oh, nothing. ...I just hate negative people, don't you?
|
| Neku: (Yeah, and you're just a bundle of joy. Look, let's just kill
| us some Noise.)
> [scan Yammer] {}
> Yammer: I thought I had Shooter this time... But he keeps getting
> stronger! I'll just have to mod my pins and hope no one
> catches me...
> [scan Business man] {}
> Business man: Dammit. He must have caught me filching his fried
> chicken. Or maybe it was the takoyaki... The pudding,
> perhaps?
[Eliminate the Noise from Business man]
> [scan Business man] {Decisive action}
> Business man: Gaaah! I can't let little things like this slow me
> down. This is a job for Reaper Creeper!
[Eliminate the Noise from Yammer]
Yammer: Right... I can do this. If I'm gonna play, I'm going for gold!
Winning
this slam-off is the only way to get the Hero Pin. OK... Better get
to
Molco. The time's finally come to use my secret weapon!
Neku: Some kind of contest at Molco for Tin Pin Slammer? The grand prize is
this "Hero Pin"...
Joshua: "Going for gold"?
Neku: Of course! This is it!
Joshua: Certainly seems that way. It's a safe guess that our mission is to win
that pin.
Neku: All right, then we'd better get over to Molco.
| Joshua: Well, no more negative people around here... Nope, not a
one.
| Just bright, cheery--
|
| Neku: OK, OK. Let's go.
|
| Joshua: Hee hee.
Reaper: ...... Objective met. Wall clear!
[back to Neku and Joshua. Cadoi City]
| Joshua: Why the hurry, Neku? Molco's just a few blocks away. We've
| got hours.
|
| Neku: You never know what'll happen. Let's get this done.
|
| [Neku leaves]
|
| Joshua: OK, OK...
Neku: C'mon, already! Get a move on!
Joshua: Sigh... I don't do the whole sweating thing, Neku.
[Taboo Noise appear]
Joshua: !?
Neku: Wha-- Are those Noise!?
Joshua: Black Noise? They look different than the usual riffraff.
Neku: So what's the plan?
Joshua: I doubt we'd make it if we tried to run.
Neku: Then we take 'em out!
[battle with Taboo Noise]
Neku: What the hell were those? I've never seen black Noise.
Joshua: Likewise.
Neku: Bastards were tough, huh?
Joshua: Not only that... I couldn't really hurt them unless I had the light
puck.
Neku: Huh? ...Really? (Wow... Maybe this kid does have his uses--)
Joshua: Hmm? Don't tell me you didn't notice, Neku. That doesn't inspire much
confidence, partner. Hee hee...
Neku: (--even if he is a snot.)
Joshua: In any case, why did it pick a fight?
Neku: Yeah... Our pact should prevent that.
Joshua: How bizarre...
| Neku: We don't have time to screw around. Let's get to Molco and
| finish the job.
|
| Joshua: Yes, sir!
[Molco]
| Neku: This is it. They're holding the slam-off inside the store.
|
| Random Person: Dude, it's a Tin Pin slam-off! Those always rock.
|
| Joshua: Looks like a popular event.
|
| Neku: (...And I've got to win it.) Let's go.
> [ew2d2-1]
Neku: So this is Tin Pin Slammer... All I need to do is figure out some way
to
win this.
Joshua: Good luck with that. At least there's a Reaper decal here. You won't
have any problems entering.
Neku: The decal makes us visible, right?
Joshua: Yup. Every shop licensed to sell to Players has one.
Neku: I'm not complaining, but... why let us shop at all? The Reapers want us
erased, don't they? Why help us?
Joshua: Hmm... Does it really matter? Shopping is fun. The Game's better this
way.
Neku: (Yeah, 'cause the Game's all about fun...)
Joshua: If you don't hurry, you'll miss registration, Neku.
Neku: OK, OK, I'm going. (Going...to do what? I've never played Tin Pin Slammer
in my life. I hope I'm a natural... That, or the luckiest guy on the
planet. Shiki's counting on me... Well... Here goes!)
[Molco building]
Neku: (So... How do you even play this game?) Do you know how to play Tin Pin
Slammer?
Joshua: Who? Me? Don't be silly. I don't have a clue. Good thing I'm not
entering, hmm?
Neku: What!?
Joshua: I thought you were going to clear this mission, Neku?
Neku: ...... (I shouldn't have bothered asking. So who DO I ask?) Gah! What
the...
Shooter: SORRY! I wasn't watching where I was going! Hmm? Hey, you've got some
pins, bro!
Neku: Um, yes?
Shooter: So you're entering the slam-off?
Joshua: That's right! Losing's not an option. ...For Neku.
Neku: (But you're cool with the idea!?)
Shooter: So, if you're not losing, then-- Wait, you're going for FIRST?
WHAAAT!? With THOSE pins? Are you crazy?
Neku: Wh-what's wrong with my pins?
Shooter: Is this, like, your first time EVER or something? Forget about the
slam-off, those pins won't win you a single round!
Neku: (The kid's sure blunt enough.)
Joshua: I take it you're playing today, uh...
Shooter: Shuto Dan. Call me Shooter! And yeah! I'm actually kinda famous around
here-- the slickest Slammurai (dun dun DAAAH!!) in town! None of my
buddies can touch me!
Joshua: Wow, Shooter. You must be a real expert. Are there any tips you could
offer? ...To Neku.
Neku: (Thanks a lot, partner!)
Joshua: Come on, Neku, what do we say?
Neku: Rrgh. ...Please?
Shooter: Well, you do look pretty hopeless... OK, bro! Tin Pin's a battle
between SOULS!
Neku: Between...souls.
Shooter: Yeah, bro! It's like your fiery passion slams into the other guy's,
like WHAM!
Joshua: Hee hee. Sounds like a fun time.
Neku: ...... Think you could be a little more specific?
Shooter: Just a sec! I'll draw it out clear and easy for you!
[Shooter shows a very badly drawn picture]
Shooter: Here! THIS is Tin Pin Slammer!
Neku: ...... (It hurts to look...)
Joshua: My, my. Then there's quite a bit of depth to it.
Shooter: Right!? The timing right here is super important!
Joshua: This is practically a map to victory, huh, Neku?
Neku: ......
Joshua: Neku? Do you still not get it?
Shooter: What!? You need MORE explanation!? Aww, man! OK, fine... Let's SLAM!
That's the quickest way to learn!
Neku: What, right now!?
[Play Tin Pin Slammer. If you lose to Shooter]
Shooter: Heh heh! You've got pretty good form, bro.
> [if you won against Shooter]
> Shooter: Whoa! Y-you're a fast learner.
Neku: (So I just need to knock the other guy's pins off...)
Shooter: All clear now? Wanna slam again?
Play again?
> [if you chose [> One more time!]
> Shooter: OK! On your mark... Get set... SLAM!!!
> That's enough
Shooter: NICE!!! You picked it up pretty good!
Neku: (I kinda, sorta get it...)
Shooter: Every pin's got its own stats, so try a buncha stuff out! Keep in
mind, though, you can only play with the pins you've got on.
Neku: (The ones I'm wearing?) So I can't play if I'm not wearing any pins?
Shooter: NAW, BRO! That's totally cool, too! You can borrow special slamming
pins to play with. You could play Tin Pin Slammer NAKED, man!
Neku: Thanks, but... no.
Shooter: WHOA! Look at the time! See ya! Good luck!
Announcer: Things are rrreally heating up, folks! It's time for ourrr next
battle! In the blue corner, crowned with sound... First-timer Neku
Sakuraba!
Neku: (Bring it!)
Announcer: In the red corner, the comeback kid comes back! Slams down curry
like it was a pin... Itaru Yokoyamada!
Yammer: Heh heh... I hand-design and build all my pin mods. It's Yammer Time!
Announcer: Players, on your marks... Get set...SLAM!!!
[play Tin Pin Slammer. If you win against Yammer]
Neku: Yes!
Shooter: WOW!!! Your first time playing, and you (dun dun DAAAH!) totally
won!
Joshua: Very impressive, Neku. Show those fifth graders who's boss.
Neku: (Thanks for killing my high, man.)
Shooter: Too bad next round, though.
Neku: Huh?
Shooter: You're facing the TOP SEED, man. You're history.
Neku: Top seed?
Shooter: That means crazy insane strong. Dumb luck won't get you through the
next match.
> [If you had lost against Yammer] [ew2d2-2]
Neku: (Dumb luck? I mean, sure, I'm not exactly a pro, but... Hmm, I should
work on snapping my strokes... Gotta make sure I--)
Joshua: Hee hee. Well, I'll be waiting in the stands, Neku. Do your best,
partner.
Neku: (Damn right I will. This is important.)
Announcer: The air is electric here in the slam mall! Next up, the main event!
In the blue corner, Neku Sakuraba!
Neku: (Who wants some?)
Announcer: In the red corner, the top seed and Slammurai legend...
Neku: (I don't care who he is. I have to win.)
Announcer: Shuto Daaaan!
Neku: Him!?
Shooter: HEY, MAN! I'm impressed you got this far! Sorry, but I can't let you
win this one. Because I'M gonna win it!
Neku: I'm up against this kid? Ugh... (Well, if this is what it takes...)
Shooter: Taste the rage of my Red Kaiser! Innn... PINCIBLE!
Neku: Gah! It...it's over. I lost?
Shooter: You seemed pretty tough, bro! I had to get serious!
Announcer: And just like that, the match is over! Shooter does it again! The
top seed moves on to the finals!
Shooter: Watch out, Shibuya! When I'm on, I am ON!!! Woo! Time for the final
match! Better luck next time, bro!
Neku: There is no next time! Shiki... I'm sorry, I--
Joshua: Aww, what a shame. Not that I'm shocked. You're a Tin Pin virgin. What
could you do?
Neku: Don't you see what this means!? We failed! We screwed up the mission!
Joshua: You sure did. But relax...
Neku: Relax!? How can--
Announcer: Uh-oh! Looks like trouble for our champ!
Neku: What happened?
Joshua: What indeed? Sounds like an upset.
Neku: Let's check it out.
Shooter: My pin... It won't eject! No, Red Kaiser! NOOO!
Announcer: It looks like a freak malfunction has cost the top seed the
slam-off! Victory goes to dark horse slammer Sota Honjo!
Joshua: Oh, my! Looks like Shooter lost.
Neku: ! Huh? The timer's gone. Wait... We cleared the mission?
Joshua: The guy who just won is a Player, too.
Neku: What?
Nao: So, like, where'd the timer go?
Sota: Mission accomplished! We did it, Nao!
Joshua: I thought you knew, Neku? It doesn't matter which Player clears the
mission. So there's no reason for us to get all worked up over it.
Neku: Whew... We're safe.
[Molco]
Nao: So that's, like, another day down?
Sota: Hope tomorrow's this easy, too!
Shooter: Wait up, man! I want a... rematch... Huh? Where'd he go? You can't
just win, then disappear! It's not fair!
Joshua: Let the other Players take care of the missions. We just need to do
what it takes to stay alive. ...Whatever it takes.
Neku: And what if nobody clears the mission? If that kid's toy hadn't broken
when it did... that would've been the end of us!
Joshua: Hee hee... Oh, I'm willing to make some minimal effort. You don't
really think that was an accident, do you?
Neku: What!?
Joshua: I borrowed your opponents' pins and swapped in a few of my own. Of
course mine had a few... adjustments made. Here, you can have the
originals.
Neku: Unbelievable...
Joshua: You didn't need to win. Shooter just had to lose.
Neku: You're... You're devious!
Joshua: Oh, come on. You wanted to win. Wasn't that the whole reason for
participating?
Neku: OK, fine. Then why didn't you tell me?
Joshua: Hee hee... Don't you think it's more fun with a little suspense?
Neku: No.
Joshua: Besides, you might've won anyway. I didn't want to hurt your
feelings.
Neku: You smug little... Is this fun for you? I'm not your toy!
Joshua: If you're done, it's my turn now.
Neku: For what!?
Joshua: I've got an errand to run, and you're coming along.
Neku: I just said I'm not your--
Joshua: You agreed to this, Neku. After the mission, we do what I want.
Neku: Rrgh! ...Fine.
Joshua: Good. Then let's head back to the scramble.
- Combined with all the other memories, Neku is going to clue in on a bit more. Joshua knows more than he's saying, Joshua is toying with him, and Joshua somehow keeps him from seeing that scene in his memory. This is all pretty huge when put into the context of "Joshua is my murderer."
- Also important to note that Joshua is a giant asshole.
- Neku knows how to play tin pin now. Coming to an Aather near you ... eventually.