Chapter Text
Ritsu was staring at his new phone in his right hand.
It was a gift from his parents on his last birthday. Surely it wasn't so indispensable and Ritsu had never bothered to point out that he did not have one but his mother said that since Mob already owned one, perhaps it was appropriate to equip also his youngest son. Moreover, his peers already went around armed with bright screens of every model so she was afraid that he felt inadequate. Ritsu that day had accepted the present with a half smile even though that object had no worth to him. He did not need it. He had no means to use it.
From an outside eye one could say that he was a popular boy since the others were always so friendly with him but the truth was that he did not have many friends.
He did not even need them.
Or so he thought.
In that year he had awakened his powers and had finally understood what his brother had to pass. He no longer had to look at him as a monster to protect himself from.
This was possible thanks to his brother and the people he trusted and trusted him. Thanks to Mob, he could finally trust someone. People who could really call friends. But nevertheless his opinion on his phone has never changed. That emotionless machine could not even pick the slightest interest from him. This is why he felt nothing when he threw it on the floor on the school terrace and watched the thing turning into little pieces.
While every normal 13 years old was eating delicious meal and enjoying their school break Ritsu was concentrated on using that insignificant object for a test.
He stayed still in silence trying to gather all the peace of mind he could. Then he thought deeply at his phone's shape and how every components was attached one to another on the inside.
For this porpuse, before the launch, he had disassembled it to remember every part of it.
He pointed his palms at the fragments.
A faint light began to cover his body and various pieces.
The latter vibrated but only a few began to move.
Two components that resembled a computer board clung to each other like pieces of a puzzle.
Ritsu tensed the muscles of his face and his rainbow aura thickened.
Other pieces in greater numbers as soon as they found a border that matched their own hovered together and attached themselves to each other in a magical dance. After a few minutes the shape of the metal box could already be seen.
Ritsu stopped.
He was beginning to get tired. He thought of the tiny bits of alarm clock that Mob had whirled around without the slightest effort for the room that morning.
''I wonder if it will work after having assembled it. Psychic powers are much more difficult to use when it comes to fixing things''. Ritsu sighed and smiled slightly.
This is the least he could do to repay Mob.
His older brother was the most precious thing he had in his life. After that day at the Claws' lair he often happened to cry silently at night at the thought of having lived 13 years of his life by placing the lust and fear of his powers between him and Mob. His eyes began to burn but he pushed these thoughts back into his memory. Now the situation was different. He knew Mob and admired him. And nothing could change this.
Not even those damn powers.
Suddenly the door was slammed.
- Ritsu! Here you are! We were looking for you from all the entire school -
Ritsu startled at the sight of a sweaty Kamuro and a pale Inugawa and..
what was that gauze on his cheek?
He looked down, eyes on the floor.
- What.. what happened? -
Ritsu's nerve started itching as every time he can guess something bad occured.
Inugawa took the word.
- Your brother is.. gone -
-Wake up!-
Reigen opened slightly the eyes and this time there was Mob crying over him.
- I thought you were dead. *snif* Dont scare me like that -
Reigen still didnt realize what happened but seeing Mob awakened from his coma was a real relief. He smiled - That's my line. What happened? -
His eyes encountered the watery ones of Mob. Something was strange. He hasnt never seen Mob crying like this.
-Oi there is no need to cry. I'm ok. We are ok-
-But it's my fault!- More tears covered his eyes and pupils, apart from the ones that started to float. A light was covering the boy and this reminds to Reigen he had a strange dream just a while ago where Mob..
He raised up quickly.
Fuck. It wasnt a dream.
He looked around still dizzy but he could focus enough to see them.
Reigen almost passed out again at the sight of all that Mob.
-W-where am I? What happened to Mob? And who are you?-
The one who was crying and emitted a light blue aura explained: -This is *sniff* this is the inside of Mob's ethereal form. We are all of his emotions. And right now you too-
Reigen speechless raise a finger to himself - Me..? What?-
- We need someone powerful like you to help us to control that thing-
He pointed trembling towards a transparent wall in that cave-like place but the only thing Reigen could see was darkness. -I cant see anything..-
Another Mob with a green aura added: -Behind the dark mist we have locked the beast who isnt an emotion but blind power without restraints. This 'thing' lately goes often berserk and managed to take down a part of control that Mob has on his power-
A purple Mob with a sassy look continued: - It can put Mob to sleep any time It wants and when it happens It acts as It pleases. So we decided to take Mob into a obliged coma so he could be under our check-
-How can he be ok like this?!-
For a moment Reigen felt the urge to punch him. Same thought probably passed through Purple Mob because his face was tense in a pissed stare.
Suddenly Reigen's eyes were caught by a strange orange light. ''This aura is.. around me. Why? Maybe it's the reason why they called me an emotion..''
-Gratitude-
A kind voice appeared behind him. He turned to a smiling Mob covered by an aura similar to gold. He extended an arm to Reigen.
- I'm Friendship. Nice to meet you-
After a moment of silence Reigen clumsily returned an handshake.
-Yeah me too- ''Nice to meet a Mob that is slightly happy at least''.
-Anyway how did you call..- Reigen blocked.
- Gratitude..-
He turned to Crybaby Mob - This is the emotion I incarnate, right? -
- Right. And it's a powerful one. Like.. me -
Reigen watched him closely. - Well.. I guess you are Sadness- -Right-
"I knew it.. so he cried by default. Mob would have never cried for someone like me"
-So this explains why Mob looks so gloomy-
Sadness gulped. -Wha-what do you mean by that?-
-Nothing nothing- Reigen waived quickly an hand as it could erase what he has said.
But Purple Mob appeared in front of him.
-What have you said?? Dont talk like this to Sadness! -
He grinned staring at him. Red eyes like spears in Reigen's eyes.
"God this emotion.. I might have pissed off Rage. I've never seen Mob angry before though".
A green light interposed between the two.
- Rage chill. He is our guest-
Then after a groan from the triggered emotion he turned with a smile to the guest.
-I'm Courage. It's a pleasure to talk to a strong emotion like you-
Reigen faked a confident expression - Glad to hear that-
- I feel more at ease now that you want to help us in this bloody death battle ... well i'm always ready to things like this but i'm not that strong as you. Anyway I won't be a burden. I'll make sure to be useful in the battle as well-
Reigen swallowed and started sweating. -S-sure- "Death?! Why they didnt mention it before! And I didnt choose anything..".
He stopped his thoughts on Mob unconscious on the ground in his office.
His pale face. And he searching desperately a way to help his student...
Then suddenly his eyes focused on the wall that separated them from the thing in the darkness.
He went near other two Mob who were quietly staring at something in the dark mist. One had a red aura and a tired face, the other, more serious, was covered in white.
They didnt move as he approached them. Then Reigen looked into the deep black too trying to see what was that thing they were staring at.
Nothing again. Only blindness.
- What are you two watching at exactly?
They turned to Reigen at the same moment and glared at him with immovable eyes. Then looked at each other.
White Mob put an harsh expression -So you dont even know your enemy? And you called yourself strong? You are ridiculous. You cant help us and definitely cant help Mob-
Said that he turned to the wall again. The other Mob instead didnt quit to stare at Reigen.
"Why Mob has so many problematic emotions! Damn.. who is he? Heartless Mob?? And the red one starts to piss me.. Why this stare?"'.
He suddenly realized.
He had already seen this Mob.
- You will definitely erase that thing, right?-
-Yeah I think so..-
-YOU will definitely erase that thing for sure, right?-
Reigen could feel his determination burning in his tired eyes like fire. Then he replied serious.
-Yes. Definitely-
Red Mob kept watching him for a while then he turned towards their enemy.
Reigen felt a pain in the inside.
Mob was like this after his house was burnt down. And before falling in that deep sleep..
- Dont mind them-
The voice was behind him. There was a cheerful violet Mob.. with an horrible t-shirt.
- Animosity and Tenacity are nervous for the battle. But I know we will win. We are many and It is alone. And also I trust you, well not only because I'm Trust but cause I know that even without your powers you could succeed-
Reigen was moved. -Thank you- "Finally a bit of confidence. But also ihhhh I feel more responsibilities".
At that moment something covered his eyes and felt the shoulders suddenly heavy.
"What the heck is happening!"
When he finally could see again, an upside down Mob's face appeared at 1 cm from his face smiling insanely .
-Hi!! Ecstacy here!-
He kept laughing and started floating upside down.
- Are you really that emotion everyone is talking about? Why cant you show me some power of yours?-
Reigen, resumed by the sudden appearance, answered : -Sure I'm Gratitude. But I cant use my powers right now.. I'm kinda tired. Maybe later-
He laughed again without restrain. - Asdfgh you are so funny. At least tell me about how you erased your enemy. Huge explosions or a sequence of violent blows?-
Reigen froze.
-Hmm well.. I dont use those..mmm.. uncool things. I prefer to use wise strategy-
He in the end pointed one finger to his head with confidence. Yellow Mob stopped the laughter. -Boring-
-What..-
-And I thought you were a force. Instead you are boriiing. Too boring-
-Hey wait I've also blown away something.. now I remember ahahah-
Yellow Mob put a 'tch' face -Mmm well i'm listening.. even if I think it will be boring-
"This Mob is pissing me off! Seriously"
-I've erased hundrend..wait thousand terrifying ghost clones! And an ultimate boss ghost called Candy-chan. To not talk about I've beaten an important Chef of a huuuge criminal organization that had the power to create incredible gravity orbs that could even draw an entire palace in their inside! Amazing?-
Yellow Mob didnt even inch -So? When you will come to the interesting part? Boriiing-
Reigen rubbed his teeth -Are you even an emotion? You are not supposed to change your own emotion at pleasure!-
-Pfft it's only that my disappointment is way too huge right now, but maaaybe if you show that powers of yours..-
Reigen tried to regain calm. -I cant right now. It's dangerous-
Ecstacy raised his shoulders quickly. -Ok-
Then he levitated to Animosity and whispered something in his ear.
Animosity turned slowly towards Reigen. -What have you done to him?-
His eyes emitted red flames so intense that it was enough to look directly at them to feel a strong heat burning your soul.
Reigen started sweating heavily. -H-hey..w-what's up? What did he said..-
-Dont act dumb! Can you feel it? My animosity? And you still did it-
He jumped on Reigen abruptly punching him with force. Every hit threw Reigen a few meters backwards in an instant. Mob still at mid air started strangle him and, dragging it everywhere, it made him crash into the walls.
-W-wait!-
But Reigen couldnt say much cause his head kept to be hit by something in that cave. And the volume of Ectacy's crazy laughter was so high to cover every other voice.
Then he was also pushed against the transparent wall and in that instant he saw It.
He didnt know if he was just imagining it but he was sure about the lighting breaking the darkness from a small circle.
If that round luminescent light was an eye then it seemed like That thing was looking right towards him.
Animosity realizing that he had not inflicted any damage on Reigen attracted Tenacity's attention. -Hold him-
Tenacity nodded and with force hold firm Reigen towards White Mob. The last one gained all the power on his palms covering them with a white and dense mist and started a fast punch sequence. Then Tenacity flew fast against the ceiling leaving Reigen's face embedded in it.
Every emotion froze waiting for a little reaction from him.
His body was just hanging there.
Ecstacy looked at the scene expectantly.
Animosity returned normal.
The silence was heavy.. until some strange noises came from above.
Reigen's legs started agitating to reach the ceiling. Then he pull his head with not that much effort he expected. He was upside down with the feet on the upper of that cave.
Some emotions applauded at the performance while others stared in silence.
Animosity first looked at reigen and then at Ecstacy. He grunted and turned back to the transparent wall as if nothing had happened.
Reigen confused tried to stay calm and think at what causes this reaction.
Then he tried to levitate (he still wasn't used to it) towards the still laughing Ecstacy.
Taking him by the shoulders he asked impatiently: - What did you tell exactly to make him so angry? And stop laughing! -
Ecstacy wiped away the tears from too much joy and replied: -Nothing, it takes a little to make him angry! Suffice it to say that someone has hurt Ritsu and he triggers immediately-
-How can you do something like that ... you can't be a part of Mob-
Ecstacy remained silent and motionless.
He looked at reigen as if he had said something dangerous.
Reigen shook him. -Do you feel OK?-
A fine black and dark blue blanket of smoke covers part of the room. -What happens?-
Reigen looked for the source.
Meanwhile Ecstacy no longer smiled and kept repeating: -No, no, no, nooo not again-
Reigen saw the image of a Mob all huddled on the ground.
The aura around him was thick and dark.
He could hear him whisper something.
- That ... shame..I don't want..I don't want to! That's enough! You don't have to beat yourself! The powers hurt! The powers can hurt Ritsu .. don't hurt Ritsu!-
"Ah this emotion.. I think I saw it in Toichiro's battle. Or to be honest I didnt saw it very well for the smoke and the distance. Well it's not like I'm happy to see Mob like this but at least he has put to a quiet that nosy emotion".
Reigen noticed another Mob on his knee near him. His aura was gray and he was crying and whispering something like the other one.
"It's the Sad angle here?"
Someone put a hand on Reigen's shoulder.
- In front of you there are Shame and Resignation.. they are too sensitive for battle but unfortunately they are obligated to fight with us.
I'm so sorry for them...but it's our destiny. We are all called to contribute to saving Mob and consequently ourselves. In particular, Shame is among the strongest emotions so we can't leave him here.
Reigen turned to him.
- I see..Mob is really upset about his powers so Shame is one powerful emotion for sure. And you? Who are you?-
The silver boy answered: - I'm Compassion, and my powers are also rooting from bad experiences more importantly if I see some of them right in front of me -
He started to stare in a melancholy way at Reigen.
-You are scared, right? You dont have to.. I'm here to protect you all-
He said that went to the two crying emotion and start to talk to them. The smoke faded a bit.
Reigen was startled by Compassion's words. "Yes, I have fear..but I have to save Mob. He trust me again with his power, I cant disappoint him''.
Someone started to cry behind him. He was Sadness who was trying to whipe his tears without success.
- I always starts to cry when I see them like this..poor Shame!-
Reigen sighed. "Unexpected".
Rage was watching him to make sure he didn't respond badly to Sadness.
Reigen prefered to stay quiet just in case.
He tried to escape his red eyes when something caught his attention.
One person, with a brown aura sorrounding him, was sitting on a conformation of that cave-like place and was watching all intense in one point ahead him.
His face was strange; he really didnt resemble Mob.
There was a long minute of silence until Reigen raised up his hand and pointed at him.
- Who is he?-
The other emotions watched at each other unable to answer when finally Courage said: -He..it is a mistake-
The strange brown person looked at Reigen burning with strange confidence for who know what reason.
He lost interest on the question when someone finally gave him a decent answer.
- He is Mob when was Carried Away for a certain situation about girls. Maybe the same in which I would be involved to -
A fucsia weak light appeared in front of him.
-I'm Love. I'm an emotion that Mob hadn't showed yet to someone he likes. I hope it will happen someday and Mob finally will confess his feelings too~ -
Reigen looked at the lovely expression of Love and thought it was so out of place on Mob's usually gloomy face.
-Well I wish he finds the courage to do it-
"I hope he wont explode right in front of the person he likes too".
A sudden noise interrupted his thoughts.
It was an odd rustling coming from the darkest corner of that narrow place.
It sounded like a chain noise..
From the darkness began to appear dim red and gray lightning accompanied by a shrill laugh.
Everyone remained silent.
Reigen gulped and started to sweat cold until he finally understood who was ahead.
-You..you shouldn't exist-