Chapter Text
It's an intense game of arm wrestling between you and the hulk of a man, Morizono. All the possible odds are against your favor yet Takeru, the eccentric hatter placed his bet on you, consisting a pack of marshmallows and crackers you weren't willing to see disappear in someone else's mouth. Your brother Shiro, teeters the edge of excitement and desperation when he bets on the big man, promising to treat the four of you in the famous ramen shop down the street with the money he earned in his first internship. That's only if Mori loses against a little shrimp like you.
Arms at the ready, you and Mori clasp each other's hand and summon all strength. His muscles seem asleep as you push his arm closer to the table with lightweight resistance, nobody pays it any mind. Takeru slams a fist on the table, mouth full of crackers that he's supposed bet. “Come on Y/n! We need that ramen tonight!“
“Mori-Chan, I'd really like to keep my money” Shiro interjects as he sneaks marshmallows into his mouth and trying not to smile. Mori huffs, face contorting in deep effort. His knuckles still hit the wooden table and Takeru goes off like a firework in his glee just as the room went dark and the fan whirled to a stop. “Takeru-Chan, did you pay the bill?“ You ask in the dark, defensive protests and laughter follows and everyone glances out of the window, to the city plunged in sudden sleep, even the cicadas stopped their orchestra.
Shiro turns back to the three of you, “Should we check around town? We could have dinner on the way, I'm starving.”
You hop off the couch and dig around for a flashlight in the overflowing drawer full of fabric and hats. “Do you think they'll still be open?“
“They better be” Takeru is the first one out the door, the three of you trailing behind him to the streets, chatters breaking the unusual quiet and the beams of your flashlight guiding the path.
“What's it like having a night shift at the hospital? Are there any ghosts?“ You ponder out loud, placing the light below your chin in an attempt to look spooky.
“Nope, but there's lots of undead with eyebags and vitamin D deficiency” Shiro extends both arms to immiate a zombie and tries to reach for you and gobble you up. You poke his side and his giggles echoes through the night. “Those poor souls!”
“At least you're authorized to prescribe them sunlight now” Mori comments as he slows his long strides. Shiro smiles and tackles you three in a group hug, sighing contentedly as you huddle together. “Couldn't have done it without you three.” he whispers.
“We're proud of you, Shiro” Takeru pats him in the shoulders and Mori reaches out to ruffle his hair, adding, “Takeru's tasteless vegetable stew worked after all” Laughter bubbles up while Takeru starts to justify his cooking skills.
You meet your brother's eyes and whisper, “We got you” and he pulls you closer to his side.
Takeru marches forward and opens his arms wide, “And while we're at it, why don't you invite that friend of yours from med school? We'll throw a party in your honor!“
“Oh the one with the pretty handwriting! Close to chicken scratch, but still pretty.” You chime in.
Shiro laughs at this, “Those chicken scratch helped me pass the exams so you better tell him that”
You tip your head in a nod, “I'll even thank him for it.”
Shiro turns to Takeru, already knowing he'll have to convince the man that less than ten people is enough for a party. “I doubt he'll be lured out by the promise of free food, but I'll try.”
You family stops abruptly in front of the ramen shop lacking its signature bright orange glow. You creep closer to the glass, cupping both hands to peer inside while Mori barges through the doors with a ring of the bell. Half eaten meals lay untouched on table tops, utensils scattered unceremoniously aside. “Strange” Takeru places a hand on his hip, eyes flitting past the corners and alleys.
“It's 6:30, too early for closing” You mumble and watch through the glass as Mori calls out for the staff, he glances at you and shakes his head when no one responds.
Shiro looks around for any sign of the bustling city. For the old lady yelling obscenities when someone loiters in her shop, for the night life that lived longer than any of you. But there was nothing. He freezes midstep, “Do you hear that?“
“Hear what?“ Takeru asks, standing in full attention.
“There's nothing” Mori replies as he steps outside the shop.
“Exactly” Shiro confirms and jogs to the empty road illuminated by the moon when streetlights fail to do their job. “Where is everybody?“
Your breath hitches and you skip towards the sidewalk, shining your flashlight through windows, in hopes of catching a glimpse of another person. Not even a pet acknowledges your presence. You hastily pull your phone out to check the group chat only to meet a black screen, unresponsive to whatever buttons you press.
In a final attempt to make sense of the world, you seek answers from the two people who always had them. “Takeru... Mori, what's happening?“
This time though, they reflect the uncertainty in your eyes.
~ ♡ ~
The four of you roam around the city to search for the rest of the population of Shibuya. Takeru leads the way to the train station while Mori tries to get a walkie talkie to work. The silence stretch far on the tracks and settles on the empty train compartments. The absence of well trimmed suits, half asleep college students and caffeine pumped night shift workers is worriedly noted as you step inside. “Maybe there's an evacuation that we missed?“ You inquire.
Shiro looks up from reading the schedule posted outside. “The scale is too wide for that, we should've been alerted by the fray.”
You toss the idea around in your mind as you walk deeper into the compartments, scanning each corner with a flashlight. If it's not an evacuation then what happened to the residents of this city? Perhaps this is just a strange fever dream. Your legs slows to a halt as the light catches a reflection in the distance, a flash of a watch and a slumped figure leaning against the window. “Hello?” Your voice comes out reluctant as you approach and the man does not stir. “Uhm sir, do you know what's going on-”
A horrified gasp escape your lips at the full sight of him slumped lifeless against the window, blood streaking down his face, skin so pale it radiated the chill that runs up your spine.
“Y/n?“ Shiro's calls out and you stumble back, slightly greatful you didn't have that spicy ramen with vegetables and shrimps yet.
“What is it?“ Shiro places a hand on your shoulder and blanch at the scene before him, taking a moment to process the gravity of the situation. He releases a breath and turns you around, hands cupping your cheeks as your wide eyes meet his. “Get Takeru and Mori for me, please?“
You can only nod. Shiro tucks a strand of hair behind you ears and runs a thumb on your cheek. “I'll handle it”
You look at him gratefully before running out the wretched train, heading to the Guard's office. Your frantic footsteps on tiles is enough for Takeru and Mori to peek their heads outside of the room, both tensing at the sight of you. You point wordlessly to the train and Mori thunders past while Takeru strides toward you, wiping the sheen of sweat on your forehead with his sleeve.
“What is it?“
“There's a body, Takeru.“
His eyes flare wide in horror and he shifts to look at the train. “Stay here and wait for us.“ he guides you to the cold metal bench that looks like a cheese grater and you watch him dissappear inside the compartment, waiting for his silhouette to join the two through the glass windows. You wait nervously, locked out from your own horrid discovery and their hushed discussions. It takes a while until they decide to leave.
“From the looks of it, he's only been there a few days, five perhaps.” Shiro concludes as the four of you march out the train station, with you clutching the back of his shirt. Takeru and Mori's worried glances weighing heavy on you.
“The trains were operating five days ago” Mori says. “Something like that wouldn't go unnoticed”
“You think someone moved him?“ Takeru wonders, sneaking peep at you.
“I'm fine” You whisper and his hands raises up the air at being caught. “Sorry, I've just never seen you so pale. You usually turn red when in distress, like little tomato.”
“Just hungry, Takeru-Chan. But I'll live” You give a weary smile and he sighes, turning back to Mori.
“They we'rent moved. There was a precise hole on the train roof-” Mori starts.
“-And it matches the hole on his heads and below the chin” Shiro finishes for him.
“His death happened there. It wasn't staged” Mori says grimmly and silence fall over your heads. You emerge outside, leaving the stuffines behind, yet the city remains asleep.
“That doesn't make any sense-” You say, “Are we in some sort of fever dream where time runs differently?“
Takeru flicks his own forehead and hiss, “Feels awake to me” He complains, rubbing the sore spot between his brows. Mori shakes his head in exasperation while you and Shiro release a small laugh. A bright light floods the surroundings from behind and you squint. Mori stepping up, a little bit too determined to be your human shield.
The billboard screen of Victoria's Secret lights up, flashing the words:
WELCOME PLAYERS
THE GAME WILL COMMENCE IN A MOMENT
You and Shiro exchange a look.
“Players?“
“Game?“
A loud ding echoed between the buildings and an arrow appeared on screen.
THIS WAY TO THE GAME ARENA
➡
You all turn. Bright lights flashing in the distance, obscured by the line of trees and buildings on the side of the road. “Are we going in there?“ You ask, gripping your flashlight tighter. It feels too strange and planned. The sensation of someone stalking and tracking your movements makes you want to bolt and hide under a blanket.
Takeru cross his arms in contemplation, “There must be someone in there to explain whatever the this is.”
Shiro places a hand on your back, eyes narrow in reluctance. “And if not?“
Mori sighs and strides forward. “We'll just have to find out”
~ ♡ ~
You're out of breath as you brush aside the last thick bush, thorns scraping your arms in their desperate attempt to halt your steps. Even the mosquito bites feel like a warning, or maybe you really are starving and everything feels weird. The four of you emerge like critters of the night, creeping slowly to the doorsteps of a mansion. The lights inside undisturbed by movements, there's still no one around. Shiro picks off the leaves stuck in your hair. Mori stands guard by the door and Takeru raises a fist to knock. It opens a crack upon impact, revealing a grand marble staircase swirling in three different directions and a life size statue of a man in the same luster with a twirly mustache as if to welcome you in.
The four of you step inside. Lines of blue blinking upon entry and turn red before dissappearing in the door frame. A glass chandeliers floods the room in warm light, soft carpeted floors making you a little self conscious on the speck of mud on your shoe. A round table not matching the decor is in the center of the room, piled with phones and white vests with red buttons on the back. There's a tiny sign hanging on the edge.
ONE PER PERSON
“It's working” You murmur when the phone scans for facial recognition and unlocks. “No signal though”
“This is starting to feel more and more like a bad joke” Shiro frowns as he and Mori inspects the vest.
“A button at the back” Mori observes. “An opening at the front” he pushes and twist it but nothing happens.
“Is anyone in charge going to explain what on earth is going on here?“ Takeru complains and as if in response, the phones dinged and a robotic voice starts follows.
PLEASE WEAR THE VEST AND PROCEED UPSTAIRS
You all look at each other and reluctantly slip it through your arms, the metal buttons locking automatically and glowing red. It's warm and snug, not too heavy and restricting to your movements.
“Maybe we'll be playing a paintball game?“ You offer.
Mori starts walking around. “No paint guns”
As Shiro's vest click into place, the phones starts speaking again.
REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED
THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR PARTICIPANTS
DIFFICULTY
Six of Hearts
GAME
Bear Hug
Rules:
- There is a teddy bear and a bomb hidden somewhere
- It is possible to contain the explosion in a vest if a player hugs the bear
- The explosion can be passed to another player if they press the button on the vest
- Extraction of the vest will detonate the bomb
- Disarming the bomb will trigger the vests to explode
CLEAR CONDITION
Players who resist the urge to hug the Bear wins the game
TIME LIMIT
00:30:00
AFTER 30 MINUTES
THE VEST OF THE PLAYER WHO COULDN'T RESIST WILL EXPLODE
GAME START
00:29:59
“We're not playing.“ Shiro grabs you in the arm with finality and heads for the door, fury evident in his heavy steps and labored breathing. He's practically dragging you.
“Shiro“ Takeru warns but your brother shoulders past him.
Shiro never brush someone off like that, especially not someone he looks up to. Considering the circumstances though you can't fault him for it but your gut says you still have to stop him. You root yourself on the spot and dig for a candy in your pocket. If your theory is correct then none of you are getting out of this mansion in one piece.
Shiro turns to you, desperation in his eyes, pleading for you to listen. “Y/n, this isn't really the time for sweets-” You toss it out the door and angry red lines zap it into a burning pile on the other side. The wrapper smoking and hissing as it glows a faint red. Shiro blanches, the tremors in his breath more fervent as he stare at what would've been your fate at the hands of that wretched doorway. Just like that man at the train station.
“It's scanned our entry and made sure none of us leaves.” You blink away the sting of tears in your eyes and guide your brother away from the door, rubbing small circles on his back. “What are we going to do now?“ You whisper, casting a hopeless glance at Takeru and Mori.
Takeru takes a deep breath and clench his fist, face carrying the troubled expressions you all had. “We split up to search for the bomb and the bear. Then we'll gather here in the lobby or call out when we find something.”
“You're not planning on disarming the bomb are you?“ You direct the question at Mori.
“No, the rules won't allow it. But maybe if we figure out what type it is, we can find a way to contain the explosion elsewhere.“ Mori maintains a straight face with a little too much conviction. Being one of the people who raised you and Shiro, you're not surprised that he plans on taking the brunt of the situation. That never sit right with you. He's only human and soon enough, you fear he'll break from the pressure. That is if Takeru doesn't fight him tooth and nail and shoulder it himself. You dread what's to come because he will.
Shiro squeezes your hand to summon some courage in this new found purpose. “I'll search on the left wing”
Takeru raises his chin, scanning the top floors. “I'm on the right”
“Middle” Mori adjusts the vest, it being a bit smaller than he is.
“The attic is mine then.” You finalize and for the first time, there's a strained silence that befell the four of you. An opening chasm widened by the tension that none of you were willing to acknowledge. Someone's meant to be left behind. A pressure spreads across your chest and your breath stutters. You choke on the words you want to say, heaving shallow breaths as the gravity of the situation finally sinks in. Shit, stop hyperventilating!
“Can we–can we just–”
Shiro doesn't let you finish when he pulls you in an embrace, burying his face on your shoulder. “Breathe with me” he whispers and starts to count, timing your breathing together in a comforting sync until your nerves and lungs calms. You hold him close through it all. Two pairs of arms circles the both of you and you're suddenly lifted off the ground, giggles echoing through the mansion at Takeru and Mori's playful attempts at keeping you aloft. Mori even spins the two of you around, Takeru hanging on like a lizard and poking your sides. You withdraw back with gentle smiles and for a second, you don't mind the dampness on your shoulder.
~ ♡ ~
The latch opens with surprising ease considering the rust on its hinges. You hoist yourself up and start looking around. Stacks of boxes surrounds a faded pink bed, a rose tinted window on the center and a little square door for a dumbwaiter lift. You start going through the pile of boxes in a rush, ripping open the top and pouring the contents on the dust covered floor. So far it's just vintage books, files and bills, old clothes and pictures of a family of four smiling up at you. You run your fingers along their faces, wiping a trail through the dust. You wonder where they are now, if they lived happily in this mansion before vanishing with everyone else. You sigh, flipping open the last box. Empty dark eyes stares up at you, a stuffed body and a long dress along with the others.
Must be the toy box
You pour all the contents and shuffle through the pile. A stuffed gloves with googly eyes, another doll, a frog and loads of other animals, none of which is a bear. “Where's a teddy when you need one?“ You grumble and bunch up the covers of the bed to see if there's one hiding underneath. Nope. You lean down and peek under. Just a dustbunny.
'Creak'
You jolt up with the sound of sliding wood. The dumb waiter awaits patiently for your attention and you cross the room in a stride, flinging the square door open. Empty. You tug at the stubborn rope but it doesn't budge.
Takeru's unmistakable holler drifts up the floors to the lonely room, with Mori starting to raise his voice. That's never a good sign and so you scuttle out of the attic, closing the latch on your way down and tiptoeing as you near the stairs to the lobby. Shiro isn't among them yet and they're starting to get heated up.
“We can still find a room for shelter!“
“It's a KB1, Takeru. It'll blow the marbles off this mansion with us in it.”
Your heart drops. It's unnerving to have some part of you mind utterly convinced that this is a nightmare and you'll be awake soon, safe in the comfort of your bed. But as the thrum of your heart grow louder than their voices, you fear reality more than anything else. Takeru massaged his forehead with much force. “Then we just need to find that damn bear!“ His resolve falters for a moment, then he takes a deep breath. “I'll deal with the rest.”
00:11:00
The bear. Where is that damn bear?
You feet moves faster than your mind could process, nearly slipping on the carpeted floors but you flail back into motion.
Where does that lift go?
Right, center and top clear.
Where's your brother?
The left wing stretch like a highway, every distance you cross never feels enough. You barge into the first door of the left wing, calling out his name but the motionless paintings stare at you in pity. The second door slams harshly against the wall, an office as cold and empty as the one in your first house. But back then, a nine years old Shiro was there with you. And he's not in here now.
“Shiro!“ You scream and crash your shoulders against the last door only to fall back. You twist the knob and bang on the door, ramming your shoulders against it. Footfalls bounds up the stairs and into the left wing of the mansion as you fight fruitlessly against the polished smooth wood. It seemed as if it doesn't matter if you break your bones, you still won't be a scratch closer to getting your brother.
00:07:00
“Shiro open up!“ You scream like a desperate collector of debt, lost in the insanity of greed. You only want your family safe. Why does this feel like a punishment for that desire? Mori pushes you out of the way, lugging the statue of that twirly mustache man up his shoulder as if it was only a sack of rice, Takeru supports the back, knees buckling at the weight. The determination on their faces unmatched by anything.
They're here now. Everything will be alright as it usually is.
You support the middle and the statue's head collides with the wood, signs of a splinter cracking on its surface while bruises bloomed on your own. Another bang, the door trembles but remains as determined to hold its ground against your intrusion. “Shiro please!“ One can say you know better than to beg when your brother already made up his mind. But if there's anything in this world that never failed you before, its that your tears always worked on him. So why can't he just open the door?
Shiro's voice cuts through your attack, “Takeru, Mori…Get Y/n home”
00:05:00
“Shiro, your sister needs you. So please open the door.“ Takeru coaxes as the statue slams on the hardwood once more, the impact burning your shoulders and knocking the air from your lungs.
“She needs me most right now.” Shiro's voice is the most tender you've ever heard it, softer than when he sings you a lullaby. Kinder than when he told Mori it's okay to cry. And filled with such certainty like the time he told Takeru he's glad to be able to call him family.
“Shiro-Chan“ Takeru murmurs through sweat and tears. “This game, it's all fake. Let's not break the door heh?“
“We'll find out after the timer ends.“
00:02:00
Takeru bites his trembling lips and you surge forward, another assault on the locked door. A crack spreads across the center and there's a cling from the abused knob that starts to loosen. Mori grits his teeth, bracing himself to lunge. The sweat on his back dampens his shirt, the tears from his eyes dampening his cheeks. “Who taught this kid to be so stubborn?“
Shiro chuckles and he sounds so far away, so deep in the pit of surrender. “You did. You raised me.“
Mori let out a bitter laugh, his shoulders shaking as they turn into anger. The statue seems heavier for a moment, as if the world itself is crumbling and you're all under its rubble.
“Y/n, teach him our breathing technique for me?“
“Stop!“ You snapped, you're furious now. “Don't leave me like they did Shiro-Chan!“
There's a moment of silence before Shiro breaks into sobs. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!“ He keeps repeating as if for fear that if he'd stop, you will never forgive him.
You want nothing more than to claw at your ears until they bleed enough that you won't be able to hear anymore. You won't have to feel this anymore. But as the statue slam once more in this door of hell in one thunderous clap, the wood splinters and the door gives way. The three of you stumble into the room and you let the weight of the statue leave your shoulder, scrambling past Mori.
You charge towards your brother who sits in the farthest corner, knees tucked in his chest. The plush ears of the teddy damp against his bright red cheeks as his tears fell freely. His eyes widens and he shoots up at your advance, you lunge to tackle him to reach the button on his vest but he catches you in a bear hug, arms trapped between his.
00:00:10
“No–no!“ You thrash and he rests his chin on your head, combing his fingers through your hair. The button on his back glowed green as the number on the timer dwindles. “Let go!“ you scream, tears tainting his vest as you try to push him up against the wall. Your body trembling violently as Takeru and Mori races to reach you both.
00:00:03
You slam your face on the crook of his neck, forcing your eyes shut and pleads. “Just let me lose this game Shiro, I love you”
00:00:01
Shiro shook his head. “Sorry. I love you too”
00:00:00
You're thrown across the room, right by Mori's feet. A boom follows and red blooms on your brother's chest and torso. Your broken cries haunts the mansion as you crawl towards him, reaching a hand to caress his cheeks that you used to pinch, you cradle his head against your chest and wept, rocking back and forth. Mori crumples from where he stands and he was bows under the weight of regret and grief. Takeru falls to his knees and grips Shiro's limp hand. His wet blurry eyes tries to meet yours but you look forward in a daze.
Breathe with me
1..2…3
But you find it hard to. Because he isn't breathing anymore.
CONGRATULATIONS
GAME CLEAR