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REAPSODY Week 0 - The Host

[Once the erasures are over and done with, and he's taken a little time to process his feelings, Yusuke returns a little while later to track down the Host. He mostly feels a little numb, now, like this is all just a terrible dream, or a mistake. But he can't afford to lose focus, not now, when what happened is a reminder of what's still at stake.

Wherever he finds him, he'll address him politely, tone a little stiff and distant--]

Excuse me, may we speak for a moment? There are a number of things I'd like to ask you.

...I'd also like to thank you, for dealing with Enoshima earlier. [his archnemesis!!]

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Then he beat me to it... I suppose it's one way of checking if your explanations remain consistent.

[Not that he'd have reason to lie, at least on this much. Yusuke thinks before nodding, accepting the explanation.]

Very well, I understand. And what of my world? Makoto and I no longer exist there, nor do the rest of our allies... even if I were to regain life, is there truly any guarantee I'd also be able to reassert my existence, when society itself was so willing to deny it?

[that's a good question, isn't it?]

Yeah, society's kinda bullshit. So you've given up on it already?

[unfortunately max is a dick]

I want to believe everyone here has some chance of living again, and that this isn't just some exercise in futility... but for myself and Makoto, I truly don't know. All I know is that I cannot give up, for the sake of my partner.

[Which brings him to his next question...]

Kaiba-san's death was not dissimilar to mine, only he was spirited away to some other dimension. Could you confirm that he would at least be restored to life fully, should he win the game?

[he sighs and drinks from his disgusting starbucks drink for a bit, not answering]

I'm not gonna go into the ins and outs of resurrection because I do not give a shit about how that works, but a second chance is a second chance. You'd be brought back. What you do with the rest of your life is up to you, but it's a life. I can guarantee that much if you win.

I see.

What becomes of people who are erased? Are they simply-- gone? Even their very souls disappear? [And since this train of thought is apparently not stopping:] Is that why certain people choose to become Reapers and the like?

You know, I didn't even fucking believe in souls before being brought into this bullshit?

[he tilts his head]

That talk is definitely above your pay grade as Player. Reapers, though... they've all got their own reasons. Shit's personal.

I suppose it makes sense. It takes a specific kind of person, to choose such a role, but even amongst them, their reasons could greatly differ.

[and now for a question totally out of left field:]

How long have you yourself been here?

[blinks]

In "Shibuya"? [... max, don't airquotes the setting] I dunno, couple of days before everyone else was unceremoniously dumped in my lap.

I see. You seem like someone who's been here for much longer, that's all.

...Or perhaps it is simply life that made you age beyond your years. [does this guy have any filter or tact, ever]

[he does not, but that's fine, because neither does this child:]

I'm what one might call a realist, Fox. I see things how they are and am compelled to share with them the unfortunate truth of how fucked up everything is always and that happiness is a lie we tell ourselves to try to make it in this cruel world.

[first: don't drop his secret fox identity, rude. second: that's called a cynic, max.]

[Yusuke would object to that definition of realism, but more importantly--] You know that name?

...I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given how much else you seem to know about all of us, but...

Yeah? Joker, Fox, Queen. We got your files. Besides, we kinda have to know shit about Players in order to take an entry fee, so. Complete and total lack of privacy it is. It's just like working for the NSA.

I see... My entry fee...

[a sigh] If I do not prevail here, I'll never be able to produce beautiful art again. Yet if I do prevail, it is at the expense of others' hopes and ambitions... I wonder if I could truly live with that knowledge, even if I reclaimed my existence.

I've said it enough times: not all of you jackasses deserve a second shot. Even if you all made it now, not everyone's gonna get picked. So here's the actual question. Why do you want that second chance? Is it just because you don't want to die?

[Yusuke's silent for a long while, so much so that it seems like he doesn't have an answer. Then, finally:]

I don't want to die, that's true. I cannot end my career in art here, when only recently, I truly discovered the meaning of being an artist.

...But I also want a second chance to try to fix the terrible state of affairs in my world. Even if society rejects me, and even if people do not wish to be saved, this place has helped remind me there are certain things I cannot accept. I cannot stand by and watch others submit to enslavement and injustice.

[He looks pointedly at Max.]

Yeah, that was a rhetorical, "go do some navel-gazing" bullshit kind of question, I don't actually care about your answer. But good to know you've got your priorities straight or whatever.

[he is! ignoring! that pointed look! thank]

Even if it means little to you, to myself, voicing my thoughts aloud often helps set them in order.

[Yusuke gets to his feet.] Thank you for providing a listening ear. I suppose I've taken enough of your time, so I will not disturb you any further.

Okay? Sure. It's part of the job description.

[but what isn't.]

I'm supposed to tell you guys to come to me anytime you need, but we both know I won't mean it.

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