STARTING NOTES:

I'm still quaking from excitement. Oh man; you wouldn't believe what happened to me when midnight struck!

In short: our entry fees were taken.

It was like magic. One moment it was there, then next thing we knew it, it was gone. A lot of people have been sent into termoil tormoil turmoil?? dispaer OH COME ON a panic when it did. Aoyama-sama broke down; Tsu-san started being blunt and using mean words. I think Himori-sama had something similar to Tsu-san...

But I didn't get anything that made me upset. In fact, I'm happy with my fee.

Because of it, I now look close to my mental age!

That's right: I don't look twelve anymore. I'm in equal levels of mental and physical age with the rest of my peers now. A chunk of my problems were resolved in a single moment - and it's meant to last during the whole week. Even if people are going through lots of distress at the moment - or maybe I'm just speaking for myself - but I'm really looking forward to winning this game. Just watch, Shibuya!

PRE-DAY 1:

Aoyama-sama brought up a concern with my fee.

If I won, I won't look like the way I do anymore. The only way I could stay the way I looked is if I lost.

How nearsighted can a person be?

I could look as old as a dinosaur if the Game wanted that, because my appearance is not my priority. My family is. It made me wonder what the real meaning behind my fee was.

I really like looking the way I am; it's a lot more of a trustworthy sight than looking twelve years old. As somebody older, people can stop seeing me as a kid and start taking me seriously. In a Game were that seriousness is essential, I am divoid deviled free from any handicaps that being young would have. That, and no one could use the "you're twelve" card on me.

Ugh. I hate that card.

... My age has nothing to do with my maturity!!!

(I hope that wasn't ironic to say.)

[1.1] Partnerships were brought up.

I don't know who'd want to partner with me. Aoyama-sama and Tsu-san get along really well. It's likely that they are going to partner up.

It makes sense: even if I knew Tsu-san longer, they look like good friends. They are both strong, too. They can cover up each others' mistakes if they happen.

I... don't know what to say about the rest of the Players. Maybe I can talk to Himawari-sama? I know Takeharu-sama has a partner already. (I don't like her. She's a meanie.) He is an encouraging and reliable sort, and he looks strong. I can rely on him.

I just hope he says yes...

[1.2] So Tsukasa-sama and Lee-sama run Ochre? Tsukasa-sama is friendly; I like him, even if he kept calling me a kid in the past. He is doing better now. I don't think Lee-sama recognized me, which is a good thing... I think.

Duvert-sama has a shop in Cat Street called Ribbonshades. She and her co-worker (a highschooler...?) are running it together in order to keep contact with the Underground. I know I've pestered the Reapers about this to no avail, but: why IS the Underground and the Realground such separated planes? What harm would come with everyone knowing about it?

... Ribbonshades also has a cute bunny. I'm not a fuzzy animal person, but I should get that bunny something someday.

I should try looking at the rest of the shops, too. I wonder where Des is?

DAY 1:

Tsu-san chose me as a partner.

I know I said I couldn't rely on her yesterday. She made a bet with Arata-sama - and by the sound of it, it would place her and anybody involved with her in danger.

I thought Aoyama-sama was going to partner with her because he was... capable of being on the same level as her. In fact, I thought she would go to him because I was just as unsure about partnerships as she was.

But - there was a wall that came up, and we had to find a partner for it.

She was talking to Ichisada-sama at the time, and it looked as if he were to partner with her. At that same moment, Aoyama-sama went to partner with Katsuo-sama (which I don't think I like...) so it was impossible for her and he to be together. It was mildly distressing.

I didn't think she'd pick me.

But she looked at me, and she did.

I don't know why, but I felt really... really happy. I can't remember feeling as relieved as I had in my life. Out of all the the Players, she ended up picking me.

How was I supposed to tell her no?

She might have done something risky and unreliable, but Tsu-san was still my friend. We're going to have to work together for the rest of the week, and I don't plan to let her down.

[1.1] Tsu-san wants to talk to me after the Mission. Maybe it has to do with her bet with Arata-sama?

[1.2] Tsu-san and I fought two frogs together. She had the power to cause earthquakes and kick really fast, and I can turn my umbrella into a sword and use wind, rocks and fire at my advantage. I don't know what Strong 'N Proud did, but I'll find out soon.

With that said: Tsu-san is very strong. She was really cool in the fight...!

[1.3] Did I abandon Himawari-sama for partnering up with Tsu-san? Now I feel bad...

[1.4] Himawari-sama found a partner by the time the Mission ended. I'm glad-!

[1.5] Des runs Cat's Cradle. She let he have a hat that could cover my silly haircut. But the hat looks really, really girly...!!

[1.6] We fought a pig that spoke in very abstract Japanese. We had to make funny faces at it if we wanted to attack. I hate everything.

[1.7] The Game Master - Ethan-sama - wants to hold hands with a Realgrounder.

... Okay, I'll admit: handholding is a minor detail. But the fact of the matter is: whoever Akemi-sama is, she doesn't look like she'll help us at all.

The Game Master is supposed to judge us. Ethan-sama has a roundabout way of doing it, but at least it's a method, right? This Akemi-sama person is going to derail that majorly.

I have to be very wary, and I - with the rest of the Players - have to make sure he does not get caught up on this girl. Who knows what would happen if something tore him away from her?

POST DAY 1:

If I lose, Tsutsui is going to turn into Arata-sama's pet.

If she doesn't turn into Arata's pet, she'll become a Reaper.

She barely got to tell me this. Arata-sama squeezed it out of her. She didn't even talk about it willingly.

Did Tsutsui not trust me? Does she think I wouldn't be able to handle the truth?

I'm different now. I'm not a boy anymore. I can handle this.

This is something that grown ups can manage. I'm a grown up.

But I don't like this.

I hate this.

I feel betrayed.

I don't want to be Tsutsui's partner anymore.

[1.1] Thank you, Aoyama-sama, for reminding me that I'm twelve.

My age has nothing to do with the way I'm feeling. This is all Tsutsui's fault. I hate Tsutsui.

[1.2] - Hate is a strong word. But... I don't know. I don't know anymore.

[1.3] She's my friend. I like her. I want to be her partner. Why did this have to happen? Can I break this pact and stop hurting already?

[1.4] ... I can't survive without a partner. But what if she betrays me again?

Aki-chan said I should go back, but I'm not sure. I can't face her yet. I'm going to end up crying if I do.

Adults don't cry. I just need time.

[1.5] Himawari-sama has a Plumeria Ring. There's only one of those in Shibuya.

I feel small.

[1.6] Okay. Okay.

Hime promised me something:

We need to win the Game. (Duh.) Once we have, Himawari-sama will let me have his Plumeria Ring. I can give the ring to Tsutsui afterward. Why is that ring important?

I... I just.

I felt like I should do something nice for her. Kaito-sama said that I had to be nicer, in general - and I'm trying. See? - So I wished for that ring. I don't have the money to get it now, so I just... thought I would entertain the luck ticket system at Ochre and wish for one.

To see Hime have that ring killed me.

But now that he's going to let me have it when we win... it made me think that wishes can come true after all. (Or maybe it's all a big coincidence.)

i'm relieved.

... But. He needs to stop teasing me so much.

[1.7] I DON'T WANT TO HOLD HANDS WITH TSUTSUI SAYOKO. SHE'S OLD.

[1.8] I got to talk to Tsu-chan a little bit. I think it helped.

I didn't get to talk to her more because Hime came out of a dangerous fight. He turned out to be okay, though. I'm glad...!

I still want to talk to Tsu-chan a bit more, but maybe I can save it for tomorrow.

[1.9] I DON'T!! LIKE TSU-CHAN LIKE THAT HIME!! I DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT STUFF LIKE THAT!!!!!

[1.9.1] I DON'T CARE IF TSU-CHAN IS A GIRL, OR GUY, OR TURTLE-- I--

[1.9.2] JFKLDAH:FKLHDL:KAFH:LDJKAHFJDHKJFHKLDJSF

[1.9.3] I'M CALLING IT A DAY.

[1.9.4] I- am going to talk to Tsukasa-san before I sleep. I really need advice...

... Thank you, Aoyama-san, Katsuo-sama, and Aki-chan for looking after Tsu-chan. I appreciate it.

STARTING NOTES:

I've heard about what happened to Players when the Game starts. They end up changing somehow due to how these Games are ran. Before anything takes place - before anything could drastically change who I am - I need to write down what I know so far.

I'd like to begin with who I am. I'm pretty sure my altered self tomorrow would appreciate it, if my entry fee turns out to be my memory.

My name is Hiraoka Kogasa. I'm not on a first-name basis with anybody, so everyone is required to call me by my last name, Hiraoka. In turn, and out of respect, I am to call my seniors by their last name as well. My first name, Kogasa, is very kiddish; I like the sound of "Kogasu" better, and will introduce myself as that.

(What else, what else...)

I have a family waiting for me in the Realground (which I will explain later). My mom and dad must be sick with sadness due to my passing; my little brothers, Taiki and Nori, must be feeling very lost. Shimimamoto-sensei must be missing me a lot, too. Whatever I do, I must not forget them. They are the reason why I must win.

I can't see them now because I'm expected to play a Game. This Game takes place in the Underground - purgatory, from what I've gathered.

This Game lasts for seven days, and is fought flaunt fraught with danger. If I survive the seventh day, I could come back to life. If I lose, my entire existence will be erased; that includes whatever I've lost in order to play in the first place.

The thing I lose in order to play is called an entry fee. According to my research, an entry fee can vary from physical, mental, and even emotional things. There is no limit to what can be taken, so long as it holds value.

Because of this, I need to be careful. I don't know what I nor my peers will have taken from them when the week begins. That's why these notes exist.

... I think that's it for now, though! It's pretty bare bones, but it would be enough if I forget what I'm fighting for. I still have a bit of math work to do, too; I'll get back on that, and come back to this later.

PRE-DAY 0:

...

DAY 0:

Why didn't anybody tell me that I was studying in Fly High for three months?!

I did learn a lot about physics during it, but... nobody came for me. I can't even remember if I even ate during that time. Is the Underground's sense of time passage just that warped? Why didn't Sayoko get me?

- Wait. If my memory ends up being my entry fee is, I should write about Sayoko. I should probably mention everyone I've met until now, too.

I'll scribble up something in between tutorial lectures. I don't need it, really, but reviews are always a good thing. The people giving these reviews are going to try and murder me anyway: I better make use out of this peace while it lasts.

[0.1] The players are loud and unorganized, and I don't like a lot of them.

[0.2] ... Some Players are interesting. Himawari-sama and Takeharu-sama are pretty approachable.

[0.3] Is coffee really that bad??

POST DAY 0

I'm really thinking about what's taken place so far... As far as I see it: the Players, while unorganized, are pretty... okay. Nobody really stands out too much, besides Himawari-sama, Takeharu-sama, Aoyama-sama and Tsu-san.

I... I think I really need to work on the way I talk to Reapers. I think I've gotten on a few peoples' bad side already. I didn't mean to, but I just... had.

Sorry, Jean-sama. I'll try harder.

[0.1] I fought a bunny, and my umbrella turned into a sword?! A lot of the players were stronger than me, and my calculations failed in the field. I can't handle this--

[0.2] ... After being passed out, I've determined that I CAN handle this if I try. And try I will.

PEOPLE I KNOW:

Tsustui Sayoko (Tsu-san):

She has long blonde hair. You can't miss her.

She is soft spoken and gentle. She kind of reminds me of a jerboa, or a horse. (She is very tall, too.)

She's the nicest person here, but I don't like the way she treats me. She makes me feel like a little kid with the way she talks to me sometimes. I also don't like it when she tries fixing me up. She means well, but...

I wish she can stand up for herself a bit more.

[0.1] She made a bet with Arata-sama??! Why?!... I need to ask her about it later.

[0.2] ... As long as she stays safe, then fine. But if she's going to take risks like that, I can't rely on her anymore.

Duvert Jean (Jean-sama):

A nasty Reaper. He has some nicer qualities though. I should follow his words if I want to get anywhere, even if he's... gross.

Arata Kei

The Composer. He is scary and mean. Be cautious around him.

Des (Des-chan, but...)

She's kind, I guess? Weird, too. I guess she is a friend.

Aoyama Daichi

Nervous and steals things. But he's okay, for the most part. I need to be patient.

Himawari "Hime" Hana

An interesting sort. Bold, despite the way they look. They're okay, I guess.

[0.1] They're... tolerable. I think they're a guy. Maybe I should start calling him a "he"? Who even knows.

[0.2] He helped out during the fight, and was very encouraging. I have to admit, I'm grateful.

Ikazuchi Naota

I think I don't like this guy.

Takeharu Aiichirou

He seems kind. He smiles a lot. It makes me uneasy, but at least he is normal.

Hiromi Umi "Aisu"

Rather ordinary, but... who names themselves Aisu?

[0.1] She helped out during the fight earlier. I appreciate that, I think?

KoiKoi

Are we all DJs?! What kind of name is that?!

Ichisada Juste

Why?

[0.1] Okay: after re-evaluating him, I can say that I'm not going to like him. Shimimamoto help me.

Hozen Shou

Rather ordinary. Why does he have a cane? He looks like he is going to partner up with... that one person, right?

Shiroizumi Takumi

He? She?... They. They're creepy. And they smoke. What would their mother think of them??

[0.1] Oh shitake mushrooms, I think I've made an enemy of them. I messed up. Please be nicer around them, future me.

Lifaye Amaryllis

I don't like her. She's my age, and she lets people coddle her. How is she expected to grow up when she lets people lead her everywhere? She's going to end up being cripplingly dependent on others. How am I supposed to look up to that?

[0.1] ... After what happened between Katsuo-sama and Lifaye-sama, I don't know what I feel towards her.

Kin

... 42?

[0.1] HE'S A REAPER. ABORT MISSION.

Katsuo William

He was Lifaye-sama's partner the last Game, from what I've gathered. He must be aware of Amaryllis' dependency. Maybe I should talk to him?

[0.1] ... Nevermind. He's too soft.

[0.2] ... Now I feel kind of bad.

Kaito

I knew him from Fly High, Swim Deep. He's... okay. I don't see him as an ally or enemy, but I really dislike it when he picks on me. I'm really going to have to be patient...

Aki-chan

Why is there a ferret?!

[0.1] ... Oh no, he's cute.

[0.2] Nevermind, he's a bit of a buttface.