Time: unknown

Days since inside game: 6

Participants: 29

Rounds played: 3

Rounds remaining: 4

Time until that event: 5 month

.
.

"Hmm.." A figure could be seen sitting at a desk in an office. "Sigh..what an utter mess," strands of hair fell framing their face. 'A headache made just for me.' It was the first host of the Eden Survival game, Remi, the sole last kitsune. He groaned in frustration, his eyes were not smiling and his lips not settled into his usual grin but a small frown. 

"When can this just be over? There's so much more to do," Remi whispered to himself. Remi continued looking through papers before he landed on a certain participant's file. "Ha? What a coincidence. The star of this game and the administrator's favorite player." Leaning forward to the folder Remi eyed it with a hint of recognition. 'Tsuki Matabu.'

Remi had almost golden hair that reached above his shoulders. Slightly cracked lips from constant biting and a few old scars on his chest. He was in a simple midnight blue shirt and black blazer, with spotless dress shoes and fitted white pants. A floating pen wandering above the desk but close by so he could reach over to write. He held himself in a carefree manner yet he was always a diligent worker and a perfectionist. Honey and coffee glazed eyes scanned the cover of the participants' file pondering. His finger tapped the desk, tap tap tap-

-he stopped and sat up abruptly. It would seem he made up his mind. His white gloved hand placed the file in front of him; pushing the other files away he peered at participant Tsuki's file.

His bottom lip was slightly pushed out. A habit when he's focused. The dim lighting from above reflected on his face. "Let's see what's so interesting." Remi said and flipped the file open. 

//File no.45:

Name: Tsuki Matabu 

Age: 20

Age based on appearance: 18

Height: 5 '11

Gender: Male

Eye color: A deep violet

Hair color: golden brown

Personality type: INFJ-T

Zodiac: Virgo

Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Latin.

Face claim: 10:10 ratio

Accent: Based on which language he speaks

Dominant hand: Can use both

Scars: a small one from when he was younger, located on his left shoulder

Tattoos: behind his right ear is a star. It's covered by his hair

Species: human, ????

Birthplace: Earth Japan

First words: mama //

"This..is pretty normal?" Peering at the file everything seemed normal, well if we consider the question marks beside species then it's a bit odd but nothing outrageous. 'Then why are the administrators, why are they so focused on this sole participant.'  His thoughts only brought more questions than answers. 

Suddenly a notification went off. 

( Guard of the Ancient Magnus is requesting a call with you. )

( Guard of the Ancient Magnus is requesting a call with you )

( Guard of the Ancient-)

-tapping the green button a face appeared in front of him. It was the second host, Raziel, former angel of death now Guard of the Ancient Magnus. Seeing his usual frown got Remi in a better mood. Remi could feel his mouth curl up as he continued staring at Raziel.

"And what have I done to be graced with your glorious presence dearest, Raziel?" He spoke with a teasing tone. "Cut the bullshit," scolded Raziel. Remi's complexion brightened further. "Now now, who ruffles your feathers?" A sing-song tone flowed through to Raziel and irked him. "Sigh I can't believe someone else other than me groomed your lovely feathers," Remi fake cried, patting his eyes with a handkerchief.

Raziel sighed in exasperation, throwing his head back. "Can you stop being such a child and focus." He demanded all of Remi's attention. Remi sat up straighter but his face still held a playful expression. "Well?", Raziel stayed quiet for a second before beginning his report.

…

..

" And that's why I think his awakening will be sooner than a mere 5 months." Raziel finished his report. "Hmm well it should be taken into consideration. Yet really? Showing that to him? What a way to dump a trauma dump." Laughing out, Remi shaked his head while crossing his legs.

Raziel's black eyes similar to his hair shone like the constellations in the night sky. It always seemed to be a bit magical, Remi stared at his eyes while thinking but Raziel broke eye contact. "It was necessary."

"No, no. You thought it was necessary. All for some particular reason you failed to tell me." His eyes darkened, "what are you trying to hide so much," he continued staring at him.

Raziel's eyes squinted "Remi!" Raziel blurted out. "You know this information is of utmost importance. You do not have the necessary authority to access it." Raziel hissed out making his stature larger than it seems.

"Please don't make me laugh Raz, you know even deities, Sages and probably even Michael himself don't have access to what I'm asking." Tapping his fingers on his desk he stared at the translucent screen in front of him. 

Remi leaned back into his chair uncrossing his legs. "If you know of this already, then stop asking." Speaking Raziel straightens his posture. The silence between them stretched and the tension was growing.

"What will I have to do for you to confide in me?" Hearing this Raziel turned his head facing away from Remi; missing the flash of hurt crossing his eyes. Maybe this is how it has always been, this pull and push.

"Nothing. Stay how you've been, doing your little tasks and your duty. Don't forget why you're here." Raziel spoke with such a cold tone Remi could only grit his teeth in retaliation. Yet he still stared at the screen with almost pleading eyes.

Raziel took Remi's questioning look with a hard stare. They both continued this silent battle until one of them cracked.

"Hahaha! Okay Dearest Raziel, let's stick with that." Remi laughed out and a grin broke out on his face. The atmosphere slowly turned mellow, no longer tense. "Sigh. What a troublesome Fox." Raziel murmured but Remi still heard him, "Don't act as if I'm not your favorite." Remi batted his eyelashes at him.

Raziel grimaced "Don't speak of nonsense." Raziel could be seen patting his shirt for dust. "Aww what a let down, hey Raziel wanna go out for some drinks?" Remi asked expectantly, his fox ears twitching.

"When I get time." Speaking softly Raziel replied making eye contact, "Hell yeah!" Remi threw his hands in the air and his tails moved slowly. Staring at him Raziel grew a fond feeling in his chest. "Well this call has gone on long enough." Preparing to end the call, Remi jumped up suddenly.

"What! But I haven't told you about the new show I watched!" Remi whined at him. He placed his hands on his desk and pouted glaring at Raziel. Sweat dropping Raziel said something quickly "Oh my apologies Remi."

 Remi stopped pouting and sat down, his hair a bit untidy. "At Least you know your mistake," taking a deep sigh, Raziel relaxed in his chair and called on a servant to brew some tea. Remi's rants always took awhile.

Remi hummed while waiting for his signal to start. Raziel just raised an eyebrow, "okay so in the recent episode the main villain…" and there he goes. Raziel listened intently, nodding at times even asking questions. Soon this was how he spent his bit of free time.

The participant files lay on the table forgotten.

《 Pov change》

( The white King wonders what is the 

relation between participants 'Tsuki Matabu' and 'Amy Toritsuga'.)

( The black king is looking at you)

( 400 coins has been gifted )

( Transmitting coins○○○)

( Transmission complete●●●)

( You have been rewarded 400 coins.)

What an utter disaster. The slightly damp grass sunk into my boots. Staring at the scene  in front of me was seriously the worst of the worst. The sun glared at us from above and I could see Luke and the rest shifting awkwardly. 

Rubbing the space between my eyes I sighed deeply. "Listen," looking up at Toritsuga I could feel my mouth go dry. "You. What are you doing here..?" I questioned, The words fell out of my mouth dryly. Unknown to Tsuki, his words came out cold to the rest of the group. 

Toritsuga stood straight and took his stare head on. "I don't know maybe because I didn't have a choice with being kidnapped into this place or game whatever it is?" Explained Toritsuga with her arms crossed and lifted her eyebrow pointedly. 

What an utter shit show. Of course she didn't have a choice. 'None of us did, maybe I should have asked something else.' Pondering Tsuki raised his palm and ruffled his own hair; taking a deep breath he looked at the sky above in hopes of knowledge on how to approach this.

"Right. So uh how have things been?" He asked, weary and a bit tense. "Tsk." Toritsuga clicked her tongue at his appearance. Tsuki visibly faded and grew 40 years older.  "Oh no!" Luka yelped out fanning Tsuki's face, a bit of life settled back into his complexion. "Thank you," Tsuki croaked out. 

Watching this scene the three youngsters sighed at the same time. "Stop being so overdramatic you both." Luke sighed in exasperation clearly done with them both. Luka pouted but soon returned to his side, Luke patted his hair making Luka grin. Cillian stared at the brothers, smiling a bit at the wholesome scene.

( The black king chuckles at the display )

( 200 coins has been gifted )

( Transmitting coins○○○)

( Transmission complete●●●)

( You have been rewarded 200 coins )

Toritsuga stepped up to Tsuki, "it's been awhile. Well two years and some months to be exact." Hearing her speak, Tsuki knew she was angry so he stood with his back straight. "Yeah. Time passes quickly huh?" Asked Tsuki trying to break the ice. Toritsuga stared with an unimpressed gaze. "Ahem. So, how lucky to have met again. How's life?" Tsuki looked at her.

"Well it's as good as it can be in a suicidal game like this," Her tone dripped with sarcasm, "Oh,  Pearl the fourth is still alive." Her ruby eyes sparkled a bit with this topic. "Really?" Tsuki asked surprisingly. "I guess you took care of him well." Tsuki shook his head fondly. 'Pearl was always a cute cat, fluffy too.'

( The white king frowns )

Luke and Luka listened quietly. While Cillian got fidgety. "Of course I did. He was all I had after you left." Her words came out quiet but they stung. "H-hey you know I had to right? Things were going on in my family and-" a sudden stop in movements "- and you could have told me!" Toritsuga finally snapped. 

"How could I? You know my father didn't want me to be friends with you; or anyone of 'lower status'. Yet I still took the risk." Tsuki's tone didn't raise, his voice stayed level. Tsuki motioned for them to start back walking again, fortunately she followed him and walked, well stomped. "Okay, fine I understand that since your dad's an ass. Still doesn't explain why you didn't contact me again." She talked with her head facing him. 

"I didn't want to involve you with my mess. Plus I didn't know how to even begin telling you anything." The more he talked, Tsuki got a bit emotional. Why could he not stay calm? He practiced for moments like these since he was younger. Guess the human heart can't help softening for a familiar soul..

( The white King feels a bit gloomy )

( The black King consoles 'The white King' )

( The white king is now uplifted )

( The white King thanks you )

( The black King scoffs and turns away in a hurry.)

( The white King snickers at the embarrassed king )

"Just like this. You could have just called me and with that; we could have talked about anything else until you were ready to open up about it." Again she answered him smoothly he could never be like that. "You didn't have to disappear like that, before I was angry, I was worried. Worried that something happened to you." Her voice sounded tired. Tsuki's guilt grew at her words. How could he forget how kind and selfless this person was.

"Well? Say something." She scoffed at his silence. It was quiet. She glanced behind her to see the twin and Cillian quietly listening to them speak. 'Still being observers.'

She and Luke made eye contact but she turned around quickly. 

" Tori-chan," Tsuki called out to her. "Yes?" She turned to his call impatiently. 

"I am sorry." Tsuki said. Tori's lips set in a thin, "I am sorry I left you behind, I'm sorry you were alone all this time and I'm sorry you had to face loss more than once." Tsuki apologized for his absence, for her loneliness and for her mothers passing. Tsuki stopped walking and turned to her, so did she.

"You knew?" She asked below her eyes it was a bit red, Tsuki's cheeks were a  pink hue when he thought back to how it seemed very stalker-like. 

"Yeah. When I wanted to check out how you were doing, I found out your mom passed away. My condolences." Tsuki smiled sadly. He knew how it felt to lose your mom. Even him now still couldn't cope with the loss. Tori's tears dropped. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks. Not a sound fell from her. Seeing her cry silently, Tsuki's throat throbbed. "Come here." He opened his arms for her to seek comfort.

She slowly approached him. Tsuki nodded at her and she walked into his arms. Embracing him and tightly hugging him with her arms. Soon her back was moving up and down, sniffles were heard and heartbreaking sobs wracked her body. Tsuki squeezed her in his embrace tighter, trying to comfort her as best as he could. Running his hands through her platinum hair. 

"You're okay. It's okay I'm here now. It's okay." He whispered comforting words to her. All the words he wished to hear when he was in her position. She clenched his shirt in her hands and cried harder. "Let it out. It's okay, I'm right here lovely." He spoke softly and rubbed her back. "I'm here now," he stroked her platinum hair. ' I'm right here.' Toritsuga struggled with these emotions for so long. " Nothing can hurt you." Cradling her gently, Tsuki felt that tightness in his throat. Tsuki was stubborn though not a tear dropped from his eyes.

"You must have been so scared. It was tough wasn't it?" He asked. "It was! I tried so hard to be strong and hang on for so long! B-but I can't let my mom go. I can't cope with this loss.." Toritsuga wailed as if she hadn't cried in her life before. Sadness crashed onto everyone like waves. 

A question resurfaced in Luke's mind ' Are the waves white or blue, since they turn white when they break.' In this case it seemed that it would be up to the person for interpretation, Luke thinks that Toritsuga waves are white.

She went through a finish line and reached the 'end' , to only start another mountain to climb; beginnings overwhelm her. Only if she knew that 'The end' and 'The beginning' were actually one of the same. Maybe then she would be able to slouch and not have her shoulders so tightly put straight. 

To not worry about the future was simply something for the 'future' her to think about. Luke thought he was the total opposite of her; he didn't need to fuss about it since he already had plans and sub plans. Shaking these thoughts out his head he stared at Tsuki and Toritsuga.

( The white King feels wetness on his cheeks.)

( The black King thinks the scene is entertaining )

( The white King scolds 'The black King' for being insensitive )

( The black King sticks his tongue out at 'The white King' )

The group ignored the King's messages.

It didn't seem that Toritsuga would calm down anytime soon. She curled herself deeper into Tsuki's embrace almost as if hiding from the cruelties of the world.

Looking at this scene Luke stood next to Tsuki glancing at her worriedly. Luka also moved closer to the trio followed by Cillian. Luka searched for Luke's hand while staring at the pair. Luke held his hand and squeezed it in reassurance. He wouldn't let nothing hurt his little brother. 'Nothing.'

Cillian had sad eyes staring at Toritsuga. It seems he pitied her or atleast felt sympathy, maybe he experienced something similar. 'Why did these things always happen to good people? Yet again death never discriminates between sinners or saints.'* Cillian tugged at his bangs in thought.

It was a silent mourning for a person they didn't know. Their heads bowed in respect and the only thing you could hear was Toritsuga's cries and Tsuki reassuring her. 

'Maybe if I stayed by her side things would have been different. Why did I ever think I shouldn't have contacted her? I should have done so, even if secretly..' Only regrets surfaced in my mind. Why did I never think that people needed people, no one is truly alone in this world. The food we eat, someone a long time ago experimented with flavors to make it then passed it onto another generation; even the clothes we wear were mended and weaved by people. We owe all that we are able to give. Toritsuga shouldn't have had such a rough life, unlike me who had wealth and everything at my fingertips.

She had nothing but her mother and I. 'Yet I took that for granted.' Tsuki thought of this with a pained expression. 'If I could, I would give her all I had to my name. Good people like her deserve it more than people like me. I'm just a lone Prince of the moon, abandoned and left to survive on my own. I'm sure she would do wonders if she was in my position.' What Tsuki didn't know was that his words would never come true. 

It didn't matter if their roles switched, Toritsuga would never shine if she didn't go down the path she chose. Tsuki would always be the 'chosen' one no matter which direction he went. You can't fight against fate if you're not willing to lose everything. Tsuki will soon learn this.

Tori's cries soon quieted to only sniffles. "Hm, are you good now?" Tsuki asked, pulling away from her to stare at her slightly still wet face and red eyes.

"Yeah..I'm good. Thanks for that." She spoke with a hint of gratitude in her tone. Tsuki's eyes softened. Something in him changed at that moment, Tori was now his family. 'Again..'

"No problem." He grinned. Her mood was still a bit dim but her eyes no longer looked sad. Toritsuga swiftly turned around and made apologies to Cillian and the twin for taking up their time and showing such a sight. Luke brushed her off saying it was okay. She relented but not without one last apology. Wiping her eyes and fixing her appearance. She stood tall with her red eyes shining with something new.

Tsuki used a spell to dry his wet shoulder. "Shall we move on now? Night seems to be approaching." Announcing his observations the group continued looking for a clearing in the forest to rest up and set up for the coming night. 

Toritsuga walked behind Tsuki, staying close. Luke glanced at them and looked away. What an odd group of people.

"Oh! Look over there!" Cillian pointed out a small clearing and truth behold there was a clearing. "Good job dude." Luka slapped Cillians back and walked forward to the clearing to sit down.

Cillian rubbed the spot he hit and chuckled. Tsuki soon followed in Luka's example. Luke and Toritsuga stayed standing, peering around the area. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary they began pulling out stuff out of their inventory to set up camp. "Cillian can you go gather wood to start a fire?" Luke asked Cillian for a favor and Cillian nodded his head. He then headed back into the forest. 

Toritsuga was setting up a few sleeping bags to sleep in. "The EIS really has everything." She said to mostly herself.

"Yep, you're right." Tsuki answered her while surfing the shop for some simple food items. She glanced at him but just nodded in his direction. Looking from the side of his eye. Tsuki just hummed in reply. Luka made the spot for the fire, picking up rocks and stones to secure a good spot in the middle of them.

Luke and Luka then worked together to make a simple barrier. It wasn't anything grand but would give them enough time to prepare for any ambushes. Cillian soon came back with firewood in his arms. "Good timing." Said Luke. Cillian arranged the firewood and waited for Luke to use a simple fire spell to light it.

With a flick of his hand a bright red flash caught the wood on fire, "wow! Cool!" Cillian spoke with excitement in his tone, Luka rolled his eyes at Luke showing off. Toritsuga sat on a log and just quietly watched the scene. Tsuki then pulled out a pot and a few food items to begin cooking.

"Anyone in the mood for soup?" He asked, looking at everyone. They stared back at him and just shrugged, " meh I'll take it." Luka sat down next to the fire. 

Tsuki nodded and began to work on their dinner. Chopping vegetables, adding seasoning and herbs to the mix and let's not forget the meat. An aroma soon settled and had the group holding their stomachs. "That smells good not gonna lie to you." Toritsuga spoke with her eyes shining as she stared at the pot.

"Mhm!" Luka agreed and Luke nodded. "It smells so lovely, surely it's a chef's work. Such a wonderful night to eat amazing food." Cillian spoke as if he was waxing poetry. It seems hunger makes people unusual. "Haha thanks." Tsuki replied and stirred the pot adding a few extra herbs. Soon enough it was finished. Taking a bowl in his hand he poured a creamy hot spoon of soup into the wooden bowl. Luka sat up straight with a spoon already in his hand. Tsuki handed him the bowl and he quickly dived in.

Taking a spoonful he blew on it before the spoon disappeared in his mouth. "Mm! Delicious!" He scarfed down his bowl and quickly asked for seconds. "It's so tasty! The creamy savory broth with tender juicy meat and the sweet vegetables go so well together. Let's not talk about how the earthy herbs balance everything out!" Tsuki just continued putting out his second portion. 

( The white King mouth waters at the description )

( The black King gifts you 1000 coins.)

( The black King demands he gets a bowl as well )

( 1000 coins has been gifted )

( Transmitting coins○○○)

( Transmission complete●●●)

( You have been rewarded 1000 coins )

A blue box appeared in front of Tsuki and he accepted the coins and soon placed out two bowls of the soup in the blue box. It disappeared soon after. 

( The white King compliments Participant 'Tsuki Matabu' cooking skills. )

( The black King king rewards you 500 points for your cooking )

'Guess the black King likes to talk with his money, good for me.' Tsuki took the reward and finished putting out another bowl for Luka. "Here take this." He motioned to Luka.

"Hey, that's not fair he ate already." Toritsuga quickly yelled out. "Don't worry it has a lot for everyone." Tsuki served her next, then Cillian, Luke, then himself last. All the reactions were positive, he got praised and Cillian even started crying from the taste. Tsuki laughed in embarrassment, something simple like this made people happy. He couldn't deny that the food tasted better with people.

The moon shone above them and the peaceful atmosphere stayed. After eating they quickly got ready for bed and fell asleep with Luka on watch duty until it was someone else's turn. 

Tsuki stared up at the moon above and closed his eyes, feeling content. A full stomach, warm and surrounded by his companions. Things couldn't get better.

《 ??? POV》

….

…

..

"Hmm.." A menacing entity watched from above. "I can sense it! The lingering power of him, ahh what a lovely presence I better nip it in the bud and take his essence for myself." A dark robed figure emanating viciousness in itself flew over to the dome the participants lay. 

The dome was the size of two football fields. If this was anyone else it would take forever to locate anyone but for this person it was as easy as breathing. 'I'll make sure to enjoy crushing him.' The entity's aura grew and separated into two, now stood three of the same entity. "Go my clones and see if he is still dormant." The two clones moved through the shadows swiftly.

'Yes, it won't be long before I present it to My Lord.' As the figure wandered in his thoughts he stepped through a pitch black portal. He disappeared, his presence was not without warning. 

The two Kings made the arrangements to eliminate the pests that walked so boldly where they weren't invited. The Underworld trembled feeling their Lord's presence spread through the realm making even the highest ranking warriors fall to their knees. While the heavens only felt a chill swept through them all but they all knew what that meant. He was angry.

The battle begins once more, blood will be spilled;fate has once again started moving in a direction that fails to be predetermined.