AN: Hihi. Yeah, that's right, I'm back with a Josh/Rhyme fic. Tell me what you think. (:

prelude; introduction

I used to love. I used to hate.

I used to have friends.

But now, all I know is power.

Sometimes, I feel like it's all been a big mistake.

from: Yoshiya Kiryu
to: reapers of Shibuya UG
cc: Sanae Hanekoma

I'm leaving for the RG, and relinquishing the role of Composer to Koki Kariya.

If all goes well, I won't be back for a very long time.

Meanwhile, I remind you all to keep fighting for the worthy souls of Shibuya, for that is the true duty of a Reaper.

- Yoshiya Kiryu

from: Yoshiya Kiryu
to: Koki Kariya

I know. You'll want to erase me for this. Unfortunately for you, I'll be out of the UG when you get this.

I own you an explanation. Perhaps you'll even understand.

When you live forever, you forget to cherish life. When the world revolves around you, power is meaningless. When you think you have everything you want, then you realize that in reality, you have nothing. No hopes, no dreams, no aspirations. Nothing.

I was young and stupid (though also rather brilliant, if I must say so myself) when I let this game take over my life. I willingly left the RG to carry out my quixotic plans of saving the souls. I realize now, that I never got a chance to really live.

At first, the power overwhelmed me. But, judging souls who experienced what I never had, left a bittersweet feeling in my mouth. I never lived. I intend to do so now.

As for why you? You've never accepted a rank-up, never grasped at power. You understand that moseying on the bottom, there's dynamics, action, and hope. You understand that to really achieve true happiness, we must leave a sliver for the imagination. While the others grope at supremacy, I believe you actually understand the true nature and purpose of the game.

For that, I trust you over anyone else.

You hate me. You hate this job. I wish there was a better choice, but there isn't. I fully intend on leaving the dead and learning how to live. You'd make a better Composer than me anyway.

Think of the souls of Shibuya. With your sacrifice, under your watchful eye, the game will remain what it is, a test of moral conscience, mental acuity, and physical stamina to determine the worthy.

Your discomfort for the dignity of all the souls that ever come to pass. It's a more-than-fair-trade if I don't say so myself.

I don't think I've ever said this word to anyone before. You'll be the first. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for backing you in a corner with no way out. But this is just the way it is.

Good luck, the second Composer of Shibuya UG.

- Joshua