Demise Game

24.repeat tragedy

Against better judgement, you left the bottle of hydrochloric acid behind.  However, you did bring along the mystery journal you found during A-me's game, hoping Enoru might be able to provide some insight onto who may have written the journal.  It wasn't too far a walk, thankfully — eventually, you and Shiki both arrived at an apartment complex.

        Unfortunately, it was gated, and you didn't have a code to get inside.

        "You don't happen to know what the code is, right?"  You asked, unamused as Shiki squeezed himself through the bars.  The cat's tail flicked in irritation.

        "Nope.  But I know the apartment number."

        "That is super helpful right now."

        Taking a few steps back, you regarded the wall.  It was a bit higher than the one to get to your school, and you struggled getting over that one with help.  There was no way you could climb over the apartment complex wall by yourself without breaking your nose.  Or worse.

        As if the universe wanted to apologize for your shit luck recently, though, a different tenant had approached the gate.  He gave you a polite nod and punched in the code.  You slipped in behind him, bowing at him.

        "Sorry.  My cat, um, slipped in through here."  You gestured towards Shiki, who blinked slowly at you as if it was a dumb excuse.  The older man just laughed goodnaturedly.

        "I'm not worried at all, kiddo.  Just be safe getting back."

        He meandered off towards his own apartment, and you followed Shiki with a reproachful look that he was basically useless in helping you.

        "Thanks for the help," you sarcastically told him.  The cat didn't deign your sass a response, instead strutting off and leaving you to follow after him.  After climbing up two sets of stairs, you arrived to the fourth floor, which was apparently where Enoru lived.

        Shiki stopped outside apartment number 405, and looked up at you expectantly.  "Well?"

        "Just...  give me a moment.  I'm trying to gather my thoughts."  This almost felt surreal — how long had you been searching for Enoru?  And now, finally, you were about to meet him and possibly get a leg up on Kokkuri-san.  You wondered if you should have messaged Hanami and Isora (well, mostly just Hanami), but figured perhaps it was best that you came alone.  You didn't want to overwhelm Enoru, after all.

        You took a deep breath.  And then another one.

        It was now or never.

        You knocked on the door twice, every muscle in your bone tensed.  You heard some shuffling in the apartment.  At least that meant he was home, because you would have been a bit frustrated if you got here and he was out.

        After a few agonizing moments, the door cracked open slightly, the man coming out just enough where you could see a bit of his face and body.  Your eyes widened in recognition.

        "It's you...!"

        "You're the girl from the hospital."  He acknowledged you grimly, eyes flickering down to Shiki.  "And that black cat."  He let out a humorless laugh, almost seeming defeated.  "I really can't escape, huh..."

        Honestly, you should have connected the dots sooner that E-ki's visitor was Enoru, the very man who freaked out on you at the hospital when you inadvertently brought up the Demise Game.

        "I need your help," you started lowly.  "My friends and I accidentally started the game again.  I need to know how you survived."

        Enoru grimaced.  "No.  No.  I want no part in this."