Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ordinary.

The very word itself was fitting for someone like you who barely stood out in the crowd. 

You grew up in an average household, into a loving family with a caring mother and a protective father who did everything to make your life the happiest that it could be.

"Welcome, warriors."

Indeed you possessed qualities that made you unique from everyone else— after all each one of us was special in our own ways, right? Singing, dancing, being able to play more than one instrument, painting, excelling in a certain subject that almost everyone in class deemed impossible, you being great at a particular sport— only to name a few.

"Now that the last of you has arrived, let us begin the Twelfth Juuni Taisen."

Even though you did a few sports here and there, you were just a frail little thing, really.

Your parents never allowed any kind of violence in the household and most certainly did not tolerate any means of you doing so. Your mother was this obsessed in transforming you into her ideal child, asking you to quit all of the heavy work you loved to do that might put any sort of blemish on your flawless skin, something that annoyed you as you grew up. On the other hand, your father— who didn't want anything else but to enjoy the peaceful life you all had— willingly gave in to your mother's pleas of molding you into the grandest child they had hoped for.

It was nothing fancy or too hard for you to achieve anyway, all they wanted was for you to finish your schooling, attend a prestigious college outside the country, and maybe get into a respectable company; a goal they struggled with along their own paths.

A bearer of their failed dreams if you will. 

"Everyone, clap your hands."

That's right, your family was most certainly not special in any way nor qualified enough to be in the Juuni Taisen.

Hell you pretty much found the whole thing disturbing, what with twelve players on the field bent on killing each other for some silly wish to be granted. But of course not everyone knew about it. It was like some sort of underground ring where people would place bets and in return watch others suffer as a form of entertainment. Even if the media did find out about it though, the government would always have something up their sleeves to conveniently cover it up. 

It was sickening but alas, so are humans. Apparently it was a part of our nature. 

"I will be the referee of the battle. My name is Duodecuple, I ask that you remember it."

Duodecuple.

How could you forget that name? 

The name of the man that had taken you away from your now single father.

The name of the man who so casually told you that you will be sold to a human trafficking market in exchange for your father's gambling addiction that has resulted to him drowning in thousands of debts.

The name of the man that has thankfully shown you some kind of pity when you begged for him to bring you back home.

"It is the only thing I can offer, I'm not in power, child."

You could still remember your conversation with him as clear as the night sky above you right now, something that would haunt your nights in the future, that is, if you managed to survive this hell hole after twelve hours.

You were definitely going to give your father a good ass beating once you come back in one piece.

"They have considered it. You are truly blessed for this opportunity, if you can stay alive within the next 12 hours then you'll be granted a ticket to your freedom."

It wasn't the best option but it was the only thing you had, and it wasn't like you would rather let yourself be sold to prostitution.

Somehow the idea of having another, thirteenth player, with no inhumane powers joining the game has brought an instant thrill to the spectators that the organizers of the tournament were promised millions. They were willing to spend more cash just to see a helpless lamb such as yourself get slaughtered in a battle between psychopaths who wanted nothing but to get their filthy hands on that one wish they yearn to become true.

Humans were the most disgusting race in the universe, you concluded.

"I literally have nothing on me and you expect to see me alive after 12 hours? You best be joking." 

You had no combat training nor experience in your whole life and yet here they were, expecting you to walk out of the battlefield like you were taking a daily stroll in the park. If they were trying to make a little fun out of this then these people have the most twisted sense of humor ever.

"That is why we will provide an assurance. It may not be of great help but it is up to you on how you'd use it to your advantage."

The next thing you knew, you were restrained by a bunch of men with somebody else forcefully injecting a liquid in you. 

"What the hell was that?!"

"Do no fret. It is not a drug, if that's what you are fearing for. It is something that could help not only you but the others around you as well. Who knows, it might gain you some friends out there."

"Huh?"

"No poison is too toxic for an antidote, do remember that."

His smiling, mocking face was the last thing you saw before another one of them roughly slammed you on the cold, hard floor, piercing your skin with another injection as he did so. The content must have been a dose of a sleeping medicine because the next time you opened your eyes, you were lying face flat on an empty street.

Scratch that, you were all alone in a big and empty city. The unfamiliar sight of looming buildings around you sent chills to your spine, especially with the clothes you were currently wearing, you were most certainly freezing. 

"Assholes," you muttered as you slowly walked towards the other direction.

You had no idea about where you are right now, the rules or even the stuff that might get you disqualified from the game— and the thought of not knowing what will happen to you if you'd been forced out of the tournament was the worst. 

Enduring half a day in this shit hole was the only way to get out of here and you couldn't let that pass up. The prize was your freedom after all.

"Has it already started..?" you wondered.

"If all the warriors have been poisoned, doesn't that mean we'll all ultimately die, whether or not we win?" The representing warrior of the Ox, Ushii, raised his hand as he looked up to the so called referee for an answer.

"Your concern is a natural one, I will offer the natural solution. Rest assured that the winner will receive the antidote as a bonus prize." Duodecuple's hidden smirk became ever so wide, his eyes glinting in excitement with what they had in store for them for this year's Juuni Taisen. 

"Before I forget anything else, a special guest has been given a privilege to be invited on the battlefield to witness the outstanding fight themselves. No further rules are applied, it is thoroughly up to you dear warriors what you decide to do if ever you come across them."

The announcement was enough to turn everyone's heads.

"A 13th player? How silly." Inounoshishi, the Boar lady, silently scoffed as she gazed at the old man, hoping for a clearer explanation but decided to save it for she was eager to find it out for herself.

The tingling sensation was too much that she almost couldn't contain herself anymore. And it wasn't just for the wish itself nor to bring pride to her family, but the feeling of bodies writhing in pain beneath her was what she was craving for the most. She couldn't wait to use Aishuu and Inochigoi to punch thousands of holes to those who'd get in her way. 

"Now world's finest warriors, I wish you Godspeed."

You sighed, stopping for a moment. "It's too... quiet." 

Time was hard to tell because of the lack of clocks around the neighborhood you're in, well it was the least of your worries anyway. You had something far sinister waiting for you just around the corner.

"I guess I need to go shopping for some new clothes..."

You looked down at your tattered rags, hoping to find something decent to wear. Those guys didn't care for your well being at all— not that it surprised you— but the least they could do if they were going to send you off to war was to give you something to defend yourself with. 

"Ahh, where the hell is the mall—"

Your sentence was cut off short when a loud explosion interrupted you, your eyes widening at the tall building not far off as some of its debris fell down from what seemed like a bomb going off.

Could it be..?

Chapter Text

Hide.

It was the first thing that has registered into your mind out of instinct, your body quickly making its way through the small alleys. Avoiding anyone you come across with until you find out their true intentions seemed like the most logical thing to do right now.

You didn't know how far you could actually go— it was a huge city after all, but anywhere was surely better than staying here. The explosion awhile ago gave you an impending sense of dread that you could still feel your stomach twisting in a knot. 

"Damn, I need some clothes," you said as you made hurried steps to any nearest store. A nice shirt, pants, and boots would feel a lot more comfortable than the mess you're currently in. Aside from these loose lunatics, you needed to take care of your well being to survive the twelve hour hell too. 

"What if I just played dead?"

The idea sounded almost perfect but again these were skilled warriors, killers even, that there was no way they would be easily fooled and if they did find out you were only pretending then you might as well be dead on the spot. Suddenly the idea sounded stupid that you wanted to smack yourself.

"Guess I'll just fucking run then..!"

As long as you were far away then there was a higher chance for survival, you reassured yourself. 

"Thanks for saving me," Nezumi, the Warrior of the Rat, said as he followed the short woman into the dark and wet tunnel.

"No problem." Sharyu smiled back at him as she continued through the path, leaving the wondering boy with his own thoughts while he trailed behind her.

It was honestly surprising how the young boy figured out that she was the main culprit for bombing the floor, not that she was gonna hide that fact, though she still found it strange. Especially when it seemed like this kid's only talent was to goddamn sleep the entire day, curiosity was nagging her at how befitting he really was to be chosen in this year's tournament.

"Everyone has different standards when it comes to fighting."

"What do you think of the 13th player, Sharyu-san?" the rat warrior soon asked when the silence between them became unbearable, Nezumi noticing that the monkey lady was too quiet for her own good.

Sharyu, appreciating his attempt to break the awkward atmosphere between them, hummed. "The referee said that they're a guest, so I'm not sure if they're actually going to participate or not. Either way, it would be great to build an alliance with them head on."

As expected from the Warrior of the Monkey. Her answer was enough for him to conclude that she didn't have any intention to kill anyone in this game, in which case was kind of noble of her.

But sometimes, peace talks were never an option.

"Finally!" You breathed out a sigh of relief once you were done putting on the shirt that seemed a bit tight on you. It wasn't the time for shopping so you settled with whatever you can because hey, at least you looked decent now.

"Great, now I'm hungry." You chewed on your lips when you heard a low rumble from yourself below, repeatedly tapping your foot in annoyance thinking that your hungry stomach might cost you your life. But you also needed to keep your energy up at all times or you'll lose this game.

Praying that you don't meet ways with anyone, it didn't take you an hour to find a grocery store nearby. Immediately the sight of one of your favorite childhood treats sitting on the snack bar sent you a wave of nostalgia. You wrapped your hands around it, memories of your parents flooding back at you and all you could do at the moment was tightly hold on to it as if it was something precious you've lost yet found again.

Unfortunately, your reminiscing was short lived when your ears picked up a slow clacking of heels at the distance. 

"Shit."

Remembering that you were inside of the store with no means of escape other than the front door made your heart beat go faster as you listened to the person's movements. You stealthily moved behind a counter and ducked under it, hoping that your build could fit into the tiny space. 

"Come out, come out wherever you are~"

Those hair raising words alone made you stiff as your heart constantly pounded harder than before, noting that the voice sounded too close for comfort as if it was just right above—

"Oh."

Wide and frantic eyes met her dark red ones, a sinister smile playing on her lips at the perfect view of your terrified state.

"Found you."

Chapter Text

All you could do was gape in horror at the beautiful woman staring back at you, leaving you in a daze with thoughts desperately screaming at your body to move.

"Well well, and who you might be?" Her chilling voice snapped you out of stupor and you found yourself scrambling away for dear life, before you were stopped with an instant stab on your leg. 

"Fuck!"

"I asked you a question, don't be rude now." 

The foot that was keeping you in place pushed deeper when you failed to answer her, the pressure of the sharp heel making you yelp. You tried to break free from her hold by using your other leg to wildly kick at hers, which proved to be quite successful when she almost stumbled back. 

'Brat.' Ino clicked her tongue, already getting irritated at the pathetic show you were putting up. You reminded her of a worm as you squirmed underneath, doing everything you can to escape the grasp of a predator. It brought a sadistic smile on her rather lovely face.

You were about to make a run for it once you managed to get loose, only to be frozen again at the feeling of a gun's muzzle curiously poking the back of your head. 

"Now turn around and show me that cute little face of yours," she said with a purr. You gulped, slightly trembling, knowing well that you'd have slim chances of survival if you disobeyed this woman. The best way to trudge at the situation was to probably submit in defeat for the time being. 

The determined look you had on sparked an interest in Ino that one could almost see her own eyes gleam in amusement.

"I haven't seen you at the opening ceremony— ah perhaps, you are the 13th player they told us about?"

You nodded and the boar lady's grin widened ever so lightly and into a suspiciously sweet smile. You could tell that she made an effort to be much less intimidating, which failed in your perspective because of the gut feeling that she was a manipulative bitch with that fake expression of hers. 

"Did they also give you a jewel to consume?"

She moved the tip of her weapon under your chin, raising it higher, before she took her time trailing down from your neck, past your heaving chest, and finally at your stomach, where she prodded at it. The way she did it so sensually was enough to produce warmth on your cheeks. 

"N–no, I didn't eat anything, they didn't give me anything."

They practically dumped you here with nothing but your clothes on. It was a miracle that they didn't even take them away considering that they somewhat owned you. There were only two possibilities after this; either you walk away and start a new life or have your head taken from you by one of these people, so why bother dressing you up, right? 

"Shame," Ino muttered with a cold gaze as she started adjusting her guns. 

So the higher ups didn't give you a jewel, which meant that you weren't a threat. She originally thought that the additional participant was just another warrior hiding in the midst of earlier events and decided to appear now, but you looked like a mere spectator dragged into the field themselves. Not to mention the run-of-the-mill clothing you wore and the atmosphere around you that screamed nothing but ordinary, chances are you probably got involved in a mess against your will. 

Might as well put you out of your misery right now.

"W–wait! What are you doing!" You raised your hands in defense at her guns pointing your direction— as if your fragile arms could protect you from her non stop bullets.

"You are no fighter, there's no need to waste my time on you."

"You could literally just leave me alone here, what the hell woman?! It's not like I could tear you into pieces of you let me live!"

She said so herself that you were no enemy so what's exactly the point of shooting your brains out when she could save her ammo for more important battles later on? 

"Aw you poor thing, you see" —she placed her weapons aside as she knelt down to your level, bringing a hand to caress your face all the while basking at your horrified features— "I've been dying for some blood ever since from the start," Ino said with a stretching smile, only for your eyes to widen at her bizarre statement. 

This chick was beyond crazy. 

'What the fuck.'

Is this it for you? Would you really end up as battered meat? Food for the dogs? No, you promised yourself that you'd show up at your father's door step and beat the shit out of him as payback for all those decisions he made which now costed your life. You told yourself that you'd get out of here no matter what and continue on with your dreams, even if most of them were carved into your head by your parents. But most of all you swore on your grave that you'd climb back the ladder and prove your mother how wrong she was about you. 

"You're only a bastard child from a whore of a woman. You're a disgrace."

Those words ignited something in you, the worst of memories resurfacing from deep down where it's been buried for years, and it only made the fire burning inside of you grow bigger. 

"... I can be useful."

"Really? How so?" Ino, halting her actions for a moment to listen to you, chuckled darkly. She contemplated about hearing out what kind of excuse you had in mind to try and persuade her from killing you off the bat. It would rather be a pitiful attempt but she'd like to see you try anyway.

"... That jewel, is it poisonous?"

Silence. 

"How did you know?"

You almost made a cry of victory but abruptly stopped short. Truth to be told, you weren't sure if you had guessed it right but judging by the woman's mildly surprised expression, you knew you had hit the jackpot. You were no fighter, they were right about that, but being forced to a battle was something anyone's mind should be prepared of, even yours. You may lack some physical abilities but you had your brilliance to somehow make up for it. You were no genius but you sure as hell were observant.

"It is something that could help not only you but the others around you as well. Who knows, it might gain you some friends out there. No poison is too toxic for an antidote, do remember that."

That sly old man— Duodecuple already gave away clues with those shitty riddles of his, and now this woman's questions were the last pieces of the puzzle to put everything together.

"Oh, did they also give you a jewel to consume?"

What's the point of that jewel if it wasn't anything important, right? Obviously whatever they had ingested has some sort of role to play in the tournament. Although this theory of yours needs to be tested or else it'll be a large risk, you finally found an upper hand against her, against them. All you had to do was take advantage of it, you were quite an actor at lying after all.

You carefully chose your words. "... time limited..?"

"After 12 hours either we die from the poison or from each others' hands."

It made sense, how can they swallow something deadly toxic and not die from it within seconds, aside from the fact that they're inhuman. Of course it'll bite them back a few hours later, which only added more chances of success seeing as you were spared from the doom awaiting them.

"I have the antidote," you said, earning Ino's full attention. "No— I am the antidote. Look, I'm not a player, but I can cure you, if you help me back that is."

"Do you really think I would just believe you?" Ino scoffed at your silly attempt to save yourself, narrowing her eyes at you as if you make the lamest lies like a grade schooler would. No one would believe—

"That man, Duodecuple, gave me something. They injected it in me and told me that it was an antidote, I don't know what for but I do now. Why if you ask? I could only assume that it's to bring more thrill to the game."

Ino looked away, frustrated. You weren't at the ceremony so it's impossible for you to know who the referee was, unless you've already met him which you already did. It was likely that you were telling the truth.

"If you could help me get past these next few hours alive, I can guarantee you an antidote all for yourself."

Her head snapped at your way, the boar lady suddenly letting out a giggle as she traced a finger against your face. "What makes you think I wouldn't open you up right now and steal that antidote?"

You faltered inside, her taunting words almost breaking the hope that was slowly building up. Thankfully you managed to suck it up and remain unnerved in front of her despite the balling of your fists. 

"You could use me... to bait the others. You can convince them that you're going to share the antidote with them, and once their backs are turned then you can finally strike. If anything, you already have me, you could just wait for the others to die after 12 hours."

But Inounoshishi wouldn't have any of that last part. It would be a disappointment to her family and a huge hit to her pride if she would just hide and wait for everyone else to succumb to the poison. She was not a coward. With your former plan however, the Monkey's naivety would surely have her helping the two of you while being oblivious to both your and Boar's real aim. Sharyu's downfall would be an enormous advantage for her and the others considering that she was quite the foe if not taken care of immediately. 

"And what assurance can you provide that you won't run away and betray me when the time comes?"

"I can only give my trust, and when the time comes— when it comes... you can rip me apart yourself for the antidote." You breathed out almost shakily. "That's all I can offer, it's up to you if you take my word for it."

Of course you wouldn't let that happen, this was a battle for freedom and you will die trying to get yours at the end of the day. You could worry about your next step in the late game after they eliminated each other, maybe if it was down to less than five people fighting. 

Your words must have struck something inside of Ino because she seemed to collect her thoughts for awhile, before a smile slowly formed on her face as she shook her head. 

"You clever, clever thing."

The way you hesitated at your own words yet the blaze of desire to live you had in your eyes was enough for you to move forward no matter what the outcome would be. She could feel your fear, not only for yourself but for the others involved in this game as well judging by the strained look that briefly flashed across your face during your explanation. You didn't want to hurt anybody in the journey of attaining your freedom, but you didn't have much of a choice.

Just like her when her father picked her younger sister instead for this year's tournament. 

That's right, she didn't have a choice but to destroy Kiyoko and claim her rightful position as the representative of the Boar.

'How delightful, I wonder how will I break you.'

"Inonoushishi, Warrior of the Boar. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Introducing herself seemed like an acceptance towards your proposal, forcing you to create a facade as you brought your hand in front of hers with a smile. 

"Here's to hoping for a fruitful companionship until then."

Chapter Text

After the agreement involving the beautiful boar lady, Ino and you started wandering around the city to look for, and you quote, 'Allies'. It was the main objective after all, that is for her, and she seemed like she didn't have plans to waste any second. The clock was continuously ticking for them and she needed to make sure that she had the upperhand by the time only a few of them were standing.

Although you knew that behind that knowing smile of hers the very definition of friends was that of potential target practice for her to unleash her bullets. She tried to hide her blood lust but you could see some leak from that elegant mask of hers, especially if you peered in closely—

"Dear me, would you stop staring? I might melt," she said, tone filled with irritation before she walked ahead of you. You lowered your gaze out of embarrassment, you didn't intend to gawk at her.

Shockingly, she was at least tolerable of your presence. You really did think that she was going to end you back then. While somehow grateful that she agreed with your plans, you still had to keep your guard up around her. Who knows? She might just dispose you, take the non existent antidote, and face the other warriors herself. You had no idea why she was so... bothered by your presence though. It wasn't like you were pestering her for an hour now.

... Alright, maybe you did.

But you had to gather information regarding the tournament and what kind of people the other players were for your own benefit. When she ignored your basic questions, you proceeded for another bargain because it was like the only thing that she would ever take into consideration in exchange for something. And you were willing to try everything at this point.

Sadly that wasn't enough to get anything out of her, so your last resort? Try holding up a decent conservation like you two were a pair of friends casually strolling at the park until she gives in. 

"Hey c'mon... what do the other players look like?"

"..."

"Who do you think I should look out for?"

"..."

"I saw something in that building collapse earlier. Does it have something to do with anything?"

"..."

"... your weapon looks really cool you know. The others would definitely pee their pants."

That got her to turn her head at you with an unreadable expression on, before she looked forward yet again.

"Why did you join the Juuni Taisen?"

That one unintentionally slipped out of you, regretting it big time because for the pretty woman, it seemed like the final straw. She directed her guns at you, her crimson eyes contained with something you couldn't best describe. Loathing? It disappeared as quickly as it came, the former emotion being replaced by a crooked smile.

"If you don't cut it out I will pulverize that tongue of yours."

Needless to say, you opted to shut your mouth after that.

'Bitch,' you thought bitterly. It got even more frustrating when she hastily made her way through the streets, probably hoping for another player to come out soon so she could distract herself from you. 

God, you were so annoying, and Ino hated it.

She hated it when you struck her as a helpless animal back at the store, how your miserable state turned somewhat defiant at the sight of her and her guns while people normally cowered in fear at the mere mention of them. And instead of begging for your worthless life, you decided to stand up against her with your eyes burning in pure determination. Together with the fact that you managed to find something inside of you that the others would kill for, you did yourself a favor and turned the situation into your advantage.

But Inonoushishi wasn't stupid.

She knew that extracting data from her would increase your chances of survival. Not that she was entirely opposed of it seeing that she needed you alive for a certain amount of time, except handing you knowledge about the other warriors would not only be a drawback to her, but that would bring her enemies' the greatest asset too. 

"Come on, at least talk to me!" you yelled behind her when you couldn't bear her silent treatment.

Ino pondered over the matter as she droned out your whining.

If you ever found out about the alliance earlier, about how some of them were willing to work together to avoid any actual deaths in the game— especially if you came across that pacifist of a monkey, she highly doubted that you would stay by her side after some negotiations. Unfortunately, that's what that wretched woman was good at.

Not that she actually expected you to be loyal but...

You were hers.

Brushing off the fact that she was using you for her own gain, she wouldn't just let anyone have their hands on her antidote, on her salvation, on you.

You gave your word. You gave your trust. In her. She was the first, and she would be the last person you would ever depend your life on, that she made sure of. 

Ino almost wanted to slap herself right there, since when did ties mean anything to her? There was no way you were getting to her— there was no way you were going to win this battle without her. 

Her foot steps stopped, you smashing into her back when you didn't notice that she halted due to being stuck in your own world.

"Hey what's up?"

The boar warrior instantly prepared her fighting stance, a refreshing smile plastered all over her face.

Finally.

"Come out and don't be shy now."

Responding to her sweet call was a muscular man with nothing but dual blades on hands and dressed in a ridiculous, revealing bunny outfit.

"What the hell?" Somehow you found yourself mentally thanking the organizers for leaving you out here with even a simple clothing on.

The said man pleasantly skipped towards the both of you, his blood red eyes darting over your companion as he introduced himself with an eerie smile. "Usagi..." He pointed one of his blades at her accusingly. "I wasn't really planning on starting with you but... you shouldn't have blamed me for Snake's death! It makes me sad!" 

You stared at the boy when all he did was dangerously wave his blades around like a kid having a tantrum. Was he supposed to be intimidating? When he was done with his own fussing, he tilted his head in curiosity.

Not at the boar warrior, but at you.

"Ehhhh? The 13th player?" he said out loud with an excited grin, the conclusion becoming solid proof to him since he didn't see you during the ceremony.

Ino almost immediately positioned herself in front of you when Usagi stalked closer.

"Hey, it's not nice to be selfish!" He pouted, earning a click of a tongue from Ino. She glared back at you.

"Stay out of my way."

Since you would only be a nuisance, you stepped down right away. You preferred to be civil with the other players to prevent casualties— even though Ino wasn't— but just this once, you were going to let her handle this one. So much for first impressions, the rabbit man was definitely not right in the head even at first glance.

As fast as her order was, the other one also made his intent clear with him promptly stopping you. 

"No. I want you to be my friend too."