The World Ends with you and Your Choices Ch. 5

(Yo, man, you ain’t my partner, you’re my friend.) Neku woke up to his usual alarm clock chiming at 6:45 AM. As Neku crawled out of bed he looked out his window to see thunder clouds had rolled in. (Just a cloudy day I hope.) As Neku put on his school uniform he turned on his radio.
“Looks like a cloudy day huh Jim?” The radio talk show host said.
“That’s right Ted and you better expect rain with thunder storms throughout the day.” The co-host (Jim.) said, “Speaking of today we’ll be giving away 6 passes for the 777 concert next week so stay tuned.” (I remember 777)
“Now here’s the new song by-.” Jim said before Neku turned off the radio.
“Guess I should grab an umbrella before going to school.” Neku said putting his headphones on and heading to the door.
Neku’s mom had already headed to work so the apartment was quiet. Before Neku left he grabbed the red umbrella sitting next to the door and saw it had a small hole in it. (Dammit.) Neku opened the drawer next to the kitchen and grabbed the duct tape. He layered the hole on the umbrella on both sides of the hole before heading out the door. (It better not rain.)

Neku came up to the school building he saw that only Nina was standing against a wall outside. As Neku approached her she looked over and gave him a soft smile.
“Hi Neku.” Nina said getting up from the wall.
“Hey Nina, what are you doing out side?” Neku asked, “You know it’s going to rain today.”
“I know but I like the rain.” Nina said taking a deep breath, “It’s like it washes away my problems.”
(That’s pretty deep.) “Well we should go inside; it’s almost time for class.” Neku said looking at the schools outside clock. It was 7:39 AM.
“Okay!” Nina said and they headed for the schools double doors.

Neku and Nina entered the classroom to see everyone was already there. (Everyone is early.)Neku saw Joshua, Eri, and Beat all talking in the corner of the room. Beat looked over and gave Neku and Nina a small wave to come over.
“Hey guys!” Beat said greeting them. (There is no lower volume on you is there?)
“Hey Nina did you hear?” Eri asked, “777 has a concert next week.” Eri gave out a small squeal.
“Who is 777?” Nina asked a little confused.
“They’re a famous indie band that’s slowly rising up the ranks to become an actual band.” Neku explained.
“They play heavy metal with a little soft rock sometimes.” Eri said finishing up, “I didn’t know you knew about 777 Neku.” Eri said surprised
“Yeah I know a little about them.” Neku said. (I had to deal with them constantly in the Reapers Game.)
“Come on Nina, Shiki should be able to give you the full description of them.” Eri said grabbing her arm and exiting the classroom. Neku looked up at the clock to see it was 7:50 AM.(10 minutes.)
“So Joshua what was with that reaper attack last night?” Neku asked.
“Well from what I’ve gathered it seems like a reaper rebellion.” Joshua replied.
“Yo what happened last night?” Beat asked.
“Last night they attacked Eri but Joshua stepped in and they ran.” Neku said, “Joshua chased after them and I took Eri home, she was knocked out before we fought back.”
“But isn’t killing people on real ground against the reapers rules?” Beat asked pretty sure he was right.
“Yes and when I went to the underground to chase them down.” Joshua said in a serious tone, “Only two reapers were actually there.” (I think I can guess who they are.) “Kariya and Yashiro.” (Thought so.)
“So you think that the reapers are plotting something?” Beat asked.
“Most likely, which is why I need your help.” Joshua said pulling out two concert tickets, “We need to get into the concert to see 777, as he is a reaper.”
“But won’t we need to get back stage to actually talk to them?” Neku brought up, “These tickets will only get us to see his concert.”
“Which is why one of us is getting a back stage pass.” Joshua said smiling, “Me and Beat will get into the concert while you get the back stage pass.”
“How will I manage that?!” Neku asked stunned, “Also, why can’t you just enter through the UG?”
“They set up a symbol around the concert area.” Joshua explained, “Almost expecting me.” Joshua stood there in silence, “and how are you going to get the back stage passes?” Joshua gave a light chuckle, “You know two of the biggest 777 fans in the Shibuya.”

10 minutes later

Neku looked out the window. It was pouring down and didn’t look like it was going to let up. (I hope you’re right Joshua.)
“Alright class today we’ll be reading the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet.” Ms. Konishi said handing out books to everyone. (Why me?) “I don’t have enough books so everyone pair up and read the first 10 chapters.”
Neku leaned over to Eri, “Hey Eri do you want to pair up for the reading?” Eri’s eyes lit up. Neku looked around and saw all the boys glaring at him. (Oh god.)
“Yes!” Eri said excited, “Let’s sit together!” Eri scooted on to the edge of Neku’s seat. Neku could feel a menacing aura circling around him. (Joshua’s going to get me killed!)
“Hey do you know where to get back stage passes for the 777 concert?” Neku asked smiling.
“I knew you were a fan!” Eri said excited, “Well there is a radio station give away for 6 back stage passes.” (I heard about that this mourning.)
“Thanks.” Neku said opening the book, “Now let’s start reading, and don’t leave this seat till the end of class.” Eri turned bright red. (You’re the only thing standing between me and the murderous class.)

After school

It was still raining as Neku looked around outside. All the boys were standing near the door. (I have to find an opening.) Neku saw a small gap in between the boys. (Found you!) Neku pulled a 10 yen coin and threw it over their heads. As they all looked up Neku sped through full speed and saw Joshua and Beat.
“Meet me at my house!” Neku yelled as the boys realized where he was and ran after him.
Neku kept running till he made it to the park. He ducked behind a bush as the boys ran past him. (I live, for now.) Neku stood up and saw Shiki was ducked under a tree. Neku walked towards her and opened the umbrella causing her to look up.
“You’re going to catch a cold.” Neku said as she stood up, “Why don’t you have an umbrella?”
“I didn’t bring it; I thought it would clear up before the end of school.” Shiki said embarrassed. (Thank you radio weather report.)
“Well come on I’ll walk you home.” Neku said and they started to walk.

“So have you been able to readjust since the game.” Shiki asked. (It’s been at least a month.)
“We’ll I was doing just fine until Joshua showed up and made life more complicated than the reapers game.” Shiki gave a light chuckle, “Then again he was still a giant pain while in the game.” Shiki chuckled again. (He turned the reapers game into the demons game.)
“You didn’t like Joshua much did you?” Shiki said with a light smile.
“At first he was just extra baggage.” Neku said bluntly, “But it turned out he and I had a lot in commen.”
“When I heard he was back I thought you would be mad at him.” Shiki said
“Well, he’s my partner, remember what Mr. Hanekoma said?” Neku looked at her and she smiled back.
“Always trust your partner.” Shiki said as they arrived at Shiki’s door stop, “Thanks for the cover.” Neku looked up to see it had stopped raining. (Guess we got lost in the conversation.)
(Oh yeah.) Neku looked over at Shiki, “Hey Shiki can you do me a favor?”

9:00 pm

“You guys ready?” Joshua asked. Neku, Joshua, and Beat had phones out and had the same number on all their phones.
“Did you let Shiki know?” Beat asked.
“I let her know and she’s also helping along with Rhyme” Neku  replied.
“Everyone get ready.” Jim said on the radio, “Go!”
Neku, Joshua and Beat hit the talk button and it rang, and rang, and rang, “Hello you’re on the line.”
“It’s not mine.” Joshua said closing his phone.
“Me neither.” Beat said sulking.
“I’ve got nothing.” Neku said calmly. (I hope Shiki got it.)
“Hello!” A very energetic girl replied on the radio. (Is that who I think it is?)
“Hello ho is this?” Jim asked.
“My name is Eri!” she said happily. (I knew it!)
“Congratulations, you just won 6 backstage tickets to 777’s concert!” Jim said and Eri squealed. Joshua turned off the radio.
“Looks like it’s up to you Neku.” Joshua said with a sly smile.
“Why m-.” Suddenly Neku’s phone rang, “Hello?”
“Hi Neku!” Eri said on the other line, “I was wondering if you wanted back stage passes to 777?” (Joshua expected this.)
“Sure, I’d like to.” Neku replied.
“Great!” Eri replied, “See you later!” Eri hanged up.
“See?” Joshua said with a light chuckle. (Shut up.)

1 week later (The day of the concert)

Neku, Shiki, Joshua, Beat and Rhyme all stood outside 5 minutes from the start of the concert. Eri hadn’t shown up yet with the other people she was taking backstage.
“So did you get asked to go back stage?” Neku asked Shiki.
“Of course I did, me and Rhyme were asked to come.” Shiki replied.
“You’re a 777 fan Rhyme?” Neku asked.
“Not entirely.” Rhyme replied, “But I don’t mind going backstage.”
“Hey everyone!” Everyone looked over to see Eri and Nina coming towards them with another girl, “Guys this is Mina.” Mina gave a glance at them and looked away. (Very sociable.)
“So you gave the other backstage pass to Nina.” Shiki said.
“It’s her first 777 concert so I might as well make it a good one for her!” Eri said smiling, “Shiki, Rhyme, Nina, let’s get some popcorn!” They walked away leaving the Mina with Neku, Joshua, and Beat.
“So… Neku, right?” Mina asked and Neku nodded, “So are you and Eri dating?” Neku looked at her shocked, “No, she can do better.” (You want to insult my mother or just shank me now?)
“Ever hear of context?” Neku said glaring at her, “So you and Eri are friends?”
“Duh, why else would I have come with her?” Mina said offensively. (Dammit!)Mina walked away over to the girls at the concession stand.
“She’s very blunt.” Beat said still a little stunned.
“To blunt if you ask me.” Neku said a little angry.
“Good news is she doesn’t concern us.” Joshua said, “We just need the band 777.” (Thank god.)
The intercom gave a chime, “The concert will begin in a few minutes so please enter the concert area.” Neku felt a light tap on his shoulder and saw it was Shiki and Rhyme.
“Let’s go.” Rhyme said with a smile.
“Okay.” Neku said with a light grin. (Rhyme your smile is as infectious as always.) “You guys ready?” Neku looked over at Joshua and Beat.
“I guess.” Beat said walking toward the stage area.
“This should be interesting.” Joshua said and they all entered the stage area.

The stage was darkly lit until the lights went out. Suddenly, a stage light shined and in the light stood the leader of the band, 777, himself.
“Are you ready?!” 777 yelled, everybody screamed as loud as they could. (My ears!) Neku closed his headphones around his ears. Joshua looked over at him.
“This is fun already.” Joshua gave a light chuckle.
The music went on for about an hour as the band screamed. Neku felt someone poke him, it was Eri.
“Where’s Nina?” she asked, Neku looked around and saw Nina crouched next to him. (When did she get there?)
“I hate this noise.” Nina said darkly. (What!? Did Nina just say that?)
“Want something different to listen to?” Neku asked. Nina nodded. Neku took out a pair of earphones and put them on Nina. He pulled out an MP3 and put on a soft song and saw her calm down.
The music went on for hours until suddenly the music stopped. Nina handed Neku back his MP3 and ear phones as the volume subsided.
“Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoyed the music!” 777 said, “Because it’s the last thing you will ever hear.” (What!?) Neku looked at 777 and saw his eyes had turned pitch black. Neku heared the doors suddenly click.
“Joshua, what’s happening!?” Neku asked worried.
“It seems like 777 is part of the reaper rebellion.” Joshua replied.

TO BE CONTINUED