Anime Avenue

Episode 10: Visit From An Old Friend

It started to get late. Instinctively, Neku started heading for the door, but remembered that he didn't restore anything else yet.

Neku: Okay, everyone! As club president, I'm announcing our next activity.

Natsuki: Wait, is this really the best time?

Yuri: I'm sure Neku knows what he's doing, Natsuki.

Sayori: Yeah, let's at least hear him out.

Monika: Alright, Mr. Club President. What are we doing?

Neku: We're...having a sleepover.

In an instant, the girls' faces changed.

Monika: That didn't take long at all, Neku. Already abusing your authority to sleep with girls?

Neku: Huh? That's not it at all!

Natsuki: So that's what's going on? You perverted idiot!

Sayori: Well, I guess Neku's at that age already...

Neku: You're all completely misunderstanding!

Desperately, I look over at Yuri for help. Hopefully, she would back me up. But...Yuri looks away, awkwardly. Should have seen that coming...

Neku: *sigh* Fine, be like that! We're stuck here anyways, so just go to sleep already.

Without another word, Neku walks over to the corner and just sits there, placing his headphones on and lowers his head, closing his eyes. The girls reluctantly retreat, their faces still openly suspicious. The next day arrived and Neku was at an unusual location. He was in the living room, talking with someone. They seemed to be an old friend of his.

So that's what's happening, huh?

Neku: Yeah. Any chance you know who this mysterious guy is?

I wish I knew. But I'm in the dark, same as you.

Neku: Yeah, I thought so...

I'll keep my eyes and ears sharpened and let you know if I get anything.

Neku: Right. Thanks...

By the way, why don't you go ask Kirijo group and see if they know anything.

Neku: Really?

Hey, you never know, right? It's worth a shot.

Neku: Yeah, I guess so. Thanks.

Best of luck, man.

Neku left the house and began heading his way to a large mansion. From the inside, he was speaking with someone. She was wearing a white sleeveless turtleneck shirt and black pants. She had long red hair covering her left eye. The hue of the hair appeared vivid red and/or dark red. Her eyes were brown, although they had sometimes had a hint of red. Beside her was a young man who appeared the same as her. He had dark blue hair unkempt at the front, blue eyes and a light build, being shorter than average. His bangs covered his right eye and he was wearing a navy blue and white T-shirt and black skinny work pants.

According to my readings, we have not found anyone unusual walking around. Or anyone whom appears to be from Mementos. Everything seems to be normal.

Neku: Alright. Thanks.

Something wrong?

Neku: Someone is after my friends.

Who?

Neku: No idea. But I need to find out...and get my family back.

Well, we will do what we can to help.

Neku: I appreciate it.

And with that, Neku was about to walk out until...

Sakuraba!

Neku: ...?

I almost forgot. My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. And this is my boyfriend; Makoto Yuki.

Makoto: Nice to meet you.

Neku: Likewise.

Mitsuru: If you ever need anything, then please let us know.

Neku: Will do.

And with that, Neku began walking out of the building.

Mitsuru: He reminds me a lot of you.

Makoto: Hm? Really?

Mitsuru: Yes. He seems so to himself and cut off from people.

Makoto: And that reminds you of me?

Mitsuru: When we first met, you were the same way.

Makoto: Huh...I'm starting to remember now.

Mitsuru: You really have come a long way, since then.

Makoto: Yeah...

Mitsuru: And I can tell he has too.

As Neku was leaving the Kirijo building, he made a quick stop at a small little Angel's Tear. He walked through the front door and headed to the counter. There, he came in contact with a girl with a pale complexion, brown eyes and her black hair flowing freely, decorated with a red headband. Her casual clothing were thigh highs, a red plaid skirt, a white shirt with a blue floral pattern worn on top of a dark blue singlet.

Welcome to Angel's Tear. How can I help you?

Neku: Black coffee, as usual.

Coming right up.

Mitsuki.

From behind the young girl, Neku saw someone walking towards her. He was a middle-aged man. He had slicked-back dark hair with a receding hairline, gray eyes, a chinstrap beard with a goatee that flareed out and wore glasses. His usual outfit consisted of a pale pink dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, pale khakis held up with a white leather belt and white loafers, a black apron with a white pinstripe design on it and has his pants legs folded up to mid calf.

Mitsuki: Is something wrong, boss?

We have some new boxes of coffee beans and I need you to unload them for me.

Mitsuki: Got it.

That's when her boss noticed me standing there.

Oh, my bad. I didn't know you were serving someone.

Neku: Don't worry about it. I can wait.

No. Mitsuki, go ahead and finish his order.

Mitsuki: Are you sure?

Yeah. I'll have Ren come over and help me.

Neku walked over to an empty table and sat down, waiting for his order. As he put his headphones on, someone came up from behind him.

So. This is where you were...

Neku turned around and saw a familiar face. He was a lanky, fair-skinned teenager with unkempt ash-blond hair and lavender-colored eyes. He was wearing a light grey button-down shirt, with a fairly exposed neck and collar. He also wore dark grey pants and plain white shoes with black laces.

Neku: Joshua.

Joshua: Good to see you, Neku. How long the days without you have felt.

Joshua grabbed the empty chair and sat, in front of Neku.

Joshua: How long as it been, since we last saw each other?

Neku: When I chose to take in Monika and the others.

Joshua: That's right. I heard about your situation with them.

Neku: And how did you know that?

Joshua: I ran into the Ace Detective, while trying to find you.

Neku: Akechi...

Joshua: That's the one. Tell me, how has everything been for you?

Mitsuki finally came out and served Neku his coffee. He and Joshua began to discuss on everything that has happened, mostly about the dilemma with Monika and the other girls.

Joshua: I see. That is quite the problem.

Neku: Yeah.

Joshua: And I suppose Ajax doesn't know anything?

Neku: No. He told me to go see Mitsuru...but that didn't work.

Joshua: Interesting. Let me see what I can find out.

Neku: It's none of your concern. No need to get involved.

Joshua: It's what friends do for each other. Do they not?

Neku: ...I guess.

Joshua: Oh, before I forget. I am going to be attending Mizaki High School.

Neku: You are...?

Joshua: That's right. But not just me. Beat, Rhyme and Shiki will be there too.

Neku: They're here too?

Joshua: Yep. They are at the school, as of right now.

Neku: I see.

Joshua: We had heard you were attending that school.

Neku: I don't attend school. I just go there to watch over the girls.

Joshua: Then I guess we'll see you there.

Neku: ...?

Without another word, Joshua got out of his seat and began to walk off. Neku eventually left the cafe as well. He returned home and headed towards his bed. He just thought on everything that had happened...and could feel his eyes starting to grow heavy. And eventually passed out, falling asleep.

TO BE CONTINUED...