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Song 09: Deck the Halls
"What do you think this mission means, Arashi?" Fukushi asked. "I mean seriously, 'Deck the Halls with Neko-san? Who's Neko-san?"
Arashi shrugged. "I dunno. There's the artist CAT, but no one knows who he is. It could mean his artwork in Udagawa."
"If that's the case, then why are we halfway across town on Cat Street?" Fukushi demanded angrily.
"I dunno! I mean isn't there a café around here with the name cat in it? If we get technical, the owner could be Neko-san. I mean if we call bread store owner Panya-san, after all." Arashi defended.
Fukushi scowled. "That was because we were six at the time and didn't know the owner's name. Beside I know what store you're talking about. It's never open!"
Arashi gave a frustrated sigh. "Look let's just try. We have some time. If this doesn't work, we'll head towards Udagawa instead okay? The store is right over there and it's open. Let's just go inside and see. It's cold; we can warm up, maybe find some coffee or something. I'm sure you're hungry." Arashi pointed to Wildkat in front of them. It's neon colored light open sign flickering, casting a shade of red and blue on the white snow.
"I'm always hungry!"
"I know."
The two entered the store and ran straight into a familiar orange haired boy. Both Arashi and Fukushi stared in shock before yelling, "YOU!"
Neku stared back at them. "Oh, you two," he said calmly, unfazed by their shout. Then with a smirk he said, "I see you two made it to the final day."
"W-what are you doing here?" Fukushi continued to shout.
"I'm helping an old friend," Neku causally explained.
Hearing the shouting, Shiki's head popped through the doorway leading to the backroom. "Everything alright?" she asked. Seeing the two boys, she continued, "Are they customers?"
Neku shook his head. "I suppose they could be," he mused. "They're Players."
To Arashi and Fukushi continuing surprise all the eyeglass wearing girl said was, "Oh. That's nice. This would be their last day yes?"
Neku nodded. Then he turned back to the still stunned partners. "Since we didn't get to last time, I'm Neku and she's Shiki and if I remember, you're Arashi and Fukushi."
They nodded mutely. "W-wait. So were you two former partners or something?" Arashi asked, finally getting back his voice. This was living proof that if he and Fukushi survived the day, they would both be able to come back. Hope swelled inside of him.
"You could say that," Neku mused. "So what brings you two here to Wildkat? If you're looking for something to eat, well ask Shiki. Mr. H put her in charge since he isn't here right now."
"That's because you near burnt down the kitchen last time," Shiki said as she handed him a box of Christmas decorations.
"One time!" Neku said with a huff. He set the box down on the table.
"Once was enough!"
"Ah- well no. Food would be nice, but we're trying to solve this last mission. It doesn't make sense," Arashi said, still feeling stunned. Fukushi was still in shock next to him.
Neku raised his eyebrow. "You mean it isn't defeat the Gamemaster at blank spot?"
"Is it supposed to be?" Arashi weakly asked. "I mean all we got was 'Deck the Halls with Neko-san.'"
To that Neku burst out laughing. "'Deck the Halls with Neko-san?'" he repeated. "Oh man. Whoever is Gamemaster this week must loves puns. I bet it's that jerk." Shiki smiled, getting the inside joke. Fukushi and Arashi looked at each other, clearly lost.
"What?" Fukushi nicely put it.
Neku grinned. "Just wait. 'Neko-san' went to pick up the tree. He'll be back in about twenty minutes or so."
Shiki, mirroring a grin similar to Neku, said, "Then you two can help us decorate the store."
"WHAT?"