Wishing Stones

by MagatsuStories

Makoto Naegi was living a normal life while attending the famous school of Hopes Peak academy. But one day he found an odd shrine made of nothing but a couple of stones, his day only got weirder when he found his classmate Mukuro Ikusaba who despite having the same name, said she no longer existed. While at the same time old memories of Makoto's returns all showing the stone shrine

1. Chapter 1 - Soldier's Wish

Hope's Peak Academy, a school for the talented. But that's not important because in the end a school is a school and its pupils are just like any other pupils: they live, they breath and they have emotions.

Just because the students at Hope's Peak are talented, it doesn't mean they are all that different. They all too have to deal with problems any high school student deals with.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that they too have secrets they want to keep and deal with themselves.

For the students of class 78, some tried. However there were unforseen consequences and it wasn't for a certain lucky student these students may have had to live with those consequences.

---

Part 1: Missing?

Morning came in the city of Tokyo, people from various households had started their morning routines. It wasn't any different in the Naegi household either, with the quick steps of a young girl echoed through the empty apartment she soon reached her destination. A door with the sign that read "Makoto Naegi", with a quick grin she then slammed the door open and screamed...

"Wake up Onii-chan!"

Her loud voice boomed in the quiet room causing the person in question jump from their bed and unto the floor head first. "Wha-?!" a loud thump could be heard as the room slightly shook from Makoto Naegi making contact with the carpet on the floor, "Ugh~" he audibly groaned before picking himself up while rubbing his head, "Komaru, my darling little sister, didn't I tell you countless of times not to wake me up like that." he said in annoyance, "Well you never wake up if I just leave it to your alarm clock or me shaking you." the younger Naegi complained before turning her back to her brother, "Now hurry up! We have school." she informed him as she closed the door on her way out.

Going through his morning routine then changing into his everyday clothes of a: green hoodie, black trousers, and a black jacket to finish the ensemble, Makoto was ready to start his day. The young man took his seat at the table just before his sister had placed his plate of eggs and salad with toast down, taking her seat across him Komaru then clapped her hands together which her brother smiled at before mimicking, "Thanks for the food." they both chanted before picking up their utensils and began to eat.

"So today on the news-" the tv was on whilst the two ate, Makoto paid attention to the news while his sister just ate her breakfast in silence. After finishing breakfast the two siblings cleaned their dishes together then went on to prepare their lunches.

Unlike a normal household the Naegi siblings lived on their own, this was because their parents were working away from Tokyo so the two lived in an apartment instead of a house. They weren't miserable or anything, in fact the two were faring just fine on their own, both siblings knew how to cook so food wasn't a problem as for money they tend to get money sent to them every month but even then Makoto decided to get a job in order to earn extra cash on the side. "Komaru are you ready?" Makoto called from the front door as he finished putting his shoes on, "Yeah just a second." Komaru replied before running to the front and slipping her shoes on.

The two walked to the bus stop where Makoto stopped but Komaru split off since her school was closer to home than her brother's. Phone in his hands Makoto just played a game whilst he waited for the bus and that didn't take too long. Entering the bus he then scanned his pass before taking seat and proceeded to just listen to music and close his eyes letting the song take his mind away from reality.

His mind seemed to have wandered to an old memory of his, his younger self was crouching down in front of something and he looked he was... praying? The younger Makoto said something but it wasn't clear as to what it was, nevertheless there was one thing that was clear and it was what he was praying to. It was a couple of stones that were positioned to make a pyramid, in front of the stones was a plate with offerings so one could conclude it was a makeshift shrine. Now the question was, what was Makoto praying for?

Before it was even answered Makoto snapped out of his memory surfing and found out he was nearing his destination, alerting the bus driver by using a button Makoto quickly gathered his stuff and made his way to the door just in time for the bus to stop near the school. Stepping out and saying his thanks to the driver Makoto then made his way to his school of Hope's Peak Academy. There he holds the title of Ultimate Lucky Student, yet that wasn't something the boy was proud of, sure he may have some occasions where he had shown some incredible luck but most of the time it was the exact opposite and bad luck seems to follow his way right after something good has happened, so he never really accounted his unpredictable luck to be a talent or even a trait. Some of his classmates even agreed with him on that note, with the infamous Ultimate Heir Byakuya Togami often expressing his distaste for the lucky student's presence in the academy or in some harsher tones, existence. Although that brought some unwanted pity from some of his classmates it also brought some unwanted judgements from other male students from his class and even a particular teacher of the school.

Makoto soon reached the gates where he was met by the other Ultimates of the school, most were his upperclassmen of class 76 and 77 but there were some students from his own class of 78. Keeping to himself the lucky student slithered his way through the crowd trying not to gain any attention towards himself. Makoto does not like the fact he is in Hope's Peak for the mere reason that he is 'lucky' therefore he tries to hide his presence as much as he can during the school day. He does friends though, the Ultimate Programmer; Chihiro Fujisaki and the Ultimate Writer; Toko Fukawa, why? Well Chihiro doesn't judge people by their talents and so was more interested in Makoto for who he was. As for Fukawa the two merely got close due to her and him being in the library most of the time during their early days in Hope's Peak and before they knew it they got close enough to be comfortable with each other's presence and became friends, even if it took over a month and half for Fukawa to say they were.

Walking through the many halls of the school Makoto meandered his way to his classroom where his two friends were already at, "Ah Naegi-kun you're here!" Chihiro said in glee as she waved to him, "Yo, how's it going you two?" the luckster asked as he walked up to them, "Fukawa-chan was telling me about the results of her latest novel." the young girl informed while Fukawa merely laughed sheepishly with the glare from her glasses covering her eyes, "Oh yeah how was it Fukawa-san?" ever since the two got close, Fukawa has somewhat made Naegi into her private reader who would read her story before she decided to hand it to her editor and to get published. "It was great. It took first place in the charts." the writer said with her head down, due to her lack of self-confidence and social skills Fukawa never really took as much pride in her work as Makoto and Chihiro originally thought so they often praise her to give her openings to try and take pride in.

"Well that isn't a surprise Fukawa-san." Makoto commented.

"Yep that's correct! There was no doubt she was going to be number 1!" Chihiro added on.

Fukawa knew that it was an opening, how could she not? It was too obvious, but she appreciated what her friends did and took the opening to not be rude to them, "Well... of course I did. I-I w-wouldn't be the Ultimate W-Writer if I was second." Fukawa choked the words out with a stutter, clearly struggling in the idea of taking pride. Yet that was enough for the other two as they just looked at her with a content smile.

Soon the class became flooded by the rest of their classmates and their teacher, Kyosuke Munakata, who by the way is the teacher who despises Makoto's existence in the school. Knowing class was about to start Makoto and Fukawa took their respective seats, with Makoto's being near the window at the back of the class and Fukawa's being right next to him. "Arise!" Ishimaru Kiyotaka, the Ultimate Moral Compass ordered in a booming voice, "Bow!" everyone followed the order before sitting themselves down once more. "Alright let's check attendance." Munakata said to the class as he opened their attendance book. He listed of the students that were there but something struck as off to Makoto.

"Alright everyone is here, except for Enoshima who is sick."

That phrase, it seemed off. Makoto scanned his classroom and from he could see it did seem everyone was there, but then his eyes glanced over two empty chairs at the corner of the room, "One's Enoshima-san's but the other... Who's is it?" he thought.

Why?

Why did he feel like their was someone else not there?

That couldn't be, his teacher said everyone except for that one person was there, so why?

"Naegi-kun?... Naegi-kun?...Naegi-kun?!" upon hearing the voice of Fukawa calling out to him Makoto immediately snapped back to reality and looked at Fukawa who gave him a worried look. That's because from her perspective the boy was sweating his eyes wide open like he had saw a ghost but he also looked distressed, "Are you ok?" she asked in a whisper, quickly trying to pick himself up Makoto replied "Uh yeah..yeah I'm good." though despite that Fukawa knew there was something bothering him, she just didn't know what.

Not paying any heed to the confusion he had just went through Makoto went on his day as normal. First lesson was maths which the luckster didn't necessarily struggle with but not excel at the same time he was, average. Therefore as the teacher went on with their lecture Makoto wrote down notes, now this would be normal in a highschool but in Hope's Peak it was a different story, with some of his fellow Ultimates not even paying attention to the class: One of his classmates the Ultimate Gamble Celestia Ludenberg was secretly playing cards behind her book which she stood up, another Ultimate Yasuhiro Hagakure who is the Ultimate Clairvoyant had fallen asleep, while the rest just decided to just play around with their notebooks by scribbling on them or stare at something and doze off.

Their lunch break soon came, Makoto and his two friends headed down to the computer room since Chihiro was developing a new AI so to make their friend's job a lot easier they made the computer room their hangout, while eating their packed lunches Toko couldn't help but glance at her lucky friend in concern about what happened in the morning; putting her chopsticks down and resting her lunchbox on her lap Toko built up the courage to confront her friend, "Um N-Naegi-kun?" Makoto looked up at the girl with his chopsticks still in his mouth, then clearing her throat Toko again gathered some courage and continued her interrogation. "Were you ok this morning?" she asked with worry, in response to this the lucky student took the chopsticks out and rested them on his lunchbox, "Ah." there was a long silence with Toko merely eyeing down Makoto whilst the boy had his head down contemplating what to say, in between these two Chihiro kept shifting his gaze from one to other in confusion, "Did I miss something?" she thought as she tilted her head.

"D-Do you feel like someone else was missing this morning?" Makoto lifted his head to meet the eyes of his two female companions. The two in question looked at him confused then looked at each other before returning to him, "You mean Enoshima-san?" Chihiro asked back, but Makoto merely shook his head "No not her... Its someone else." he stated with a quieter voice, yet both Toko and Chihiro heard this and was still left confused. Was there someone else missing?

Although the girls didn't find anything weird Makoto could've sworn there was something off about that day, "I'm gonna go get some fresh air." the luckster said before standing up and walking out the room in a hurry. He didn't know where he was going and frankly he didn't care his mind was fogged by these odd thoughts, they didn't build up over time, they just appeared when attendance was being taken, no that wasn't the best way to describe his thoughts. He knew, he knew someone was missing, he just didn't know who, then if he knows then why didn't anyone else?

Letting his feet take him anywhere the luckster had made his way out the back of the school without him even realising until he had reached that location. "Huh?" was the only word that came out of mouth, he looked around and sighed in relief knowing he was still in school grounds, continuing his walk the luckster turned a corner and was immediately stopped when his eyes landed on a certain small monument a few feet away from him.

It was a pyramid of stones, with each stone carefully positioned to create a 3D sculpture of a pyramid, it was placed on a wooden stage with its four corners having incense that was lit, finally in front of the pyramid was a wooden plate with coins in it, seeing the coins made the luckster deduce that it was a makeshift shrine of some sort, with the coins acting as an offering.

"What's this doing here?" the luckster approached the shrine and crouched in front of it, he stared at it curiously squinting his eyes, he's seen this shrine. A brief flashback of his younger self appeared and it was the memory from before, again he was crouching in front of something. In front of this very shrine!

Upon realising this Makoto fell back in shock, how did shrine get here? Picking himself up Makoto just concluded that someone probably built it here and the other one was just another one built elsewhere, after all it wasn't too weird to see these makeshift shrines around the city. Not before long the luckster heard the bell ring to indicate the start of his next class, "Uh oh." bits of sweat fell of his forehead before he booked it to his next class which was home ec.

Sprinting across the halls the lucky student soon finally arrived at his classroom but when he tried to stop he instead skidded past the door, quickly rushing back to the door he then slammed the door open which startled his classmates and teacher Chisa Yukizome. "Sorry I'm late! I lost track of time!" he said in between breaths, seeing the sweat pour from his face and the fact he was completely out of breath made Yukizome somewhat stifle a giggle knowing he tried to get here as fast as he could.

"Naegi-kun! Where were you?! You are 1 minute and 43 seconds late! I hope you are ready to be punished!" screamed the Ultimate Moral Compass also known as Ishimaru Kiyotaka.

"Now, now seeing as he isn't that late and you technically didn't miss anything Naegi-kun. I won't apply any punishments, consider yourself lucky." Miss Yukizome commented, which made Makoto sigh in relief but Kiyotaka was in shock by her flexibility to the point he had to tell her that it was not right for a teacher to do that. But that obviously didn't work on the former Ultimate Housekeeper.

Class went on with no problem, they were tasked to cook a dish which Miss Yukizome picked for them, Makoto was paired up with Toko which at first the writer was more curious about his state of mind but after he ensured her he was fine she seemed to buy it; only because he seemed to return to his old peppy self and not the silent version like before. For their dish they were tasked to cook some Omurice, so grabbing the ingredients and equipment listed on the piece of card they were given full of instructions the two were then ready to start.

"Have you ever cooked before Fukawa-san?" Makoto asked as he read the instructions.

"Um not something this complicated... I mostly eat cup ramen." she admitted with a blush.

"Now that's not healthy! You can't always rely on that. How about I show you how to cook something simple sometime?" the boy offered, to which his friend looked at him with wide eyes before nodding.

Makoto gave Toko a step by step instruction on how to cook Omurice, the girl intently paid attention helping on parts that were simple enough for her to understand and do. As the class went on Miss Yukizome paid special attention to the lucky student who was teaching his friend, "Wow." she stared at them seeing how despite the clumsiness of Fukawa, Makoto stayed calm and fixed what she got wrong so they could still make the dish in time. Once it was time to present their dishes Miss Yukizome made sure to check the duo of luckster and writer last and when she got to them she was not disappointed.

The presentation of the dish was amazing, the golden omelette which wrapped the rice underneath was glowing like actual gold, little bits of coriander which rested by the side made the dish even more fancy in Yukizome's than it really should have. "May I?" she asked the two, knowing she meant to taste it both students replied with a nod. Taking a spoon and pushing it against the Omurice, her eyes widened as a small gasp escaped her lips; the Omurice was bouncy and fluffy. Digging a spoonful of Omurice and blowing on it before putting the spoon in her mouth, as their teacher tasted the food the made Makoto and Toko had two different reactions: Fukawa was nervous and was biting her nails while Makoto was calm and just merely waited for the results of their labour. Swallowing the Omurice there was a slight silence that fell the class before the former Ultimate opened her eyes and they were in the shapes of stars, "Its so delicious!" she exclaimed in extreme delight, while the two felt relief the rest of the class was shocked that someone who seemed as regular looking as Makoto could make such a tasty dish. Some refused to believe it, while others began to change their opinion on the lucktser.

Classes had finally finished and the students were making their way home, saying their goodbyes the three friends all went their separate ways. Makoto headed back home the exact same way he did going to school, but when he was walking to his apartment he passed by the park near his home and with a single glance he saw someone inside the park which made him stop in his tracks.

The girl in question had bleached blonde hair tied into twintails with a large white and red ribbon on one side and a bunny pin on the other, she wore a black cardigan over a white shirt with a black and white tie with a prohibited symbol in the middle of it. She also wore a red miniskirt and black mid-thigh high boots with red laces.

Makoto knew this person, she was his classmate. Junko Enoshima, the Ultimate Fashionista.

She sat on a bench in the park her head down and from what Makoto could tell she looked a little sad, so worried about her the lucky student decided to check up on her. Still, in spite of the fact that the girl was in front of him something was off.

"Isn't she sick?" upon realising through his thoughts Makoto became more cautious as he approached the girl.

"E-Enoshima-san?" he called out and the girl, immediately the girl shot her head up and Makoto's eyes widened. Her light blue eyes meeting his, but there was something off; Junko Enoshima didn't have freckles.

This wasn't Junko Enoshima. This was...

"Ikusaba-san?"

---

Part 2: Mukuro Ikusaba

Upon hearing the words that escaped his mouth the blonde's eyes widened, "W-what did...you say?" she asked in shock, Makoto in response blinked in confusion before repeating what he had said before, "Ikusaba-san? You are Ikusaba-san right?" the lucky student asked tilting his head slightly to the side. Now that she heard it clearer tears began to flow down the blonde's eyes, shocking Makoto in the process, her soft cries soon escalated to bawls as she let everything out tears overflowing like tiny rivers down her cheeks.

That's right, this wasn't Junko Enoshima the Ultimate Model. It was her twin sister Mukuro Ikusaba, the Ultimate Soldier.

Once she had calmed down Makoto offered his handkerchief to her so that she could wipe her tears away, gladly taking it out of his hand Ikusaba wiped her tears away before resting her hands on her lap and facing the luckster, "T-thank you, N-Naegi-kun. But how did you know I was me?" confused at her question Makoto then began to scan her body as he answered, "Well..." at first his eyes looked towards the freckles on her face but not long his eyes then travelled downwards towards the girls chest, he stared at that for a couple of seconds before the girl realised what he was looking at and turned scarlet before covering her chest. "Wh-where are you...looking at?!" she exclaimed making red from embarrassment, "S-Sorry!" Ikusaba was still red but she understood in a way why the young man stared at that spot, "I-I understand th-that I don't have as much chest, compared to my sister." that sentence only served to make Makoto even more guilty and continued to profusely apologise while on his knees. After much grovelling, Makoto sat next to Ikusaba with an awkward silence between the two, both despite their interaction prior now couldn't bring themselves to question the other. Glancing to the girl Makoto saw that she had her head downcast with a rather sad look written all over her face, curious Makoto gathered his courage and spoke up "So Ikusaba-san where were you today? You weren't in school and why are in...cosplay?." snapping out of her thoughts, Ikusaba looked at the boy who was nervous: Not wanting to waste his efforts she responded, "Well you see...This isn't a cosplay, it seems like I don't exist anymore." after the last part reached his ears Makoto then snapped his head towards her with a questioning look, "Wh-what do you mean?" looking him straight in the eye Ikusaba reiterated her sentence, "I don't exist anymore. Mukuro Ikusaba was never born there's just Junko Enoshima." this didn't clarify anything to the luckster who sighed, he was still in the dark.

Looking at his watch Makoto noticed the time, "Ah I have to get some groceries." he mumbled to himself but Ikusaba heard this, "I should go home then." the girl stood up but she was halted by Makoto who grabbed her wrist, "Huh?!" she looked at her wrist then to Makoto who merely stared at his own hand, "Um?" before she could form a proper sentence Makoto immediately let go of her hand, "Sorry, hey Ikusaba-san why don't you have dinner at my place?" well that came out of nowhere and it sure had its effect on Ikusaba as she became frozen in place. "Wh-what?!" was what she could muster shortly after a brief silence, "Ye-yeah I mean I've wasted some of your time, at least let me make you dinner to make up for it." Makoto explained as he scratched the back of his head. "But I've wasted your time as well...But I guess that's just how Naegi-kun is." as Mukuro's thoughts played in her head the boy in front of her nervously tried to come up with more excuses, "I accept." she replied making Makoto look at her surprised that it was that easy.

The two made their way to the supermarket where Makoto was looking through ingredients while Mukuro just tailed behind him, "Hmm.." while Makoto pondered on what to buy Mukuro merely watched him, she understood why this was the case: unlike her he was...average and therefore didn't get a high pay, he merely used what the school gave all the students as allowance and what Makoto's parents could provide.

Wait?

Parents?!

Upon realising that she was visiting the Makoto's home she also realised that means she has to meet his family! Blushing a bright red and internally panicking, Mukuro froze in place with an expression of bewilderment, "Ok that should be all of it." turning to his friend Makoto noticed the girl frozen and merely looked at her confused, "Um, Ikusaba-san?" realising where she was, Mukuro shook her head to clear the thoughts, "Nothing." she said as she walked past Makoto who just decided to follow. Whiles walking to the counter, the two went through an isle where magazines were being displayed, taking a quick glance over them Makoto noticed something that made him stop, Mukuro didn't notice her companion stop and continued to move forward "I wonder what sort of family Naegi-kun has? They must be just like him." finally noticing that he had stopped the girl walked back to the lucky student, "Naegi-kun?" she asked with slight worry in her voice, "Ikusaba-san. You know when you said that Enoshima-san didn't exist anymore?" slightly jumping in fear from his words Mukuro then began to stutter, "Um, uh, ye-yeah?" she responded, not saying a word Makoto then took one of the magazines and continued to stare, "This magazine is where your sister usually modelled for right?" walking next to him and also taking a peek she recognised that it was the one Enoshima modelled for, "She's usually in the front cover for, but this time its not her." Mukuro stared at the magazine with guilty eyes, but Makoto didn't catch this.

"Is this...my fault?" she thought in fear, not even realising it she also began to tear up but she then felt a hand on her shoulder turning her head to Makoto who gave her a sympathetic smile, "We'll figure out what's going on and get Enoshima-san back. I promise." wiping her tears, Mukuro managed to give a tiny smile but it was visible enough for Makoto to see and smile back to.

They both soon arrived in Makoto's apartment with both carrying a full bag each, fishing his keys out of his pockets Makoto was about unlock the door his bad luck came into play when the door swung open and hit him square in the face causing to drop to the floor. "Onii-chan~ Huh?!" rather than seeing her brother Komaru instead was met by Ikusaba who was looking at the boy sprawled on the floor. With an ice-pack on his head Makoto sat on the couch with his sister furiously bowing and apologising, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Onii-chan!" smiling at the sight in front of him Makoto assured her he was fine, "Its ok Komaru I know you didn't mean to hit me with the door." but it backfired as it just made Komaru apologise even more. When Komaru had calmed down Makoto went to work on dinner while Mukuro sat awkwardly by the dinner table while Komaru stared at her in confusion, "Onii-chan brought a girl home...Who is she? Ah! Could she be his secret girlfriend?!" an expression of horror painted Komaru's face with only Mukuro seeing it.

Looking around the apartment Mukuro was confused as to how the Naegi family could stay in a tiny apartment, she then looked a picture frame where it was a young Makoto and Komaru with their parents looking very happy, she smiled a little but her eyes showed sadness, "I hope we could be like that." she mumbled under her breath. "All right I hope you're both hungry." Makoto said putting down a plate of rice and fish along with bowls of miso soup, "You're quite traditional aren't you Naegi-kun?" Mukuro asked rhetorically, "You think?" Makoto asked back before sitting himself down as well, Komaru also made her way to the table and sat next to her brother; they all clasped their hands together and gave thanks before digging into the food. While in the midst of dinner Mukuro noticed that Makoto's parents haven't arrived curious the girl decided to ask, "Hey Naegi-kun where are your parents?" Makoto and Komaru stopped eating and looked at each other before turning to the blonde in front of them, "Um, our pearents don't live in the city with us. They work abroad." Makoto explained, "Oh I see. So its just you two?" Makoto nodded which Mukuro accepted and continued with her dinner, everyone was then more comfortable with each other with little interactions between the three.

Dinner ended and Komaru went into her room to relax leaving the two older teens on their own, Mukuro sat on the couch checking her phone when Makoto then came over with two cups of tea, he placed one of the cups on the coffee table in front of Ikusaba while he sat down with his. "Was dinner all right?" Makoto asked taking a tiny sip from his cup, "It was nice. It has been a while since me and my sister had a dinner like that." Ikusaba pointed out with slight sadness in her voice, "Speaking of Enoshima-san...Would have any idea how this, switch could've happened?" Mukuro leaned forward and opted a thinking pose, pondering for a reason for the swap, a thought then flashed in her mind. "Could it be...?" she said in a small whisper, "Hmm?" Makoto looked over but he couldn't see the shocked face of the girl who was still in thought, "Ikusaba-san? Is there anything?" straightening herself Mukuro then calmed herself before replying, "No. I can't think of a thing." A lie, a clear lie yet the boy didn't notice that it was a lie. "I should get going its getting late." Mukuro stood up and hurriedly made her way to the entrance, chasing after her Makoto was struck with confusion of her quick change in behaviour, "Eh? What about your tea?" the luckster asked though that wasn't really what he cared about, "I'm sorry Naegi-kun I'll see you in school tomorrow." and just like that the girl rushed out of the apartment, leaving a bewildered Makoto standing on the entrance way.

Makoto had arrived to school earlier than he thought so in order to waste his time before classes the luckster went around the school for a walk, during his peaceful and quiet stroll he began to notice little things he never noticed before about the school: one was the unusual long hallways, the other was a simple machine that seemed to dispense prizes out of it. Makoto soon found himself outside and due to not having a particular route he let his feet take him wherever again, and also like before he had made it to the back where the shrine was, however there was something else there or rather someone else. Taking cover on the corner of the building Makoto peered across only for his eyes to widen upon seeing who was at the shrine, "I-Ikusaba-san?!" the girl was in front of the shrine praying before walking away, from where he was Makoto could see her lips move but he wasn't the Ultimate lip reader and therefore didn't know what she had said. Once Mukuro had left the shrine Makoto walked up to it and noted the new coins that were on the wooden plate.

In class Makoto kept an eye on Mukuro but she acted similar to how her sister would have, so this confirmed to Makoto that what Mukuro had said about her sister no longer existing was meant to be taken literally, "Interested?" the sudden voice of Fujisaki against his ear made Makoto jump off his seat "Jeez, I thought I told you not to do that Fujisaki-san." Makoto complained, standing over him Chihiro had a wide grin and eyes that seemed mischievous. "What?" Makoto deadpanned, "You~ interested in Enoshima-san?" Makoto merely gave her a slightly annoyed look before standing up, "No, its not like that." Makoto replied but Chihiro wasn't buying it "Sure~ its not~" she sang making Makoto roll his eyes.

After that conversation Fukawa soon arrived and their classes went on as normal, but during lunch Fukawa's attention was suddenly taken by her lucky friend, "Fukawa-san, have you ever written fantasy or supernatural stories before?" this made his two other friends turn to him with blank stares, "Hmm? W-why y-yes I have." Fukawa replied, "Have you ever written, um body swapping or life swapping stuff?" at first Fukawa blinked rapidly in confusion, "Um, Y-yes I have once. I didn't go well though." she said with slight disappointment, "It was about how a sheltered, rich girl wished to have more freedom in her life so she ended up swapping bodies and lives with another in her class which wasn't sheltered or rich." explained the writer, Makoto then opted a thinking pose trying to put a link between Ikusaba's situation and the story, "But I don't think Ikusaba-san has a reason to feel sheltered." finally sighing in defeat Makoto merely turned back to Fukawa with a smile, "Thanks Fukawa-san." she nodded to him in response giving him her own tiny smile, "What's it for?" Chihiro asked which made Makoto go stiff in nervousness, sweat began to drop from his forehead "Um, its uh... It-its my sister! Yeah! My sister is trying to make a manga and she's asked me for an idea you know, and that's what I came up with." he lied through a forced smile, Chihiro seemed to accept it quite easily but Fukawa was sceptical and her expression of worry clearly showed that.

Class resumed once again, now it was P:E so changing into their gym uniform the students of class 78 made their way to the gymnasium where their teacher told them to get into pairs. In some weird twist of fate as well Makoto had ended up pairing up with Mukuro. "Uh what a coincidence right?" Makoto said in a joking manner but Mukuro just stared at him blankly making the entire thing awkward, "Yes it is. I certainly did not expect this." and that made it even worse as it only indicated that she took it literal, which wasn't what Makoto was trying to do.

Their first task was to do a warm up so after some light exercise the two then went on to stretches, with Mukuro the one stretching and Makoto holding her ankles to support her. While the girl was stretching Makoto was thinking whether or not he should ask about her situation, however as he was deep in thought Makoto hasn't noticed his eyes were directly in the view of Mukuro's chest while she was stretching and while he didn't notice the girl did, yet she didn't say a word about it; rather her cheeks started to become red "N-Naegi-kun." snapping out of his thoughts Makoto looked at Mukuro who now had her face partly red, at first the luckster merely blinked confused until he let his eyes wander down to Mukuro's chest area and took a quick sight of it before going scarlet, "Wawah ahh.. I'm so sorry!" he said in a panic frantically waving his arms in front of him, Mukuro stared at the embarrassed boy and a small smile graced her lips. "Hey Naegi-kun?" Makoto stopped and looked at her, in return she too also looked at him "How do you do it?" she asked however this only seemed to only confuse Makoto as he tilted his head to the side, "What do you mean?" before she could respond their teacher called out to the class to start the next activity, "Uh looks like we have to go." Mukuro was slightly disappointed by the fact that her time with the luckster was cut short but she soon forgot it when a hand appeared in front of her, "Let's go Ikusaba-san." she looked up and saw the smiling Makoto making her cheeks go red again, the girl took the boy's hand and stood up then made their way to where their teacher was to listen to next instructions.

Next activity was team tennis, in other words they had to find another pair to play against. Makoto was fine with anyone but he knew that the timid Mukuro, who he knew usually kept to herself in class, might find interacting difficult, "Who should we play with?" Makoto looked around for a suitable pair, but a voice interrupted his train of thought, "Naegi-kun!" turning to the call's direction Makoto's eyes locked unto his two friends who were approaching him, "Fukawa-san, Fujisaki-san." the two stopped in front of the other Ultimates and told them to pair up with them, Makoto was fine with it but he lightly turned to Mukuro seeing if she was ok with interacting with his friends.

"Hello Enoshima-san hope we have a great game!" Chihiro exclaimed, "Yes, we shall! Let's all have a super duper game!" Makoto froze in place when his head registered the words that came out of the mouth of the soldier. "I-Ikusaba-san!?" he couldn't believe what he was hearing or seeing, Mukuro was socialising and so easily to as well.

While setting their court up Makoto approached Mukuro about her... change in personality.

"I am Junko-chan here remember? I must at least act like her as to not raise suspicion." again Makoto was dumbfounded, she acted like her sister to not get caught, which wasn't weird but what was weird was that Mukuro captured her sister's personality and speech perfectly. The luckster even had a passing thought that if she wasn't the Ultimate Soldier, she may as well be the Ultimate Actress or Imposter.

The game began and its no surprise to anyone that it was heavily one sided, Mukuro dominated the other two, her quick reflexes allowed her to reach for the shots that were impossible for Makoto to reach in time and her strength made her smash the ball unto the other two every-time. "E-enoshima so amazing!" Chihiro said with awe, "I-I d-din't think models were so agile." Fukawa added as she wiped some sweat off her cheek, on the other side Makoto watched with a blank face, unlike the others Makoto was fully aware of the soldier's abilities so the one sided match didn't surprise him at all. "That was fun." Mukuro commented which Makoto smled at, "Glad you're having fun." Makoto replied making Mukuro slightly go red. "Wh-what's happening to me?" Mukuro thought, for some odd reason to her she had the luckster stuck in her mind since the day before.

Classes ended and it was time for everyone to go home, when she was changing her shoes Mukuro spotted Makoto in the front gates and before she has even realised it she was already running to his direction, "Hey is that-?" Chihiro called out as she pointed at the running Mukuro, "Hmm? Oh, Iku-ah I mean Enoshima-san." Mukuro stopped in front of the little group with no words to say, her feet just brought there here for no reason. "Um I-I-..." panicking Mukuro tried to come up with a sentence but ended in failure much to her embarrassment, "Do you and Enoshima-san live in the same area Naegi-kun?" Fukawa asked her friend, "Uhh~" Makoto couldn't actually answer her, he didn't know after all. "We-we do actually." everyone turned to Mukuro who now had a shocked expression written allover her face, it was the face of someone who just thought 'What did I just do?', "Um, well. I often went to work so I never really went home with Naegi-kun, but I sometimes see him walking to the nearby supermarket through my window." Makoto then felt someone nudge his side, he turned and was met by a grinning Chihiro, "What?" Chihiro's grin grew wider before she began teasing Makoto, "Why don't we go Fukawa-chan. And let Naegi-kun and Enoshima-san go home...together~" Chihiro chirped as she pulled Fukawa away from the pair.

Makoto and Mukuro watched as the two other Ultimates left, "What was that about?" Mukuro asked, "Honestly, I don't know. But why don't we go home?" Mukuro merely nodded at Makoto before walking beside him and headed home.

On the way home Mukuro couldn't help but continuously stare at the luckster while the two walked in the quiet streets, she felt a tug in her heart and she couldn't describe what it was, "Wha-what is this feeling?" she thought as she clutched her chest subconsciously, taking a quick unnoticed glance Makoto saw the soldier with a pained expression and immediately became worried "Are you alright Ikusaba-san?" the luckster asked stopping in his tracks, Mukuro looked at him and quickly etched a smile on her face to relieve his worries, "Ye-yeah I'm fine. Just, tired is all." she lied, she wasn't tired but she didn't want to worry the boy with her weird chest pain. Makoto wasn't convinced but opted not to ask further seeing as she wasn't in intense pain.

"Oh yeah Ikusaba-san what did you want to ask me earlier?" Makoto inquired, remembering the soldier's question from before, "Oh that. It was nothing." Mukuro dismissed but this only made the luckster even more curious and pushed her to ask it again, sighing Mukuro kept her eyes on the floor as she asked Makoto her question, "How do you stay so positive?" she asked which confused the luckster as to what exactly she meant by that, but nonetheless he managed to form an answer.

"Hmm, I don't exactly get it but its not that I stay positive I just don't let things that are negative affect me, after all my optimism is probably the only redeeming quality I have... I'm not super smart, or strong, really I would say I'm just an average guy who's 'luck' sent him to a school that's way over his league. I'm not always positive, in fact there are many times I thought I should leave Hopes Peak since I felt like I brought anything special to the school. I'm not really an Ultimate like the rest of you, I really am just an average guy. So you ask how I stay so positive? There is no right answer really Ikusaba-san, positivity and optimism isn't like a sport which can be learnt, you have to find something that helps you stay positive: a memory, a favourite thing, maybe a loved one. These things are what determines one's ability to stay positive and optimistic."

After hearing the luckster's speech, Mukuro stood in front of him lost for words. His words echoed in her head, they had pierced her heart, Mukuro lowered her head and kept repeating those words in her head, then a smile then formed on her face before she looked back up at the luckster who saw her smile, "Thank you Naegi-kun. You've helped me a lot." giving her his own bright smile Makoto nodded at her as a response, "It's no problem Ikusaba-san. It's what friends are for."

They continued to walk to their houses with Mukuro trailing behind the luckster smiling, her eyes glued to him. "You may not be aware of this Naegi-kun, but for some time now, you've been my reason to live, to smile, to look forwards to every new day." she thought, Mukuro then began to reminiscent how despite her cold demeanour Makoto still wanted to be her friend, at first this didn't change her much but after sometime, the luckster's optimism had rubbed of on her and before she knew it she had wanted to be with him everyday, every moment to the point that she had forgotten a certain dream.

Arriving at a crossroads the two shared their goodbyes before splitting off to head to their respective homes.

---

Part 3: To be who I am

Makoto found himself looking at his younger self once more, it was the same dream from before, it's him praying to the shrine, "This again?" Makoto watched as his younger self prayed "I wish my sister would get better." he heard his younger self say, "Huh? Wait a sec why does it feel like...I've said that." then all of a sudden Makoto's head started to ache, he clutched his head and began to grit his teeth "Wh-why is my head hurting all of a sudden?!" looking at his younger self again Makoto then had an epiphany, "Co-could this be... a memory?"

Then without warning Makoto then woke up and in reflex sat up sweating and panting.

His sweat dripped down unto his blanket, his heart racing inside his chest as his hands shook uncontrollably.

That dream, it reminded Makoto of something, something only he and his family knew... Makoto Naegi had amnesia.

How it happened was mystery to the Naegi family, all they know was that when Makoto was 12 his sister had fallen ill and was sent to hospital, but what came as a miracle to the family had soon changed into a curse. Why? Well, despite her being critically ill Komaru had suddenly gotten better and cured for that matter, but in return Makoto had lost all of his memories prior to him waking up on the day Komaru had gotten better. He was checked up by the doctors but none of them could say what could've caused his memories to go away, so despite Komaru gaining her health back a price was paid in the form of memory lost. And ever since that day Makoto has not once regained and of those lost memories.

4 years later and Makoto has barely shown interest in regaining those memories, he may have had some curiosities about his past self but not to the point he would ask a lot of more personal questions. Makoto knew there was no use in trying to copy the old him because he knew he wasn't the old him and his family knew that too, so instead he opted to live his life as he saw fit and not rely on a familiarity. Of course there were changes that Makoto made to himself after gaining amnesia, for one his parents stated he now had more curiosity than he ever did, his personality hadn't changed much except he had more confidence voicing his thoughts and opinions. For Komaru it was the fact that Makoto and her became closer than ever, apparently prior to his sister becoming ill she and Makoto began to drift apart but after he lost his memories they got closer again, Makoto got to know her again and the two spent lots of time together, Komaru began to open up to her brother more including going mostly to going her brother for support about her problems that had faced, their relationship had strengthen so much that Komaru chose to live with Makoto over their parents when the luckster was scouted for Hopes Peak.

"Ah Onii-chan you're awake." Komaru's voice snapped Makoto off his trance which he was in when he woke up, looking at his sister she merely looked at him with a confused look along with a hum to match, "What time is it?" Makoto glanced towards his clock and saw the time was now 9am "Its 9am, you weren't gonna sleep in were you?" Komaru asked as she crossed her arms across her chest, Makoto shook his head in defiance and assured his sister that she had nothing to worry about and that he would quickly get ready and run to school, but he became confused when all of a sudden his sister had busted out laughing, "Oh Onii-chan, its Saturday don't worry, school is closed. If it was open I would've jumped on you by now." the last part made Makoto slightly blue at the thought of his sister jumping on him as a wake up method.

After breakfast Makoto changed into some outdoor clothing and headed to the front door, Komaru who was laying on the couch watching TV saw her brother dressed up and got curious of where he was going, "Onii-chan? Where are you going?" she asked resting her head on the couch arm, "I'm just quickly run to buy some stuff I missed getting before." her brother replied while putting on his shoes, "Oh ok. Hey mind getting my manga?!" she requested shouting to her who was nearly out of the apartment, she heard a faint "Sure!" from the luckster before returning to her show.

Walking down the street Makoto pulled out his lists of things to buy, it wasn't a long list so he figured he'd be done in around an hour or maybe just over. At the supermarket Makoto quickly detached the items he needed before proceeding to the counter to pay for them, however along the way he had bumped into none other than Ikusaba who too was shopping as well, "Oh Ikusaba-san good morning." he greeted with a smile, "Good morning to you too Naegi-kun." the girl replied, "What an odd coincidence running to you here." she added which Makoto merely laughed lightly at, "I guess so. Hmm?" taking a quick glance at her basket the young boy saw that in it were pot noodles and all sorts instant type food, "Ikusaba-san what's with all the instant food?" looking at her own basket Mukuro then began to blush, "Um you see... I don't know how to cook since nobody taught me or Junko-chan." she admitted embarrassed, "So you rely on instant cup noodles and junk food?" Makoto asked with concern in his voice, "Well buy ready made salad if that counts." Mukuro defended but seeing as the luckster didn't seem to agree with her, she figured, no it didn't count.

"How about I teach you how to cook tonight. I'll come over your place." the luckster proposed as the two walked out the supermarket, "What about your sister?" Makoto gave her an awkward smile and gave a little shrug, "I'll make something for her to last her the night." pondering over it for a few seconds Mukuro then looked at Makoto and nodded, "If it's no trouble." Makoto shook his head and reassured her that, "It's no trouble at all." and gave her a time of when he was going to visit.

Quickly returning to his home, Makoto wasted no time making Komaru her dinner, "Onii-chan? Dinner isn't for a while." Komaru stated in confusion, Makoto explained the situation not taking his eyes off the food, "Ah~ I see. Onii-chan has a date~" Komaru teased, which only made her brother sigh as a response then continued to cook.

Once that was over Makoto quickly grabbed something from his room before running out his house and to Mukuro's place, when they were going home from school Makoto found out that the soldier didn't live any too far from him and that it was within walking distance. Outside the tall building Makoto already knew this was a place which he could never afford, "Wow~!" he thought as he stared up the building, walking up to the door Makoto then pressed the button that connects to Ikusaba's room, which he was informed when they planned the visit. The luckster waited for a minute before he heard the voice of the girl on the speaker, "Hello?" she asked from her apartment, "Ikusaba-san its me." Makoto answered back, "Uh ok. Let me buzz you in.", after a couple of seconds Makoto then heard a small buzz come from the door which he took as the signal that he was allowed in. He took the elevator to her floor and knocked on her door, he was soon met by the soldier who was wearing a red t-shirt and some shorts, her hair now styled into a ponytail, "Come on in Naegi-kun." the soldier said before walking inside unaware of the awestruck blushing luckster behind her. Inside her apartment Makoto's eyes widened upon seeing its interior, unlike his simple apartment: small, compact and had the essentials; Mukuro's and Junko's was far more refined: clear white walls, a large TV, a couch with an extra arm chair next to it with a coffee table wooden floor panels that really gave the entire apartment a nice homey feel, much more than Makoto's ever could.

"Man I don't belong." the luckster thought, he heard a couple of footsteps and turned to the sound only to see Mukuro now wearing a black and white apron. Needless to say a small blush crept to Makoto's cheek, he had to admit seeing a girl who's not his sister was pleasing to the eyes.

"So where do we begin?" the girl asked, snapping Makoto back to reality "Oh um, first here." Makoto presented a small book, a cook book to be precise, "It's the first cook book I've ever used. The dishes aren't difficult here so you'll be able to easily make them." the luckster explained, taking the book in her hands, Mukuro flicked through its pages quickly scanning its contents shutting it close. "This will help immensely. Thank you Naegi-kun." she gave a small smile to Makoto which the luckster responded by giving his own smile.

Similar to how he taught Fukawa before Makoto gave Mukuro a step by step tutorial on how to cook certain dishes, unlike Fukawa she was a faster learner and almost already got the hang of cooking within their first few exercises. While peeling a couple of vegetables Makoto's mind began to wander off to his dream again, "It was just too vivid to be dream. It can only be one of my lost memories." since his mind was mostly away from cooking Makoto made a mistake and ended up cutting himself, a small scream came from the boy making the soldier stop what she was doing to check up on him. "Naegi-kun are you ok?!" she asked in worry, she looked at his bleeding finger and immediately ran for the bathroom to grab the medkit while Makoto cleaned the wound with running water, Mukuro came back and patched the wound but she was still quite worried, "Man, looks like I was too distracted. Sorry about this Ikusaba-san." Makoto said with sincerity, Mukuro shook her head and looked at him with worried eyes "I'm just glad its not too fatal." Makoto gave her a small reassuring smile before he looked at his bandaged finger which now reminded him of his memory. "May I ask Naegi-kun, what distracted you?" Mukuro leaned to the side to try and look at the boy in the eyes, shooting up to meet her gaze Makoto looked at her with a bewildered look before opting a more calmed expression but laced with sadness, "Oh, um I was just thinking about something." he quietly admitted, "You see Ikusaba-san, I-I..." Makoto tried to choke the words out, but it was no use they were stuck in his throat, "I-I have... amnesia." he finally finished with his cast down to the floor, after a few short seconds he then glanced upwards and saw a confused Mukuro staring at him in silence, "I-Ikusaba-san?" he asked now with a raised head, "Huh? Oh! Um, uh I-I'm sorry it was insensitive to ask!" she panicked as she quickly waved her hands in front of her face before mentally scolding herself "Good job Mukuro now you made him hate you!" Makoto watched as the flustered girl tried to apologise which only lightened his mood, "Its ok. I've been an amnesiac for at least 4 years now, so it really doesn't bother me anymore." upon hearing the length of his memory loss Mukuro looked at him in shock and felt a tremendous amount of guilt, if before she felt a panicked guilt now she felt a sharp pain through her own heart, "I lost my memories when I was twelve said to be mostly a case of stress, but..." he paused, Mukuro looked at him and echoed his last word "But?" Makoto closed his eyes and then took a deep breath before finishing his sentence, "I think it was something else."

Confused Mukuro continued to look at Makoto hoping for an answer, "Wh-what do you mean?" the soldier asked, looking down once more at his hands Makoto answered, "Well, I think it has something to do with these stones." the moment she heard the word 'stones' Mukuro tensed, "I remembered this morning that I made some sort of wish from these stones. And after that everything was black and that was that." he explained taking most of his information from his recent dream, Makoto took a quick glance at the soldier and found her tense, she was quiet and looked slightly nervous; there were bits of sweat forming and sliding down her cheek, "Why is she so nervous?... Wait!" piecing the puzzle together with the help of his old memory Makoto had an epiphany, "Ikusaba-san..." Mukuro continued to tense as her hands began to turn to fists on her lap and she also began to bite the bottom of her lip. Opening his mouth Makoto asked her one question.

"Did you wish to become Enoshima-san? Did this happen because you made a wish from those stones that's behind the school?"

Silence, pure silence fell the room, not a single word came out of Mukuro's mouth. Her lips quivered she clasped her hands together and avoided eye contact with Makoto. Assuming he may have hurt her Makoto stood up to leave but was stopped when the soldier suddenly spoke out, "Yes I made a wish to a small stone shrine I found behind the school. But I didn't wish for my sister to disappear! I wished for a more free life, but instead this happened." she explained her voice struggling to make the sentence audible, Makoto began to feel guilt in his heart, he had just basically accused Mukuro of wishing her sister away when he knew she was not like that at all. "I'm sorry Ikusaba-san, I knew that wouldn't have, that was insensitive of me. Sorry!" he expressed with guilt bowing his head down and shutting his eyes, Mukuro watched as the luckster held his stance, she was hurting yet she couldn't find it in her to stay mad at him so she decided it was best to forgive him, "No, i-it's ok. I know you didn't mean to be insensitive, please raise your head." following her instructions Makoto stood back straight again but he still saw that Mukuro was still feeling down.

Also feeling guilty Makoto pondered for ways to cheer her up, after a few ideas in his head later he finally found one that would hopefully cheer his soldier friend up, "Ikusaba-san are you free tomorrow?" Mukuro looked at him in bewilderment before nodding in response, "Why don't we go somewhere together tomorrow. Just us, it can be anywhere you want." Makoto proposed much to the further confusion of the soldier, "Well?" thinking about it Mukuro wanted to say no, but after one glance at the luckster's determined face she couldn't say no, "Sure why not." she replied making the luckster give a bright smile which again brought a tiny tint of red to Mukuro's cheeks.

Before leaving the two had planned their meeting and the time for when they should meet, "Keep the cook book, it'll be good practice." Makoto said which ,are the soldier question his decision, "Are you sure?" Makoto nodded at her with a smile before saying his goodbye and headed out to go home. Closing the door behind her Mukuro was making her way to her room until something dawned on her...

She was going on a date with Makoto!

Sure it wasn't technically a date, but that was enough to make the soldier's entire face go red and steam began to erupt from her head. Not wasting any seconds Mukuro rushed to her room and slammed open her closet to check if there was anything appropriate to wear but all she found was some what she would wear if she was in her regular body, her mouth dropped in despair as she then began to panic "What should I do?! My clothes are terrible!" she thought still in a hysteria. Suddenly a bull it up in her head, she was in her sister's body so it only made sense she wore her sister's clothes! Running to the room next to her Mukuro then swung the closet doors open and began to rummage through the various clothes in hopes to find something suitable.

The next day rolled by with Mukuro waiting for Makoto by a large statue in the city, she sat on a bench wearing a light pink loose blouse that exposed her shoulders, it was paired with a black short skirt and black flats. Patiently waiting for the luckster Mukuro fidgeted around in her seat from nervousness, she couldn't believe she was on a date with Makoto! "Ikusaba-san!" she heard the voice of the luckster call out, turning the noise she saw Makoto running up her waving: he was wearing a grey denim jacket with a red hoodie in the inside, it was paired with black jeans and white sneakers with red accents on them. Stopping in front of the soldier Makoto then rested his palms on his knees and bending over while heavily breathing, after catching his breath Makoto then faced the soldier with a smile, "Good morning Ikusaba-san." he greeted, the soldier smiled at the boy before greeting back, "Good morning Naegi-kun."

After a short trip from the city to the zoo Makoto and Mukuro began their 'date' with the two sightseeing the many animals in the zoo, "Ahh! Flamingos!" Mukuro exclaimed in joy as she ran to the flock of pink birds, Makoto followed suit smiling at the fact the once emotionless soldier was now smiling. "Good she's enjoying herself." Makoto watched from a small distance away from the girl as she enjoyed herself watching the flamingos. After the flamingos the two visited the reptile area and this somewhat made the young luckster uncomfortable, "Why this place?" he complained in his head, Makoto didn't actually pick this attraction but since the soldier desired to check every part of the zoo, there their were inside a dark room full of lizards, snakes and other types of animals that belonged inside a glass case. "These don't look so deadly when they are in a glass case, but out in the wild. They're more dangerous than any man." she explained recalling her days as a soldier, "You mean when you worked for Fenrir?" Makoto asked which got him a nod in response, "We worked everywhere, deserts, towns, jungles. I've seen just about everything nature had to throw at me." Makoto was impressed but at the same time terrified about what things mother nature could possibly throw at the Ultimate Soldier. They turned a corner and saw something that was quite interesting, a group of people were gathered around something, walking up to the group they tried to take a peek and saw something that caused their eyes to widen in shock, a lizard was out of its cage and some of the zookeepers were trying to catch it, but the beast kept hissing at them causing the keepers to maintain their position and not try and capture the animal. "Woah, it got out." Makoto commented through a whisper then as if the lizard had heard him, it snapped its head towards Makoto before sprinting towards him, the animal's sudden action caused the crowd to split giving it a path to its prey. Shook Makoto began to back away but in a surprise to everyone the lizard jumped towards the luckster its mouth open like it was gonna attack!

Or at least that was what could've happened if a sudden cage appeared in front of the reptile's face causing it to jump into the cage instead of Makoto. Who caught the rampaging beast? Well none other than the Ultimate Soldier herself who snatched a cage from the zookeepers and quickly apprehended the attacking lizard. People cheered for Mukuro who suddenly became bashful at the fact people were complimenting her for her bravery and quick reflexes, from the side Makoto was also clapping happy for his friend.

After the whole lizard scene the two made their way out of the zoo and decided to rest on some benches that overlooked the sea, "That was something." Makoto commented and only a simple hum came out of Mukuro's lips. "Ikusaba-san." Makoto called out making the girl turn to him, "Yesterday you told me about how you wished for a more free life didn't you?" slightly shocked Mukuro quickly recalled her conversation with the luckster and quickly remembered her saying about having a more free life, "Yes." Naegi turned to Mukuro which made her tense up after seeing his eyes full of seriousness, "Ikusaba-san, what exactly is freedom to you?" confused by the question Mukuro began to think about it but was quickly cut off by Makoto, "Because I think that that your view of freedom, is Enoshima-san." this surprised the soldier, but Makoto wasn't finished. "Yesterday I told you how I regained some lost memories, well I remembered something again this morning. When I made the wish to a similar shrine as the one you made your wish to, I remember only having one thing on my mind. My sister, she was on my mind because she was the one I was making the wish for. So I thought maybe the reason why you're Enoshima-san right now is because your view of freedom is her." Mukuro's eyes widened upon the the revelation, she thought about what Makoto had just said and couldn't believe that it was the case, "Do I really believe that? Do I really believe that Junko-chan is my view on a free life?" memories flashed of the younger sibling and how she seemed to get away from any problem, she barely had to worry about any consequences, she was allowed to do anything and nobody could stop her, for Mukuro, Junko was...

Free.

"You're right Naegi-kun, I do think that." Mukuro confessed as her head hung in shame, "Why?" was the only think Makoto could say at that moment, Mukuro then began to suddenly lightly chuckle which bewildered the luckster, her chuckle wasn't that of happiness, it was of sadness. "Naegi-kun. Will you listen to my story?"

"You see Naegi-kun, me and Junko-chan shared a dream, that both me and her were working for. For the longest of time Naegi-kun, me and my sister have only enjoyed one thing... despair. But lately I began to slowly realise that despair wasn't everything, that being full of it was bad rather than good. Plus I also found out, there was never our dream, only her dream, I was working for her and her dream and I had no place in it. I was merely a pawn in her plans, I was nothing to her. Even if she said everything I did was to show how much I loved her, and that if I was a good sister I would do everything for her. Even then... even then it was lies. I was just a soldier to her. She didn't care if I was a good sister or if I loved her. I was just her personal slave." tears began to roll down Mukuro's face as she continued her story, "This dream. It's diabolical, now that I think about it. She only ever cared about gaining despair and inflicting it. She schemed multiple events over our lifetime that inflicted grave despair to both us and others, and I was her dog, her shield, her weapon, nothing more. But I then came to realise, that my sister never cared about me. About others. She only cared for herself. And everything is a means to an end for her! So I wanted to wish for courage to say no more! No more schemes! No more despair! I-I want to be free from Junko-chan!" she bawled, all pent up frustration exploded out of the crying soldier, tears flowing like rapids. "But is as you said, I always thought true freedom was in the form of my sister, because not once have I seen her defeated, she always did everything she wanted with no consequences. So I thought when I made my wish I want to be like her, always did whatever she wanted without fail, she was truly free. Yeah, she was truly... free."

After hearing her speech, Makoto at first stayed silent while Mukuro's tears has ceased. The two didn't say a word to each other nor did they look at one another, Mukuro was then taken aback a little when a hand then shot just in front of her with a handkerchief, taking it in her hand she quickly glanced at the luckster who was only looking forward in silence. Mukuro wiped her tears and like when they were in the park merely rested the handkerchief on her lap.

"Ikusaba-san." Makoto called with a heavy tone, "You seem to have gotten one thing wrong." he stated making the girl put on a confused expression, "Enoshima-san isn't free either." he said before looking at her with a serious face, "Wh-what do you mean?!" Mukuro asked shocked, "After hearing that story of yours. I realised you are both trapped, you are trapped under your sister's foot and she's trapped within her obsession with despair." Makoto explained, Mukuro couldn't respond so Makoto merely continued, "Ikusaba-san, you can be free from your sister. You can say no, but if I had to guess what was holding you back. It's your love for her and fear that you will not be a good sister anymore. You love Enoshima-san, which is why all these years she's been successful on her schemes. It's because of your love that only knows that by doing as she says it shows your love for her. That, is why she succeeded." Mukuro found it hard to believe but she knew the luckster was right. "Ikusaba-san do you want to be a good sister?" Makoto asked and Mukuro only nodded in response.

"Then you know what to do. Say no. She may hate you yes, but as an older sibling you must be stern and learn to put your foot down in instances where your younger sibling is out of control. And from what I just heard, Enoshima-san needs to be controlled as soon as possible and no one can do that except you! Nobody can make your sister change except you Ikusaba-san! You wish for freedom from her, but that's a mistake because it only makes it look like you wanna run away from this problem and that's not what a good sibling would do. If you really wanna be a good sibling then don't be afraid to be hated by Enoshima-san, make her learn that what she is doing is wrong. Let her know the negatives of the actions she is taking! Because if you don't she will only get worse."

Mukuro was in complete shock, was this really the same Makoto Naegi?!

He wasn't as gentle, no. He was harsh, he spoke the truth with a serious and authoritative voice. Mukuro didn't want to follow his orders, but she knew, she knew fully well he was correct and if she truly wanted to be a good sibling to Junko, she had to stop her by not helping her with her schemes. She had take her sister's hate for her, but there was nothing she could do. She wanted to be a good sister and if what she was doing before wasn't the right way, then Makoto's way was correct.

"But... Don't stop guiding her." Makoto continued surprising Mukuro with how his voice became gentle once more. "You need to let her have these harsh revelations, but at the same time you must show compassion. Show her she's not alone and that there are people who loves her. You figured out that hope and love is better than despair, but she hasn't. So show her the right way, because you know her better than anyone. She may not accept your love but keep giving it to her Ikusaba-san, since it'll be your love that reaches out to her. You love her and I know that, but you must have the balance of harsh and loving actions. When she feels down do something for her to try and cheer her up, maybe give her advice if you can, but when she is out of control put your foot down and say no to her when she forces you to be her weapon. A good sibling will only want the best for their younger siblings, don't fill your heart with anger for her, fill it with love and show that love in multiple ways so that she does understand!"

Mukuro again was amazed at the luckster, once again he managed to catch her off guard with his change in tone. At first the harsh tone he had was to make her understand that as a sibling she is also like a parent towards Junko and must be strict when it is needed, but then he tells her to be more compassionate and show her love towards her sister nonetheless. To Mukuro these words were new and she couldn't easily comprehend what it all meant, Makoto seemed to have given her an impossible task, she tried to look at Makoto to try and get an clarification, "H-how do I do that Naegi-kun?" she asked in a quiet voice, but the luckster was still able to pick up the question, "That's for you to find out. I can't teach ways to love your sibling or ways to make her understand what she is doing is wrong. You need to find out how to deal with her on your own, I'm sorry." Makoto said with guilt, but Mukuro shook her head in disagreement, "No, you aren't at fault Naegi-kun, don't be sorry. I must find a way to do this on my own. After all I am Junko-chan's sister." she said in a determined voice which made the luckster smile in response.

After the whole ordeal, Makoto took Mukuro to her home before saying his goodbye and headed back to his apartment. When Mukuro got to her apartment she didn't waste time going into her bedroom and crashing on her bed before shortly falling asleep, it had been a long day and with her spilling everything in her chest to the luckster, its the minimum to say that she was tired. After a couple of hours the soldier woke up groggily, despite taking a long nap she was still half asleep, what woke her up though was a mere act of passing by her mirror with a quick glance, after a couple of steps later she froze in place before she zipped back to the mirror and stared at it in shock with her mouth wide open, "Eh? Eh? Eh?!" was all she could muster when she saw her reflection. Who knows why, who knows how, but all she knew was that in front of her was no longer Junko Enoshima.

She was herself once more.

Mukuro began to touch her face, making sure every crevice and part of her reflection was truly her and not just weird dream; she pinched her cheek and stretched it out for the same reason, "Its not a dream!" she thought in her head before lightly bursting into a small celebration dance, but she quickly realised something else. If she was here does that mean? Quickly speeding out of her room Mukuro looked around the apartment's living room and kitchen to see if her sister had also returned. However there was no sign of her, the apartment was empty, Mukuro started to fear that she may have wished her sister gone forever and that she would never return, these thoughts flooded Mukuro's mind as she began to panic. "Wh-what do I do?! Junko-chan isn't here. Did I?! Did I?!" a sound of a door unlocking cut through Mukuro's thoughts and made the soldier look towards the direction of the sound's origin; when she saw the door to her bathroom open with steam seeping out, then a foot stepped out of the steam before the rest of Junko Enoshima stepped out as well with a towel wrapped around her body, her hair still wet from just taking a shower. Mukuro couldn't believe her eyes her sister was back, she couldn't help but tear up at the sight, "Ah Onee-chan there you are. Didn't know your stupid face was here." just that one line from her sister quickly dried Mukuro's tears out, after not being with Junko for so long she had forgotten just how ruthless her sister could be, "Right, now I remember why I made my wish in the first place. That's right its your poor attitude to life and how you think inflicting pain to others is fun. That's why I wanted to be free from you, I want to stop this Junko-chan and I will. I will because I am your sister. And I love you."

"Junko-chan could you repeat what you just said?" Junko looked at her sister confused before snapping back at her, "What didn't you hear me? Man are you turning deaf Onee-chan? Why don't I cut those bits of fat then." Junko said evilly, but Mukuro's facial expression didn't change she was serious and Junko found it weird, "What's with her? Where's that turned on face she puts when I threaten her?!" she thought annoyed which Mukuro picked up on, "If you're thinking why aren't enjoying your threat, well let me tell you. I have stopped enjoying the feeling of despair Junko-chan." Junko's eyes widened in shock, did she hear Mukuro right?! She no longer enjoyed despair?! "Wh-what are you on about Onee-chan?! Of course you do we're the despair sisters right? So you must enjoy despair!" she exclaimed in slight anger, but Mukuro wasn't fazed she was standing strong, "Yes we were the despair sisters, but not anymore. Junko-chan, despair is not everything and it isn't the best way to live life. I know you know that fully well." Mukuro said calmly to Junko, yet it only served to make the blonde angrier, "Yeah, I know that...but despair isn't boring! I know you know that I hate the daily conventions of life because they are so boring! Which is why despair is so delicious. So what is this nonsense that's spouting out of your dirty mouth!" she shouted in rage, but Mukuro just stayed calm. "I learned Junko-chan after reflecting on what we've been doing. That it isn't right we are causing pain to others and ourselves, that isn't how life should be lived." Mukuro explained, "What? What?! You don't like inflicting pain? Aren't you a soldier? A weapon! You're nothing more than a killing machine!" this affected Mukuro in a small way, she knew fully well that her talent contradicted her words, "But I didn't kill for the fact I wanted to inflict despair. And I am not a weapon! I am my own person!" Mukuro snapped back, but Junko merely scoffed at her, "Oh really? You're nothing more than a weird, disgusting and repulsive girl. Who would notice you if it wasn't for me anyways?" Junko said with pride, "I can become my own person Junko-chan I don't always have to be with you and be your little puppet. But I choose to stay with you, because I love you." upon hearing the three words come out of Mukuro's mouth Junko became disgusted but soon grinned, she thought she could use that to persuade her to just follow her again, "I love you, but I won't let you use me for your schemes anymore Junko-chan." Mukuro quickly added which made the grin in Junko's face disappear, "What?" she said with slight shock and fear, "You heard me. I don't want to be a part of your schemes for despair anymore." Junko began to crumble, she began to shake in place in a mild panic, "Bu-But I'm your sister." Junko said while she hobbled to Mukuro, "Yes, and I am your sister as well. And as your older sister it is my duty to ensure you are living a good life." this made Junko stop, she lowered her head for a few moments before she mumbled something, "Who-who are you?" Mukuro couldn't hear it properly so she leaned in closer, "What was that?" she asked and in a swift movement Junko snapped her head up and screamed, "Who are you to dictate my life?!" Mukuro was taken aback but she saw the pure fury in Junko's eyes and became cautious.

"You?! You think you can make me live a good life?! You must be joking! You're nothing more than a walking meat shield for me to use to inflict despair! What good of a sister are you when all you can do is kill?!" insults flew from Junko's mouth, and each one stung Mukuro straight at her heart, her resolve began to break but she remembered Makoto's words.

"Nobody can make your sister change except you Ikusaba-san!"

"She may not accept your love but keep giving it to her Ikusaba-san, since it'll be your love that reaches out to her."

When she remembered those words her resolve quickly became strong again and she faced her sister with a determined look, "Go ahead, hate me. But I will not stop loving you, I will change who you are Junko-chan even if it is the last thing I do. Because that is what a good big sister does, and from here on out I will be a good sister. I'll show you that despair isn't as what you make it out to be, I swear it."

Junko knew fully well there was no way she was changing her mind, so she gave a defeated scoff before turning her back to her sister. "Get changed, we're having dinner soon. I'm cooking." Junko turned her head in shock but still managed to say an insult to Mukuro, "Must be burnt crap then." this didn't affect Mukuro who just looked at her with a smirk, "I doubt it, I had a great teacher." she said before walking to the kitchen and opened her cookbook she received from Makoto.

The next day, Mukuro came to the classroom with a smile while her sister seemed to sulk as she followed her older twin. Makoto saw her from afar and after seeing their expressions he deduced that Mukuro must've stood up to Junko. A small smile crept unto his face when she walked over to him, "Good morning Ikusaba-san." he greeted brightly, "Good morning Naegi-kun." Mukuro replied with a small smile, then turning to her sister, Mukuro gave her a stern look before talking to her, "Try not to get yourself in trouble today." Junko scoffed before turning her head to the side to ignore her older twin. "You did it." Makoto voiced in slight shock but mostly in relief, he was glad that Mukuro no longer had to be caged by her sister, "Yeah and its just like you said, she didn't take it well." Mukuro said with slight sadness within her voice, she then felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see a brightly smiling Makoto looking into her eyes, "Don't worry, she'll come around. Just keep trying you'll get through to her. Have hope." Makoto noted which the made the soldier giggle a little, "Wh-what?!" Makoto exclaimed while blushing slightly, "Its nothing, I'm just not used to this cool you." Mukuro voiced while giggling, Makoto on the other hand highlighted one word, "Cool?" he asked out loud despite the fact it was suppose to be in his head. Mukuro upon realising what she had just said also began to blush, she began to lightly panic trying to string words together, "U-um yo-you see... Y-you were really cool just now and even yesterday when you were giving me advice." Mukuro mumbled while blushing, for the first time the Ultimate soldier was just another highschool girl who looked like she was in front of her crush.

"Th-thank you." Makoto voiced which made Mukuro look at him only to see him being bashful while scratching the back of his head. This made Mukuro smile once more, she found his actions quite cute actually, "No, I should be the one thanking you Naegi-kun. Its you who's changed my life after all, if you never recognised me in the park I may have needed to live the rest of my life being a fake, but because of you I no longer have to and not only that I'm a better person as well as a sister because of what you told me. So thank you so much Naegi-kun." once she was done both her and Makoto shared a warm smile before the bell for the start of their day rang through the school.

End ~

Disclaimer: This fanfiction has been inspired by the anime and light novel 'Rascal does not dream of Bunny girl senpai' please support the official and actual storyline. It is a very well thought out story that deals with adolescent problems of different types, go check it out if you wish to make comparisons between this story and that.

Hope you all enjoyed!

Next chapter - The Detective's Wish