Legend:
Narration/Description
Italicized - Umeko's thoughts
[CG] Description [CG]
[CG] End [CG]
[[flashback]]
[Track: watch?v=zpkl30bTHhw]
[CG] Monokuma's First Appearance [CG]
I couldn't believe my eyes.
Out of nowhere, leaping up from underneath the table, was a black and white teddy bear. It perched itself on the edge of the table, at the very end of the Dining Hall from where the rest of us stood, and proudly put its pudgy little paws on its hips, grinning cheekily.
What in the world…?
Stuffed Bear: Hello! Welcome, welcome! Thank you all for coming!
[CG] End [CG]
Taro: [shocked] Huarghhh!
Eizo: [confused] What in the hell…?
Mordecai: [shocked] What is the meaning behind this villainy? Our captor...is a toy?
Stuffed Bear: [annoyed] A TOY? No, no, no, I'm not a toy! I am the Headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy; your headmaster, to be exact.
Kenji: [shocked] What the actual fuck?
Shizuko: [annoyed] I am NOT taking orders from a stuffed BEAR.
Wakako: [confused] I've been in a LOT of weird situations before...I once had to stuff fifteen sausages in my mouth for a competition...but this...this takes the prize for the weirdest thing I've ever been through.
Taro: [scared] Wh-Why were you st-stuffing fifteen s-s-s-sausages in your m-m-mouth?
Yoshihiki: [playful] You sure that isn't an analogy for something, Wakako?
Taro: [nervous] You kn-kn-know...I read a b-b-book about this kind of thing happening once...there was a st-stuffed b-b-bear that was p-p-p-possessed by the ghost of its d-d-dead owner…
Stuffed Bear: [annoyed] Grr...I'm not a toy! How many times do you want me to tell you?
Mordecai: [angry] This must be the work of the trickster devils again! How diabolical! How fiendish! Stand back, everyone! I shall vanquish this hellspawn and send it back to the hole from which it crawled out of!
Stuffed Bear: [sad] I...I'm not even going to dignify that with a response...You all are so mean to your headmaster...no manners, no manners whatsoever! It's shameful, you know?
Samira: [angry] Stop talking nonsense! Just who and what the fuck are you?
Stuffed Bear: I'm glad you asked! My name's Monokuma! Pleased to meet you!
Kaori: [confused] Mono...kuma?
Kenji: [distressed] This damned thing kinda gives me the heebie-jeebies…
Azuma: Very well then. Why have you called us here, Monokuma?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...It's nice to see some of you here know your manners, at least.
Samira: [angry] No, hold the fuck on. You better tell us what the hell is going on and what the hell you are first! If you're not a stuffed toy, what are you? A robot?
Mordecai: [shocked] I have already uncovered the truth! He is an illusion cast by the devil!
Samira: …
Wakako: [annoyed] Is this all just one of Yoshihiki's dumb pranks?
Yoshihiki: [playful] Hey, don't look at me. I had nothing to do with this. Although I wish I did, cos this is already beginning to look awesome!
Kaori: Then...is this the work of that girl with the dolls?
Miyumi: [shocked] W-What?
Taro: [nervous] Ehehe...I mean...y-y-you are a v-v-ventriloquist...that stuffed bear might just be one of your d-d-dolls, and you'd have n-n-no trouble voicing him from all th-the way over h-h-here since you're the SHSL V-V-V-Ventriloquist…
Monokuma: [angry] I'm not a stupid doll! How many times must I-
Miyumi: [distressed] Ugh, no! Of course this isn't my doing! Do I look like a kidnapper to you?
She suddenly sniffed.
Miyumi: [sad] I can't believe...you're all accusing me...you're horrible!
Taro: [shocked] H-Huh?
Miyumi: [in tears] I could n-never do such a thing!
Taro: [scared] Ah! N-N-No! I'm s-s-so s-s-s-sorry! I didn't m-mean to m-m-make you cry!
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Aw, it's okay...we forgive you...for now.
Taro: [nervous] Um...th-thank you?
Shizuko: [annoyed] So if this isn't the work of the girl with the doll and it's not the prankster behind it...then who is doing this?
Ichiro: [annoyed] That is, if they aren't lying, of course…
Miyumi: [sad] I'm not lying! I don't know what's going on, just like the rest of you!
Nagatomo: Be quiet, all of you. We should let the bear speak if we want to know more.
Monokuma: Don't worry, Dollface and the Dwarf over there aren't working for me, I can tell you that much. It'd be too obvious if they were, wouldn't it? That doesn't mean one of the rest of you couldn't be though...hehe! I just love teasing the audience with foreshadowing like this!
Samira: [confused] What is he talking about?
Yoshihiki: [angry] Dwarf?!
Shizuko: [annoyed] I don't know, but I'm getting impatient, and fast. I'm busy and I'm famous and I don't have time to waste being trapped in here without a clue in the world about why.
Eizo: Now, now, everyone, calm down.
Shizuko: [annoyed] Oh my God, quit telling us to calm down! I am calm! I'm super calm!
Eizo: Right...well then. Let me try talking to him.
Monokuma: [confused] Hm?
Eizo: [annoyed] You...say you're our headmaster?
Monokuma: [angry] Clean your ears out, already! Did you not hear a word I just said?
Eizo: [angry] Then...it was you who brought us here?
Monokuma: Of course!
Samira: [angry] What the fuck…? Why? Why did you kidnap us and bring us here?
Fukumi: [angry] Yeah! We want some answers, Pooh Bear!
Monokuma: [sad] Ah jeez...we're already getting started on the nicknames, huh?
Miyumi: [worried] Well, I mean, you started it first.
Monokuma: My my, such aggression! You should consider putting that anger to...other uses, instead of taking it out on little old me.
Hanako: Stop your delaying. Everyone here wants to know your reasons for bringing us to this...inn.
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...Is it finally time to reveal the truth? Eh, I don't know. Maybe I'll wait a little longer-
Samira: [angry] Just fucking tell us!
Monokuma: Oh, Samira, ever so feisty...alright, alright, fine, you impatient little twats! I'll talk! You've all been brought to this inn to spend a communal life together...for THE REST OF YOUR LIVES!
Monokuma's high-pitched, cheerful laughter filled the room as we all stood in stunned silence.
[Track: watch?v=uoh-Z_TS_xE]
Umeko: W-What…? What are you saying?
Kenji: [angry] For the rest...of our lives?
Taro: [scared] W-What do you mean? You can't keep us locked up in here...forever!
Eizo: [distressed] This whole thing...is ludicrous! There's no way you're being serious about this!
Mordecai: [accusatory] If this is all a ploy from my enemies to have me captured...you have succeeded. I will face the evildoers who seek to challenge me, in the flesh! But let these innocent people go!
Samira: [bored] Someone's got a high opinion of himself.
Monokuma: [angry] I didn't come here just for you! This is a package deal!
Wakako: [happy] Oh, I see what's going on here! This is all just a reality TV show, isn't it? That's why you've got cameras everywhere, right? I should've known! I mean, I knew that Shizuko chick was an actor, but like, what, are the rest of you guys all actors too?
Ichiro: [angry] No one here is fucking acting, dumbass!
Kaori: [sad] I...don't think this is a show.
Wakako: [shocked] It's...it's not? This is real? Like...really real?
Buddy barked out a melancholy response.
Yoshihiki: You know, I've carried out some pretty outrageous pranks before, but...this one kinda takes the cake.
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] I can't stay here all my life! I have a life to live! Places to see! Cakes to bake!
Eizo: [angry] Hey! I will have you know that kidnapping is a federal offense, punishable by the law! I have connections to the government.
Azuma: As do I.
Eizo: [angry] You won't get away with this!
Fukumi: [nervous] I mean, won't our friends and family realize we're missing and call the cops?
Eizo: [distressed] That's right! If we can't be contacted for long periods of time, people will get suspicious, and eventually this'll all be found out! [happy] Aha! So it is settled. You won't have us trapped in here for long!
Monokuma: [giggling] I wouldn't be so quick to put my faith in law enforcement, if I were you...
Shizuko: [angry] I knew it! You kidnapped the beautiful and talented Shizuko Ikehara for a big ransom! My fans would give anything to have me back. How dare you prey on my impressionable fans' blind love and adoration for me!
Monokuma: This is a kidnapping, technically, but I'm not getting any money out of it. [laughing] I'm a bear! I don't need money! Now honey on the other hand...now we're really talking!
Azuma: [thoughtful] Then what is your goal? Why have you brought us all here...to stay...forever?
Monokuma: Who cares? I'm the headmaster, and what I say, goes! Get used to living with each other for the rest of your lives!
Shizuko: [angry] I am not spending the rest of my life, squandering it in this godforsaken dungheap!
Wakako: [angry] Yeah, like, who do you think you are?
Monokuma: [sad] Dungheap? Aw, come on! It's a nice, cozy little inn. It's not a bad place to spend the rest of your life in. And if you guys are good little boys and girls...I may even consider opening the inn and letting you out.
Kaori: [shocked] Really?
Monokuma: Maaaybe...but who knows what's on the other side? [laughing]
Shizuko: [angry] Just why are you doing all this?
Monokuma: Well, hold on now, hold on! So impatient...Jeez...you know, for those of you who really do want to leave...I did work a special clause into the rules.
Shizuko: [confused] Huh?
Hanako: [thoughtful] What's the catch?
Monokuma: My, my, so suspicious already...what makes you think there is a catch?
Samira: [angry] I am about two seconds away from ripping you to pieces, buddy.
Kaori: [shocked] You're gonna do what to him?
By her feet, Buddy's ears droop and he whines.
Samira: [angry] I was referring to the stupid bear!
Monokuma: [angry] Stupid? Why, you… [sad] Well, at least you're not calling me a toy anymore…
Yoshihiki: [playful] Does being called a toy trigger you?
Monokuma: [angry] Sorry, did you say something? I couldn't see you because you're too short.
Yoshihiki: [angry] Ugh!
Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] There is one way for you to leave this inn. I call it...the Graduation Clause!
Ichiro: [distressed] Graduation...Clause?
Monokuma: Yes indeed! It states clearly in the rules that should anyone disrupt the communal lifestyle and harmony we have here...then that person will graduate and be evicted from this inn permanently!
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] And what exactly do you mean by… "disrupting the communal lifestyle"?
Monokuma: Oh...you really wanna know?
Monokuma's eye began to glow a little brighter, and his voice became low and menacing. I swallowed, realizing he was enjoying every moment of torment we were enduring, and chills went up and down my spine.
Umeko: What...do we have to do...to leave?
Monokuma: It's simple! All you have to do...is kill someone.
[Track: watch?v=GqJx13lAy_c&list=PLU4ktq2pWONvsyBd_LrTVX8Et-gp0th4a&index=54]
Taro: [scared] K-K-Kill…?
Samira: [angry] You gotta be fucking kidding me...
Eizo: [distressed] Stop messing around! What the hell are you talking about?
Monokuma: [angry] You really do have a hearing problem, don't you? I said, YOU HAVE TO KILL SOMEONE TO LEAVE! Bludgeoning, stabbing, strangling, suffocating, poisoning, drowning - anything and everything goes! The possibilities are truly endless! As long as someone's dead and it's their blood on your hands, and you get away with it, that's your ticket to freedom! Of course, I don't see why anyone would want to leave this beautiful, homey little inn...this place is a comfortable paradise!
Nagatomo: How very...curious. Our only way out of our situation...is to kill?
Ichiro: [angry] What, is this all just a fucking joke to you? Cos if so, cut it out, because no one's laughing!
Kenji: [angry] You're out of your mind if you think any of us would do that, man!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...you say this now, but we'll see how fast your tune changes…
Taro: [scared] S-Stop! Stop saying such h-horrible things!
Taro had retreated to the furthest corner of the room, away from Monokuma, and was cowering in the corner.
Samira: [angry] That's it! I can't take this anymore! You're gonna get what's coming to you!
Samira took one step towards Monokuma, cracking her knuckles, about to give the maniacal bear a can of whoop-ass, when someone hurried forward and stood in her path.
Azuma: [shocked] Wait, don't!
Samira: [angry] Why? You heard that...that thing! It's clearly insane!
Monokuma: [sad] Once again, I've been reduced to an object...none of you have any manners...it makes me very sad…
Azuma: You don't know what could happen if you attack him. He might...I don't know...something bad might happen. Look around you, look at how he's brought us all here like this...clearly this was a well thought-out plan...you don't think Monokuma has any precautions preventing us from just ripping him to pieces?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...wise words indeed! As expected from the SHSL Spy, you have a nose for danger... And that brings me to the next point in my welcome speech! The rules and regulations! You'll see that at each of these 16 seats, I've left you all your own personalized handbook, with your name on it. That handbook contains all the rules and regulations for your stay here, so follow them closely!
Everyone hesitantly went to find their own handbook. Eizo literally had to drag Taro out from where he stood, whimpering in fear.
I picked up the handbook with my name on it.
Umeko Hirayama.
Why am I here? Why am I a part of this? It seems like this is an elaborate, twisted game where Hope's Peak students have been kidnapped...am I a student too? I don't remember my talent...so why am I here at all?
This is all so screwed up.
I navigated to the Rules and Regulations section of the handbook and read through them swiftly. It detailed the curfew - no entering the Dining Hall or Kitchen from 10a.m. to 7p.m., so Monokuma could restock the fridge. While we were confined to this inn, we were allowed to explore as much as we wanted, and more areas would be opened up for every Class Trial we survived successfully. It also included what Monokuma had mentioned about the Graduation Clause: the only way to escape was by killing another student, and getting away with it.
Taro: [nervous] Wh-What's a cl-class t-t-trial?
One rule mentioned the "blackened" killer would have to survive a "Class Trial".
Monokuma: Oh, that. You can't just kill any old student willy-nilly; you gotta avoid getting caught for your dirty deed too! If your classmates find out you offed someone, you'll be punished! If you can avoid getting caught, however...then you get to go free, and the classmates you fooled gets punished instead!
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] And what, pray tell, does punishment in this scenario entail?
Monokuma: [laughing] Execution!
Taro: [scared] N-No! Not more d-d-d-death…!
Samira: [distressed] What kind of sick and twisted game is this?
Monokuma: [laughing] The Killing Game, of course! It's very popular, trust me.
Eizo: [angry] We're not going to play your stupid game!
Monokuma: [confused] Oh? Is that so?
Monokuma's eye burned brighter.
Monokuma: [angry] You're such a stickler for the rules, Captain Fussypants, that I thought you would've read them a little more thoroughly.
I turned back to the Rules on my handbook.
Monokuma: James Bond over here is right! I do have measures in place in case one of you naughty boys and girls decide to get a little violent on someone that isn't one of your lovely classmates.
The rules clearly stated we weren't allowed to harm or assault Monokuma, or we would be punished.
Umeko: And punishment...is death?
Monokuma: [laughing] Exactly! Isn't this wonderful?
Eizo: [distressed] You're a madman!
Taro: [in tears] *sobbing* G-G-Get me out of here! This pl-place is cr-crazy!
Samira: [accusatory] You won't get away with this, you psychotic bear!
Monokuma: [giggling] I think we're going to get along just fine.
Eizo: [angry] My family has many connections. When we get out of here - and we WILL - you're gonna get what's coming to you! On this, I swear.
Shizuko: [angry] That's right! I have money, power and influence! Just you wait! You'll rue the day you decided to get on the bad side of Shizuko Ikehara!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...and that concludes our lovely meeting for day. It's been great getting to know you, my students. Enjoy your stay!
Laughing, he scampered off, and disappeared, almost as if into thin air.
Kenji: [confused] Wha…? Where did he go off to?
Samira: [angry] Who cares? This is nuts! Killing each other to try and escape…? This is so fucked up.
Eizo: [distressed] Samira's right...this is madness.
He shook his head and straightened up, doing his best to look confident.
Eizo: But...we should all calm down for now. Let's not listen to the bear. There has to be a way out of here.
Wakako: [annoyed] How? You heard that crazy thing, this place is locked up tight!
Eizo: [distressed] There has...to be a way. There has to be. We can't lose hope, guys. We've got to stick together.
Kaori: [thoughtful] How can we? None of us even really know each other.
Everyone turned to look at one another, and I could see the same suspicious gazes that had been directed at me now in everyone's eyes. We were all suspicious, we were all distrustful of each other. Monokuma's words were still ringing in my ears.
[[flashback]]
Monokuma: [angry] YOU HAVE TO KILL SOMEONE!
[[end: flashback :end]]
If I want to get out of here...I have to...kill someone?
Surely...surely no one here is considering that as an option...right?
Hanako: There's one more thing.
Eizo: What is it?
Hanako: He referred to us as his students. I think it's safe to assume that...we are classmates.
Fukumi: [confused] So...we really are all from the same class at Hope's Peak?
Hanako: [thoughtful] That must be so. He must have kidnapped us all because we had that in common.
Yoshihiki: [confused] Even Umeko then?
Hanako: I suppose that makes sense. Umeko, you still don't remember your talent?
Umeko: Um...no...but I guess I must have had one since...I'm here with you all.
Hanako: It's still strange for you not to remember anything you used to be good at.
Umeko: I think...whatever drug Monokuma used to make us lose our temporary memories...must have had a stronger effect on me. I really...remember very little about myself. It's...disconcerting.
Hanako: Well, that doesn't matter. For now, let's just say you are one of our classmates like the rest of us. It's easier that way. We'll need to work together for however long an amount of time we're stuck in this place, until someone comes to rescue us.
Taro: [nervous] B-But d-d-d-do you r-r-really think someone's coming? Monokuma s-s-s-said not to put our f-f-faith in law enforcement...
Shizuko: [angry] Of course people are coming! They have to be! People might not care that you've all been kidnapped, but I'm a celebrity! My fans will notice my absence on social media! It'll be all over the news that I just up and disappeared one day! So, yes! People will come and save us! They have to!
Taro: [nervous] Oh...okay…
Shizuko: [bored] I guess you guys are all lucky to have been kidnapped alongside a celebrity like me...if it weren't for my influence, I doubt anyone would come looking for you all. So it'll be all thanks to me that we get out of here. Go on then! Thank me!
Taro: [nervous] Um...th-thank you?
Wakako: [annoyed] Are you serious? Don't thank her for something that hasn't even happened yet!
Hanako: Enough chitchat. We should search around the inn one last time and meet up again.
Wakako: [disappointed] What? We have to go walking around this place again? Boooring...
Hanako: If we want to find a way out of here, it's best we search this place high and low and leave no stone unturned.
Wakako: You're taking this all rather well, aren't you?
Hanako: [annoyed] I see no point in screaming and crying and showing fear. It's a waste of breath and merely makes our thoughts more irrational. The best way through a crisis is to think things through level-headedly.
Eizo: That's right. Hanako has a very good point. Alright! Let's all look around once more and meet up back here in the Dining Hall afterwards!
People began to disperse, with a few mixed grumbles here and there among the group. It was a big group; with a lot of people, we can cover more ground this way.
I guess it's time to continue looking around this place. I heard earlier that there were more floors...I should probably check those out, and see where everyone's rooms are too. I don't know how long I'll be locked up in here...it'd probably help to get a feel of the layout of this place while I'm at it.
This is so weird...it's bad enough I don't remember a thing about myself other than my name, but trapped in here with a bunch of quirky people I don't know...with my life potentially at stake?
Kenji: Hey.
I realized Kenji had stopped to talk to me.
Kenji: [worried] You alright? You look concerned.
Umeko: Yeah, no...sorry, I was just…
Kenji: I get it. This is some crazy shit…
Umeko: Yeah…
Kenji: [worried] You still don't remember anything about yourself?
Umeko: Nothing...except my name.
Kenji: [playful] Would you like to explore the place together? With two people travelling, it would...be easier to make sure we don't miss anything out.
Umeko: Uh...I guess, sure.
I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. I mean, it's nice of him to want to follow me. Most of the others here seem to just be suspicious of me since I'm the only one without a Talent, or at least, not one I can remember, at any rate. Still…
Umeko: You're right. Sorry. I'd appreciate the company.
Kenji: [playful] Heh. That's what all the ladies say.
Oh brother. I hope I don't regret agreeing to let him tag along.
Time to go exploring again, I suppose.
[Talk to: Samira]
Umeko: Rough situation, huh?
Samira: You're telling me.
Samira sighed, rubbing her temples irritably.
Samira: [annoyed] This is just the kinda crap I needed in my already crappy life. I'm forced to participate in this sick Hunger Games/Battle Royale nonsense.
Umeko: I'm sure there'll be a way out of this somehow...I have faith in Eizo and the others. They have to be right...people will come!
Samira: [annoyed] I've learned not to rely too much on people like the police for help.
[Talk to: Miyumi]
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Wahhh! This is such a scary situation! What'll we do, Umeko?
Umeko: Um...I don't know. I'm just as concerned as you are.
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] I wish I could help you all...but I'm not strong enough! I don't know how to help! All I can do is...bake you all a lovely pink cake! Would that help?
Umeko: Um...not really.
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Wahhh! I knew it! I'm useless!
Miyumi: [shocked] Oh, you're not useless, Ms. Shortcake! It's okay! I'll take the cake you bake!
Kenji: [nervous] That's...quite a mouthful. [laughing] I bet you can't say that ten times fast!
Miyumi: [angry] Ms. Shortcake may be small, but she's helping and she's trying!
Umeko: Right...well, we, uh...appreciate it...Ms. Shortcake.
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Haha! Yay!
Good grief...I can't tell if Miyumi is just really attached to her dolls and is using them as a coping mechanism...or if she's just completely off her rocker.
[Move to: Lounge]
Finally out of that Dining Hall...that place was getting stifling. I'll leave that up to Samira and Miyumi to check out, though I doubt Miyumi's of much use in there. Everyone else seems to have scattered throughout the inn to look around. I should go talk to them and see what they think of our...current situation.
Kenji: You know, I would've thought the SHSL Spy could've been of more use. I mean, the guy's a spy. Shouldn't he have, like, secret gadgets or something that can call for help or cut a hole in the wall for us to get out?
Umeko: Monokuma probably took anything of use off of him before he woke up. And besides...Azuma's just a trainee, or so he says.
Kenji: Still...an actual spy. What are the odds...
Umeko: To be fair, we have a bunch of oddballs here. A real-life spy isn't all that shocking.
Kenji: I suppose. I expected spies to be cooler though.
Umeko: You don't think he's cool? ...I think he seems pretty...cool.
Kenji: [snide] Uh-uh, I'm sure that's all you think about him. I bet the rest of the girls think he's really cool too.
Umeko: What's up with you? You don't like Azuma?
Wakako: [snide] I guess someone's just not used to coming in second place among the guys in the room.
Kenji: [scared] Gah! Were you eavesdropping on that the whole time?
Wakako: [snide] Maaaybe. I play reality TV for a living. I'm used to listening in on peoples' conversations when I'm not wanted.
That sure sounds like Wakako to me.
Wakako: Anyway, your conversation bores me. I'm going upstairs.
She skipped off.
Kenji: Man, she's annoying. ...Kinda hot though.
Umeko: Of course you'd think that.
Kenji: [playful] Heh. You know, being trapped in a place like this wouldn't be so bad, considering all the babes around.
Umeko: ...We should keep going.
[Talk to: Nagatomo]
Nagatomo: Ah, hello Umeko.
Umeko: How's investigating the Lounge going?
Nagatomo: My search has brought up minimal results. It's...disappointing.
Kenji: [playful] You're a thief, right? Can't you, I don't know, use your thieving skills and find us a way out of here?
Nagatomo: [annoyed] And how do you propose I do that?
Kenji: Man, I dunno. Can't you find us a secret way out or something that no one but a thief could think of? You must have broken in and out of houses all the time before.
Nagatomo: That sounds terribly civilian.
The mysterious aura surrounding this guy just gets weirder and weirder…
Kenji: No offense, man, but I'm just have a tighter hold over my belongings everytime I'm around you…
Kenji stopped and began fumbling around in his pockets.
Kenji: [worried] Wait, wait, wait a minute...what the fuck?
With a smirk, Nagatomo takes out a small key ring, with a tiny skateboard keychain attached to it.
Nagatomo: [snide] Looking for these?
Kenji: [annoyed] Son-of-a-bitch!
Umeko: How do you do that?
Nagatomo shrugs nonchalantly as Kenji snatches his keys back.
Umeko: Those keys don't unlock anything, do they?
Kenji: Nah, they're just my house and bike keys. And...my, um...keychain.
Umeko: Haha...that's kinda cute. I didn't think a tough guy like you would have something like that.
Kenji: [embarrassed] Shut up. It was a gift, alright?
Nagatomo: Anyway, I haven't found much in here that the others haven't already seen?
He turned to the mantelpiece over the fireplace, and inspected the various objects on top of it. Gingerly, Nagatomo lifted up one of the trophies and weighed it in his hand.
Kenji: That looks heavy. [accusatory] Hey, you better not be thinking of swiping that thing! It's probably not real gold but still.
Nagatomo: [annoyed] Relax.
He put the trophy back on the shelf.
Nagatomo: Whatever I steal, I return anyway. ...Most of the time. I don't see why my affairs would be of any concern to you to begin with. Besides...I don't steal for profit.
Kenji: [worried] You steal because you enjoy it, right? For some reason, that isn't exactly any more reassuring.
[Talk to: Kaori]
Kaori wasn't even investigating. She was sitting on the couch, petting and kissing Buddy lovingly.
Umeko: Hey...is Buddy alright?
Kaori: He's a brave boy. He's not too spooked.
She nuzzled him. It was like she was lost in her own little world. The news of this Killing Game barely seemed to have affected her. All she could do was play with her dog. I guess I can't really fault her for it...Buddy is kinda cute. But still…
Umeko: Uh...so how's investigating going?
Kaori doesn't respond.
Umeko: Um...did you find anything?
Kaori: Who cares? I'm not going to find anything Eizo and the others haven't already found when they searched this area.
Umeko: Oh...I guess that's true…
Kenji: Let's just leave her. She's obviously preoccupied.
Umeko: Are you a dog person?
Kenji: [confused] Me? [thoughtful] I do prefer dogs over cats, personally, but I'm not really an animal person in general. Still...it's obvious who IS. We should go find somewhere else to investigate. She's not going to be of much help, I don't think.
[Move to: Kitchen]
The kitchen was a relatively ordinary room, with nothing much standing out. There was a large fridge stocked with various food and ingredients, which I assumed was stocked daily by Monokuma based on the day's level of consumption. It had to be hard having to constantly replenish the stock and keep an entire class of 16 people fed.
The countertop was laden with pots, pans and various other cooking utensils hung off the walls on hooks. There was a small, square opening next to the fridge, stuck into the wall and closed off by a metal grate.
Umeko: What's this?
[Inspect: Trash Chute]
Kenji: Seems like this is where we can dump any trash in the inn.
Umeko: I just had a thought occur to me. Do you think...one of us could possibly crawl into this thing, out of the inn, and call for help?
Kenji: [shocked] Uh...well, it looks like a pretty small hole...I suppose we could call Eizo over though, and see what he thinks.
Soon, Eizo had joined us, and Kenji had gathered the smallest members of the group in the kitchen.
Eizo: One of you - see if you can fit through that thing.
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] You've got to be kidding me, right? That tiny hole? There's no way any of us could fit! And why am I even here? Are you implying I'm small?
Taro: [nervous] A-A-And it looks really d-d-d-dark in there...and if it's the trash chute...doesn't that m-m-mean it's going to be dirty and d-d-d-disgusting…?
Fukumi: [excited] You two boys are total wimps! I'm going for it! Eizo, open it up!
Eizo: That's the spirit...I think. If this works, you can get out of here and go look for help. We'd be counting on you.
Eizo pulled open the grate to the trash chute and Fukumi was unnervingly eager to stick her head in. Unfortunately, that was the only part of her body that could make it.
Taro: [shocked] Eww! Y-Yuck!
Fukumi coughed and pulled her head back.
Fukumi: [uncomfortable] Oh wow...it really does stink in there!
Taro: [worried] I told you so…
Fukumi: I don't think I can fit my whole body in there…
Eizo: Taro, you want to give it a shot?
Taro: [nervous] M-M-Me?
Yoshihiki: [playful] Just crawl in and right through, like a rat.
Eizo: You know I'm going to ask you to do it next if he fails, right?
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] You better get it right the first time, Taro.
While Yoshihiki sulked in the back, Taro gulped and tried to get his body into the trash chute feet-first. It wouldn't work. Just like Fukumi, he was still too big.
Taro: This is r-r-r-ridiculous! It's t-t-t-too small!
Yoshihiki: [playful] That's what she said.
Eizo: But it's not what I said. So you're going to give it a try too.
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Are you kidding me? If they can't fit through, what makes you think I can?
Eizo: You're the shortest guy here. Heck, you're even scrawnier than Taro and Fukumi. Maybe it'll work for you.
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Nuh-uh. I'm not trying to crawl through there! I'd get stuck and die!
Eizo: Yoshihiki…
Kenji: At least give it a shot. If it doesn't work, at least we know for sure. [playful] Or are you too chicken?
Yoshihiki: [angry] Ugh, fine! But you all suck!
A grumpy Yoshihiki half-heartedly tried to squeeze into the chute, and while he seemed to come closest to making it in, it was still a failed attempt.
Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Told you. Eurgh, and now I smell of trash! You're paying for this, Eizo!
Umeko: I guess the trash chute isn't going to help us escape then…
Monokuma: Of course not! What, you thought it'd be that easy?
Umeko: Ahh!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...it was cute to see the three little minxes try though! [laughing]
Laughing to himself, Monokuma left as suddenly as he had appeared.
Kenji: Well...that was a waste of time. Shall we move on?
[Move to: Second Floor]
Kenji: It seems like all of us have rooms on the second and third floors.
Umeko: You found me on the third floor, didn't you?
Kenji: That's right. But I woke up here, on the second floor. There are 8 rooms on each floor, one for each of us.
He pointed to his own door, which had his nameplate on it - a picture of a tiny pixelated Kenji.
Kenji: I guess we've all been assigned particular rooms.
Umeko: Monokuma's rules state we're not allowed to sleep outside...
Kenji: [bored] No rules against swapping rooms, though...
Umeko: A map of the floor's layout would be helpful.
Kenji: Let's tell the others about this later. Maybe we can mark down where everyone's room is for reference.
[Move to: Fourth Floor]
Kenji: This is the fourth floor. There are only two rooms here: the Rec Room, and a Library.
Umeko: They have a library here?
Kenji: It's a relatively small library, but I think I know someone who'll appreciate it all the same. Where did you want to go first?
[Move to: Library]
The library was a relatively small, cozy room, with bookshelves lining the four walls, and a small space in the middle with a couple tables and bean bag chairs for people to sit and read.
Sure enough, Taro was there, as expected, perusing through the selection of reading material. Ichiro was standing nearby, looking cross and clutching his cactus tightly against himself, as Yoshihiki chattered away about something to him.
And coming up to greet me was…
Azuma: Umeko. Hello.
Umeko: Hey, Azuma.
Kenji: [sad] Wow. It's like I'm part of the furniture.
Azuma: Hello to you too, Kenji.
His smile feels so familiar to me. I really do feel the strongest connection out of everyone in the group to him...is it just his looks? Am I being as shallow as the other girls like Shizuko? No, that can't be it. I'm not that kind of girl...I don't think. I just have the weirdest feeling like I know Azuma...there's something about him that I just know I know from somewhere, and he seems to feel the same way.
We must've known each other before we both lost our memories - me worse than him, apparently. It sucks having this memory loss affect me more than anyone else.
Did we meet at Hope's Peak? I'll have to talk more with Azuma about this later. Maybe he knows more about us than he's let on.
Azuma: Come to check out the library?
Umeko: Yeah. Any clues? A way out?
Azuma: [disappointed] None that I could find...sorry.
Umeko: It's alright. We've come to take a look around as well.
From the back of the room, Ichiro's and Yoshihiki's banter was getting louder, and sounding a lot more hostile by the minute.
Ichiro: [angry] S-Shut up! It's not weird!
Yoshihiki: [playful] Seems pretty weird to me, bro.
Taro: [nervous] Shhh! Th-This is a l-l-library, keep your v-v-voice d-d-down!
Yoshihiki: [playful] Yeah, well, I don't see a l-l-l-librarian around here, do you?
Taro: [sad] I g-g-g-guess n-n-not…
Azuma: We should probably break that up before Ichiro loses his cool.
[Talk to: Ichiro and Yoshihiki]
Ichiro: [angry] Leave me alone!
Yoshihiki: [playful] Aw, c'mon! You're getting offended that easily?
Kenji: Now now, kids, let's not fight. What's going on?
Ichiro: [angry] Not you two as well. Just shut up and go away. I don't need you to come to my defense.
Umeko: ...Well then.
Yoshihiki: It's nothing. Me and Ichiro were just messing about. Aaaand I may have implied he's a freak for carrying around that cactus all the time.
Ichiro: [embarrassed] You brat! I'm not a freak, so stop calling me that!
Yoshihiki: [playful] Fine. I'll just call you a weirdo instead.
Yoshihiki must be actively trying to get everyone to dislike him. Though with Ichiro, it probably wouldn't take a whole lot of effort to piss him off.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Really, Ichiro's still just salty I got him with my joy buzzer.
Ichiro: [annoyed] I knew it was a bad idea to agree to a handshake. This is why I never greet people.
You know, I wouldn't be surprised to know Ichiro has few friends.
Umeko: Granted, we do have a girl downstairs who seems to think her dolls are alive...so really, a plant isn't all that much stranger…
Ichiro: [angry] Don't compare me to that freak! Who thinks dolls are alive? She is weird! I'm not!
Kenji: Okay, never mind. I'm not getting into this.
Ichiro: [sad] There's...nothing wrong with carrying around a...cactus. I'm a botanist, it's what I do.
Yoshihiki: [playful] You're both weirdos.
Ichiro: [angry] Grr!
Umeko: Yeah, we should probably leave, Kenji.
[Talk to: Taro]
Umeko: How're the books, Taro?
Taro: [disappointed] Honestly, not all that great.
Umeko: Huh? I thought you'd be happy to be in a library.
Taro: [disappointed] Yeah, b-b-but my library at home's got w-w-way more books, and a lot better ones too! These ones are...kinda l-l-lame…[shocked] And they're in r-really bad condition! [annoyed] I h-hate it when people m-m-mistreat their books...th-these have been torn and c-c-crumpled…[disappointed] Such a sh-shame…[angry] People who d-don't take proper care of b-b-books are so irresponsible...
I didn't think there was much of an angry side to Taro. I guess, considering his passion for books, it shouldn't have been much of a surprise.
Kenji: I guess the library's a flop, then?
Taro: [shocked] Oh, not at all! I'll still pr-probably spend most of my t-t-t-time in here…[excited] Not to worry! I'll have read every book in this library in a few d-d-days!
Umeko: That's...efficient.
Taro: Maybe there'll be a c-c-clue in one of these books? You never kn-know. [excited] And at the very least, they have some d-d-decent genres in here. You should come join me, Umeko! It'd be fun!
Umeko: Eh…
Taro: [excited] I'm sure you'll find a book you like! There's always a g-g-good book for everyone!
Umeko: Thanks but I think I'll pass for now. You should ask me again later.
Taro: [disappointed] Aw, phooey. What about you, K-K-Kenji?
Kenji: Nah, mate. Books are for nerds.
Taro: [shocked] Wh-What? [angry] Hey, take that back!
Kenji: Sorry, man. I'm more of the active sort than a literary type.
Taro: [disappointed] I guess that's f-f-fair…[shocked] But I can n-n-never understand people who don't like to r-read… [excited] Books are so great! The st-stories they tell, the characters you get to m-m-meet, the adventures you get to g-g-go on all without ever having to g-get up off your couch...I would d-d-die happy if I got to read all the great books in the world!
Yoshihiki: [snide] Jeez...try not to get the pages all stuck together so soon, would ya?
Taro: [shocked] H-Huh? Wh-What do you m-mean? I would n-n-never deface a book by gluing it together!
Yoshihiki: [shocked] Did that joke really go over your head? [playful] I can tell you're gonna be fun to make fun of.
Ichiro: [annoyed] ...You're disgusting.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Admit it! That was good!
Ichiro: [annoyed] I will do no such thing.
Kenji: Being the SHSL Booknerd or whatever-
Taro: [disappointed] B-Bookworm.
Kenji: Yeah, yeah, that. Have you read, like, all kinds of books?
Taro: [shocked] Of c-c-course! What kind of SHSL B-B-Bookworm would I be if I haven't r-r-read at least one of every g-genre? [disappointed] Obviously, some books are b-b-better than others…
Umeko: You must know a lot of trivia then.
Taro: [thoughtful] Not r-r-really. You'd th-think so, and yeah, I've read books on tr-trivia and history and all k-k-kinds of subjects but they don't h-hold my interest all that much…[excited] I prefer f-f-fiction myself!
Umeko: Do you have a favorite genre?
Taro: [excited] I love th-them all!
Kenji: [bored] Of course you do.
[Talk to: Azuma]
Azuma: Umeko.
He nodded at us in greeting.
Umeko: Do you think there's a clue or a way out in here?
Azuma: [disappointed] Probably not. I've got a good read on things like this and honestly? It's probably just a library. Monokuma wouldn't want us dying of boredom. Or, it was here from the beginning and he didn't see a reason to repurpose it.
Kenji: [bored] So it's pointless? Should've known...most libraries are.
Taro: [annoyed] Hey, I h-h-heard that!
Kenji: [playful] The Rec Room's far more interesting.
[Move to: Rec Room]
[Use: Door]
Umeko: *grunt* What the…?
From inside the Rec Room, I heard a muffled voice cry out.
Hanako: The door's just a little stuck. Push hard on it!
Kenji: Here. Let me help you.
Kenji grunted and shoved the door open, emanating an ungodly loud creak that sounded to me like nails painfully scraping down a chalkboard.
The Rec Room was slightly smaller than the library, but a lot more stylish. The decor was quaint, with a couple neon signs on the wall, lighting up every few seconds, and there were four suits of armor placed in each corner of the room, all holding a different medieval weapon like a sword or a shield.
I was surprised to see a bar in the room, with a countertop set against one of the walls, and shelves lined with various bottles of alcohol. A pool table was in the middle of the room, with pool cues and balls on it, waiting to be played with.
A couple comfortable-looking couches and bean bag chairs were positioned around the room, looking inviting. There was a row of arcade machines in the back, and Fukumi was marvelling over them.
Besides that, there was also a dartboard on one of the walls, and a couple square tables by the side for playing games like poker and mahjong.
Kenji walked up to the suit of armor nearest to the door, and poked the edge of the knight's sword gently.
Kenji: I don't think this is a real sword...but it's still pretty sharp.
Umeko: You think Monokuma planted a weapon in the inn for this...game? Or was it always here?
Kenji: Maybe it was just for decoration, by whoever owned this inn before Monokuma decided to twist it for his own perverted purposes.
By the bar, I saw Wakako pouring out a glass of whiskey, looking peeved off. Hanako was on her knees, inspecting the couches.
Umeko: We should look around too.
[Talk to: Fukumi]
Fukumi: [excited] Ahh! Umeko, Kenji, check out all these games! I've never even heard of some of these!
Umeko: You're an arcade fan?
Fukumi: I used to go to the arcade, like, a lot. Sure, it doesn't beat the real thrill of doing something crazy amazing like cliffdiving but it's virtually thrilling!
Umeko: C-Cliffdiving?
Fukumi: [excited] Have you ever been?
Umeko: Um...not that I can remember...and I doubt I would've, either.
Fukumi: Monokuma may be a sadistic bastard but...at least he's providing us with these. Just you wait, I'll have the high score beat in a couple tries!
Umeko: I don't doubt it. You seem crazy enough to try that.
[Talk to: Wakako and Hanako]
Kenji sidled up to Wakako, winking at her.
Kenji: [playful] Why hello there, beautiful lady. You come here often? What are you doing here, drinking on your own on this fine night?
Wakako: [annoyed] You know, I would push you away and be annoyed you're not Azuma, but...I actually have to admit you're not all that bad-looking.
Kenji: [playful] See? Pester a girl long enough and eventually they'll accept you. It works all the time, most of the time!
Umeko: Why are you just drinking sullenly?
Wakako: [sad] Shouldn't I be drinking? Who wouldn't be drinking in this situation?
Hanako: Just leave her be. If she wants to drink, let her. If she doesn't want to help, that's her problem.
Wakako: [annoyed] Ugh, you're such a nag!
Hanako: [annoyed] At least I'm actively seeking a way out.
Wakako: [annoyed] Blah, blah, blah. You're such a bore, girl. Let a girl drink in peace!
Hanako: Suit yourself.
These two are like water and fire - they're polar opposites. I don't see them ever getting along.
Umeko: Have you found anything useful, Hanako?
Hanako: [annoyed] You sound snide.
Umeko: Oh! That wasn't my intention, I promise.
Hanako: [thoughtful] I've been searching. From what I can tell, this Rec Room hasn't seen a whole lot of use. It seems relatively new. Perhaps that implies it was refurbished a while ago. There isn't much smell of cigarettes or beer in here, which you'd think would be a common scent. It makes me think this place hasn't been used often, or in a while.
Umeko: You...could tell all that?
Hanako: Of course. Isn't it obvious?
This girl is really something else. It's like nothing fazes her at all. It's kinda hard to believe she's just the leader of a band and not something more...badass.
Hanako: I've got this area covered. The two of you should head elsewhere. You'd be of more use there.
[Move to: Attic]
The fifth and final floor, right above the Rec Room and Library, was the Attic.
The attic was a tight, cramped space. Specks of dust floated in the air, visible only by a dim light swinging from the ceiling.
Umeko: Oh, yuck! This place…*cough*...is really musty.
[Talk to: Shizuko]
Shizuko: [annoyed] Ugh! Why did I choose to come up HERE, of all places?
She tossed her hair back with a scowl.
Shizuko: [annoyed] I should not have to subject myself to such torture when there are no cameras around!
Kenji: Well, I mean, there are. There are cameras everywhere.
Shizuko: [annoyed] I meant for shooting a movie scene, you moron!
Umeko: Er...I take it that you haven't found anything useful up here?
Shizuko: This place is dusty, but nothing of use here, I don't think. Whatever, I don't have a reason to stay so I'm getting out. Ciao.
She stormed off.
Kenji: [disappointed] She's a wild one, isn't she?
Umeko: I suppose she's just used to an easier life. She's the most famous one out of all of us. It's to be expected.
[Talk to: Mordecai]
Mordecai: [thoughtful] This place...I sense a dark energy from it.
Kenji: [confused] You sure that's not just the dust and the crampedness and the dim light doing it for ya?
Mordecai: [accusatory] Most definitely not! This place is imbued with the spiritual energy from a dozen evil demons...I feel their presence in my every bone. They seek to tear us, limb from limb, should we let our guard down for even a second. I have faced such demons before...and I am well aware of the wrath they can invoke...But never fear! My willpower is so strong, it shields us all from their cruel intentions.
Umeko: …
I feel like Mordecai is on drugs everytime I talk to him. Is he really that deluded, or is he pretending?
[Talk to: Eizo]
Eizo: Anything to report?
Kenji: [playful] No, sir.
Eizo: [embarrassed] Oh, um...don't call me that. We're all high school students here.
Umeko: As the SHSL Commander, shouldn't you have had people address you as "sir" before?
Eizo: I'm a junior commander in one of my father's squadrons, yes, but I lead teams of junior officers myself. I've still got a long way to go before I'm at the level of everyone else in my family, with even people years their senior addressing them by title.
Kenji: That sounds frightfully strict. Your family must impose a lot on you, huh?
Eizo: [annoyed] This isn't the time or place to be discussing my family! What have you two found so far?
Umeko: Not a whole lot, honestly.
Eizo: [annoyed] Well then, keep looking! We can't resign ourselves to confinement here.
I get the feeling he changed the subject just so we wouldn't talk about his family anymore…
Kenji: Well, we've looked everywhere and spoken to everyone...nothing new has cropped up. Should we meet back down at the Dining Hall with the others?
Umeko: Sure.
Me and Kenji returned downstairs, and we all met up in the Dining Hall.
Eizo: Well? Anyone found anything?
There were a few scattered murmurs and a lot of people shaking their head with dejection.
Kaori: [sad] It's hopeless. We're never getting out.
Fukumi: [worried] Aw, come on! Cheer up, Kaori! Don't be pessimistic, I'm sure things will look up!
Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] That's right, Kaori. As long as we don't give up...I'm sure eventually someone will come looking. We just have to believe in them.
Kaori smiled a little, and Buddy barked, hopping onto her lap and licking her cheeks in an attempt to brighten her spirits.
The mood seemed to lift, just for a split second, and then…
Ichiro: [annoyed] That's just a load of garbage.
Samira: Excuse me?
Ichiro: [annoyed] Just take a look around you! The personalized e-handbooks, the unbreakable front door, the memory loss drugs, the talking robotic bear...this whole set-up is clearly sophisticated. This wasn't the work of one guy with a sick mental problem. This is the work of an organization. Only a seedy group could've done so much unnoticed, and pulled it off so successfully.
People were silent as they considered what he said. If Ichiro had wanted to squash out any hope the others had, he was succeeding. He continued bitterly.
Ichiro: [annoyed] Think about it. They were able to kidnap us - an entire class of gifted students, from one of the country's most prestigious universities, and among us, they kidnapped an actual celebrity, a thief who's practiced hiding from the law, and a spy working for the government. None of these are easy feats. Whoever's behind all this clearly has the upper hand. It wouldn't surprise me if they had a way to make sure no one looked for us either. I mean, every other part of their plan has succeeded thus far. They want to watch us participate in the Killing Game and they went to great lengths to ensure every step of their diabolical plan went off without a hitch, one after the other.
Wakako: When did you get so eloquent?
Ichiro: [annoyed] All I'm saying is: it's HOPEless.
Umeko: No. That's not right!
Ichiro: [snide] Oh really? Do you have something to say that could go against anything I've just pointed out? What I've stated is all just the facts.
Umeko: I know that, but...there's one thing Monokuma can't control, and that's us. Our actions, our decisions, our behaviors, our emotions - that's the one thing he has no control over. We do. As long as we don't give in...as long as we don't succumb to temptation and...and play along to his sick game...then we have an edge over him.
Azuma: Umeko's right. We can't let Monokuma get to us. He's set the stage for us to turn on each other, but as long as we deny him that, ultimately, we're one-up over him.
Eizo: Both Umeko and Azuma have brought up good points. Ichiro, I understand you must feel pretty helpless right now, but we won't get anywhere by not having hope.
Ichiro: [annoyed] Suit yourself. I know it's the truth.
Nagatomo: [thoughtful] You know...the lad's not completely wrong.
Eizo: [distressed] Not you too, Nagatomo!
Nagatomo: All I'm saying is...not everyone is as concerned with morals as others. There may already be people here plotting against the group, planning on following through with Monokuma's demands.
Eizo: [accusatory] No! We can't! We just have to all agree, as a group, not to do what Monokuma says. He's offering us a way to escape by committing a crime...but we can't do that. It's just what he wants. We'd be playing into his hands.
Ichiro: [snide] And you don't think he's considered we'd say no, at first? He's probably got lots more tricks up his sleeve, considering the extent to which he's gone to plot this whole ordeal down to the last detail. He's going to find a way to make us crack. I'm sure of it.
Monokuma: Ding ding ding! The treehugger's right on the money!
Eizo: [shocked] Gah! Where the heck did you come from?
Kenji: [scared] Yeah, man, could you stop, like, jumping out from nowhere? You nearly gave me a damn heart attack!
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...sorry. I do that a lot.
Ichiro: [angry] Don't call me a damn treehugger!
Monokuma: Do you like my nicknames? I think up all of them on the fly! And speaking of flies…
Fukumi: [shocked] What? What's that supposed to mean?
Monokuma: [giggling] Upupupu...oh, nothing. You'll find out eventually. Anyway! I came to say a couple things, and the first of which was about how Mr. I-Heart-Nature was absolutely correct! Right on the money about everything!
Eizo: [angry] Whatever you have planned to try and break us...it won't work!
Mordecai: [excited] That is right! My willpower alone is mightier than everyone in this room combined! You have failed to break me and you shall fail again!
Hanako: You will have to try harder to get a reaction out of us.
Monokuma: Oh don't worry...I plan to. [laughing] See ya later! And don't forget the curfew! No sleeping anywhere besides your rooms!
Laughing his ass off, Monokuma scampered away, fast as lightning, before anyone could see where he'd run off to.
Samira: [angry] That damn bear pisses me off more than an actual bear! Ugh! I wish I could give him a piece of my mind-
Miyumi: [shocked] No, don't!
Fukumi: [thoughtful] As thrilling as that would be to witness...he does have all those stupid rules and regulations in place to protect him...
Eizo: Fukumi's right. We can't hurt the bear, or attack it. [thoughtful] Hmm...
Kaori: [disappointed] It's futile...
Eizo: We should each go to our respective rooms for now and...try and get some sleep. It's been a few crazy hours so far...I think we could all use a little downtime from the madness.
Shizuko: [annoyed] Sleep? I don't think I'll sleep a wink.
Wakako: Speak for yourself. I'm pooped.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Which room is yours, again?
Wakako: [annoyed] You better not be thinking of pranking me in my sleep, or worse, doing anything inappropriate. I will literally swap rooms with someone else right now if you're even considering it.
Yoshihiki: Who, me? Why, I would never. I'm an angel.
Wakako: [annoyed] More like the devil.
The tension was still in the air, but it had loosened up a little. Whether it had been his intention or not, Yoshihiki's messing around had lightened the mood.
Eizo: We'll meet back up here tomorrow morning. How does 7:30 sound to everyone? Sound good?
Wakako: [annoyed] Ugh, that early?
Azuma: Half an hour past curfew seems reasonable.
Wakako: [excited] Oh yeah, I can totally wake up at 7:30, no problem!
Eizo: It's settled then. 7:30 here, tomorrow.
The monitor on the wall came to life, and all of a sudden, Monokuma filled the screen. The dastardly but adorable bear was sitting in a chair far too large for his tiny body, and was holding a glass of red wine in one hand. There was a plate of raw fish sitting on the table in front of him.
*ding dong bing bong*
Monokuma: Ahem, ahem. This is an official announcement! It is now 10 p.m. As such, it is officially nighttime! The dining hall is now off limits and will be locked momentarily. Okay then, sweet dreams, everyone! Sleep tight...don't let the bed bugs bite...upupupu...
People began to leave the dining hall, one after the other, filtering out.
Eizo: Hanako. Could I talk to you for a bit first?
Yoshihiki: [playful] Oooh, asking Hanako out for a date? And they say romance is dead.
Eizo: [embarrassed] S-Shut up, you little prat! It's nothing like that.
Yoshihiki: [playful] Suuure...whatever you say, dude. She wouldn't be my first choice, but I guess love is blind.
Hanako: Love won't be the only thing that's blind if you don't shut your mouth.
Yoshihiki: I rest my case. Cya!
Yoshihiki skipped off, and not wanting to be left alone while Eizo and Hanako had their conversation, I left the area as well.
I suppose I should do as Eizo suggested and...go to bed. I haven't been awake that long but I'm already craving my cool pillow and comfy blankets...anything to escape the frightening reality of waking up today, knowing almost nothing about myself and knowing the situation I'm in.
I found Kenji waiting for me.
Kenji: [happy] Shall I walk you to your room, Madame?
Umeko: Heh...sure, Kenji. Thanks.
Kenji smiled. I suppose with most of the other girls preoccupied with Azuma like Wakako and Shizuko, or just plain uninterested like Kaori and Miyumi, Kenji sees me as the best person to flirt with. Whatever. I'm feeling pretty emotional right now...I don't mind friendly company.
Kenji walked me back up to my room. I saw the others heading into their respective rooms as well, retreating for the night.
We stopped outside my door.
Kenji: My room's at the second floor, so I guess I'll head down now.
Umeko: Hey...thanks.
Kenji: [shocked] I only walked you up a couple flights of stairs.
Umeko: No, I meant...thanks for not treating me like I'm...some kind of freak.
Kenji: [shocked] You do realize you're, like, one of the few normal people in this inn, right?
Umeko: I guess, but everyone's been looking at me suspicious after...you know...the whole memory thing.
Kenji: [worried] Oh yeah...still nothing's come back to you?
Umeko: Nada. I feel...empty without my memories. It's disconcerting. I don't like it. It's like I'm living life on a clean slate.
Kenji: [playful] Haha...what I wouldn't give to live my own life on a fresh slate.
Umeko: Why? You have bad memories you want to block out?
Something flickered in Kenji's eyes, but only very briefly. But then something switched back on and just like that, his cocky composure had returned.
Kenji: Nah. It'd just be easier to forget the break-ups, that's all.
Suuure.
Umeko: Either way...thanks.
Kenji: I'll see you tomorrow morning.
Umeko: You too!
He smiled at me and left, heading back down to his own room. I turned to close my door and head inside when someone called out to me.
Azuma: Hey...wait!
Umeko: Azuma. Hey. It's you. What are you doing here?
Azuma: Uh, well...I live here now.
Umeko: Oh.
Azuma's room was right next to mine. I was sandwiched between his and Ichiro's rooms, it looked like.
Azuma: I'm glad I caught you before you turned in. Listen...I thought we could talk for a bit. You know...since…
Umeko: Right...yeah.
He must feel it as strongly as I did...that we know each other from somewhere...
Azuma: So...could we talk?
He looked so sincere about it, but the truth of it was…
Umeko: I'm sorry, I just...I just can't remember...anything...!
Azuma: I understand. To be honest...I don't remember a whole lot either.
Umeko: What do you mean?
Azuma: [thoughtful] I don't believe I have it as bad as you do. I mean, I do recall the time I was...born. I know where I was raised. I know I'm a spy and I know my talent.
Umeko: Your memories were wiped of Hope's Peak, just like everyone else.
Azuma: I know, but I get the feeling that...there's a big chunk somewhere that's missing. It's a strange feeling I just can't explain. Like...waking up from a coma. I can't imagine how much worse it must be for you.
I understood Azuma meant well. Though he was built like a jock, he seemed unlike the jock stereotypes that strutted around the school hallways. He seemed genuine and sincere, certainly a lot more humble than what I'd expect one with his profession would be. I expected the kind of bragging I saw from Shizuko, or the mysteriousness of Nagatomo, but Azuma seemed...comfortable.
I just wish I knew how I knew this guy. Maybe we were friends once…maybe at Hope's Peak...?
Umeko: I won't lie...I'm scared. I'm scared because I can barely remember a thing about myself. I know my name and I feel comfortable about who I am...I certainly feel like I know the kind of person I am but it's like...every statistic about me, every detail that would appear on a citizen's profile...date of birth, age, hometown, parents and siblings, address...every sort of detail like that...it's like someone wiped them all blank. Everyone else here knows who they grew up with, where they grew up - they remember their past, their backstories, but for me, I know nothing. I don't understand...I can't understand...why me?
I realized that inadvertently, I was trembling, and Azuma looked concerned. He seemed a little unsure about it but eventually patted me gently on the shoulder.
Azuma: [worried] Hey...don't worry too much about it. If you can't change it...there's no need to work yourself up. We're all scared here, and I understand you feel scared too, most of all. But I don't believe you're suspicious like everyone else does. It's obvious you're just as frightened about all this as most of the others.
Umeko: I feel like...people are watching me with more suspicion than others…
Azuma laughed. It was the first time I'd seen him do so.
Azuma: [embarrassed] Really? Little old you would be more suspicious than an actual spy? Or the thief? Not even that boy who likes to prank everyone? I'm shocked.
Umeko: Heh...yeah, now that you say it like that…
Azuma: Listen...I get that it's hard to trust a stranger…
Umeko: ...but you're not.
Azuma: Well, I don't know. So we both feel like we know each other from before, more strongly than any other person in this place...but we're still technically strangers to each other right now.
Umeko: Regardless...something in me's telling me to trust you. Some...inner instinct, maybe?
Azuma: That sounds like a dangerous instinct.
Umeko: Or, maybe a reliable one.
Azuma: You should take some time before you decide to trust me. I'm not saying I'm shady, but...I don't want you to just thrust yourself into trusting someone like that. There are people here who...I'm not entirely sure are trustworthy. You remember what Nagatomo said? That certain people might already be plotting to take up Monokuma on his offer, to kill? I...don't like thinking that he might be right, but...I think it's a high possibility.
Umeko: I want to believe everyone won't give in, but...you're right. It's good to be cautious. But from what I've seen of you...you don't seem like a bad guy.
Azuma: [laughing] I'm a spy. Shouldn't spies be naturally suspicious?
Umeko: I guess you and I fit in the same boat more than ever then.
Azuma: Heh...I guess so. I'll see you tomorrow, Umeko.
Smiling, he turned and headed into his own room next door. Feeling a strange tingly sensation, I tried to stifle my own big grin and closed my door.
Surviving Students: 16
Eizo - SHSL Commander
Mordecai - SHSL Marksman
Ichiro - SHSL Botanist
Azuma - SHSL Spy
Taro - SHSL Bookworm
Nagatomo - SHSL Thief
Kenji - SHSL Skateboarder
Yoshihiki - SHSL Prankster
Umeko - SHSL "Amnesiac"
Hanako - SHSL Band Leader
Miyumi - SHSL Ventriloquist
Shizuko - SHSL Actress
Kaori - SHSL Dog Whisperer
Samira - SHSL Street Artist
Fukumi - SHSL Daredevil
Wakako - SHSL Reality TV Star
Notes:
Sorry this took a while to update! I was busy playing NDRV3 haha ...
Also, Free Times officially start next chapter. Anyone reading the story can comment about a particular character whose Free Time event they want to see! Otherwise, I'll probably use Random Generator to determine the Free Times.