An: Hello everyone and welcome to the next installment of The School Trip of Mutual Killing. The Last chapter, we got a bit of a feel for the situation, and we got to see how Daisuke, Hajime and everyone else is handling it. Today we get to see a little bit more of that, and things will take a turn toward despair. So let me know how you all like this chapter, it is a little shorter than I wanted it to be, but that was because I was pressed for time. People kept fucking distracting me, and me as an author need peace and quiet to write. Honestly, I'm not sure if I have ADD or something because I get easily distracted. I'll dick around and never get shit done. My laptop has a missing N key so I can't just go somewhere quiet and my fucking bedroom got invaded by my uncles friends. Like seriously they don't tell me shit, he just brings his shit, settles in and goes to sleep on my goddamn bed. Then when I ask my uncle about it, he's like, you let your friends stay so my friends can stay. Man fuck you...
But family life aside, I truly do hope you all enjoy this chapter. Let's just say Monokuma gets the ball rolling in this one. You all get to see just how everyone reacts. Also, I must ask, who do you think will die in this chapter? PM me your best guess, I am rather interesting knowing. Please do not leave guesses in the review section, I don't really feel like sifting through the Four reviews I get a night to get your answer. If you didn't notice, I was being sarcastic there.
Here you go, enjoy the chapter and remember...Embrace Despair!
The School Trip of Mutual Killing
Chapter 1
Act 2
Fresh Ocean Breeze and Sweet Coconuts
(Daily Life)
After hanging out with everyone at the beach, Daisuke decided to head back to his cottage. He had to cool down a bit after spending so much time in the sun, and since he only had a single change of clothes, that meant he had to wash it off. Thankfully, he had gone back to the Souvenir shop in the Airport and snagged some shorts and an extra tee shirt. So for now he was hanging out in his room in just that, of course he had his boots, but he felt really weird with just those on, especially since he had no underwear. At least they were jean shorts so it wasn't obvious that he wasn't wearing underwear.
"This island paradise is a pain in my ass...oh wait a minute, I saw some clothes at the Market...I'll just go snag some stuff from there." he said, shooting to his feet. He grabbed his messenger bag, slipping into his boots. He slung his bag across his shoulder and left his room, locking the door after himself.
"Oh, hello Daisuke, are you heading out somewhere?" Sonia asked, grabbing his attention. He gave her a nod, brushing some hair from his eyes.
"The dumbass running this shit show didn't give us any extra clothes, so I was gonna grab myself some extra stuff from the store. Wanna tag along?" he asked.
"I suppose. I wasn't exactly doing anything, and I do need an extra pair of underwear...just in case." she said, whispering the last part. He chuckled a bit, rolling his eyes.
Just as the two of them were going to leave, someone decided to forcefully slam into Daisuke, almost knocking him to the ground. Sonia let out a surprised yelp, especially when she noticed who it was. The boy felt someone wrap their arms around his shoulders, feeling a foreign weight on his back.
"HA! Mush Dog, taketh me to the store!" Hiyoko cried, kicking the boy's side a bit.
"What the fuck Hiyoko! I'm not your goddamn packing mule, get off!" he snapped angrily.
"No...I wanna go to the store but it's too far. Come on Dais, don't be a dick, I'll make your life a living hell." she said, a threatening tone in her voice.
"Whatever, do you mind extra company Sonia?" he asked, glancing at the princess. She giggled shaking her head.
"I don't mind at all. It's a chance to get to know Hiyoko better." she said. He nodded, following the princess's lead to the store.
"So, how has your day been little devil?" the boy asked.
"Pretty good, I was actually at the park most of the day. I found an anthill and went to town. I dug out the queen ant and ripped her wings off!" she said cheerfully.
"Oh my god, such cruelty toward little ants. They're just trying to keep their population from starving...they mean us no harm." Sonia said, a bit dramatically.
"What? Are you serious? Ants are pests that need to be eradicated! Besides there are plenty of ants on this island, its not like they're gonna miss a few hundred of them." the blonde dancer said firmly.
"Aside from your crusade to cause mass genocide to our ant brethren, what do you like to do Hiyoko?" Daisuke asked. The girl hummed to herself, resting her chin on his shoulder.
"I like to dance obviously. I practice my dancing up to six hours a day. My grandmother says that I have to get each delicate movement down as perfectly as I can. She wants me to look graceful on stage, though that doesn't even matter." she said, a frown on her face.
"Why not? Don't you want your dance to convey the message of the story you wish to tell?" Sonia asked.
"No that isn't it. She means it doesn't matter if her dancing is down pat or not, her fans are all adults. They find her charming because of her childlike appearance. I guess her grandmother is cashing in on that." Daisuke said, explaining the situation to the princess. Of course, this came from the small conversation he had with the dancer before, as well as her student profile.
"Yawn, I hate talking about this stuff. My mother is a pain in the ass too, a total waste of oxygen. It's like she doesn't even care that I'm being forced to dance for hours on end. Doesn't matter if my ankle is sprained, if I can walk, I gotta get up on stage. Fucking bitch!" Hiyoko snapped, anger flowing through her tiny body.
"Sweetheart you shouldn't say that. Even if they don't show it, I'm sure your mother and grandmother care a lot about you." Daisuke said.
"He's right. Just thinking about something like that...it reminds me of my own mother, and how much I miss her. But I know she would be disappointed in me if I gave into this adversity we're facing." Sonia added.
"That's another thing, I still don't understand. Why us? Why are we in this situation in the first place? It was bad enough with the Rabbit being here, but now that it's just Monokuma...I'm afraid." Hiyoko said, shaking a bit. Daisuke placed his hand over her own, much to her surprise.
"Hey, I already vowed to myself and to everyone that I wasn't going to let any of you die. We're getting out of here, all of us...together." he said firmly.
"I agree...I will not rest until we find the mastermind and tear him a new one. I'll shove my hand so far up his ass he'll turn into a hand puppet!" Sonia said.
"Alright, tone it down with the mindless violence, we don't need another Hiyoko." Daisuke said, earning a kick to the ribs from the girl.
They arrived at the RocketPunch Market a few minutes later. Hiyoko jumped off Daisuke's back, racing toward the candy section. Sonia and Daisuke decided to check out the clothes they had on display. He frowned to himself, seeing all of the beach wear. He at least found himself a pack of extra underwear. Sonia seemed content that she found some for herself along with some socks.
"While it is a shame that I couldn't find a bra in my size, I suppose I'll just have to wear this under my clothes." Sonia said, holding up a black two piece bikini.
It the top was strapless, a bronze colored ring holding the front together, with two straps that would wrap around her back. The bottom was black and white in color, split down diagonally, and had thin straps on the side. Just imagining the blonde princess in that was enough to make Daisuke blush. He turned around, pressing his bag against his crotch.
"No no no...no sexy thoughts, I have no underwear and I don't need to pitch a tent here of all places." he thought to himself. He squeezed his eyes tightly, trying to imagine something else. He let out a sigh.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick alright? Sit tight for a bit." Daisuke said, quickly excusing himself. Sonia shrugged, grabbing a hold of the totebag she had selected. She had placed several changes of clothes within. She was glad to have fun some things in her size, she was starting to get tired of the school uniform she was wearing.
"Hiyoko? Would you like me to find you an extra set of clothing? I'm sure we can find something in your size and taste."
"Pass, I don't like wearing anything other than my Kimono." the girl called back. She had found the gummies she had been looking for and had sat down on the floor, tearing into a pack.
"But you have to have a change of clothes. You have to wash that kimono at some point...I am able to wash silk thanks to my upbringing, if you'd like I can wash it for you."
"Ugh...if I agree will you get off my ass? I'll change into some other clothes later." the blonde dancer said.
"Um...alright then...just let me know...I'll gladly help you out." the blonde princess said.
Daisuke returned a few seconds later, having changed his shorts into the beach shorts he had picked out. It was a pair of white shorts, with black and red lines crossing each other. It looked almost like swim trunks, and could actually be used to swim in. They reached down past his knees, almost toward the top of his boots. He fixed his tee shirt, making it fall neatly over his shorts.
"If only I could find an extra pair of shoes." he muttered.
"Why not flip flops?" Sonia asked, holding a pair up for him. He looked at them with a grimace.
"Hell no! I have a thing against those...ugh...I can't even." he said, backing away from them.
"Um...something wrong Dais? You seem almost scared of those." Hiyoko said, standing next to the boy, munching on her gummies.
"Yes, when I was younger and misbehaved, my mother would hit me with one of those. She called it Chancleta, which translates into flip flop. If you fucked up as a kid, and you saw your mother reaching for her Chancla, you know your ass was gonna get beat."
"What? That's fucking hilarious...yo I need to memorize this. You ever get beat with wooden sandals?" Hiyoko said, gesturing to her feet.
"I swear to Christ, you fuck with me like that and I'm cutting your hair." Daisuke said firmly. Her golden eyes flashed with fear, and she instantly backed away.
"You guys, look at what I found." Sonia said, holding up a pair of metal boxes in her hands. The two of them wondered over to the display, seeing a sign advertising Duralumin Self Defense kits. Daisuke opened one, taking a look inside.
"Check this out, a pair of Night-Vision goggles, a baton, a survival knife, a firestarter, and even some MRE's. This is more like a survival kit than anything." He said.
"What would you need Night-Vision goggles for?" Hiyoko asked, looking the case over.
"I'm not sure, but with this anyone could take advantage of the night. You could even use them for murder." Sonia said firmly.
"It doesn't look like any have been taken but...I don't know how many were there originally." Daisuke said. Hiyoko reached into the box, taking a hold of the baton that rested within. With a flick, it extended downward, being around two feet in length.
"You could use this to beat the hell out of someone. I'll keep this for myself." she said, closing the baton.
"You can't!" Sonia said.
"Why not? I don't trust anyone on this island, I just want something so that I could defend myself." she snapped back.
"You don't trust us? Why are you even hanging out with us then?" Daisuke asked firmly.
"Convenience. I'm sorry, but the situation is pressing, and in a place where my life is in danger, I can't take any chances." the girl replied.
"I suppose that's true...it is unfavorable...but you don't exactly need trust in order to be someones friend." Sonia said.
"I think you do, I trust all of you unconditionally, I don't know if you believe me or not but...I feel like I've met you all before. I don't know where, and I don't know why...but when I look around, I got this feeling of longing in my heart...I can't explain it...but it's what allows me to trust you so much." he said firmly.
The two girls shared a curious look. They were both confused and yet they believed what he was saying. They didn't feel the same sense of longing he did, but they did have a sense of deja-vu when they looked at their other classmates. Sonia shook her head, opening another case. She like Hiyoko, also took the baton from within.
"I believe we should have a means to defend ourselves, just in case. I trust that no one will attack, but of course you never know what could happen." She said. Daisuke sighed, opening one of the cases, he took a baton for himself, placing it in his bag.
"I hope I never need to use that. Let's get these clothes back to our cottages." He said, grabbing his own tote bag.
"Yes, carry me back?" Hiyoko said.
"Man, you can walk your ass back. I don't have time for that shit!" the boy called back, earning a sigh from the girl.
"Fine, I'll use my legs. I can't believe this, didn't you know traditional dancers need to rest their feet? If my ankles break it'll be all on you."
"Boo fuckity hoo. I'm not a goddamn taxi service." he said, walking out of the store.
It didn't take the three long to get back to Mirai Hotel, all of them splitting up to go to their own cabin. It was almost time for their dinner roll call, where they would discuss the events of the day and any discoveries they had made. He grabbed his clean clothes from his washer, tossing them into the dryer. He took the clothes he had gotten from the store and placed them all in his dresser, ignoring the camera all the while. He sat down on his bed, leaning back into it. He felt his eyes getting a bit heavy.
"Maybe I can rest my eyes for a few minutes." he muttered, letting out a yawn, he hadn't slept a wink and he had been rather exhausted. He felt himself drifting off to the land of sleep.
A loud knocking jolted him awake a few minutes later, or rather a few hours later. He rubbed his eyes, letting out a yawn as he glanced at his clock. He cringed when he saw the time was actually 9:46. He quickly got up, racing toward the door, throwing it open as fast as he could. Kazuichi and Hajime were standing there, worried looks on their faces.
"Bro, what the hell?" he cried.
"Huh? Sorry guys...I fell asleep." he said.
"It's alright...we just thought something bad had happened to you, since you didn't show up for roll call. We can breathe easy for a bit." Hajime said.
"Again I'm sorry, is something wrong?" he asked.
"We've been called to the park by Monokuma and Monomi...and it's mandatory." Kazuichi said. Daisuke rubbed his eyes, realization hitting him a second later.
"Did you say Monomi? Isn't she dead?" he asked.
"Apparently not. She's got spare units that she can use all over the place, just like Monokuma apparently. Those two honestly piss me off." Hajime replied, a hint of annoyance on his face. Daisuke grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder.
"Come on then, let's no keep them waiting." he said, exiting his cottage. The three of them started heading out of the hotel a few minutes later.
"Hey Dais, I wanna ask you something...who are you going for?" Kazuichi asked.
"Pardon me?" the boy asked, clearly confused.
"I mean relationship wise man...who are you trying to romance on our First Person Island Simulator?" the mechanic asked.
"I honestly haven't got the time for a relationship. Who would hook up here in this place?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders.
"On the contrary, I think it would be the perfect time. Trust me, I both agree and disagree...with this situation, any day could be our last. You wouldn't want to die a virgin would you?" Hajime asked, earning a gasp from Daisuke.
"Hajime, you heathen!" the Ultimate Story Teller replied, a shocked look on his face. Kazuichi shook his head, chuckling a bit.
"I agree man...I don't wanna die and want to wonder what could have been. I got my eyes on Miss Sonia, so you best back away from her." the pink haired boy said, giving him a predatory glare. Daisuke shook his head, raising his hands defensively.
"I'm not gonna step on any toes or anything. I honest to goodness hope she likes you back, she's a sweet girl. But that isn't gonna stop me from being friends with her, so far she's been the kindest to me out of anyone." he said.
"Hehe, that's fine...just don't kiss her or I'll knock your lights out. So, have you decided on an answer yet?" he asked again. Daisuke sighed, looking up at the sky as he was forced to consider his options.
"I dunno...I just got out of a messy relationship, so I'm not really looking for anyone in particular. There are a couple cute girls here and there, some more than others. I find Takane really cute, same with Mikan, Peko and Hiyoko...I honestly wouldn't know." he said.
"Did you say Hiyoko? That little devil? You actually find her attractive?" Hajime asked, his face being one of shock and disbelief.
"Whoa, you have a bad experience with her or something? She's a bit overbearing but I know how to handle girls like that." he said.
"She's the spawn of Satan himself. I saw her crushing ants alive today, not just that...she somehow convinced Akane to eat flowers, filled Nekumaru's pants with dirt and pushed Nagito into the pool." Hajime said.
"The bastard found a golden coin in there, apparently it had been lodged in the filter. Takane appraised it and told him it was worth nearly ten million yen...I wish stuff like that happened to me." Kazuichi said.
"Dude, money isn't everything...just make each day count. As for you Hajime, I never said I would look at Hiyoko romantically...she's cute, I give her that...there's just something I can't understand. It's like we know each other, but I just...can't explain it." the boy said. Hajime and Kazuichi both shared a look, not exactly knowing how to respond to that.
"Maybe that's your heart telling you to kiss her! Hiyoko needs someone like you at her side...someone who can handle that pranky mischievous nature of hers."
"Pfft, no way in hell I'll date someone like that...but like I said, I'm not that interested in dating anyone...so if you wanna play Cupid play with someone else." Daisuke said, giving them a grin. The three of them finally arrived at Jabberwock Park, where everyone else was waiting for them. Monokuma pushed through them, anger on his face.
"What the hell were you doing Mister? When I give an announcement, you bring your ass out here." Monokuma snapped.
"Go fuck yourself! You actually think I'm scared of you, you goddamn Build-A-Bear reject? Don't talk to me like I'm beneath you either!" Daisuke snapped, earning gasps from the others.
"So this is the despair you get when someone backtalks you...I gotta say it's rather interesting." Monokuma said, a frown on his face. He shook his head, walking back toward the front of the crowd, where Monomi was waiting.
"Alright then, now that you lazy asses are all here, we can get this party started! I noticed you were all dicking around the island, and no one did any killing. So I'm giving you all a reason to kill, aren't I nice?" he asked.
"No, you are absolutely evil and vile. Don't listen to them children!" Monomi cried. Monokuma growled, punching the rabbit across the face.
"Take that! That's what you get for backtalking me you shithead!"
"Ah, I can't handle this corkscrew death punch!" the Rabbit cried, her body flew back, landing somewhere in the woods with a heavy thud.
"Ha, good riddance. As I was saying, I got something important to share with the lot of you...so you know how all of you came to Hope's Peak Academy yesterday?"
"Yeah...what about it?" Fuyuhiko snapped.
"Oh nothing...I bet you all walked into the gates all happy and derpy, and then you felt all sick and dizzy. Then you somehow woke up in front of the gym wondering how you got there...that about right?" Monokuma asked.
"Yeah, surprisingly in fact." Hajime added, earning nods from the others.
"Well that's because one of you is responsible for something really dark and shameful. It seems you were all brought here for a reason, whatever the reason is I don't know. But what I do know is that you were all such a big threat, that they got rid of your memories!" he said.
Daisuke stood there, shellshocked for what seemed like hours. The mastermind, erased his memories? It seemed asinine to even consider. The fact that someone would go through the trouble of capturing nineteen of them and then have their memories erased. Then go as far as joining them in their class...it wasn't believable at all.
"Ah, but here's the kicker...you all think it's stupid right...but how do you explain that feeling of longing...of Deja-Vu...like you know each other? That's because you all do know each other! Your memories of Hope's Peak Academy were taken from you by this traitor!"
"Don't listen to him! He's lying!" Monomi cried, appearing next to the monochrome bear.
"Oh really? Then explain this to us...what the fuck do you mean our memories got taken from us?" Fuyuhiko said firmly.
"It shouldn't be possible for someone to loose their memories unless they have amnesia. None of us are showing the signs of it though." Mikan added.
"Silence, this bear speaks non-sense...we have never met before, not a single time. So how is it possible that the mastermind could have taken our memories?" Byakuya snapped angrily.
"Fine fine, you want proof...but sadly I don't have any photo evidence...but I do have one...does the name Chisa Yukizome mean anything to you?" Monokuma asked curiously. Daisuke scoffed, shaking his head.
"Of course it does, she's our homeroom teacher, the one who literally went to my house, broke into it and chased me on a dirt bike to the local theater." he said. His eyes widened as he covered his mouth.
"No way...that can't be...I don't even remember that...it just kinda..."
"Slipped out? What does that say Mr. Story Teller? Is that another story your brain cooked up? Or is that a memory ingrained deep in your heart? I'll let you decide. The traitor is the one among you who stole your memories, I'm not gonna point fingers but..it would make sense that the traitor is the one who actually remembers his school life...right?" Monokuma said.
Daisuke's eyes widened and he looked at everyone. All of them were glaring at him, looks of uncertainty, anger, scrutiny...they were all believing what the bear was saying. He walked forward, standing in front of Monokuma, looking at everyone.
"Come on you guys...I'm not the one who stole our memories...if I had, why the hell would I even erase my own?" he asked.
"You don't have too remember them for you to know them. You're the Ultimate Story Teller, you can easily weave together a story from all of your memories and save them that way." Fuyuhiko said.
"What? Do you actually know how hard it is to write something from memory? Do you even know what memories are? Every single time you remember something, you're remembering the last time you remembered that specific thing. That's basic Neuro-Psychology if you didn't know. To know how the inner brain works to pull out memories, do you actually think I know how to do that? With my skill set?" he asked firmly.
"Pfft, doesn't matter...especially if you get someone who's talent it is to do it. It would explain why Ryouko forgets her memories every day...after all she writes them down in her...note...book." Fuyuhiko said, realization hitting him as he looked toward the Analyst.
"Wait...you don't actually think I did it right?" Ryouko asked.
"It would make sense...she erases her memories daily so she doesn't remember jack." Akane said.
"Let's not start pointing fingers Akane, we haven't figured out how they do it yet." Nekumaru added.
"They? Are you fucking kidding me? Come on you guys, there is no way in hell I am erasing your memories...this is what the mastermind wants...he wants to plant the seeds of doubt in all of us so that we can create a murder. There is no way I would stoop that low."
"There's no proof that you wouldn't." Sylvia said firmly.
"What the fuck Syl, back me up here...you and I know each other from childhood. Do I look like the kinda guy who would do that?" Daisuke asked, turning to face the pinkette.
"Honestly speaking, you don't...but you were gone from Japan for years. I don't know how much you changed while you were gone...I don't even know if Ultimate Story Telling is your talent...you could very well be working against us!" she said.
"Enough! I do not know who is doing this, or what they're planning with us. But Daisuke is not responsible for erasing our memories...there is no possible way a man like him could do it...he cares too much about you." Sonia said firmly.
"Then explain the memory behind that Yukizome woman, that none of us have ever met?" Fuyuhiko snapped.
"I haven't gotten all the answers goddamn it! But he is not guilty here!" She shouted, anger flowing through her. Kazuichi let out a scream of fear.
"C-calm down M-Miss Sonia. No need to get so worked up over this."
"Well, this is going splendidly. I can return your memories with ease, but if you want me to do that then you know my terms...one of you laying in your own blood...feel free to start at any time...bye bye!" the bear cried, running off.
"This is insane!" Daisuke muttered.
"It seems not everyone can be trusted anymore...I for one am not going to fall victim to murder." Peko said, leaving the park.
"Same here, watch your back Daisuke, you do something against me, and I'll stab you to death." Fuyuhiko snapped angrily, brushing past him. It wasn't long before the only people at the park were Ryouko, Daisuke and Sonia.
"This is bullshit...how can they think I'm the one doing this?" Daisuke asked.
"I don't know...but I trust you. I know you wouldn't do anything like this...same to you Ryouko...I believe you." Sonia said.
"Thank you...I'm so happy to have friends like you two." she said cheerfully.
"We should...return to our cottages...it's almost time for curfew." Sonia said.
"I'm gonna head to the store for some food...after what's going on, I don't feel safe going to the restaurant alone." he said.
"You can't head there by yourself...I'll go with you...just to keep an eye out."
"Oh oh, I'll go too. I want donuts!" Ryouko said cheerfully. He shook his head, giving them a nod.
"Fine, let's go then." he said.
xxx
Tensions were high the next morning. That much was obvious, when he walked into the restaurant, everyone went silent. Daisuke felt hurt that they all thought he was the traitor among them. He still didn't know how he knew about that woman, or why he had blurted it out with such certainty. But what he did know was that something was amiss in this entire situation. When he thought about it, having their memories erased would be rather convenient for the mastermind. They could kill each other without inhibitions, since they didn't know each other. The fact of the matter was that they did, and that's why he felt that feeling of longing.
Just who were they to Daisuke? His friends? Was he in a relationship with any of them? It would explain a few things...why he found Hiyoko cute, or why he got along so well with Sonia. Perhaps that was his mind trying to tell him that he should trust everyone. But it could also be a trick, get him to loose his guard and then it would get him killed. He had decided to sit by himself in the very back of the restaurant, so he wouldn't find the need to interact with him. No one sat down with him, which made him frown even more. He sighed, taking out his Story Book, maybe he could get some actual writing down.
"So, is that where you're keeping it?" Fuyuhiko asked, suddenly getting his attention.
"Keeping what man?" Daisuke asked, confusion written on his face.
"You're school life memories! You read that shit daily so you remember your memories, even though you wipe them out the same night."
"Do you know how asinine that sounds? I'm not sure if you've noticed but I don't have any goddamn memory wiping technology. There is nothing on this island that would allow me to do that. And before you say someone is helping me, please point them out and explain when, how and why they would help me." the boy said, leaning back in his seat. Fuyuhiko slammed his hand on the table, gritting his teeth.
"Don't fuck with me! I know you're responsible for this shit asshole, so fucking admit it! Give us back our memories!"
"Fuyuhiko that is enough. We cannot keep playing the blame game whenever one of us walks into the room. We have no concrete evidence that Daisuke truly is the traitor. For all we know there might not even be a traitor." Hajime said firmly, earning a scoff from the Gangster.
"Whatever, defend him all you want, but don't come crying to me when he kills you." he said, walking out of the restaurant. Daisuke grit his teeth.
"Fucking prick." he muttered. He looked up, earning the same looks of uncertainty from the others. He sighed, slamming his book closed. He shoved it in his bag, standing up from his seat.
"If all of you are going to give me those looks, and silently judge me then I'm not gonna be anywhere near you. If there's one thing I hate, it's when people keep their comments to themselves...as a Story Teller, I live for the opinions of people, good or bad. So if you've got something to say, say and if not, then fucking swallow it." he snapped, walking out of the restaurant, slamming the door as he went.
"You guys are horrible! We can't silently judge him like that!" Sonia said.
"Don't act like a saint, you didn't exactly say or do anything to defend him. Didn't I tell you this yesterday sweetheart? You can't trust anyone on this island...no matter how nice they may seem." Hiyoko said firmly.
"It's still kind of messed up. I know in my heart that Daisuke didn't do whatever it is he did...what was that again?" Ryouko asked, earning a groan from everyone.
"I for one am not going to be dragged down by this illogical motive. Daisuke is a nice person, so I'm going to spend some time with him." Takane said, grabbing her small purse from the table. She gathered up her tarot cards, placing them inside the small bag.
"I shall join you as well, I must apologize for not saying anything to him." Sonia said, placing her utensils on the table.
"Hey, more food for us." Akane said, earning glares from the two girls, which she seemingly ignored. Hajime stood up as well, brushing his shirt off.
"I think I'll join you girls, I want to get to know him a bit better, plus I want to discuss this story he handed me yesterday. Thanks to it, I couldn't sleep." he said, holding the small folded book in his hands.
"It Waits? May I see that?" Takane asked, earning a nod from the brown haired boy.
"Whatever, if you all wish to hang out with the traitor I'm not stopping you. I'm actually heading to the airport for a change of clothes. I saw a lot of abandoned suitcases in there so I'm gonna sift through them. Anyone else wanna tag along?" Sylvia asked.
"I will, I require an extra set of training clothes." Peko replied, grabbing her sword from beside her.
It wasn't long before everyone started making plans for themselves. Daisuke himself wanted to be as far away from everyone as possible. So he had decided to head to the Park on Central Island. He doubted anyone would show up there of all places, especially with that bomb looming over them. He didn't know why he felt the need to return there, especially after the events of the night before...but he didn't seem to care at the moment. He found himself a shady spot to sit and opened his Story Book, looking for a clean page. He opened his ink well and pulled out a quill, something he almost never used to write with.
"Hmm...now what to write...perhaps a princess story? Yes, I can definitely work on something like that but...what should it be about?" he muttered.
He remained silent for a few moments, trying to find a way to work the plot out. He started writing his new story, his hand flying across the pages as he continued to write. He continuously dipped his pen in his ink well, being careful not to smear the ink on the page. He flicked his wrist a bit, several dots of ink flying outward.
"That's right...I don't need friends...all I need is myself. I can sit here and write all day if I want." he thought, dipping his pen once more. He reached for his bag, pulling out a bag of potato chips, opening them with ease.
"Who cares if I'm on this island with these people...I don't need them...I'll sit here writing. I'll take a potato chip...and eat it!" he thought with a grin, shoving the salted chip into his mouth. He flipped to another page a few seconds later, continuing his story.
"Yes, that's right! Bask in my glory, for I am the Ultimate Story Teller!" he cried, holding his book proudly in the air.
"Uh...are you alright man?"
"Gah!"
The boy let out a surprised shout when he saw Hajime, Takane and Sonia standing before him. They had been watching him write for a few minutes now, the boy hadn't even noticed them. He let out a chuckle, clearing his throat.
"What's...um...what's up?" he asked.
"Nothing much, but we saw you brain storming here and figured you'd like some company. I didn't think you would take your writing so seriously though. Does your hand hurt?" Hajime asked.
"Not...really. I should get my bandages changed, course with how everyone is, I doubt Mikan would want to even see me." he said, looking at his wrists.
"Um, if I may be so bold...why is it that you're wrists are bandaged? We're you hurt beforehand?" Takane asked curiously.
"Uh...I don't really feel comfortable talking about that...it's actually really pathetic." He muttered, hugging his book close to himself.
"Daisuke, whatever it is that happened isn't pathetic. It's alright if you don't wish to talk to us about it, you just met us after all. We came here to hang out with you, seeing as everyone else is ignoring you entirely." Sonia said. She sat down in front of him, with Takane and Hajime following suit.
"Yeah man, call me stupid but...I'm actually trying to get all of those Hope Fragments, maybe if we do get them all Monomi will tell us how to leave." Hajime said.
"Yeah...I guess we have to build trust. I found out that by speaking and getting to know each other, you get more Hope Fragments, so I guess I can help you out. You guys are curious about my wrists right?" he asked, looking down at his hands.
"We are but...I can tell it's a rather painful story. You don't have to share it with us if you aren't ready too." Takane said, giving him a reassuring smile. He shook his head.
"No no...I...want to share it. As you all may know, me and Sylvia were a couple before we both came to Hope's Peak Academy. We had a really messy breakup. It wasn't just in public either...it went back home with us. My mother and sister were gone for the night when we both arrived. Apparently she had been unhappy for awhile and had been meaning to tell me. So when I proposed to her, I guess she just exploded."
"Exploded huh? In what way exactly?" Hajime asked curiously.
"In the typical female overreaction sense. Don't take it as an insult alright girls? Sometimes you can blow things out of proportion." he replied.
"This is true...please continue." Sonia said, ignoring Takane's look of annoyance.
"Well...I tried calming her down, but that turned into an argument. She ended up telling me everything she hated about me, apparently they outweigh the things she loved. I was apparently too romantic, focused too much on my useless talent, didn't buy her anything, she said I didn't find my talk of philosophy and mythology romantic." he said, a frown on his face.
"But those are endearing qualities. I would love a person more if we could speak about Philosophy and Greek Mythology, especially if it has to do with Astronomy!" Takane said.
"I agree with Taka, it may not be romantic, but some women do find intelligence quite attractive...perhaps she just wasn't meant to be your girlfriend, or wife." Hajime added.
"Yeah, I realize that now of course. I had given her a book on our third anniversary. It was a story about two little fairies that fell in love, despite being of different origins. She said it was too sickly sweet for her and tore it up in front of me. She then told me that my talent was useless, even went as far as quoting the same thing as my father...that bastard. When she left...I just...shut down."
"You're that said your talent was useless?" Sonia asked softly, earning a nod from Daisuke.
"That's a story for another day...it actually ties into a lot of things. But yeah, I tried to make it work for a few days but...I just decided...it would be better if I was gone. So I waited for my sister and my mother to run to our cafe, and I went into the bathroom. Once I wrote out my note, I climbed into the bathtub and I slit my wrists." he said. The three of them gasped, with Sonia adopting a horrified look. He slowly unwrapped the bandage from his right wrist, showing them the blue stitches.
"I made them pretty deep, I just wanted to die. So when I did I just sat there, waiting to die, just watching my blood go down the drain. My sister forgot her phone so she came back, wondering where I was...she found me in the tub, half dead. I don't remember much, I just woke up in the hospital. Somehow my sister talked the doctors into not calling our mother, so she doesn't know yet." he said.
"Why would...why would you think suicide is the answer?" Sonia asked curiously. She looked visibly hurt that he would even do something like that. He chuckled dryly, shaking his head.
"Sweetheart, when you fall in love and you fall so deep, you would do anything to hang on to it. Some people fight for love, some people hide from love, and some people die for love. I didn't want to feel alone, after I had spent so much time with her. The relationship was short, but she was my best friend, the one who comforted me when I came back from Spain, spent every waking moment with, hung out with, played with...my first kiss...I just...wanted to die." He admitted.
"Suicide is never the answer. No matter how hurt you are, you shouldn't say fuck it, it would be better if I was dead. Because it wouldn't be! People would miss you...if you had died, I wouldn't have met you here." Sonia said, fresh tears falling down her face.
"Sonia...why are you crying? I mean I know what I did is sad but...there's no need to cry for me. You don't even know me." he said.
"It doesn't matter! You're a precious friend to me, and I would hate to see you die! The fact that you even considered death sickens me!" She cried.
"Stay calm Sonia, it's alright...I'm sure Daisuke isn't considering death anymore." Hajime said.
"Hell no. Afterwards, I realized all of the things I had to live for. My father was a douche bag, especially when I told him that I was going to study in Hope's Peak Academy. He just looked at me with disdain, as if it was my fault I was born with talent." he said dejectedly.
"You're father hates you because you were born with talent? That's fucking stupid." Takane snapped, the three were quite surprised with her language. She shook her head, glancing back at Daisuke.
"Sweetheart, I want you to know that no matter what, you shouldn't let people hurt you. I understand your heart break, when you are in love...it hurts having to loose that person. But that's water under the bridge it seems, and you've learned to deal with everything. After all, you wouldn't be able to channel all of your emotions into your writing if you didn't." she said.
"She's right, I mean damn...I've never seen someone write the way you do. You were so calm and confident, the look on your face screamed it. The fact that you expertly opened a bag of chips and ate one without even batting an eye was impressive!" Sonia said, stars in her eyes. He flushed, shaking his head.
"You flatter me Sonia, that's nothing. You should see me when I'm writing two stories at once. I taught myself to be ambidextrous, so I can write twice as fast. I only do it if I'm on a deadline though." he admitted.
"I feel that we've learned quite a bit about Daisuke today. What about you Hajime, what dirty secrets are you hiding from us?" Sonia asked, snagging Daisuke's half eaten bag of chips. The Story Teller decided to change his bandages while he was at it. He was suddenly glad Mikan gave him a First Aid Kit.
"I'm not exactly hiding anything. I mean I'm just a normal person, don't exactly remember my talent though. That would be rather useful in this situation." Hajime said, scratching the back of his head.
"Any idea what it may be?" Daisuke asked curiously.
"Not a clue. I try to remember but it's a blank. My parents always told me talent doesn't matter. Now that I think about it, I don't remember much about them. I guess that's one of the reasons why I can be so calm here." He said.
"I wish I had your nerves of steal. There isn't a moment I don't think about my parents...my mom and dad are everything to me. Especially since they handed me the planetarium." Takane said.
"You own planetarium?" Sonia asked. Having finished with his bandages, Daisuke reached into his bag pulling out his handbook. He opened up Takane's student profile, reading some of the information currently present.
"Hmm, it says here that she's the owner of the Nishijima Planetarium in Asakusa. At the young age of thirteen, Takane managed the entire planetarium, teaching her own personal astronomy classes, leading space search projects, identifying new planets and galaxies and even putting on her own laser light shows. She was also responsible for building a special viewing platform behind the planetarium that blocks out all the light in the city, allowing people to look at the night sky with no light pollution." He said. Takane blushed brightly, adopting a proud look on her face.
"That is all indeed true. I am certified in astronomy and even have my own classroom at the planetarium. I juggled all of that and my own studies...due to that I never attended public school. Getting along with kids my age was a bit challenging, you could say I became a spoiled brat." Takane said, her smile turning into a frown.
"You aren't spoiled, you are sophisticated but I wouldn't go as far as saying spoiled." Hajime said.
"You don't know my home life Hajime. My parents dote me so much it's sickening. They always get me what I want, even if I don't need it. I say something about a purse I saw online, they get it. I mention needing a new reed for my saxophone, they get me seven. I say it would be nice to live in my own apartment, they add an apartment to the planetarium so I can live alone. I feel smothered!" she admitted, her cheeks becoming a bit red.
"I didn't think you felt that way. You look so happy." Daisuke said. The girl sighed, frowning a bit.
"Yes, I just mask it...because I know my parents want whats best for me. But they never truly listen to what I want...I wanted to go to public school, I wanted to have my own friends! When I finally got my wish, it wasn't what I wanted. They signed me up for a private institution for girls. All of the girls were jealous that I got anything that I wanted. I became more pompous because of that, and I suppose that's also where my mannerisms come from." She said.
"Well, you haven't been speaking like a sophisticated woman, so I take it you're glad to be away from that life?" Hajime asked curiously, earning a nod from the Astronomer.
"I miss my parents dearly, don't get me wrong...but it's just so, liberating! It's like being a nudist trapped on a deserted island. After being forced to wear clothes in public, you can finally shed it all off and go stark naked where ever you want!"
"This isn't you saying you're gonna do that right? Because that would be a welcome sight." Daisuke said, a perverted look on his face. Sonia flicked a pebble at him, hitting him square in the nose.
"No need for perversion on this island."
"Ugh...fine. I'll settle for a bikini then." the boy said, causing the white haired girl to laugh.
"Alright, I'll let you pick it out then...I've never worn one. If I ever said anything about that at home, my mother wouldn't let me see the end of it. She would probably build me an entire bikini closet." Takane said, earning a laugh from Hajime.
"Hey, I don't mean to bring down the mood or anything, but what do you think about the traitor? Do you think one of the others could actually be responsible for it?" he asked.
"As much as I want to say yes, I can't. There's no proof any one of us is capable of building such a device. Make us all think we walked into Hope's Peak Academy and then erase our memories?" Takane asked.
"It does sound far fetched. But what about Daisuke then, and that memory about that woman?"
"Chisa Yukizome. You know I spent awhile thinking about it, but I can't remember anything about her. Not her face, not her voice..nothing. But I can't deny I don't know her...she's just like the rest of you, someone I met that I don't remember. I don't know how they got rid of our memories, but I do know that it was done. I wouldn't feel so comfortable around any of you if that was the case." He replied.
"Why do you say that hun? You look rather comfortable with us." Takane said, a curious look on her face. He shook his head, reaching into his bag. He hummed for a few seconds, pulling out a pamphlet which he handed to the girl. Sonia leaned over to read it.
"Agoraphobia and You. Ways to deal with your fear is human interaction...but you don't look like you suffer form this." Sonia said.
"But I do. When I first saw you gathered up at the gym, what did I do?"
"Um...you walked toward the bleachers, you didn't even introduce yourself, to anyone in fact." Takane said, remembered her time in the gym.
"That's right, because I didn't want to interact with any of you, because I was scared. But as soon as I arrived on the island, and I left, I started thinking everything over. I realized that I didn't feel as scared as I should have been, and that only happens when I meet someone. I have agoraphobia yet I went around and met all of you. Doesn't that seem odd?" He asked.
"Hmm...that is true...basic psychology applies to this as well. A person who doesn't want to interact with anyone simply wont." Hajime said, loosing himself in thought.
"Are you sure you aren't the Ultimate Psychologist? Because you sort of sound like one right now." Daisuke said, a smirk on his face. Hajime shook his head, chuckling a bit.
"Nah, the matters of the mind are something that I'm not good with. But all of it makes sense at least. Maybe I should ask around, see what the others think." Hajime said.
"That wouldn't be a bad idea. We can meet up later and share our findings." Sonia said.
"Good luck then, I doubt anyone wants to talk to me." Daisuke said.
"Fine, then I shall remain by your side and pester them until they do speak with you!" Sonia said.
"I don't think that's a good idea...that'll just make enemies. I'll stay wit Daisuke, you with Hajime, we'll reconvene in an hour." Takane said, standing up from her spot. They exchanged parting words before taking off toward the First Island.
"Hey Daisuke, would you ever consider going sleeveless?" Takane asked, earning a laugh from the Story Teller.
End of Act 2
Restoration at 6%
Hope Fragment Status Window
Hajime Hinata: 2
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu: 1
Kazuichi Souda: 1
Gundam Tanaka: 1
Nagito Komaeda: 1
Byakuya Togami: 1
Nekumaru Nidai: 1
Teruteru Hanamura: 1
Hiyoko Saionji: 1
Sonia Nevermind: 3
Akane Owari: 1
Takane Nishijima: 2
Ryouko Otonashi: 1
Ibuki Mioda: 1
Mahiru Koizumi: 1
Mikan Tsumiki: 2
Peko Pekoyama: 2
Sylvia Amane: 1
Chiaki Nanami: 1