Morli: Honestly now that I think about it I have no idea why I arbitrarily decided each chapter would be more than 1000 words and less than 3000. I think I initially wanted reviews on specific parts. I'll try to lengthen the chapters if it feels natural. I've more or less decided to change the murders at least a little, and I say 'at least a little' to avoid spoilers. It could means I've changed the murder completely or just the method or just the victim. Anyway, thanks a lot for the constructive feedback :).
AnimesWorld: Thanks. Glad you like him. I've never played SDR2 (although I did spoil myself quite a bit since I was unable to resist looking at the wiki .) so I can't say anything about the Komaeda's comparison. I will say that he may get rather unstable and aggressive as time goes on so there's that to look forward to if you're the type who likes anti-heroes. I haven't planned how the trial will turn out yet (although I have a fairly firm idea as to how the murder will turn out) but I don't think my OC will make a lot of friends there so there's also that.
Kamilia07329: Haha yes. I do feel like filling the space with some other characters every now and then but I'm really glad you like her :).
This chapter was initially only going to be roughly 1500 words but since people say my chapters should be longer, I decided to merge this and the next one so this will end up being the longest chapter yet. Tell me how that worked out for you, enjoy.
Chapter 6
The students, being the naïve fools that they are, quickly grab their own DVD without any suspicion. I doubt I can take a peek at their videos without being spotted, shame. Oh well, let's see whether my "motive" sheds any light on my amnesia.
Unlike Maizono's, my DVD had no Video Footage, on the screen is a simple "Put on the headphones Nakahara-kun :)" and a countdown. There was a conversation between two people. One of them was definitely me. The other is unrecognizable due to his/her voice being modified beyond recognition. There were also sections that have been clearly been 'erased' to withhold certain information. Obviously, wouldn't want to make this easy now would we?
Shiki: Hope's Peak Academy is it?
?: *fizzle*
Shiki: Huh, you sure this is a job? Most people would pay fortunes to study there.
?: I assure this won't be a privilege. *fizzle*
Shiki: Right. So what do I do there?
?: *fizzle* When the time comes, you will protect your classmates, every single one. This is vital, *fizzle*. You will also accomplish tasks for me if I require it.
Shiki: Protect? But I'm an informant…
?: Any physical prowess will be of little use to you when *fizzle*. Your expertise in finding secrets and spreading misinformation will keep them safe.
Shiki: I suppose that makes sense. And what will my reward be?
?: *fizzle* You're scared *fizzle*, you hide it well, for hiding is your talent, but deep down you know you're just frightened, regardless of how you try to burry that thought. Do this for me and I promise, you will never be afraid again. *fizzle*
Shiki: …Yes. I believe you. You have never been wrong, *fizzle*. Flesh and blood is all we are, but if I can dispel this fear… I accept the job *fizzle*
?: Yes. Go to Hope's Peak, protect your classmates and complete any minor task I may give you. One more thing, from now on, your name will be Nakahara Shiki.
Shiki (?): Yes.
(Screen) What could this mysterious conversation mean? Find out after Graduation!
My head hurts…
'When the time comes, you will protect your classmates…' Did someone know this would happen? Was I sent to prevent any murder from happening?
'You're scared…' I am? I… suppose I am. There are too many things I don't understand, it frightens me. And there are others…
'You have never been wrong…' I know… knew the person. Someone I trust. Someone I trust? I don't know… I don't know…
'… from now on, your name will be Nakahara Shiki' What does that mean? Who am I?
Why did Monokuma show me this? He gave me this DVD despite having gone through the trouble of wiping my memories. What is he trying to do? A 'motive'? I suppose… I don't want to be afraid… No! One thing at a time Shiki. The others must not know. Tension is high. The students will be on edge. They won't trust me. My video is different from theirs. I need to hide this, fit in, until I can understand what my 'motive' really means.
I turn to the see how my peers are taking the situation. Most of their reactions stay rather consistent. Fear, anger, disbelief. Not a good sign…
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Maizono screams, storming out of the room. Balls, it's happening.
"Just let her be" Togami suggests.
"I-I can't just ignore her! I'm going to go look for her!" Naegi says, rushing out of after Maizono.
Ludenberg frowns "Can't everyone just do as they please? The world won't end if we're not all marching in step. I, too, shall be doing as I please. Farewell…" She leaves. The others seem to agree. I suppose it's for the best. Roughly half the students disperse soon after. First thing first though, I approach Kirigiri. She's one of the two people here whom memories Monokuma feel were threatening.
"What was in yours?"
I see something on her face for a second, something resembling rage, or perhaps fear? It's hard to tell. "It's not important…"
"We agreed on things Kirigiri"
"And I suppose you will tell me what's in yours?"
Fair enough. "…no. Not now at least. Not here. I understand, I'll ask again later when it's appropriate" She's still the most suspicious one here.
"Yes, that would be for the best… Perhaps I'll tell you one day"
"Perhaps. Take care Kirigiri. Keep your door locked tonight"
She simply nods. I doubt anyone else would be willing to share anything today, not that I'm interested in most of theirs, it's how they're taking these motives that matters. Now, a plan, someone will be very, very tempted tonight. The first night is the worst. Let's be prepared.
I spotted Ludenberg as I was heading to my room. I'm shooting for the stars here but still…
"Any chance you'll tell me what was on yours?"
"Any chance you will?" She replies with a smile. I've been here before…
"He threatens me with my family's safety"
She simply turns away, smile unfazed, but somehow it seems a lot less pleasant. Should have known better than to try pulling that shit with The Liars' Queen herself.
"It's not like I could have told you anyway Ludenberg. I don't understand it myself"
She turns around, looking momentarily confused "Could you say that again?"
"…what?"
"Could you please repeat what you've said Nakahara-san?"
"Um… I don't understand what exactly he showed me"
This surprises her "You're either telling the truth Nakahara-san, or you're a damn good liar. I'd much rather it be the former, competitions are growing for us liars you see" Then she leans forward in her signature creepy way "Tell me more"
Dug my own grave right there. Might well, I have her little secret to use if she ever betrays me… though I'd much rather it doesn't come to that "A secret for a secret Ludenberg?"
"Fine, Nakahara. But I'll warn you it's not worth much" Ludenberg actually looks… disheartened saying that. Or was that actually Yasuhiro?
Deep breath. "You remember when I met you at the school's entrance? That, and every thought that crosses my head during that time, is all the memory I have left. I can't remember anything that happens before I come to Hope's Peak as well as, you know, everything that happens after. It is likely that Monokuma is responsible for my amnesia, but I can't really be sure. The video I got was simply a conversation between me and someone who hired me to come to the school to 'protect my classmates'. I do not know what this means exactly… so yeah…" silence follows. Don't make this awkward Ludenberg "You're the only person here who knows that right now so I'd appreciate your discretion Ludenberg"
She lets out a sigh "You're in an interesting situation Nakahara, I envy you. Mine just reminds me of the shadow of that dull girl, but very well" and it's almost as if Ludenberg was replaced by Yasuhiro right then and there. It's a rather strange feeling. I could almost imagine her hair clips disappearing entirely "It was my family"
"…I beg your pardon?"
"It was my family"
We went through this already… "Okay, what else?"
"Something happened to them"
"That's it?"
She shows a bitter smile "Yup. That's it. Not even my problem is interesting heh?"
Master of Tact Shiki.
"Um… sorry"
No response. Let's not go through this again.
"You wanna talk about it or something?"
"Why?" Good question. Guess I'll just try being more direct.
"What was your family like?"
"Me"
"Eh… what does that mean?"
"They're as boring as I am"
Of course she'd say that "Were you close to them?"
Yasuhiro just shrugs.
"Okay… I guess there isn't really all that much to go on"
Neither of us said anything for a while. "Tae-chan…" Yasuhiro whispers something, almost instinctively.
"…what?"
"Nothing"
"Tae-chan?"
She furrows her eyebrows "I didn't say anything"
"Hahahaha... I can just see it now. The doting parents and their little princess, Tae-chan, who is so sick of her ivory tower, she ran away and start adventuring. Heh heh, that's frighteningly plausible"
It's frighteningly accurate, her face seems to suggest (at least it does in my mind) "Leave me alone Nakahara…"
That made me smile, "Heh. I guess that's as cheerful as I can make you. That's that, good to see you again Yasuhiro. Take care" I turn away, before remembering something "Oh yeah, if you don't mind, can you go knock on my door before curfew?"
"Why?" she quickly reverts back to her deadpan face.
"I'll stay out all night tonight. Someone's bound to attempt murder after the whole 'motive' thing. I want to know which one to watch out for"
"Aren't you going to sleep?"
"I'll sleep now"
She appears to consider this, that is to say, she's completely silent for a while, eyes still staring. "I guess I can do that much" What's there to think about? Although I think it disturbs me even more that she didn't even question me about breaking her own curfew rule.
"Right. See you Tae-chan ~" that earned me a frightening glare from her. Heh heh, Yasuhiro is fun to tease.
With that over with, I head to my room in a slightly better mood. Let's get some decent sleep, tonight will be a long night…
Nakahara Shiki's (?) Notes – Day 4 (early) Report:
Survivors: 16
Facts:
. Monokuma provided everyone (presumably) with videos concerning what happened (?) outside the school.
. Maizono's video said her band disbanded for some reason.
. Ludenberg/Yasuhiro's video was about her family.
. My video was about a conversation I had with a person who (presumably) I knew.
Notes:
. Monokuma says what he wants is despair
. Most of the students reacted badly to their videos. Maizono's reaction was the worst.
. My video implies (!) the following: I was sent here to protect my class; I know and trust the person who gave me the job; Nakahara Shiki is not my real name; I was (am?) very often afraid of something.
. I'll need to be careful tonight. The students may act rashly.
. I will stand watch tonight, here's hoping that doesn't get me murdered.
Knock Knock.
That would be Ludenberg. I open the door.
"Ludenberg"
"Nakahara-kun"
Or not… That's Yasuhiro right?
"Thanks" I leave the room, closing the door behind me "You can go back to your room now. Make sure to lock the door"
She simply stares at me, before handing me a book and a cup of coffee.
"…what's this?"
"A book, a cup of coffee"
Not this again… "I see. Why are you giving me these?"
"It will be a long night"
Good call. "Heh. Should have thought of that. Thanks a bunch. This isn't something Ludenberg would normally do"
"Celes wouldn't" Yup, Yasuhiro.
"More importantly, how did you get your hands on these? I haven't seen any book lying around"
"The coffee came from that the Monomono machine. The book came from Monokuma"
"…How did you get Monokuma to give you the book?"
"I asked him"
That's… pretty impressive "And he just gave you the book?"
"He'd see more despair if he can get us to feel a false sense of comfort first"
"Ha! Sounds like something Ludenberg would say"
"She did"
"Indeed. Thanks again, I'll get through the night a lot better with these. Night, Yasuhiro" I said as I round the corner and sit down. This is a good spot. I will be out of sight to people coming out of their room but will still be able to hear footsteps. I'm rather proud of my hearing so I should be able to know if someone leaves their room tonight, although I would need to come up with an excuse as to why I was out of mine. Everything in order. I open the book Yasuhiro gave me. Comic book? Huh… it actually looks pretty dark. Good call Yasuhiro. I start reading while slowly sipping my coffee. Wait a second…
"What are you doing Yasuhiro?"
"Reading" and indeed she was, sitting at the opposite corner to me with a book of her own.
"Wrong question. Why are you out of your room Yasuhiro?"
"Because I can't stand watch in my room"
"Why are you standing watch Yasuhiro?"
"It makes more sense to have two people standing watch. We'll be less likely to be murdered out here, and I'll be able to make sure you don't use this opportunity to your advantage" She's saying all this without ever taking her eyes off her book.
That makes sense actually. "Fair enough, but what about sleep?"
"I slept"
"What if someone attempts to murder one of us?"
"I'll hide"
"What if you get bored?"
She waves her book at me.
"This will be a lot more effective if it's done in silent"
Yasuhiro looks straight into my eyes "You're concerned about me talking too much?"
"Point taken" No sense complaining. After all, I like this a lot better than sitting out here alone in the dark "Thanks, this means a lot. It's rather sweet of you, Tae-chan~"
She pulls something small and white out of her pocket and flicks it right at the middle of my forehead.
"Ouch! What the hell was that Yasuhiro?"
"Crumpled up papers"
"Wrong question, why the hell did you do that?"
"You were being stupid"
"You prepared a bunch of paper just for that?"
"Yes. I anticipate you being stupid a lot in the future"
"Haha. That sounds like something you would do Tae…" she reaches into her pocket"…ko Yasuhiro"
Yasuhiro gives me a glare but that's it. Dodged a bullet right there. What a tsundere... I thought as I get back to my book. This thing is pretty interesting actually…
Footsteps. It's happening already? I signal Yasuhiro to keep quiet and peer around the corner.
Maizono was leaving her room, looking nervous. She slides a note under Kuwata's door after briefly checking the hallway (I ducked back around the corner obviously) before proceeding to knock on Naegi's door. Naegi, being the trusting moron that he is, lets her in.
"I told you she was unstable. You should have stopped her right there" Yasuhiro said as soon as we made sure the door was closed.
"We can't be sure what she's trying to do yet. That note she left was strange. I don't think she'll kill Naegi, at least not yet. Let's wait for now"
She nods, and we got back to our respective spot, waiting with our books out again. A few minutes later, Naegi leaves his room without Maizono, and enters her room using her key. Roughly ten minutes after that, Maizono enters the hallway looking even more nervous than before. She proceeds to swap the nameplate on Naegi's room with the one on her's before going back to Naegi's room, now with her nameplate on it.
"I see" I said, after making sure the doors were closed once more.
"They're not just switching rooms are they?"
"Doubt it, what with that note to Kuwata from before"
Yasuhiro sighs "The girl's quite sloppy. I can only imagine how many things can go wrong here."
"So who's going to deal with Kuwata? Assuming this is what we think it is"
"You do it" she gets back to her book, already bored with the whole murder plot.
Around half an hour later, Kuwata leaves his room, looking rather excited. Yasuhiro nods at me. Fine… I thought, standing up and approaching Kuwata nonchalantly.
"Kuwata"
"NA-Nakahara-san. Haha, what are you doing this late outside your room?"
"I left something outside so I went to get it" I show him the book Celes gave me "Well what are you doing outside your room?"
He appears to think of an excuse, before giving up entirely "Haha… you got me" Kuwata scratches his head, whispering "Truth is, Maizono invited me to her room dude. You understand what that means right? You gotta let me in man" he has that boyish smile on his face. If only you know what she has in store for you Kuwata.
"Heh. Congratulation Kuwata. As a fellow healthy young man I'll have to let you take up that offer…" his face brightens "…IF, you do me a favor"
"GAH. What is it?"
"Tell her Nakahara said hello. That's all. Let that be the first thing you tell her, and I'll let you go"
Kuwata seems confused "What the hell man? Do you know how weird that is?"
"No? I guess Maizono and you can't meet then. We all agreed on Celes's curfew you see" not that she gives a toss about that.
"Ugh fine fine, I understand, I'll tell her"
No, Kuwata, I don't think you understand. Let's try something else... "You had a party with a few friends a couple of months ago didn't you? My research told me that has been a rather… eventful event for you…"
All the blood drains from his face in a second "W-What are you talking about man? H-How do you know that?"
I smile.
"OKAY OKAY I'LL TELL HER, PROMISE" Good enough.
I pat him on the back "Good man. Remember, first thing you say: 'Nakahara was outside and he said hello'. Have fun Kuwata" your life may depend on this. You'll only yourself to blame if I find you dead tomorrow.
"Ugh… yeah… See ya" he said nervously as I enter my room. I get back out after a while and come back to my spot.
"Good job" Yasuhiro said, her eyes still on the book.
I nod, and just like that, we both went back to reading our books. My initial impression of her was right on the money, she picks the most bizarrely fantastic stuffs. I'm afraid I might be too immersed in this thing to be able to effectively watch out for sounds. This might be a problem. Now that I think about it…
"Why did you pick a comic book for me anyway?" I ask, curious.
"Because I got a manga" that's her reasoning?
"Would it not make more sense to also get me a manga?"
"You seem like the kind of person who would enjoy western things more"
That somehow makes sense "You might be right. Maybe we can swap once we each finish ours" I peek at her manga "oh Christ you're reading some weird shits"
A crumpled up paper was flicked directly at my forehead. She's really skilled at this. I let out a small chuckle and get back to reading. Yasuhiro is really absorbed into her stuff isn't she? Her eyes are glued onto the pages and she reads very slowly. Occasionally she even turns back a few pages to see something again. So she likes this kind of stuffs huh...
"Why are you staring Nakahara-kun?"
"Um… no reason" Real smooth…
She frowns, "Do what you want, I don't really care"
"Super High-School Level Tsundere ladies and gentlemen"
Yet another crumpled up paper found its way to my forehead. Haha, this is amusing. This is a lot better than I thought it would be actually. The prospect of sitting out here until morning becomes a lot more bearable. Perhaps I wouldn't even mind doing this more often. Her presence really helps. Really appreciate this Yasuhiro. Well that's enough of that. I want to continue with…
…I hear a door opening. Yasuhiro's still reading her book, unconcerned. Is she expecting me to deal with this as well? I peer over the corner…
…and something flies straight at me, wrapping itself around my face. WHAT THE HELL? It feels like a towel but I can't really tell for sure, it's blocking my vision. Footsteps, very, very fast footsteps. This person is dangerous…
"NAKAHARA!" Yasuhiro screams "Who…" Then there was only gagging sound. Something's happening to her. This thing… THIS FUCKING THING.
"Yasuhiro? What happened? ANSWER YASUHIRO!" I shout, fumbling with the thing on my face. Finally I got it off…
…and a hand reaches straight for my eyes, pushing my face down to the floor, once more blocking my sight. Who is this? He's strong, and very fast. A murderer? I feel a hand on my neck, squeezing. I can't breathe… is this it? The last thing I heard was the person clicking his tongue…
And then something hit my head…
And then there was nothing...
No one makes sense.
No one ever makes sense.
It's human nature. People are irrational, impulsive, incomprehensible.
I can understand secrets. Secrets are concise. I can categorize them, label them, use them, measure their worth.
But people, people are strange. I categorize and label them, but I know it's a superficial thing I do, for there are as many categories as there are people. I use them and measure their worth, but they hate me for it, despite them clearly doing the same thing to each other.
I don't understand them, and I don't think any of them truly understand each other, I don't think any of them understand themselves.
People scare me.
I'm a person, so that scares me too.
So I imitate them. Learn their way. Pretend to fit in. And I get by.
But I still don't understand.
Flesh and blood is all we are. So why can't I understand them?
But this is a dream so it's okay. Nothing needs to make sense in a dream. It's okay. I'm safe.
This is a dream right?
I don't understand. I'm scared.
I hear voices…
"SOLDIER, GET UP!" that would be Ishimaru…
"N-Nakahara-san…" Fujisaki perhaps?
"Rise and shine Nakahara" that's Ludenberg.
"Hello" I said.
"Heh heh. You're the man here and you were out way longer than I was. What do you have to say to yourself Nakahara-san?" Ludenberg chides.
I shrug, still on the ground "Perhaps the culprit was being a gentleman to the lady"
"More importantly" Ishimaru jumps in "Explain yourself. Why were you two out here? What kind of deviant activities did you two participate in? I will not let this slide"
"We were here to check whether anyone would attempt murder tonight, after the whole motive thing" I answer.
"And any deviant activities we took part in is purely our own business" Ludenberg adds with a smile. Don't listen to her guys…
"And you didn't consult with the rest of us?" Ishimaru ignores Ludenberg, while Fujisaki is clearly flustered over her suggestion.
"So the murderous ones among us can hide themselves for a few more days?" I answer.
"I believe we all agreed on the curfew. In fact, you came up with it yourself Celes"
"That rule was made so that I can see who would break it" Ludenberg answers nonchalantly.
"You two did"
"Evidently" we both said.
"M-More importantly…" words of wisdom Fujisaki "Why were you two unconscious?"
"Good question. Ludenberg, why were we unconscious?"
"My guess is as good as yours. The culprit grabbed my face and pushed it straight to the floor. Clearly a gentleman as you've suggested"
"I see. This might be a problem"
"Don't think you two will get away with breaking the curfew" fuck's sake Ishimaru "I…"
Then there was a scream. Yup, that's a problem. We rush over to see what it was. Standing in front of Hagakure's room was Asahina, looking like she's about to vomit. "T-The door was opened. S-so I l-look" she mumbles, pointing at….
…Hagakure, lying on his back, his throat slit open, blood still dripping out. The room, in contrast, is almost completely untouched. Hagakure's face was one of mild shock, his corpse seems almost untouched. His death must have come quick. The killer must have been efficient. Seems my effort was in vain. Today one of us died. But that's not what's important, what's important is, today one of us killed. The murder is among us, and with one death, he has one foot out of the school already.
One of us killed. Someone here is responsible. There must be justice. I must have a name. Yes.
"Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong. HOORAY! We finally got a corpse! Gather in the gymnasium whenever you're ready boys and girls"
Ishimaru looks sick, our leader isn't so tough under certain circumstances after all. Fujisaki looks like he's about to cry, this one is predictably squeamish. Ludenberg looks worried, and perhaps a bit spooked, but mostly keeps her composure, the Gambler among us plays with her cards close to her chest. None of them said anything. What was there to say? Fact is simple. One of us died. One of us killed. One of us may be free. We can't have that. I won't have that. I feel nothing for Hagakure, he was just another student, but the culprit must pay. The culprit must die. Yes. That is just. That is how it must be.
It was a sickening sight… is what a sensible person would have thought. I, on the other hand, feel little. It's simply a body, we all die at some point, and if someone is to die first this one is as good a choice as any. No matter who we may be, how great we are, how much we care, we all arrive here at some point. After all flesh and blood is all we are.
What the hell is wrong with me?
First blood! (Yeah I'm a terrible person XD) This chapter was a lot longer than usual, for better or worse. Please leave reviews if you've got time.
Expect next chapter to take quite a while.
