Karasu Kanashimi
Chapter 8
Disclaimer: This is not profit and I do not own Harry Potter or Danganronpa (games, animes, or mangas). They belong to their respective owners. Some or Most of the lines of the danganronpa characters were taken or based on lines in Danganronpa Animation English Dub, Danganronpa Trigger Happy Havoc, or the Harry Potter movies.
Shoutout to: No one! :'(
No one entered. I thought it might be kinda cool if I did something like this. Oh well.
She was creeping along a dark corridor. As she crept along she could hear the parchment crinkling from within her robes. She stopped and gently nudged a door open and slipped inside silently. She was in the girl's loo. She crept into one one the stalls, where a blue fire was lit beneath a cauldron. She tossed aside a blanket and picked up the nearby book and flipped through the pages.
She stopped and smoothed out the page. Animagus potion. She held up her stick-wand-and whispered, "Lumos." She held the wand in her mouth as she copied down the entire page, underlining "Repeat 'Amato Animo Animato Animagus' at sunrise and sunset daily and right before taking the potion." "Hold mandrake leaf in mouth for 31 days." "Only consume potion during lightning storm."
"Nox," she whispered and her vision went dark.
Karasu's eyes shot open. She dashed over to the door and hurled it open and locked it behind her. She checked the time on her digital notebook; it was 6 AM. Only one hour until Taka would head to the cafeteria for breakfast. She hoped to hide school store until then but when she spotted the unlocked bath, she changed her plan.
'It would be easier to hid in there since I won't have to change into a human just to open the door,' she thought and darted inside. A moment later she was a bird, lying in wait for Taka to wake up.
A door creaked open. Karasu froze. That couldn't be Taka, it's too early and he's stuck a stickler for rules. Curious, she peered around the corner to find Byakuya, walking purposefully towards the school.
'I have time… I can see what he's doing and be back before Taka wakes,' Karasu decided before she ran after him. She was able to silently stalk him until he climbed the staircase to the second floor.
'I can't jump that high!' she thought panicked, 'I need to fly… but the sound of flapping wings might alert him… what if I just used my wings to propel myself up?'
She hopped and flapped her wings once and easily landed on the next step. Repeating the process-timing it so she would climb one step with every step Byakuya took. She made it to the top without incident just in time to see Byakuya step into the library. He shut the door behind him, effectively preventing her from following him into the library.
'Okay, he must be reading right? I can't think of any other reason he could be in the library…' Karasu thought indecisively. She couldn't decide whether to watch Byakuya or to return to her post. Ultimately, she figured that Byakuya wasn't reckless enough to murder so soon and returned to the bath.
After restlessly waiting in the bath, the announcement finally sounded.
*Ding dong, bing bong*
No sooner than when the bell rang, doors were slammed open and was slammed shut. She was almost positive it was Taka and was surprised to find that Chihiro, Hina, Sakura, Kyoko, Celest, Mondo, Hiro, and Hifumi. Fortunately they were chatting amongst themselves. She easily made it into the cafeteria without being spotted-she was almost spotted by Kyoko though.
"...Get ready to greet another beee-yutiful day!" Monokuma finished his good morning announcement, "Oh, that's right! I wanted to let you know that your e-Handbooks have been updated! New regulations have been added, so please take a look and enjoy your school life more than ever before!"
'I'll have to check that later…' Karasu noted idly as she darted underneath tables.
She made it into the kitchen without being detected. She then launched herself into the air and flew out, landing on a table close to the door. Through the glass, she could see Makoto as he walked towards the cafeteria.
He opened the door and Karasu took off; she could feel Kyoko's gaze on the back of her head. Makoto yelped and ducked as she soared over his head and into the bath. She as soon as her feet touched the floor she was human again; she reached into her bag and whipped out the photo and set it on the ground. She transformed back into the bird and picked up the photo in her beak.
Pushing off the ground, she soared towards the cafeteria again. To prevent Kyoko from getting too suspicious, she crashed into the glass with a loud THUD.
Hina got up and opened the door. "You poor-," she froze, "Guys… it's got something…"
Hina reached down to pick it up. Karasu, being the bird she was, dropped the photo, snapped at Hina's fingers, and flew away. She turned right and flew past Taka, who was hammering away at Byakuya's doorbell. She turned left and landed before her dorm room door, transforming back into her human self.
As quietly as she could, Karasu slowly turned the handle…
"KARASU! YOU'RE LATE!" Taka announced.
...and flinched then turned to face Taka.
"Sorry…" Karasu mumbled, "I just got up."
Taka eyed her messy hair and nodded. "Alright, just join everyone in the cafeteria," Taka ordered and walked down the hall-presumably to get the King of Tardiness out of bed.
Karasu had never been more thankful that her hair always looked like she had just gotten out of bed.
She passed by Taka again on her way to the cafeteria. She found Hina just where she left her, crouching at the cafeteria entrance. Karasu came to a halt in front of Hina, waiting for her to move on her own-and to see the results of her scheme.
But Hina was frozen solid; her gaze locked on the photo.
"Hina," Karasu asked worriedly, "What's that?"
"I… don't… know…" Hina replied softly; she looked bewildered. She was under the impression that everyone met each other for the first time after they were trapped here. If that was true then how could this picture exist.
Karasu bent down beside her as Sakura came running over. "Are you alright Hina?" Sakura asked.
"Come on Hina, let's show this to everyone," Karasu commanded gently as she tugged on Hina's arm.
"Show us what?" Sakura asked curiously. Karasu gently tugged it from Hina's grasp and held it up for Sakura to see.
"What!?" Sakura shouted in alarm. Everyone jumped up in alarm. Karasu calmly ushered Hina and Sakura back to the group.
"Hina, found this…" Karasu explained and placed the photograph on the table for everyone to see.
"What the hell!?" Mondo yelled.
"Huh?" Chihiro made a sound of confusion.
"The bird had it…" Hina whispered softly, yet everyone could hear her.
"Mondo, Chihiro, what is the meaning of this?" Sakura asked through narrowed eyes.
"It seems… familiar, somehow?" Chihiro muttered to herself.
"I have no fucking idea! I think I woulda remembered taking a pic with that son of a bitch!" Mondo ranted angrily at the accusation.
Toko snarled, "Like we are supposed to b-believe that! Now spill! When and where did you meet Leon and Chihiro!"
"I didn't, I just met the dude here at Hope's Peak!" Mondo shouted furiously.
"Stop," Kyoko commanded firmly, "This photo might just be Monokuma's way of turning us against each other. We have no reason to believe that this image is genuine."
"We also don't have a reason to believe that it's fake either. Maybe…" Kasura hesitated.
"Spit it out!" Mondo demanded.
"Maybe… we are just forgetting something?" Karasu said gently. Obviously, Karasu wasn't the only one who has amnesia. This suggestion was met by huge protest all around the room. It seemed like the others did not share her sentiments. Once again, Kyoko's voice cut through the upset chatter.
"Honestly, I think that bird was acting strangely."
"Oh, how so?" Celeste asked pleasantly.
"At first the bird acted like it knew the glass was there but then later it crashed into it. And almost immediately after it left, it returned with the photo. And I don't see any bird droppings anywhere. There's something up with that bird." Kyoko finished.
"Are you sure you are not mistaken?" Celeste asked skeptically, but just by looking deep into her eyes Karasu knew she was unsettled as well. By both the bird's-her-behavior and by the photo.
"I've learned to trust my instincts and if my instincts says there is something up with that bird...I investigate until I find the truth. Simple as that," Kyoko stated, "May I hold onto the photo?"
"I see nothing wrong with that," Sakura agreed, looking pensive.
'Crap… Kyoko's onto me… And this didn't go as I hoped either… In fact, I think I made things worse… Is that why Monokuma let me go… Because he knew I would fail...' Karasu thought as she made a face. She heard footsteps coming from the kitchen and turned to find Hifumi carrying a tray come closer as the gentle aroma of tea grew nearer.
"Thank you for waiting!" Hifumi announced as he approached Celeste. 'Hifumi, she's playing you like a fiddle,' Karasu sighed and shook her head at the thought. It was true; She knew manipulation when she saw it. In fact, she dared to say she can be fairly manipulative herself if she needed to be.
"Hmhmhm. Finally…" Celeste sighed happily.
"You c-could've made some for the r-rest of us, you know…" Toko commented. Was that her way of asking for a cup?
"I emphatically decline! You're not my type at all!" Hifumi declined energetically, "Hmhm...It's all about the law of causality, basic instinct, act and react!"
Toko growled angrily.
"Well then, if you don't mind…" Celeste "asked" as she smiled and held the cup delicately.
"...Wait," Celeste said as she tilted her head to the side, analyzing the contents. Evidently, she didn't like what she saw because she threw the cup as hard as she could at the wall.
The sound of breaking china echoed around the room. Karasu flinched.
The sound of breaking china echoed around the room. "You bitch!" a woman shrieked and grabbed a fist full of her unruly hair, "That was my mother's china! Are you incapable of doing anything right?"
"I just couldn't reach that high Aunt Petunia," she said softly in hopes of warded off the coming storm. Her efforts were in vain; her family hated her for as long as she remembered. Aunt Petunia dragged her by the hair and threw her into the cupboard, locking her in.
"No meals for a week!" she screeched and left Karasu alone in the dark to cry all alone.
"I HATE this kind of tea!" Celeste snarled.
"U-Umm...I don't understand…" Hifumi mumbled in confusion.
"Imagine we are at a coffee shop-just any normal, everyday cafe. I sit down, and I order some tea. They then ask me, 'Would you like lemon or milk?' Now, further imagine that I replied, 'Ah, yes, I would like milk tea, please' In this case, along with my tea they may bring me a small container of milk, yes?" Celeste walked everyone through her line of thinking, "But this is not for me! I am among those who prefer the milk to be part of the process from the outset! The fragrance is just so overwhelmingly sweet that way...Adding milk or lemon right before you drink is like dousing your fries in ketchup-mere condiments! Whenever looking for a cafe, I first review their menu to see if it offers the proper style of milk tea. And I cannot acknowledge any 'milk tea' that does not add the milk during the brewing process!"
'I… I don't know what to say… How do I respond to this!?' Karasu asked herself, shocked.
"Umm… I went to all that trouble to make you that tea… and you wanted me to go even farther?" Hifumi asked, bewildered.
"Yes, I realize it can be a bit of a hassle… Even in cafes that offer proper milk tea, it is always more expensive than simple tea with milk. It takes more time to prepare, surely, but… why even bother creating a menu if you are not going to offer the highest level of quality!?" Celeste argued.
"Well, um… we don't actually have a menu…" Hifumi pointed out dumbly.
"That does not matter. Hurry up and bring me what I asked for, swine!" Celeste shouted angrily. Meanwhile, Karasu's hands were shaking violently.
"WHAAAAAT!?" Hifumi shrieked, "O-Okay! Your little piggy will bring it right out!"
"Hmhm. I do so love coercion," Celeste said pleasantly, as if nothing had happened.
"You were like...a totally different person just now," Hina exclaimed.
"Yeah, shit… you really went psycho there," Mondo growled quieter than usual.
"Hmhmhm…" Celeste chuckled good-naturedly. 'Why am I shaking so much? Celeste isn't like her!' Karasu folded her arms and gripped them tightly. At that moment, Taka burst through the door.
"Bad news, everyone! There is a mystery afoot!" Taka announced.
"Huh? What happened?" Hiro asked. 'This is about Byakuya, isn't it?' Karasu wondered idly.
"It would seem Byakuya refuses to leave his room!" Taka explained, "I stood there pressing his doorbell over and over, but he never showed himself."
'Called it!' Karasu cheered silently; in near hysterics.
"Maybe he just… wasn't there," Makoto proposed.
"I'd like to think so. But I'm worried something might have happened to him," Taka said fretfully.
"Pfft…" Karasu couldn't hold it back anymore. She laughed like a madwoman. Everyone took a step back in alarm.
"Karasu!" Hina exclaimed in alarm, "You didn't…"
"No… I… Didn't…" Karasu managed to say between fits of laughter, "It… Just… Funny… The Ultimate Affluent Progeny… Murdered? Ha! Please… No more..." She sobbed.
"I-It might be a good idea if we all split up and go look for him," Makoto said. He looked worried, but had no idea how to comfort her.
"Ah! I was just about to suggest the same thing!" Taka announced.
"Stop trying to one-up e-everyone…" Toko muttered rudely.
"Okay, then I'll go check his room one more time. I'm just gonna keep on hammering that button til I get a response!" Hina volunteered.
"Very well, then the rest of us can go check the rest of the building," Sakura stated the obvious.
"Yeah. Before it's, y'know… too late," Hiro murmured nervously.
Not to long after that everyone scattered throughout the building; Celeste stayed in the cafeteria, waiting for Hifumi to return with her "proper milk tea". Hina should be by Byakuya's door. Byakuya should still be in the library.
Karasu sat there crying for… hours? Minutes? She didn't know. All she knew was that she was startled out of her pity party by Makoto's surprised shout of, "Byakuya!?"
Karasu just let her feet carry her up to the second floor and into the library. She found Byakuya sitting in a chair with a cup of coffee, reading "The Potters' Mysterious Demise."
"Hey, uh… what are you doing?" Makoto asked.
"I'm fishing. What does it look like I'm doing?" Byakuya snarked back, "I'm trying to read. So if you could be quiet…"
"Oh...sorry," Makoto apologized, "Wait, no-What are you doing here? Everyone's super worried! We've all been looking for you!"
"Who asked you to do that?" Byakuya asked.
"B-Because… we're all supposed to meet up in the morning and eat together. We made a promise!" Makoto explained.
"A promise…?" Byakuya muttered then sighed, "Can't I get a second's peace and quiet around here?"
He snapped his book shut, and slowly stood up, like a shadow. Meanwhile, everyone else hurried over and swarmed Byakuya like a moth to a flame.
"Byakuya! So this is where you've been hiding!" Taka shouted.
"The heck are you doin' here, man?" Hiro asked.
"We were very concerned…" Sakura said simply, looking relieved.
"Well you had no reason to be. I was just reading," Byakuya said simply, "I've never read such a… coarse novel before, but it might just prove useful at some point."
"Wh-What were you reading?" Hina asked curiously.
"A mystery novel," Byakuya replied, "This one is based on a real mystery that even the best detectives couldn't solve."
"W-Wait, so are you gonna use what you're learning in there to betray us!?" Hifumi asked nervously.
"Don't be stupid," Byakuya stated rudely.
"Yeah!" Makoto cheered happily.
"It's just something to keep in mind," Byakuya said while smirking.
"Yea-what?" Makoto cheered/asked.
"If I decide to fight, of course I'll come up with something original," Byakuya promised, "Otherwise, this game of ours will be totally boring, right? It's not often you get to take part in such a high-stakes, high-tension activity. So if you're going to do it, you have to make sure it's entertaining. Mhmhmhm..."
Byakuya stood there smiling, like he was enjoying himself; enjoying this 'killing game'.
What the fuck do you mean, "game"!? That's fucked up!" Mondo yelled.
"But it *is* a game," Byakuya said mockingly, like he was talking to an infant, "It's a game of life or death, which can only have one winner. That's all there is to it."
"He is right. It's a zero-sum game," Celeste agreed.
"Huh?" Makoto grunted in confusion.
"It is a part of game theory, a mathematical model," Celeste began to explain, "In game theory, what we are going through now is called a 'zero-sum game.' In this type of game, in order for one person to gain something, another must lose something. In other words, it is a situation in which participants must compete for position or resources."
"You mean like… a kind of elimination match," Sakura stated in understanding.
"Entrance exams, sports tournaments, job openings-most social interactions fall into this category. Everyone must scramble to obtain something which is limited. For you to succeed, someone else must fail," Celeste provided some more examples, "This also applies to the school life we have been subjected to here. In this case...our 'limited resource' is that only one of us can successfully become the blackened."
"Hey, Monokuma, what if two people successfully kill someone. Theoretically, we would have to determine the blackened for each murder. But if we were to guess incorrectly about 'whodunit', then no one will graduate," Karasu asked, "What countermeasure do you have?"
"Should that occur I will prevent a second 'blackened' from committing the crime!" Monokuma said from behind Hiro, who jumped in fright, "I add that to the regulations right now!"
The bear vanished and everyone's notebook chimed.
Regulation 9: The ending of digital notebooks is prohibited.
Regulation 10: Only one blackened can be tried at one time. Monokuma may prevent additional blackened for appearing.
"Basically, this game was designed from the beginning to force one of us to try and defeat all the others," Byakuya summarized.
"Th-That...that can't be what they had in mind!" Makoto cried out in denial.
"This is why adaptation is so crucial," Celeste explained, "If those who want to escape were to disappear, there would be no reason to continue playing the game."
"But why would I want to stop playing? It's so much fun…" Byakuya asked mockingly with a cruel smile.
"It sounds as if you do not acknowledge even the possibility that you may lose, am I right?"
"Of course."
"You do not speak like the others. Exactly what I would expect from the Togami heir apparent."
"...It's just normal arrogance, isn't it?" Hiro asked dumbly.
"You talk like that, but what if you end up dead!?" Hina shouted challengingly.
"I won't. It simply isn't possible," Byakuya stated simply, almost arrogantly.
"Who the fuck do you think you are!?" Mondo demanded angrily.
"You know, I still just can't believe it…" Byakuya said.
"Believe what!?" Mondo asked, cracking his knuckles.
"That an uneducated, brain-dead, useless piece of garbage like you has survived this long."
"I'm gonna fuckin' kill you!"
"Like I said. I won't die."
"You keep saying that, but-" Hiro tried intervene before things get bloody.
"Do not bother argueing with him. For him, the concept of losing simply does not exist. He is the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, after all-a boy raised to succeed from the day he was born," Celeste cut in, "He considers victory his destiny, and has lived his life accordingly. Tests and challenges are merely ways for him to stand victorious. Even if it is a life-and-death situation… Is that not so, Byakuya?"
"At least one of you seems to understand," Byakuya… praised?
"It is because I am the same as you. Games are meant to be won," Celeste pressed on.
"Are you trying to suggest we're on the same level? Close that vulgar mouth of yours," Byakuya snapped.
"Well, well. I do apologize," Celeste backed down, her point made.
"Anyway, let me just say this to all of you. You all need to try harder. If an opponent isn't going to give it their best, where's the fun for me?" Byakuya asked.
"We don't exist just to keep you entertained," Karasu snarked, giving Byakuya a taste of his own medicine.
"That may be true… but you succeed anyway," Byakuya countered. Karasu bowed mockingly, a knowing look on her face the irked Byakuya to no end.
"Th-That's a terrible way to look at it…" Chihiro said, nearly in tears.
"Hmm?" Byakuya grunted.
"This… isn't a game. Our lives are on the line, you know…" Chihiro complained, "To kill your own friends is...is… It's horrific!"
"Friends? Who decided that?" Byakuya asked. Chihiro made a sound of confusion. "We're not friends. No, quite the opposite. We're in competition-we're enemies."
"B-But...you know…" Chihiro tried to stand up for herself.
"But what? Stop trying to force your contradictions on me and just accept what I'm telling you," Byakuya demanded, annoyed.
"U-Um…"
"Yes? If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, keep your mouth closed."
"... I-I'm sorry…"
"Hey, shithead! You get off on bullying people that can't fight back? You wanna try that on me!?" Mondo yelled.
"So, you're back to pretending to be friends, huh? And how long do you think that;s going to last?" Byakuya challenged.
"Fuck you!" Mondo cursed.
"Is that all you can say?" Byakuya mocked, "It's unfortunate you would waste your breath on such empty gibberish."
"That's it! You're fuckin' dead!" Mondo shouted, tired of dealing with the arrogant boy.
"H-Hold on! Just calm down!" Hina shouted as she got in between Mondo and Byakuya.
"You should get better control over your temper. You might find yourself doing something you'd regret otherwise," Karasu advised.
"Like your one to talk!" Mondo shouted back, "And, I AM calm!"
"How is *this* 'calm'!?" Hina demanded.
"Anyway… I don't have any intention of working with the rest of you any longer," Byakuya began, "To cooperate during an elimination game is… Well, frankly, it's a waste of time. And I hate wasting my time."
"Waste of time…?" Makoto asked.
"Engaging in 'friendly' group meals is out of the question. Someone could easily poison our food. And I'd rather not become part of the Last Supper just yet," Byakuya commented.
"Quit talking like you're in a fuckin' movie or something!" Mondo growled.
"All I'm saying is that, ultimately, you are all free to do whatever you want on your own. Good-" Byakuya was about to leave when he was cut of by Karasu's shout of, "Are you sure cooperating is a waste of time."
"Of course it is, why wouldn't it be!?" Byakuya spun around irritably.
"I mean, such a lowly commoner such as myself wouldn't know the first thing about zero-sum games but… wouldn't TIME be a limited resource as well? Wouldn't refusing to cooperate with other actually be counterproductive?" Karasu asked, "When working together, we can search the entire school in less than a day. But of course, you're welcome to spend who-knows-how-long searching the school be yourself."
"I-" Byakuya began, only to be cut off by Karasu yet again, who raised her voice.
"I mean surely you can ask us later about our search but then again, I could withhold some tidbit of information," Karasu threatened, "I am not above such petty things. I'm certain you realize how… dangerous… being uninformed can be. The name Leon comes to mind. While Mr. Byakuya Togami may be confident in his chances, us commoners aren't-that is why we promised to meet up each morning for breakfast, after all."
"What are you getting at?" Byakuya asked cooly, eyes flashing dangerously. Karasu smirked inwardly.
"I certain that Mr. Byakuya Togami can solve any murder mystery even if the killer destroyed some evidence-I never doubted that-but I can't help but wonder if I could do such a thing. It sounds soooo~ hard! And if we aren't convinced, well, Mr. Byakuya is only one vote… need I say more?" Karasu continued, "Anyhoo, I'm certain Mr. Byakuya has thought of this already… Oh dear, it looks like I wasted Mr. Byakuya's time-he hates wasting time-So sorry!"
She had an insane glint in her eyes as she stormed up to Byakuya.
"So-"
She opened the library door.
"Scoot-"
She grabbed Byakuya by the wrist and dragged him out of the library.
"Along!"
She slammed the door on his bewildered face; she braced her body against the door.
Byakuya pounded on the door. "We are not done here-"
"Tra la la la~, I can't hear you! Tra la la la~" Karasu sang.
Byakuya screamed in frustration and stormed off.
"Was he serious about all that…?" Hiro asked.
"He was, without a doubt," Celeste affirmed, but she looked pensive.
"We will find out tomorrow~!" Karasu sang as she clapped her hands together excitedly, looking quite pleased with herself.
After the rather eventful morning, Karasu and the others went their separate ways. She was wandering around the second floor, checking the areas she hadn't had time to search earlier. She didn't miss much, just the archive, pool, and two classrooms.
Checking to see if the coast was clear, she turned into her bird form and slid between the grates and flew up to the third floor. She swiftly navigated the third floor until she found the stairwell to the fourth floor. She slipped past.
Karasu began her investigation of the fourth floor on human feet. 'No reason to check the windows… It's likely that a fall from this height will injure or worse, kill… knowing Monokuma, he probably has guards outside to prevent escape so if you aren't dead but injured you're as good as dead…' Karasu paused mid mental analysis, "...But I could probably easily escape…'
Suddenly, she felt alone. Alone is this great big world. She had no idea where she belonged, what she has lost, and if she even still had friends outside.
'...All I know is what happening here and now, and I'm not about to abandon my friends in this hellhole!' Karasu promised herself. She made a right and stopped by the first door she came across.
*Rattle rattle*
It was locked so she moved on to the two classrooms. There was nothing that stood out to her; she made her way to another room-this one was nearby the fifth floor stairwell. It appear to be some sort of potions lab-where did that come from? It's obviously a chemistry lab. It stocked full of dietary supplements, reagents, and poisons.
'No use worrying about it now… no one but me has access to it right now…'
Karasu turned around swiftly and walked out of the room. She turned left-away from the stairwell to the fifth floor-and then turned right. She entered the room full of desks with flowers in vases on them.
'All of the teachers are dead… aren't they. That's why the flowers are there, isn't it,' Karasu thought. She had no way to confirm this but somehow, she knew it must be true. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted another photograph laying on the floor.
It was another one of those strange photos with one of her deceased classmates and two others who were still alive: Sayaka, Celeste, and Hifumi. Celeste was blushing and crying at the same time and Hifumi running away-or trying to-with a camera in his hand. Celeste hands were frozen just before she could grab hold of Hifumi's head while Sayaka laughed in the background.
'Celeste did the same when her dress was ruined…' Karasu noted, 'And Hifumi must've taken a picture of Celeste underwear in this photo…'
She lunged,snatched up the photo, stood up, turned around, and walked briskly out the door. She felt she should keep this; But she also felt like there was no reason to share it with the others. Karasu walked purposefully towards the last room she had to check, the Principal's Office.
*Rattle rattle*
'Of course, it's locked. It's the Principal's Office!' Karasu mentally chided herself. Another thought floated across her mind and her eyes widened in surprise then narrowed in suspicion.
'If Monokuma is the principal and the Principal's Office is locked… why was that other room locked?' She wondered as she dashed over to the other locked door. The Data Processing Room. The most likely place the security cameras across the school provide real-time footage of their activities.
'That,' Karasu thought idly, 'must be where the mastermind is. After all, Monokuma said he watched Sayaka's murder happen in real time.'
Karasu reached out and knocked on the door gently. Nothing happened. "I know you're in there, Mastermind."
She couldn't see what was going on behind that door, but she could rely on her other senses to fill in the gaps. She listened intently as the sound of gentle footfalls crept farther away and the soft click of a lock.
"What do ya want!?" Monokuma roared angrily from behind. Despite the fact Karasu knew he would do that; she still jumped in fright, instinctively.
"Not much really, just thought I'd say hello. Goodbye," Karasu said and shifted into her bird form and flew off towards the fifth floor. She heard Monokuma shriek in rage and mutter something about talking to him through the door. But she did learn one tidbit of useful information: the mastermind couldn't watch and control Monokuma at the same time.
She didn't remember much about the fifth floor. All she knew was that whatever she found was that whatever happened in that room was horrifying, despair-inducing, and possibly bloody. Karasu laid her back on her bed as she tried to recall the details of the fifth floor.
The was nothing unusual about the first two classrooms, dojo, and botanical garden. But there was something off about the third classroom Something she couldn't explain. So Karasu had skipped it and moved onto the Bio lab. The door was locked and cool to the touch. Karasu doubled back to the third classroom. The hair on the back of her neck prickled as slowly opened the door.
*Ding dong, bing bong*
"Mm, ahem, this is a school announcement. It is now 10 PM."
Karasu's eyes widened. She barely stopped a scream from escaping her lips. Instead, a pitiful whimper betrayed her. She really should have expected something like this. Blood splattered all over the walls, outlines of bodies-dead bodies-it fit perfectly with the horror-movie-theme Monokuma had going.
"As such, it is officially nighttime. Soon the doors to the dining hall will be locked, and entry at that point is strictly prohibited. Okay then...sweet dreams, everyone! Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite…"
She was safe. Safe from the horrors of the fifth floor. Safe in her bed. All Karasu could remember about the fifth floor was red. Blood red. 'Maybe I should revisit it tomorrow...the shock would have worn off by then…' Karasu thought, 'But still… is it even possible to escape? The entire facility seems to designed to keep us in...or something out?'
Karasu shook her head ruefully. It would be a waste of time thinking about it now. At this rate she could-and would-talk herself in circles. If only someone could pop up and help them all escape. Pop up…
Karasu jumped up suddenly. That was it! All she had to do was say his name and he would come running.
"Dobby!" Karasu called out into the empty room. No response. She called again, knowing it probably wasn't going to work if he didn't respond the first time.
"Dobby," Karasu called out again-softer than before.
CRACK!
"Miss Potter called! You called Dobby! Dobby thought Miss Potter had forgotten Dobby. Miss Potter hasn't called Dobby in two years!" A short creature-covered in various woolen objects, such as socks, hats, scarves, and a maroon sweater that was obviously too big for him-wailed.
"Gah!" Karasu shrieked in fright and tripped over nothing. She landed on her behind with a soft thump.
The creature-Dobby Karasu reminded herself-gasped and practically tripped over himself to help her to her feet.
"Dobby didn't mean to startle Miss Potter! Dobby didn't!" Dobby cried out, horrified.
"It's okay, I know you didn't mean it," Karasu said before she froze.
'He can get me out of here! He seems to have known me before...He might know where my friends, my family are!' Karasu thought greedily. 'But can I really leave my new friends to fend for themselves? Can I live with myself knowing what will become?'
"Dobby! There are 15...12 others trapped inside this building. Can you round them up and take them somewhere safe?" Karasu asked desperately. 'No, she couldn't just abandon them after all they had been through!' Karasu knelt before the creature and clasped her hands over her chest. "Please!" She cried and feeling rather silly kneeling before the creature and yet still towering over him, bent over until her forehead touched the ground.
"Waaaaah!" Dobby wailed. "Miss Potter! You are bow-"
Dobby stopped speaking abruptly. Karasu looked up, curious to see why he had held his tongue, just in time to see blood dribble down his chin.
Author's Note: I AM BACK...ish! Sorry for the late update. My computer broke-I am using a friends computer to publish this-and was unable to write or update. However, I will keep writing the story offline and when I get a chance to type it up, I will publish. Expect irregular updates from now one. Favorite and Review!
