Fanganronpa: Village of Despair

by Luke Storyhammer

Monokuma is back to his diabolical antics once again in a brand new Killing Game, locking up Umeko Hirayama - a girl with no memory of her past life or talent - with fifteen other SHSL students inside an inn located in his diabolical Village of Despair. A Danganronpa fanfiction with an original cast, written as a cross between a story and videogame script.

11. In The Belly Of The Beast, Daily Life 1

Legend:
Narration/Description
Italicized - Umeko's thoughts
[CG] Description [CG]
[CG] End [CG]
[[flashback]]

[[flashback]]

Mysterious Voice: [static]...operation is to…[static]...and test the…[static]...of the…[static]...intelligence. Operative will be inserted into…[static]...grounds for…[static]...experiment until its completion or the…[static]...is compromised. Okay, we're good. Cut the network and…[static]...stay connected to the feeds and observe…[static]...field at all times. Over.

[[end: flashback :end]]

With a start, my eyes flew open and I jerked awake in my bed, gasping out loud.

That strange voice...it spoke for even longer this time around! Those dreams I've been having...that voice in the static...they can't just be...dreams, can they?

No...they're definitely more than that. I wouldn't hear the same voice three times in my dreams if it didn't mean something. That...had to be some sort of clue. Could it...could it possibly be...a memory?

I scratched the rat's nest that was my tousled hair as I swung my legs out from under the covers and moved to the bathroom.

All I keep getting are questions with no answers. There's no point in deliberating over this...try as I might, I can't force my stolen memories to come back. I can only hope that they return gradually…

Right now, that mysterious voice is my only clue, and the only tether to my past life that remains within me.

'Splash!'

I stared at my face in the mirror, at my sunken cheeks and haggard face, watching as droplets of lukewarm water dripped down my cheeks. I hadn't gotten much sleep last night after witnessing the deaths of two of my classmates.

Things like that usually tended to keep one tossing and turning till the wee hours of the morning.

The events of yesterday continued to swim around in my hazy mind, bringing back memories of fear, grief, anguish and indignation.

[[flashback]]

Wakako: [scared] Help! Someone! HELP!

Nagatomo: Don't. Trust. Azuma.

Taro: [angry] He was part of the gr-group, and we just w-w-watched him die in fr-front of us!

Monokuma: How would you react if I told you…[laughing] I've taken away more than two years' worth of memories from you!

[[end: flashback :end]]

Yeah...it hadn't been a good day.

As I left the bathroom, on impulse, I stared right up at the security camera in the room, watching my every move. Snarling, I gave it the middle finger, and felt a rush of vindication.

That's for Kenji. That's for trapping us all in here, and forcing us to become killers.

I looked around the room. I'd grown accustomed to the smell of Wakako's perfume by now, and it had also begun to subside a little.

None of what happened yesterday might've happened if Nagatomo never made it into a room with a fireplace in it.

My fireplace…

It was because of my own damn fireplace that he got the chance to kill Kenji…

No. That's stupid. Wakako might've switched with him anyway, and he still would've had the means to commit the murder. It's not like it had anything to do with you.

What's happened has happened...and I have to accept it and move on.

I'd woken up before the Morning Announcement thanks to my fruitless sleep and fragmented dreams. Deciding there was no point trying to fall back asleep again, I decided I would head out and go to the Lounge first, and wait for the Dining Hall to be unlocked so I could have breakfast.

Maybe I would try making breakfast today. With the flies' presence the last few days, cooking anything good or hygienic had been almost impossible.

I was looking forward to eating something hot and tasty.

Leaving my room, I was surprised to see someone already out in the hallway.

Azuma: [uncomfortable] Hey, Umeko.

Umeko: Yeah...hi.

I didn't know what to feel about Azuma right now. On the one hand...I'd always felt a strange, unexplainable connection to him since the very beginning. He'd been extremely supportive of me during the Class Trial and had helped me nab Kenji's killer.

But...Nagatomo's last warning...I just couldn't get it out of my head.

What did he mean when he said he knew what I was? Was he referring to my talent? How did he know before I did? And what did he mean when he told me not to trust Azuma? Why shouldn't I trust him?

Nagatomo may have been a snake, but I was inclined to believe that he knew a lot about what was going on. For him to have known the organization behind our imprisonment...he clearly knew a lot about our situation. So what was it that he knew about Azuma, that he felt I shouldn't trust him?

I was severely conflicted. I didn't trust Nagatomo to begin with and now…his final words were haunting me.

Azuma: [worried] You don't seem well. Are you ill?

Azuma's concern...it felt sincere.

You know what? Forget Nagatomo. He lived in a shady world with shady people. But I believe in Azuma, and I believe in all of us as a group. We're not going to get out of here together if we suspect and distrust one another.

And so I resigned myself to giving Azuma a chance.

Umeko: It's just...ya know...what with everything that took place yesterday…

Azuma: [sad] Yeah...it's rough. You don't have to say any more.

I must still have done a bad job hiding how troubled I still felt, because he seemed to see it on my face.

Azuma: [sad] Hey, listen...I know things are pretty bleak right now. But...I wouldn't believe everything Nagatomo said last night.

Umeko: H-Huh?

Everything Nagatomo said…? Did...did he overhear…?

Azuma: [worried] I know he said that no one would come to rescue us, but I have faith that's not the case. It's like we've said before...no matter how vast the organization behind our kidnapping may be, they can't erase our existence entirely. I'm sure everyone has loved ones out there and people who care for us who want us back.

Umeko: Oh...Oh, that's what you meant…

Azuma: [happy] Especially with influential people like Eizo and Shizuko! I have confidence that there are people out there worrying for us. And I have plenty of talented agents on my team. They must be busy searching for me too. It'll only be a matter of time till we find a way out. We just need to stay hopeful and keep the peace until then.

I want to tell him that it's hard. It's hard, to have hope, when things seem as hopeless as they do right now…

But he looks so earnest...I can't burst his bubble. I guess...I should at least try.

Azuma: [sad] Kenji...wouldn't want you to give up hope.

Umeko: ...Kenji?

Azuma: [thoughtful] I can't speak for the guy on other matters, but...I could tell he really did care for you. That much, at least, was obvious. He would want you to stay strong in his absence and to not let his death get you down.

Umeko: Yeah...yeah, I suppose you're right.

Azuma: [happy] Don't feel so down, alright? You did good, yesterday. [sad] You were able to avenge his death. You did everything in your power to make things right by him, and...I'm sure he appreciated that.

Umeko: Hey, um…

Azuma: Yeah?

Umeko: I was doing some thinking last night…

Azuma: What about?

Umeko: Since...we now know that we've all lost at least two years' worth of memories…

Azuma: Mhm.

Umeko: That...could explain why...you and I…

Azuma: [thoughtful] ...seem to have some unexplainable connection?

Umeko: Yeah.

If we've all been classmates for almost two years and remember none of it, that could be a possible explanation as to why I've had such a strong feeling of familiarity towards Azuma. Just like how Eizo and Hanako gravitated to one another and didn't realize that it was because they used to...used to be a 'thing'...that might also be why I've been feeling so strongly that I knew Azuma from before.

Azuma: [thoughtful] I suppose that's the most likely explanation for now.

Umeko: Well...what else is there? I guess you and I must've...been...close, before all this.

Azuma: [happy] Heh. Maybe.

His eyes met mine and I blushed a little. Hoping he couldn't see it in the dim lighting, I tried to change the subject.

Umeko: You...wanna go to the Lounge and wait for the Morning Announcement?

Azuma: Sure thing.

We began walking down the corridor to the stairs, but Azuma stopped short and held out a hand.

Umeko: What's wrong?

Azuma: [thoughtful] Look.

I followed his gaze and peeked around the corner. There, standing silently by the wall where Samira had painted her mural, was Eizo. He seemed to be lost in thought, and hadn't even heard us approaching. Azuma and I stood and watched as he let out a deep sigh, then I realized he had a bucket in his hand, and it was sloshing around with water.

We stood where we were as Eizo slowly put the bucket down, bent over and dipped a sponge inside. He straightened up and began to scrub away at the wall, wiping away the devil horns and other crude illustrations he'd vandalized Samira's mural with yesterday.

Even now, I couldn't believe Eizo had been the one behind the vandalism. Yoshihiki had been teasing him when he'd said that Eizo was a stickler for the rules, but he'd had a point. Eizo was all about his rules and regulations and punctuality and keeping the group cohesive. It didn't seem at all right for him to have been the one to have committed such a petty and childish offense.

And here he was, wiping away the vandalism he'd claimed to have created.

Hanako: Eizo.

I drew in a sharp breath as Hanako appeared out of nowhere without warning, walking up the stairs to where Eizo was.

Eizo: [disappointed] ...Hey.

Hanako: I want the truth.

Eizo: [shocked] Huh?

What is happening here?

Hanako: I know you didn't do this. There's no way you could've.

Eizo was silent for a while, looking down at the sponge in his hand with such a melancholy, depressed look on his face, I almost expected him to start crying and use it to dry his tears.

Hanako: This isn't like you. You wouldn't have done something as stupid as this. Yoshihiki or Fukumi, I can believe. But you? Don't insult my intelligence. Just who are you covering up for?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] I…

Hanako: …

Eizo: [uncomfortable] …

Hanako: [annoyed] Fine. Don't tell me.

Eizo: [shocked] Hey, wait!

As she turned to walk away, he reached out and grabbed a hold of her hand. She shot him an icy stare and he quickly let go of her.

Eizo: [nervous] Sorry, I…

Hanako: [annoyed] Talk.

Eizo stuttered for a moment, and part of me actually felt like walking away from the scene so I didn't have to witness this awkward conversation any longer. It was like we were intruding on something private.

Eizo: [uncomfortable] I...I don't know.

Hanako: You...what?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] I...don't know who did this.

What?

Hanako: [annoyed] What do you mean, you don't know?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] I mean, I don't know who vandalized Samira's mural.

Hanako: Then why did you take the rap for it yesterday?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] …

Hanako: Were you just trying to move the trial along?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] No, it's not that. It's...I say I don't know who vandalized the mural, but...at the same time, I do.

…?

Hanako: [confused] …What?

Eizo: [distressed] Listen. After I got done yelling at Ichiro, I was angry. I don't know what I did at that time. I just remember feeling like I wanted to yell at something or someone to get my anger out. And the next thing I know...when I come to my senses, I'm standing in front of this wall with a can of spray paint in my hand, and the whole thing's been vandalized.

Hanako: [uncomfortable] …

Eizo: [worried] Does...does that unnerve you?

Hanako: [worried] No...I just…

Eizo: [nervous] I-It's probably nothing, I mean...people do that, at times. Plenty of people get mad...they lose their cool, and they appear to 'blackout', almost, and once they regain their senses, they find that they've lost control and done something hurtful or mean or rash that they never meant to do in the first place. It happens...that's probably it.

Hanako: [worried] I... [bored] Well...if you say so.

Eizo: Yeah. I do. Let's just...drop this, okay? Regardless...it must've been my fault. It has to have been. Why else would I have had the can in my hand? I was the only one awake. So the logical conclusion is that, yes, I was the vandal. And I'll pay for my own mistake.

Eizo returned to washing the wall, and Hanako snorted.

Hanako: [bored] It isn't all that nice of a mural anyway.

Eizo: [disappointed] ...You don't have to say that to try and cheer me up.

Hanako: [shocked] What? That's not what I-

Eizo: [disappointed] The woman's the SHSL Street Artist. Her artworks are legendary. This piece is beautiful, in its own way. And I've ruined it entirely.

Hanako: [annoyed] ...Fine. Whatever.

She turned to leave again and Eizo cried out.

Eizo: [shocked] H-Hey! Wait! Look, I'm sorry...can we talk?

Hanako: What about?

Eizo: [nervous] ...You know.

Hanako: [uncomfortable] …

Eizo: [embarrassed] We should...talk about...that picture.

Hanako: I don't want to.

Eizo: [nervous] But...if it really is true…

Hanako: [annoyed] I said: I don't want to talk about it.

Eizo: [shocked] Hanako…

*ding dong bing bong*

Monokuma's Morning Announcement began to play, and Hanako took the opportunity to leave.

Hanako: Be down at the dining hall on time. I'm making breakfast today.

Eizo: [shocked] Oh, uh...okay. No worries.

She left hurriedly, as Eizo sighed and went back to work on the mural. Hanako had completely usurped the authority of the SHSL Commander. I couldn't help but feel that it was she who really wore the pants in this relationship.

Umeko: Azuma…

Azuma: We should go too.

We stepped out into the light, and Eizo turned as we arrived.

Eizo: Oh. Hey, you two. Heading down for breakfast?

Umeko: Y-Yeah…

He saw the look on my face, and his own face dropped.

Eizo: [disappointed] You heard all that, didn't you?

Umeko: Oh! Uh...n-no…? Not...all of it…

Eizo: [disappointed] You don't have to lie, Umeko. I can see the apprehension in your eyes.

Azuma: Eizo...what you said about the mural…

Eizo: [annoyed] Look, you didn't hear anything. Just forget about it, alright? We have enough problems to deal with.

Umeko: But…

Eizo: [nervous] It's just...lack of sleep! I've had to stay up more nights than anyone, and...I've been under a lot of stress. That's all. That's really all there is to it.

I suppose...I can't argue with that…

Eizo: Go downstairs. Hanako will be there. I'll join you guys when I'm done cleaning up here.

I guess there's no more talking to him then.

[Move to: Dining Hall]

Hanako was there to greet us as we came in.

Hanako: You two holding up alright?

Azuma: About as well as expected.

Hanako: Here. I'm making sandwiches for everyone.

She slid a platter of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches over to the middle of the table, where Azuma and I each reached out to grab one.

Azuma: [disappointed] So...what are we doing today?

Hanako: [sad] I...went up to the Rec Room last night.

Umeko: Why?

Hanako: [uncomfortable] I wanted to check if Kenji's body was still there…at any rate, it had gone when I arrived. The whole Rec Room had been completely cleaned. No blood on the shield...no glass shards...nothing. Monokuma made quick work of the place.

Azuma: [thoughtful] More proof then, that this is the work of a large organization. There's no way that could've been done any time other than when we were in the Trial Room, and he was there with us throughout the trial.

Hanako: That much should've been obvious. The organization must have people watching us on the cameras.

Umeko: I'm just thankful they don't have cameras installed in the bathrooms.

Hanako: [playful] Wouldn't that be awkward.

Hey...I think she almost smiled there.

Just then, the doors to the dining hall flew open and Miyumi was storming in, looking cross. Taro was trailing behind her, looking flustered, and Yoshihiki was following behind them both.

[Track: watch?v=50yShkEarT4]

Miyumi: [angry] Ugh, just give it a break!

Yoshihiki: [playful] How can I? This is way too good!

Seeing us, he perked up.

Yoshihiki: [excited] Hey guys! You'll never guess what just happened!

Taro: [embarrassed] N-N-No! D-D-Don't tell th-them! Really, it's n-n-nothing!

Azuma: [nervous] Ahem...what's going on here?

Hanako: I wouldn't encourage him.

Yoshihiki: [excited] Well, I woke up this morning like I do every morning, ready for another stupendous day in this shithole of an inn...but I was totally not expecting to see what I saw as soon as I left my room! Go on, guess!

Taro: [embarrassed] N-No! Pl-Please don't say it!

Miyumi: [angry] You're so mean!

Yoshihiki: [playful] These two were totally making out!

Umeko: H-Huh?

Azuma: [shocked] Wh...what?

Miyumi: [angry] No, we weren't! Stop twisting it!

Taro: [embarrassed] Y-Yeah, that n-n-never happened…!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Okay, fine, all I saw was the two leaving Miyumi's room together. But hey, that might as well have meant that they were getting down and dirty!

Taro: [embarrassed] Wh-What? N-No! You're just making it w-w-w-worse!

Miyumi: [angry] Grr…! Stop it! You're such a liar, all you're doing is spreading stupid rumors!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Hehe...so you deny it then? Just so you know, I don't believe it for a second. A boy and a girl coming out of a room together? What, did you spend the night with each other?

Taro: [distressed] St-Stop it! Seriously! N-N-Nothing of the s-s-s-sort took place! I just…[sad] after what happened yesterday, I c-c-c-c-couldn't get to sleep, and M-M-Miyumi couldn't either…

Miyumi: [embarrassed] Yeah, I...offered that we could try reading something together to pass the time...since neither of us could go to sleep...th-that's all…!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Mhm, I'm suuuure that's all that happened...

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Hey! Lay off Miyumi! Stop teasing her! [as Nico] Yeah, you're just a bully! You're a bad boy and we hate you!

Yoshihiki: [disappointed] Aww no, the talking puppets don't like me? Such a shame.

Taro: [accusatory] H-Hey! You don't have to b-b-b-be such a j-j-jerk…!

Hanako: Alright, cut it out. Seriously...you're like children.

Yoshihiki: [playful] What's so wrong about being a child at heart? If we were serious all the time like you, Hanako, that'd be absolutely dreadful. No one likes a girl who's so serious all the time. Well...maybe Eizo does.

Hanako: [annoyed] You…!

Miyumi: [accusatory] You say that, but you don't have any friends either! [as Nico] Yeah! Loser!

Yoshihiki: [sad] Aw, you cut me real deep there…

For a moment, Yoshihiki looked away, and I thought I caught him...no, that can't have been it. He turned back around and he'd easily recovered.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Plus, I'm sure that's not true. Plenty of people love me! At least my friends are real and not a bunch of dumb dolls.

Miyumi: [angry] St-Stop making fun of me! [as Ms. Shortcake] That's it! You're gonna pay for insulting Miyumi!

Yoshihiki: [playful] What are you gonna do, bake me into a cake?

Eizo: [annoyed] Okay, knock it off.

Eizo stood in the open doorway, carrying the empty bucket in one hand. He came in, looking ticked off.

Eizo: [annoyed] Do you really have nothing better to do than to irritate everyone around you?

Yoshihiki: [snide] Well, duh. Look around! What else is there to do here? I gotta get my kicks in somehow.

Eizo: [angry] Two people died yesterday. Shouldn't you show a little respect?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Life moves on. What do you want me to tell you?

Miyumi: [sad] How can you say that? It's horrible! I'm still sad, just thinking about it!

Monokuma: [sad] Boo hoo hoo! I'm sad too!

Miyumi: [shocked] Ahhhh!

Taro: [distressed] Gah…!

Eizo: [distressed] Monokuma…

Monokuma: [sad] I'm the type who hates favoritism and prejudice...but Nagatomo had a soft spot in my heart! We had history together! I was kinda hoping he'd've lasted a little longer because I had so much in store for him. *sigh* Oh well…

Hanako: What do you want?

Monokuma: [confused] Wha…? Must I always have some secret agenda everytime I show up? Can't I just check in on you all? Maybe I missed you guys!

Eizo: [angry] You just saw us yesterday!

Monokuma: [laughing] Good point! I did! [angry] Oh, and I heard what Yoshihiki was saying about you two too!

He raised a claw in Taro's and Miyumi's direction and Miyumi clutched Ms. Shortcake even more tightly, shaking from head to toe.

Monokuma: [angry] I know you rotten teenagers are running on all sorts of crazy hormones and pheromones and telephones, but keep it in your pants! We can't have anything inappropriate happening on this trip! This is supposed to be strictly family-friendly!

Taro: [scared] Pl-Please…! We d-d-d-didn't do anything, I swear!

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Upupu...I know that. I have cameras, remember? Trust me, I was watching!

Miyumi: [shocked] You were?

Yoshihiki: [uncomfortable] Eww...what a pervert!

Monokuma: [embarrassed] I was making sure you two didn't get up to anything naughty! Good thing you didn't, or I would've really had to punish you!

Yoshihiki: [confused] Wait, is that really a rule?

Monokuma: Not officially. It's just a pet peeve of mine. Watching teenagers interact is so gross!

Hanako: [annoyed] And you're sure you don't have those cameras installed just for your voyeuristic pursuits?

Monokuma: [embarrassed] *pants* Wha…? N-No! I'm your headmaster! I would never!

Hanako: [annoyed] Right...Just like how I'm sure you don't have cameras in the bathrooms because of that, and not because the steam from the shower would just fog up the lens.

Monokuma: [angry] Hey, stop slandering my good name! I'm a good bear! A lovable bear! I would never get up to anything wrong like that!

Eizo: [accusatory] What the fuck are you talking about? You've already locked us up and forced us to murder each other to get out!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...not anymore!

Eizo: [shocked] Wh...what?

Monokuma: [laughing] That's what I came here to tell you! I'm going to open the door to the inn, and you all get to go free!

It felt like my world was closing in on me, and my heart began to beat faster.

This had to be a cruel trick. It had to be. He was going to dangle a carrot in front of us, then pull the rug out from underneath our feet.

There was no way he was just letting us go. No way. And yet...I couldn't help the sudden pang of hope that I felt rise up within me.

Miyumi: [shocked] You're...you're setting us free?

Taro: [excited] W-W-We did it, guys! We g-g-get to go home!

Eizo: [distressed] S-S-Seriously…?

He and Hanako shared a look. The suspicion was clearly evident on Hanako's face.

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...let's just wait for the others to get here and then I can make the announcement to the group as a whole!

Samira: No need. We're here.

Samira was standing by the doorway, and she led the way in, with the others following behind her.

Mordecai: [snide] Never fear! Mordecai has made his entrance!

Fukumi: [bored] I'm hungry...can I make breakfast?

Eizo: [distressed] Not now, and not ever.

Shizuko: [distressed] Did...did I hear that bear say what I think it said?

Monokuma: [laughing] Yes indeed! I'm here to set you all free!

Samira: [shocked] Wh-What?

Fukumi: [shocked] No way!

Mordecai: [shocked] Our captor...has released us…? Without an epic final boss fight? No heroes coming in to save the day? What a twist!

Fukumi: [excited] We did it! We're saved, everyone, we're saved!

Samira: [distressed] Hey, hold the phone! What's the fucking catch here?

Monokuma: [confused] Wha?

Samira: [accusatory] You're not doing this out of the kindness of your heart! What do you have up your sleeve?

Monokuma: [angry] You're not very bright, are you? I'm a bear! I don't wear clothes, so I don't have any sleeves!

Samira: [angry] Okay, that tears it!

[CG] Samira Lunges At Monokuma [CG]

Samira charged across the table to grab Monokuma and Mordecai, Eizo and Azuma quickly ran in to stop her, grabbing her shoulders and holding her back.

Monokuma: Ahh! Keep her away from me!

Samira: I'm gonna rip you to pieces!

Eizo: Calm down!

Azuma: He's just gonna punish you, it's not worth it!

[CG] End [CG]

Azuma held Samira back as she stomped the ground, furious.

Samira: [angry] Stop fucking with us!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...but I'm not! I'm telling the truth, as always! Are all of you always this naturally suspicious or what?

Ichiro: [annoyed] It's clearly a fucking trap. There's no way he'd just let us go…

Monokuma: Hey, I'm not lying when I say I'm gonna open the door to the inn. Then, you're free to head out and explore! What you'll find on the other side though...who knows?

Samira: [angry] You smug son-of-a-bitch!

Eizo: [annoyed] Alright, you've made your point. That's enough. Monokuma, if you're gonna do it, just unlock the door already.

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...excited to see what's on the outside of the inn? I am too! Let's go find out!

Monokuma ran off, and I shared a worried look with Azuma.

Umeko: This is going to be a trap. He's not gonna let us go.

Azuma: [thoughtful] Of course he's not. But he's letting us out of the inn, at least. Which means...he has to have something more for us on the other side.

Eizo: [distressed] Everyone, stick together and stay on your guard! We don't know what could be out there, and we have to be careful!

Kaori: [worried] Buddy - stay close.

The dog woofed in response, nuzzling Kaori's leg affectionately.

Mordecai: We must be prepared for what awaits us on the other side! There could be an army of demons lying in wait, to ambush us the moment we step over the threshold into the outside world!

Eizo: [distressed] I...don't think that's going to happen. But yes...we must be ready.

Fukumi: [excited] I don't care what either of y'all say, I'm excited! We're finally getting to leave! There's gonna be a way out of this mess on the outside, I'm sure of it! [happy] Just gotta stay positive!

Wakako: [sad] I wish we all had that kind of stupidly blind optimism…

Could this be…? He did say yesterday that he would be opening up new areas for us to explore...I shouldn't get my hopes up in case they get dashed. It wouldn't be as easy as Monokuma providing a way for us to escape beyond these walls.

It's like Nagatomo said. This organization is clearly more resourceful than we can envision. I wouldn't put it past them finding some way to make sure we cannot leave this place regardless.

All the same...I'm feeling the anticipation. This inn has been our home - and our prison - for a little over a week now. It'll do us all good to get out at long last.

[Move to: Lounge]

There was the inn door, as imposing as ever, immovable since the day we'd arrived. We all stood before it, waiting, surrounded by a tense silence.

Wakako: [nervous] So...now what?

Eizo: [distressed] We wait, I suppose.

Miyumi: [nervous] Taro...I'm scared.

Taro: [shocked] H-Huh…?

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] What if it's awful out there? What if we walk out and it turns out we're someplace horrid or scary? [as herself] I can't take any more scares after yesterday…!

Miyumi sniffed, and used the hem of Ms. Shortcake's dress to dry her leaky eyes.

Taro: [nervous] Um...d-d-don't worry. I'm sc-scared too, but...at least we get to leave. As long as we st-stay with the group...it'll b-b-be alright...

Wakako: [nervous] Hey, Azuma. I'm scared too. Can't I hold your hand?

Azuma: [shocked] Huh? [embarrassed] Um...yeah, sure, go for it.

Wakako reached in to grab his hand, and giggled girlishly.

Wakako: [playful] Your hand is so sweaty…

Oh brother…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Gimme a break…

Monokuma: Alright! Are you ready, kids?

Fukumi: [excited] Aye aye, Cap'n!

Shizuko: [annoyed] Why'd you reply him?

Monokuma: I can't hear you!

Fukumi: [excited] Aye aye-

Shizuko put her hand over Fukumi's mouth and shut her up.

Monokuma: [excited] Okay! Here we go!

There was a metallic whirring sound, and a beeping noise. And then...a click. The door swung open…

...and one by one, we stepped out of the inn.

[CG] The Village [CG]

Eizo: What...what the heck?

We'd stepped out of the inn, down a set of small stone steps...and emerged...onto a street. It was a village. It was lightly snowing, and the skies were gray and bleak. There were cottages lining the streets, looking like tiny little gingerbread houses with snow as icing, and a few barren trees spaced out alongside them.

The streets spread out in front of us, showing a twisting web of connected lanes, pavements and alleyways snaking their way through the village.

A couple lampposts marked a fork in the road up ahead, and in the distance, I could see what looked like a tall, concrete wall, and a gate set in the middle of it.

Fukumi: Whoa! Where is this place?

Wakako: Brr…! It's...it's so cold out here!

Kaori: It's...like a little...holiday...village…

Wakako: It's so romantic! Azuma!

Azuma: Huh? W-What…?

Monokuma: Welcome, one and all, to the Village of Despair!

[CG] End [CG]

Eizo: [distressed] Village...of Despair?

Monokuma: Mhm! This...will be your new home! Quite an upgrade from the inn, if I do say so myself.

Samira: [shocked] What the fuck…? We were in this village the whole time?

Wakako: [shocked] And there, I thought the inn was too small...out here...it's such a wide open space! How big does this village go?

Monokuma: Hmm, who knows? You should go explore! Right now, we're standing in the North Sector of the Village!

Umeko: The...North Sector?

Monokuma: This is your reward for finishing the first Class Trial with no casualties!

Samira: [angry] What the fuck were Kenji and Nagatomo then, background furniture?

Monokuma: [sad] Sacrifices had to be made for the greater good…[excited] And this is the greater good! A whole section of the village for you to explore to your hearts' content! Shall I give you a tour?

Eizo: [distressed] This isn't a vacation! Stop treating it like it's a...brr…!

Monokuma: I know! It's cold out here, isn't it? I just love the winter, because I get to hibernate and sleep for as long as I like!

Samira: [angry] I can put you to sleep right now, if you want.

Monokuma: [sad] You know, that almost sounded like a veiled threat…

Samira: [angry] It was a threat, you simpleton! You're not off the hook yet! I'll beat the stuffing out of you one day!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...anyway, I guess you guys can go check out all the facilities I've made ready for you all! I hope you like it!

Monokuma disappeared, and in the falling snow, he quickly blended in with the environment, even with half his body being black. Eizo turned back to the rest of us, looking like he was still having a hard time processing this change of events.

Eizo: [distressed] So...that happened.

Fukumi: [shocked] This place is insane! We've been in a village the whole time! You think there are any residents here that can help us?

Shizuko: [annoyed] Obviously not! Are you dumb? Monokuma wouldn't have made it that easy!

Azuma: [thoughtful] He said we're in the North Sector of the Village…

Hanako: Which means there may be more to explore. We should spread out, look for clues or methods of escape.

Wakako: [disappointed] Aw man, not again! We have to go all over the place, looking around again, just like last time? But that was soooo boring...

Azuma: It's best we cover as much ground as we can, in the hopes that we can find a way out.

Wakako: [excited] Yeah, you are so right, Azuma! I couldn't've said it better myself!

Azuma: [uncomfortable] …

Ichiro: [bored] Well, I guess I'll be off.

Eizo: [annoyed] Hey, hold on! I think it's best we go in groups, to be safe.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Safe? Safe from what, the snow? No one's gonna attack anyone now.

Fukumi: [confused] Wouldn't you want to go with someone, at least?

Ichiro: [annoyed] No. I'd much rather be alone.

Kaori: All I really need is to travel with Buddy.

Eizo: [distressed] Mmm...fine. Do whatever you guys want. But be careful! We don't know what's out there...let's meet back here in ten minutes, okay?

And just like that, everyone spread out, heading their own ways to see what interested them the most.

Well...this is an interesting development.

The inn we were just trapped in…

I turned around to look at it from the outside. It looked like an ordinary inn, except the sign on the top had been removed, and a crude drawing of Monokuma had been put in its place. There was also evidence of refurbishment; the door had been attached to bits of machinery, that had been installed all over the outer walls of the inn.

Monokuma...must have renovated this place for his own nefarious purposes…

If so...what else in this village has been changed to suit his diabolical 'game'...?

Let's see...right in front of the inn is a street with cottages lined on either side, stretching out all the way to the end.

I can see the stone wall in the distance, and the strange gate in the middle of it. The crossroads in front of me has a sign, that points in different directions. I can go to the Shopping District, or to the Amphitheatre.

Where should I investigate first?

[Move to: Cottages]

The cottages here were lined up on either side of the street. I counted fourteen cottages in all, seven on either side. That...would be enough for all of us, with Kenji and Nagatomo...gone.

I walked up to the first cottage I saw. It was locked, and I noticed it had a blank nameplate on it.

Are these cottages meant for us to stay in? I mean...I have no intention of returning to that inn anytime soon...maybe these are our new living areas…

[Talk to: Kaori]

Kaori was standing nearby, as Buddy sniffed around the cottages for anything out of the ordinary.

Umeko: Find anything?

Kaori: [bored] No.

Umeko: You...think these cottages are meant for us?

Kaori: Probably.

Umeko: There are enough for all of us here, with no vacancies. I counted.

Kaori: Cool.

Great conversation.

Kaori: I'll tell you if Buddy smells anything strange, though I doubt it.

On a whim, I walked over to a random house and knocked on the door.

Kaori: [confused] What...are you doing?

Umeko: Oh, just...I thought maybe...someone might...be...home…

Kaori: …

Umeko: You're right, it was stupid.

Kaori: Hey, you said it.

There's no way there's anyone in this village. Somehow, someway, Monokuma or the organization controlling him must have cleared the place out for our arrival.

It's just empty houses...empty streets.

[Inspect: Poster]

Huh? What's this?

I looked up at a poster that had been taped onto the wall of one of the cottages. It looked like one of those old-timey WANTED posters in Western movies. There was an illustration of an open mouth with fangs crudely drawn on it, with the following message below.

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

ROAMING VILLAGE

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

Umeko: What…? What is this about?

[Move to: Shopping District]

Here, there were several shops and other facilities along the street. I spotted a Supermarket, a Bakery, and a General Store.

[Move to: Supermarket]

The supermarket was filled with aisles and aisles of various groceries. It looked recently stocked - Monokuma must have replenished their stocks before letting us roam free out here.

At the back of the supermarket, I noticed a large door leading into a walk-in Freezer.

[Inspect: Poster]

Another one of these?

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

ROAMING VILLAGE

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

This time, the poster was stuck onto one of the shelves of canned foods.

What, is this a practical joke Monokuma's making?

[Move to: Freezer]

With a grunt, I heaved the imposing metal door open, as tendrils of white smoke seeped out all around me, making me even colder than I had been before.

Umeko: What...the fuck…

I was greeted by a mass of giant...bloody...pig carcasses. All large and sagging and frozen, hanging off hooks embedded in the ceiling…

I suppressed a moan of disgust and looked around the walk-in freezer. This was where they kept all their frozen meat. The walls were iced, and the floor too.

I shivered. It was absolutely freezing, even worse than outside.

[Talk to: Fukumi]

Fukumi: [excited] Ahaha!

Umeko: What're you so gleeful about?

Fukumi: [excited] Hey, Umeko! Check this out!

Grinning like an idiot, Fukumi leaped up into the air and wrapped herself around one of the large frozen pigs dangling from the ceiling. It shuddered on its hook but held her weight.

Fukumi: [excited] Wheee! This is fun! You should push me!

Umeko: P-Push you…?

Fukumi: [excited] Yeah! I bet these hooks can be moved. Let's go for a ride, Mr. Piggy!

Umeko: ...I'll pass.

Fukumi: [disappointed] Aw, you're no fun. Spoilsport!

[Talk to: Shizuko]

Shizuko: [scared] Ahhhhh!

Umeko: Gah! What? What is it?

Shizuko: [distressed] Look at these...these disgusting things…!

Umeko: ...They're just pigs.

Shizuko: [accusatory] You're just a pig!

...Well.

Shizuko: [scared] Why are they all just hanging from the ceiling like that? Blegh, it's so unsettling...brr…

Shizuko shuddered and hugged herself, looking green.

Shizuko: [distressed] First that damn attic and now this place. *sneezes* Why do I always find myself investigating the worst locations? My nose can't take this - I'm outta here.

Tossing her hair over her shoulder with an air of haughtiness, Shizuko left the freezer hastily.

She's not taking any of this well, is she? It's not so much the threat of murder that seems to be hitting Shizuko hard - she just doesn't seem at all suited to any conditions that aren't tailored for her excessively high-maintenance needs. I figured there would be celebrities out there who let their fame get to them a little, but the extent to which Shizuko's been pampered is blinding.

Well...there's one thing, at least, that Shizuko and I can agree on. This freezer is a little creepy.

[Move to: Bakery]

The Bakery was a small, quaint little store, with only a few baked goods sitting on shelves behind glass counters. The smell of freshly baked bread hung in the air, and for a brief but wonderful moment, I felt at peace.

Mordecai: [shocked] That...that smell! That toasty...doughy aroma…! Could it...could it really be? [excited] Aha! Ahahaha!

Ichiro: [annoyed] What's he on about now?

Mordecai: [excited] It is! I have once again found a purveyor of scrumptious baked delicacies! Forsooth, tis' a marvellous day!

[Talk to: Mordecai, Ichiro and Miyumi]

Miyumi: [excited] Ahhh! Look at all these adorable cakes!

There was a row of cupcakes behind one of the glass counters, and Miyumi (and Ms. Shortcake) were pressing their faces up against the glass, staring at them.

Miyumi: [excited] This one has such a cute strawberry pattern on it! [as Ms. Shortcake] I love it!

Mordecai: [excited] Prepare to be consumed, tiny cakelings! Your flesh is mine to feast on!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Ngh...they're just cupcakes. I don't see the big deal…

Umeko: Just like you could say Charlie's just a cactus?

Ichiro: [sad] Tch...come on! That was uncalled for...did you really have to go there?

Umeko: Heh...sorry. That was a joke.

Ichiro: [annoyed] ...Isn't the point of a joke to be funny? [distressed] Ngh...I can't believe I told everyone about Ch...Ch-Charlie right there at the Trial...so embarrassing…

Umeko: It wasn't that bad. No one made fun of you for it…

Ichiro: [annoyed] …

Umeko: ...much.

Miyumi: [excited] Umeko! Take a look at this!

Miyumi held up Ms. Shortcake, who in turn held up a delectable little cupcake with pink frosting, and on top it was a bride and groom, that appeared to have been carved out of white and dark chocolate.

Miyumi: [excited] That's so cuuute! And romantic! Don't you think?

Umeko: Do you like to bake, Miyumi?

Miyumi: [happy] Oh yeah, I used to love baking with my mom back home! It was one of my favorite hobbies! Where'd you think the name 'Ms. Shortcake' came from? Heh...if I didn't become the SHSL Ventriloquist, maybe I would've been the SHSL Baker…[sad] I miss my mom…

Umeko: Hey, sorry, I didn't mean to bring back bad memories…

Miyumi: Oh, don't worry, those were happy memories! I just…[sad] hope we get out of here soon so I can see her again. I'm sure she's worried sick about me…

Ichiro: [annoyed] I bet no one's missing me…

Umeko: Hey, come on. Let's not let this conversation get too depressing. We'll see our family members again…I mean, at least you guys remember your family, right?

Miyumi: Heh...yeah, you're right.

Mordecai: [happy] Mmm…! These pastries are simply delicious! What's…[shocked] Uwah…!

Miyumi: [scared] Whaa...?

Umeko: Mordecai? What's wrong?

Mordecai: [angry] Look at it! It's the devil himself!

[CG] Monokuma's Cake [CG]

Atop a silver platter, out in the open on public display, was a round cake, decorated with icing to look exactly like Monokuma's face.

Miyumi: It...It's him!

Ichiro: S-Seriously? The idiot baked a cake that looked just like him? How narcissistic can you get…?

Mordecai: This is no ordinary cake! The devil has concealed himself in the form of an innocent delicacy! How dare he…! How dare he taint the purity of cakes with his visage! Stand back! I shall vanquish this accursed illusion!

Umeko: Mordecai, don't-

'SMASH!'

[Track: watch?v=Yy0JuVXTcUw]

[CG] Mordecai Smashes The Cake [CG]

Without hesitation, Mordecai kicked his leg up and axe-kicked the platter to the floor, cleaving the Monokuma cake in two. Both halves of the cake - their black and white slices - splattered to the ground; chunks of cake and icing went flying in several directions, creaming the four of us.

Miyumi: Ahh! You got cake in my eye! [as Ms. Shortcake] And you ruined my dress!

Ichiro: You idiot! Weren't you overreacting a little?

Mordecai: You fools! I just saved your lives from the impostor posing as an innocent dessert! Had it not been for me, we would've fallen into the demon's trap!

Monokuma: Wh...What have you done? My beautiful face!

[CG] End [CG]

Monokuma appeared, wearing a 'Kiss-The-Cook' apron and a chef's hat, looking hopping mad.

Monokuma: [angry] Hey! What did you do to my cake? That cake was my masterpiece!

Mordecai: [shocked] Hkk…! It's the devil! He's back!

Monokuma: [angry] Devil?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Why am I trapped here with a bunch of idiots…?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] I'm no devil, I'm an angel! Or, at the very least, I'm half of each, as you can see! Black and white is in style!

Mordecai: [angry] Begone, foul beast! You shall not taint the purity of this sanctuary!

Monokuma: [sad] Aw, c'mon! I baked these cakes just for you guys, and you can't even show a little appreciation?

Miyumi: [shocked] These...these cakes were baked by you…?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Of course! Don't you just love them? I'll let you in on a little secret: baking's actually my closet hobby! I'm going to be the world's first bear baker! You'll see!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Can this get any more ludicrous than it already has?

Miyumi: [disappointed] I think I've lost my appetite…

Monokuma: [angry] Hey! I spent hours making some of these cakes, just for your consumption, you know? The least you could do is show a little appreciation!

Mordecai: [accusatory] You have made filthy the sanctity of these baked treats! For that, you deserve no gratitude!

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Whatever you say, buddy! I'm out! Enjoy the cakes!

Monokuma pranced off, and we were left alone in the bakery, covered in bits of cake and icing.

Umeko: Well...that was interesting.

Mordecai hesitantly licked some icing off his finger, and his face betrayed his surprise.

Mordecai: [shocked] This...is splendid!

Ichiro: [annoyed] What happened to the devil tainting the purity of desserts?

Miyumi: [thoughtful] Yeah, these are actually pretty tasty, still. [excited] Ms. Shortcake, we need to get to baking some of our own cakes! [as Ms. Shortcake] Yay! I can't wait, Miyumi! I want to bake a strawberry shortcake first!

Mordecai: [excited] So it seems my work is not yet done! I shall assist you in this endeavour, and together, we will make the best cakes this bakery has ever seen!

Ichiro: [annoyed] ...Okay, I'm outta here.

Umeko: Aw, come on, Ichiro, they're just having fun. Why not try your hand at baking? Maybe you'll find you actually kinda like it.

Ichiro: [embarrassed] Wha...me? Actually enjoy baking? That's a laugh! I'll pass.

Mordecai: Suit yourself. [excited] Come, Miyumi! We have a long and sugary road ahead of us!

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Hooray! To the kitchen!

Of all the things I'd expect Miyumi and Mordecai to bond over...I did not think it would be baking. Ichiro seems to have trouble just lightening up and having a bit of fun, though...but I guess I can't entirely blame him.

[Talk to: Ichiro]

Umeko: How are you holding up?

Ichiro: [annoyed] I'll be doing a lot better once we find a way out of here.

Umeko: We uh...never really got much of a chance to talk after...after the Trial yesterday.

Nagatomo admitting that he tried to kill Ichiro...because he was one of the weakest, and the least likely to be missed, because he isolated himself from the others…

It can't have been easy on him to have heard about how he almost wound up the first dead…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Save it, Umeko.

Umeko: H-Huh?

Ichiro crossed his arms, looking pissed off like he usally did.

Ichiro: [annoyed] I have a good idea what you're going to say, and I don't want to hear it. I neither want nor need your pity.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by that reaction...

[Inspect: Poster]

This again!

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

ROAMING VILLAGE

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

The poster was tacked onto the wall of the bakery this time, right above a platter of tiny cakes and chocolate eclairs.

Ichiro: [annoyed] I've seen those posters all over the place on the way here…

Umeko: You think this is Monokuma's idea of a joke?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Everything he's done has been calculated so far. I would be surprised if these posters didn't have some sort of purpose…

Umeko: I'm honestly surprised he didn't go the extra mile and draw himself into one of these posters.

[Move to: General Store]

The inside of the General Store was full of all kinds of various supplies. I spotted a section of the store dedicated to hunting supplies - containing firearms, bear traps, fishing gear and camping tools. There was also another section of the store containing cloth and fabrics.

Taro and Yoshihiki were by a counter of junk and random trinkets, and seemed to be arguing about something. Samira was roaming around, touching a couple things here and there but not really interested in anything in particular.

[Talk to: Taro and Yoshihiki]

Taro: [distressed] Ahh! Wh-What is this? What have you d-d-d-done to me…? Get me out!

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Hehe...wow! You really are way too gullible for your own good, dude. I'm nailing you with all the classics!

Umeko: ...Dare I ask what's going on here?

Taro: [scared] U-U-Umeko…! H-Help me!

Taro held his hands up, and I saw he had his two index fingers caught in what appeared to be an ordinary tube of paper.

Taro: [scared] I-I-I-I...I c-c-can't get out!

Yoshihiki: [playful] It's a Chinese Finger Trap! Every good prankster knows to use it on the most unsuspecting of victims.

Taro: [distressed] H-H-He said I'll b-b-be stuck in this thing f-f-f-forever! I'll have to cut my own f-f-f-fingers off!

Umeko: I...don't think it's that drastic.

Not to be mean, but just how naive can Taro get?

Umeko: A Chinese Finger Trap's just a novelty toy, isn't it? There's a trick to getting out of it. I can't say I remember ever having played with one before, but I know I know what it is from somewhere.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Isn't there anything in all those encyclopedias you've read that'll teach you how to get out of it?

Taro: [distressed] I c-c-c-can't think right now! I've never s-s-s-seen one of these for real before, or u-u-used it...Stop laughing at me and h-h-help me get it off! I can't have my fingers tr-trapped forever!

Yoshihiki: [disappointed] I guess it just goes to show what I've always believed in: street smarts are better than book knowledge.

Samira: [bored] Oh, for the love of - look, just get over here.

Taro was hyperventilating at this point. Samira stalked over and grabbed a hold of Taro's trembling hands. Slowly, she calmed him down, and eased his fingers out of the trap carefully.

Samira: The more you struggle, the harder it'll be to extricate your fingers. You just need to relax.

Taro: [distressed] I c-c-couldn't…! [disappointed] Th-Thanks, Samira…

Samira: [embarrassed] Hey, don't mention it. [annoyed] I don't approve of childish pranks either.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Hey, that sounded like a dig at me.

Samira: [annoyed] It was. How you find the humor to joke around in times like these, I'll never know.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Tell the truth. My jokes make things a lot more easygoing around here, and you know it!

[Talk to: Samira]

Umeko: What have you found so far?

Samira: [thoughtful] Well, as a General Store, it's stocked with a bunch of things but not everything you'd expect to have. For instance…

She took me over to the area of the store where all the hunting supplies were stacked. I ran my hand over a shotgun, hung over a wall plaque.

Samira: [annoyed] Look at all this. I have a feeling Monokuma left all these here to tempt us.

Umeko: Are these real guns?

Samira: No. These are all props.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Aw, but where's the fun in that?

Samira: [annoyed] These things'll probably still pack a punch! Look.

She lifted up a bayonet, and stabbed at the air.

Samira: This thing's no pinprick. You could seriously gash a person with this.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Ooh, tempting.

Samira: [annoyed] Shut. Up.

Umeko: And these…?

I almost made a move to touch one of the bear traps, but Samira lunged forward and grabbed my hand, pulling me back.

Samira: [annoyed] Be careful. [worried] You don't know whether Monokuma's made them safe or not. Those look pretty real to me.

Umeko: What else does this store have?

Samira: A lot of material for clothes. Check it out.

She took me to the aisle of clothing materials. There was a selection of cloths and fabrics available here, but also a selection of clothes and accessories, including winter coats, fur jackets, and hats. I spotted a bowler hat that looked startlingly similar to Nagatomo's, and it brought back sad memories.

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Hey, check me out!

He put on a nondescript black cap, and turned it around backwards.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Guess who I am?

Taro: [nervous] You're...Yoshihiki?

Yoshihiki: [annoyed] No, you idiot, I'm Hanako! See! I've got the hat on and everything! Wait, hold on, lemme do an impression.

He cleared his throat and began to speak in a girly falsetto.

Yoshihiki: [angry] *grunt* I hate everyone. You're all idiots. Stop wasting time. I can't smile or laugh.

Samira: [annoyed] Okay…

Taro: [shocked] That's...actually p-p-pretty accurate.

Yoshihiki: [excited] Oh, Eizo! You're always so responsible and on time and such a good leader! Can I pretty please be your assistant?

Taro: [disappointed] ...And th-that was significantly less so…

Samira: I guess these coats might help for when it gets snowier.

Umeko: You can stand the cold?

Samira: It doesn't bother me much. I've been through tougher nights, freezing.

That's right...she's lived on the streets before all this. I can only imagine how many nights she spent, shivering out in the cold, trying to sleep underneath a bridge or something worse…

It's even crazier that she might've willingly chosen that lifestyle of her own accord, to get away from one of comfort and leisure.

Samira: There's a whole ton of supplies here to do all sorts. You could customize a whole outfit with these. I'm willing to bet Monokuma deliberately left all these supplies in the store for such a purpose.

Umeko: Regardless, at least we have new supplies here that we could make use of in the future.

[Inspect: Poster]

Not surprisingly...another one of these posters.

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

ROAMING VILLAGE

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

Yoshihiki: Hey, I've seen that poster.

This time, it was pasted right next to the hunting supplies' section of the General Store, almost like an invitation.

Umeko: You're the SHSL Prankster. You think this is Monokuma's prank?

Yoshihiki: Maybe? Perhaps he just wants to frighten us. It's not like half of the group's already shaking at the knees just from our circumstances alone.

Taro: [scared] Aghhh! A B-B-Beast…? What b-b-beast? What does th-this mean? Are we in d-d-danger?

Yoshihiki: [playful] I rest my case.

Samira: I wouldn't put much stock in it, Umeko. You know how Monokuma's like.

[Move to: Amphitheatre]

The Amphitheatre was a large open space with a stage in the middle, and surrounding it was a semi-circle of rows and rows of seats - which were currently all gathering snow on top of them.

There was a small firepit in the centre - presumably meant for bonfires or barbeque sessions - with rocks and pebbles filling up the empty patch of grass and snow below the stage.

[Talk to: Eizo]

Eizo: Look at this place.

Umeko: I know. They must have used to host events here, like concerts or performances.

Eizo: It looks like this place could seat the entire village if necessary.

Umeko: It looks cozy enough. I imagine we could have some fun events here to pass the time. This place would be a much better setting for a party than what we did for Fukumi's in the inn.

Eizo: [worried] I do feel a little bad for the girl, that we used her birthday to try and lull Monokuma into a false sense of security so we could execute our plan.

Umeko: Don't be. We all wanted to get out, and we tried.

Eizo: This place seems like a good area to have our morning meetings, don't you think?

Umeko: Who would cook our meals, and how?

Eizo: I passed by a General Store earlier before making my way here. They might have a grill or something of the sort that we can cook a barbeque with. If we set it up right here in the middle by that pit…

Umeko: I suppose that would seem nice.

[Inspect: Poster]

Umeko: You've seen these posters around the village?

Eizo: [distressed] Yes. It creeps me out. It's like they've been put up on purpose to trick us.

Umeko: Trick us?

Eizo: Well, yeah. I mean...a 'beast' roaming around? They couldn't get any vaguer than that. The biggest fear one can have is fear of the unknown. That's what my dad used to say. Monokuma's just trying to strike fear into our hearts with this.

Umeko: Don't you think it's possible there's some truth to these posters? Monokuma didn't build this village from the ground up. Maybe...these posters were from before he emptied the place out for his 'Game'.

Eizo: [distressed] ...Perhaps. I wouldn't worry about it now. We've got other things to deal with at the moment.

[Move to: Wall]

As I got closer to the stone wall, I became aware of a strange humming sound in the background. It was subtle, and I almost didn't hear it over the howl of the breeze and the falling snow. But sure enough, there it was, just barely perceptible in the air.

When I arrived, I realized what was the source of the noise. There was a metal gate set in the middle of the stone wall, and it was buzzing with electricity. Beyond the gate, I could see more streets winding away in the distance.

[Talk to: Azuma and Wakako]

Wakako: [shocked] Oh! Look at this large, imposing wall! It's so huge!

Azuma: [distressed] Ah…! You uh...don't have to grip my forearm that hard…

Wakako: [embarrassed] Oh, but...you're so...warm...and I'm really cold...Couldn't you warm me up, Azuma?

Azuma: [shocked] Huh? Aren't we here to...investigate the wall?

Umeko: Ahem.

Azuma: [nervous] Oh, heh, hey Umeko.

Wakako: [annoyed] What? What do you want?

Umeko: Nothing, I just...was coming here to...investigate the wall.

Azuma: Yeah. So were we.

The wall towered over us, and it seemed the only way past it was through the electrified gate.

Azuma: [thoughtful] This wall looks plenty solid. I don't see any breaking through it. It's not like we have a bulldozer on standby, either…

Wakako: [laughing] Haha...that's so true!

Azuma: [uncomfortable] …

Umeko: Azuma, you're the SHSL Spy. Can't you, like, climb over it?

Azuma: If I had the necessary tools for it, I could make an attempt, but I'd wager Monokuma's planned for that too. It wouldn't be crazy to assume he has defenses at the top to prevent any of us from simply climbing our way out.

Umeko: So...this wall encircles us then?

Azuma: Yup. It goes around this entire section of the village, even around the inn. We're in a stone circle. This gate is the only way out.

Umeko: And even then, it looks like it just leads to more areas of the village.

Azuma: Monokuma did mention more sections of the village...maybe that's what he meant.

[Talk to: Hanako]

Hanako: [thoughtful] …

Umeko: Yoohoo. Hanako?

Hanako: Oh. It's you.

Umeko: Yeah, it's me. What have you discovered?

Hanako: [thoughtful] It's as I thought.

Umeko: What?

Hanako: Monokuma's been showing us a pattern so far.

Umeko: Which is?

Hanako: He likes to tempt us with rewards. After our first Trial, he showed us that…[embarrassed] that picture, of Eizo and I.

Umeko: Yeah, about that-

Hanako: And now he's let us out of the inn and into the North Section of this village, as he calls it. If I'm not wrong, I believe this gate and these walls are what's keeping us inside that North Section. Beyond this gate will probably be the next section of the village we'll be allowed to explore, and I'm chancing that it won't be unlocked unless-

Umeko: Another Class Trial? No! No way, we can't let another Trial happen! Not now, not ever, never again!

Hanako: You're right. I agree. I'm just saying that I think this gate will stay locked until another Trial has been completed.

Umeko: Even so, we'd just be walking into another encircled area of this village. We should be focusing on a proper way out, not tunneling ourselves even deeper into this maze.

Hanako: You don't have to tell me that.

Umeko: Oh...sorry.

Hanako: At any rate, I see no other ways of escape. It's as I figured. Monokuma would never have let us out of the inn if there was a way out. All he's done is expand the playing fields.

[[flashback]]

Mysterious Voice: [static]...stay connected to the feeds and observe…[static]...field at all times. Over.

[[end: flashback :end]]

Whoa! That voice...it reappeared!

Hanako: [worried] Hey, you alright? You zoned out for a second.

Umeko: Huh? Yeah, I'm fine.

Hanako: Okay then.

My head is killing me. It's like my brain doesn't know what to do with these fragmented memories that are all I have left of my life before this.

[Inspect: Poster]

No surprise...it's the same damn poster.

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

ROAMING VILLAGE

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

Umeko: What do you guys make of these posters that keep popping up all over the place?

Wakako: [accusatory] It's obviously a hoax! Like, hello!

Azuma: [thoughtful] I don't know...nothing Monokuma's ever done so far has been without purpose…

Wakako: [excited] Oh yeah, that's exactly what I was gonna say! This has to have some deeper meaning!

Hanako: [thoughtful] …

Umeko: Hanako? Your thoughts?

Hanako: Maybe there really is a wild animal on the loose in here with us.

Wild animal?

Hanako: Nevertheless, it's clear these aren't here by coincidence. We can try grilling Monokuma for answers, though I can't see him being very cooperative on that front. The best we can do is keep our eyes peeled for the time being.

Welp...that's everything to investigate in this place, I think. I passed a locked building on the way over here...that might be the only structure left that I've yet to check out. Maybe it'll be unlocked later.

It almost felt kinda weird investigating without Kenji by my side…

No! I can't afford to get sad about him again. I have to move on, and get out of here with everyone, to make things right by him.

For now, we have a Shopping District stocked with rations and supplies - the former of which I'm sure Monokuma will replenish - so it's basically just like living in the inn, except now, our living space has grown.

I guess it's time to rendezvous with the group and pool our findings.

[Move to: Outside Inn]

I returned to the inn. Not wanting to go back inside, I stayed outside in the cold, as the others began to arrive from all over and joined me in waiting.

At last, we'd all come back.

Eizo: Is everyone here?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Do you want to take attendance?

Hanako: That won't be necessary.

Eizo: [distressed] Yeah, okay...So. I take it no one's found any ways out?

People were shaking their heads, dejected and disgruntled.

Shizuko: [disappointed] Figures…

Ichiro: [annoyed] I warned you it wouldn't be that easy.

Fukumi: [confused] So what was the point of letting us out of the inn? This village is practically a ghost town! There's no one here!

Monokuma: Upupu! That's the point!

Fukumi: [shocked] Ahh!

Shizuko: [annoyed] You have got to stop doing that…

Monokuma: [giggling] What? Randomly showing up and startling you people? Oh, but that's half the fun of being your headmaster!

Eizo: [distressed] Okay, we looked around like you asked. There's no one here.

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Of course not! I've cleared this village out long before you all got here, silly! We can't have pesky residents interfering in our lovely little Killing Game now, can we?

Kaori: [confused] How did you just clear out an entire village of its residents?

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...I can drop you a little hint. Nagatomo was right! I'm a very resourceful bear, with lots of people working under me! I need all the manpower I can get to make sure this Killing Game goes smoothly for your class, after all!

Eizo: [annoyed] Ugh…

Wakako: [annoyed] So the dumb bear cleared the place of people. Big deal! What's up with the gate?

Monokuma: Oh, that was a little renovation I made. I can't have you people scaling the walls or digging under them to get out, of course! [angry] I'm warning you now! Anyone who tries is gonna get punished - punished severely by electrocution! You have to stay within these stone walls until you unlock a new area to explore.

Hanako: So I was right. Beyond those walls is more of the village.

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Of course! This is only the North Section, after all. There's also an East, West and South section, each with their own goodies and facilities for you all to check out to your eager beaver hearts' content! But for now, you're stuck in here!

Samira: [annoyed] So our situation hasn't changed. We're still trapped, we're still being forced to kill each other.

Monokuma: Yes indeed!

Eizo: [distressed] Well, forget it. What happened between Kenji and Nagatomo won't happen again!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...are you sure about that?

Eizo: [accusatory] You're damn right I am! I refuse to let another murder occur on my watch!

Monokuma: [laughing] I love it when you resist! It makes it so much more fun to watch you all eventually turn on each other!

Eizo: [distressed] Ngh…!

Hanako: Stop with the taunting. Why have you come here?

Monokuma: Well, I have announcements to make! I'm your headmaster, after all.

Eizo: [distressed] What? What is it?

Monokuma: Patience, patience! Jeez!

Samira: [angry] Hurry up and answer him!

Monokuma: Firstly, you all are no longer restricted to the Inn! Matter of fact, you don't even have to go back in if you don't want to! The Trial Room will still be accessible from out here, and I'll inform you where to find the second elevator if and when we have a second Class Trial!

Eizo: [distressed] ...which is 'never'! We'll never have another trial! Never!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...no need to get so worked up about it. I will no longer be replenishing the kitchen in the inn, so the dining hall and kitchen will no longer be inaccessible at night. Instead, I have updated your Rules and Regulations on your student handbook! Now, the Supermarket will both be off-limits once the Nighttime Announcement has been made. I will replenish your food rations and stock there. The Supermarket will be where you get all your fruits, vegetables, meat and other produce for you to cook and prepare your own meals for the group! And the Bakery...well, that was always there, and I decided to bake you all a couple treats to reward you for the exciting Trial yesterday! [angry] That is, until Mordecai decided to destroy my hard work and demolished my centrepiece!

Mordecai: I simply saved everyone from your hideous trap!

Samira: Good work, Mordecai! As long as you pissed him off somehow, I'm proud of you.

Monokuma: [angry] Ngh...ungrateful brats.

Taro: [nervous] Wh-What about those c-c-c-cottages…?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Oh, those are where you'll be staying now! No need for those lousy rooms in the inn anymore. I'm sure that should please some of you, especially given how Nagatomo used those rooms to plan and execute a murder!

Samira: [distressed] Enough reminding us about it…! That was all because you pushed him into doing it!

Monokuma: [angry] Hey, don't paint me out to be the bad guy here! Sure, I set this all up and provided the stimulus, but that doesn't make the villain.

Shizuko: [annoyed] Uh, yes! Yes, it does!

Monokuma: [giggling] It was still his choice to do what he did! Can't fault me for that!

Kaori: We can absolutely fault you for it.

Samira: [accusatory] If it wasn't for you, he wouldn't've killed Kenji and both of them would still be alive!

Monokuma: [nervous] *panting* Alright, alright, enough accusing me! I still have more to say!

Eizo: [distressed] Well, what is it? Go on!

Monokuma: Actually...yeah, I got nothing.

Eizo: [annoyed] You…!

Monokuma: Oh, just feel free to enjoy all the facilities I've opened up for you. Explore this section of the village to your heart's content, and enjoy living here! And remember! I'll open up more areas to explore if you survive another trial!

Samira: [angry] The only way this is gonna end is with us escaping outta here, not with us murdering one of our classmates!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...yes! Keep resisting! It makes things so much juicier!

Kaori: Hold on.

Monokuma: [confused] Wha?

Kaori: There's...something I wanted to ask. [worried] Those...those posters we've seen…

Monokuma: Oh yeaaahhh...those old things.

Eizo: [distressed] What is the meaning behind them?

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...thank you for reminding me, Kaori. [laughing] Ladies and gentlemen, meet...your second motive!

Surviving Students: 14
Eizo - SHSL Commander
Mordecai - SHSL Marksman
Ichiro - SHSL Botanist
Azuma - SHSL Spy
Taro - SHSL Bookworm
[DEAD] Nagatomo - SHSL Thief [DEAD]
[DEAD] Kenji - SHSL Skateboarder [DEAD]
Yoshihiki - SHSL Prankster

Umeko - SHSL "Amnesiac"
Hanako - SHSL Band Leader
Miyumi - SHSL Ventriloquist
Shizuko - SHSL Actress
Kaori - SHSL Dog Whisperer
Samira - SHSL Street Artist
Fukumi - SHSL Daredevil
Wakako - SHSL Reality TV Star

Happy New Year!

Posting will return to its regular schedule for now, although unfortunately, I may have to make some changes in February due to IRL issues. I'll keep you guys updated!