DanganRonpa Rogue: New Hope (SYOC)

by KISL

It's been years since the Tragedy and versions of the infamous Killing Game have taken the world by storm. In this special imitation, 16 students battle against a trial of life and death, trust and betrayal, and ultimately—a mastermind that schemes amongst them. (SYOC CLOSED) (Discord now available)

12. Experimenting With Deadly Precautions 05

PREVIOUSLY ON DR ROGUE:

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Fuku pouts. "Aw, now I wish I had bars to train with…"

"Don't worry!" Haruko chirps. "I'm sure these shelves are good for gymnastics. You'd have to empty them first but I know it can work. We can even move them into the Lobby!"

---

"Who do you think is in control of this game? Shufukuma, right?

"Wrong! See," Jao places a hand to his chest, "the real players here are us. So~o, if we choose not to kill, then that's how the game will be. Not a 'killing game' but a 'hostage situation'."

---

Takako softens her voice. "You two can sort out your differences later. I will happily mediate that conversation so you can reach an understanding. For now, arguing when we should be working together is not ideal."

Sora huffs. Kyou clicks his tongue.

---

Saturn makes himself known by stomping madly into the room, hands clenched. The intensity of his look lessens upon seeing Sinerra. "I'm sorry, I was—"

"Wandering around the Prison Floor," Akito says from behind him. "Really early in the morning, too."

"You're one to talk," Saturn hisses.

"But Saturn, why were you there in the first place?" Ashita asks. "You had to meet up with Sinerra, right?"

The Occultist looks away. "It was for nothing. Pay it no mind."

---

"I fixed the speakers," Kyou says. "I doubt anything dire will happen, but I'm sure you don't give a damn about that sentiment… It's self-righteous people like you who don't see past their own limits."

Akito scoffs. "Death's the only limit. As long as I'm not dead, there's something I can do."

---

Ashita cringes. "It'd be bad if we were forced to watch those kind of things ourselves. I don't think I'd be able to take it!"

"I mean... It's not like he forced them. They could have left the room. Instead, curiosity got the better of them. Man…" Hibiki lets out an explosive breath. "It wasn't even a good motive."

---

"[As you know, you've been trapped with 15 others in this nail-biting Killing Game. But you're not the only special ones fighting for your lives.]

"[On the screen is Adohira Keji and Rinko Keji, your parents. Unfortunately, they have been taken away by my ursine cousin to compete in a Killing Game. Their competitors? The loved ones of everybody else in the Game you're in!]

"[However, the Other Game hasn't started yet. So, we're offering a one-time special perk!]

"[If the culprit in your Game gets away with murder, their loved ones will be automatically released before their game officially starts. The question is—would you risk the life chances of your loved ones? Will you save Adohira Keji and Rinko Keji? Will you be a culprit?]

"[I humbly await your answer,]" is the last thing Shufukuma's voice titters before the screen promptly turns off.

---

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Panic? Is it panic? Maybe not. But there's dread bubbling in her throat as she speed-walks to the Dining Hall. The morning announcement blares unflinchingly as she makes eye contact with Haruko—Jao, Kimi, Sora, Fuku, everyone, everyone gathered around the dining table, uneasy, like they too were also violently woken up. Conversation ceases upon Ashita's arrival.

Jao says, "You too, huh?"

"The Pad?" The motive, her mind mercilessly supplies.

"Yep, I knew you got it. You had a cornered-dog face. A motive like that… What a rude thing to wake up to…!"

"Not just rude. It's downright horrible for a motive!" Haruko shudders.

"Quite a revision from the motive presented to our predecessors," Chikao mumbles, as Mayu seemingly zones out beside him, the rest of the group descending once more into worried discussion.

Scanning her tired eyes around the room, Ashita notices something strange. She lightly elbows Naohiro, colourfully-dressed as ever. "Hey, where's Akito?"

"No idea. I tried knocking on his door but there wasn't any answer," Naohiro says. "Though from everyone's perspective, he's the least of our problems. Before you came in, we were discussing the motive… and what to do with it."

What to do with it? It's a question that's been clamouring Ashita's mind since she registered exactly what the video offered. Her parents—their portraits, glimmering on the screen of a Pad given to her by an enforcer of murder. Telling her to murder, for their sakes.

"Look, let's all be glad that some of us had some common sense," Kimi says, garnering everyone's attention. The Air Traffic Controller still looks tired, though from sleep deprivation or their current circumstance Ashita doesn't know. It's only when Kimi faces her does she consider that, it's maybe a bit of both. "Ashita, did you watch the motive video?"

"Yeah—pinging from my Pad woke me up, so I turned it on and it started playing, and I was too tired to… Wait." Ashita blinks. "Why would you ask me if I watched it? Shouldn't it be obvious?"

"You'd think so," Fuku says, wringing his hands. "But some of us watched them and, er, some of us… didn't."

"I was so tempted to," Sora chimes in, hands clenched, "but I knew it'd trap me in Shufukuma's friggin' web of despair and shit. I only made it to the intro 'fore I turned it off."

"Yet as we have already established, turning it off does not mean the 'pinging' will stop," Chikao says, cupping his chin thoughtfully. "It seems to be a strategy to irritate us into watching… Though in my case, curiosity drove my decision to watch the video."

"As opposed to myself," Saturn declares. "The moment the bear spoke, I knew it was a cruel trick. I buried my Pad under a pillow and left the room immediately!"

Sinerra frowns, amused but concerned. "Sattie, couldn't you have just turned it off?"

"Hnhn, I have no doubt it was Saturn's little trick. Letting the video play until the end, to trick the Pad into thinking he had watched it when in reality, he had rushed over here unawares…" Chikao chuckles. "Truly ingenious."

"Yes," Saturn coughs out. "That is. What I planned all along. Obviously."

Kasumi scoffs. "Doesn't matter who watched it or not. Point is, a motive exists."

"But we know what's it about," Ashita says. "Which means we can talk it out, right?"

"That is what I would prefer," Takako says with a sigh. "Talking to each other about our concerns is the healthy way to cope with such a motive… but not everyone agrees."

"Which is why anybody who's watched the motive, is keeping the contents of it secret!" Jao raises fingers. "So that includes me, Chikao, Mayu, Fuku, Naohiro, Haruko, and you, Ashita. We all watched our videos to the end—and to be good Samaritans, we're protecting the rest from knowing the motive… Not that it's true, mind you!"

"So you keep convincing yourself," Kyou says, unimpressed. "You and Hibiki can parrot each other all you want, but if Shufukuma has the power to trap us and take away our memories, there is no reason why he cannot threaten us with a motive."

"Of course he can threaten us! Bu~ut, a motive doesn't have to be true. Like that whole business with the mastermind being one of us." Jao cackles. "Shufukuma is reusing cheap scare tactics. Believing in those tactics, and acting out of turn… is what led to the first murder in the first Killing Game. Y'get me?"

Ashita frowns. "We can't write off the motive videos—they're dangerous, so we need to figure out what to do—!"

"What can we do?" Hibiki says, shrinking when everyone faces him. "Look—I didn't watch mine all the way, so I can't understand how you feel. But if it's anything like the first Killing Game…" He grips his fox-pattern tie. "I told you, Ashita. Blindly believing in a motive designed to make you kill—a motive that might not go through with its threat in the first place… is too naïve."

"But is it more naïve to ignore its threat?" Haruko questions.

"It's more of an offer than anything," Naohiro says calmly. "Which is why I understand Jao and Hibiki's point of view."

Put it that way, Ashita gets it. Jao and Hibiki don't want them to repeat the disaster of the first Game. They want to protect everyone as best they can, even if it's rooted in denial.

But they're not the only ones trapped in a Killing Game. Are they meant to ignore that? Should over half of them really go about their imprisoned life unaware that their loved ones are in danger, from the same fate? Should they know that they have a chance to stop it…?

No! Ashita shakes her head. That vein of thinking is exactly what they don't need.

Even so… she trusts them. Ashita trusts them to have the self-control to know that it's a trick, a trap; an invitation to despair.

… Do others feel the same way?

The thought strikes her speechless.

Of course not everyone will think like her. Kasumi, who picked a spot nearest the exit, arms crossed, stance uneasy—Sinerra, whose eyes flit around in fear as she sidles closer and closer to her beacon of a brother—and Akito, who isn't even here. Who probably locked himself up in his room like the paranoid guy he is.

They might trust each other with coping with the motive, but that doesn't mean they trust each other.

In this way, their discussion becomes moot. The motive may not have reached everyone's ears, but it's still unsettled them. Even though they know its danger from watching the first Game, it's still daunting.

Anticipation. Anxiety. Dread.

The bread, butter and knife of a Killing Game.

Motives in of themselves.

"So," Ashita says loudly, stopping all chatter around her, "has anybody eaten yet? I'm really hungry. Is the toaster on?"

Fuku blinks. "No, me and Nao didn't get a chance to cook with all this commotion—"

"Great! I need you guys to not cook, and talk with me outside. Everybody else can make their own food—you and Naohiro worked so hard to feed us anyways—also," Ashita adds at a rapid pace, "Haruko, you come with! And Mayu, Chikao, Jao. Yeah. Let's go to my room!"

"Wait a sec," Sora blurts.

"This seems coincidental," Takako muses, staring straight into Ashita's soul.

Said Interrogator stammers, "Nope, I chose people by accident. I call it my daily friendly interrogation of people's feelings!"

"So a therapy session," Kasumi says flatly.

"Involving everyone who watched their motive videos," Kyou adds with narrowed eyes.

Hibiki tenses. "Ashita, you're not trying something, are you?"

"Whaatt, of course not! I was going to, uh, invite Sinerra, too!" Upon Saturn's dirty look, and the reminder that he's super anti-Despair, Ashita tries a different angle. "Guys, don't worry! I just want to—vent. About the motive. With other 'non-pingers'. W-We're not living the blissful ignorant life like you guys!"

"That's one way to put it," Kimi sighs, waving a hand dismissively. "It makes sense to me so I won't stop you, even if you are acting weird and discriminating the rest of us. Just don't tell us what's in those stupid videos, alright?"

"You have my word," Ashita says before ushering her fellow non-pingers to the Dorms with surprising ease. (Chikao and Mayu were quite agreeable, the latter due to zoning out; Haruko went along because she felt concerned for Ashita's supposed venting needs; Naohiro and Fuku were confused but happy to oblige; and Jao… was hard to read. But he seemed cheerful enough.)

As soon as they get there Ashita makes a beeline to Akito's door, thumbing his intercom in rapid succession.

"I really don't think he'll come out," Fuku says sheepishly, when Ashita tries for the fifth time to no avail. Naohiro pats her on the shoulder, a knowing look on his face, and it's pitying enough to make Ashita stop in frustration.

"I just want to talk," she groans. "Stuff like this needs to be discussed together, not dealt with alone. Not getting help and letting your mental health deteriorate is how crime sometimes happens!"

"Ohh, is that why you wanted to talk to us?" Jao says. "You think that, because we watched the motives, we're at risk of doing murder? Huh… No offense Ashita, but I trust Takako with mental health more than you. Since interrogators only care about people until they get the information they want!"

Ashita balks. "H-Hey, that's not me!" It's the third time she's had to say that and it's really not fun!

"Relax, it's a joke, a joke! Trying to lighten the mood here… Did it not work?"

"I think your sense of humour is unique, is all," Haruko assures. "But whatever your reason Ashita, I think it's a good thing us 'non-pingers' are together. I think it's best if we share our concerns and give each other support, for our sakes! If Takako were here, I'm sure she would agree."

Chikao chuckles. "I don't mind discussing the motive videos. Although I am curious as to everyone's reasons for watching theirs, either intentional or… accidental." He casts a good-natured look at Ashita which only serves to embarrass her. It's not her fault she was tired at the time! Even now, Ashita's trying to make the most of the situation.

"Reason…" Mayu hums. "I only kept watching because I was frozen in shock… I was appalled they would kidnap my grandmother and put her in a Killing Game. Knowing that the orchestrator of that game held no reservations about kidnapping our loved ones, young or old… made me quite sad." She shakes her head. "It makes me prefer ignorance, like the others…"

Fuku sighs. "I guess we can't help it now… The best we can do is look after each other and not discuss the motive in front of the others."

"Shouldering the burden all on our own," Naohiro says quietly. Haruko perks up, frown playing at her lips, and Ashita can't help but think that Naohiro's words struck a chord with her.

It's a sadness that doesn't sit well with her. Ashita goes to speak—when a slap! breaks the sombre atmosphere.

Everybody turns to Jao who had slapped both his cheeks. Even so his eyes light up, that fanged smile on his bandanna-mask wider than ever.

"Why's everyone so down?" he says. "Because of the motive that might not actually be true? Or because Shufukuma finally made another move?" He jabs a finger at them, shouting, "Well, don't worry about that! Because we're stronger than we think!

"Feeling down is one thing, but obsessing over it can only lead to bottomless despair. But, I trust you guys. We're in this together, as hostages, and we'll ride out this stupid motive 'till it loses all meaning."

Ashita's mouth hangs, her hastily prepared speech forgotten. Nobody says anything for a moment, too shocked by the Puppeteer's utter nonchalance.

Then Haruko laughs, brief and amused, as if realising the answer was in front of her all along.

"I agree, Jao. We can't let our worry consume us." Her shoulders slump. "I won't lie—I'm scared. I don't want to lose anymore people, and I would never take him up on his offer! But… I can't pretend that Shufukuma's threat is meaningless to me." Haruko brushes her left ear. "That's why… I don't want to abandon the idea that my loved ones are danger. I don't want to let them down."

They hang their heads, eyes downcast. Even Jao bites his lip. It's hard on all of them, having to consider their loved ones in the equation. Even in the Dining Hall, Ashita couldn't get the image of her parents out of her head. They had been portraits, the kind printed for passports, but it had been enough to shake her.

I don't want to let them down.

Despite Haruko's height, Ashita pats her on the shoulder.

"We won't," the Interrogator says. "Whether the motive is true or not, we have to resist it. Or find better ways to deal with it! More importantly, we have to trust each other. That's the only way we can 'ride out' the motive, as Jao put it."

"Ride it out," Jao nods eagerly. "Like a wave~ Crashing over that stupid bear's plans~"

Haruko doesn't speak, but the determination flickering once more in her eyes says enough. Beaming, Ashita turns to the others. "Are we all in agreement?"

Mayu smiles. "Those were all beautiful speeches. Your sentiments have definitely moved me."

"Me too," Naohiro says warmly. Fuku returns Ashita's grin, sharp teeth clicking as he says, "It's good to know I'm not alone, at the very least. You have my trust, so there's no need to be miserable!"

Ashita appraises them with amazement. "Eh, you guys really are strong…! Guess I had nothing to worry about, after all. Haruko, Jao, everyone… I knew I could count on you guys."

"Yes, it seems our foreknowledge of the Game's format has prepared us," Chikao says, pleased. "Though I still wish to talk about our motive videos. That is what you wanted, right Ashita?"

"R-Right! We'll get through this together, us non-pingers." Ashita moves to give them a thumbs up but is interrupted by her stomach rumbling. She flinches. "Uhh… Maybe we can talk after breakfast?"

Fuku elbows Naohiro with a gasp. "Crap, that's right—we meant to make breakfast!"

"I'm sure the others have it handled!" Haruko says.

"Ahh, but I was going to make a chocolate banana smoothie! It's healthy, delicious, and a perfect pre-training drink." Fuku scrunches his face. "Well, that's hoping I can train."

Ashita blinks. "Eh? You're going to do acrobatics?"

"Yep! I'm going to do what you suggested, Haruko," Fuku says to the Mountaineer, "and move some shelves from the Storage Room to the Lobby. It's rudimentary, but it will do for now."

Haruko smiles. "I'm glad you're taking my advice! Do you want help moving things around?"

"It does sound strenuous," Naohiro chuckles. "I wouldn't mind helping out, too."

Fuku brightens. "Really? That'd be great, thanks! You guys, er, want some smoothies? If the others haven't exhausted the daily supply of chocolate and bananas, that is."

Mayu and Ashita tilt their heads at the same time, Ashita asking, "Daily supply? Wait—does Shufukuma restock ingredients everyday?"

"Every night, I think," Naohiro says. "He adds new things, too. We had a basket of pears we didn't have two days ago."

"And that blender wasn't there yesterday," Fuku says. "I'm glad we now have it. More smoothies for me!"

"For everyone!" Haruko seconds.

They stop cheering when Kimi peers into the corridor, looking like she'd found her saviours. "Oh thank God—listen, are you still venting to each other? Because we'd like you two," she says to Naohiro and Fuku, "to make your magic, cuz our stuff tastes like airplane food compared to yours."

"Like Economy class food!" Sora adds, suddenly appearing beside Kimi.

"And Sattie is comparing c-cooking to alchemy," Sinerra adds, suddenly appearing beside Sora and looking doubly worried.

Chikao chuckles. "My, my. What would everyone do without each other?"

Despite that, breakfast is pretty… calm. Tension still lingers, and it doesn't escape Ashita that the people seated on her side of the table are the ones who know what the motive is. The other side are the ignorant, safe from the details. The 'pingers'. Yet…

Ashita spies the only empty chair.

"I will save, and wait for the next fuckup."

Geez. How could the first person she met in this situation, be the most avoidant one?

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After breakfast, all non-pingers gather to the A.V. Room. "The soundproof walls should keep our discussion extra secret. Also, Kasumi and Hibiki are the only ones who can disturb us since they're usually in the Casino Room," Ashita says. "Though they'd know better, ehe."

Chikao hums. "Are you not going to invite Akito? I know we don't have confirmation as to whether he watched the motive, but I assume he did, and has simply locked himself up in his room… Hn, it reminds me of Daedalus and Icarus—locked up in their Labyrinth by the oppressive King Minos, searching for escape…"

"Oh, I know of Icarus," Haruko says brightly before deflating. "Wasn't his story is tragic?"

Chikao nods. "It definitely shows us the limitations of humanity's power, and that we should be careful in how we use it."

"That's right," Ashita muses. "Hey, maybe we can use that to lure Akito."

Naohiro raises a brow. "What do you have in mind?"

"He obsessed over the fire alarm, right? So, if we set one off in the A.V. Room, he'd come running!"

They stare at her.

"I think," Fuku says carefully, "he would shout at you first."

"Why don't you pester him like you do to most people, and ring his intercom endlessly?" Mayu suggests.

Ashita balks. "I don't pester!"

Jao tuts. "Guys, it's not her fault! She was trained that way by our brutal national police force!"

"D-Don't make jokes at my expense!"

Haruko shushes them. "Calm down, everyone! We already got suspicious looks walking out together from the Dining Hall!"

"Ha, the others are just jealous that we're handling this well," Jao says. "It's like they want us to break down, so they have a reason to suspect us…"

They file into the A.V. Room towards the space between the cinema seats and the screen, seating themselves in a circle. It's intimate yet unsettling, considering the entire breadth of the room and the sparse lighting. Inside, Ashita and the others seem disconnected from the others. In their own little world.

They sit in silence, awkward and uncertain despite their camaraderie. Then Fuku clears his throat.

"So," he starts, "was, er, anybody else rudely woken up by their Pad?"

This earns him a few smiles. With that, they start talking.

Ashita's parents. Mayu's grandmother. Fuku's mentor. Haruko's mountaineer buddies; Jao's grandparents; Naohiro's 'found' family (he had lived in a group care home all his life and the amount of people Shufukuma threatened in his video is staggering). But the most baffling of all is Chikao's.

"They kidnapped Byakuya Togami for yours?!" Ashita can't believe it. "Chikao, don't tell me you're related to him!"

"Of course not! I would have said something earlier, if that were the case." Chikao sighs forlornly. "Alas, we do not know each other personally. I merely hold Byakuya Togami in the highest regard for surviving the first Killing Game; he is comparable to even the great God of Wisdom and Longevity Fukurokuju himself. Hn… it seems my extreme studiousness made Shufukuma's cousin desperate enough to find anyone worth my attention."

Haruko shakes her head. "That's crazy. To think they'd go to such lengths… it's absolutely sickening."

"No, no, don't fall for it! Byakuya is fine! It's a trick, after all!" Jao waggles a finger. "You should have more faith in the Future Foundation. They would never let one of their own end up in a Killing Game. Or anyone else, for that matter! So don't worry! Your loved ones are safe."

Mayu hums. "If that is the case, then what of us? Why are we in this Game?"

Misfortune, Ashita nearly says, remembering Takako's spiel on luck last night. A random dice roll deciding who lives and who dies… yet…

Ashita addresses them. "Did Takako and Sora say what happened last night?"

"Your interrogation, right? About the two organisations fighting over the world?" Naohiro says with a frown. "Yep, that did worry us a bit. Sora called it another Tragedy."

"Although we're jumping to conclusions, I also think that's the case," Fuku says, cupping his chin. "They said we contributed to a war and were compromised by our enemy… without clarifying who that enemy is. Either way, we're more important than we initially thought."

"We definitely were chosen," Ashita agrees. "Shufukuma said we have to regain someone's trust. I thought that, if we did so, this Game would stop. But Shufukuma made things vaguer and soap-opera-ish. Now, I don't think escape of any sort is possible…" It hurts to admit, and it'll hurt more if Sora knows she's given up!

But—she hasn't given up on them. Looking around the circle of friends, Ashita trusts they can understand each other. If the idea of the motive becomes too overwhelming for one of them, the rest will help. They're in the same boat; a boat riding out the motive until it loses meaning.

Yeah, good people can get desperate and do stupid things. But that doesn't mean they should be marginalised, monitored or distrusted. You need to reach out to them!

And it gives Ashita hope that the trust is mutual. She was worried about this group, but as it turns out they're strong. They want someone to trust, too.

Their mini bonding session doesn't last long with Fuku eager to set up his makeshift gymnastics area. While Haruko and Naohiro stand to help him, Fuku's gaze on a bunch of curtains strikes Ashita as odd. "What's the matter, Fuku?" she asks him.

"O-Oh! Nothing, Ashita! I was just thinking that one side of the curtains is wider than the other." He points to the curtains which frame the large cinema screen, focusing on the left-hand side. "Don't you think so?"

"Huh? I guess so."

"Hah, looking at them reminds me of Aerial Silks. Ah, that's a type of acrobatics where you hang from fabrics. You go 'whroo!' and 'phwoo!' on the ribbon," Fuku gestures wildly, "twirling around silk and keeping your balance. Took me longer to master that than other acrobatic forms!"

Haruko giggles. "You're really passionate, Fuku."

"Of course! My Talent, erhm… gives me freedom. I'd like to experience that feeling right now, to remind me that Kisamura is always with me…" Fuku's sharp teeth click into a smile. "Haha, I won't keep you guys waiting, then. I do appreciate the help."

The three leave amicably, Chikao being the next to go ("Sinerra has yet to tell me of her latest anthology—a work in progress, mind you, but one that should be enlightening!"). Mayu leaves to practice whittling-for-dollmaking, leaving Jao and Ashita alone in the spacious A.V. Room.

"Wow, that went better than I expected. I thought for sure Haruko would cry." Jao whistles. "At first, I was insulted when you suspected we'd be murder-frazzled cuz we watched our videos, but I'm glad you brought us together, Ashita. Together, we're stronger than ever!"

Ashita laughs. "What about you, Jao? Your outburst snapped us out of it. If anything, you're the most carefree person here."

"Well, I don't want Shufukuma to win. I only wish my Talent could help us. It's great that some of us get that chance. Fuku, Kyou, Nao… and you, Ashita. I have to hand it to you for standing up to that bear!"

Jao suddenly slumps. "But another Tragedy… two organisations fighting over us because we were all apart of some great war…" He lets out an explosive breath. "Man, what a repeat. And to top it all off, our loved ones are in a Killing Game. They're really promoting the danger…"

"Yeah," Ashita mumbles—when Jao cocks a finger-gun to her face. "Huh? Jao?"

"I ask you, gun to your head: Do you believe Shufukuma?"

Ashita blinks at his finger. "That's not a real gun, though?"

"Do you want it be one?" Jao narrows his eyes. "Come onnn. We're alone here. No witnesses. You can tell me anything!"

Ashita frowns. "Of course I believe Shufukuma. Why wouldn't I?"

"Um, cuz he's trying to manipulate you? Feeding you false information to give you false hope? He's baited you with that 'regain trust' thing; who knows what he'll trick you next?" Jao huffs, "Ashita! You can't let him control you."

"H-Hang on, who says I was baited? If anything, I baited him! We know about the 'current Tragedy' because I interrogated him!"

"Y'sure? Ten bucks says he went along with it."

"What?" The gears in Ashita's head turn. "No way." Her experiences beg otherwise—she's been given false leads before. "Shufukuma can't have tricked me! There's no point!"

"He's kind of a troll. Also, you owe me ten Shufukoins."

Ashita crosses her arms. "Nuh uh. He had to be telling the truth."

The finger-gun flicks up. "BANG! You're dead!" Jao lowers his hand with a tut. "Your pride cost you, Ashita. What will the on-screen portrait of your parents think in their imaginary Killing Game? What a sad way to go~…"

Near speechless, Ashita furrows her brows. She can't read him, not with that bandanna masking his mouth, not with his playacting. "Jao—why do you insist on trivialising everything? First you call this Game a hostage situation, next you call the motive fake, and…"

Oh.

Duh.

Ashita smiles. "Oh, I get it now. You're in denial!"

This time, it's Jao who blinks. "What? No, I'm not!"

"If you say so. Whatever makes you feel safe." Ashita pats him comfortingly on the shoulder. "Do you want to find puppets? You want to use your Talent, right?"

Jao stares at her, absolutely bewildered, before slumping. "You're the one in denial, letting bears control you with false intel…"

"Cheer up, Jao. Why don't you tell me about your puppeteering?"

"You're the carefree one, being manipulated," Jao mumbles, before giving her an indignant look. "I warned you, Ashita! Tread carefully from now on! As for my Talent, that's easy~!"

Then Jao launches into the inception of his interest, from finding his grandfather's puppets in the attic to making stories with his puppet friends. "Having power over my puppets is kinda terrifying at times," Jao says. "So I try to be considerate, let them guide me in performances. I told Saturn this but he still thinks I'm a voodoo doll master."

He talks and talks and talks, offering his experiences on a silver platter. Ashita listens and doesn't bring up his denial. It probably isn't good to encourage that thinking, but they made a pact as non-pingers to support each other. Besides—a little denial can't be too bad, can it?

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Spent time (1023) with Jao Katayashi, Ultimate Puppeteer
(1) He's glad you organised that sickeningly sweet friendship circle, despite your initial lack of faith in them. Thinks I tricked you last night, and that you're dumb for believing in me (Is that true? SPOILERS) You each think you're in denial, but I think he's denying the lameness of his puppets!

---

Ashita reads with vague interest as she climbs up the stairs. She's a bit unsettled that during her and Jao's conversation, Shufukuma was likely listening in and jotting down important points. Like some creep!

Huh. Ashita wonders where he would usually be, when not terrorising everyone. Would Shufukuma be in the Warden's Room, in front of the grid of screens? On that note, along with a lack of visible cameras there's a lack of monitors, too. Ashita remembers the Tragedy's Game having monitors that broadcasted announcements in video form. Shufu—er, Monokuma, would appear, screens behind him, reminding them of morning, or night time, or a body discovery…

Her thoughts dissipate upon entering the Lobby.

Fuku and Haruko are trying to shunt a metal shelf. It's currently halfway through the entrance of the Storage Room, laid horizontally. "It's too tall to fit through so we had to tip it on its side," Haruko says as she drags the shelf from the front, Fuku pushing from the back, while Naohiro empties another shelf from inside the storage.

"It's fine; the Lobby's ceiling is too low for proper acrobatics anyway," Fuku grunts as he pushes. "I can figure something out with this setup. Though, I don't exactly know what setup. Stacking shelves is too much to ask…"

Haruko smiles. "It'd be a challenge, but one we can overcome with the help of others! Right, Ashita?"

"Sure! I'd, uh, love to help. Later. I'll leave you guys to this, catch you later!"

Before they can protest, Ashita strides over to Kyou. More specifically, Kyou bent over the toolbox Kimi found, while Takako and Sora surround him.

"I told you he wouldn't listen," she hears Sora grumble.

"Why should I? There is no need for chatter," Kyou scoffs.

"I see things are going well," Ashita butts in, cringing when her joke doesn't get the desired reaction. Takako sighs beside her, hands raking through blonde hair. Sora watches this with some modicum of guilt.

"Tako, look," he says firmly, "I know you want us to get along and cooperate and stuff, but it's not gonna harm us if we don't like each other. 'Sides, we don't need him to get out of here!"

"Uh, except we do," Ashita points out, "on account of his Talent and all."

"What, making weapons?"

"Being techy," Ashita corrects. "Shufukuma is a robot with robot dog friends! We need all the Talent we can get." Especially since they came so close last night…

Kyou shuts the toolbox lid with a loud clank. "Excuse me, don't I get a word in this? Regardless, my answer remains the same: I don't want to associate with you. Ever."

"Good, cuz I feel the same way!"

"Then we are finally in agreement," Kyou says.

"That we friggin' are," Sora says back.

Silence chokes the group until Takako stirs. "So stubborn," she mutters before taking a deep breath. "You two talked for longer than I expected, and while you found some common ground… it is not enough."

Kyou huffs, "I am not getting along with this fool."

"This is not about getting along. This is about understanding each other. Have you two ever heard the term 'cultural relativism'? No?" Takako eyes them softly. "Cultural relativism is the idea that a person's values should be understood in relation to their culture, not judged against the criteria of another. You may not accept their view, but you can understand it, and in the end, be less ignorant and prejudicial.

"As you said Sora, you do not have to like each other. But you must understand each others' motivations. Else, your ignorance will lead to true conflict."

Sora jabs a finger at Kyou. "I understand that he's a pessimistic jerk."

"I'm sure Kyou just feels threatened by Shufukuma's advanced technology," Ashita says, and the looks she receives make her blink. "What? Did I guess wrong?"

Kyou turns his head away, meaning Ashita's dead wrong or he won't admit she's right. Though Takako does look at her with an approving glint.

They're caught off guard when Kyou looks at Sora, grey eyes calculating. "You," he says. "Why do you want to escape so badly when your chances are astronomically low?"

Sora huffs. "What else am I meant to do, accept that we're in this shitty situation? I'm not gonna sit on my ass and twiddle my thumbs! People like Sin and Haru are scared, and I wanna do my best to help them get out of here. To make them safe."

"You don't even have a plan."

"Hey, I'm planning as I go! 's not like I have all the answers!" Sora nods at Ashita. "That's what Ash is for! She interrogates Shufukuma, and you… aren't good for anything. You just make Shufukuma into this impossible enemy. But Makoto Naegi and his friends defeated him! They defeated whoever was behind this! So why don't you have the same hope for us, Kyou?!"

"I have hope," Kyou hisses, "but unlike you, I don't let it get to my head." A hard look crosses the Weapon Designer's face. "The last thing I want is to endanger our lives by challenging our captor… Hmph, but what do I care?" Kyou moves to leave. "Enact your self-destruction, see how far that takes you…"

Sora scoffs. "Killjoy." He too stomps away, attracting the attention of Haruko as he leaves the Lobby.

Ashita turns to Takako. "So… was that a success..?"

The Psychiatrist sighs. "It's a start. At least they know they have others' safety in mind. Sora may miss the sky, and Kyou may value his life, but they are not selfish. Only optimistic; only sceptical."

Ashita hums. "They could do wonders if they cooperated with one another. We might actually stand a chance against Shufukuma, even with the motive…"

Takako stiffens. "A reminder, Ashita, that I do not know the motive. I would like to preserve that ignorance."

"Isn't that contradicting what you said before, with that relativism thing?"

"Are you saying that my ignorance of the motive makes me more likely to unfairly discriminate against you, on the basis that you are more likely to murder?"

"Uh," Ashita says, not expecting such an insightful answer.

Takako smiles. "You have nothing to fear. I don't feel the need to treat you any differently. I have faith in you; faith in working together to overcome this."

Ashita appreciates the mutual trust, yet… "I have faith in everyone, too. But I can't agree with Sora. I thought that 'regaining someone's trust' meant we could leave this Game, but I know now that was my assumption. Looking at all of the facts, I don't think escape is possible. Not without resistance, at least!"

Takako nods. "I understand. In truth, I am unsure what Sora intends to do next. Though… he might ask to accompany you on another interrogation."

Oh, with Shufukuma. "He's baited you with that 'regain trust' thing; who knows what he'll trick you next?" echoes Jao's words, and Ashita can't help but be anxious. Shufukuma was telling the truth, right? Ashita can trust him that much. Even though he's their captor, promoting murder like his beary cousin did all those years ago…

"I'm sorry?" Ashita says upon realising that Takako had been speaking. Takako frowns and Ashita instantly feels guilty, for whatever reason.

"Are you feeling alright, Ashita? You had a blank face, then."

"Eh? I did?"

"You frequently do when you think… or worry, presumably. Might Shufukuma's motive be bothering you?"

"No! Maybe? It's more like his intentions are tricky to understand…"

"I see," Takako murmurs. "Is that why you might assume things, to fill in the gaps of your unawareness? If you are not careful, you might delude yourself into accepting answers that are not concrete."

First Jao, now Takako too?! Before Ashita can retort Takako adds, "That is my initial impression, of course. Which is why I would like to offer you a diagnosis, free of charge."

Ashita is suddenly uncomfortable. "Diagnosis? Ah—sorry, Takako… no offence but I don't like being analysed all psychologically and stuff."

"Are you sure? It could help you collect your thoughts, self-reflect in light of recent events."

"I really don't want to be put under a microscope—!"

"It's for your sake," Takako insists, chin dipped, voice stern. "You display bouts of confidence that while admirable, border on irrational optimism. If you're not careful, it can cause you delusion. Do you understand?"

Ashita cowers—delusion? How did that come up?! Her face must show volumes; Takako suddenly lets out an explosive breath, hand thumbing her forehead.

"I'm sorry," she says softly. "I, ugh… didn't mean to be forceful. I should not have acted like that. Don't take my words to heart," she quickly adds, "it was a poor diagnosis of you. In comparison, Jao is more irrational an optimist than you are."

Ashita processes her words with wide eyes. "I-It's alright! This Game is stressful. Just… don't tell me stuff about my personality or mental health. I know it sounds weird but I don't like it when people 'undress' my psyche, if you get what I mean."

"Odd term for it, but noted. Your consent is my top priority. With that said…" Takako frowns. "If there is one thing we can trust about Shufukuma, it is his desire to watch us fall to despair. Rationally taking steps to prevent that is the ideal optimism—ideal hope."

Ashita nods, glad that Takako is on the same wavelength. Yet she notes the Psychiatrist's tired eyes, the way she wrings her hands. "Hey, Takako—I know you're always watching out for everybody… but if you need to talk to someone yourself, I'm available. Me, Sora and Kimi all are. Plus everybody. Maybe—maybe not Kyou, or Kasumi. Or Akito. Have you seen Akito?"

"No, I have not." Takako chuckles, sheepish. "Thank you, Ashita. I… I will keep that in mind."

A sudden ring interrupts them; checking her Pad, Ashita isn't surprised to find a notification:

---

Spent time (1115) with Takako Kizuki, Ultimate Psychiatrist
(1) Has faith that you won't murder, even though you watched your awesomely-produced motive video. Then she backtracked and thought the motive was on your mind and tried to force a diagnosis on you, about 'irrational optimism', or something. She apologized, you forgave her, it read like chick flick script. Boring!

---

Takako simmers glancing at it, and Ashita gets the feeling the Psychiatrist really, really doesn't like Shufukuma.

A crash gains their attention; Ashita and Takako turn to see Fuku and Naohiro looking startled at a shelf. "Maybe we should take a break before we lift them," Fuku says sheepishly.

They've got three shelves parked in the far side of the Lobby, away from the doorways so as not to obstruct. The shelves are currently on their side, and Ashita wonders why it's only Fuku and Naohiro there. "Hey, where's Haruko?"

"She went to talk to Sora," Naohiro says, rolling up the sleeves of his black (colourfully-patterned) hoodie. "They should be in the Dorms, either in the hallway or a room. Fuku, are you going to make smoothies—and he's gone." Naohiro squints towards the Dining Hall. "Although he's finally appeared."

"Who?" Takako asks, as Ashita follows the Street Vendor's gaze.

Ah!

Ashita stumbles into the Dining Hall. "You're alive!" she exclaims, earning a hard look from none other than the Ultimate Firefighter. "What, it's an expression! But Akito, is that… toast? And juice? You're only having breakfast now?"

"It's still morning," Akito mutters.

Late morning, but. "Where were you earlier? You were the only one who didn't turn up to eat with us."

"I don't eat with others." (Recalling yesterday morning, Ashita thought that was a one-time thing.) "Besides," Akito adds, "I knew you guys would be discussing the motive, and I wanted no part in that."

"Did you watch it?" echoes Takako's voice, who'd likely been standing by the doorway for a while, observing.

"I watched the first three seconds and immediately knew it was bad news. I shut it off and left it in my room, no fuss." He coldly glares. "That better be the case for at least some of you."

"It is," Ashita reassures, even though his words make her guilty of her own lack of vigilance. Akito seems to accept that, though he bristles when a grumpy Saturn enters the room.

"Did you get lost?" Akito rolls his eyes. "I knew I should've dragged you out…"

Saturn growls. "Where is Sin?"

"She was waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs," the Firefighter says. "I told her to wait in her room in case you accidentally led one of the dogs to her, doing your stupid gig…"

It happens instantly—Saturn lunging at Akito, teeth bared and hands clenched. The second Ashita processes this, Fuku is holding back the Occultist, and Akito is on his feet looking deathly alarmed.

"You have the gall to say I would put her in danger?!" Saturn struggles in Fuku's grasp, looking incredibly ready to hurt someone, so thank Gods Takako intervenes.

"Akito, can I speak to you for a moment? Privately," Takako adds firmly, "to discuss any… concerns you might have."

"What—why me?! Tell him off!"

"I simply want a talk, which I won't force on you… Though I highly recommend it."

"So do I," Naohiro adds, the kindness in his voice undercut by how insistent he looks. In fact it seems to be him that finally convinces Akito, who glares but nonetheless trudges towards the duo like a kid called to talk aside with his teachers. Only to get it done and over with...

The three exit the Dining Hall with only Ashita, Fuku and Saturn left behind—until Haruko and Sora enter with alarmed looks.

Sora breaks the silence. "What the hell happened?"

"Fate," Saturn says lowly. "The Elements spoke of an unrel-nt-ng darkness and today it descended… Those who mock it are ignorant fools." He exits immediately, a dark aura around him. Everybody watches him leave with varying degrees of concern, Sora more confused.

"Anybody wanna translate that?" he asks.

Fuku frowns. "I think he's just angry. Akito set him off earlier; I had to hold Saturn back pretty tightly. I'm glad I didn't start the blender, else I wouldn't have heard anything!"

"Akito, huh." Haruko hums. "He and Saturn didn't get along last night's bonding session, either. Do you think those two should talk to each other? Their animosity won't be good for them."

"Well, Takako and Naohiro are talking to Akito right now," Ashita says.

"Takako? I'm not surprised," Sora sighs. "She's always wanting us to cooperate and stuff. With Haruko's opinion, she'll definitely make me talk to that jerk Kyou, again."

"I don't think she'll force you," Ashita says, then adding, "Anymore, that is. She's just looking out for everybody."

"Or looking out for herself! What's the distinction?! Who knows!" Those shrill words echo from their feet; without warning the two-tone figure of Shufukuma appears, blue eye blinking cheekily at them. "I was waiting for this moment all day long! Finally, some direct drama! Not this 'dancing on eggshells' tension! I haven't got a sharp enough knife to cut it!"

Everyone's startled by him—it's not often Shufukuma makes an appearance. But he doesn't stay long; with one final suggestion to 'get inspired by your enemies' the bear leaves as quickly as he came.

It's a bit of a daze. Somehow, seeing Shufukuma reaffirmed what Ashita had been ignoring—that they're in an orchestrated Killing Game… that their loved ones are in as much danger as they are…

Is it denial? Is it neglect?

Even if they're looking out for each other—as a group burdened with undesirable knowledge—as a friend concerned for others' mental wellbeing—as a cynic—as someone who's had bad experiences with death…

What about those they care about, outside these walls?

"Ashita? Hello?"

"Sorry?" Ashita says, feeling a case of déjà vu. Haruko's smile is amused as she points to the Kitchen.

"Fuku is making us smoothies. Me and Sora are pretty excited; what about you? Have a flavour in mind?"

I actually wanted to talk about the motive, is what Ashita meant to say. But one look at Haruko's happy, hopeful face gives her pause.

"Nah, next time. I want to talk to… yeah."

"Yeah?... Who?"

"Sinerra," Ashita blurts, surprised at her own answer. "I—want to check up on her. Since. Because. The whole Saturn thing."

Haruko nods. "Of course! I'm glad you're being supportive, Ashita. You're always reliable."

Yep, that's her… Thinking on it, maybe Ashita should have spoken up, but Haruko's confidence seems precious given what Ashita knows about her, and, well, she wants the Mountaineer's good mood to remain intact. Worrying makes you suffer twice, right?

("That's a motto for life," Kimi had said after claiming to be the brains behind that philosophy.

Yeah, Ashita's slightly envious of Kimi's calm attitude.)

.

.

.

It only takes one ring of her intercom for Sinerra to appear. The Poet looks at Ashita with surprise, perhaps expecting her brother instead. (Does that mean Saturn isn't with her?)

"Ashita? Wh-What… Do you need something..?"

"Uh, only to talk. Did Saturn stop by?"

"No…"

"Oh, I'm sure he's in his room. He and Akito had… a little disagreement."

Sinerra frowns. "That always happens when they see each other… Akito does not," she exhales, "believe in the Elements, and disparages Sattie because of it. I understand Sattie's anger, but I don't want him to make enemies. Especially in these times…"

Ashita tries a smile. "I understand. If it's any consolation, Akito's being lectured."

Sinerra shakes her head. "I-I don't understand why he provokes Sattie. I… wish I could do something. B-But all I can do is write poems, a-and they haven't stopped conflict, only comforted people who c-came from the crossfire…"

"Hey, don't say that. People are good at different things! Like this one guy I met, he was good at blackmailing his victims, but was horrible at keeping secrets. It's how I found out his boss was in that warehouse!"

One look at Sinerra's perplexed face told Ashita she was missing the point.

"Okay, let's talk in your room."

Sinerra agrees but not without hesitation, and Ashita tries not to impose on the Poet's space. The privacy of the room, the familiar boxed-in feeling of walls around her, makes Ashita more comfortable. More attentive to others' bottled-up emotions.

"You can tell me what's bothering you," Ashita says, straight to the point. "It's not like you're the only one anxious. We're in the same boat, after all."

Sinerra wrings her hands. "You… w-won't tell me about your motive video, r-right?"

"N-No! I wouldn't do that to you! Get outta town!"

Sinerra blinks, and Ashita inwardly dies. In truth, she does want to talk about her video, having meant to discuss it with Haruko… but now's not the time.

With a smile, Ashita grips Sinerra's hands. "Hey," she says, stopping the other's fingers from quivering, "you're worried about those videos, aren't you? I can't even hear yours pinging! Is it, is it in the bathroom, or—?"

"It is," Sinerra mumbles.

"That's neat," Ashita says. "Isn't it? What's wrong?... Are you afraid for your own life? For your brother's?"

"No, S-Sattie is fine… He may not look it, but he's very strong. He has always protected me since we were kids. But… lately… he has been getting into trouble."

"With Akito?"

"No… but…" Sinerra raises her wrist. Enclosed is a silver bangle with a red orb affixed to the centre, glowing softly. "This is my Fates Bracelet. It is blessed with my tribe's magick, said to indicate the wellbeing of whoever is linked to me… Sattie has the same bracelet." Sinerra bites her lip. "It is said that the orb glows a fiery red when the linked's life is in danger… I-I feel it at times, pulsing, telling me Sattie's in danger… I know why but I don't like it, and it is not my place to stop him…"

A million questions bubble in Ashita's mind. She nearly asks them in a tangent, curiosity burning—but the context overrides her need to know, and Ashita composes herself to instead say what Sinerra should hear.

Which is simple, really.

"I don't know you that well," Ashita starts. "But I can tell that you care for Saturn deeply. You're lucky you have him here… Because of that, you have the most important job. The job of staying alive, for him. Even though you don't know how to, yet, you can protect him." Ashita chuckles. "Sora, Kyou, Takako, Naohiro, Haruko… all of them are looking out for everyone, in their own way. Even me… So you can, too!"

Sinerra looks disbelieving. "B-But, how? I am only a poet…"

"Fuku's only an acrobat and even he cheered some people up. In a way, that's protecting them."

Sinerra blinks. "I… I think I understand. Compassion as a form of protection…" With a sudden nod, she looks at Ashita. "Thank you! I—I will take that to heart! For Sattie… for everyone… I will try my best!"

"Good to hear!" But beneath Ashita's happiness, doubt lingers. She'd wanted to talk about her video, about her loved ones that she's neglecting… Cuz what's she to do? Protect them through compassion, through sheer faith in their survival—or other means of desperate action…?

No!

She can't think like that. Between her parents, and her new friends…

Ashita can't resort to murder.

They might find solace pretending the motive isn't true, or that there are other ways to cope, and other people to be more focused on. But in the end, murder can't be an option. Despair can't be an option.

It hurts to choose but, in a time of anticipation, anxiety and dread, denial might be their only source of comfort.

That… and friends. "Sinerra," Ashita says, "thanks for letting me stay here. For trusting me."

Sinerra nods happily. It's a nice moment, until Ashita's Pad rings. "What a mood breaker!" Ashita huffs, but reads anyway:

---

Spent time (1209) with Sinerra Demona, Ultimate Poet
(1) You wanted to dump your problems on her but decided against it. She doesn't like feeling useless, and due to her magick bangle, is worried for her brother. (How's he been getting into trouble? SPOILER QUESTION!) You encouraged her to protect through compassion, which better not mean random hope speeches!

---

Ashita is so busy wondering how much time Shufukuma has on his hands, she barely notices the door has opened. "Chikao!" she says, upon seeing the green-haired man greeting Sinerra.

"Hello, Ashita. I'm sorry to cut your chat short, but I've been trying to find Sinerra since the A.V. Room meet-up." Chikao hums. "For a small compound, it can be surprisingly hard to find people… Granted, I had been distracted by Kimi and Kasumi's match. It was comparable to a fight between goddesses! Artemis versus Athena… Have you heard of them, Sinerra? Strong, enduring…"

"Y-You can tell me about them! I am always interested in religions beyond the Elements." Sinerra turns to Ashita. "Are you staying? I-If you don't mind the change in topic…"

"Not at all! Though I do want a change in location. I'm starving!"

With that, the trio make their way to the Dining Hall. They're due for lunch anyway, though they don't make it past the Lobby before getting distracted by Fuku's training routine. The way the Acrobat makes a running start, leaping over the shelves (even through them!) is nothing short of amazing. When he finishes, everybody claps, especially Haruko and Sora who'd been watching fervently.

"That was so cool!"

"Graceful like the East Asian dragon in flight..!"

"Man, I thought you hit your head on the ceiling a couple times!" Sora ruffles the Acrobat's hair, mood lifted. Fuku tries escaping his grip to no avail, Haruko's giggling mixing with his own laughter. To Ashita, this scene, far removed from the gravity of their situation, is… a breath of fresh air.

The six of them soon migrate to the Kitchen, chatting and waiting as Fuku cooks lunch. Haruko joins him after arguing that the portion sizes are too small, earning her another jab at her appetite. Chikao regales them with the myth of the kappa ("Uh, how does that relate to noodles?" "If you offer a kappa soba, you can befriend it. A better alternative to being drowned to death, might I add.") while a delicious aroma wafts around them.

"What's this? You're all crammed in, I can't even get through," comes a voice. From the direction of the Dining Hall arrives Kimi and Kasumi, the Air Traffic Controller sounding amused despite her harsh words. "Well, at least I have the right to eat. I'm hungry as hell and whatever's cooking smells nice."

"So long as it isn't sour," Kasumi sighs, muddy green eyes darting to Ashita. "You. We still have a game to play. But, I'll give you today to practice. Your poker face is amateurish. Practice on it."

Ashita gulps. "O-Okay."

"I can't wait to beat you," Kasumi adds with spark in her eyes, making Ashita regret ever challenging her. Even more so when she finds out that Kasumi and Kimi played cards half an hour ago, true to what Chikao said. Scary…

"Nah, I bet they played the whole time without saying anything," Sora jokes.

"Actually, Card Counter, we had a great chat about the types of assholes who'd try and short-change us," Kasumi fires back.

"C-Card Counter?!"

"Not going to lie, that's a sucky nickname," Kimi snorts. "Oh and don't worry Sora, you weren't one of the assholes we were talking about."

Judging from Sora's open-mouthed expression, it seems he never assumed that at all. He stammers, "Well, newsflash Kim: girls can be assholes too!"

Kimi's lips quirk. "Wow. Props to you for that burn… Didn't have to yell in my ear, though."

"Yes, he is right," Chikao adds unnecessarily. "In one version of Arachne's story, Athena was consumed with envy… and Artemis was typically vengeful and impulsive…"

Footsteps interrupt him. Ashita's eyes widen when she sees Kyou peer at them unimpressed. Wordlessly, the Weapon Designer takes a seat at the table.

"Party's here," Kimi snarks.

Regardless, everything goes well. Sora and Kyou sit far, far away from each other; Saturn arrives in brighter spirits as he sits next to Sinerra (though said cheer gradually fades as Chikao prattles not far from them); Kimi and Kasumi banter, the latter looking more at ease; and Haruko and Fuku bring platters of yakisoba, just as Jao comes in and sits next to Ashita.

He looks up. "Wow, you're weird!"

Ashita gapes. "How so?!"

"He was referring to me," says a voice from behind her—a voice so monotone it sends chills down Ashita's spine.

Mayu smiles, head tilted so much her neck could snap. "May I sit next to you?" she asks. Ashita doesn't dare say no.

They start lunch with a surprising amount of chatter given last night's bombshell. They eat. They trade insults in that friendly-bro way ("Geez, Haru, you and Fuku eat a lot!" "Pah! Had I known you could speak at such lengths, I would have cast a spell…" "Hey Ashita, have you ever bored anyone during an interrogation?") that aren't always friendly… But it's okay. It's denial, it's friendship, and it works.

Soon, Naohiro and Takako arrive with relieved looks. "Did you cook this by yourselves? I'm impressed. Smells exactly like the street food I'd encounter," Naohiro says, lightly chuckling. He and Takako take seats opposite Ashita, and given how easily Ashita can lean on tables (be they in a boxed room with crappy lighting), she gets their attention immediately.

"So? How did the talk with Akito go?"

The Street Vendor and Psychiatrist exchange glances. "Patient confidentiality," Takako says firmly. "Though I can say that our earlier talk won't be the last. His behaviour is unacceptable given our circumstances. I'm afraid Sora and Kyou's conflict will take second priority."

"Eh, I guess that makes sense. So, where's Akito now? Is he not gonna eat? Or, well, get food. I know he doesn't eat with others, for some reason."

"Ashita~, what's with the obsession?" Jao gasps. "Oh, I get it! You want to keep an eye on him because we don't know if he watched his motive video."

"He didn't," Naohiro says, twirling noodles around his fork before looking around, as if in sudden realisation. "In saying that—huh, that's weird. Hibiki isn't here."

"Huh," Ashita says, swallowing her food before adding, "Hey, Takako—I know you're big on confidentiality and all but, which direction did Akito walk when you separated?"

Takako raises a brow. "The Dorms…"

"Maybe Hibiki is taking a nap. Maybe they both are. Ah!" Jao covers his mask-covered mouth. "Maybe they're napping together!"

"Haha! Yeah…" Ashita stands up. "I'm going to check."

She dashes out a bit too quickly-suspiciously, and Ashita doesn't make it past the floating 'i' when someone grabs her shoulder.

"Ashita! Is something wrong?"

Ashita blinks up at Haruko. "It's nothing! Just—Hibiki didn't show up so I thought I'd… check on him."

"Oh! Well, I'll come along. I'm finished eating anyway."

"Eh… that's what you said last time."

Haruko slumps. "I feel so attacked…"

It's only when they're standing in front of Hibiki's door does Ashita realise what a hunch this is. She literally banked on Jao's napping theory. Hibiki might be in the Casino for all they know!

Except he isn't, cuz he opens his door. "Ashita? Haruko? What's up?"

Ashita appraises him. "Everyone's having lunch right now. Want to join? Or did we actually interrupt you napping…?"

Hibiki laughs. "What? No, I wasn't napping. I just… don't feel hungry. I'll eat later."

"Are you sure?" Haruko persists.

Hibiki looks pained. He rubs the back of his neck, eyes downcast, before saying, "Both of you watched your motive videos, right?" When they nod he adds, "I, uh, heh… watched mine too…"

Both girls balk.

Stammering, Hibiki jabs a finger behind him. "C-Can we talk inside? I don't want anyone to hear…"

"Of course," Haruko says, passing Ashita with a raised brow. "Ashita? Aren't you coming?"

Should she? Ashita already chose denial to protect herself. Confronting the motive like this… Is it too risky?

A hand on her shoulder startles Ashita. "Hey," Haruko says, sky-blue eyes creasing knowingly. "We trust each other, right?"

"R-Right!" Of course. She isn't alone in this. Looking at her, Ashita realises that Haruko had probably been repressing her worries as well. Confronting them then… might be good.

The three of them lounge in Hibiki's room which is surprisingly packed with board games. "The cards and figurines were mixed up, so I've been organising them," he admits sheepishly. They sit on his bed where Hibiki's Pad lies, totally silent.

Ashita frowns. "I don't understand. Why did you watch it, Hibiki? You warned us against believing the motive, so why…?"

The Con Artist sighs. "I felt… dumb, saying that and acting so confident. I felt I was running away."

"What do you mean?"

Hibiki looks them in the eyes. "I'm not Jao. I'm not dismissing the motive as fake. It's just… I want everyone to doubt it. Shufukuma, Monokuma—they're all tricksters. And… I feel like this motive came about to make fun of me.

"Do you remember, Ashita? Two days ago," Hibiki humourlessly chuckles, "I made fun of the first game's first motive."

"Man… It wasn't even a good motive. The prize was just knowing what happened to your loved ones. And uh, getting out—but how'd you like it if you won only to find out your parents were dead anyway? I don't get how those guys fell for it…"

Haruko shakes her head. "That's only a coincidence. Even if it isn't, it's not your fault. Shufukuma would've released a motive anyway. It's… something we should've prepared for."

"No use now," Hibiki says glumly. "I felt angry at Shufukuma. I could practically hear him laughing at me! So I… tried to call his bluff. Heh… I promised not to fall for his motive. Then I watched it, and now I can't get it out of my head."

Seeing the blonde man bury his head in his hands, Ashita clenches her hand. "We all can't," she says. "Even the people who didn't watch theirs must be wondering… I used to think that us non-pingers would be at most risk, but really, nobody's safe from the motive. You, Takako, Akito... It's gotten to all of us!"

"Exactly! You're definitely not alone, Hibiki." Haruko crosses her arms, smiling at them sadly. "I've made friends here I could never suspect. I believe in all of them. But… the thought of my loved ones suffering so close, but so far away… I can't handle it. I don't want to let them down." She grasps her shirt, where her heart is. "But I don't want to let everyone down here, too."

"Yep, that's why I wanted to doubt the motive. I didn't want to choose between everyone and my mom. I couldn't be that selfish." Hibiki swipes a finger over the screen of his Pad. "Still, I'm now doubting my own judgement. The motive can't be true, can it? Just like how there's another Tragedy…"

It isn't true, is what Ashita would've liked to say. But Jao and Takako's words mock her: "He's baited you with that 'regain trust' thing"; "If you are not careful, you might delude yourself into accepting answers that are not concrete."

Ashita's been so fixated on finding answers that she never considered doubting them and their source. How far should she trust Shufukuma?

… Enough to know his intentions.

"We can't fall for it," Ashita says firmly. "I already decided to trust everyone. To risk living in denial. Even though I plan to uncover the secret behind this place… I won't trust Shufukuma's intentions." She suddenly flinches. "A-And if he lies to me because of those intentions then—I'll have to step up my interrogation game!"

"Ashita…" Haruko straightens, the glass pendant of her necklace glinting excitedly. "You're right. I can't doubt the motive completely, but for everyone's sakes, we can't fall for despair."

"Take the risk…" Hibiki hums. "Somehow, that doesn't seem naïve at all."

"It doesn't," Haruko says. "Really, I should have more faith in my mountaineer friends. We've all climbed the highest mountains, in dangerous situations… I trust them to figure things out!"

"Wow, they all sound brave." Ashita smiles. "I guess, no matter if they're in a Killing Game or not, our loved ones would have faith in us, too."

"That's optimistic," Hibiki points out. "But… I know I can survive for my mom." He bites his lip. "She's tough, but I hope she's fine without me. Uh, fine besides the fact she might be in a Killing Game."

All three of them chuckle at that despite the dark humour. What else can they do? For Ashita, it's like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. It's not neglect, no—it's faith. It's compassion. It's not being alone.

Take that, Shufukuma!

With that out of the way, they spend the next hour playing Cluedo and practicing Ashita's blackjack skills. Time passes like a bullet train and before they know it, it's late afternoon.

"Hey, uh, can I ask a favour?" Hibiki asks, before they go their separate ways. "Can you not tell anyone I watched my motive video? I'm still embarrassed about it… and I don't want Kasumi of all people to know. I'm afraid she'll avoid me."

Ashita blinks. "What? She wouldn't do that. You're friends!"

Hibiki snickers. "She doesn't trust anyone. Especially not con artists."

"But you're a dork, aren't you?"

"S-Seriously? Well, whatever. I think you'll do fine against her tomorrow." Hibiki averts his gaze. "And… thanks, guys. For talking to me."

Haruko gives a thumbs up. "Anytime! You're an honorary 'non-pinger' now. The official eighth member."

"With Akito's own pinger status, that means the group is split evenly." Ashita jolts. "Ah, he didn't turn up to lunch either! Where could he be? In his room…?"

Hibiki cringes. "You want to talk to him? He seems like a loose cannon."

"Actually, he's a very careful person… I think."

Haruko frowns. "Didn't Akito pick on Saturn? I don't want to assume anything, but he seems too difficult to talk to."

"I've dealt with worse," Ashita says confidently. "Me and Takako will talk sense into him. Before you know it, he'll be begging to join the bonding sessions!"

Haruko and Hibiki exchange dubious glances. Well then—Ashita will have to prove them wrong!

… Right after she tries something.

.

.

.

Sure enough, one tap brings their beary headmaster to her feet. Shufukuma glares up at her but like the cool interrogator she is, Ashita pays it no mind.

"You're a persistent one," Shufukuma grumbles, oddly choosing to stay despite the fact that he can leave at any time. (Ashita would spam the floating 'i' anyway.)

She crosses her arms. "You are too! Making us worry about this motive… You're sneaky, I'll give you that. But not original."

"Of course not! There's a formula to this gig, you know?! Not everyone can be innovators!"

O-kay, getting off track there. "What I mean is, you're following in your cousin's footsteps, right? Monokuma and his original Killing Game? I'd think all you ursine cousins look to his, uh, prototype as inspiration! Don't you?"

"Grgh, he's a real tool in my opinion. Making all those poor kids fall to despair…"

Ashita does a double take. "Eh? Well—yeah, that's the goal, isn't it? Your goal too, right?"

Shufukuma tilts his head. "Hm, my goal? Aren't you assuming that? When have I ever said I wanted you guys to despair?"

"Literally the first time you gathered us, all in the one place?"

That makes the bear splutter. "What—how could you remember that?! People don't recall things that easily!"

Ashita smugly grins. "I'm the Ultimate Interrogator. I have to recall things about people, even if it's a passing comment they made. Or, you know. A concept their whole existence is based off."

"You don't know shit, Miss Interrogator! Just cuz I wanna see you all squirm doesn't mean it's the only reason I exist!"

"Huh, you're right! You're just a mouthpiece, aren't you? For the real mastermind, a Remnant of Despair that's totally not in this compound!"

"Not what they're calling themselves nowadays," Shufukuma snarks. Wait, what? "And really, brat? You're bullying me to get information? Man, that hurts my wires! I'm deeply offended! You and that firefighter are more alike than I thought!"

Ashita stands her ground. "W-Well, playing nice with you didn't work so I'm changing tactics!" Besides, this isn't her trying to get information. It's verifying what she already has. The purpose of this Game, the current Tragedy, their loved ones' Killing Game… She knows now that she can't 100% trust everything Shufukuma says, but she can scrutinise the things he says subconsciously. Like his comment about the Remnants of Despair…

She'll need to keep him talking. Ease him into a conversation, let his guard down. Let the small comments speak volumes.

"You won't get squat from me," Shufukuma hisses. "There's no point to this, otherwise. Savour the trust you have because it won't last. Despair always wins! It's why they're a legacy!"

With a cackle, Shufukuma disappears beneath the floor.

"Legacy…?" Ashita cups her chin. Could that mean something?

"It astounds me how persistent you are," says a voice. Ashita blinks as Kyou bends over the floating 'i'. "Though what baffles me even more is the purpose of this thing. If Shufukuma wants to be undisturbed, he should get rid of this."

"Don't give him ideas!" Ashita says. Kyou isn't humoured by that, expectedly, and Ashita fumbles for words amidst the uncomfortable silence. "So, Kyou—did you talk to Sora again?" When the Weapon Designer merely stares, she relents. "Alright, I guess I'll… go find Akito then…"

"He's likely not on this floor. Or below."

Ashita stops. "Wait, how do you know—?"

"If you are going to 'talk sense into him', you might as well succeed," Kyou interrupts. "Otherwise, his self-righteousness will be his downfall..."

"But, I never told you that I would…" Ashita's eyes widen. "Did—did you—?"

"Eavesdrop? Accidentally." In passing her, Kyou whispers into her ear. "But there is no point revealing Hibiki's secret. I won't do it... unless it is necessary.

"Don't make a wrong move." With those last words, Kyou walks away.

Ashita watches him go with a tinge of disappointment. "Why do you help people when you say you won't?" she mumbles aimlessly to him. Sighing, she takes the stairs.

Each step weighs a ton. Ashita grips the cold railings with a gulp as she nears the Prison Floor—the starting point of their entrapment. It's scarily nostalgic.

Her hand twists the doorknob.

The first thing she notices, is the lack of dogs waiting to eat her.

The next, a string.

It's red, bright; the kind of string that can't be easily unravelled. It's tied in a loop around the opposing doorknob, leading out past the corridor. Almost like a trail.

"Huh…"

Ashita follows it to another door. Again the string is looped, this time around the spoke-wheel of the knob. It leads further on.

Then metallic footsteps resound.

Uh oh.

At the end of the hall, two growling dogs bound towards her. Ashita scampers with a yelp and thankfully, thankfully doesn't veer from the trail of string. She follows it stubbornly knowing that it'll lead to answers. It has to!

It does. Ashita barely registers the end of the trail when she turns the knob boasting the last loop, and slips inside the room.

Behind the shut door, the dogs howl. Ashita pants and picks herself up from the floor. Then she notices. Holy crap.

Akito stares back at her.

"What the fuck," he says, as Ashita looks around.

It's the Warden's Room. Ashita recognises the panel and screens, except the latter seem to work now. All of them, with a green tint, depict different angles of the compound, from the Dining Hall to people's dorm rooms. There's a bedsheet draped over the office chair where a pillow nestles. Ashita turns to Akito questioningly.

Akito breaks eye contact. "Go away. You're not supposed to be here."

Ashita can't pass up a retort. "What about you? That bedsheet and pillow—are you—are you sleeping in here? Like a cop on a stakeout?!"

The Firefighter huffs and scoffs but eventually falls silent.

"You have a room," Ashita points out.

"I know. I'm sleeping here because it's easier. That, and the chance of murders happening at night is 52.7%. I'm not sleeping through that danger zone."

"But the rules—"

"—don't prevent me from sleeping here," Akito finishes impatiently.

Ashita stares. "So you…" The bags under his eyes, the screens glowing behind him. "You're telling me that you're camping here, and keeping an eye on everyone, because you don't trust us not to shank you in the middle of the night?!"

"That's not—why would I leave the safety of my locked room for this shithole?!" Akito growls. "No, I'm doing this for you guys. Because some of you watched your motive videos all the way through!"

Ashita exhales. Yes, she'll admit, that was poor judgement. But that red string—and Akito having breakfast late—… meant he didn't make the decision to sleep there today. He… didn't trust them from the start.

She sighs, approaching the screens.

"What're you doing?"

"I," Ashita says, hoisting herself up on the control panel, "am going to stay the night here with you. I'm going to prove that nobody will attempt a murder tonight." Sitting in a spot with no buttons, she kicks her legs in the air. "If there's no murder, you have to promise not to sleep here anymore."

A scoff. "If a killer gets out of jail, does that mean they'll never kill someone again?"

Ashita crosses her arms. "If Takako found out about this…" Akito actually stiffens at that, which is pretty funny. "Anyways! you can't make me go. Not out there, with dogs that can harm me… Plus, I'd keep coming back. I'm persistent like that, ehe."

Akito clenches his hands but otherwise says nothing. Then, "Fine. But get off the panel. And don't kick below; you'll hit the electrical grid."

Ashita only heeds the last part of his warning. Turning around, she watches the screens. Kimi reading a book on her bed. Fuku practicing with the shelves, others close by. Mayu whittling in the Casino. Any voices are faint and overlap with one another. "This is so intrusive… Has anything suspicious actually happened?"

"Only Demona wandering the floor," Akito mutters.

"Oh… what for?"

"Can't tell. He made me promise."

"Well, sure, buuut, he'd be in danger from the dogs, right? It'd be bad if something happened to him, right?"

Akito falls into the office chair. "He's a lost cause. Let him blindly follow his religion, for all I care."

Ashita watches Saturn listen to Sinerra's poetry. "That's harsh. You should be nicer to him. It'd do wonders for your popularity."

"You think I care?"

"Shouldn't you? You're a firefighter. You work in teams… So why won't you work with us?"

"Why do you care so much?"

Ashita frowns. "Because you're the first one I met."

"Tch. The hell does that mean…" Grumbling, Akito reclines into his seat. "People never make sense."

He suddenly glides across the room, bedsheet in his grip. Ashita watches him tie it around the door's spoke-wheel knob.

"There are warning signs in place. Notices. Death tolls. Yet retards take unnecessary risks. They expect me to clean up after them, and for what? Bystanders think their invincible just cuz the faraway screams aren't their own. They get complacent. Overconfident." He glares at her. "I don't work with people like that."

"That's not fair," Ashita argues. "None of us thought we'd end up in this situation… Considering everything at stake… to risk living in denial is much better than living in constant distrust!"

"Denial is cowardly!"

"Both of them are. But… denial doesn't have to make you lonely. Not when you do it with others. Others you trust." Ashita looks dead straight at him. "I trust you, Akito. Can't you take the same risk, for me? For everyone?"

Akito fidgets. Huffing and scoffing, he retreats to his chair. Then he shuts his eyes.

"Hope is a burden," he mutters.

"It's certainly not cowardly," Ashita points out.

"Fuck off." There's no heat to his words.

Feeling strangely relieved, Ashita turns back to the screens. She thinks she's made a difference. Talking to a few people, sorting out her own feelings… The motive feels less of a clanging worry and more of a muted horror. It's still not ideal, but Ashita will take what she can get.

At the end of the day, she has people she can count on.

.

.

.

There's the suspicious feel of leather. That and two sturdy bar thingies caging her in place. After tossing in a foetal position and kicking what was most certainly a pillow, Ashita drowsily realises she's on the chair.

She's also being shaken.

"Akito…?" Blearily, she makes out the Firefighter's bright orange eyes and skull-print scarf-mask. "Wha—stop shaking me… Wha's the matter? Did—"

Did someone—

"No," Akito says, lifting her up by the elbows. "That fucking bear made an announcement. We have to meet up at the A.V. Room."

He adds, "I can't believe you tried sleeping next to the electrical grid. You could've been electrocuted, idiot."

Ashita wobbles to her feet. "Did you turn on the lights? It's bright. What time is it? Why's your bedsheet wedged in the knob?" Said bedsheet is being hastily removed. "Hey, what's happening…? You said you'd be nicer…"

No reply. With an uneasy clank, the door opens.

.

.

.

---

Hello! Sorry for the long wait! I hope this chapter makes up for it; it's easily the longest thus far. Firstly, since I do update quite slow, I'll be adding 'Previously On' segments for future chapters to jog your memory. Also, they're a sneak peek as to what the chapter has to offer in terms of character focus and plot stuff :D

As for the chapter, what do you guys think? The motive videos definitely shook everyone. Worrying, considering the first murder is close, though not without one more big surprise O_O Who do you think will be the first victim(s)? Curious to know what you think!

Also, I have an idea I REALLY WANT to implement, but want to run it by you guys first. Simply: I want to make a forum for this story. I don't expect 24/7 active participation since I'm sure we all have busy schedules, but I'd like the opportunity to chat with you guys outside of reviews and PMs. Chat about things like predictions, theories, general discussions, etc.! This SYOC is a collaboration between all of us—even you guys who don't review or didn't have a character accepted.

Would you like a forum? Drop a review and/or vote on the poll on my profile :) UPDATE: A forum has been created! Search 'DR Rogue: New Hope FORUM' and drop a reply, introduce yourself, etc. Don't forget to Follow the forum for notifications!

Until next time!

—Jeptwin: It was nice to hear your theories regarding last chapter. You definitely had interesting thoughts! Hope you like this chapter too and 'till then!

—Gatekeeper: Hope this chapter wasn't too long of a wait, haha. Decided not to split it into two parts :) Yep, everyone's memories are one mystery amongst a web of mysteries. I'm glad you're thinking about some of the minor hints I drop in previous chapters! Yep, current circumstances make trusting others hard. Though maybe there's a slight distinction between trusting someone, and earning that trust? And I'm glad you like the motive idea! I was worried it'd been done before, cuz then the shock value wouldn't be as, uh, shocking I suppose. Either way thanks for reviewing and hoped you liked this chapter too :)

—MarciaWatney: Hey again! I'm glad you're liking the story so far, and Ashita as a protagonist. I've always liked it when characters get to use their Talents and Ashita defo takes whatever opportunity she can get, though like you said, she tries being respectful about it. This chapter deals more with Sora and Kyou's conflict and I hope I've made both their reasonings clear. Props to Sora for trying to deter the inevitable, though. Nobody should resign so easily! I'm glad you think the motive is effective and yep, those memorials are in order :'( See you then!

—Abitat Eco: Heyo! Firstly, thanks again for your input on the forum idea. Secondly, it's nice to hear you enjoying the character dynamics. They're defo my favorite thing to write! Yep, lots of stubborn guys in this cast. Shufukuma included? Glad you liked that interrogation scene and the revelations that came with. Yep, the motive is a sign of darker things to come. Hope you liked the Saturn-Sinerra stuff in this chapter, even if some of it might be worrying ehe, and wow, you're studying a medical degree?! Good luck! Until next time :D

—irwegwert: Glad you're enjoying the story! And how I structured the FTEs; I was unsure about the way I integrated them with the plot, but it's actually made it easier for me to, uh, convey plot and themes and all. Characters and their experiences are what structure themes, after all! Hope the FTEs this time round were also interesting. Yep, Ashita's doubting herself more this chapter especially after talking and getting more perspectives on the interrogation. I was surprised you thought their situation was bleak last chapter, though I guess the particular group at the time (Sora, Kyou, Takako and Kimi) didn't have the collective chirpiness of the 'non-pingers'. Whatever the case, the motive has driven a wedge somewhere. Thanks for reviewing last chapter and ah, better late than never in reviewing I suppose? xD

—Nemris: Glad you liked last chapter! Sora and Kyou's conflict is really interesting. Yep, Takako's Talent and general character makes her a perfect mediator, as this chapter deals with. I'm glad I'm portraying Kyou well, and your musings on how people would react to the motive were interesting to read. That dichotomy of optimist/pessimist is definitely something I played with! Thanks for reviewing and until then! :)

—AmazingSwolfie: Heyo! The FTEs last time were fun to write and I'm happy you liked them! Hibiki and Ashita's dynamic is fun to write too since they're pretty much on opposite sides of the law, haha. And Hibiki and Kasumi are defo one of those duos. Ah and yep, others are also getting Shufukuma's FTE-summaries, though some may not know given that they've left their Pads in their rooms (on account of the annoying pinging and all!). Your thoughts on who would snap are interesting too! Hope this chapter delivered on the motive's threat and matching the Dangan feel :) Until then!