Chapter 14

Leon was horrified as he stared at the broken piano with a puddle of blood forming underneath it. He didn't even want to imagine what crumbled state the body that was once Kiyoshi Etsuko was left in. He inhaled sharply whilst squeezing his eyes shut, only hearing the sound of his rapidly pounding heart and the sound of Shizko's cries. It was hard for him to believe he ended up witnessing the death of a girl he had friendly chats with a few days ago. His body tensed as his mind recalled the image burned into his mind; the image of the absolute fear that was painted on Kiyoshi's face. An expression of fear and dread that was near identical to his own before Monokuma executed him.

He slowly drifted away from his thoughts when he heard Shizko quietly sob "I should have been the one to die. Not her. Kiyoshi still had her whole life to look forward to. I don't have a future in the distance. It should have been me."

Feeling both angry and saddened by the broken teen's sobbing, Seiichi demanded "Monokuma, why didn't you give Kiyoshi immunity from the punishment? You told Shizko that if she sabotaged the crime scene to convince us to vote for her, you would insure she wouldn't get punished with the rest of us. So why is it that you went ahead and executed Kiyoshi?"

The black and white bear hummed whilst casually checking his paws, acting as if he didn't pay attention to the wrestler's words.

"Oh, right, that thing. Yeah..." the bear muttered in a bored tone, taking a dramatic pause before continuing, "I never intended to keep my word. Had Shizko succeeded, she would have been punished with the rest of you guys. It was to be like her final despair. But that didn't work out thanks to little Miss Cartoon not having the guts to let you all die, oh well."

Shizko couldn't prevent a shocked gasp from escaping her mouth as she stared at Monokuma in horror, her wide eyes still full of tears. She hated that she was naive and desperate enough to think the demented bear would stay true to his word. It pained her to realize her actions had been pointless. In the end, all she managed to do was hurt Kiyoshi before she died with the knowledge of her deal. Unable to take it anymore, the girl screamed both out of frustration and agony as she darted for the elevator.

"So in other words, she almost got us all killed for no reason. Kiyoshi would have ended up alone with none of her friends. Honestly she deserves every single hate that gets thrown at her. Not only did she almost get me killed, she nearly cheated me from seeing a creative execution. Had Shizko succeeded, I would have never got to see Kiyoshi's execution!" Toshiro commented in a disgusted tone.

The moment those words left his mouth he found himself yanked by the collar. The brown-headed teen yelped out in shock, blinking in confusion as he stared into purple eyes filled with anger.
Hideyo sneered whilst her grip on the director's collar tightened. She hated how the teenage boy paid no attention to the feelings of those around him and didn't fully comprehend the horror of watching one of their friends be killed in a brutal fashion.

"While it disgusts me that Shizko nearly got us all killed, your actions disgust me even more. Something tells me that if you were the one that going to be put through one of those "creative" executions you seem to love, your tone would change. It doesn't matter if you thought it was creative, what matters is that you're treating death like it's nothing! Kiyoshi didn't deserve to die the way she did! Kazuo didn't deserve to die the way he did! They both killed someone, but they didn't deserve something so brutal in the end! The only one at this rate that deserves to be executed is you!" she snarled.

Toshiro raised a brow out of confusion. He couldn't understand why his words seemed to constantly annoy everyone. He believed his companions should agree with him, after all, he was stating the facts. The executions required creativity and Shizko had almost killed them all thanks to misguided trust. He couldn't see a reason why everyone would be angered by his words. Frustrated that he received scolding yet again for his statements, the teenage boy grumbled before he started arguing with the stunt actress.

Leon sighed out of annoyance as the two teens' bickering began to fill the air. He agreed with Hideyo that Toshiro's statement were stupid, but he believed the black-haired girl wasn't making it any better by arguing with the aspiring director. They were all stressed and tired after losing yet another set of friends, yet he knew that arguments would only escalate the situation. If anything, that would encourage one to kill even more. The last thing anyone wanted was the killings to continue to the point that one or even none remained.

Figuring he should check up on Shizko, Leon silently headed for the elevator, doing his best to ignore the angry yells filling the courtroom. He took in deep breaths as the elevator started its ascent with some shaking. The events of Kiyoshi's execution kept constantly playing over and over again in his mind. Sweat formed on the red-head's brow as he recalled Kiyoshi discussing her excitement to share her talent and even attend Hope's Peak Academy. It pained him to think the teenage girl was hopeful for her future only to feel the despair of knowing she no longer had any future, much like himself before he died.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that ghost. She gave me a second chance to make up for what I did. I hope that everyone that has died so far gets their second chance one day. None of them deserved to have their lives ripped away from them, they didn't deserve death." he thought to himself.

The nineteen year-old remembered how the ghostly girl informed him that rebirth was only for select spirits. The girl wouldn't have given him an improper rebirth if he had already been chosen for rebirth, there would be no reason for it. With this knowledge in mind, the teen could only hope that his deceased friends would be among those chosen for rebirth. It wasn't long till the elevator finally reached the first floor of the factory once more. Without hesitation, the red-head made his way through the factory's hallways, heading toward the one place he knew Shizko would be at.

Within a few moments, he finally found himself standing in front of the door leading to Kiyoshi's room. Silently he placed his hand on the doorknob; his touch lingering a bit when uneasiness washed over him that he would be stepping into a deceased person's room. With the shake of his head to help gather himself, he opened the door. Inside he found Shizko sitting in the floor.

The sculptor had taken off her safety glasses to wipe away the tears still streaking down her face and her hair was no longer in a bun, now falling around her shoulders. One would find her appearance surprisingly beautiful despite the heartbreak she was experiencing. Shizko's lip trembled as she clung onto her dead friend's sketchbook in her free hand. She flipped through each sketch, doing her best to recall the fond memories she shared with the cartoonist.
Leon couldn't help but frown at the sight. He didn't want to imagine how much she was suffering from Kiyoshi's death.

Wishing to at least provide some kind of comfort, the baseball player spoke up "Shizko, do you need to talk about this?"

The silver-headed teen gasped in surprise before spinning toward the teenage boy. She hastily wiped away the tears from her face with her arm, nodding her head rapidly in response. A part of her wanted to reject the teen and wallow in her despair, yet the other part didn't wish for that. She desperately was seeking comfort and she considered it foolish to turn down the athlete's offer.
Seeing that she had agreed, Leon sat down next to the sculptor without a word.

Silence managed to linger between the two teens, neither sure what to say. It was hard to come to terms that a girl they had been painting a room with was no longer among the living.
Shizko's gaze focused on the floor with her grip on the sketchbook tightening.

Finally, after a few more moments of silence, she apologized "I'm sorry for almost getting us all killed. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. I was just so desperate to save Kiyoshi and stay true to our promise. I don't even think she meant to murder Hisoka. It must have been because of those nightmares of hers she told me about. But even despite that, Monokuma killed her regardless. I miss her. Not only her, I miss Hisoka too. I miss them both."

The red-head inhaled deeply as he replied "I get it. When you get scared or nervous, it affects your line of thinking. It's easy to slip into that kind of mindset."

He paused for a moment, shuddering both in fear and guilt as the memory of himself staring in horror at the blood on his hands and clothes entered his mind.

Doing his best to hide the regret he was feeling, Leon continued "Don't get me wrong, I don't like that you nearly got us all killed, but I can understand your reasons. Kiyoshi was your best friend after all. You got scared for her and made reckless decisions. It was the wrong choices, but in the end, at least you didn't make such decisions because of cowardice. Had you done it because of that, you would have your guilt constantly following you, making you wonder why you didn't stop yourself before it was too late."

Shizko stared silently at the teen next to her, both shocked and touched by his words. She didn't know why, but his words seemed to carry conviction and sadness. To her, his voice seemed too somber for someone that was simply offering advice. In her mind, it seemed like Leon was speaking more from experience rather than what-if scenarios. The sculptor seemed puzzled by her analysis of the baseball player. She couldn't think of any circumstance that would cause the teen to develop such feelings. Deciding that the thoughts were too confusing to answer, she pushed them aside for the moment.

Her icy-blue eyes glanced up at her companion as a shaky sigh managed to escape her mouth. With a smile, she gently grabbed a hold of Leon's hand and gave it a small squeeze. Even though she couldn't figure the cause for the red-head's mindset, she wanted to give him some sort of comfort. After all, she now considered him her friend. She may have lost Kiyoshi, but in the cartoonist's place was someone willing to help her. She didn't believe she would form a bond as close to the one she formed with the deceased girl; regardless, she was willing to do her best.

"Kiyoshi, your last wish was for me to live and escape with everyone here." Shizko thought to herself as she smiled at Leon, "I imagine you wanted me to become friends with the others, allowing me to move on. You would never want me to fall into despair, otherwise Monokuma wins. I'll still deeply miss you, my first friend. But regardless of my feelings, I need to honor your final wish. No matter what, illness or no illness, I will get out of here alive. For your sake, Kiyoshi."

The next day, the remaining survivors gathered in the lunchroom for breakfast. Uneasiness filled the air as they ate in mostly silence, sparing a few occasional glances at the seats once occupied by two people.
Leon grumbled as he munched on toast with one hand and use the other to run it through his spiky hair. There was no doubt in his mind, that Monokuma would soon appear to announce the new areas in the factory they unlocked.

Trying to pass by the time and take his mind off the annoying bear, he glanced around at his companions, gauging any of them for reactions. He noticed that Hideyo and Toshiro were still glaring daggers at each other as they sat across from each other at the table. He sighed as he shook his head, unsure how much longer the two teens could stand each other. It seemed the longer they were forced to participate in the Killing Game together, the more the two grew to despise each other. Shifting his attention away from the two angry teens, he saw Shizko doing her best attempt at striking up a conversation with Mineko and Isas.

Leon knew the sculptor was struggling to overcome her former solitary personality, knowing that it was impossible for someone to change overnight. But regardless, he was happy to see the teenage girl was putting in the effort. Finally his sights set on Seiichi, watching as the wrestler laughed while smacking his hand against Naoko's back. He couldn't help but find it interesting how friendly the black-haired teen was to everyone, always maintaining that big brother nature. Unfortunately his thoughts were shattered by the sound of familiar laughter. With a groan of frustration and dread, Leon turned around to see Monokuma standing in the entrance of the lunchroom.

"Good morning miserable people!" the bear greeted in an excited tone, "Hard to believe it's already been a week since I trapped you guys in here. On the first day, I managed to meet fifteen students full of hope. Now all I see is eleven students with dwindling hope. Wonder how many deaths it will take for the rest of you to completely fall into despair?"

"I doubt there will be anymore murders. We all saw what happened to Kiyoshi because she killed someone. If anything, it reinforces the point on why we shouldn't attempt murder. After all, past events indicate the culprit is always discovered and executed." Hiroko stated in a curt manner.

Upon hearing this, Monokuma simply tilted his head in curiosity with some mischievousness shining in his red eye.

"Oh? You sound so certain of that." the bear replied in tone that carried a hint of malice, "But as I recall, you all said the same thing after Kazuo was executed. A murder managed to happen despite his punishment scarring you all for life. Why do you think this time will be any different? Despair can make people do some very interesting things. You seem to love that analytical mind of yours, I bet it would fly out the window when despair finally breaks you."

The speech debater's body flinched while the expression of terror flashed across her face for a few brief seconds. She couldn't believe the bear actually brought up a valid counterpoint to her statement. She didn't like the idea of the killings continuing, yet she couldn't deny the possibility. She was completely surprised when she first learned of Hisoka's murder. Before that point, the nineteen year-old believed that everyone wouldn't attempt murder due to the stories of those who died to the killing games in the past. She didn't want to admit it, she didn't even want to acknowledge it, yet a part of her grew very frightened of Monokuma's influence.

Wanting to shift everyone's thoughts away from murder, Hideaki said "Stop beating around the bush, Monokuma. If you're here that means you came to tell us that you unlocked more of the factory. You said it yourself, every single time we get through a trial, we gain access to a new area of the factory."

The bear chuckled a bit before confirming the teen's theory. Excitement poured off each of his words as he announced that the students had gained access to the third floor of the factory. His body was practically bouncing in enthusiasm, anxious to see which of the teens would spark the next conflict. There was no doubt in his mind that another murder would take place, especially with his knowledge of potential breaking points. Curious of what Leon's reaction was, the black and white bear turned his head toward the red-head.

His grin grew slightly when he noticed the teen flinched a bit. He figured that the baseball player was slowly learning to get use to his presence, but he could still pick up the bits of fear still lingering in the teen. It both confused and intrigued him why Leon seemed to be frightened of his presence. It was true that the other participants were frightened of him, but not to level of Leon. There was also the mystery as to why the teen seemed to have too much experience for someone experiencing their first Killing Game.

"Actually, studying him closely right now, I feel like I've seen his face before. Not from the files on him that were given to me by my spies, but somewhere else. Grah, my mind is drawing a blank! Where did I see his face from?" Monokuma thought to himself, his face turning red as he got frustrated.

"Uh... does anyone know why the freaky bear is getting mad?" Naoko asked, stirring the bear from his thoughts, "He was all excited, but then started getting mad when he looked at Leon."

"Don't look at me! I didn't do anything to make him mad! I've been quiet this whole time!" Leon snapped in defense.

The sprint runner shrugged his shoulders as he offhandedly suggested "Maybe he hates how you keep solving the murders. I don't know. I mean, both Kazuo and Kiyoshi were able to be successfully identified thanks to you. Good thing too, otherwise we all would have died."

Shizko clenched her teeth in anger. Without any hesitation, she slapped her hand against the back of the ginger-haired teen's head, earning a yelp of pain from him. Despite knowing the teen didn't mean any ill-will with his words, it still infuriated her that he unintentionally made Kiyoshi's death sound like a good thing. The sculptor had mostly comes to terms with her best friend's death, but a part of her still deeply grieved for her loss.
Growing tired of the teen's antics, Monokuma yelled in anger, prompting everyone to grow quiet in the room.

"Will you guys knock it off! I like conflict, but not stupid conflict like this! Jeez!" he grumbled with his arms crossed, "Now stop chit-chatting and go explore the third floor already!"

With the last of the words, the black and white bear stormed out of the lunchroom.
The group of teens stared at each other in confusion. They couldn't figure why the bear got so annoyed with what was only small bickering among friends. Deciding to ignore the confusing moment, the group left the lunchroom. None of them were sure of what they would discover on the newly opened floor, but one thing they all hoped for was that the new location would not become yet another murder scene.