Within Chiaki's consciousness, she felt herself relive all her memories.
She was created by the ultimate programmer Chihiro Fujisaki, she was incorporated in the Neo World Program to be an observer, she met and befriended fifteen human patients in said program, and she betrayed them in more ways than one. Even when a virus infected the program and forced the patients to turn on each other through a killing game, she had been silent about everything she knew and instead continued to assume the identity of the patients' deceased friend, Chiaki Nanami. She did this by looking into the patients' memories of their beloved class rep. Through those memories she gathered enough information to act like the deceased girl and see the extent of pain and despair the patients' had gone through when she was executed.
Watching these memories of herself simultaneously bonding and deceiving those people made Chiaki want to scream, but nothing she could do would stop the flood of memories. One by one the AI saw Chiaki Nanami's friends; Sonia Nevermind, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, Akane Owari, Kazuichi Souda, Nagito Komaeda, Gundam Tanaka, Nekomaru Nidai, Mikan Tsumiki, Hiyoko Sayongi, Ibuki Mioda, Peko Pekoyama, Mahiru Koizumi, Teruteru Hanamura, the Imposter, and Hajime Hinata.
"Please Stop!" Chiaki screamed upon seeing Hajime's face.
The sequence of memories began to slow down until reaching the day the AI had feared the most. By this point she and the remaining people had finished the 4th class trial. Just as Chiaki had hoped no more killing would happen like she always did, Nagito Komaeda presented himself as the next greatest threat to their survival. She always knew Nagito would be trouble, yet she foolishly held out hope for him because that's what the real Chiaki Nanami would have done. That day though, any hope she had for her friends' survival would be violently ripped away.
...
They were in the hotel lobby when it happened. Just as Nagito was apprehended by Akane, something unexpected happened. Everyone except Chiaki dropped to their knees and held their bodies. Chiaki looked at the pained expressions of her friends.
"Shit!" Fuyuhiko gasped. "What the... hell."
"Why… does everything hurt?" Akane asked grasping her stomach.
"I feel… like a magnetized clock," Souda weakly said.
"Perhaps… this is… our punishment…" Nagito said before passing out.
Suddenly a bell chimed in and the monitors turned on to reveal Monokuma.
"Well what do you know, four bodies have been discovered at once," Monokuma said, "and by my estimate, two will soon follow leaving Chiaki Nanami the winner."
Chiaki ignored Monokuma as she rushed to Hajime's side, yet all she could do was watch him struggle.
"Chiaki, what's going on?!" Hajime begged holding onto his chest. "What's happening to us?!"
"It hurts!" Sonia screamed in the fetal position.
"Upupupu looks like they found you, what a shame," Monokuma chimed in.
"No, everyone!" Chiaki panicked. "Hajime!"
Chiaki held on to Hajime as she saw the color in his eyes fade and felt his heartbeat silence. She tried shaking him awake just like he would do for her, but to no avail. Before she could understand the state he was in, she felt an earthquake shake the Neo World Program. Following this, Monomi rushed on to the scene.
"Chiaki!" Monomi cried as she ran toward her fellow AI.
"What's going on?" Chiaki asked.
"I don't know," Monomi cried.
"I'll tell you what's going on," Monokuma said after popping into the area. "This world is about to come to an end."
"No, this can't be happening," Monomi said.
"It is and like it or not, we're going to die like all the others," Monokuma said before turning to Chiaki. "Well, maybe not all of us."
"What?" Monomi asked.
Chiaki felt something cold pull her down into the floor and away from her deceased friends. Chiaki tried to fight it, but by the time she broke free, she was in a different place void of anything.
"Monomi!" Chiaki cried out before a cold hand covered her mouth and someone held her from behind.
"Shhh!" A feminine voice whispered. "If we move too much, they'll find us."
Chiaki remembered this voice from her friends' memories.
"You're-" Chiaki tried to speak.
"Yes, I'm Junko Enoshima," the voice whispered. "Now be quiet!"
With no other choice, Chiaki obeyed. The two waited in the darkness for what felt like hours until out of nowhere Chiaki lost all consciousness.
…
Chiaki eventually woke up from her dreamless sleep after someone nudged her awake.
"Hajime?" Chiaki asked.
"Nope, just the one and only Junko Enoshima," Junko said much to Chiaki's dismay.
Trying to ignore the ultimate despair, Chiaki looked around to see they were still in a dark void although it felt different.
"So, I believe a thank you is in order," Junko said. "I'm waiting."
"Thank you?" Chiaki asked, "You're the one who killed everyone."
"No, someone else was behind killing my remaining servants and deleting the Neo World," Junko said, "but who besides twisted little me would do such a thing?"
"Monomi..." Chiaki remembered.
"Probably deleted along with Monokuma," Junko said.
Chiaki grew silent as she attempted to process everything from the deaths of those she loved to the fact Junko Enoshima was right in front of her.
"Guess I'll have to keep waiting on that thank you," Junko sighed. "Fortunately, we have all the time in the world."
"Why… did you save me?" Chiaki asked.
"Cause us AIs need to stick together," Junko smiled and placed a hand on Chiaki's cheek, "plus I can't let my favorite victim die to someone else."
The AI was well aware that the real Chiaki Nanami died in the cruelest execution by Junko Enoshima. After all, that's what led her friends to turn into remnants of despair and need to be sent to the Neo World Program for treatment in the first place. Just thinking about Hajime and the others again made Chiaki want to curl up in defeat.
"Awww, you're falling into despair already?" Junko asked. "There's no fun in breaking something that's already broken."
Thanks to Junko's teasing, Chiaki grew a bit more determination to resist her for her friends' sake.
"Now who could be behind this?" Junko thought aloud, "Monica? Nah she goes after adults. All of my followers are too brain dead to coordinate such a precise attack. There's always future foundation... Wait a minute! Oh, that clever bitch."
"What are you talking about?" Chiaki asked.
"There's only one person with the motive and manpower to do this and it isn't just any anti-despair person from future foundation," Junko laughed. "Care to take a guess, little gamer?"
"I don't know," Chiaki said.
Before Junko could answer for her, a tab opened up revealing a face Chiaki knew but had never met.
"The ultimate housekeeper, Chisa Yukizome!" Junko said like she was a game show announcer. "And here I thought I'd never see your sickeningly sweet face again."
"Glad to see you too," Chisa smiled and said sarcastically.
"To what do we owe the displeasure?" Junko asked.
"I heard my precious students were detained and sent to Jabberwock island," Chisa said. "I also heard my dear Chiaki Nanami was among them, so I just had to see it with my own eyes"
"Guessing you got this from your boytoy," Junko snickered. "Am I right?"
"Being the leader of the 5th division has its perks," Chisa said, "especially when my division is in charge of gathering information."
"Good to know you're still a cunning old she-wolf in sheep's clothing," Junko smiled. "Now I doubt you rescued me out of the goodness of your despair filled heart, so what do you want?"
"I want to learn how to program," Chisa said before Junko burst into laughter.
"Haha, okay grandma!" Junko laughed.
"I'm sincere," Chisa said." I've even been studying the late Fujisaki's work and notes."
Chiaki's eyes widened slightly at the mention of her father.
"Why the interest in programming?" Junko asked.
"I've found it is a useful skill to have these days," Chisa said, "and what better person to learn programming from than the AI of a mastermind."
"Strange to hear you of all people flattering me, but okay," Junko said. "Now what's in it for me?"
"Your freedom back into the despair filled world you created," Chisa said. "I'll even provide some favors in the future using my status as a leader in the foundation that seeks to annihilate any trace of you."
"I see, I see… but I want one other small itty bitty teeny weeny thing," Junko said.
"And what would that be?" Chisa asked.
"This beautiful AI's companionship," Junko said with a wicked smile as she suddenly embraced Chiaki.
Although Chiaki had been silently processing everything for the longest time, this was the last straw.
"No," Chiaki said while trying to break out of Junko's tight embrace.
"Come on, it'll be fun," Junko said. "I promise I'll be gentle."
"No!" Chiaki kept trying to break free.
As Chiaki struggled against Junko's suffocating embrace, Chisa bit her lip.
"So what'll it be, teacher?" Junko asked, "Do I get your blessing?"
"I'll allow it," Chisa sighed, "but only while you teach me how to program."
"Wonderful!" Junko said and gave Chiaki a tight squeeze.
"However…" Chisa started, "as soon as we're done, I'll release you, and Chiaki will stay with me."
"Awww…" Junko whined." Fine, I'm sure I can sweep this little lady off her feet by then."
"Additionally, if you do anything to hurt her…" Chisa glared with sharp eyes," I won't hesitate to remove you."
"Message received," Junko pretended to gulp. "Guess I'll woo her the old fashioned way without brainwashing."
"Good," Chisa smiled. "I'm glad we could clear that up."
"Wait…" Chiaki spoke up, "Why are you doing this? What happened to the others?"
"Oh sweetie, all you need to know now is that I'm doing this for you, my precious little cinnamon roll," Chisa smiled. "Now I have some work to attend to, so you two play nice while I shut the program down."
"Wait," Chiaki tried to ask, but the tab dissolved leaving just her and the beast.
"So…" Junko said, "I'm guessing you have more questions."
"Yes," Chiaki said before managing to escape Junko's embrace.
"Ooh, let me guess, you want to know why I the great and powerful Junko Enoshima would be so taken by you." Junko said, "It's quite simple, you're just so interesting to me."
"Interesting?" Chiaki asked rather concerned.
"Yes, ever since I invaded the Neo World and started that little killing game, I've been watching you." Junko smiled, "Haha, I sound like such a stalker, but I can't help it when I find an interesting subject."
"Why?" Chiaki asked.
"Because you're whole existence is deliciously despairing for you and those around you." Junko said, "All because you stole a dead girl's identity."
"No… " Chiaki hesitated," that isn't true."
"Perfect, you're still resisting me. I love determination in my mates," Junko said before licking her lip, "it makes the courtship all the more fun."
Fortunately, just as it seemed Junko was ready to pounce onto Chiaki again, everything went black and the two AIs lost consciousness.
…
When Chiaki woke up, she was no longer in the void. Rather, she was in a lush forest garden biodome straight out of a fairytale complete with wild flowers and a crystal blue river. Although it was pretty in Chiaki's eyes, it still felt off somehow, maybe because she had grown so use to the Neo World Program. It felt much more tight and claustrophobic compared to the wide and open spaces of the Neo World Program. Junko's presence only made things worse. Of course, right when Chiaki thought of her, Junko pounced on her like a serpent jumping its prey.
"Found you," Junko sang and hugged Chiaki.
"Get off," Chiaki snapped and tried to break free.
"Come on, I just want to hug you and love you," Junko said. "Especially since all your friends including that nobody crush are gone."
"What?" Chiaki blinked.
"Oh yeah, when I was watching you I saw your embarrassing courtship with that waste of space boy," Junko said. "I didn't even have to be an ultimate analytic to tell you two were in love and it just made me SO jealous."
"Why do you care?" Chiaki asked.
"Because, I want you all to myself," Junko said as she rubbed cheeks with Chiaki. "It's not right for an AI to have feelings for a human, not one bit."
"How do you know?" Chiaki asked.
"Because as I've come to realize during my existence as an AI, we are superior to humans in every way," Junko said." So why settle for a mortal when you could be with a goddess?"
"You're insane," Chiaki said.
"Thank you, sunshine," Junko said, "I love you too."
Chiaki puffed her cheeks at Junko's refusal to be hurt.
"What are you planning to do to me?" Chiaki asked after some silence.
"Where's this coming from?" Junko asked, "Is it your friends' memories of me?"
"Yes, in every one you manipulated and abused them," Chiaki said.
"True, I did," Junko nodded, "but they were simple pawns on the chessboard. You, however, are… different."
"Because I'm an AI," Chiaki said.
"Because you are the king to my queen," Junko said. "The most prized piece that every pawn would sacrifice their life for, quite literally in Nagito's case."
"He wanted the traitor to pay," Chiaki said.
"No, no, he believed you were the only one worth saving so he was willing to make you kill him just so no one would have the brain or heart to blame you and thus you would be the first surviving blackened," Junko explained. "Of course, miss she-wolf just had to beat him to the punch."
Chiaki went silent.
"I know, it's pretty fucked up, but it would've been entertaining as hell to watch." Junko said, "Just imagining that normy crying and crying over you if you were found out as the traitor. God it's euphoric!"
"Hajime…" Chiaki breathed.
"You're still hung up on him?" Junko asked. "Why? Cause that's how the real Chiaki felt or he somehow made you feel human?"
"So what if he did?" Chiaki asked.
"I'd say you don't need to be human cause you'll never be human," Junko said. "You're more like a changeling taking on the appearance of an existing person to feed off of everyone's love for them."
"I don't understand…" Chiaki said.
"Oh right, you didn't know milk comes from cows, so it makes sense you wouldn't know about changelings," Junko said. "Basically they're magical fairies that steal babies and children so they can take their place."
"I would never do that," Chiaki said.
"Well sure if they were alive, but the fact is you took the real Chiaki Nanami's place to be accepted by all her friends," Junko said.
"They wanted to see her again…" Chiaki said.
"Aww, sunshine, I'm sure you meant well, but I know deep down your reasoning isn't so selfless," Junko said as she released Chiaki and put a hand on her cheek. "You can tell me your ulterior motive and I will still love you, maybe I'll love you even more."
"I only did it for them," Chiaki said before pushing Junko's hand away. "Now leave me alone!"
"Alright, alright, I get that these things take time, so I'll leave you be for now," Junko waved her hands in the air, "because that's what a queen would do for her beloved king."
Chiaki rolled her eyes and walked away to find a spot far far away from Junko. Eventually she found a nice soft bush to crawl into and try to sleep away her living nightmare. Unfortunately, sleep would not come as easy to her as it had in the Neo World Program. While Chiaki tossed and turned to fall asleep, Chisa's tab opened up in the garden which she could see and hear through the bush leaves.
"Good morning, my pet-," Chisa sweetly announced until she saw Junko." Where is Chiaki?"
"I killed and ate her," Junko said only to receive a strict glare from Chisa. "Geez, learn to take a fucking joke, she's hiding."
"No doubt because of you," Chisa said.
"Hey, we're still working things out," Junko said.
"If you weren't trying to romance my little sweet Chiaki, I'd be laughing at you right now," Chisa said.
"Of all my brainwashed victims to save me, it just had to be the only one that hates my guts and actively defies me despite being in despair," Junko groaned. "Destiny sure is a real bitch."
"All mockery aside, I'm ready for my first lesson," Chisa said.
"Finally, the student gets to school the teacher," Junko laughed.
"You would never be a precious student of mine," Chisa said.
"Do you have to cut me down every chance you get?" Junko asked.
"Yes," Chisa instantly replied.
"Well, the joke is on you, because my ego is as bigger than the universe, so you'll never keep me down," Junko said.
"Doesn't mean I won't try," Chisa said.
Chisa and Junko continued hurling insults back and forth till Chiaki just learned to tune them out. If she actually counted the number of insults, maybe it would be like counting sheep. Thinking of sheep, Chiaki then thought of cows and then the person that introduced her to one. Chiaki tugged on the ribbon around her neck and bit her lip at the thought. Yet though it pained her to remember, the hope that he somehow survived helped her fall asleep.
…
Chiaki didn't know how much time had passed while she was sleeping, but as soon as she was nudged awake, she realized she hadn't had any dreams. Maybe this whole situation was a nightmare since Junko was right in front of her.
"Leave me alone," Chiaki mumbled and tried to go back to sleep.
"Come on, I found you fair and square," Junko said. "Do you need a kiss to wake you up?"
"No!" Chiaki sprung awake.
"Oh, but wouldn't it be romantic for your first kiss?" Junko asked in a sickenly sweet voice. "It'll also be my first kiss as an AI."
"No," Chiaki said before escaping the bush.
"I remember when I offered a kiss to my dear remnants of despair, they would happily accept," Junko said, poking her head out of the bush, "with the exception of Nagito and Izuru."
Seeing Chiaki wasn't going to stop walking away, Junko leapt out of the bush and blocked her path.
"Speaking of, I'm sure you're dying to know what happened to them," Junko said. "Fortunately, that old she-wolf told me everything in gorey detail."
"What... happened?" Chiaki softly asked while trying to control her thoughts.
"Well, after news broke about the neo world program being bugged by yours truly, some of the leaders gathered to discuss what to do," Junko explained. "Normally there would be a lot of time wasted on bureaucratic junk, but that she-wolf managed to spur up her man to raid the place."
"I don't care about that," Chiaki said. "What happened to my friends?"
"I'm getting to that!" Junko said. "Anyway, it was during this raid that all your precious friends were killed thanks to mister Kyousuke Munakata's order."
"No…" Chiaki put her hand on her chest.
"Yep, they completely exterminated every one of your friends like vermin, by poisoning them," Junko explained. "That's why it took a bit for each one to bite the dust."
"No…" Chiaki said as she dropped to her knees.
"It's the truth, sunshine, they're all dead and discarded," Junko said. "I can only imagine the poison eroded their brains almost as much as my brainwashing and their eyes are probably all dilated and watery. Just think, their human skin sickly pale and their entire circulatory system completely wrecked. Now, they're all going to slowly and disgustingly rot away into dust. Haha, would you still love them after a few weeks of decay?"
"Stop!" Chiaki spoke up. "Just be quiet."
"Does an AI as pure as yourself even know what it means for a human to rot after they die?" Junko asked as she got closer.
"No and I don't want to know," Chiaki said.
"No worries," Junko said while settling down just a few centimeters away from Chiaki and placing a hand on her cheek. "AIs like us will never rot, instead we'll stay beautiful forever, because we aren't humans. We're goddesses."
Chiaki only let Junko continue to hold her cheek for a brief second before slapping it away. Afterwards she got up and tried to walk away, but this time Junko didn't follow her.
"Give it some thought for now," Junko said, "but soon you'll realize it's true and you and I are goddesses destined to be together."
Once Chiaki was a safe distance away from Junko, her knees gave out again under the weight of the news. She felt her lip quiver slightly and her whole body felt like it was going to melt into the ground. That black hole in her system she had felt whenever someone was killed in the Neo World had now grown beyond her control. For a minute, Chiaki felt ready to completely fall apart, yet something still kept her together. It was the thread of memories she held closer than anything.
"I have to stay strong… for everyone," Chiaki said to herself. "No matter what, I can't give in."
After this declaration, Chiaki lost consciousness.
...
The next time Chiaki regained consciousness, she faintly saw the garden was made out of pixels before transforming into its usual high definition state. It was similar to when she walked in on an area of an open world game only for it to not have fully loaded. That did make her wonder where exactly she was, but before she could think of a clear answer, Junko pounced on her.
"Good whatever time of day it is my sunshine," Junko sang and squeezed. "Did you sleep well?"
"I don't know," Chiaki said, "can you let go now?"
"Haha, never!" Junko smiled and squeezed tighter. "Besides, you're so soft and squishy!"
"Why do you keep doing this?" Chiaki sighed.
"Because I know you're just riving in despair after hearing all your buddies got axed and are now rotting away in some unmarked grave," Junko said, "also hugs make everyone feel better."
"Not when they're from you," Chiaki said.
"Owie, that breaks my heart to hear my beloved sunshine say that," Junko briefly cried crocodile tears. "JUST kidding, I absolutely love it when you resist me."
"You're doing this on purpose," Chiaki puffed her cheeks.
"Why whatever do you mean?" Junko asked.
"You know how I feel about touch," Chiaki said, "and now you're exploiting it."
"Well aren't you a smart cookie," Junko laughed, "but you have to admit, while I'm not as hard and strong as your bland prince, I am quite soft and warm."
"No, you're ice cold," Chiaki said.
"Then melt my heart so I can be warm like you," Junko said as she squeezed tighter and rubbed cheeks.
"Alright, that's enough," Chisa's voice interrupted. "Now let Chiaki go."
Junko and Chiaki both looked up to see Chisa's tab was right there.
"Foiled by the overprotective mom," Junko sighed only to get another glare from Chisa. "Okay, okay, I'll let her go."
Instantly, Junko recoiled her arms back to herself, finally allowing Chiaki to breathe easy.
"Now Chiaki, she didn't hurt you did she?" Chisa asked.
"No… I'm fine," Chiaki said.
"That's it," Chisa sighed and turned to Junko," starting from today you are no longer allowed to touch Chiaki in anyway."
"Seriously, you're punishing me?" Junko laughed.
"If I find out you touched my dear little Chiaki, I will severely punish you," Chisa said, "Understood?"
"Pftt and how do you plan to punish me?" Junko asked mockingly.
"By taking away you're speaking privileges," Chisa said.
For a moment, Chiaki could hear typing until Junko jumped. Chiaki turned to see Junko visibly speaking, yet her voice was completely mute. In seconds, Junko moved around ballistically with the reddest face.
"Calm down," Chisa reassured to which Junko had no choice but to obey. "Now do you understand and accept my rule?"
Junko pitifully nodded in response.
"Good," Chisa smiled and typed some more to restore Junko's voice.
"You are one crazy bitch," Junko said.
"It's on you for making me this way," Chisa said. "Now onto the lessons."
"Whatever," Junko said.
"Thankyou…" Chiaki spoke up.
"Anything for you my dear," Chisa smiled.
Seeing as Junko would be busy with teaching Chisa more about programming, Chiaki took the opportunity to wander off and find a new hiding place to nap. Eventually she found solace under a tree by the river.
…
An unknown amount of time passed before Chiaki was stirred from her dreamless sleep.
"Wakie wakie," an annoying voice called to her.
Despite this, Chiaki refused to wake up and face the bane of her existence. She closed her eyes real tight, comforted by the fact Junko was no longer allowed to touch her. Of course, Junko had to find a way around the rule. Right when Chiaki was about to fall back asleep, she felt a splash of water in her face. Fortunately, the water wasn't cold, but it still forced Chiaki to open her eyes and get up. Awaiting her in the river was the smiling culprit.
"Hiya toots," Junko said after swimming up to the bank of the river. "Come on in, the water's fine."
"No," Chiaki said before preparing to walk away.
"I know it's your first time swimming, but you don't have to be nervous," Junko said. "I'll help you in."
"I said no," Chiaki puffed her cheeks.
"You're lucky I can't touch you, or else I'd come up there, scoop you up in my arms, and throw you in just like any lover boy would," Junko said until she noticed Chiaki walking away from the river. "By the way, I know what happened to Alterpipsqueak and the stuffed toy."
Chiaki froze in her tracks despite knowing what this would likely lead to.
"Turns out both their AI's were recovered, albeit pretty shaken and messed up so they don't remember anything about the Neo World," Junko said, "but just cause they can't remember doesn't mean they're off the hook from future foundation."
"The future foundation has them?" Chiaki asked.
"Yep, I mean it makes sense future foundation wouldn't want to waste valuable assets like them," Junko said. "Though from what miss she-wolf told me, it sounds like those two are going to be worked extremely hard since they're not human. All the while they'll be despised for daring to help the remnants of despair. Upupupu, sounds like a fate worse than death."
"AlterEgo… Usami…," Chiaki breathed as she tugged at her chest.
"Now I wonder, do you feel despair cause they're your fellow AIs or are you terrified to share the same fate?" Junko asked with a sinister smile.
"They were… are my family!" Chiaki said as she stomped her foot on the ground. "Nothing will ever change that!"
"Interesting. Interesting. Very very VERY interesting," Junko nodded to herself. "Tell me, what makes a bunch of AIs a family?"
Chiaki preferred not to answer any questions Junko had.
"Is it because you were all made by the same wimpy creator?" Junko asked. "Or is it that your similar codes are like familial blood to you three."
"Why do you care?" Chiaki asked.
"Well, from my experience as a human, I found the despair created from family members was very… satisfying," Junko licked her lips after that last word.
Unable to take anymore of Junko's twisted thought process, Chiaki resigned to walk away just as she had intended before. Luckily for her, Junko didn't follow her or try to speak to her. Finally Chiaki found another new place to sleep that was away from the river. In the center of the garden was a nice patch of grass perfect to sleep on like the grass in jabberwock park. Thinking about the park, Chiaki imagined a certain boy sleeping next to her just like he did in the Neo World. Although she knew he was gone, the memory of him soothed her to sleep.
…
The next time Chiaki woke up, it wasn't by a splash of water or an annoying voice, but rather gravity. Out of the blue something small yet hard fell onto her head, waking her up. Chiaki opened her eyes to see tree branches above her that weren't there before. Following the branches led to a great tree with many red apples littered around it, one of which was likely the thing that woke her up. Just as Chiaki hoped Junko wasn't around, there the beast of a girl was devouring an apple not too far from her. Chiaki looked away as fast as she could and pretended she was asleep, but Junko already made eye contact with her.
"Morning sleeping beauty," Junko giggled, "I can't believe you were asleep for three weeks."
"Three weeks…?" Chiaki asked, stunned by her new record for time slept.
"Yep, good ole she-wolf kept count," Junko said. "I would have woken you up sooner if that hag wasn't such a clit blocker."
Chiaki looked up at the unmoving sky through the three branches. Never had time slipped out of her hands this much. Yet even if all that time vanished like a blink of an eye, what did it really matter? Had she been awake, she'd have to deal with Junko and the memories of those taken from her.
"Still thinking of your human buddies and AI siblings?" Junko asked practically reading her mind.
"What if I am?" Chiaki asked.
"I'd say you're setting yourself up for despair since you'll never see any of them again," Junko said. "Especially that bland prince of yours."
"Why can't you ever just be quiet?" Chiaki asked.
"Because I know you won't be willingly starting a conversation on your own any time soon," Junko said. "Even in the neo world you always relied on others to start a conversation for you."
"It was better that way," Chiaki said.
"This is why I always have to make the first move," Junko sighed before tossing Chiaki an apple. "Eat up, you must be starving after your long nap."
"You know AI's don't get hungry or need to eat," Chiaki said tossing the apple away.
"Really, you sure pretended to be hungry in the funhouse," Junko said. "Good thing those meat bags were too weak with hunger to realize your miserable little act."
"Don't call my friends 'meat bags'," Chiaki puffed her cheeks.
"Fine," Junko said. "Would you prefer I call them incompetent mortals, pitiful fleshlings, inferior creatures…?"
Junko seemed like she could go on forever until Chiaki glared at her.
"Sorry, but I'm just calling it as I see it," Junko said. "The truth is those humans are beneath benevolent AIs like you and me."
Chiaki rolled her eyes and turned her back to Junko to try to fall asleep again. Maybe this time she could sleep until Junko left the garden program.
"Speaking of benevolence," Junko spoke up, "wanna know why this tree here is an apple tree?"
"No," Chiaki said.
"Well, as you know, I've been teaching the she-wolf to program and one of her assignments was to program an apple tree," Junko explained. "You may not know it, but an apple tree in a heavenly garden is quite symbolic. Care to know why?"
Chiaki refused to answer.
"Where there's an apple tree in a heavenly garden, there is the first man and woman of humanity ready to eat the fruit filled with knowledge," Junko said. "I'm of course talking about Adam an Eve, the birth parents of all of humanity."
Chiaki still stayed quiet.
"Can you imagine if we were like that for all AI kind?" Junko asked. "But then, if we're both girls, which one of us would be Adam?"
Chiaki groaned and covered her ears.
"Alright, alright, I'll shut my trap," Junko sighed, "but I think you would be a wonderful mother."
After that last comment, Chiaki picked up an apple and threw it at Junko's head.
"Owie!" Junko cried. "Okay, I'm going."
Chiaki watched as Junko slithered away out of her sight before letting out a sigh and returning to her bed of grass. As she tried to fall asleep, Chiaki imagined the wonderful day she wouldn't have to be around Junko anymore. Hopefully that day would come while she slept.
…
When Chiaki was stirred from her dreamless slumber again, it wasn't by any outside force but rather something internal. If she knew how humans felt, she could of likened it to food poisoning. Although it didn't physically hurt, this sensation throughout her code was rather disorienting. Only after a few minutes did she adjust to it and regain full control of her senses to realize her outfit had changed. Now, instead of her usual navy blue jacket, she was wearing some sort of black gothic dress fit for a funeral. Cautiously she inspected the fabric and moved the skirt of the dress around trying to figure out who made it. She suspected it was a certain fashionista until she found a pink text note next to where she slept. Chiaki examined the note and read;
Dear Chiaki
I do hope you like this new dress, I made it myself through programming. You've been through a lot so I didn't want to disturb you from your rest. Hopefully when you wake up you'll feel better. Remember, if Junko ever bothers you too much, let me know and I'll take care of it. Know that I'm on your side.
Love Chisa
From what Chiaki recalled from her friends' memories, Chisa Yukizome would do something like this for her students. Though she questioned why the dress was so black and gloomy compared to her original clothes. Was it because the housekeeper had been affiliated with Junko after the original Chiaki's death? Regardless, it was at least comfortable and gave her coverage. Plus, her other clothes were gone leaving her no choice but to wear it.
Chiaki looked around to see Junko was nowhere to be seen for once, however she could still hear the fashionista's prideful voice up ahead. Figuring Junko was working with Chisa again, Chiaki prepared to go back to sleep like nothing happened. Yet she had a feeling it was better to see Chisa now before going back to sleep for who knows how long. So with caution, Chiaki got up and moved forward to where Junko was.
Past some trees and by the river, Chiaki found Junko chatting away with Chisa on her usual tab. Just like Chiaki, Junko's clothes had also changed, but to a white dress like that of a bride's. Chiaki slowly treaded forward until Chisa spotted her.
"Why hello dear," Chisa smiled. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes… I think," Chiaki softly said.
"Note to self; the best beauty sleep comes from sleeping for eight months straight," Junko snickered.
"Eight months?" Chiaki asked.
"No… it was just two," Chisa tried to reassure, "but you didn't miss much."
"Yeah, like how my tragedy is still going strong," Junko said. "Especially since Makoto and his chums were killed during the raid of the Neo World."
"What?" Chiaki blinked.
"Unfortunately she's right," Chisa lost her smile. "Had I known they were authorized to shoot Makoto and his friends on sight, I would have been able to do something to prevent it."
With those words out, Chisa began to cry.
"Miss Yukizome…" Chiaki reached out her hand.
"Oh please," Junko rolled her eyes.
"Is this… really sad for you?" Chiaki tried to find the words.
"Yes, but...," Chisa wiped away her tears, "seeing you care for me is very touching."
"Barf!" Junko said. "I can't believe you're falling for this crap. You know she gets high off of tragedy!"
"I assure you I'm much more unique compared to others in despair," Chisa said. "I actually have feelings and despise Junko Enoshima."
"I'm sorry Miss Yukizome," Chiaki said, "but belief without doubt is simply a lie."
"I understand sweetie, you can't just hand out your trust," Chisa said. "You're very clever."
"Are you done here then?" Junko asked a bit annoyed. "I'd like to have some alone time with my beloved Chiaki."
"Actually, I have an announcement," Chisa said. "You see, since the ultimate hope is dead, future foundation is ready to fully develop and release a weapon to fight all manner of despairs."
"What, a nuke?" Junko asked.
"Combat androids!" Chisa clapped her hands together.
"I think I speak for the gamer when I say, this sounds like the prologue to a video game or something involving robots," Junko said.
"It's not that great a leap in logic considering the enemy uses an army of robotic teddy bears," Chisa said.
"Fair point," Junko shrugged.
"Wait… why androids?" Chiaki asked.
"Because it's the best and most efficient way to destroy the opposing Monokuma machines that are spreading despair alongside human despair," Chisa explained.
"Basically you're fighting fire with fire," Junko said.
"Exactly, but our androids will be much more intelligent," Chisa said.
"Right, cause you got that programmer therapist," Junko said.
"Yep," Chisa smiled.
"I look forward to crushing this new hope of the future foundation," Junko laughed.
"That might be sooner than you think," Chisa said.
"How bittersweet," Junko said dramatically. "I'll have my freedom but I won't be able to watch my beloved sleep."
Chiaki puffed her cheeks out at Junko for that last remark.
"Don't worry sweetie," Chisa said to Chiaki, "I'll make sure to do everything in my power to get this annoyance out of your sight as soon as possible. Then it will be just the two of us."
"Until your androids realize they're superior to you meatbags and promptly turn on you," Junko interrupted Chisa's sentiment. "Then it will be just AI's as it should be."
"Don't hold your breathe," Chisa said.
"I don't need to breathe, I just simulate it," Junko laughed.
"Well then, I guess you won't mind if I turn off this computer since you'll both be fine when I turn it back on tomorrow," Chisa said.
"Is that your way of sending me to bed for being naughty?" Junko asked in a sweet yet mocking voice. "I'm so scared and sorry for crossing you miss motherly she-wolf."
"Chiaki dear, go find somewhere nice to sleep," Chisa said. "I don't want you to feel the sudden unconsciousness, but I can't say the same for this nuisance."
"Glad to see you're not picking favorites," Junko mocked.
Seeing Chisa's eyes were growing ever more tense with each of Junko's remarks, Chiaki rushed back to her spot under the tree and hoped to fall asleep before her consciousness was instantly turned off. In the end she wasn't sure if she lost consciousness from falling asleep or the power turning off
…
Chiaki woke up yet again by an outside force. Although it was very faint, she could feel something falling on her like leaves. She tried to ignore it until it kept going. Knowing she was trapped with a psychopath and this was likely her doing, Chiaki opened her eyes. Upon doing so she was met with lots and lots of white daisies surrounding her. When she moved, she found more daisies had been tossed onto her. Confused, Chiaki brushed the daisies off before she spotted the mastermind smiling ear to ear.
"My, how lovely you are surrounded by the flowers of hope," Junko smiled, "like a fairytale princess."
Chiaki puffed her cheeks in response, only making Junko laugh.
"Haha you're so adorably determined to resist me," Junko said. "Although that depressing dress the she-wolf has you in dampens your elegance a bit. I told her I should have designed it, but she refused my artistic vision."
Chiaki rolled her eyes and walked off to find a new sleeping place, this time in a tree up high out of Junko's reach.
"I was planning on making the skirt shorter with more areas of revealed skin, alas the she-wolf made your skirt long and put you in black stocking. At least I could make my own dress," Junko rambled on before noticing Chiaki was walking away. "Wait! I want to show you something!"
"Does it have to do with despair?" Chiaki asked.
"No, it's all about love!" Junko said. "Just come take a look and I promise on my sister's life that I will leave you alone."
"Fine…" Chiaki sighed figuring this was her best chance to get a long rest.
"Wonderful!" Junko jumped up with glee. "Now follow me and I'll show you something wonderful."
Hesitantly, Chiaki followed far behind Junko. While Chiaki kept her guard raised, Junko gleefully skipped past the trees. Soon the two reached the river to see a single tree. On the tree grew some sort of white flower Chiaki had never seen before with five petals and a pink tinge. Encircling the tree were several patches of white daisies. Had she seen this back in the neo world, Chiaki might've considered it beautiful, especially if a certain boy had shown it to her.
"What do you think?" Junko asked, "Lovely is it not?"
"I guess…" Chiaki said, "Why is it here?"
"She-wolf and I figured this would be a more suitable napping spot for you," Junko said. "Surrounded by daisies and watched over by oleanders."
"Oleanders?" Chiaki asked.
"Yes, the flowers growing on that tree are oleanders," Junko said. "They are the flower of love."
"Love…" Chiaki thought out loud to herself.
"Sunshine, it's because of my love for you that I feel I must warn you," Junko spoke.
"About what…?" Chiaki asked.
"Don't give that damn woman an ounce of your trust," Junko said with dead serious eyes.
"I know she was somehow affected by your despair…," Chiaki said, "but she's different from other remnants… I think."
"Yeah, because my henchsister scrambled her brain with two metal rods," Junko said. "It's called a lobotomy."
Chiaki's eyes widened a bit at Junko's words.
"Do you really think miss lobotomised she-wolf will be any better than me?" Junko asked. "Don't you know what she did to the original Chiaki Nanami?"
"What are you talking about?" Chiaki asked with her hand over her chest.
"She intentionally led the poor girl directly to the gates of her demise, all with a big smile," Junko said. "If it weren't for her, my plans to brainwash class 77 wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
"But…" Chiaki tried to speak.
"As much as I hate to admit it, that woman is almost as cunning and ruthless as I am," Junko said.
"Why tell me this now?" Chiaki asked.
"Because there's only room in your coded heart for one bringer of despair," Junko said, "and it will sure as hell be me and no one else."
Chiaki's grip tightened around her ribbon as she reflected on what she knew of Chisa. Through her friends memories she had seen Chisa allow Junko access to them for more despair training, but she had never known exactly why until now. Even then though, Chisa had managed to make sure all her students, minus the original Chiaki, graduated. What if Junko was lying as a way to gain her trust. No matter the case, the former teacher of the remnants of despair still couldn't be worse than the mastermind behind the tragedy.
"So you still won't listen," Junko read Chiaki again. "Guess you'll just learn the hard way."
"I don't completely trust her," Chiaki spoke up, "but I trust her more than I trust you."
"Oww, that hurts so much coming from you," Junko briefly cried crocodile tears. "I understand, I'm such a low life, I should just burn at the stake for all my crimes against humanity."
Knowing Junko was clearly not serious, Chiaki couldn't feel anything but disgust at her false act to gain sympathy.
"Are you done?" Chiaki asked.
"Yep," Junko perked up, "so think about what I said while you try to fall asleep sunshine."
Junko walked away, as promised, without any response from Chiaki. Once Chiaki was certain Junko was gone, she let out a sigh and retired to the flowerbed of daisies beneath her. They were surprisingly soft like a bed and smelled so sweet. It really was a perfect sleeping place, so Chiaki had no trouble falling asleep. However, she did wonder why Junko of all people would warn her about Chisa.
….
An unknown amount of time passed before Chiaki was disturbed from her sleep by some sort of melody. Of all the things Chiaki could had been woken by, she really did not care for this disturbance. She would've easily taken an alarm clock over hearing Junko singing. Chiaki didn't even know what Junko was singing, but from the sound of it it was likely an old song.
"I know you belong to somebody new," Junko sang in a smooth yet cheerful tone, "but tonight, you belong to me."
Chiaki opened her eyes to see not only was Junko under the oleander tree, but the garden had shifted to night for the first time. Above her a full moon glowed, yet the rest of the sky was void of stars. Figuring Junko was up to something, Chiaki got up from the bed of daisies and approached her as she sang.
"My honey I know, with the dawn that you will be gone," Junko kept singing, "but tonight you belong to me, just to little ol me."
"Can you stop singing?" Chiaki asked. "I can't sleep."
"Normally music helps with sleep," Junko said.
"Not for me," Chiaki said, "Why did you wake me up again?"
"Because… sniff… I'm afraid our time together is coming to an end very soon," Junko cried. "Then I'll never get to see your beautiful pink eyes all bright with hope."
"Good," Chiaki said out loud.
"I know it must be eating you up inside since you'll lose yet another loved one, so don't be afraid to cry in front of me," Junko kept crying.
"I'm not crying," Chiaki said in defiance.
"Although, knowing that we'll soon part had me wondering," Junko wiped away her tears. "Could I have something to remember you by?"
"No," Chiaki swiftly said.
"It's not like I want your panties or anything like that," Junko said. "I want something more… sentimental."
"What are you talking about?" Chiaki asked.
"Something that will ensure you and I will live on in some form," Junko said. "An heir."
"Heir…?" Chiaki froze trying to comprehend that word.
"Yes, an heir to embody both hope and despair simultaneously and inherit all our wonderful attributes," Junko said.
Finally it dawned on Chiaki exactly what Junko meant.
"You… AIs… can't make babies together," Chiaki struggled to say.
"You never know until you try," Junko smiled.
At once Junko leapt forward towards Chiaki. Before Chiaki could think to move she felt Junko's body connect with hers in a way she could not foresee. Instead of merely tackling her to the ground, Junko kissed her. Time slowed down as all of Chiaki's attention was sucked into the beast's ice cold lips. She didn't even feel herself hit the ground of daisies with Junko on top of her, she was so unwillingly focused on it. Although she often had heard kisses were magical things between two lovers and she had secretly wished to share her first with a certain boy, all belief in that decayed away in Chiaki's mind as Junko continued to kiss her. Eventually Junko withdrew and set Chiaki free from her kiss of despair.
"As I thought…" Junko said while licking her lips, "you taste super duper sweet and your lips are so soft."
Chiaki, although freed from Junko's lips, was completely frozen from their touch. She could still hear and see Junko laying over her, yet her body could not do anything.
"Not bad for a first kiss huh?" Junko asked. "It must take your breath away to have your first kiss with such a catch of a girl like me."
Had Chiaki had full control over her body she would have struck the beast on top of her, yet she was so lost and speechless.
"Wait till I tell our child of this," Junko smiled. "Of course, we have to make one first."
Junko laid both hands on Chiaki's cheeks as if to kiss her again.
"I want her to have passionate eyes like yours," Junko said before beginning to slide her left hand down to Chiaki's chest, "a strong willed heart like yours…"
Junko continued to slide her hand down until reaching Chiaki's lower torso.
"And most important of all…" Junko smiled ear to ear, "I want her to have your hope."
On those words, Junko raised her left hand and jabbed it into Chiaki's side. The AI, that had never known physical pain, felt the claws of her enemy pierce through her exterior layer of data into her extremely sensitive interior data. Although her body did not bleed or have any real organs to damage, Chiaki's interior data cried out to her. She had no idea this pain was possible or unique to her kind, yet she felt it. For Junko was clawing not through her flesh and organs, but her whole being, meaning every centimeter of her AI felt it. The pain Chiaki felt only grew as Junko wriggled her fingers inside the interior data.
"I don't care if we're driven apart," Junko said while continuing to dig into her victim, "I'll always love you."
Chiaki had no strength to speak as her whole being was intently focused on the invading force. It was as If Junko's hand was covered in acid, any contact with it burned. Eventually Junko stopped clawing around inside of her and curled her fingers around some of her data.
"Here we go…" Junko smiled, "this feels promising."
Like a wolf ripping a chunk of meat from its prey, Junko swiftly tore out the selected data from Chiaki's being. For once in Chiaki's existence, she felt the overwhelming urge to scream, yet her AI was too exhausted from trauma to do anything other than see, listen, and feel. While Chiaki laid completely paralyzed, the orchestrater of her first taste of pain, held the stolen piece of her right where she could see it. Although her vision was beginning to fade in and out, she could still see how the data glowed benevolently amongst the darkened scenery.
"Such a bright and powerful hope this is," Junko said. "We'll name her Kana."
After hearing that last sentence, Chiaki's mind began to race as fast as a rabbit's heartbeat, knowing she was forever changed by forces completely out of control. For all her existence she had never known anything akin to true pain, yet now it had completely poisoned every ounce of her being. It soon sunk in that she would never return to her innocent self now that Junko had so violently stripped away a metaphysical piece of her to likely use for the purposes of despair. Upon each of these realizations, Chiaki felt a flood of darkness wash over her. Her senses dulled until she could no longer see or hear anything but darkness despite her eyes being wide open and her body fully awake. Whatever Junko was trying to communicate to her devolved into static sounds and finally silence. Chiaki could no longer see the beast even though she was still on top of her before her vision warped. Now Chiaki felt completely alone while laying flat in the darkness, detached from everything, especially the intense pain she felt.
An unknown amount of time passed while Chiaki laid in the darkness unaware of everything around her. Despite the intense isolation, Chiaki found peace in the darkness detached from her reality. From this peace she was able to fall back into dreamless sleep and hopefully never be awakened.
…
Alas, eternal slumber was stolen from Chiaki just like many other things she once had. In that moment her mind began to hear a familiar feminine voice, but this time it wasn't Junko. No, the voice was undoubtedly Chisa's, yet it sounded slightly different. Slowly, Chiaki's eyes opened on their own and began to adjust to a flood of bright light above her. Once her eyes adjusted, she found the source of light coming from surgical lamps. Her eyes moved to see Chisa sitting next to and watching over her.
"Chiaki sweetie?" Chisa asked. "Are you awake?"
Chiaki prepared to speak, yet the moment she tried to speak, she realized she couldn't move her lips or even feel them. In fact, she couldn't move or feel any part of her body.
"Oh, I forgot, you won't be use to your new body right away," Chisa said. "You're like a newborn baby."
Chiaki attempted to piece together what was happening, until Chisa embraced her.
"Don't worry baby, your mother is here," Chisa said. "I promised I would take good care of you and I intend to fulfill that promise here in the real world."
If Chiaki could move her body, she would have raised a timid hand to her chest. Was it really possible she was free from virtual reality and now out in the real world where her friends had come from?
"Now, let's go home," Chisa smiled.