Chapter 20: Desecration: Act Two
7:37 A.M Day Fourteen
Central Colony
Temple
Evan's teeth clenched as he slammed the side of his fist against a nearby marble pillar. "What kind of depraved individual would do something like this? To not only desecrate what was meant to be a holy place, but to take an innocent life on top of it. I hope the gods show the bastard behind this no mercy. For they deserve nothing but an excruciating death."
"Well, Mallory's body is still warm to the touch. So the time of death couldn't have been that long ago. I'd estimate it's been less than thirty minutes since her death. That should help us narrow our focus to find the person behind this." Shuhei offered in a reserved manner. *TRUTH BULLET*
The Scientist was crouched next to the bloodied redhead, with his hand resting on her wrist.
Jason's lips pulled into a tight line as he fixated his attention upon his Monopad. "You nailed it right on the head. I'll still feel more comfortable having Misuzu and Alice perform a thorough autopsy. There's no sense in leaving anything to chance." he offered in a low manner as his gaze continued to flit across the details of the case file.
Monokuma Case File #3
Victim: Mallory Walsh
"The victim has numerous stab wound along her stomach and abdomen, and a single wound through her chest."
"Cause of Death was due to her heart being ruptured by a blade."
"The time of death is approximately 7:12 A.M"
"The body was discovered at the Temple at 7.34 A.M"
"I just don't understand what the motive could be for this rampant destruction. There's no way a struggle between Mallory and her killer could have caused this much damage." Evan said with a deep-seated scowl. *TRUTH BULLET*
"I think you're most likely right. The blood is only centered here at the Altar next to her body. If it were all over the room, it might give more credence to a struggle. However, it seems this was a fairly one-sided fight." The Ultimate Scientist offered. *TRUTH BULLET*
Jason tapped at his forearm. "Then it perhaps suggests our vandalizer may have not been planning a murder. This could be the work of someone deeply disturbed." *TRUTH BULLET*
The silver-haired scientist nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, I'm inclined to agree with that notion. The number of stab wounds are excessive and this almost appears ritualistic, so we might be dealing with a psychopath." He mused quietly. *TRUTH BULLET*
Before either of the other boys could respond the door to the temple burst open, as a distressed voice could be heard.
"Where is she? Where the fuck is she?" Natalie's voice went from sharp to shrill as she walked past the turned over pews before her gaze rested on Mallory's bloodied form. "N-No why would anyone...why would anyone do something like this? Why to her of all people?" Her voice was layered with emotion as she broke into a full sprint, before being stopped as Jason wrapped an arm around her, before locking her in place.
"Natalie you don't need to see this. This is not how you want to remember her." The Strategist murmured lowly.
The Pilot bared her teeth. "God fucking dammit. I swear I'm going to fucking kill whoever did this. I'm going to make them scream for hurting her. She's was a fucking blockhead, but she was our blockhead." She choked out as footsteps could be heard from the entrance once more.
"Mallory? No...god what happened? W-Why would anyone hurt her?" Lee's voice could be heard trembling as he stepped through the entryway, with a mortified look on his face. The boy pulled his beanie down over his head as tears filled his eyes. "This is all my fault. If I had only watched over her like I was supposed to." The boy choked as he wiped an arm over his eyes.
Shuhei straightened as he glanced between the two new arrivals. "I don't mean to be callous, but Jason is right. Neither of you has any business here. Evan, why don't you take a walk with them? Take a chance to clear your minds?" He suggested as he folded his arms across his lab coat.
"Screw that. I'm going to find the prick who did this." Natalie spat as she squirmed out of Jason's hold.
"If you want to help us find the person who did this, and get justice for your friend help us retrace her steps this morning. However this is a crime scene and the more people trounce over it, the more evidence will be lost." The Scientist said with a firm but sympathetic expression.
Evan let out a long sigh. "He's right. Alice and Misuzu should be here shortly. If we have this many person stomping around here, we're going to make a mess of things. Besides forensics isn't exactly our specialty."
"Then let's go already." Lee managed in a shaky breath as he still wiped at his eyes. "S-She visited the garden, right? Let's see if we can find anything there."
"Whatever. I'll go, but you better not fuck this up. Mal deserved better than this, and I'm sure as hell not gonna let us bungle this shit up." Natalie said as she cast a lingering look towards the girl's oddly peaceful expression before stalking towards the exit.
"That's our cue." Evan murmured as both he and Lee slowly followed after the Pilot.
Moments after their departure both Misuzu and Alice could be seen crossing the threshold into the Temple.
"I'm sorry it took us so long," Alice said as she offered a somber bow of her head as she walked alongside the Mortician. "I had to find Misuzu." She offered a pained expression as she stared at the deceased girl that lay against the altar.
"My My I'm so sorry. I was in the morgue, I didn't even hear the announcement. I didn't know about Mal until my Monopad updated." Misuzu admitted as her normal cheerful demeanor was vacant, instead, it was replaced with a very solemn expression.
"There's nothing to apologize for ladies. We just need to focus now. Jason and I will examine the temple grounds, while you both conduct the autopsy." Shuhei said as he offered a curt nod at the other boy before slowly walking towards the back of the large room.
"That does seem like the best use of our time. If either of you has any questions, we won't be far." The Strategist said as offered a strained smile.
The former medic took a quiet breath. "Well do everything we can. After as much death as I've seen recently, you'd think I'd grow numb to it. However, it always makes me sick to my stomach." She said before shaking her head.
The albino skinned mortician reached out before gingerly patting the shorter girl's shoulder. "Hey, it's gonna be alright. We're going to speak for Malloy, even if she can't speak for herself anymore. We're going to give her that so she can be at peace."
"She deserves that and so much more." Alice breathed as her brow knitted together. "Very well. Let us begin."
7:52 A.M Day Fourteen
Central Colony
Commissary
Hayate let out a low drawn out sigh, as he buried his face into his hands. "You know I'd really hoped that I'd seen my last case of murder. However we have no choice now, but to search for the truth. There's a lot of suspects though in a crowd this size. Anyone have any bright ideas on how we can slim things down?"
"We're not going to just slim things down! We're going to find the truth and nail the asshole that killed Mallory!" Choko said as she thumped a fist against her chest. "I won't let anyone get away with killing one of my friends."
Shiori squeezed her eyes shut. "I-It's all beginning again. Just when it seemed like it was over. It all feels so hopeless." She breathed as she pulled her knees up against her chest.
"Don't despair little one. We've weathered worse, and we'll weather this storm as well." Chijimatsu mused as she rested a hand against her chin. "Though there should be a way of at least narrowing down some of our suspects."
Zalicka cleared her throat as her liquid yellow eyes flitted around the large table. "She's right of course. According to the Monokuma Files, the time of death occurred at 7:12 A.M. Fortunately for us, we had quite a large gathering of people by that point."
Anh crossed his legs, before leaning back. "Yes that's very true and since Alice and I were serving breakfast, I have a rather strong account of everyone present at that point in time. There was you Zalicka, Alex, Choko, Tae Min, Ren, Hayate, Shiori, Sierra, Alice, and myself. Considering how far the Temple is from here, it puts all of us safely above suspicion." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Eliminating ten suspects at once is a good start. Though I'm sure we can probably reduce our list more." Yukiko mused with a thoughtful expression.
Wei rubbed at the bags under his eyes. "Well if I'm not mistaken Shuhei was with both Jason and Evan for some time this morning. Hence how they found Mallory in the first place. So we can probably remove the three of them as suspects as well." *TRUTH BULLET*
"To be safe we'll need to confirm that they were all together leading up to the discovery, but you're most likely right," Dylan added as he crossed his legs. "What about you Lia? You were the last to show up this morning."
The Volcanologist sat with a very somber look on her normally energetic face. She was still sporting her tracksuit from earlier in the morning. "I-I was at the Gym in the Northern Colony with Lee. It's my fault he wasn't with Mallory this morning." She offered as she rested her hands on her knees. "We received the notification while we were on our way back to this colony. We were planning to freshen up, before heading to Evan's ceremony." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Hey, you can't blame yourself for that sort of thing!" Alex said as he gripped at the headphones draped around his shoulders. "I mean no one could have seen this coming."
Kakeru shook his head before taking a small sip of his coffee. "I can't say I agree with you. The writing was on the wall, but we just refused to see it. I just wish I had been here earlier, I'm getting really tired of being a suspect."
"Oui I-I can truly sympathize. I didn't sleep very well last night." Mirielle managed softly, her mask was nowhere to be seen.
"Yosh fear not! We shall discover the truth to get justice for The Green Thumb!" Tae Min exclaimed with a fiery look in his eyes.
Ren frowned slightly as he pulled his hoodie down. "But how do we even begin to do that? Even if we have eliminated fifteen suspects, that still leaves eight people."
"Then we just grill everyone without an alibi, till something stands out!" Choko said as she crossed her arms indignantly.
The Ultimate Snake Charmer sighed as she traced her hand along Seath's head. "Perhaps we should first identify those without alibis, before attempting to grill them." She suggested.
"Well as Ren said, there are exactly eight people we've yet to clear as of now. Natalie, Yukiko, Mirielle, Kakeru, Dylan, Wei, Galexialyn, and Misuzu." The Ultimate Prodigy said as her brow creased together. "Why don't we start with the two that aren't here. Does anyone have any idea about Misuzu or Natalie this morning?"
The Prosecutor sighed softly. "Well, you guys know how whimsical Suzu can be. Mallory left really early this morning, and she left not long after that."
"And what time did would you say that was?" Hayate asked as he quirked a single brow.
"Well, Mallory was going to go to Natalie's room to get her hair and clothes ready for this morning. So I guess she left just after six, and Suzu left no later than 6:30." Choko offered. *TRUTH BULLET*
"Which means without an alibi, she could have had more than enough time theoretically." The Luteplayer mused as he drummed his fingers along the edge of the table.
Alex shook his head. "Hey just because she had the opportunity, doesn't mean she did it right? Besides Misuzu is like one of the sweetest people here. There's no way she'd hurt a fly!"
"Indeed! Miss Shiina might be a kleptomaniac, but she is still a fairly virtuous person!" The Ultimate Hero exclaimed causing several people to wince from his volume.
"While I don't think Misuzu is our culprit, we can't rely on feelings. Perhaps we should continue our questioning. Perhaps about our resident drunk?" Kakeru suggested as he sat his coffee cup back on the dining table.
Shiori shifted slightly in her chair. "Um, Lia? Choko said that Mallory had visited you and Natalie, did you see either of them?"
The lava haired girl offered a weak nod of her head. "Yeah like Choko said, Natalie was helping Mallory get groomed for the event in the Temple today. I think they were about to finish up when I left before Seven." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Wait a second, if that's the case Natalie might have been the last person to see her alive." Dylan pointed out as his brow creased as he tucked a strand of damp hair behind his ear.
Chijimatsu offered an indifferent shrug. "It's merely speculation at this point. Though it may require a few questions once we reach the trial."
"Well since it seems that we will have wait for Natalie's testimony, should we move on?" Wei suggested as he bounced his real foot against the floor.
The Chess Player nodded her head slightly. "Well if we put the other two on hold until the trial, it leaves just me, Mirielle, Chijimatsu, Wei, Dylan, and Kakeru."
"Well as I recall you were still fast asleep when I left you this morning shortly before Seven," Zalicka said as she eyed her new roommate. *TRUTH BULLET*
Yukiko offered a tired smile. "Yeah, I stayed up way too late playing Chess with Jason. We really lost track of time. I'd just finished drying my hair when the announcement played." she said before stifling a small yawn. *TRUTH BULLET*
"In terms of an alibi, it's pretty shaky but it's a start." Choko said as she shoved her hands into her blazer. "What about you Ruffheiser? You just get out of the shower too? Your hair is still damp."
"Heh, guilty as charged I'm afraid. Both Kakeru and I stayed up way too late reading." Dylan admitted before blowing a strand of hair out of his face. "I was climbing out of the shower when I heard Monokuma announcing Mallory's death." *TRUTH BULLET*
The Voice Actor leaned forward in his chair. "So what about earlier this morning? Maybe you guys do have an alibi?" he said with a hint of hope in his voice.
"Fraid not. Instead of lounging in our room, I made my way to the Theater. I was working on my next screenplay when the announcement went off. As per usual with my cruel luck, I had no witnesses." The Playwright groused as he rested his hands behind his head. *TRUTH BULLET*
"Again we, unfortunately, have no way of proving those alibis either. That's unfortunate, I was hoping we could narrow this down a little more." Hayate mused as he rubbed under his nose. "How bout you two? Come on tell me you've got some good news. We really need to make some progress." He said as he gazed between Galexialyn and Wei.
The Kenpo Master shook his head. "Fraid I can't be of much help. Truth be told I'd returned to my room after six, and was dead asleep from the moment I hit my bed." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Wait a moment, why in the world were you up that early in the first place? Were you up early exercising as well?" Anh asked as his brow furrowed slightly.
"I-I well that's.." Wei trailed off a moment as he shifted slightly in his chair.
"So that's how it happened! You must have known from Lee that Mallory was going to be unattended to this morning. So you saw your chance to strike!" Lia said as her energy returned in full force as she jabbed finer towards the bare-chested boy.
Dylan rubbed the back of his head. "Well she does have a questionable track record with accusations, but would you care to answer her Wei?"
"Yeah man, just clear things up. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's a perfectly good reason." Hayate said as he nodded at the taller boy.
The Ultimate Kenpo Master closed his eyes a moment, before shaking his head. "...Shuhei and I were out all night at the Northern Colony. The hope was to deter anyone from visiting the Movie Theater after midnight." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Woah you were camping out there? Isn't that like super dangerous?" Alex asked as his eyes widened.
Choko frowned. "That danger is not nearly as interesting as the reason why. Would you care to share why the two of you felt the need to do that? I think some of us assumed there had to be a reason why that broadcast was turned into a motive of all things. What exactly are you afraid of us finding?"
"It's complicated," Shiori said suddenly as she pulled her hood down over her head. "I'm sure they only had the best of intentions. They just didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression is all."
"Which suggests there's a reason why Class 80-B might assume the worst. It's clear you all have been hiding something if you don't tell us it's only going to make things more difficult for all of us." Yukiko said as she shook her head.
Hayate slapped his hands onto the dining table before standing up. "Look it's complicated, boy is it complicated. However, I'll just say that all of us in 80-A were experimented on before our killing game began. We were treated like Guinea pigs and kept in a sanitarium."
"A Sanitarium?" Zalicka asked as her bright eyes widened in surprise. "To what form did these experiments take?"
Chijimatsu cleared her throat. "We don't remember most of it. Much of our memory was taken, but we did witness a great deal via recordings kept on Horizon Station. Look we can discuss that at another time, but I assure you this has nothing to do with the current case. We've all tried to bury the events of Horizon, so I suggest we focus on the present."
The Diplomat offered a hard look between the members of 80-A. "This isn't the last we'll speak of this. Especially if I believe it is pertinent. Secrets among us will only get more people killed."
"Everyone, please. We really shouldn't argue right now! We have to get to the bottom of this before it's too late." Mirielle pleaded as she gazed around the table.
Several long moments of silence passed before it was finally broken.
"Mirielle's right. We have one job to do, while everyone else is investigating. So let's not leave anything unturned." Sierra suggested. "Now I believe we just finished Wei's testimony, so how about you Galexialyn? Where were you this morning? Shiori was here early, but you didn't show up until well after the announcement."
The Occultist's gaze flitted around the room a moment. "Well if you must inquire, I was in the Green House this morning. I was collecting ingredients for a potion. I would be remiss to not admit that I did see Mallory at approximately Seven. We spoke briefly before she collected a bouquet and left for the Temple." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Then, of course, that means you were the last person to her alive. Why didn't you say so earlier when we were talking about Natalie possibly being the last person to see her?" Ren asked in one of his various impressions.
"Because I knew it would draw undue suspicion," Chijimatsu said before offering an indifferent shrug.
Yukiko sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "And yet another account we can't verify. What about you Mirielle? Please tell me you have something?"
The Phantom Thief pursed her lips a moment. "W-Well after Sierra left this morning, I sort of had a big fight with Lupin. I was pretty upset, so I didn't leave my room until a few moments before the loudspeakers went off."
'A fight with another part of yourself? Can't say that's anything new to me.' Hayate mused to himself as he eyed the reserved girl. "So if you don't mind, what was this big fight about?"
"It's just that Lupin can be so wild at times. She just acts and doesn't think about the consequences, and it can end up hurting people I care about." The girl said as her lips pressed together.
Sierra averted her gaze slightly. "Mirielle, I told you it's not a big deal. It didn't hurt my feelings." She whispered shyly as she rubbed her hands together.
"Uh, can someone explain what's going on? I'm drawing a blank." The DJ admitted as he scratched his cheek.
"I swear it has nothing to do with this case. Please, it's a private matter, so can we just move on?" The Prodigy pleaded.
The Ultimate Prosecutor frowned slightly. "Fine but if it becomes important, we're coming back to it. So to recap we have to double check with Natalie and Suzu. Yukiko says she was late because she stayed up late last night with Jason, Dylan claims to have stayed up late reading and was in the shower at the time of the announcement, Kakeru says he was writing in the Theater, Mirielle claims to have been sulking in her room, Wei says he was asleep, and Chjimatsu says she was working on a potion in the Green House at the time of the murder." She paused before groaned as she planted her face against the table. "Bump kiss. Seriously we couldn't eliminate anyone based on these testimonies." *TRUTH BULLET*
"Have no fear Oki Sonyeo! We shall reach the truth when the trial arrives!" Tae Min exclaimed as he pumped his fist into the air.
8:14 A.M Day Fourteen
Central Colony
Temple (Altar)
"So Misuzu what do you make of it?" Alice asked as she delicately combed her hand through Mallory's braided hair.
The Mortician offered a somber expression. "Well, this was very clearly a horribly violent crime. I count at least 17 stab wounds in her abdomen alone. She would have died from blood loss anyways, the strike through her chest merely expeditated the inevitable." *TRUTH BULLET*
"What I can't wrap my head around is why is Mallory smiling? This isn't the kind of death, that would have been painless. Was she just at peace with her death despite the pain? Something just seems off about her smile." Alice pointed out. *TRUTH BULLET*
"As horrible as this is, I really hope she was at peace. It's so hard seeing someone who was so full of life reduced to this. She really did have a heart of gold." Misuzu mused as she reached out and gingerly plucked one of Mallory's flower hairpins off, before pocketing it.
The Ultimate Veterinarian eyed her curiously a moment. "Do you think that might be useful as evidence or something?"
"Nope. It's just a ritual I have. I know it sounds crazy, but I always take a piece of someone I've tended to. It's not meant to be creepy like some sort of serial killer, but it's just my way of keeping a piece of the person with me. It may not be much, but the idea of a piece of everyone we've known living on brings me comfort." The paled skinned mortician said in a quiet voice.
"You don't have to worry then. I won't say a word." The former Fenrir member offered as she slowly rose to her feet, before wiping a tear out of her eye. "I just hope we can catch whoever did this. The idea of a blackened getting away with crimes is terrifying to me."
"My My there's no need to worry right?" Misuzu said as she forced a smile as she gingerly squeezed Mallory's hand a final time before standing up. "We're a pretty great team together, so we'll get to the bottom of this."
The buxom blonde nodded as she shoved her hands into her lab coat as she stared at Mallory for another long moment. "Huh, I just realized something. If she was attacked so violently what are the odds of her bouquet still remaining her lap like that?" *TRUTH BULLET*
Misuzu blinked a moment. "That is really strange. I mean who would be concerned over flowers when they're being attacked. Maybe the killer placed them there? Ya know in some sort of weird symbolic gesture?" *TRUTH BULLET*
"Bloody hell, I suppose anything is possible. I mean this room is trashed, but I can't see it being solely over a struggle with Mallory." Alice said as her brow knitted together.
"It's like someone was ransacking the place. But what point would that serve?" The Mortician asked.
The Veterinarian shivered slightly. "Maybe this was meant to break our spirit? Maybe it was only meant to cause us despair."
8:20 A.M Day Fourteen
Central Colony
Temple (Storage Room)
"Someone really did a number on this place. With as much destruction that's in this place, it would have taken our culprit some time. I have to wonder if perhaps they were trashing this place and Mallory caught them in the act." Shuhei suggested as he eyed several brooms and mops. *TRUTH BULLET*
Jason nodded his head slowly as he thumbed his chin. "So perhaps Mallory wasn't targeted, so much as she was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time?" he suggested as he eyed the much taller boy next to him.
The Scientist frowned. "It's just a theory at this point, but it does hold some merit. What I can determine is what the motive would be for vandalizing this place. It just seems illogical." *TRUTH BULLET*
"We have to consider that this individual may not be acting rationally or at least their motive is obscure," Jason responded as he eyed Shuhei closely. "Not to shift subjects, but did you actually sleep at all last night?"
Shuhei stiffed visibly. "Not precisely. If I'm being quite frank, I haven't slept well in a long time. Especially not since our Classes were merged."
"I see. So you distrust us then?" The Strategist asked bluntly as he raised a single brow.
"Unlike Hayate, Alice, Shiori, Galexialyn, and Wei I have not been to hell and back with the rest of you. For better or worse, they have earned my trust. It is not something I give out lightly." The Scientist said in a firm manner.
Jason offered a low chuckle. "You realize that trust goes both ways, and it's obvious that you and the rest of 80-A are definitely hiding something. You expect us to be honest and yet you're playing your cards against your chest. It's hardly fair."
The silver-haired boy rubbed at his eyes. "Yes, I suppose it's not. Unfortunately, Horizon Station has made me into an even more jaded person. That's not something that is likely to change overnight."
"Duly noted, but just keep in mind that if we're not careful that sense of division could cause much bigger problems for all of us." The Ultimate Strategist mused as he rested a hand on his side.
Shuhei offered a strained smile. "Believe it or not, I'm trying my best to avoid that." He said before shaking his head. "We've wasted enough time on idle chatter though. We should see if the girls have had any luck with their autopsy."
Jason nodded his head slightly. "Right behind you," he muttered.
8:26 A.M Day Fourteen
Central Colony
Green House
"Goddammit. I swear I'm going to make the fucker behind this pay. Maybe Monokuma will let me throttle the dickwad who killed her." Natalie hissed as she leaned against one of the glass windows.
Evan took a steadying breath. "Believe me I understand what you're both going through, but consider if you will what Mallory would want. I can't imagine that sweet girl wanting anyone to spill blood on her account."
"You're right. She was too good for this world, and probably wouldn't even wish ill on her killer." Lee said in a strained voice as he continued to fidget with his beanie. "But it doesn't mean I won't do anything I can to bring them to justice."
The Pilot ground her teeth together. "Justice? Watching them scream, it doesn't matter what you call it. Either way, they won't get away." She said as she tilted her head, before eying a nearby table with a mortar and pestle. "Is that Mallory's ?" She asked as she inched closer, before spotting an open book next to it.
"Valerian Root and Passionflower." Evan uttered as he peered over the Pilot's shoulder.
Lee frowned. "Maybe Mal was using this for something?" he suggested as his brow furrowed.
"Tch not likely. From what I'm reading that junk is supposed to induce sleep. Have you ever known that girl to have trouble sleeping?" Natalie asked as her brow furrowed. *TRUTH BULLET*
"So someone was brewing a sleeping potion. Perhaps it was merely meant to help with someone suffering insomnia? There are quite a few of us, who aren't sleeping well." Evan pointed out. "Then again I suppose it could be relevant to this case."
Before either Lee or Natalie could respond a chiming sound echoed across the speaker system in the Green House.
*DING DONG*
"YUK YUK YUK. Well, time's a wasting. I'm ready to start my day off right with a dose of despair! So why don't you kiddos shuffle this way so we can get this show on the road? I can bearly wait!" Monokuma howled with laughter before silence quickly prevailed over the room once more.
And with that, the investigation period had come to an end.
Now all that remained was reaching the truth at whatever cost...
TRUTH BULLETS
Kakeru's Account
Shuhei's Analysis
Lia's Alibi
Shuhei's Theory
Purpose of Vandalization
Galexialyn's Account
State of the Temple
Placement of the Bouquet
Choko's Account
Intentional Desecration
Wei's Account
Eight Possible Suspects
Lia's Account
Location of the bloodstains
Zalicka's Account
Bloody Bouquet
Jason's Vandalizer Profile
Wei's Account
Excessive Wounds
Anh's Account
Mallory's Smile
Wei's Testimony
Misuzu & Alice's Autopsy
Dylan's Account
23 Survivors Remain
*AN* And with that, the investigation comes to an end! I can't wait to see you all again very soon! I want to thank you all for your continued support, you guys really are what keeps me going =)
Review Section:
Solrac XD
Yeah unfortunately too many cinnamon rolls have been slain as of late =/ This is retaliation against anyone who said I wouldn't kill precious characters xD
Natsukumo1000
You really do live and breath despair don't you? Lol
StoryProducer214
Don't you worry? I won't forget Scrum Debate or as an old friend use to call it SCRUM DEBATE CHAN!
Danganfanboy101
Yeah, writing that the last scene was pretty despair-inducing for me as well. Though I guess that's true to the nature of the series.
Blazerxz
Yeah, I've really wanted to show these characters doing some geeky normal teenager like stuff. Besides the despair is that much stronger, when those bonds have been built up first.
Poomi
I have to be honest, this was a death I really had to chew over for a while. On one hand, I knew it would symbolically be the death of innocence, and despair-inducing. However, it still didn't make it any easier to write. It didn't help that much of the chapter was fairly lighthearted by comparison. Oh well, what can you do? I'm glad you enjoyed that scene with Kakeru. My favorite little Onion Boy!
Guest
It was her clone that was beheaded. For much of that story, it was assumed that she'd died, and it was only revealed in the last section of New Hope that she was alive and well.
Raz The Giant
That's the fun element of showing just brief sequences at times, you have to decide for yourself how genuine something may or may not be.
TJMike
I think it's important to point out that Lupin/Mirielle are quite different in personality. One is more grounded and devoted while the other has her head in the clouds, and is very whimsical with her flirtations. I wanted to capture that duality as it can possibly prove a roadblock for Sierra and them.
ShinyOshawottKing1
Well, the clues are laid bare. So it's up to you to decide ;)
PettyPunk
Haha, it seems you're all drained of hope and only left with despair. I love it!
MudkipOfDespair
Someone's a broken record haha.
UltimateGaymer
Hey, no worries! Great to see you in the comments =) I hope you enjoy Akiko, Hibuni just finished her on Deviantart!
ThePLOThand
That is the question, isn't it?
Zoozibble
Believe me, I feel your despair. If I'm being honest killing cinnamon bun characters isn't easy for me. I mean it's always easier to kill the jerk who had it coming vs the precious innocent girl. However this is Danganronpa, and without despair, this series wouldn't function.
KingofHope
I love how the majority of the comment section needs a good cry haha. I'm right there with you guys.
dashunterman
Really what I'm trying to show with Lupin/Mirielle is that they're very different people. It's not that Lupin can settle for a single girl, but she is more whimsical and flirty while Mirielle is more devoted and grounded.
pokemansuperallstar
I love the righteous indignation of everyone grabbing their pitchforks over Lupin/Sierra. Haha, you guys seriously crack me up haha.
1Glimmershine
Heya gave you a shout out! So I hope the folks here give your fic the attention it deserves! =)
Fee5H
Lol, I guess this series has taught us to be paranoid of anyone who seems too good to be true lol.
Trust Me I'm Me
Thrown into a blender huh? I guess that's not a bad way of putting it lol.
bellatrixshine
Yeah, I totally deserve the pitchfork right now! I won't even fight back haha.
DanganMachin
Only time will tell my friend!
SootyThunder
Yes, unfortunately, another cinnamon roll had to bite the dust I'm afraid.
doomqwer
Yeah, she, unfortunately, was an easy target. It eventually caught up with her.
Jeptwin
Designed for despair? Yeah, that's sound about right my friend.