Chapter 29: Reprieve: Act Two
2:31 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Dormitories
"So what do you think?" Hifumi asked nervously as he stared over at Tsumugi, who was currently studying his sketchpad.
"You certainly didn't shy away from the gore, do you think someone will want to buy this if we get out of here?" The Cosplayer asked as she peered up at the boy.
Yamada hung his head slightly. "You don't like do you?" he mumbled.
"No it's not that at all! It's fantastic really, but it's just really dark too. Do you think it would sell really well as it is?" Tsumugi asked with a soft smile.
The Fanzine artist was quiet a moment. "I know it might be brutal, but I don't really care about how much it sells. This is our story, so I want most of it to be true. Heh I guess it's kind of becoming a journal in a way. I don't want to forget anything or anyone."
Shirogane nodded softly as she gently closed the sketchbook, before handing it back to the boy. "Then don't change a thing. Your vision is what really matters." she offered a thin smile as she sat up off the bed, before smoothing her shirt. "It'll be even better once you can properly color it."
Hifumi felt a pleased smile pull at his face. "I can't wait, but I really hope that the rest of this story has a happy ending."
A very thin smile graced her lips. "It's too soon to say Yamada."
2:40 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Storage Room
"Alright this will have to suffice." Kyoko said as she took a seat on a crate, before eying Makoto. "Can I trust you to keep this to yourself Naegi?"
The Ultimate Luck stared at her a moment, before slowly nodding his head. "Yeah of course, if you're taking all these precautions it must be pretty important."
The lavender haired girl numbly nodded her head. "Indeed it is. I know you were incapable of doing much at the time, but you do recall that the last trial still left something unanswered."
Naegi was quiet for a moment, before frowning. "The person behind the blackmail." he said simply.
Kiri nodded. "Yes that's right. I've spent most of my freetime since then trying to narrow down suspects. A fact that is always more difficult with none of us knowing a great deal about one another. Though I have no doubt I can trust you."
"Really? I appreciate your trust Kiri, that means a lot." The boy smiled slightly.
Kyoko sighed softly. "Honestly I wouldn't read too much into it Naegi. Think about it, there's no way you could have been involved. You were confined to a bed at the time."
The boy's expression soured slightly. "Maybe you should have just you trusted me anyways. I guess that does give me a pretty good alibi huh? Though there are a lot of us. Do you have any idea who it might be?"
"I do have a few ideas, however I don't like to act on such things without more concrete evidence. My true concern is that this individual seemed less concerned with escaping and more with perpetuating this game. Regardless of the cost." Kiri offered.
"Why would anyone do that though? Cause bloodshed just to move things along?" Makoto frowned.
"As callous as it is to say, it does have it's purposes." Kyoko said quietly.
Naegi's eyes widened. "What do you mean? How could us butchering each other ever serve any purpose?"
A weak smile graced the girl's features. "Naegi while I understand that it's disdainful to you. Some among us may see it as a way of moving the game to a conclusion. We know from what Monokuma said that after a third trial is concluded we'll be granted access to the second floor. Perhaps a means of escape or an answer to our reason for being here lies above. In any case I didn't reach out because I was ready to discuss potential suspects. I just knew that you were someone I could likely confide in. Will you keep your eyes open? If we can determine who was behind all of this, we can possible prevent more unnecessary bloodshed."
"You don't even have to ask. Of course I'll keep my eyes peeled and do what I can. Kiri do you think it's possible to avoid anymore deaths?"
Kiri bowed her head low. "Naegi I wish I could give you the answer you want, but I cant. I am pleased no one else has died after Nekomaru, but we have no idea what the Mastermind may have in store. For now we can only prepare for the worst and be ready when it happens."
The Ultimate Luck nodded slightly. "Maybe that's true, but I still won't stop trying to prevent it. That's just the kind of person I am."
Kyoko allowed a thin smile. "It might be impossible, but it is an admirable notion. I hope you're right Naegi."
3:55 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Theater (Stage)
"HELL YEAH!" Ibuki exclaimed as she strummed her guitar furiously. "Ibuki thinks that was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!" she grinned wildly.
"My vocals weren't a mess?" Leon asked as he glanced around the stage.
Sayaka shook her head. "No your tone was very lovely. Though I think we probably need to work on our harmonies."
Kaede cleared her throat as she stood up from her keyboard. "I probably should have said so sooner, but I was talking to everyone this morning, and I sort of said we'd be ready to perform in a couple of days." she admitted with a sheepish expression.
"Ibuki is ready to melt faces!" The Musician exclaimed as she set her guitar down, before pumping her fist into the air.
"Wait that soon?!" Kuwata paled as felt his throat grow dry.
Maizono offered a faint smile. "This will be your first time preforming for an audience isn't it?"
The Baseball player nodded his head. "Yeah I mean it's like I'm not use to being in front of people. Though not like this." he said as he gestured with his good arm.
"Guys I'm really sorry. I should have asked, but I just got ahead of myself. I could always tell everyone we need more time." Kaede said as she glanced between the trio.
"No you don't have to do that Kaede. I'm gonna have to suck it up and do this one day, might as well be sooner rather than later." Kuwata mused with a sheepish smile.
"Least Rooster won't be alone. We'll have his back, going solo is TEN times worse!" Mioda exclaimed as she crossed the stage, before she slung her arm around his neck. Still minding his bad arm. "Leon won't be alone!"
"I'll do everything I can to help you prepare Leon. It's the least I can do." Sayaka mused quietly.
"And in the meantime we can see about getting some help to prepare everything. Maybe some people to help with sprucing up the stage, to work the lights, and we can finally test those amps Kazuichi has been working on." The Pianist mused.
Ibuki looked like a Cheshire Cat as she glanced around the stage. "Ooooh we have to get Junko and Maizon to help us get dressed up! They'll make sure we all look like rock stars too!" she exclaimed.
Leon chuckled. "Heh might as well go all out for this, so why not?"
4:14 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Classroom 1-B
"Angie is most pleased you all made it!" The Artist smiled brightly, as she pressed her palms together.
Tenko glanced around the room a moment, before her gaze resettled on Yonaga. "But this isn't everyone. What about Kiyotaka,Twogami, and Owada? Not that I care for having three more boys around, but they should be here right?"
Sonia had her hands laced together, as she offered a faint smile. "I must confess I was curious of that too."
"A thousand apologies for the confusion. This isn't an official Committee meeting. Angie wanted to personally invite all of you to join her in feeling Atua's warmth. Accepting him into your life will erase the anxiety and worldly fears you all possess." She said as she glanced around the room.
"Heh I can say I totally feel a lot more at ease because Ang and Atua." Hiro mused with a smile,as he laced his hands behind his head.
"Gonta likes the idea of Atua. Gonta would like to know more." The Entomologist said in a exuberant manner.
Tsumugi nodded in agreement. "I certainly would love to learn more as well. It sounds wonderful."
"Even though I am not human, I too am curious Miss Angie. Does Atua allow anyone to worship him?" Keebo asked as she eyed the Artist.
"He does indeed." Angie chirped happily. "Unlike this flawed world, Atua does not discriminate. Race,sex, and species are irrelevant. Accepting Atua means finding a home and a place where you will be safe."
Sonia's brow furrowed. "It does sound splendid. I cannot say that I am ready to commit, but I would certainly welcome the chance to learn more." she said with a bright smile.
Angie's smile never wavered. "That is all I ask. That is all Atua asks." she mused as her gaze flickered over to Aikido Master. "What of you Tenko? Do you wish to learn more of Atua's ways?"
Tenko glanced around the room a moment, before clearing her throat as she slowly stood up. "Uh I'd like to give it some thought if that's alright?"
"Most certainly. Take all the time you need, you should never feel pressured into accepting Atua." Angie smiled sweetly.
"Right. Well um thank you for that. I'll leave you all to discuss it then, I'm starving right now." she lied with a forced smile as she turned and began briskly walking towards the door.
4:25 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Dining Hall
"Four Sevens." Twogami said with a confident look as he rested his cards upon the table. His attention quickly settled on the Ultimate Gambler.
"Royal Flush darling." Celestia offered a small smile. She mirrored his action as she revealed the ten,jack,queen,king, and ace of spades.
The Imposter stared in silence a moment, before adjusting his glasses. "Celes have you been cheating?" he asked as he quirked a single brow.
The Lolita girl offered a mock look of hurt, as she pressed a hand against her chest. "Darling you wound me. I would never cheat to win a friendly game of poker." she smiled sweetly at him.
The boy allowed for a rare chuckle. "Ah you say that, but I also get the sense that you hate to lose. Regardless I'm still enjoying this."
The Gambler began to collect the scattered cards. "My listen to you, it sounds like you've become rather adept at reading people. I am I really that transparent?" she asked as her gaze flickered to him.
"Not at all. I just can't imagine the Ultimate Gambler not being competitive. I can only imagine it goes hand in hand with your talent." the heavy set boy mused.
"A fair point I suppose." She responded with a thin smile as she began to shuffle the deck. However she paused as the door to the dining room flew open as Tenko could be seen stalking forward.
"Miss Chabashira is everything alright?" Twogami asked with concern lacing his voice as he regarded her demeanor.
The Aikido stopped at their table, before glancing around the empty hall. "I'm not sure it's just something strange. May I talk to you alone?" she frowned.
"Ah this must be about the meeting that was arranged by Yonaga." Celestia mused. "I can leave if you wish, but I'm already quite familiar with the details."
Tenko's eyes widened in surprise. "Someone told you then?"
Celestia settled the deck of cards back upon the table, before offering a thin smile as she laced her slender digits. "Yasuhiro is not well known for his discretion." she offered simply.
The Imposter coughed. "Can one of you please enlighten me, as to what you're talking about?"
Tenko scowled slightly at his tone, but brushed it aside after a moment. "Angie gathered a lot of us for a meeting. I thought it was a Committee meeting, but then I realized that you,Kiyotaka, Owada weren't present."
Twogami's eyes widened slightly as he leaned forward. "So what did she wish to discuss? Do you think this was some sort of power play?"
Chabashira shook her head. "I don't know about all of that. I mean she didn't seem interested in even talking about the Committee. She was just going on about Atua as usual and trying to convince the rest of us to hear her message."
Twogami's shoulders relaxed slightly. "So it was only a meeting regarding religion. You honestly had me worried for a moment."
"You're not sort of freaked out? I mean we all know Angie is religious, but she can be really intense about it. It sort of just freaked me out." Tenko admitted.
"It could prove troubling, but if it gives them peace let them believe in whatever they wish. It's not the Committee's place to impede on personal beliefs." Twogami mused.
Celestia's ruby gaze flickered between the pair a moment. "A humble word of warning, I wouldn't dismiss the threat idly."
The Imposter regarded her a moment. "You think there is an inherent risk?"
"Perhaps not with the message, but the messenger. What happens if the Committee members become more loyal to Yonaga than anyone else?"
The heavyset boy frowned. "I see your point. Perhaps it is a matter that requires more thought. Miss Chabashira, thank you for telling me."
Tenko folded her arms. "You don't have to thank me, I just hope I overreacted." she muttered.
4:57 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Nurse's Office
"H-How are you feeling today?" Tsumiki asked with a nervous expression, as she regarded the Ultimate Astronaut.
Momota offered a dry chuckle. "Heh I'm sure I'll be just fine. It's just a bad cough right Tsumiki?"
The Nurse bowed her head slightly. "Kaito it might be something more serious than that. Are you taking the medicine I gave you?"
The boy scratched the back of his head. "Yeah still feel weak, but I haven't been coughing as much."
Mikan bit her lower lip. "I'm afraid that medicine might only be treating the symptom, not the actually problem." she murmured quietly. "I-I'm sorry if I wasn't so useless I would have already diagnosed it. I'm just afraid to say it's one thing and treat you for the wrong issue." she offered in a meek manner.
Kaito shook his head. "Hey where's that crap coming from? You're one of the most important people here you got it? If Himiko was still with us, she'd probably call you a white mage. Look just don't be so hard on yourself alright? I'll be just fine."
Mikan's eyes widened as she fidgeted with her hands. "I-I'm not sure I deserve such praise. I feel like I'm in the way most of the time." she mumbled.
"Geez you remind me of Shuichi a little bit. Don't be ridiculous, you deserve to be proud of yourself. Heck Naegi would be pushing daisies if it wasn't for you. I'm sure whatever is going on with me, you'll figure it out." Kaito grinned.
The Ultimate Nurse was quiet for a moment, though a shy smile graced her lips. "I-I'll do my very best to help you Momota."
The boy offered her a warm smile as he rose to his feet, before he reached and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Hey Miki I'm sure you will." he paused in the midst of the gesture as he pulled his hand away. 'Where the hell did that come from? Those words? Even that action. It was so instinctual and yet I don't understand why.' he shook his head as he saw a small smile still gracing the girl's lips. "Hey I know is probably a weird damn question? But we didn't ever meet before all of this did we? You just seem really familiar somehow."
Mikan tilted her head up slightly as a puzzled expression crossed her face. "Um I don't think so, but please forgive me if we have and I am mistaken!" she said as she bowed her head low.
"Woah! Seriously there's no reason to apologize. Heh my memory isn't the greatest, I'm probably just imagining things. In any case can you do me a big favor ?" The Astronaut asked as he eyed the girl intently.
Tsumiki nodded her head. "Y-Yes of course. If you think I can be of some use, I'll do whatever I can."
Kaito smiled slightly. "Great. Well can you just keep all of this sick business to yourself? It would only worry the others right now. Since we don't even know what it is, I figure we should just keep that between us alright?"
"Your secret is safe with me Momota. A nurse has to respect her patient's secrets." Mikan offered with a slight incline of her head.
"Great I knew I could count on you." He smiled as he patted her on the shoulder briefly, before turning towards the door. "Well I should probably find the others, it won't be long till dinner."
5:14 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Kitchen
"Your assistance is most welcome. Even though I am embarrassed to admit it, even I cannot be in multiple places at the same time." Kirumi bowed her head slightly towards the trio in front of her.
"Anything to bring hope to our fractured group. Seeing all of us together will be rewarding in itself." Nagito offered a thin smile as picked up a tray lined with silverware.
"Komaeda is right! It's the least we can do to bring everyone together." Aoi exclaimed, before offering a sheepish smile. "Besides my appetite has been crazy lately. Maybe I can sneak an early bite?" she asked hesitantly as she stared at the maid.
"Miss Asahina! Please show a little restraint. As servers it is our duty to serve others, before ourselves." Ishimaru mused.
Aoi puffed her cheeks out a bit in frustration. "You don't have to be so serious all the time." she muttered.
Kirumi allowed a hint of a smile as she uncovered a dish, before setting a plate down in front of Aoi. "These are homemade donuts, I do hope their to your liking Asahina."
The Swimmer's bright blue eyes stared in wonder at the dish, before ticking her gaze towards Kirumi. "Have I told you how much I adore you?" she exclaimed. She picked up one of the glazed confections, before taking a generous bite. "Ooooh I'm in heaven!" she mumbled with her mouth full.
A faint trill of laughter escaped the Maid. "I'm pleased to hear that. Do enjoy yourself, we do have some time to spare."
Komaeda seemed slightly amused as he watched the swimmer eat with gusto a moment, before his attention flickered back to Kirumi. "I suppose I can set the tables in the mean time."
"Are you familiar where each of the utensils go?" Kirumi asked as she quirked a single brow.
Nagito nodded as he offered a thin smile. "Indeed. Though I do not consider my Luck much of a talent, I am quite confident in some of my more mundane skills."
Kiyotaka even allowed a smile. "Ah that is excellent indeed. While you are setting the table we can assist Miss Tojo with the last of the preparations."
5:21 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Hallway
"So I'm thinking, when we get out of this mess I teach you how to ride a real motorcycle. Hell I bet you'd fit right into the gang." Owada chuckled as he walked down the hallway, with his hands behind his head.
The Biker's attention slowly flitted over to the Gymnast, who had been uncharacteristically quiet.
"Earth to freaking Akane! You so damn hungry that you can't talk?" Mondo muttered.
Owari blinked as she glanced over at the boy. "Shit what were you saying Pompadour? I was spaced out." she offered a toothy grin.
"Not freaking kidding." He grumbled. "I was saying you should let me show you how to ride a bike after we get out of this shit. I think you'd like my crew." Mondo said as he regarded her a moment.
The Gymnast smirked as she walked alongside him. "Heh you actually wanna teach me or is this you trying to get under my skirt?"
The Biker looked as if he swallowed a lemon as he scowled. "Fuck I ain't that kind of guy. I don't mess around when it comes to teaching people."
"Alrighty Pompadour it's a deal then. I'll learn how to ride with the best of them, just don't get pissy if I beat you someday!" Akane's grinned widely at him.
"Now you're freaking dreaming. You might make a decent right hand if you have any skill with it." Owada allowed a grin in response.
"Screw that! I'm no ones bitch. You can be my right hand man." Owari laughed as she playfully jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
"Lot of big damn talk coming from a chick who's never rode a damn motorcycle before." Mondo grunted.
Akane offered a shrug. "Can't be too hard if you figured it out. Now stop flapping your damn gums. I'm freaking starving, maybe Kirumi will let us eat early!" she grinned as she grabbed at his arm to urge him forward. "Come on Owada! Move your ass and I might show you my panties later."
Owada let out a groan as he was guided down the hallways. 'This freaking chick is a handful. How did you do it Coach?'
5:28 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Dormitories
Sonia offered a light smile as she sat on the edge of her bed. "Are you well Gundham? You seem a bit on edge." she mused as she regarded the breeder intently.
Tanaka settled his heterochromatic gaze on her, before allowing a thin smile. "Your dark powers of observation never cease to amaze me. You truly are a low level demon." he mused with a sense of pride.
He slowly folded his arms as his expression grew a bit more serious. "I was hoping to discuss your relationship with the heretic."
A puzzled expression settled on the Princess' face. "Heretic?" she questioned as she regarded him curiously.
Gundham frowned. "Her mortal name is Angie, and her mere presence troubles me."
The girl raised a hand to her mouth, before stifling a giggle. "Angie? Gundham you must be jesting. She is a very pious person, I can't say I understand all of her beliefs. Though she doesn't seem capable of anything nefarious. Why does she make you so uncomfortable?"
The boy scowled slightly. "She and I are from two different planes of existence. Her mortal level is rather high however, and she is devoted to her beliefs. It leaves me concerned for your wellbeing my Queen."
Sonia blinked as she stared at him a moment. "Gundham if this is about learning more about the Devas and the Underworld, I haven't forsaken you. I just very much like learning other cultures and religions. All of these things fascinate me. You shouldn't worry so much alright?" she allowed a bright smile.
Tanaka numbly nodded his head. "Your thirst for knowledge is insatiable. I will not do anything impede that, but I do ask that you remain cautious." he said as he crossed over towards her, before gently taking one of her hands into his. "The Tanaka Kingdom cannot lose it's Queen."
The Princess' eyes widened marginally as she felt a faint flush grace her face. "You have my word Gundham, you won't lose me." she smiled softly.
"Excellent! Now that I have assured the wellbeing of the underworld, the time for sustenance approaches. Shall we depart?" he asked as he pulled his hand a way.
Sonia offered a breathtaking smile as she rose up, before reaching out to seize his hand. "Indeed we shall. Gundham would you terribly mind being my escort?"
The boy cleared his throat as he tilted his head slightly, as he hid his face against his scarf. "Of course not dark one. If that is what you wish, I will oblige your desires."
5:45 P.M Day Seven
First Floor
Dormitories
Mukuro let out a soft sigh as she walked out of her bathroom.
A towel was still wrapped around her waist as the bell to her door suddenly chimed to life.
The Solider frowned as she crossed the room and picked up her wig, before cautiously approaching the door.
She opened the door slightly to see Makoto standing there, with a obvious blush on his face. "Uh sorry Junko I shouldn't have bothered you." he mumbled as he averted his gaze.
"No bigs! I'm running a little bit behind. You come to check up on me?" She allowed a playful grin to tease her lips.
Naegi numbly nodded his head. "Yeah almost everyone is already there." he offered quietly.
"Well come on then. You're slowing me down even more just standing there like that." She smiled as she promptly grabbed his hand, before yanking him into the room.
"J-Junko!" he stammered at his gaze flicked up a moment to her face. His expression softened slightly. "I could just wait with the others if you want? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
The girl rolled her eyes. "Just sit on the bed silly and talk to me while I get ready." she offered him a brief wink, before slipping back into the bathroom where she left the door cracked ever so slightly.
Makoto timidly took a seat on the edge of her bed. "Are you sure this is alright?"
A laugh came from the bathroom. "Honestly Naegels you crack me up. We have to worry about death on a daily basis, but catching me in a towel is what throws you off?"
The Ultimate Luck rubbed the back of his neck. "When you say it like that it does sound sort of silly doesn't it? I just didn't have a lot of experience with girls back before all of this. I just don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"Oh darling you don't have to worry about that. I don't think you'd ever intentionally do anything to upset me." She smiled softly. "That's just who you are."
"Junko can I ask you something ?" Naegi spoke up a bit as he glanced momentarily towards the bathroom.
The Soldier paused a moment, before shaking her head. "Fire away Naegels." she called out.
The boy's brow furrowed slightly. "Your real eye color is really pretty, I just wondered why you wore contacts at all?"
Mukuro froze up as her head snapped up as she stared into the mirror. Sure enough he'd caught her without her blue contact lenses. She mentally cursed, how did he always catch her off guard?
She took a deep breath, before exhaling. It was time for another half lie. "The Industry wanted something very specific Naegi. They didn't want me, but a certain version of me. What I wanted didn't matter anymore." her voice was calm, though her normal Junko demeanor was missing.
"So the wig? That's part of it too then too?" Makoto frowned as he shook his head. "I just don't understand why people can't be themselves. Wouldn't you be happier too?"
Ikusuba let out a soft sigh. 'I forgot Saya told them about that.' She bit her lip as she slowly pulled the wig off, before slipping back into the bedroom. She was now clothed, but without any makeup.
Naegi stared at her almost in wonder as she approached him. "Don't you see? I'm not even the same person without all of this. I don't exist without that identity. It doesn't matter what I want Makoto." she said as she crouched down so she was at eye level with him. "Even if I wanted to be myself, no one would accept me. If I walked into that Dining Hall like this, how many people do you think would be suspicious of me? After everything that's happened so far?"
"That's not true. I have faith in the others and even if they don't, I accept you for who you are. I think you're perfect just the way you are!" Naegi exclaimed loudly, before averting his face as he felt mortified almost immediately.
Mukuro felt something stinging her eyes. She cleared her throat, as she realized that she was crying of all things. "Uh Naegi can you give me a few more minutes? I don't want to be late." she muttered as she rose back to her feet, before swiftly turning around.
"Of course whatever you need." Makoto said with a weak smile as he regarded her closely. 'Why does it feel like there are two versions of Junko sometimes? It's like there's a mask and another person beneath all of it.'
*AN*
Aquirs-Chan
Ooooh there are some interesting ideas here. Well you'll have to see for yourself =)
Wrookie01
Was that foreshadowing? Would I really do something like that? :P
Shadow Ninja Koopa
I sort of implied that the meetings between the group leads are sanctioned. I'll probably reference that soon to make it more clear, but they weren't trying to sneak around or anything.
As for some of the possible fanservice, I do want to establish that there has been timeskip and it was way to really drive home the fact that certain "things" have occurred in that period of time.
Just give it a chance and I hope it won't leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth!
Invisible Prince
I really wanted to show the fact that a lot of major developments had occurred since the time skip hehe.
Luckenhaft
Lucken. I legimiately laughed a dozen times over when I saw you mentioning Pekoing each other. Also yeah I can't wait for Kazuichi's reaction when Chihiro's secret becomes public knowledge! :P
Zephyrius29
Oh I haven't forsaken Kuzuryu/Pekoyama all of the sudden. Honestly I just wanted to add more depth to Peko outside of Fuyuhiko. As bizarre as it might sound, I could legitimately see her being more honest with Maki just because of how similar they are and how they view themselves. As for Fuyuhiko I'm really trying to hammer home the difference between his early game self versus how he is after the second trial and beyond.
I realized that in hindsight I hadn't done nearly enough interactions with characters in the previous fic. As you pointed out in the past I kept a lot of them segregated to their own respective groups for a long time. It was a wasted opportunity and I'm trying to avoid that this time around. Also I do want to have more between Kyoko/Naegi as it's a major cornerstone of the series.
Ryoma/Mikan's scene was just pulled out of my ass, but the longer I thought about it the more it felt right. So I'm glad that it worked well enough.
doomqwer
Hehe yeah I wanted to show a lot of changes in the course of this time skip. And yes Happy Early Birthday you beautifully crude girl!
Trygve11
Don't worry I haven't abandoned Maki/Kaito nor the Kaito being sick plotline. So don't worry so much!
StrikeDragoon
I really wanted to show that a lot had happened over the course of a short time skip. It's a good plot device to move certain things forward.
13TheAce
Haha I actually just saw the remake myself a couple of days ago. I might find some way of taking that influence into this fic, if it fits ;)
I was hoping that scene with Peko/Maki would leave a few people's jaw on the floor. The question of what the hell happened to cause that?
Hong Cong
Calm before the storm is a great way to put it haha.
I hope you enjoyed some of the twists placed in this chapter. I wanted to show the fact that there's been some major developments over the course of the small time jump.
ronin warriors fanatic
Well that's honestly Daganronpa in a nutshell. Hope with Despair. Truth with Lies. Happiness contrasted with misery.
