Chapter 36: Save the Subversion

Ever since I was a young girl, I'd always have a reoccurring nightmare.

The foul stench of smoke stung the nose of a girl standing on a tall hill, overlooking a chaotic scene around her. The tall fires danced as it ravaged the land, growing in strength after every second. The burning air caused her skin to itch and made her eyes water. Truly, it was a hell of biblical proportions, and yet…

Whenever I'd have the nightmare, I'd wake up screaming before running to my parent's room for comfort. But…after the "me" that used to exist faded away, the nightmare changed…

Whenever this nightmare occurred, the girl would start sobbing. Feelings of sorrow and loss would crush her under the gravity of despair. At least, that's how it used to be. Now, a different reaction happened.

Before, I'd weep uncontrollably until I awoke, but now—

The girl ran her fingers through her auburn hair before slowly turning around, a wide grin on her face.

I find myself grinning with extreme glee…

VVV

Chisa opened her eyes, the sound of rainfall colliding against the car. It was a wet, murky day as the housekeeper's driver took her to a special meeting. She was in one of the cities still heavily populated with civilians—or "safe cities" as the Future Foundation called it—to make her meeting appear casual…though, her contact wasn't someone she'd tell others about.

After temporary reassignment because of the indecent with Mukuro, doing as she pleased became harder. But she foresaw that possibility. Given the circumstances, it was the best route she had given the nasty surprise of the Ultimate Soldier appearing. It mattered little, anyway; she accomplished most of what needed doing already.

Citizens on the sidewalk carried their umbrellas in the persisting rain as she thought of her favorite former student. For the last week, Chiaki asked all the division leaders to attend the party she planned for Kyosuke's return. He still doubted she'd pull it off, but Chiaki was making excellent progress. Last Chisa had heard, the gamer's current target was Ruruka. A daunting task, but Chisa believed in her.

Hehe, ironic she's doing this since it'll be an excellent litmus test. If Chiaki gathered all the different-minded Ultimates for something as trivial as a party, it'd prove she accomplished another goal Chisa wanted: getting the organization to warm up to her. Despite their differences, they'd all have one thing in common, which was Chiaki.

And that played right into the housekeeper's hands.

It's astounding how far she's come. At first, I thought this would be a fun project at best, but now…everything's coming together. Much longer until the savior gets her real trial…

"We're coming up on the street now, mam," said the driver, stopping because of the red light. "Would you like me to accompany you?"

"No, I'll be fine. This won't last more than a few minutes."

Once the car arrived at its desired stop, in front of a luxury hotel, she grabbed her umbrella before exiting the car. Her heels clicked against the cement before the warm, dry air of the hotel lobby washed over her.

After a quick ride in the elevator and a short walk, Chisa reached the room. She knocked three times, as housekeeper etiquette dictates, and smiled when her contact opened the door. "Greetings, Komaeda."

The former Ultimate Lucky student welcomed her in with a polite smile. "Punctual as always, Ms. Yukizome."

Chisa put her hands on her lap, sitting on the edge of the bed while Nagito leaned against the wall next to the window. A simple glance told Chisa some excellent housekeepers tended to this room, but since Nagito had the lights were off, it was gloomy. It fit the boy across from her well.

To the naked eye–even though he was as potent a Despair as anyone—he had a polite and pure demeanor. He appeared the same on the outside as he did during their Hope's Peak Academy days. But Chisa saw through that facade. Underneath lied a ghastly human being with enough depravity to ward off most Despairs.

"I'm glad you decided to meet me, Komaeda. I'm sure you can imagine how frustrating it is getting in touch with all of you individually."

"Oh, no problem. After the trouble you went to purchasing this pricey room, the least I could do was oblige. I should tell you the rest of Ultimate Despair doesn't like hanging around me much. But I guess that's anyone really."

"Must be disappointing; I can imagine how irritating it must be for them to treat you the same regardless of despair or not."

"Nah, they're all busy spreading untold despair—which is exactly what I want." A grin crept across his face. "It makes it that much better when the Ultimate Hope arises."

Chisa noticed a certain someone wasn't with Nagito. "So, what ever happened to the seed of despair you were cultivating? Was the little cucumber head too much?"

Nagito crossed his arms, sighing. "Unfortunately, while she had potential, she's nowhere near Junko Enoshima. Her despair could never bring forth the hope I desire. Shame really; I thought she could do it, given time."

"Well, you tried. Maybe next time."

Nagito's smile returned. "I still stand by what I said before: You'd be an amazing successor to her. You can match her cunning, despair, and passion if you wanted. I'm sure if you let yourself fully embrace despair like the rest of us, you'd become something extraordinary."

"That's kind of you, but I'm afraid not. I'm more efficient as I am now, and…I'm cultivating a seed of my own."

"… Oh, and how's it going?"

"It's moving along, but it could swing either way. If things go right, the force against despair you seek will show itself brilliantly. Though, I don't know if it's the 'hope' you want."

Nagito's eyes widened. "Wow, this person must be something. Perhaps…I could meet them?"

"You will, in due time." Chisa fished an envelope out of her pocket before handing it to Nagito. "I want you to share this message with the others. I'm restricted on how I can move around, so you're better suited to be the messenger."

Nagito carefully stuffed the envelope in his jacket. "I'll make extra sure they get it; though, I can't promise you they'll agree to see me."

"They will once they know I sent it. Effective immediately, Ultimate Despair will gather in Japan to conduct the mission regarding the Neo World Program."

Nagito sat up, eyes glowing with excitement. "Ha-ha, no way! I didn't think we'd be conducting it this soon! The others are gonna be so excited!"

"Yes, I wanted the Neo World Program to get a bit farther in progress, but because of certain developments—putting it off any longer would do more harm than good."

"Are you sure you want this to happen? Personally, I can't wait to see what kind of hope and despair that'll result from this, but it could mean the end of the Future Foundation…and her becoming invincible."

"I'll be fine with either outcome. It's you I'm impressed with. I mean, if this goes according to her plan, you'll truly become one with the woman you hate."

"Ha-ha, I know the risk. If the hope I desire doesn't arise, then she'll get her way. But…I've already begun to reject her influence..."

Nagito put his left hand on the window, raindrops falling on the other side. She didn't think anything of it at first, but then a …interesting sight awaited. Raising an eyebrow, Chisa said, "Oh my…is that what I think it is…?"

In the darkness of the room, vehicle lights flashing as they went by, a woman's hand was lying on the window. Given what Nagito said, Chisa knew whose hand it was—or at least whose hand it's supposed to be.

"That's right. I've taken her into me, the true Ultimate Despair." Nagito laughed, pitch filled with insanity. "I'm going use her despair myself, and from it…an outstanding hope will be born!"

Chisa narrowed her eyes. "… And how did you obtain that?"

"Mikan was the one that salvaged it. I couldn't believe the body was so intact after the execution. Originally, I had something else in mind, but I had to settle for her hand. I'm sure the others interacted with it in their own ways, but I can't tell you how since I didn't stay to watch."

"… What dedication. I'd never go as far as attaching her to myself. Tell me: now she's apart you, have your feelings changed regarding her? Her blood is flowing through you now."

"Nope, even now, she's still the woman I hate the—"

Hmm? thought Chisa, mystified by Nagito's odd behavior. He eyes twitched as they were agape, there was no emotion on his face, and he stared into space as is all his intelligence vanished. It was like a robot who began malfunctioning.

"Huh, huh, huh, huh, huh, huh, huh, huh? I meant I love her…no that's no right? Don't I love—I mean hate her… Yes, I hate her and love her at the same time. No, that not right either, I believe. I… don't…" Then Nagito stopped speaking, silence taking over the room.

Chisa preferred to wait, interested to see the reaction of the lucky student. Once he broke from his stupor, his eyes scanned the room until it fell on the housekeeper, his usual smile returning. It's like he forgot Chisa was in the room with him.

"Was there anything else you needed, Ms. Yukizome?"

"… No, that'll be all." Chisa shuffled her jaw before standing, laughing under her breath. "It seems my class's diverse, animated tendencies persisted even after despair took over."

"Well, we are your students after all. Old habits really do die hard."

She adjusted her vest before checking the time. "I'm on a tight schedule, but there's one more piece of good news I'll tell you. Well, good news for you. There's a special person I've set up to be in the extraction zone."

Nagito paused before his eyes lit up. "Y-you don't mean…"

"Yep, he'll be the perfect one for this. Just remember even a bleeding heart like him could refuse cooperation, so be on your best behavior, Komaeda."

"Oh, of course, it's just—gosh, how incredible this is! To think the Ultimate Hope himself will be the link that begins this battle of hope and despair! A more perfect script couldn't exist. Surely a hope unlike any other will be born from this!"

"I'm glad you're so enthusiastic."

While Chisa began to depart, with intrigue in his tone, Nagito said, "What will you do in the meantime? More work on that seed you mentioned?"

She gleefully glanced back. "Off to set the stage some more."

Nagito put his hands together, admiration beaming from him. "Being able to manipulate a massive organization like the Future Foundation... What will be born from your despair I wonder…?"

Without answering, Chisa exited the dark room.

VVV

With the business with Nagito done, Chisa went the Future Foundation base where Kyosuke's recuperation was held like she did every day. Day by day his legs were improving, but he couldn't leave the hospital yet—a fact that made him grouchy. He insisted Chisa didn't need to be there so often, and would rather her stick to work, but the housekeeper had fun playing nurse to her close friend.

And her communications with him were important for the next phase of things to move along.

Chisa waved at her coworkers as she passed them on her walk while she absorbed herself in thought. I've set up things as well as I can now. But some positive reassurance never hurt.

Then the small form of Ryouta appeared outside of Kyosuke's door. He looked the same as always: a dreary expression full of insomnia, insecure body language, and the same air of seclusion. The moment he spotted Chisa, a dull smile appeared. "Oh, how are you Ms. Yukizome?"

"Good, my dear. Did you have some business with the vice chairman? I can wait."

"No, I just finished up before you got here."

"That so? You don't visit Chiaki and the other's much anymore. They really enjoy your company, you know?"

"Hehe, I've been preoccupied with other matters. I meant to see Nanami, though. After surviving Ikusaba and getting the vice chairman to not punish her after she attacked, she's become like a folk hero around here. It's inspiring how far she's come."

"I never had any doubt. But…I hear you've been up to some interesting things too."

Ryouta was somewhat of an enigma in the organization, rarely ever coming out from his office. There were rumors of what he and Kazuo collaborated on. The chairman assured it'd be for the good of the organization and no one cared to question it. Even Kyosuke didn't know the activities of the animator in full outside of his division duties.

Naturally, Chisa already knew what their meetings were about since they, too, were a part of the game.

Putting up a finger with a strong expression, Chisa said, "You'd better be getting your necessary eight hours, young man. Can't expect to enjoy work if you're always exhausted."

He rubbed the back of his head, a guilty chuckle escaping. "Sorry, as I mentioned, I've been busy with lots of things lately. I'll try to manage my hours better."

"Your project with chairman taking a lot out of you?"

Ryouta scanned the ground with his eyes, the word "indecision" practically hanging over his head. "Say, Ms. Yukizome, I know Despair is on the decline…but does that really mean we're winning? Mukuro Ikusaba herself almost got away with Chiaki, and Junko Enoshima may be out there… I…" Ryouta gulped. "I don't want to meet that woman ever again…"

"It's true Ikusaba took us by surprise, but—as the head of all information—I've seen no evidence of Junko Enoshima being alive." Chisa concealed a smile. "But let's say she did return… What would you do? Maybe you'd seek revenge for the last time?"

"I…I don't know. I did those terrible things for her, putting you and everyone else in danger. I'd like to think I'd stand up to her like Naegi, but even so…" Ryouta clenched his fists, frustration etched across his face. "I don't know if what I'm considering doing is the right thing…"

Someone needs a pep talk. Chisa swiftly took a step forward before planting her hands on Ryouta's shoulder's, staring into his startled eyes.

"I understand your hesitation considering how things went in the past, but people can change. Look at how far Chiaki has come. If you want to become strong, if you want to get revenge on Junko Enoshima, if you want to become a symbol of hope like Naegi did…then you must sacrifice everything for the sake of hope! At the end of the day, hope is always better than despair, right?"

Ryouta looked back at her for a few seconds, eyes shifting around. "Y-yeah…you're right… Despair can't exist because it only causes pain and suffering. But, still—" After shaking his head, Ryouta bowed and walked off. "Thank you for the talk, Ms. Yukizome."

Chisa waved. "Anytime. And remember to contact Chiaki about the party. It's sure to be a something special!"

Chisa put her hand on the doorknob to Kyosuke room before glancing at Ryouta's back, a mischievous smirk visible. That's why I love Chiaki… People like Ryouta make it a little too easy sometimes. Really takes the sport out of it.

Chisa put on her friendly face before entering Kyosuke's room. Like always, she wanted to announce her presence with a friendly hello but furrowed her brow when she saw Kyosuke on his laptop. "Busted, mister!"

Kyosuke sighed while Chisa ripped the laptop away and closed it. "I was just checking on some things is all."

"The priority is healing. I know you're programmed to always move at a hundred miles per hour, but at least try to relax. Honestly, you could've lost both arms and you'd still want to work fifteen hours a day."

Kyosuke sat back on his pillow, a far-off look on his face. "Keeping my mind busy has become a meditation for me. I've gone through enough books to fill a library since being here." He gestured to the large stack of books near his bedside. Chisa doubted most humans have read that much in a lifetime.

Chisa sat by his bedside. "You don't have to be the greatest at everything. Though, you're the only person I've met that could make a go at it."

"My dear old dad would be proud."

Chisa slipped off her heels, feet aching from all the walking she did today. "So, what did you and Mitarai talk about if you don't mind me asking?"

"Just updating me on some things in his division and giving his best wishes for my health. Honestly, there are times he's so absent, I forget he's a part of this organization."

"He barely talks to me and Chiaki anymore either. Maybe the trauma of seeing Ikusaba triggered something in him, poor thing." Chisa crossed her legs, deciding to press the issue she came here for. "And he's not the only division leader acting odd."

"Referring to Chairman Tengan, I'm guessing?"

"Hehe, so I'm not the only one. He's been acting very odd lately; distancing himself more than ever, pushing some aggressive policies, and he just doesn't—how should I say it—come off the same."

"I've been thinking the same for a while too. At first, I thought the workload he's handling for someone his age was getting to him, but I don't think that's it. I don't know why, but he's showing more cynicism than he ever has."

"You think we should move the notion to temporarily dismiss him? He could simply have a lot on his mind. And… I'm a little worried."

Kyosuke raised his eyebrows in interest. "Have you heard anything?"

"No, no, I'm not suggesting anything extreme. It's just a feeling I have." The vice chairman stared down likely thinking on what Chisa said. What the housekeeper aimed for was support of her worried feeling over the Chairman.

But instead of paranoia, Kyosuke surprised her when he said, "Your gut is often accurate, but I can't take action against him when he's done nothing wrong. It won't sit well with the organization if we reassign the chairman based on a whim."

My, did Chiaki shock his brain too? Chisa giggled. "You've become quite mellow as of late."

Closing his eyes, he said, "Forgive me if I'm hesitant in acting rashly after almost losing my legs the last time I did."

"Still…we must be wary if any unfortunate developments concerning the chairman. We've gotten so far with the Future Foundation, but the balances of power can easily tilt. We failed to catch Junko Enoshima in time…and I never want to let a failure like that happen again…" Chisa hugged her shoulders, trembling. "I-I can't lose anyone else…"

The warm hand of Kyosuke touched her shoulder. "It won't, Yukizome. If the chairman—if anyone—proves they're on the side of despair, we'll deal with them without prejudice. For now, we'll keep an eye out."

Chisa wrapped her arms around Kyosuke, sobbing onto his chest. Despite the tears, she chuckled. "Heh, seems I still can't get either you or Chiaki to call me Chisa." She received no answer from the recuperating vice chairman as the two fell into the warm silence of their embrace.

All the while, Chisa couldn't contain her wide grin.

VVV

Luckily, since Kyosuke transferred to the main base for his convalesce, Chisa's next trip would only take minutes at the most. The final person she ventured to talk to in person was the chairman himself.

After saying her goodbyes to Kyosuke, she rode the elevator to the top floor. Reaching her floor, she walked to his office doors, entering to find the chairman sitting at his desk with his appointed bodyguard Gozu by his side.

With a big huff, Gozu said, "Ah, Yukizome, how are you?"

"I'm great Gozu, hehe, no pun intended. Mind if we chat in private, Tengan?"

Adjusting his glasses, Kazuo said, "Right, I got your message saying you wanted to talk. Give us a minute, Gozu." After nodding, the burly wrestler left the two alone.

"Forgive me if I look tired," said Chisa, sitting across from Kazuo. "I've been moving quite a lot today."

Kazuo smiled modestly. "Nice to hear you're working hard as usual. You should give it your all while you're still young."

"You've been rather active as of late too, though… Tell me: Have what you and Mitarai been working moving along productively?"

The old man's smile faded somewhat. "I see… So, you know what he's working on?"

"I've expected it for quite some time, yes. It wasn't until after I informed you of the weapon that aided Junko Enoshima in starting the Tragedy." Chisa tilted her head, smiling. "Again, I must thank you for not convicting Mitarai after finding out it was his work. I'm still very protective."

"Then I assume Mitarai's the one who told about the project?"

"Nope, I just figured it out. After thinking about it, a question came to me: Why would you want to keep Mitarai's secret? It could simply be compassion…or perhaps you've found some use in his talent."

The two shared silence for a moment before the chairman sat back in his chair, his expression suggesting admiration. "Hmm, maybe Kirigiri isn't the best detective after all. Yes, it does have something to do with the despair video. One goal I have is to—"

Chisa put a hand up. "Say no more." The housekeeper put on a melancholy face. "Lately, I've feared for the future of this organization. Sure, we're winning, but I can see the cracks on the surface. There are people in the organization just waiting to use to opportunity to further themselves. It's as if…some of them are becoming Despair's as well…"

Chisa halted her speech—anticipating Kazuo wanting to interject—but when he didn't, she continued. "What I'm saying is, do what you have to. While I've even lost some faith in Kyosuke and Juzo, you're always the wise moral compass. So, I know no matter what happens, you'll always act with the intent to lead hope over despair. I offer my full support."

Once again, Kazuo simply stared back at her. The housekeeper said all she wanted; now she waited for a response she could work with. The chairman's lack of emotion made her wonder if she played it on too thick.

Finally, after clearing his throat, he said, "Is that all you had to say?"

Chisa put her head down. "Yes, sir."

"… Lately, I've been plagued by a conundrum. In long struggles like ours, the enemy always has one face above the rest. But…I still don't know who's face that is. Could it be the Remnants of Despair, maybe Ikusaba, or perhaps the only conductor behind the scenes was Junko Enoshima all along, and everything else has been clean-up."

"Well, I can't speak to that, but I'm sure we'll find out soon." After rising, brushing herself off, and then bowing—Chisa had said all she needed to. "Keep me posted, Chairman Tengan," she said before heading towards the exit.

"It's fascinating…" murmured Kazuo, causing Chisa to halt her exit. "The way you seamless adapt to everything is unparalleled. Fitting since back when I met you on your first day of Hope's Peak Academy—you always had a certain…luster around you."

With her back facing him, she said, "How very kind, but I—"

"Although…I'd argue your prudence has been almost too accurate at times. Maybe, just maybe… the real conductor's closer than anyone thought…"

What was he thinking right now? The housekeeper tried to hazard a guess, his face a mystery to her since she didn't face him. She planned to stretch the strings that were the cooperation between the branch leaders until it almost snapped; though, it seemed to make her more suspicious in the old man's mind.

Perhaps he did catch on to her, but it mattered little. The chairman was one person she didn't mind suspecting her because his priorities would aid her. And she knew him suspecting her would alter his plans very little, especially since she announced her cooperation with the matter.

Still, being too stark might complicate things later, so Chisa forced down the malicious grin threating consume her face, and glanced behind to her. "Sorry, I'm nothing special… At my core, I'm just a simple housekeeper."

Chisa advanced out of the room, not willing to wait for a rebuttal if there was one or add anything to the statements she made. Instead, she headed to her last destination for today where she'd wait for the final person she needed to meet.

VVV

Just like my dreams, my memories became corrupted as well. The joyous feelings I remember have twisted, turning into a bile desire to imagine them turning chaotic and violent. The times with Kyosuke and Juzo, the days with my class: Most of them had soured like a virus corrupting a hard drive.

However, some remained unchanged, and there was one I'd think about for some reason…

Chisa, fifteen-years-old, laid face down on her bed. She arrived home from school earlier, the day warm and sunny, and dropped onto her bed the moment she reached it. After a long day, the peacefulness of her room always made things better.

She took care of her western-style room every day; her mother made sure of that. It's floor and walls clean, and a scent of pine, orange, or strawberry wafted through the air depending on her preference that day. It acted as a microcosm of the whole house. She loved when her mother would dare visitors to find one speck of dust anywhere; they never did.

"Long day, Chisa?" said the gentle voice of her mother, standing in the doorway with a smile. Her features were young and so similar like Chisa's, people would often confuse them for sisters. She had her auburn hair, emerald eyes, and even her cleanliness tendencies.

"Yeah… Gosh, it seems every time you get through one big pile of work, a bigger pile is waiting for you."

"Hehe, that's how it goes. Luckily, you're so smart—near the top of your whole class—and you've got such great work ethic. Pretty much any major university is yours for the picking. Well… assuming that doesn't interest you."

When her mom said, "that," she pointed to the white letter sitting on Chisa's desk. She received it two weeks ago, and couldn't believe her eyes. It was none other than an official invitation to Hope's Peak Academy. Chisa didn't realize at the time, but the odd stranger she met in the fedora must've been a scout.

Grumbling, mouth partly over her pillow, Chisa said, "Eh, I don't know if Ultimate Housekeeper is something to strive for… What kind of career would I have with something like that?"

Her mom sat on the edge of her bed. "Believe me, you could be the Ultimate Dust Collector and if you pass Hope's Peak final exam—you'll be set for life. Their success rate with alumni in the workforce is starling to the point most wealthy families almost demand their children go to receive an inheritance. The fact a small-town kid like you got picked is unbelievably fortunate."

"I do love cleaning, but you know what I really want to do."

Her mother nodded, grinning. "Just because you go as the Ultimate Housekeeper, doesn't mean you can become a teacher; they both do with caretaking." Her mother's eyes lit up as she put up a finger. "You could even be a teacher at Hope's Peak Academy!"

Gasping, Chisa sat up, the possibility dawning on her. Teaching normal students sounded great, but teaching Ultimates had to be an even more special experience. She crossed her legs, mulling it over before she pumped her fists. "Okay, Mom! I think I'm gonna do it!"

Giggling she said, Fantastic. Who knows? You might find a favorite and take him or her on as your little protégé. You always said you wanted to do that"

"All I want to do is help teach and inspire people to be all they can be! Just the thought of having my own classroom excites me so much I could explode!"

In pure excitement, Chisa hopped up before jumping up and down on her bed, smiling ear to ear. Her joy in these moments was enough to let her forget her mom didn't like this kind of horseplay.

But the occasion must've been to grand because her mother laughed. "If this is how you'll act, you'll have a class full of rotten oranges."

"Ha-ha, I'll get through Hope's Peak Academy, become a teacher, then I'll love and protect my students no matter what!"

VVV

Chisa eyes snapped open, her daydream reaching its conclusion. In contrast to her brightly lit, pleasant room in the past—she was resting in her dim apartment. The rain stopped, but the late hours made it dark. But this time, Chisa laid on her back, the ceiling the only thing in her vision. The memory of her deciding to go to Hope's Peak Academy, while the feelings of happiness weren't there like before, she didn't twist it to fit her despair cravings.

Even thinking of her mom—who was missing, which was fortunate for her since Chisa would've done something "fun" to her—in those moments didn't invoke those feelings. And the housekeeper wasn't sure why. Of course, her mind worked in the oddest ways now. It was like looking into a mirror and seeing a different reflection each time.

Biting her lip, the housekeeper rose, standing on the bed. Then she hopped up and down like she did that day. She did this for a full minute, waiting for any kind of reaction. Perhaps a smile or a giggle would escape…but no. Like always, those feelings didn't come back.

Chisa stopped hopping, and stared blankly at the wall before willingly falling, her head hitting the pillow. "… It seems that really is gone forever, huh?"

Then Chisa smiled, not because of the memory or the fact she'd never enjoy it again—but because of the figure standing at her window. Like always, he wore his crisp suit, his long hair partly concealing those piercing crimson eyes.

Sitting up, Chisa said, "It's not polite to watch a lady in her room like that. So…how did your date go?"