And here we are! The finale. Finally. It's been so long, and now, this story is coming to an end. Along with the year too! It's going to be New Year in a while, so why not end this story with the year as well?

All further announcements and additional stuff will be later in the chapter, after the story itself. I will also answer the reviews from the previous chapter in the "Extra chapters", which are just short updates to this story. In those chapters, I will answer remaining reviews, questions you guys ask, and all other stuff regarding this story.

Let's get it on with the finale!

Kazuma

The wall clock in my room ticked ominously.

The lights were dim.

A solemn figure lied in their bed.

Yep, that's me.

Things turned out terribly, and my plan to dispose the gun was a bust. It screwed me over in the worst possible way. I would have preferred Monokuma messing with me than someone dying last night. For those who were not around before, long story short, Kin died, and I was the only one with him when he did. Now, I'm just waiting either for someone to come and fetch me for the finding of the body, or until I need to satisfy some personal needs. While doing so, wanna know what I did after the entire ordeal?

"Huff…..huff…." I panted as I leaned against the wall. I looked over at Kin's corpse, which remained to be still. The bleeding stopped, but then again, he's dead. I heaved a heavy breath, bringing my hands up to my face. I let out a frustrated grunt. After that, I went limp and just stared at the ceiling.

I…don't know what I'm suppose to do.

Well, in regards to covering up the murder, I know what to do, but after that…what? Sooner or later, the body will be found, the investigation will pass, and the trial will be upon us. What do I do then? Do I confess? Do I omit? Do I let them take the fall, or should I be responsible for it?

….Do I still have to think over this?

I will do what I can to save them, right?

That…is what I would do…correct?

I hit myself on the head to regain composure. I stood up, looking down at the corpse once more. I then proceeded to deal with the scene.

I entered the Crafting Workshop and grabbed one of those sacs that have parts in it. I put them all out onto one of the tables and carried the empty bag out. I carefully put Kin's body into it. I picked the bag up then began to carry it to the closest Gathering Room, which was on the floor below. After setting Kin into a chair, dead and all, I rushed back to the floor above. I used the bag to wipe the blood on the floor. I then picked up the gun and Kin's chain and headed back into the Workshop. There, I just hung the chain somewhere hidden, then I went on to burn the sac and gun in the furnace.

"That should take care of those…" I muttered as I began to store the parts I left on a table into another sac. That's when I noticed that a part of my shirt and jacket are covered in some blood. I took them off, wiped my bloody hands, and burned them too. I did all that I did in the Crafting Workshop in a span of fifteen minutes.

I exited the Workshop and checked the area once more. Okay, so the corridor does not show any signs that someone was killed here. That's when I realized that something was missing from the scene.

"Where's the thing that Kin threw?" I questioned myself as I began to look for it. Nothing. Strange, there should be at least a chip of it somewhere.

Out of nowhere, I heard some humming. I quickly ran from it. I hid around the corner of the corridor. I took a peek, and saw that it was Xun, but is actually Ryouko. How can I tell? I don't think Xun hums.

It would be bad if Ryouko saw me, and worse if she saw me with just nothing but a beanie, pants, and shoes on. It would be 1. Suspicious, 2. Embarrassing. While she was not looking in my direction, I head upstairs. I entered the Fashion hall and grabbed a button-shirt and jacket that matches what I would usually wear. Once I put those on, I began to tread carefully back into my suite. Fortunately, I didn't have problems with that.

But I know that it will all go downhill starting tomorrow.

I let out a deep sigh. It's already eleven in the morning. I'm expecting someone to find the body soon, then two others happen to come along, and then someone will fetch me. Why do I wait for someone to fetch me? Because that's how it came to be recently. I now spend most of my time in my suite, so it is deemed normal to most, if not all, the guests.

"Kazuma!"

I heard a sudden shout from the other side of my door. It startled me to the point that I fell out of bed. Well, that's a first. I somewhat rushed over to the door, swinging it open. There, I found a panting-from-running Ryouko. She looked shaken up, and I'm sure that I know the reason why.

"Kazuma!" She began to cry.

I frowned. I couldn't help but just speak what I want to say. "…It happened again, didn't it?"

She just nodded, wiping her tears. "K-Kin…p-poow Kin!" She cried as she grabbed my hand and just pulled me towards to where Kin is.

I couldn't help but feel guilty.

When we reached the Gathering room, the others were already there. "Looks like he's been shot." I heard Xun said, examining the body.

"No sh-t, Sherlock." Lexus growled. "The incentive said that the victim must only be killed with a gun. Then again, you didn't listen to it."

"There'sakillersomeonekilledKinthisisreallybad a-a-a-ahh…" Kaede was just by the far corner, and he seemingly lost it.

Ryouko continues to cry. "Poow designew….n-no one should die anymowe…."

"And here I thought we made a f-cking deal to not kill anyone, but nope, let's just go on and f-cking go trigger happy!" Lexus ranted.

Numi whimpered. "….Rest in peace, Kin…" She muttered. She looked over at me. She then approached me, showing the Monokuma file. "Kin died of a bullet through his abdomen…late in the night yesterday…"

"I…I see…" I responded as I took the file, reading it. It didn't state where he was killed, but I guess they think that this place is the murder scene.

I guess it's time for the investigation to begin.

Xun stayed with the body. Lexus and Numi left to go to someplace else. Ryouko stayed though, and Kaede is just roaming around the room as well. I'm not sure if I should stick around here. I might end up exposing myself, and I still don't know what to do about the trial later. I sighed. "This is going to be troublesome…"

"I-I-Indeed." Kaede agreed as he walked past by me.

Ryouko sat in one of the armchairs and fidgeted with her fingers. "I…I wonder who killed him…"

Xun chuckled. "Well, there's only six of us. Oh, five. I would not kill to escape this place, if you guys remember."

"W-We can't rule you out...j-just because of that…" Kaede muttered.

I looked at each of them. "You may say that, but they're still just words."

Ryouko nodded in agreement. "Y-Ya!"

The Vigilante rolled his eyes. "Suit yourselves." He mumbled. He went on to silently find more about the body. I don't think I'll be going near it for awhile.

"What are you going to do, Kazuma?" I heard Ryouko ask me.

I averted my attention over to her. I tried to stay calm. "Whatever I can." I assured her. I'm just not sure how much I can help without…getting myself caught for now.

Kaede looked around. "I-I better g-get going then…" He said as he left the scene.

"I'll go ahead too." Ryouko said as Lulu, smiling like her, before taking her leave as well.

I was left alone with Xun and Kin's corpse. I pretend to search around the premises for clues and such. What I actually did was just think about where the bear is. For some reason, Monokuma's been rather docile…and quiet. He didn't interfere with me yesterday, nor seemingly did anything to mess with the others. I wonder what's going on.

"Hey, are you gonna check the body or what?"

I snapped back into reality when I was asked to take a look at the corpse. I thought about it for a moment. "Oh, right, yeah." I answered.

I walked over to the corpse. I only checked the wound that killed him, and then just scanned over the rest of the body. "…There's really nothing else other than the shot wound." I said almost absentmindedly. Well, I did find a piece of paper in one of his in-jacket pockets, but it said, "They seek peace X10." Who's they? Why they seek peace? What does X10 mean? "Nothing else after that…"

Xun looked at me, and I looked at him. "…I see. Wonder what that note means…well, I can't be bothered." He responded as he stood up, stretching. "Welp, that's all I'll be doing for this case."

"Good work as always." I told him, giving a small smile.

"Just do your part and all and end that trial fast…" He replied and left, hands in pockets.

I watched him leave. "Okaaaay then…" I looked around then just sat back in one of the armchairs. I just looked upwards, still pondering over my options.

Do I give in to saving myself?

Do I give up for the others?

This is really taxing on the mind…

A book suddenly fell from one of the bookshelves. Again, I was startled, thus falling out of another furniture. Huh, apparently, I'm jumpy today. I look over at the fallen hardbound. I stood up and walked over to it. I picked it up carefully, and as I did, a single piece of paper fell out from it.

"Huh?" I knelt down and picked it up. I looked around, then made sure that I'm obscuring the view of the camera in the room. After I made sure of that, I read what the note said.

"…Someone…"

"…What?" That's all I could manage. What does this suppose to mean?

I then looked at the book. It was a small book, only a few chapters long. It was titled, "They Seek Peace, Book VII".

As I read it, I began to wonder if the other books are here. I checked, but the others are not in the other bookshelves. I sat back in the chair and thought about it. An ominous note was left in the seventh book of a number of books in a series. Does that signify anything?

And that's when I realized it did.

What I thought is just a mere hypothesis, so I have to check if what I'm thinking is actually true. I rush to the closest Gathering room, which is on the twenty-fourth floor.

I entered the Gathering room and covered the camera with a handkerchief I have on hand. I looked through bookshelves. After a while, I found one of the things I was looking for.

"They Seek Peace, Book VI." I muttered as I skimmed through the pages. I found another piece of paper.

It read, "…When…"

"I see…so that's it then…" I said. After that, I went on to head on down, getting into each Gathering room I come across. When I got to the Gathering room on the fourth floor, I found "They Seek Peace, Book I." I ran back upstairs, and got into two other Gathering rooms to find "They Seek Peace" books eight and nine.

I sat in an armchair, tired. I was panting, having running downstairs and upstairs, getting into these rooms. I ran out of energy doing so, therefore this is the end for now while I rest. I compiled all the pieces of paper I found, and all in order. I have nine pieces of paper in all. This is what they say together.

"We are…"

"Coming to…"

"Save…"

"You all…"

"Can't say…"

"When…"

"Someone…"

"There helps…"

"Us all…"

"We are coming to save you all. Can't say when. Someone there helps us all." I read again. I fell back into my chair. I was so lost with this string of words, yet for some reason…I feel hopeful about this. It may or may not be a solid sign of us being saved, but I have to trust it. This is probably our last chance to survive through this hellish situation.

Just as I was told...hope is coming.

There's still one more Gathering Room to check, and just as I was standing up to go there, I heard noises.

BUZZ BUZZ

The noise, along with a robotic monotone voice, signaled that our investigation time is done. Strange, why is it not Monokuma's voice? Did something happen to him? I'm torn whether to wish that he is okay or not.

"Well…time to get to the trial." I kept the notes on my person and proceeded to head to the Courtroom.

It was just a few of us by the door to the Courtroom. Lexus and Kaede aren't around yet. Xun was leaning against a wall, Numi looks depressed, and Ryouko was pacing around. "Hey guys…"

"We scwewed!" Ryouko shouted.

"C-Calm down, Ryouko." Numi told the Impressionist.

Xun rolled his eyes. "When is she calm?"

Ryouko started nibbling on a piece of her cloak. "I weally hope we catch the killew…"

I tensed up a bit, but I made sure not to show it. "I will make sure that this will be the end of all the killings."

Numi frowned. "…To think that maybe…it'll just be the five of us left." The mention of that made Ryouko tear up, and Xun seemingly showed an expression other than nonchalance.

"I-I may sound horrible, b-but I hope he just killed h-himself." I heard Kaede said as he and Lexus arrived.

Lexus clicked her tongue. "….I'm gonna be honest here…I agree with the nerve-wrecked here." She said as she pointed to Kaede, who responded with a sigh.

"It is going to be a tough one." I said. "…Let's get it over with."

And with that, we all entered the Courtroom.

As we took our places in our stands, Numi brought up something that's been bothering me. "Monokuma is very quiet for some time now."

"I know, and I don't know if I should be f-cking happy about it or not!" Lexus shouted.

Kaede trembled a bit, looking around. "T-This room is d-dimly lit…a-and the air f-feels heavier than usual…"

Xun looked around as well. "It's dark alright, kinda like this day for you guys."

"Oh shut up." Ryouko told Xun as Lexus. She was still teary-eyed.

I took a heavy breath. "It really is suspicious…I wonder what this trial is going to be like…if…"

Upupupupu….

That laugh silenced us all. The lights went out, and soon, a single spotlight shone on the throne where the bear now sits. "Upupu…did anyone miss me?"

It was still silent.

"Oh…so you're still alive…" Lexus murmured as she looked away, arms folded across her chest.

"Indeed I am!" He exclaimed.

"Kinda hoped that you would not come back." Xun muttered.

Kaede nodded. "A-Agreed."

"No one likes ya, that's for sure." Ryouko commented as Eleanor.

Numi frowned. "Just leave again….

Monokuma looked at us all with a blank expression. He sighed deeply. "…Ouch….that really hurts my feelings…"

"Wow, you have f-cking feelings now?" Lexus responded bluntly.

I looked at Monokuma, trying to see if anything about the android is different from before. Physical-wise, there's no difference whatsoever. However, I felt like something did change. I just can't identify what it is, right now.

Monokuma started laughing. We all averted our attention towards him. "…What's so funny?" I questioned.

He continued chuckling. "Upupu…well, I just couldn't help it. Didn't you guys say that you would not kill anyone?"

We all looked at each other. I can't remember if we talked about that in the open or not. Either that, or someone said it purposely or absent-mindedly.

"It's really sad, isn't it? Another death, and another possible execution ahead of us?" Monokuma began, his monochromic face having an evil grin on.

"T-There's no need to r-remind us." Kaede replied.

"And it is…very sad…to see another one go…" Numi murmured.

Monokuma clicked his tongue. "You still speak weakly of these things? Haven't you guys been through this plenty of times? Why the sentimental moments each and every single trial?"

What the bear said struck us a bit. Why did he suddenly started spatting such morbid thoughts? What is with Monokuma today?

"They can't help but feel bad for those who go." I told Monokuma. "It doesn't matter if they have been through these horrible trials again and again. The trauma is still there. The pain of loss and guilt is always present. There's nothing that can be done about it."

Everyone, including the bear, stared at me in silence. I looked away. "…Nice speech…" I heard Lexus say quietly.

I saw Xun smirk a bit. "I guess his words hold some water."

Ryouko giggled uneasily. "W-We will find the killer a-and end all these killings!" She exclaimed as Kaede.

"D-D-Don't copy me…" Kaede responded, nodding in agreement as well. "S-Stop it indeed…"

Numi gave a small smile. "Numi knows that Monokuma will not get into our heads."

I gripped the railings of my stall tightly for a moment before calming down. I gave the bear a stern look. "I will settle this once and for all."

Monokuma gave me a blank stare. After a moment or so, his red eye glowed. His grin become more malicious. "…That's what I'm hoping for…Kazuma-kun."

…I…killed Kin, and I must do all that I can to secure their freedom, that, or their execution. A trial for life, a judgment of death. Deception in life, and treachery in death. Betrayal for life, and betrayal for death. The riddles of life, and the mystery of death. Justification for life, and realization in death. Faith in life, and trust in death.

The final Class Trial to live, or the final Class Trial to die.

The Finale is now in Session!

"I just want to clarify this, Monokuma." I began, looking at the bear intently. "When the killer gets caught, everyone else leaves this hotel?"

Monokuma chuckled at that. "Upupupu….who knows? We'll just see if the case can get there."

"And I'll make sure that it will." I assured.

Ryouko cheered. "We'll get the bad guy!"

"Y-Y-Yeah." Kaede stuttered.

I let out a soft smile. I've decided that I would give it my all to bring this case to a proper and solid conclusion. Whatever Monokuma throws at us, I will throw it back harder.

"Let's start with the Monokuma file." I said, looking over at Numi.

She nodded as she began to read the contents of the file. "Victim is Houseki, Kin. H-He died of a shot wound to his abdomen. Time of death is not exact, but estimated around late night yesterday. Murder scene not specified."

Ryouko began to think like how Ryou would. "The murder scene is not stated, yet we found Kin in the Gathering room on the twenty-seventh floor."

Xun shrugged. "Probably moved. Explains why there's little to no blood on the chair he was sitting on when we found him."

Kaede fidgeted. "I-I guess based on the wound and n-no blood on the armchair, i-it's not suicide, huh?"

I looked over at him and shook my head. "I don't think so."

Numi seemingly teared up, but tries to keep her composure. "…S-So…there really is someone here who k-killed Kin…"

Lexus looked down. "…Yeah…"

Monokuma let out a cackle. "You're right! The question is: Who did it?"

"And none of you don't want to confess." Xun added in. "…I guess this means that someone here is still planning to escape and leave the rest of us to die."

"You do know if we don't find the killer, your 'paradise' here will be lost…right?" Lexus told him.

The Vigilante rubbed his chin. "Hm…I guess you have a point there." The Slacker facepalmed. "Anyway, I'll say now that I didn't kill anyone."

"W-We can't really say that." Ryouko voiced Mari.

"Take it as you like." He replied, placing his hands behind his head.

I noticed that Lexus was looking at Xun intently. After a while, she said, "As much as the bastard is an idiot and possibly a psycho underneath that cool demeanor, I don't think he did Kin in."

He chuckled. "Wow….now do you want me to say that you didn't do it either?"

She grunted and looked away. "I just stated what I think, so shut up."

"Oi, let's get back to the matter at hand!" Ryouko shouted as Chion.

Numi yelped and nodded. "R-Right. Well, w-where do you think Kin's original murder occurred?"

Kaede sighed. "T-That's going to be hard to prove, right?"

"Yeah, it might be." I agreed. I did everything that I could to hide all evidence that points towards the corridor by the Crafting workshop.

Ryouko began to speak like Ryou again. "In the meantime, we should focus on where the murder weapon go."

"B-But we t-tried looking everywhere already." Kaede stated. The Entomologist added in that Lexus also checked the cramped and hidden areas too.

"I can affirm that we did just that." Lexus responded. "No gun in sight, so no gun to be found."

"It could only mean that it was disposed of." I concluded.

"And where would one get rid of the gun, Kazuma-kun?" Monokuma inquired, sitting in his throne all high and mighty.

I looked over at him and folded my arms across my chest. "There are multiple ways to do so. There's a Laboratory in this hotel, so it may have been melted down and such. Same method goes with using the furnace in the Crafting workshop."

"Numi thinks that the killer could also throw the gun into the depths of the pool drainage." Numi suggested.

"Did you check?" Lexus asked. The Diver sadly shook her head at that.

Monokuma chuckled. "…Well, I guess the gun can't be presented at the moment then."

I let out a heavy breath. We have already covered that the murder weapon can't be found, and that Kin's current place was not the actual murder scene.

Kaede then brought up a topic. "W-Why do you think t-the killer m-murdered Kin?" He asked.

We looked at each other. "O-Oh, wight, we still have that to think about!" Ryouko said.

"Maybe it's the incentive?" Lexus suggested.

Numi looked gloomy. "So…it means that whoever killed Kin…is sacrificing themselves for the rest of us?"

"That, or wanting to get out on their own." Xun joined in.

Ryouko frowned. "W-What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I mean." The Vigilante answered. "Who knows? Maybe the killer doesn't care for the rest of us. They might just be a selfish person."

"I-I'm sure that's not the case." Kaede commented.

Xun sighed. "Ya sure? If so, then how come the killer hasn't spoken up yet? If their motive is to save the others, then they shouldn't let the trial last long."

"Oooooh, he got a point!~" Monokuma cooed and chuckled.

Lexus clicked her tongue. "You're saying that…since this trial is lasting longer than what you expected, the killer is actually not helping us?" Xun nodded.

Ryouko whimpered slightly. "N-Not good then!"

"Numi thinks that the killer w-would...not…let it…" Numi muttered.

Everyone is seemingly denying the possibility of the Vigilante's guess. In my stand, I am doing it for them, but I can't just let this trial end in a questionable verdict. I don't want them to think that I spoke out for their sake. I want them to figure out first that I did it, then confess.

I hope that plan actually works.

Xun looked down. As I gazed over to him, I can't help but feel he's withholding something from us all. "….Xun?" I called out.

He looked up. He averted his attention over to me. A moment or so, he looked at Ryouko. "…Remember when we found the body?"

Ryouko nodded. "Y-Yeah…"

"Remember what we found on it?"

"…Yeah…"

Eh?

"Y-You guys found something?" Kaede questioned.

The Impressionist frowned. "Indeed, chap…" She began as Shaun. "I really didn't want to believe what I saw. It's completely bonkers."

"S-Stop delaying it and show it to us already!" Lexus shouted

Ryouko whimpered and trembled as she rummaged beneath her cloak. "X-Xun t-told me to k-keep it w-with me for now." She spoke as Kaede. She produced a piece of folded paper. She began to open it up.

"Read what it says." Xun told her.

"W-Wight…" With that, Ryouko sighed and read it. "Kazuma, meet me. You know the place – Kin."

EH?!

"W-Why does it m-mention Kazuma?" Kaede asked through stutters.

"I have never seen that note." I told them. I really never did.

Numi looks surprised. "N-Numi doubts that the note is real."

"B-But it's thewe! Kazuma's name is thewe." Ryouko said.

Xun nodded. "I saw the name too." He looked at me. "Are you still going to deny it?"

"Yeah, cuz I never received that note whatsoever." I answered. "If Kin wanted to send that to me, then how come it's with him? If I did receive it, then why would I return it?"

"Upupupupu…this puts you in quite a sticky situation." Monokuma commented and just laughed.

Lexus looked over at Xun. "He's got a point with what he said."

"Does he have proof that he didn't see this?" He questioned.

"The proof that Ryouko has it means that I never once got a hold on it." I answered. "…Do you suspect me of killing Kin?"

The Vigilante shrugged. "Dunno. All I know is that the note states that Kin wanted to meet you. It could mean that you were the last one to see him."

"W-Which then leads him to be the o-one to…k-k-kill Kin?" Kaede finished.

Ryouko gazed at me. "S-So…did you meet Kin last night?"

I looked at them all, and they were all paying attention to me. Well, missing that note was a mistake on my part. After I moved the body, I was just keen on getting away from it as soon as possible. Who knows what else that body hides. For now, I should just weigh my choices of answering them directly or just stay silent.

"…I did."

The others reacted a bit violently.

"Oh no, t-that's bad then!" Ryouko cried as Lulu.

Lexus hit the railings. "And you didn't say anything about this earlier…why?!"

I stayed quiet for a moment. Numi frowned. "…M-Maybe…you didn't want us to…find out?"

Kaede trembled. "K-Kazuma…s-surely you d-didn't…d-do it…"

I stayed calm. "…I met Kin, but is there evidence that I killed him?" I inquired.

Monokuma started chuckling deviously. "Upupupu…oh…don't mind me…continue on, my guests."

I think we all felt slight discomfort at what he said. Nevertheless, we resumed with the trial. Xun faked a cough to get our attention. "…I guess you won't admit it." He muttered. "Kin's body has been damaged beyond the killing stab. It showed that there was a struggle and such."

"You're point?" Lexus asked bluntly.

"…Not much really. Just wanted to state that there was a struggle." He said. "Kin's slim and frail-looking. I think even Numi or Kaede can take him on if they're trying."

Ryouko hit her fist into her palm. "O-Oh ya! It means that the numbew of suspects don't decwease ow anything."

Kaede began to fidget furiously. "S-S-So a-are y-you suggesting t-that a-all of us…"

"In a way, yes." The Vigilante responded. "But I think I know how to number it down to just one."

Eh?

"Y-You know who the killer is?" Numi questioned.

"Oi, you better not be f-cking kidding with us." Lexus growled.

"I'm not." He said. He looked over at me. "I have something on me that could be what you detectives call…decisive evidence."

I gripped the railings tightly. "…Let's see it then."

With that, Xun brought it out. It was a black choker. A broken one at that.

"…What's…that?" Numi asked.

"I-It's a broken strip of cloth?" Kaede murmured, unsure.

"Ryouko called it a choker when we found it." Xun stated.

The Impressionist nodded. "It is indeed, a choker. I use them when I copy people who wears them!" She said with a grin.

Lexus held her head. "So…how the f-ck is that decisive?"

"Maybe during the struggle, Kin managed to rip this off his killer before dying. We did find it clutched in his hand." Xun explained.

I lost a breath, for a moment. I don't remember Kin clawing at me whatsoever. Then again, there was that one time that he tried to choke me with his chain.

.

.

.

Sh-t.

After that presentation, Xun had Ryouko impersonate everyone. "W-What's the point of this again?" Ryouko asked. Xun rolled his eyes.

Kaede gasped a bit. "Y-You…copy everyone to e-even the tiniest details. Y-You also stay with the image y-you saw them in w-when you first meet them." He said.

"That's right." Xun joined in. "Ryouko is going to be the image of each of us, and then we'll be doing "spot-the-difference"."

"Oooh, I love this game!" Monokuma cheered.

Lexus glared at Xun. "So you're gonna find out who's missing a choker? It's an accessory that can be taken off anytime!"

"But Kin managed get a hand on one, and I doubt it's his." Xun retorted.

Lexus clicked her tongue. "What? Now you're saying that you know Kin's fashion sense, and that he wouldn't put one on?" The two continued to bicker.

Numi interrupted them. "L-Let's get started then."

Ryouko began to impersonate each and every one of us. It came down to me being the last one. "What happens if you don't see anyone missing anything?" I asked.

Xun looked down, folding his arms across his chest. "Hmm…dunno…"

"W-W-Wait. I-If that's the case, t-then it's not a-anyone of us who d-did it?" Kaede questioned.

Ryouko held her head in confusion. "I don't undewstand anymowe…"

"Just do Kazuma already, Ryouko." Xun insisted.

"Alwight, alwight…" She responded, pouting, as she then copied me. She did a good job doing so, donning the same outfit, my beanie, and all that.

Of course, something looked out of place from when she first met me.

"R-Ryouko Kazuma is wearing a choker!" Numi shouted.

"I-I-It's b-black too!" Kaede chimed in.

"Oi Kazuma! Why don't you have a choker on now?" Lexus questioned. Everyone began to ask me questions, but I didn't respond. I stayed quiet as I looked over at Monokuma, who gave me a menacing grin.

Monokuma called our attention. "It's time to vote, my dear guests!"

EH?!

"Aren't you rushing a bit?" Ryouko replied as Kin.

"But why do we need to prolong it?" Xun questioned.

Numi teared up. "I-It can't be Kazuma! Why would he kill Kin?"

Kaede was anything but calm and composed. "Ah….aaaa….eh…" Was all he could manage as he watched us.

Lexus gritted her teeth and looked at us all. "Man, I don't know who to trust anymore!"

"Everyone!" I called out. Their eyes landed on me. Confused, upset, and unsure eyes. "…Vote base on the evidence. In court, you can't bring down a verdict based on emotions and gut filling…" I told them.

Ryouko began to tear up as Kaede was just murmuring frantically to himself. Numi looked away, and Xun and Lexus don't seem to have anything else to say.

"Alrightalrightalright! Let's get this show on the road!" Monokuma exclaimed. "Who is Kin's killer? The Designer's demise bringer? It could be none other than…"

There was silence.

And then there was my name being announced.

EH?!

"Oh my f-cking god, it really was Kazuma." Lexus muttered, shocked.

Kaede was stunned. "…" And silent.

Numi looks shocked and disappointed. "…It…really can't be…"

Xun closed his eyes. "…Can't say I'm happy about how this trial turned out."

Ryouko was crying slightly as she looked at me. "You…have nothing to say about this?"

They all looked at me. I sighed. "…I really don't know what happened last night. I can remember it clearly, but it also came out fuzzy to me. I don't know if I killed him, or he shot himself."

"…What do you mean?"

"Enough of that!" Monokuma shouted suddenly.

I looked over at the bear. "…I guess…it's execution now…right?" I don't think I'm ready to die. There's…a lot more I could have done…see, know, and all that. I didn't want things to end. I didn't think that entering this hotel would spin my life out of my control.

…There's no use being bothered by it now. It's…gonna end…huh?

The world around me went quiet. More like deafening. I see the others, talking back to Monokuma as he continued to not care about what's going to happen. The hope that I got from the notes earlier…where is it?

"Enough already!" Monokuma shouted once more, glaring at us all. He cackled. "Gyahahaha! Let's get this rolling!" The bear and I locked eyes. "Takashiro, Kazuma, for taking the life of cooperative Kin, I judge you as GUILTY! It's Execution Time!" Without any sort of hesitation, and with such enthusiasm, Monokuma hit the big red button.

Killer of a Misty Night

I was wandering around a town that somewhat resembled an 19th century London, my foggy path illuminated by small lanterns. A shadow crossed over me, causing me to leap in surprise. I begin observing my surroundings with far more unease. I began to walk faster, but I found myself being pursued by the sound of footsteps. I ran, but got into an alley's dead end, cornering myself. I turned around to face my pursuer, and I calmed down when I saw that it was only Monokuma, dressed comically like an old English gentleman. Suddenly, a panel in the ground below me opens up, swallowing me and dropping me into the hidden basement below, the floor covered with knives. I braced myself.

The cameras to the others flashed red, and then it was just static.

I've been put into darkness…

…The others into despair.

….

….

….

…Am I dead?

…It…doesn't seem like it.

I groaned a bit in pain. My body is aching really badly. I can't even sit up right now. It's like my body hit the ground hard from a great fall.

Wait.

I wasn't executed?

I finally opened my eyes. The place I am in is dark, and the only illumination in this area is coming from the multiple screens around here. Where…am I?

"Welcome, Takashiro, Kazuma. I hope you are comfortable." A voice speaks.

I didn't realize that I wasn't alone. I grunted as I pushed myself up, finding a wall to lean on. I panted, still exhausted. "…Who's there?" I asked in a strained voice, looking around.

"…Oh, right, I've never introduced myself." They replied. I know now where the voice is coming from. It's near, too.

I gathered all of my remaining strength and tackled the source of the voice. I managed to pin down the body, grabbing them by the neck, choking them. "Who…Who are you?" I questioned again.

We were in a spot where the screens' lights shine down on us. I can see who I pinned down. It was a guy. He has strawberry-blonde hair, and his sharp eyes are blue. The light revealed that he wears a red dress shirt topped with a black V-neck sweater, sleeves folded up to his elbows. He wears black pants and dress shoes, and his neck is adorned with a black choker with golden details on it. "W-Wow, do you like playing it rough?" He said, choking a bit.

"Huh?" I responded. Out of nowhere, I felt intense pain streaming through my body like electricity. I cried out in pain as I fell back to the floor, spazzing a bit, and slightly paralyzed from the shock. My sight became hazy as I saw a Monokuma android holding a deadly taser.

The guy coughed a bit, then he chuckled slightly as he stood up, dusting himself. I saw him kissing his ring. "Technology is amazing, right? Hard to make but easy to manipulate." He said, kneeling next to me, our eyes meeting. He gave me a soft yet flirtatious-like smile. "My name is Kuroai, Himitsu. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kazuma."

I couldn't speak, my head and body aching tremendously. This guy…Kuroai, Himitsu…I heard about him somewhere before. Himitsu had some Monokumas pick me up and bound me in place to a chair with metal rings. I attempted to escape, but to no avail. I stopped as I looked over at my captor, who went back to tending to the computer screens. "…Now I remember. You're that…hacker who's been sneaking into Interpol data, stealing FBI digital information, and tampering government computer files."

"Hehehe, indeed, that is me." He responded, a smirk appearing on his face. He looked over at me. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions you want answered."

I'm really tired. I looked at him weakly, forcing myself to think of something to ask him. "…Are you behind the killing game?"

"You mean Hotel Seizon? I guess if you mean managing everything here, then yes." He answered, grabbing one of those wheel chairs and sitting in front of me.

Are we still at the hotel? I glared at him. "You…trapped us all here…for what reason?"

Himitsu looked at me curiously before smiling a bit. "…The reason is not mine. I stay only in the position of an assistant or such except when it comes to hacking."

"Someone else is in charge then?" I asked. Himitsu nodded. "…Is there a mole among us?"

The hacker chuckled. "Was. They died very recently. Last night, to be more precise."

My eyes widened a bit. "Kin? He's…He's your mole?"

"Correct." Himitsu answered. "From the moment he arrived to the end of his death, he was my mole."

I was right all along to suspect him as such. Wait, so what about the laptop's initials? "Whose laptop did I find?"

"Laptop? Oh, right, well, it's mine." He answered. He let out a small laugh. "Let me guess, the initials on it made you believe it was Kin's?" I didn't reply, looking away. The hacker giggled. "Sorry, but the initials stand for Kuroai, Himitsu, not Kin Houseki."

Now that I think about it, that would explain the sudden pop-up of that security program. "…Was that strange application your doing, too?" Himitsu smiled and nodded. "So wait…you…you didn't get the laptop, which was with Lulu's note. Why…did you take the note? And…what's on it?"

Himitsu looked at me with a blank expression. "…I couldn't find the laptop, so I only took Lulu's note. As for what's on it…" He paused for a moment, looking away. "…She had information about the ones who died in the elevator."

"What info?" I asked, but Himitsu shook his head. It seems I will not be getting an answer from him. I'll just ask him a different question. "…Were you the one who sent those people in the elevator to their deaths?"

Himitsu looked at me. His expression…shows hurt. Did he…have any connection with those people? "…Yes, I was the one who put them in jeopardy…and sentenced them to death."

I examined his face for a moment. "…Why does it look…like you regret what you did that time?"

He looked at me for a moment before turning away, folding his arms across his chest. In the lights of the screens, his eyes seemed watery. He closed his eyes and averted his attention back at me, giving a small smile. "…I don't know."

At that moment, my head continues to ache. I groaned in pain, leaning my head back. I still have many questions to ask. "T-Then…what about…"

"Hush, Kazuma." Himitsu said, approaching me and feeling my head with the back of his hand. "You're getting a fever. Your fall was terrible, but nevertheless, it made the others think you're dead."

Others…the others! "A-Are they free now? Did they…leave?"

At this, he looked away. He seemed solemn for a moment as he looked towards the screens. "…The thing is…I was never ordered to do so."

What?

"What…do you mean by that?"

Himitsu's eyes slowly trailed back to me, smiling sadly. "Everything I told you guys was a complete lie."

I…can't believe it.

3rd POV

The guests that remained in the courtroom began to retaliate against Monokuma. After hearing that they would never be released, chaos broke loose. "You f-cking piece of sh-t! How f-cking dare you lie to us?!" Lexus shouted, seemingly trying to get her hands on the Monokuma on the throne. Xun's holding her back.

"I honestly don't mind if he's a lying bastard, as long as I don't leave this nice place." Xun said.

"Well f-ck you too, then." The Slacker retorted.

Numi was with Ryouko, who was crying. "*sniff*, K-Kazuma i-is dead…a-and we can't l-leave…w-what is wong with this wowld…"

"Everything…will get better…." Numi assured her. Ryouko cried more.

Kaede was trembling in a corner. "We are done for….all hope is lost….we are doomed…"

The Monokuma with them chuckled. "Aww…you all are so sad…I'm enjoying this, upupupu."

"H-Heartless bear!" Ryouko shouted as Lulu.

"Gyahahaha! I'm android! I only have a core, not a heart!" He exclaimed, cackling.

Lexus growled and began kicking the wall. "Why did you lie to us?!"

Monokuma grinned. "It wouldn't be fun without you guys here~ I want to keep you all here so I have company~"

"Pretty selfish of you if you ask me…." Kaede commented.

"Yep." Xun agreed.

Numi looked at Monokuma with hateful eyes. "…Numi wants him gone…"

Ryouko wiped some tears away and nodded in agreement. "Ya…I'm with ya…"

Monokuma just smiled in delight. "Oh…how much fun we're going to have~"

Kazuma

I was slumped in my chair, taking deep breaths. I couldn't believe it…our release was just a lie. It was an empty promise. The others…I didn't save them…

"Head up, dear Kazuma." Himitsu said, lifting up my chin and smiling as our faces met. He chuckled. "Just think of it. They're safe in here. Nothing bad can happen to them, and they'll be saved from the outside."

"What's…outside?" I questioned him.

Himitsu retreated into his chair. "Despair."

I looked at him, confused. "What?"

"The outside is in shambles…many people are dead…there's not much out there anymore…" He told me. He began to explain to me about the Tragedy, how a certain Ultimate Despair had started it all. He even told me about his involvement with it, and his previous connection to the original mastermind behind Seizon's death-games.

I just stared at him. I had some questions answered before, but now I have more questions. "Wait…so…those who were in the elevator…they were part of the first Seizon death-game?"

Himitsu nodded. "They survived and escaped." He said. "…Now…" He just trailed. He didn't finish it.

I looked at him, wondering about something. "You…told me before that you were connected to the mastermind of the Seizon's first game. Were you…part of it?"

The hacker looked at me for a while. "…You may say that…"

"And you survived."

"I did."

"Was it with her help?"

"…Yes."

I directed my attention away from Himitsu and onto the computer screens. I saw the others still fighting with Monokuma, and he's just there, sitting in his throne. I looked at Himitsu. "…Please…let them go."

"Huh?" Himitsu sighed. "I can't do that, Kazuma."

"Please, just…let them go, and I'll stay." I told him.

He laughed uneasily. "You're gonna stay here no matter what happens. Now that you're with me, I have to make sure that you are only within my grasps. I can't let you leave."

"Let…Let them leave!" I shouted, mustering back energy. "They don't…deserve this!"

"And they deserve to witness the horrors of the world beyond the hotel doors?" Himitsu questioned with a cold expression.

I…don't have an answer to that. "Still…they're being held here against their will."

Himitsu frowned, standing up and grabbing the hair on my head, pulling it abruptly. I shout in pain as my head was pulled back. "…Just…stop asking…it's orders. I can't do anything about it." He let go after a while and took a step back. "As I said…it's better this way."

I glared at him. "You can't say the same for them." I responded as I looked at the screens. Monokumas were beginning to surround the other guests, as though to keep them at bay. All of a sudden, the screens began to glitch.

Himitsu noticed and walked up to the control panel, finding the problem. While he's busy, I tried to get out of my binding chair. Unfortunately, the metal rings were bulky, and it's hard for me to slip out of it. "Why…Why is this happening?" I heard Himitsu mutter.

I then saw a small Monokuma bot come out of a ventilation screen. I looked over it and saw that it sneaked pass by the hacker and rushed towards me. I made no sound, for I was astounded by what's going on. The small Monokuma began to silently cut the metal rings. Soon, I was free. I was about to stop Himitsu, but the Monokuma bot held me down suddenly, showing a piece of paper. It read "get out, we'll handle this".

I bit my lip, pondering over my choices. Now that I think about it, I may not have enough energy left in me to take on Himitsu, and he might electrocute me again. With my mind set, I nodded at the bear, and it gave me a map to show me where to go.

I was about to leave, but Himitsu saw me escaping and began choke-holding me from behind. "You're…You're not going anywhere, Kazuma."

"We'll see about that!" I retorted as I fought against him, kicking back and trying to land a few punches on him. He was hit a few times, but it didn't stop him from stabbing me in the lower back with a small dagger. I grunted loudly, the pain so terrible. I hear a gunshot, and I saw that it grazed Himitsu's face. He fell back, stunned.

With that, I rushed out of the area through a door. I was bleeding, and I'm starting to limp. I found out that I was being held captive in the hotel's Manager's Office slash Control room. I began to make way through the hotel and towards my destination. I'm trying to go as fast as I can, hoping that Himitsu will not catch up. As I was doing so, I begin to hear gunshots throughout the hotel. It's becoming more chaotic than it was before. I really don't know what's happening, but I'm in a better situation than I was earlier.

I…can go help the other guests. I have to save them from that herd of Monokuma. I was supposed to head downstairs to the main lobby. The others are up in the Courtroom on the thirty-fifth floor. I may be in a bad state, but maybe I could still do something about it.

"We have to go now, monsieur!" A voice told me. I looked towards the source and saw a familiar guy with a goatee.

"You're one of those people." I muttered.

The guy nodded. "Oui, the name's Liam, and we have to get going!"

"He's injured! H-He's bleeding." Another voice said. I turned, and saw a pale girl in a green dress. "L-Liam, c-carry him! We have to get out soon."

"I know, I know, mademoiselle!" He responded loudly. Without hesitation, and to my surprise, he lifted me up and started to carry me on his back. Liam and the girl began to head downstairs.

I looked back. "W-Wait, what about the others?" I asked.

"T-They'll be fine." The girl told me, running along with us. "The others will handle it!"

She said what that small Monokuma told me, too. "The others…the other guests…"

"They'll be fine, monsieur. Akane and Gina will do just fine! Right, Mei?"

"R-Right!" The girl replied.

Liam looked back at me. "We just need to leave before Himitsu manages to bypass monsieur Paylor's security breaches."

I don't know what's happening, but whatever it is…

…I know we will all get out of this.

We finally reached the Main lobby, and there, another person was waiting. "I see you got to him." He said.

"We sure did, monsieur!" Liam exclaimed with a smile.

Mei panted a bit. "Will everyone be alright, Junko-san?" She asked.

The guy named Junko nodded. "They will be, now let's go."

I only realized then that there is nothing sealing the entrance doors anymore. All the chains and metal panels have been removed from it. We…are really about to leave this place.

The Hope I was looking for…

The Hope everyone was waiting for…

It finally arrived. They have come to save us.

I…don't care what Himitsu said about the outside world. I…don't care if it's not the same world where we come from before entering this hotel. It doesn't matter to me anymore if some people don't want to leave this place.

The ruined outside…to me…seems more appealing than being cooped forever in such a dreadful place. I know there will be something better for us out there than in here. If we escape, we'll be free what the horrors of this dreadful hotel. We don't have to fear about the next murder and execution. We don't have to follow a robotic bear and his incentives anymore. We will be living our lives again in actual sunlight and open air. We will be catching with the events of the actual world we live in.

…We…will be checking out soon.

I couldn't help but smile a bit, finally giving in to my exhaustion. I closed my eyes.

And I fainted.

Fuzzy voices called out my name.

"…Kazuma!…."

AND THERE WE HAVE IT! That's the finale of Seizon 2: Hotel of Homicides.

I thank everyone for their continued support throughout the entire thing. I thank you for all the patience during my hiatuses, and for all the criticism and helpful advices in my creative writing. Once again, I thank you all.

Now then, this is the finale of the story, but I will upload another chapter to have the characters explain loose ends, what happened, and all that. Also, I will upload another chapter after that to deal with your questions personally, and all that. SO! If you have questions that need to be answer, you can ask. I will answer them in the chapter after the next one.

The sketches of the characters will be up on Deviantart in a later time after the uploading of this chapter. I apologize for not finishing them, but I will in due time.

I will change the status of the story to "completed", as well, even if there are still 2 extra chapters. Also, in the last extra chapter, I will explain my plan on the third and final Seizon story.

I also apologize if the end of this chapter is not what you are expecting, or if it feels lackluster.

Ah, well, it's been a fun time. Until then…

READ AND REVIEW! ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!