Chapter 48: X-MAS: Act Two

7:08 P.M Day Thirteen

Second Floor

Ballroom

"Well the killer robots aside, everything else seems pretty normal. What'ya say we see what we got for Christmas!" Kaito grinned wildly.

Togami sighed as he reached up to adjust his glasses slightly. "How you've lived this long is beyond me. This clearly is a ploy of the Mastermind's design. In case you needed to be reminded again, It's not even December."

"What if it is though?" Nanami spoke up as she clutched Usami under one of her arms.

"Even if one were to factor in the time we've been here, it should only be the middle of September. Though I'm reluctant to agree with Byakuya, it simply is impossible." Twogami offered.

"What if it's not impossible though? What do any of us real remember? All of us awoke in different places with no recollection of how we got there. Up until now we've just been assuming we lost a few hours maybe a day, but how would we know otherwise?" Kaede asked.

"Such a notion seems inconceivable though I must admit we do have little means of verifying how much time has elapsed." Oogami mused.

"Woah that's totally nuts! So we're suggesting we've lost months not just a few hours or days?" Kazuichi asked with a doubtful expression.

"I must apologize for not saying so earlier, but I was built with an internal time clock. I checked it shortly after my systems came back online that first day. However it seems someone disabled that function." Keebo mused as he hung his head low.

"Not to say I buy into all of this, but it does seem someone went out of their way to ensure we would be ignorant of how much time had passed." Ryoma offered in a low voice.

"No I'm afraid what's being suggested is simply impossible. We're not just speaking of being drugged or knocked unconscious, but rather losing entire months of our lives? How would we have no knowledge of such a period of time? Unless someone wishes to believe we were kept unconscious during that whole period?" Celestia said as her gaze flitted around the room.

"I have to say there is a whole in the logic of losing so much time. Perhaps it is just a ploy of Monokuma. It has already served to make us doubt ourselves." Ishimaru said as he adjusted his collar.

"I think Kaede is on to something." Makoto mused as he peered around the room. "I know I'm not the only who must keep feeling a sense of Deja Vu. I feel like I've known you all a lot longer than just a couple of weeks. I've even been having dreams about a School Life with all of you. None of that feels like dreams though, they're more like memories. I know how crazy that sounds, but it's what I believe."

"With no disrespect Naegi, that does sound a bit crazy to me." Shirogane offered a weak smile. "To suggest someone could just take away memories like that? It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel."

"Is it really that crazy though? Stop and think about it a moment. We're being forced into a killing game by a mechanical teddy bear who possesses five fully armed mechs. The security and technology alone must have cost a fortune. How can we be sure that such a concept isn't impossible for our captor?" Shuichi offered as he rested his chin against his hand.

"If such a method were indeed possible, it is a frightening proposition. It would leave us unable to account for our actions for months worth of time." Kirumi said as her brow furrowed.

Mondo grumbled. "Sounds like a load of bull to me. Look it's just that jackwad pulling our strings again. He's probably laughing his ass off watching us go on about it. Don't you think Fuyuhiko?" He asked as he stared over at the Gangster.

Kuzuryu scowled. "Fuck I can't believe I'm saying this shit, but what if their right?"

"Hmph I would have never expected you to be a believer in such wild ideas." Gundham chuckled softly.

"Fuyuhiko has his reasons for entertaining such an idea." Pekoyama said as her gaze flitted over to the Gangster.

The boy in question sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Look we found a shitty arcade cabinet. It was like a murder mystery game except their were sprites for each of us in it. Well that's not entirely true, the quality was shit, but there were only forty-seven sprites. We were investigating the death of the forty-eighth student. It was about all of us."

Akane rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't get it. Who the heck made something like that? And how does it prove we've lost time?"

Peko cleared her throat. "The cabinet wasn't mass produced and would have taken quite some time. In fact we found the maker's signature on the cabinet itself. A one Miu Iruma. "

The Ultimate Inventor blinked as most of the room's gaze settled on her. "Hey don't fucking look at me! Why the hell would I build an arcade cabinet? I only build useful things!"

"Could it be that it was planted to simply sew more discord?" Sonia suggested with a thoughtful expression.

"Or maybe Iruma is in league with the Mastermind." Kokichi grinned wildly as he laced his hands behind his head.

"Take that back! Miu would never betray us!" Fujisaki spoke up as he reached out and grasped the girl's hand.

The Inventor felt a small smile grace her lips at the programmer's outburst.

"Look there's nothing to suggest Iruma would do anything nefarious. I think the point Fuyuhiko was trying to make is when could she have made that? If we have been here longer then we assume it would make a lot more sense. Besides both Kyoko and I still don't remember everything in regards to our own memories." Hajime said as he peered over at the lavender haired girl.

Kiri nodded her head solemnly. "Yes as it stands I still can't remember anything about my family or much about my past. I only assume my talent is similar to Shuichi's due to my affinity for the cases thus far."

Mukuro stood towards the back of the room. Her typical wig was gone. It now seemed like a pointless gesture to maintain. "Whether there's something to all of this or not, I still wouldn't suggest opening any of these presents. It has to be a trap."

"It's really a shame though. I normally love Christmas, but can we really trust anything the bear left us?" Aoi pouted slightly.

"It's likely a trap of some sort, but what if it also contains a clue to our various questions? Even the ones most of us are worried about?" Nagito suggested as he folded his arms.

Maizono frowned as she rubbed her palms together. "I hate to agree with him, but what if he's right? We're all worried about our loved ones."

"Perhaps that is true for some of us, not everyone has someone waiting for them." Maki offered quietly as she shut her eyes.

The Ultimate Nurse offered a weak nod of her head. "I don't have anyone who'd miss me, least not outside of here."

"I don't know if it would be anything like that. I don't even have but a handful of memories myself." Ryoko admitted with a frown.

"If there is some threat we should face it together. If we open all of them with each other, there shouldn't be any secrets right?" Tenko asked as she peered around the room.

"But not everyone be here. Miss Angie still hasn't left Chapel. Gonta no want to leave her out." The Entomologist offered with a sad expression.

"Well whatever we decide, I suggest that it is decided promptly. It seems someone is not eager to wait any longer." Korekiyo let out a low chuckle as he extended a single digit to gesture at Saionji, who had slipped away and was now stooped beneath the tree.

Each of the packages were in varying sizes from small to in some cases massive.

"I suppose Miss Hiyoko couldn't wait any longer." Hifumi chortled loudly.

The Dancer giggled excitedly as she turned on her heel, as she held a small box wrapped box. The red wrapping was covered by an extravagant white and black bow. "Are you all still talking?! They're just boxes! Stop being so stupid." she huffed as she promptly sat down on the floor, before crossing her legs. Her hands began to viciously tear into the wrapping paper as her fingernails loosened the bow.

"Miss please perhaps you shouldn't be so reckless, we still cannot be sure what it is we're dealing with." Kirumi stalked forward with a worried expression on her face.

The room had fallen deathly silent as the blonde wordlessly opened the box, before tossing the lid to the side. "See I told you! Idiots." Saionji offered a mischievous smile as she held up a pair of extravagant dancing shoes. "Aren't they awesome?"

"FREAKING SHOES?! I almost pissed myself over that?" Kazuichi groaned as he ran a hand down his face.

"That's not what I was anticipating." Maki frowned as her brow furrowed in confusion.

Over the course of the next few minutes one by one many of the students followed Saionji's example. A few however simply took their unopened presents, before excusing themselves. Specifically speaking Togami,Celestia, Kokichi, Maki, and Korekiyo.

Gonta after opening an Antfarm had left with Angie's present, as he set off towards the Chapel.

Pekoyama much to the chagrin of many of the other students unwrapped a katana, that wasn't unlike the one on display in the Arcade's Prize corner.

Fuyuhiko's gift had come in the form of an antique pocket watch.

Akane's package had contained a series of small hand weights and training mat.

Kiyotaka had been given several more uniforms that all bore the Hope's Peak emblem.

Ryoma had received a Tennis Racket, though it appeared used from even a cursory glance.

Shirogane had received a large makeup kit along with a series of wigs.

Inside Ryoko's small wrapped box was a Psychology book, written by a one Yasuke Matsuda.

Hifumi's present came in the form of a various stencils, colored pencils, and additional sketchpads.

No one was quite aware of what Chihiro received, as the programmer quickly shut the box as soon as 'she' peeked inside.

Maizono had received a sliver heart shaped locket and shortly after opening it had fallen silent.

Hajime had been slightly baffled as his box contained, only a simple looking retro cd player and headset.

Mukuro hadn't bothered to open her box. Instead she had it resting in her lap as she watched the rest of the proceedings around her.

Naegi's had been perhaps one of the oddest gifts. Inside was a set of school clothes, from the embroidery it was clearly Hope's Peak. However the jacket and in fact the shirt and pants underneath were horribly shredded. Making it almost impossible or at least impractical to wear.

Kaede had received several music sheets, along with a handful of CD's.

Kirumi's box had been filled with additional maid outfits, aprons, and a feather duster.

Chiaki's large box contained a gaming console, and a series of controllers and games in addition to that.

The Imposter's gift was rather interesting as it appeared to be nothing more than a bowtie. However upon further examination it seemed to possess a voice changing function. A rather practical tool for someone with his talent.

Kyoko's present was rather small and seemed to simply contain a picture frame, though the girl had kept any prying eyes from peering into what it contained.

Souda received a rather large toolset that was far more extensive than the one provided to the rest of the boys. It included various pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and even a glue gun.

Tsumiki had received a large medical bag as well as a handful of medicines, that weren't available within the Nurse's Office.

Tenko's present consisted of a set of gloves, and a martial arts book.

Keebo had received a strange looking chip, that seemed to be compatible with his design.

For Oogami her present contained a set of neatly folded training Gi, and several protein shakes.

Iruma oddly enough had received a few scented candles.

All of contents of Gundham's present were supplements and food for the Four Devas.

Momota's present came in the form of a large astrology book.

Nagito's box was the only one thus far that was completely empty.

Sonia's received a handful of macabre horror books, as well as a very long elegant dress.

Saihara received a thumbprint kit, along with a magnifying glass.

Hiyoko huffed from a distance as she folded her arms in annoyance. "What kind of crap is this? They're too big. What kind of moron doesn't check, before getting shoes for someone?"

Makoto chuckled softly at her outburst. "While a bit odd it all seems pretty harmless. I don't think you girls have to worry." Naegi smiled as he peered between Mukuro and Asahina.

"All the same I'd like to wait till later. I'm not big on the holidays, specially not while we're in here." The Soldier mused.

Aoi bit the inside of her cheek. "It's nothing to be freaked out about. It's just a box." she murmured as her fingers loosened the bow. After a moment she gingerly lifted the lid, before the color left her face. She immediately shut the box lid as she abruptly stood up. "This can't be real. It's impossible." she breathed as she shook her head, before without a warning taking off towards the door.

"Hina wait a second!" Makoto called out as he watched the brunette suddenly bolt out of the room.

"What could Miss Asahina have seen that unsettled her so much?" Keebo frowned as he folded his arms.

"I'm not sure but perhaps we should find out?" Ryoko suggested as she promptly stood up.


7:39 P.M Day Thirteen

Second Floor

Chapel

Gonta took several long strides into the Chapel, before clearing his throat.

Angie who was knelt in front of the altar slowly rose to her feet, before turning. She offered him a weary smile. "Angie is sorry she couldn't join the others. She is still coming to terms with her grief. She felt being around others would only make matters worse."

The massive boy offered her a warm smile. "Gonta understands. Gonta lost someone he cared about too. He thinks that if it really is Christmas, that no one should be alone." he mused. Gonta balanced a tray of food in one arm, as he had a wrapped box beneath his other limb. "Gonta was no sure what Angie would like to eat. Miss Tojo made plenty of dishes, so he bring a little bit of everything. Oh and this for Miss Angie." he smiled as he stepped forward and held out the box that was folded beneath his one arm.

Yonaga's eyes widened slightly as her fingers traced the box. "For me? I'm not very sure I'm in the mood to celebrate this year, regardless of what day it is."

Gonta took a seat one of the nearby pews, before setting the tray down. "Gonta understand how you feel, but Gonta still have people that are important to him. So Gonta thinks it's important to live for them."

A thin smile graced the Artist's lips. "I suppose I lost sight of that. You have to be willing to do anything for those you care about. Thank you Gonta." she smiled as she gingerly picked up the wrapped box before placing a tender kiss on the boy's brow. "And thank you for not leaving me to my thoughts. Atua is everything to me and yet he is not always the best at conversations."

Gonta chuckled deeply. "Gonta not the best at speaking either, but he do everything he can. " he mused before he picked up a gingerbread cookie, before biting into it.

Angie nodded serenely as she pulled at the bow that rested on her present. "Where did all these come from?"

The Entomologist swallowed, before wiping his mouth the back of his hand. "Monokuma give to all of us. Everyone was worried, but nothing seem that bad. Gonta get very nice Ant Farm!" he boy exclaimed excitedly.

Angie felt a smile flitter to her lips as she reached up, and brushed a crumb off the boy's cheek. "Then I suppose there's no harm in peeking." she chuckled softly as she pulled the bow loose as she unsealed the lid. There sitting at the bottom of small box, was a leather-bound book. It looked rather old from a cursory glance.

Gokuhara blinked as he stared down at the book. "Does Angie know what kind book that is?"

The Artist was quiet a moment, as she gingerly traced the outside with her thumb. "It's an Atua Prayer Book. It's been years since I've seen one. Most traditions of Atua are passed down word of mouth. To find one intact is incredibly rare." she breathed as she carefully removed the book from it's packaging.

"Merry Christmas Miss Yonaga! Gonta hopes we all have much better new year!" The boy said with warm smile.

"As do I Gonta. Merry Christmas." she murmured softly as she flicked the book open.


8:01 P.M Day Thirteen

Second Floor

Pool Area

Mukuro let out a relieved sigh as she spotted Aoi sitting at the edge of one of the pools, her legs were dangling into the water.

"Donuts what's wrong with you? Everyone started opening their presents and you just bolted. I've never seen you so upset before." Mukuro frowned as she took a few steps forward, before placing her hands on the swimmer's shoulders. "Hey you're shaking, come on what's wrong?"

Asahina bit lower lip as her hands quivered slightly with the unwrapped box that she had pulled against her chest. "Junko I'm so scared. I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack." her voice cracked slightly.

The Soldier's expression softened, as she took a seat next to her. She reached out as gently embraced the other girl. "Hey whatever it is, it's alright. Just talk to me?" she asked as she forced a weak smile.

Aoi's lips pulled into a fine line. "I know what made me sick." she murmured quietly, as she slowly peered up to regard the other girl.

"Hina you're freaking me out. What is it?" Mukuro asked as she quirked a single brow.

The Swimmer's lower lip trembled. "I-I think I'm pregnant." she choked out.

Mukuro felt her heart beginning to race as she stared at the brunette. 'Oh my god what have I done? Not only did I betray someone precious to me, but she's pregnant? What if the person behind this knows?' she shivered slightly as she tried to find her voice. "Hina are you absolutely sure?"

Asahina sniffled softly as she weakly nodded her head. "Y-Yeah I'm almost certain. Mikan was pretty sure when I explained things earlier. She was going to run a few tests though to be certain. Then I saw what was inside this." her voice was strained as she peered down at the box that was clutched against her chest. Aoi very slowly untangled herself from the Soldier, as she opened the unwrapped box. Inside were a pair of baby clothes. One was a vivid pink, while the other was soft blue tint. On the front of each of them were a Monokuma head. Nestled between the clothes was a set of pacifiers.

The Soldier tensed up. "That's why you panicked and bolted. It confirmed your suspicions as soon as you saw that."

Asahina's lower lip curled inward as she shook her head. "I-I never even remember having s-...doing anything like that. I-I mean I just had my first kiss not long ago, and then this. I don't even know who the father is. God and now with all this talk about possibly losing time, what if something major happened? Would I even know?" she sucked in a sharp breath as her eyes began to sting. "And to make matters worse that little monster knows. God how can I face anyone? How can I begin to explain this to Koto?" her voice broke as her shoulders slumped.

"Hina please don't cry. We'll figure this out together. You're not as alone as you might feel at the moment. I swear to god I won't let anything happen to you." The Soldier breathed lowly.

Aoi sniffled as she shook her head. "I'm so scared Junko. I don't know what to do. How can I begin to even tell Makoto? What if he thinks the worst about me?"

The Soldier affectionately flicked the girl's nose. "Girl you know he's better than that. Besides who do you think put that bun in the oven?" she whispered lowly causing Aoi's eyes to widen.

"W-Wait what are you saying Junko?" Hina asked as she wiped at her eyes.

"What I'm saying is I know without a doubt that our favorite Luckster is the father."

"B-But h-how do you know? how can you be so certain?" Asahina asked her voice strained as she stared at the other girl.

Murkuro closed her eyes. "Because you two were getting really close. Before all of this I mean." she offered lowly.

"Wait so you actually remember what happened before all of this? Did some of your memories come back or something?" Aoi asked as she blinked a few tears out of her eyes.

Mukuro gently pressed a digit against the other girl's lips. "Hina I know you have questions, but I can't give you all of those answers. I shouldn't have even confirmed who the father was, but I don't want to see you suffer. Can you take a leap of faith and just trust me?"

The Swimmer was quiet for a moment, before gently nodding her head.

The Soldier slowly pulled her finger away as she sighed softly. "I know you probably suspect the worst about me. I wouldn't blame you, but I swear I won't let anything harm you."

"That makes two of us then." A voice said startling the two girl as Oogami suddenly made her presence known.

"Sakura. How long have you been there?" Mukuro asked with a hard edge in her voice.

"Long enough to comprehend the situation. I suggest we discuss this matter elsewhere though. I suspect we have a long evening a head of us." The Martial Artist mused as her gaze softened momentarily as she took a step forward, before settling it on one of Aoi's shoulders.

"Relax darling. I know this must be overwhelming, but you have good friends. We will do everything we can to help."


8:22 P.M Day Thirteen

First Floor

Dormitories

Celestia scowled ever so slightly, as she stared at the open box resting on her desk.

Next to it now rested a revolver, with exactly six shots in the chamber.

As she'd anticipated, her gift had been a bit different than most.

It was likely an incentive placed before her, from the Mastermind.

The question she had to ponder now was if she had the stomach to go through with the deed?

Even if she had the will to go through with the act, it still didn't mean it would be easy.

First and foremost there were a number of suspects.

If she were to entertain such a notion, she would first have to narrow down that list greatly.

That of course also meant, that she needed to become more social. Her cool and detached demeanor wouldn't be very helpful in this situation. She needed to play the right role if she was going to learn all of their secrets.

Then and only then would she be ready when it was time to make that specific choice.


8:47 P.M Day Thirteen

First Floor

Kitchen

"Kirumi you're going to make the best wife one day!" Kaede exclaimed as her hands clutched a mug tightly, before she took a small sip of the contents.

"Kaede, that's probably embarrassing for Miss Tojo." Mikan offered quietly.

The Ultimate Maid's eyes widened slightly, as a hint of a blush graced her fair skin. "Miss Akamatsu it's just hot cocoa. I'm not sure I deserve such kind words."

"Of course you deserve praise. You're like our den mother. We all rely so much on you it's not even funny. I just hate doing laundry, so you're like one of my favorite people." Kaede smiled softly as she eyed the Nurse next to her. "What do you think Mikan?"

"K-Kaede is right. We all owe you greatly, for everything you do for us. So thank you very much." Mikan stammered out slightly, before she took a small sip of her own warm beverage.

Kirumi allowed a sincere smile to grace her lips as she bowed her head. "You both are very welcome. I'd suggest not overdoing it though. It's almost curfew after all."

Kaede's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no! I forgot all about our exercise. Momota will never let me hear the end of it." she groaned as she took another small sip, before practically running out of the Kitchen.

Mikan blinked a couple of times as she stared at the swinging door. "Um Kirumi would you like some help cleaning up?"

Kirumi chuckled softly. "That's not necessary Miss Tsumiki. I can handle matters here."

"W-Well I don't mind. I'd like to be useful too." Mikan murmured as she picked up Kaede's nearly empty mug.

"Mikan I think everyone can agree you've been more than useful. Though if you insist I won't turn you down. Akane left the Dining Hall a mess earlier." The Maid mused as she shook her head slightly.

A soft smile graced the purple haired girl's lips. "Owari does get as much on the floor as she does in her mouth doesn't she?"

"Indeed she does. I believe she enjoys keeping me busy." The maid smiled as she began to rinse of the dishes in the sink.


9:04 P.M Day Thirteen

Second Floor

Museum

"He's making his list, he's checking it twice, he's gonna find out who's naughty or nice." Kokichi sang as he leaned against a wall.

Ouma's gaze settled on Shinguji ,as he watched the other teen tinkering with one of the various contraptions. "You know you're like the opposite of Santa Clause. The bad little girls don't have anything to worry about. Only the ones with halos should be scared."

Korekiyo paused amidst his work, as he cast a glance over his shoulder. "Ouma I would appreciate you being more discreet. I believe that was the arrangement we made was it not?"

The Ultimate Supreme Leader chuckled as he pushed away from the wall. "Relax pal! No one is better at keeping secrets than I am. But I do want more details. A partnership works both ways right? I scratch your back and you scratch mine. So Anti-Santa you made your list yet? What you're proposing can't be done alone right?" Kokichi smirked as he slipped closer.

The Anthropologist sighed as he rifled through his uniform, before producing a neatly folded piece of paper. "This is my selection. Only the best for my sister."

Ouma unfolded the scrap of paper as his gaze flitted across what was written on it. "Your sister will have to be satisfied with the rest. However choose someone else other than Tsumiki."

Kiyo's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I thought we agreed there would be no issue in my plans. She is a perfect friend for my darling one. Give me one reason why I should reconsider?"

"Because we both know that you will never kill a boy and if you don't choose someone else, I'll ensure this plan of yours sinks faster than the Titantic. Work with me or your sister will never have her one hundred friends." Kokichi smirked.

An unsettled laugh escaped the taller boy. "Always a schemer aren't you Ouma? Fortunately for me there are so many lovely options. I am surprised to see you interject? What does the dear nurse mean to you?"

"Mean to me? Nothing. Maybe I just like the idea of having the trained medical expert around in case things go really south. It's always good to plan ahead Kiyo." Ouma mused as he paced back and forth slowly.

"Hmph I see. Planning a head is very essential, though all of my efforts are wasted at the moment. The Committee while disorganized is still problematic." Shinguji frowned.

Kokichi laughed. "Eh I wouldn't worry much longer about them. The schism only grows wider between it's members. Hiro's death will only make it worse. You'll have your chance sooner than you think."


*AN*

Net Neutrality

Hey thank you so much for that! I really appreciate you taking the time do this for me! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas aswell.

Not signing in

Look I get it. Not everything is going to click with everyone. I for one think those romance scenes you hate add a level of depth and greater stakes for those involved. If it's not your cup of tea I get that. However this fic is tagged as a Mystery/Romance for a reason. I'm not gonna try to sell you on that aspect, I just hope you can appreciate the other parts enough to stick with it.

Guest

Oh if you look back at the first case it's explicitly stated that Tsumugi is behind Rantaro's change in behavior and Mahiru's murder. So you're definitely right about that.

Shiny Oshawott King

One of the things I wanted for Christmas is the return of Celestial haha.

Dinodude8000

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas! I tried to avoid going so quickly into referencing memory loss this time around. In the original fic it was introduced too quickly imo. I wanted to slow down that revelation a bit.

Wintersmith23

Totally giving you props as you inspired me to give Fujisaki that option! Appreciate that by the way!

McdrilaX

As I've tried to reiterate in the past, saying anything in regards as to how it's relevant is a MAJOR spoiler. If you actually give it a chance, I think the pay off will be worth it.

Luckenhaft

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Is it bad that I imagined a Nanami in the buff with a bow on top of her head? *chuckles*

ghostface4

Eh I still think I'll avoid the Monokubs. Even with the shrinking cast it's a lot to juggle. I think it would just make it messier to juggle another handful of characters in addition to everyone else.

doomqwer

Hey hope you had a very Merry Christmas! I wanted to make that last chapter special just in time for the holidays ! =)

Kusanagi

I'll take Gothic Vampire for $500!

YAmomoto

To be honest I had given it some consideration, however it might be a little too on the nose haha.

1995hzq

Same to you buddy! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

ronin warriors fanatic

Oh god you don't have to worry about that. I can't STAND the Monokubs. It feels like they're only in V3 to fill time. Much like Monomi and Monokuma's back and forth in the second game, but worse.