Chapter 50: Blackout: Act One

6:58 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Hallway

"Big Sis why do I to be up so early?" Hiyoko whined as she rubbed at her eyes.

Sonia stiffled a small yawn. "Saionji you're too big of a girl to whine like that. Besides you're the one who agreed to help the Committee."

The Dancer huffed as she folded her arms. "No one advertised this part. Come on Big Sis you know you hate it too. Wouldn't you rather be sucking face with emo boy?"

The Princess's mouth fell open as a flush graced her face. "Hiyoko that is most inappropriate."

"But I'm not wrong right?" The pig tailed girl giggled mischievously.

Sonia sighed. "Please behave. It won't be much longer till the morning announcement. Then you can go back to bed."

"Tch you think Ham hands will let me do that?" Saionji pouted.

"Maybe he will if you refer to him as something other than that." The Princess chuckled faintly.

"Ahem Good Morning! I hope you're all doing well this fine morning. It is now 7 A.M. Hope you boys and girls had a good evening. Apologies in advance, but we're having a little maintenance issue right now. Don't sweat it though kiddos. I'm sure you all can go without electricity and hot water for a little while right? Hope none of you are afraid of the dark, because we're on blackout notice till I get a body out of one of ya." Monokuma's voice echoed through the long corridor, before the lights flickered momentarily, before the entire hallway was bathed in darkness.

"N-No! I hate the dark." Hiyoko cried as she promptly latched onto the Princess with a vice hold.

Sonia's lips pulled into a fine line. "Well that was all rather abrupt. It's going to be alright Hiyoko." she murmured as she pulled out her handbook, before flipping it on. As she did so it cast a welcoming light that offered a generous window of sight for the pair.

"SIS! I'm never going to get back to sleep now." The petite girl whined as she clutched at Sonia's side.

"We should remain calm Hiyoko. No good can come from panicking. Let's get to the Dining Hall. I'm sure quite a few of us will be there shortly." She said in a calm voice as she began to trudge down the hallway.

Saionji was still practically glued to her side and clearly had no intentions of letting go.


7:02 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Dormitories

Mukuro sat on the edge of her bed, with a cold sweat on her brow.

She gritted her teeth together as she fumbled around in the darkness a moment, before securing her handbook that lay strewn on the nightstand.

'Another motive? And Saionji's head is here. What does it even mean? Will there be another trial because of this?' She wondered as she felt her stomach twist as she flipped on her handbook, before holding it up.

As she rose to her feet, she noticed to her shock that the box itself containing Hiyoko's severed head was gone. There was no sign of it, the wrapping paper, or even the bow that was originally attached to it.

The Soldier felt a shiver go down her spine. 'Could I have just dreamed that last night? or did Monokuma take it? What the hell is going on?'

Mukuro pressed a hand against her chest, as she took a steadying breath. 'I have to get my shit together. We're all sitting in the dark now, if someone is going to strike they have a prime opportunity right now.'

"YUK YUK YUK! Boy you should see your face right now! I thought you were suppose to be cold and emotionless. Maybe the Ultimate Soldier has gone soft." A voice spoke behind the girl causing her to whirl around.

Mukuro stopped her fist an inch or so away from Monokuma's face. "What the fuck are you doing here?!"

"Boy is that anyway to thank me? You had a severed head just lying in your room. I was enough of a pal to clean up and I don't even get a thanks? Sheesh I guess Fenrir didn't teach you any manners." Monokuma huffed as he folded his paws.

The Soldier felt her throat catch. 'So it was all real. Dammit what the hell is going on? Could Junko have had someone else? Someone I didn't know about?'

The dual toned bear tapped his chin. "Oi is that you're thinking face? Don't hurt yourself Kuro. Also do you realize how close you came to socking me in the face? I'm starting to think you're incapable of learning. Better be careful with spilling your guts to people or you might actually end up spilling your guts for real. You're really walking thin line missy."

Mukuro gritted her teeth. "Who are you? You showed me that thing last night for a reason. You even risked me opening it in front of everyone. Are you trying to expose me? What are you up to?"

"So many darn questions. Where to start?" The bear mused as he paced back and forth. "Yup I did show you that for a reason. I wouldn't exactly call it a risk though. I know you better than just about anyone. I knew my Ultimate Soldier wouldn't go opening her gift in front of everyone. To say you're paranoid would be an understatement. " The bear snickered.

"As for who I am? Come on! Why would I ruin all the fun? Don't you know that suspense and drama is important for a good mystery. So put on your thinking cap and try not to bite it. I'd really like to see your face at the end." Monokuma chortled as he began to waddle off.


7:14 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Dormitories

"Akane come on. We should probably get up already." Owada muttered as he stared at the Gymnast, whose arms were still wrapped around him.

The brunette let out a yawn as she buried her head against his shoulder. "What's the freaking point Pompadour? No power means nothing to do. Can't even see how to beat the crap out of Tenko."

"So what we're gonna just sleep all the damn time? Shit that's gonna get old real freaking fast." The Biker groaned.

Akane suddenly sat, before shifting as she promptly straddled the boy's lap. "You know there's a lot we can still do without power. It's not bad exercise either." she grinned wickedly as she playfully grinded her hips against him, causing him to shudder.

"Aren't you exhausted from last night? Damn woman." He grumbled. His hands shot out, before settling on the swell of her hips.

"Exhausted? Tch as if. I take pride in my Stamina, we still need to work on yours though." Owari howled in laughter as she bent down and kissed the boy, before raking her nails against his chest.

"Shit I swear you're gonna be the death of me." He grunted as he stared up at her. "Alright just one round then we get up alright?"

The Ultimate Gymnast grinned wildly. "Whatever you say Owada. Time to work up an appetite." she purred in delight.


7:22 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Hallway

"Mikan! Are you alright?" Kaito called out as he jogged down the hallway, handbook in his hand.

The Nurse blinked as she released her hold on Nanami as she offered a small smile. "Momota! I-I'm alright. Why are you running?"

Kaito rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Ah no reason. I just wanted to get a little exercise is all."

Chiaki stared at him dubiously. "Or he was just really worried about his big sister and is too embarrassed to admit it."

The Ultimate Astronaut averted his gaze slightly. "Well I just thought I'd escort you this morning. Heh I guess I might be a little worried." he muttered.

Tsumiki felt a sincere smile pull at her lips as she inched forward, before furling her arms around the taller boy. "T-Thank you Momota. That's very kind of you."

The boy grunted awkwardly as he patted her back with one arm. "Yeah don't mention it. So where's broody at? I'm telling you Miki I'm gonna give him a peace of my mind for not being here."

"Broody would have been here a lot sooner if you hadn't tackled me on your way down here idiot." A voice said directly behind Kaito causing him to tense.

"Oh was that you?" Kaito grinned as he glanced over his shoulder.

"Guess we know between the two of you, who got all the brains. If that was obvious enough, it wasn't you Kaito." Hinata chuckled as he playfully cuffed the boy in the back of the head.

"Please don't fight right now." Mikan murmured as she looked between the two boys.

"Miki I think secretly this is their way of showing affection for each other." Chiaki smiled lightly.

The two boys looked dubiously at her, before glancing at each other.

"Not a chance in hell." Kaito deadpanned.

"Hey I actually agree with him for a change." Hinata chuckled.


7:45 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Dormitories

"Forgive me I'm sorry for freaking out. This is all just so much to take in." Ryoko murmured.

"Hey you don't have to apologize for anything. Normally you'd have seen your own message and be up to speed. We never expected Monokuma to pull something like this." Makoto offered the amnesiac a faint smile, as he held his handbook out to illuminate the bedroom.

Hina nodded her head. "Yeah he has a habit of being unpredictable. Look why don't you play your recording? Koto and I will wait with you and answer any questions you have."

The Amnesiac felt the corner of her mouth curve upward ever so slightly. "Thank you. I don't know how I was fortunate to meet such decent people, but I hope I can repay it one day."

Naegi shook his head. "Hey don't worry about. It's what friends are for right?"

The red head felt a chuckle escape her. "It's strange that I have no recollection of either of you, and yet I feel so at peace. I'm sure there's a lot I need to hear though." she mused as she reached out, and pressed the play button on her recorder.

There was but a brief silence, till her own voice filled the room once more.


7:53 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Dining Hall

The Hall Monitor extended the candle resting in his hand, as he peered around the Cafeteria. "We are missing a number of people. There is no excuse for such tardiness at a time such as this."

"Hey don't raise your voice at us! Not everyone handles things the same way." Tenko huffed as she folded her arms.

Ishimaru numbly nodded his head. "My apologies Miss Chabashira you're right. I'm just a bit on edge."

"While I cannot speak for Tsumugi and Angie. I know that Asahina and Naegi are seeing to Ryoko. Her start today was a bit abrupt. They're trying to calm her down." Oogami mused with a frown.

Kaito scratched along his jaw. "Yeah that's no joke. Waking up in the dark and having no clue where you are or what's going on."

"Hmph if that's really a condition she suffers. I still believe it is more than a bit convenient." Byakuya mused as he strummed a finger along his arm.

"Togami if we followed your advice we'd all be at each other's throats. I understand being cautious, but you're just paranoid." Hajime interjected.

A prideful smirk graced the Heir's face. "Then I suppose I should keep my theories concerning you to myself."

"Boys enough. This isn't helping anyone, please let us remain focused on accounting for everyone and deciding how to handle this situation." Sonia said calmly as her gaze flitted around the dimly lit room.

It was about this time that the door to the Cafeteria opened up as Akane and Mondo walked in. Owada's collar was slightly disheveled, and Owari's shirt was buttoned in the wrong places. "I can deal with the freaking dark, but anyone figured anything out about the food situation?" Akane called out as she slung an arm around the Biker.

Pekoyama sighed. "Well I suppose we needn't question where they've been or what they've been doing." she murmured softly.

"No fucking kidding." Fuyuhiko grumbled as he threw his feet up on the table.

"Gonta is confused." The large boy admitted as his brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

"They were sucking face right?" Hiyoko asked as she was no latched onto Kirumi's side.

Mondo grumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Jesus ain't you got anything else better to talk about?"

The Ultimate Maid cleared her throat. "Moving on from that matter. Akane does raise an excellent point. I took the liberty of examining the Kitchen. There are plenty of can foods and there is a gas stove we have access to. It may limit our options, however starvation should not be a concern."

"Comfort though is a different matter entirely. Waking up to a cold shower is dreadful." Celestia's brow furrowed in irritation. Her normal drill like pigtails were gone as her hair was pulled back into a messy bun.

"I-I could deal with the cold water, but I'm clumsy enough without fumbling in the dark." Mikan murmured quietly.

Nanami offered a sympathetic smile, as she leaned her head against the other girl's shoulder. "Hey it's alright. I was gonna say maybe we all should consider staying in larger numbers? Maybe change our sleeping arrangements?"

"That's a decision that will have to be made on personal basis. Though it does seem a bit pointless and dangerous to continue patrols while the power is out. We will have to rely solely on peer pressure to assure one another abides by curfew." Twogami mused.

"Heh oh sure I'm sure that'll work. Course we all know it's just a matter of time till a body drops." Kokichi's gaze flitted around the darkened room. "In fact I bet some of us are looking forward to it. Anything to have access to a few modern conveniences."

"T-That's horrible! How could you say such a thing?" Fujisaki asked with a horrified expression.

"Not that I can stand him, but he does make a good point. If this place has shown us anything, it's that it takes little to instigate murder. I'm sure no one needs a reminder of the fact that we've already lost nine people." Maki said in a stern tone.

"Maybe we have lost a great deal, but Maki we can't just accept that as our reality. We have to keep pushing forward and hoping we can bring an end to this." Kaede said as she bowed her head slightly.

Maizono took a short breath. "As someone who's made more than a few mistakes, I have to keep believing in that too."

Korekiyo brought his hands together in a brief applause. "Truly inspiring and I do not say that in a factious manner. It is welcoming to see such brightness in such a dark place."

Souda grumbled. "Well that wasn't weird at all."

"Alright we've heard enough from Slim Jim! So anyone have anything fucking important to say? Because I'm getting bored with this shit. We have decided squat." Iruma muttered as she propped her chin against her hand.

Hoshi shook his head. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually with loud mouth for a change."

Kyoko cleared her throat. "Well as Twogami pointed out, patrolling is practically pointless as of now. I suggest we abide by our own established curfew. I don't think there's really much of an alternative."

"Hmph the darkness truly as swallowed us whole. It's hard enough to distinguish day and night in this pit as it is. However it has become even more difficult. Perhaps we should seek more sources of light?" Gundham suggested.

Keebo coughed. "Well as it so happens I can provide a sufficient light source. Of course I cannot be everywhere at once, but I hope this can at least bring comfort to some of us." The Robot said as he slowly tilted his head upwards, before an audible click could be heard. Almost immediately the room was bathed in a impressive glow.

"Wow you never cease to amaze Keebo. At the very least it's enough to lit an entire room like this. Though I think Tanaka is right. We should scavenge for other alternatives." Shuichi mused.

Miu bit her lip a moment as she looked around, before slowly standing up. "Keebo you can't use your light. Disable it immediately dumbass!"

"Hey Nasty Girl! Shut up. Don't listen to her Mister Robo!" Hiyoko exclaimed as she shot a dirty look at Miu.

"Miss Iruma I cannot deny help when my friends require assistance." The Robot smiled faintly.

Kazuichi blinked as something dawned on him. "Shit I think I what Miu is going on about. Keebo your battery! You rely on outlets to recharge, but if the power is out you can't recover."

The Robot boy nodded his head slightly. "I am aware, but I want to do my part. I don't want anyone else to die, to feel desperate enough to do something horrible."

"Mister Keebo what happens when you run out of power?" Hifumi asked as he fidgeted with his glasses.

Keebo's brow furrowed a moment. "I suppose it's the human equivalent of passing out, but I cannot regain consciousness until I've received a charge."

"Which means you'd be vulnerable as shit! Any jackass could scrap you. So stop being so damn noble." Iruma scowled as she stalked over and promptly flipped a switch causing Keebo's light source to shut off.

"Using Keebo isn't a viable option. It's only a temporary source of light and it drains his energy, so we'll have to find alternatives." Kyoko mused as the door to the Dining hall swung open once more as Yonga appeared bathed in candlelight next to Shirogane.

"Apologies for our tardiness. I was helping Angie prep the Chapel. There are enough candles and wax to last for years. Needless to say if anyone wishes to find a place of solace, you needn't look any further." The Cosplayer smiled slightly.

Angie allowed a faint smile to grace her lips. "Everyone is more than welcome to seek refuge as long as you like there. Atua will watch over all of us. I will be staying there from now on. Please feel free to join us for the evening service."


9:21 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Nurse's Office

Mikan raised a hand to her mouth, as she leaned against the Medical Cabinet. Her handbook was resting on the nearby table. It's light faintly illuminated the small room. "So I was right then. How are you feeling today Hina? I mean beside the nausea and everything else?" the Nurse asked as her brow furrowed slightly.

"I'm still processing everything ya know? But I have so many questions. I don't know anything about babies or what I should do or what I shouldn't do." she admitted, before feeling an arm wrap around her waist.

Makoto allowed a tired smile. "We're both kind of lost here Mikan. We were hoping you might have some suggestions?"

"Indeed the safety of Hina and the little one is paramount." Oogami mused as she rested against the door. Her brow was furrowed ever so slightly as she eyes Naegi intently.

The Ultimate Nurse rubbed her palms together. "I-I completely understand. There's several tests I would normally preform, but one for we're lacking the equipment here. And what we do have requires electricity. I would be happy to preform a physical examination though."

Aoi's eyes widened as she bounded forward, before hugging the Nurse abruptly. "Oh thank you so much Mikan! You're basically our guardian angel, and an awesome friend." she exclaimed causing the Nurse to flush as she fidgeted slightly.

"You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I can be of some use, and it's nice to be looking after a new life and not someone on the verge of dying." Tsumiki admitted with a weak smile. "Should we get started?" She asked as she glanced around the dimly lit room.

"Yeah! Let's get this show on the road." Hina said as she nodded her head.

Sakura cleared her throat. "Naegi I believe now would be an excellent time to excuse yourself."

The Ultimate Luck's eyes widened. "Oh right! I'm sorry of course you need your privacy." the boy laughed sheepishly, as he rubbed the back of his neck.


9:30 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Hallway

"Naegels are you alright?" Mukuro asked as she held out her handbook, illuminating the boy who sat propped against the wall adjacent to the Nurse's Office.

The Ultimate Luck offered her a tired smile. "Hmph didn't sleep really well last night, but yeah I'm ok. Just worried about Hina, Mikan is running a few tests. Well what she can do while we're sitting in the dark."

The Soldier offered a faint smile as she walked forward, before promptly slumping against the wall next to him. "You really are handling it like a champ. Most guys wouldn't have been as decent as you are. You know there's not many people like you."

Makoto rubbed the back of his head. "You know my life changed the moment I woke up in here. Since then things have changed for better, and a most of the times for the worse. The people I care about, my friends, and loved ones you all make it worth it. It's not that I'm not scared, I'm really terrified." he took a short breath. "It's just I feel like as long as I have so many precious people, I can keep finding a reason to move forward."

Ikusuba sighed softly as she curled an arm around the boy's shoulder, before leaning her head against his. "Naegi you realize that even if there is a way of escaping, chances are we won't all be together. By all accounts I should already be dead. I don't know how you survived that to be honest. Your luck really is something special." She chuckled mirthlessly as she shook her head.

"If we stop believing in the sun just because we can't see it, we'll never make it to the morning." Naegi said quietly as he closed his eyes. "Just because we can't see the ending doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Hope is just like that. We just have to keep believing there is a tomorrow."

"Faith huh? I'm not so sure that's my strong suite." The Soldier muttered lowly.

"Mukuro what's wrong?" Naegi asked in a voice barely above a whisper as he opened his eyes. "I can feel you shaking."

The girl tensed as her eyes widened. "I-I didn't know. I'm sorry I guess this motive just has me on edge."

Makoto gently squeezed her. "I know you can't say everything, but you don't have to lie either."

Ikusuba bit her lip. "I don't know how you always do that."

"Do what?" Naegi asked as he quirked a single brow.

"You just always seem to look right through me. I can fool most people, but you're always the hardest." She admitted as tucked her knees against her chest.

"Maybe you're heart just isn't in it. Either way if there is anything you can share, don't carry all that burden on yourself. I'm a pretty good listener." Naegi smiled at her.

"And oh so modest too." The Soldier smirked in response.

"Heh least I'm being honest." Naegi countered with a sheepish grin.

"Careful you might bite off more than you can chew shorty." Ikusuba quipped.

"You just love teasing me don't you?" Makoto huffed slightly.

"More than you can possibly imagine." The girl admitted with a sincere smile as she lightly prodded his forehead with her index finger.


11:34 A.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Gym

"Fucking Christ! Don't you know how to hold a damn flashlight?!" Miu huffed as she shot Kazuichi a dirty look.

"Hey for one is my damn flashlight from my swanky toolkit. So stop bitching so much will ya?" Souda yelled.

Iruma whimpered softly. "S-Sorry it won't happen again."

"Guys please stop arguing? This isn't helping Keebo." Chihiro murmured softly as he peered between the pair.

The Ultimate Robot lay sprawled on his back as the trio surrounded him. "Miss Fujisaki I appreciate your concern, but you needn't waste resources on me. My reserves will be taxed within thirty six hours. While it is admittedly scary, I have faith I will be in good hands."

"Stop being so calm about it! Dammit Keebo don't you understand how vulnerable you'll be? We have to find some way of getting you some more juice." The Inventor frowned as she folded her arms.

"Well you know anything solar powered is a no go. Look if Keebo doesn't move or expend any energy he might be able to stretch his reserves out for two days." Souda muttered as he shone the light along the inside of Keebo's Chassis.

The Robot flushed as if he were embarrassed. "I don't want any of you to think that I've lost hope. If anything I just have faith that I have friends I can count on."

Chihiro offered a warm smile. "You certainly do Keebo. Maybe it's not a perfect solution, but maybe when Keebo starts to run out of power we can have one of us lock him in his room using his room key? That way he won't be punished by Monokuma and it'll keep him safe from any other threats."

Miu sighed softly as she ruffled the petite programmer's hair in an affectionate manner. "Shit I don't like giving up, but without more resources it might be the best solution we got."

"The way things have been going, we might not have to worry about Keebo running out of power anyways." The Mechanic muttered.

"Souda you shouldn't talk like that! You're starting to sound like Ouma." Fujisaki said as his brow furrowed slightly.

Kazuichi rubbed the back of his neck. "Aww I don't mean anything by it. It's just that we don't have a great track record so far ya know?"

"Sorry Fuji but I gotta say sharky has a point. Nine dead in two weeks? Not exactly great fucking odds. Specially not now that the power has been cut and we're stuck in the dark." Miu frowned.

The Programmer bowed his head. "I know you're both right, I just can't bring myself to just accept that."

"All the more reason why we have to break the cycle! If we all remain united and don't venture alone there's nothing to be afraid of." Keebo exclaimed loudly.

"Woah Woah! Simmer down tin man, you should save your damn energy." Miu snorted.

The Ultimate Robot's brow furrowed. "I don't not understand your reference Miss Iruma. No part of my design contains tin, it is a weak metal."

"Looks like your design also fails to include humor." Kazuichi muttered.

"Souda my audio functions are working quite well." Keebo said with a deadpan expression.


1:13 P.M Day Fourteen

First Floor

Storage Room

Maizono offered a light smile, as she shifted the small crate in her arms. "Well this hasn't been an entire loss. We've found a half dozen flashlights, plenty of batteries and matches."

"You know if it weren't for everything else, this would remind me of losing power after a snowstorm. If only it were something that simple. At least it's not cold though, I just hope no one tries anything." The Pianist offered a sad smile.

"If anyone so much as raises a hand to either of you, I'll snap them in two!" Tenko exclaimed as she thrust her palm forward for emphasis.

Sayaka stifled a giggle at the display. "You're just a ball of energy aren't you Tenko?"

"She's so cute when she gets worked up like this." Kaede smirked softly as she shifted her handbook slightly.

"C-Cute?!" Chabashira sputtered as her face contorted wildly as she flushed. "Please don't tease me."

The Pop Idol smiled softly. "I wouldn't dream of it. Besides I know I feel a lot safer with you here."

"You and me both. Hard to believe not long ago we were a foursome performing together. Now we're just a duo." Kaede trailed off. "Sorry I shouldn't have brought it up. I just can't stop seeing their faces when I sleep."

"Hey Kay you don't have to apologize. I don't sleep much anymore and when I do, it's about the same for me." Sayaka mused as she shook her head as she decided to shift subjects. "You guys I was thinking maybe we should take Nanami's advice. Maybe several of us girls should start bunking up? It might not be comfortable, but it might help us sleep better."

"I'm sure Master would be willing to help. We could even have people taking watch if we wanted." Tenko suggested as she picked up a second small crate that was filled with packs of batteries and a few flashlights.

Kaede's lips twitched into a faint smile. "It could be a like a sleepover. I'm sure it would help keep our spirits up too."


*AN* In case I don't get to say it beforehand, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

Dinodude8000

I do love leaving you guys in suspense. I'm a terrible person! Lol

ghostface4

Who could possibly say ? =)

The Kobold Necromancer

I do enjoy making a sort of meta joke from time to time. Also I love the idea of how Kokichi would have handled that situation lol.

ronin warriors fanatic

As much as I love Inception, it's nothing quite that extreme. Anyone who followed my original fic is aware that Saionji was pulling the strings through most of the game. While I have retrained certain moments and plotlines from the original, I wanted to create no doubt that there's a very different mastermind this time. I don't know about you, but one the best parts of the Daganronpa series is the big reveal. It's impossible to create that moment if you all know the punchline already. There are clues already out there though ;)

Zephyrius29

I mean if we really wanna get down to the nitty gritty I'd include bandages in that category. Anything that obscures a clear print. I mean even Gundham's one hand wouldn't leave a print.

Also while it was an excellent guess it's nothing quite that simple.

doomqwer

You know if Celestial ever returns, he'll kill me for this. I mean no joke, if I stop updating at some point he got to me.

1995hzq

Heads will roll *Snickers*

lolrus555 chapter 49 . Dec 28

Maybe just a little bit of a twist lol. Anyone who followed my original fic is aware that Saionji was pulling the strings through most of the game. While I have retrained certain moments and plotlines from the original, I wanted to create no doubt that there's a very different mastermind this time. I don't know about you, but one the best parts of the Daganronpa series is the big reveal. It's impossible to create that moment if you all know the punchline already. There are clues already out there though ;)

Luckenhaft

Dude if someone actually changed their penname to that, I'd laugh till I cried. And yes that is fucked up.

Yeah I wanted to shake things up. I think most of you probably had a sense of who was behind the curtain and probably thought it would play out similarly to A New Despair. I wanted to add some suspense back into this mystery.

SuperedX

I try to alternate between legitimate death flags and red herrings. It's a good way of keeping people on their toes, without basically broadcasting who's gonna die.

Trygve11

Well I can say it's only a matter of time till that secret becomes more widespread.

Siggimondo

Haha that's very true. Only in this series could so many different elements work together.

God Emperor Of GAR-halla

I'm not sure what's worse Saionji's head or half a horse in your bed? Neigh I won't mull that over too much ;)

Gatekeeper TAR

Since a lot of you have read the original, I thought it was important to establish that this story is going to continue to diverge.

SkylightsBLADE

Hey you never know! Anything is possible =)

I don't really understand the hate for Kaede and Chihiro, but I respect that everyone has their favorites.

Just out of curiosity who are some of your favorites? *Grinds Axe* Just curious is all :P

Bumblingbeees

Is that your final answer?!

He Who Seeks The Joys in Life

I really wanted to establish how far this fic is diverging from the original one I wrote. By killing Saionji it really leaves you all in the same state as Mukuro really. To where you can only speculate and grasp at straws. I love that though, I think the suspense and unknown is what makes the payoff so worth it. Especially if you do manage to piece it together.

Aquirs-Chan

You do have a way with words! =)

PatRox

Here's to a New Year filled with all new theories! Huzzah!