The third day of our week-long holiday had already begun.
It might have only been the second day for me, and I was positive that I wasn't going to get an extra day because of my condition, but I had to make the most of it.
Speaking about the days, just how long have we been here?
It honestly felt much longer than what it probably was. Have we been here a month? It felt longer than that. Am I finally getting cabin fever?
Let's just hope that's not the case.
I think I was getting a bit too used to this routine, already waking up just before the alarm went off as I walked into the cafeteria as the rest of us packed in like sardines sitting around the biggest table for our current numbers. To think, we used to sit at a bigger table.
But before breakfast was underway, our attention was on something else. Someone else.
"So what was this about: Blackjack?" The one who asked was Hudson, sitting across the table with crossed arms. "Why did Takeo refer to themselves at that?"
"Why is it important?" Astin asked, giving a look to the new addition of Yozora at the table. "After this you can go back to bed, Yozora."
"I plan too..."
On the way over, it seemed that Isabi and some others swung by Yozora's room and dragged her out for this meeting. At least to fill her in on what happened with the interrogating stalker. Ah, probably should stop calling him that now.
The very least, it seemed Yozora was up to date with everything.
A grumpy growl from Tadakatsu, who still sat far away, turned to us. "Remember when I said that he wasn't who he said he was?"
"Yeah." I nodded. "What about it?"
With crossed arms and listening ears, Tadakatsu huffed, "that's his secret. Blackjack's identity...or should I really say, the Devil's Right Hand."
I heard a few others like Fumi and Renji mumble, "His secret? Are those nicknames?"
Devil's Right Hand?
"Exactly. Blackjack and Devil's Right Hand aren't just some shitty nicknames, they are his codenames, though the Blackjack one he made to throw people off his real one. Devil's Right Hand." As Tadakatsu revealed what he knew about Takeo, we all listened way too closely. "That guy was never on our side as long as his shitty little secret can come to life."
He paused to look at all of us, getting a lot closer to the rest of the group. "Do you ever wonder why he chose to stick so close to me? Sure, at first he was playing the good guy, but ever since the first motive. He planned on killing whoever found that out."
"But then...Kanata killed a cockroach." I added, mostly in a mumble.
Nanako looked down with a nasty scowl on her face. "So from the very beginning. He planned a murder from the very beginning...that...that-!"
"Bastard." an usually growl left my throat.
Akahana looked like she was curling into herself a bit too much. "So...we were always going to be killed by him if we knew..."
I even saw Seno do the same thing, he really looked pale. Much to the concerns of Astin and Hudson.
It definitely wasn't reassuring news.
"And here I thought he was just keeping you in line," huffed Charlotte, giving the yanki an odd look.
Tadakatsu scoffed at that. "Takeo was weak, if we fought he'd be a puddle in the ground. If it weren't for the trials, I would have easily snapped his neck like the twig it is. His strength is only when his opponent is all tied up for him. An absolute, pathetic weakling."
Funnily enough, I found myself agreeing with that enraged yanki. "What a piece of shit."
"So that's the power of this Blackjack- er Devil's Right Hand secret then? A guaranteed murder." Astin leaned forward on the table. "That's...dangerous."
Wait. Codename?
"What do you mean by codename?" I asked, making the mad dog grin darkly.
"He was apparently a bogeyman for the criminal underworld."
A bogeyman...for the criminal underworld? What the...it seems I wasn't the only one shocked by this current reveal. It seemed Tadakatsu planned to keep on going with it.
"I don't know all of it, but from what I gathered from the secret is that he was known as the Devil's Right Hand and it was something that made him super paranoid. Blackjack was another unconnected nickname as I explained, but he gained it roughly the same time somewhere. Apparently this sick fuck had overly brutal methods to the point he always chose to kill those he tortured and that he had a real fear of being found out by the yakuza."
Tadakatsu paused to give us all another look, "he was never an ally. As soon as he learnt that one of us had the secret of the Devil's Right Hand, this poor sod tried so desperately to get rid of that information and keep it a secret. A paranoid fool with a meaningless death. I find it quite fitting for someone whose strength is for killing an already defeated and captured opponent." as the yanki spat, the rest of us couldn't help but look at each other.
A real bastard that would have killed us at a moment's notice as soon as we learnt just who he really was.
Or worse.
Gave the impression that we knew.
However, the whole story on who Takeo Ikeda was...it was still a mystery.
Lost forever thanks to his death and well, I doubt anyone here would have a positive look on him now thanks to what he tried to pull with his secret.
It was then a cog turned in my mind. "When Junkuma mentioned how easily Takeo could be manipulated as a pawn...he must have been talking about his secret. At any moment he could have caused a murder...even the very first trial."
...so Takeo was supposed to be our first murderer if he was really that willing to keep his secret from being discovered. Maybe if it actually played out, maybe things would be different?
"Was the first motive designed for that sole purpose?" I mumbled among the murmurs.
"It's hard to tell," Hudson shrugged, crossing his arms in thought. "...but, the fact that a murder has been in the making because of that secret since the beginning. It's not a comforting thought."
"...so that's why Takeo was always around Tadakatsu. He knew about the Devil's Right Hand," the troublemaker joined in. "But because Tadakatsu was clearly stronger, Takeo couldn't get the upper hand."
"Mhm, because Tadakatsu knows the secret, that makes his murder of Maria and Seiren...difficult." Nanako sighed after slamming her fist down on the table. "So was there another reason he killed those two? Or was it what he came up with in the trial?"
Silence filled the room for a second, looks being shared almost every way.
"...Random." came the shocked tone of Isabi. "Junkuma said the motive was random! The secrets and the people we cherished, they were all shared at random! There's no telling what someone received as their secret, it's possible that some of us got the same secret!"
"Maybe that's why Maria was killed?" Sunako mumbled to herself, but was heard by all of us.
"Fox... thinks it could be possible..." those red eyes of his looked down at the table.
"Well, with him wearing his mask all the time, it might have been to conceal who he truly is..." Charlotte added, crossing one leg over the other. "To him, he has no idea who we are. To him, despite not knowing any of us, there was a chance that someone might have recognized him or that we...were yakuza."
"Katsu did mention that Takeo was scared of the yakuza," hummed the promoter as Yozora nearby was already falling asleep again.
"Would...that mean Takeo lost to them...?" the sleepy stewardess asked in a daze. "Defeated by yakuza? He did have multiple...scars on his body the first day here..."
Hm...or he could have been betrayed before I suppose...that would increase that paranoia of somebody turning out to be a yakuza. Hope's Peak isn't exactly yakuza-free either from what I've heard.
That might have made things worse.
More murmurs spread around the table as Seno, who was rocking back and forth on his chair jolted up, running out the door scratching his hair.
"I'll go follow him," Hudson gave us all a nod as he stood, following the running internet personality.
Astin frowned at the sight. "It doesn't seem like Seno is having a good time...not that any of us can blame him." he added, giving a look over to Akahana who was in the similar mindset Seno was now in.
"Well it doesn't matter," huffed the yanki. "That piece of shit is dead."
It was...somewhat comforting knowing that the one person who was willing to murder us right out of the gate was dead.
"The one person that was going to murder someone before any of us craved," I muttered out, thinking back to Hanh.
Looking around the room, Fumi shot up. "Well...there's no time to be thinking too hard about this!" she waved her arms higher than usual. "We have to keep looking forward, don't we?"
Renji nodded, sounding a bit different from usual. "That we should. All things considered." I couldn't quite place my fingers on it. Maybe it was how his hair was less...orange than before.
As things seemed to settle, the mood of the room changed. Thanks to Fumi of course.
When it was clear that the discussion was finished, Akahana stood, pulling her hood close to her body. Without much fuss or a word, the little red riding hood left the table faster than Seno did...and now, she was gone.
"I already said what needed to be said," and with that, the yanki disappeared.
"...I'm going back to bed." yawned the flight attendant. She had been so quiet I almost forgot she was here.
Astin was the next to leave, sending concern looks to the door. "I'll be back, I'm going to check up on the others and cheer them up." As he left, others like Renji, Fox, Fumi and all the other survivors made their way out of the cafeteria.
Watching everyone begin to trickle out, I decided it was a good time to get going too.
We still had our holiday, after all. Better make the most of it.
After leaving the cafeteria, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Despite all this free time that was given to us, I felt bored. This was boring. The arcade was fun, but I can't just stay there all day.
It was then that I spied someone who I never really spent that much time with.
Tadakatsu.
It was probably a mistake to go and talk to that bloodthirsty yanki, but hey, it was better than just walking around completely bored out of my mind.
He was just there. Sitting on one of the benches in the main corridor where the cafeteria was. So I decided to go and sit next to him.
"What the fuck do you want?"
Ah, that familiar harsh tone. "Nothing, just wanted to say thanks for the help during the trial."
Gritting his teeth together, I could feel his glare on my back, well my side to be more specific. "You're... welcome," he somehow managed to force the words out of his mouth, "Now. What. Do. You. Want?!"
Better not mess with the junkyard dog too much. He might start swinging any second now.
"You know. Out of everyone here, I know the least about you," I started us off, neither one of us moving from our spot.
"And what? You just want to hear my story all of a sudden?" he growled like that moniker of his. "Piss off."
"I'll admit, I'm bored." it came out rather bluntly. "Maybe it's because of my missing arm. Oh and thanks for being a bodyguard that one day too."
That made him jolt up with a deep hiss. "I am NOT a bodyguard!"
I just humoured him, "sure, sure..."
It didn't seem like he liked that very much. I did just physically wave him off there. The look I got was like I was asking for a deathwish.
"First Isabi and now you," he grumpily sat back down on the bench. "What the hell is wrong with you two?"
Huh, so I'm not the only crazy one talking with Tadakatsu here.
"Will telling you something get you off my damn back?"
"Sure, until I get bored again."
Tadakatsu gave me a look, it reminded me of the yanki that assisted me in the last trial. "Are you really that fucking bored? What drugs are you on?"
Drugs? I gave him a look.
Oh right, Junkuma did mess with the 'potion' I was given. Nah.
"Shit, fine!" throwing his arms up, Tadakatsu Mikama gave in. "Just don't give me that bored look! Fucking hell..."
That was surprisingly easy…
Guess I win!
"So what do you wanna hear specifically, to quench your boredom?"
I would have crossed my arms, but seeing as I lacked the ability to do so anymore, I tapped my hand on the side of my leg. "Hm, well, I think the thing I'm interested in is how you became a yanki. It's one hell of a talent."
"Grr," oh no, he was growling now. No, he was beginning to roar as he sprung to his feet one more time. "Those Hope's Peak bastards! HOW THE HELL IS THIS A TALENT?! JUST DISMISS ME AS SOME SORT OF DELINQUENT AND CALL IT A DAY?! IT PISSES ME OFF!"
He looked ready to kick someone's teeth in. Better defuse it somehow. "Well if Hope's Peak, they might be seeing some other application of your talent. You said you fought off armies of other thugs, right?"
"And what of it?" man, if looks could kill.
I sighed, waving my hand in his direction lazily, "with how you fight, you might end up becoming a soldier or might join some MMA kinda sport. You're definitely a fighter. It could be a way to insert more students in with the limited number of talents per year."
"Wanna see it first hand?" he offered, marching over. I felt kinda ignored.
"Nah, I'm not that bored. So, you gonna continue?" I asked, or pushed. Something like that.
"Don't push your luck!" as Tadakatsu began to pace around, something was off. The way he gripped and clenched his fists together, the way he stared off in the distance.
Was he remembering something? Well, duh. Good job me.
It must have been a really bad memory.
"...I'm just so fucking full of rage, alright?!" what a confession, never would have expected. I kept my eyes from rolling before my head went rolling instead. "So much rage that I took it out on anyone who ticks me the fuck of! Some old bully fucks that I used to know, people older than me, younger than me, cops, teachers, students! Anyone! Literally anyone! I got really good at it, all to deliver the maximum amount of pain to those fuckers, any fucker."
"And that's how you became known as a yanki," well, it fitted the image of the guy standing before me.
He was practically feral.
But then something crossed my mind. "You were bullied?" That was a shock. It didn't even sound real! Say psych right now.
"Not me," oh wow, kinda relieved at that. I couldn't begin to imagine. "It was...my buddy...Yukine."
It was like all instances of rage vanished from the pale delinquent's face. That vicious growl and stare...gone. Replaced with the semblance of the man that assisted me with the trial that came and went days ago.
For a couple of good solid seconds, Tadakatsu just looked out, turning away so suddenly. So, I stood. "I see...I'll be off."
"Where the fuck do you think you're going?!"
"Leaving you alone. I doubt you're gonna answer my future questions right now." I sighed, rolling my neck a bit.
Stomping forward, the yanki's face was directly in front of my own. Damn those teeth looked ready to rip and tear. "And what question is that?"
"Who's Yukine?"
Tearing his face away from mine, he huffed, "I told you...he was my buddy."
I don't think I'd get anymore out of him right now. It'll be best to cut it here and move on. It was then that I caught a connection.
Was.
...ah.
"Stay safe, Tadakatsu," I walked on by, patting the brute's back before I got out of there before catching even more of an earful from said mad dog.
Sharing a look over my back, I couldn't help but think about what I learnt. So that was just a glimpse of the Mad Dog's backstory, huh? Stop. Get out of that writing mindset. Still, I learnt about Tadakatsu, something I never really thought I'd be spending some free time with.
Yukine huh.
Now alone, I think I decided on what to do today. While that notebook story I was working on was now gathering dust due to a lack of info thanks to those that have died, like Takeo and Kanata...I...
"I want to learn more about the others."
With a new goal in mind, I decided to head around to whoever was available or free. Saying that, I had no real destination in mind. Though, I decided to go for those that I knew the least about.
At the same time, I was pretty sure I knew all the basics of almost everyone here. Aside from the dead, of course.
And after that chat with Tadakatsu, perhaps someone more lively and willing to chat. Now, where would everyone be? Times like this some way to know where everyone was sounded like a good thing to have as mastermindy as that sounded.
I guess most people would be in the arcade and I mean, who wouldn't be? Aside from Seno, Yozora and Akahana who were all in their rooms, the rest of us were out and about.
I didn't need to think long or hard about it.
Coming down the stairs I just approached was none other than the free spirit, Fumi Saito.
The promoter clad in green noticed me instantly. "Oh hey, Sui!"
"Did you have fun in the arcade?" I asked, taking a shot in the dark.
That seemed to be where most people decided to spend their time nowadays, for good reason too.
What surprised me was what she told me, "not yet! I've been messing around in that music recording room."
"Oh, most people have been practically living in the arcade from what I've heard." It was a fun place, so I don't blame them for wanting to stay there.
"So, whatcha doing, Sui?"
I shrugged, "not much...actually, since you're here, do you mind if we have a chat?"
Taken back for a second, she immediately nodded. "Sure!" Immediately sitting on the stairs (off to the side) she gestured for me to take a seat. "What did you want to talk about, Sui?"
"I guess there's no good way to describe this, but I just wanted to learn more about everyone. We might have a break, but I don't want anyone else to be strangers, more or less."
"Hm...okay!" she nodded vigorously. "I don't recall sharing anything like this with you, so sure, this can deepen our bond as friends, like everyone else here!"
No hesitation whatsoever.
Huh.
"The only catch is that you'll share your story too. I think I know the least about you too. It's the same price as everyone else here."
A two way street of learning about each other.
"Of course," I gave her a nod as we made sure not to block the stairwell.
"Sooooo..." she trailed off, looking back at me. "Wanna flip a coin to see who talks first?"
"Do you have a coin?" I raised an eyebrow as her expression dropped. "I'll take that as a no."
"Scissors, paper, rock?"
After coming to an agreement, our battle commenced. The tension was unbelievable as we threw hands. "Rock."
"Aww man," hanging her head in defeat, I crawled out the victor. "My trusty scissors have failed me!"
Now Fumi crossed her arms, mumbling to herself. "Now, what did I tell you before? I can't remember. Might as well start fresh, yeah?"
"Sure, besides with everything that's happened here, I doubt everyone remembers every little detail of what they told somebody else. It's natural to repeat things and all that."
"That's true," a hand patted my shoulder, "now, where to begin..."
"How about how you became the Ultimate Promoter?"
I watched as her mouth made quite a big 'O' shape before she called it a, "great idea!"
"It all started when I was pretty young, probably the same as most other ultimates when I think about it." Shrugging, she continued, "it was also thanks to my parents and best pals that set me down this path..."
For the first time, excluding the acting motive, Fumi's smile disappeared briefly before a shake of her head returned the smile.
I decided not to pry, but seeing as she appeared to be a cheerful, bubbly and energetic person. It seemed they must be good people.
"Where was I? Oh yeah, I guess it really started to shine thanks to my besties. Nakashi and Naoko." the smile wavered again. "They were both aspiring authors and well, I guess it rubbed off on me too."
"Oh? And here I thought I was the only writer here. Guess you've come to take out the competition, huh?"
In response to my tease, she quickly waved her arms around as she flusteredly sputtered out, "no, no! I wouldn't dream of it! Honest! It rubbed off on me, but that wasn't what I wanted to pursue with my life!"
"Easy, easy. I was only joking."
With a grateful exhale, she melted a little. "Oh thank goodness..."
Holding my own hand up, I uttered, "sorry for interrupting. Please continue."
"Oh yeah. Anyway, I tried to find new mediums for my new found talent for writing and that took me to the internet." Oh. Now how was this going to go? "So, after surfing the internet, I found a forum and well, it was a blogging site! I just started blogging whatever came to mind and I guess it evolved into the promotions that I do. I guess with the big and growing following, my soon-to-be promotions got noticed. Well, there was a shift to go in that direction."
So we might have gotten the Ultimate Blogger if things went a different way, huh? "What was the cause of the shift?"
"..." I was met with silence as Fumi stared down at her feet. "I...wasn't in a good place at the time and...I don't wanna talk about it."
"That's fine. I understand, sorry for bringing back bad memories."
"You didn't know," she mumbled out before slapping her face in that pumped up manner. "An...anyway, yeah! I shifted from everyday blogs to what got me my talent! Promotion. Sharing things I liked, like a little band, and you know what? They blew up!"
The work of promotion in play. I gave some subtle nods and hums to let her know I was still paying attention.
"Artists, singers, writers. I gave many people positive debuts on my blog and then on my cool new website made for my promotions! Everyone was asking me to promote their stuff on my site!" that big familiar smile she was known for was back on her face. "Music, videos, paintings, pictures and literature, screenplays and so much content! Even athletes too!"
"And you became an influential figure, sorta like the rest of us. Gained recognition and became an Ultimate." I finished the chat about our promoter's origins.
Though, from the sounds of it...
She was still holding some things back. Those distant looks were concerning.
Now that it was over, I was about to make my grand disappearance if it weren't for the sudden reminder of Fumi giving me a bunch of different, waiting looks.
Fumi soon leaned over to poke me. Repeatedly. "Now it's your turn. What's your story, Ultimate Ghost-Writer?"
"Compared to everyone else here, it's kinda lackluster," I looked down at my hand...could I even continue my writing career? Well, yeah. Obviously I can still write. It's still my dominant hand but typing is going to be a pain in the arse.
I'm already dreading it.
Oh right, story time. "Ah sorry, I was lost in thought. Anyways, I've always kinda enjoyed writing? I don't know what compelled me to continue, but it definitely caught the attention of Hope's Peak. I guess when I truly started to shine was writing a story for someone who couldn't. From there I guess it spiralled."
I was sorta ready to start sweating. Compared to what Fumi had shared with me, mine was a lot more vague and I had no reason as to why I made it like that. Come on, Suisei, stop being vague and tell her. What do you honestly have to hide?
But, Fumi just listened, and when I was done. "What kind of story was it?"
I was met with genuine curiosity.
"It was an adventure story," I must have had a smile on my face as she seemed to notice a change in my expression. "Imagine the idea of a child's telling of a big fun adventure, that what the first ghost written story I ever wrote was about...and...thinking back on it, the reason I liked it so much."
"Sounds like something very close to you," she beamed, "cherish it!"
"I do, I really do."
Leaning back, the green eyed promoter stretched. "You must have written a lot."
"Heh, only a lot? There were tons." We shared another laugh. "I am the Ultimate Ghostwriter, after all."
"That's true! That would mean you wrote tons similar to how I promoted tons. Who knows, maybe I promoted one of your works?"
I couldn't help but feel the smile on my face. "As I said, I've done a lot so you probably did."
"Name one!" Was that a challenge?
"Crownvetch."
She did a double take at that. "Damn, I really did! Hahaha! What a really small world this is!"
We shared a little laugh before entering a little game of 'did you promote this title?' and it was pretty fun, turns out she promoted a couple more of the books I wrote.
More than I expected.
It really was a small world.
"Really, I would not have expected you to write: As It Is, The Deadliest Game and Fool's Errand!" she looked over to me and asked, "um, if you don't mind me asking, were there any times you felt like you regretted being in the dark as you wrote for others? Will you go back when we get out of here?"
"After all this, I don't think I'd ever go back as a ghost writer right away, but...maybe. There were times where I resented the idea of just being the ghost writer. Maybe it's just the human desire for recognition or praise, but then there were times where I didn't care or was glad I was the ghost writer...it's conflicting to say the least."
"Sounds like it!"
"Yeah...actually, I don't think I'd have any regrets looking back on all the stories and books I did. Like that adventure story I told you about, the reason I became a ghostwriter. I think the feeling I got from that made me enjoy being a ghostwriter."
Her hand once again shot at me, this time to pat my head. "That's the spirit! From what I've learned, it's good to cherish the things you have!" I couldn't help but smile at that.
"Thank you, Fu." I gave her a bow after I stood. "That...was really nice. I think I really needed that."
Who knew actually talking about yourself for once lifted some weights off your shoulders.
"I'm glad to help, buddy!"
It was then that we said our goodbyes to one another as I was once again began to wander the halls.
As I left Fumi, it wasn't long before I saw the split singer Hudson walking the halls, looking a bit lost. He did follow someone who ran out of the room, after all.
"So how was he?" I asked while heading over, but Hudson shook his head.
"I don't know," he started, "I was only able to talk to him briefly, darling. I hate to admit it, but he gave me the slip."
"How so?"
Hudson pointed in the direction of the dorms. "He locked himself in his room and from what I've heard, he hasn't left it yet. He's still in there."
Hm. "With everything going on, I don't blame him." I put my last remaining hand in my pocket.
"Mhm," he nodded, "on my way back, I did see Akahana enter her room too and she also seemed to have locked herself up in there. She refused to even acknowledge any of us."
"Well, at least they'll be safe in there...I hope they'll get food." It'd be bad if they just stayed there twenty-four-seven.
"Ah, you don't have to be worried about that darling," Hudson gave me that famous wink of his. "I offered to help deliver food to them, but I think what they need is someone to cheer them up. Isabi, Fumi, Astin and myself will take care of that for the ones who need someone with them."
"Ah, Seno was talking about needing a cheer up yesterday." I nodded, "it's good that you guys are looking out for us."
A hand gripped my shoulder. "Of course darling," there was that teasing tone again. "If you ever need company, come get one of us. I've already told Seno and Akahana that. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go check with the others."
And with that, Hudson had left, leaving me alone. I guess it was time to move on.
Deciding to have a look at what the store might have in...store, I started heading towards my new goal for a little break. On my way there, I noticed that someone else was going in the same direction. "Renji." I greeted, giving a wave.
"Ah, Suisei. Morning, you heading outside too?" it was definitely different. Way too casual.
"No, but who are you and what have you done with Renji," I joked and thankfully, he seemed to crack a smile at that.
"Don't worry, I haven't been replaced by a spy! I swear!" he joked back, holding his hands up like he was caught red handed. "Just dropping the act."
That caught my attention. "Dropping the act?"
"Well, it's not really an act," he waved his hand around, "it's my business persona. It's what I slip into when I'm working at Eclipse."
Yep, the behemoth of the Japanese club industry from what I've learned. "So it's like a force of habit?" Luckily he explained, that was going to be incredibly suspicious otherwise.
"Yes! That's a good way to describe it. Ichiro always said I needed to take a break unless I ended up talking like that for good." he laughed, eyes drifting past me to the cafeteria we passed a while back. "Even when he devoted more time to the club than I did..."
I don't think I was supposed to hear that last bit.
"Ichiro? I don't recall that name." was that the firstborn or that bartender that taught him. "Bartender?"
"Ah, that will be my big brother. He's the one who's inheriting the club. The bartender who taught me is called Deiki. Just to avoid confusion."
Nodding, I decided to prod a little. "So the two of you are pretty devoted to the family business." It sounded clear as day.
The orange haired mixologist nodded, "yep...a bit too devoted." he shivered in place, as if reminded of something.
"Something the matter?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just remembered my training..." he gave me a smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Deiki really put me through the ringer when I was helping him out. Let's just say I had no idea what I was doing when I started...got yelled at a lot because of it..."
"You seemed really keen on helping..."
"I mean, I had to. Any way I possibly could..."
That look on his face, that shift in expression. Worry. "Hard times?"
"...yeah, I saw the financial report one day and...it was bleak," he explained as he stopped before the doors. "I wouldn't be as affected as much, but Ichiro would be in a real bad spot."
"I see," I nodded, "and that's how you started your journey on becoming the Ultimate Mixologist."
A large smile beamed on the oranged haired mixologist's face. "You bet! I improved so quickly that I got scouted here! Probably thanks to Deiki's harsh teachings...but hey, I traveled the world to improve my trade and now Eclipse should be doing better than before...I...I do hope I can travel the world once more..."
"Who knows, maybe you can wander the globe again when we get out of here?"
With a calm smile, Renji opened the front door. "I really hope so. There were so many great places to visit. There are still more places that I want to visit too. So hopefully when we get out of here, I can go to those places."
Maybe...we should plan on getting out of here? By any means necessary? Well, besides murder of course. Getting out of this place was definitely tempting.
I mean, there were no rules against climbing the walls...but there was that rule about having to remain on school property...so there goes that idea...
"You know, Suisei. Getting all that off my chest was...pretty good. Isabi and you have a lot in common in that regard. You both care a lot about us." there was that name again. Isabi. "Well, I'm gonna enjoy the air..."
"You plan on getting monocoins, aren't you..."
He only gave me the goofiest smile he could muster before I shooed him away. "Go on then, get your monocoins."
Giving me a quick salute, he made his way to the scrapyard that attached itself to our academy.
The arcade is bringing everyone in it seems.
So that was his work persona huh?
Maybe that gave him an edge in the acting lesson motive? If he could act like that beforehand, a simple and easy role like mourning a cockroach would be child's play.
Popping into the store, I had a look at what was on offer. As always, the cheap stuff was all stuff to murder with. Hm...let's see. We got knives, bricks, baseball bats, large spray canisters from the looks of it, bottles of beach and rat poison and well, I could go on.
Deciding on just what to do next after leaving the store, I heard something. "Laughter?"
Following the sound of the laughter, I eventually found the jokester. There, walking down the halls was...Seno.
He looked over to me, he was definitely laughing like he had just heard the funniest joke on the planet. He found it so funny that he was crying!
Tears ran down his face like waterfalls. Must have been a real funny joke to get this sarcastic internet personality to laugh this hard.
"Funny joke?" I asked him, putting my sole hand on my hip. "Or did you hit a funny bone?"
I shouldn't have said that.
He just burst into laughter even harder, though it looked like he was trying to stop himself. "Be careful with laughing that much." I offered, walking right on by the internet personality.
As I passed him, he seemed to continue walking to wherever it was he was going.
Well at least he was doing much better? I guess? Seeing him laugh that hard was a tad weird with how I usually see him (as the sarcastic guy), but hey, considering how down he was earlier and yesterday, I'm just glad he's doing okay.
It was a good sign to see in these trying times.
Sadly for me, someone pounced on my back...
"Hey, Sui!" the familiar tone of that cheeky witch tickled my ears.
"Hello, Fox..."
I knew how this was going to go. But, how much did I really know about Fox? I set out on this journey today to learn more about the people around me.
Fox was one of the most mysterious here that I had no idea who they were. So I might as well go with it. Potions be damned.
"Actually, good timing Fox," I began as I felt him no longer on my back. He almost took me down if it weren't for my newly honed anti-Fox skills. "I wanna talk with...you...?"
When I turned around, Fox had already put distance between him and myself. A worried look was on his face as his witch's hat acted like some sort of shield.
"Sui...are you sick? Do you need to go back to the infirmary? Fox will make you a potion! It'll be okay!"
"...I'm not sick..."
The chemist's ruby red eyes were filled with concern as his black, fingerless gloved hands dove into the pockets of his white lab coat.
"I'm serious, Fox."
"...really? You're not pulling a prank on Fox?"
"No."
Slowly but surely, the witch managed to close the distance between us. Still a little wary from my behaviour. "Fox finds this suspicious."
"Fine, fine. If you don't want to hang out, I'll leave."
He quickly waved his hands (and hat) around. "No, no. Fox is just saying how weird it is for Fox. Fox does want to know why the sudden change."
"Well, I wanted to learn more about you." I put my hand in my pocket, wondering just how much this mischievous witch would tell me. Perhaps nothing.
As I watched him put his witch's hat back on, the small little witch did something I should have expected. "Will Fox get a potion tester?"
Agh. "Sure." Not like they've been killing me.
So why not?
"Then let's go to Fox's room!" I was soon dragged by my own remaining wrist, having it snatched out of my pocket, to the Fox's den.
Entering the familiar room with the giant witch's cauldron, I spied the familiar books I saw and while he went to check on some test tubes filled with assortments of liquid, I had a look once more.
I couldn't quite see that 'spellbook' of his again, but I took a closer look at the others. I never noticed this before but they clashed with one another.
On one side, the shelves were filled with books of science. Chemistry, history about famous scientists, etc. The other side was filled with fairy tales, alchemy, books on magic and witches and so on. As well as a few magic trick books.
In the middle though, was Frakenstein...the Modern Prometheus.
Huh.
"Okay! Fox is ready! The potions are doing well!" he smirked that cheeky smirk of his. Real fox-like. "Fox even added strawberry flavouring! Just for you!"
Uh... "Thanks?" I guess?
As he took a dive and crashed onto the bed, those large ruby eyes stared up at me. "So you wanna learn about the super amazing, miraculous, cool and charming Fox?"
"Yeah. Pretty much."
"There's not much to say, Fox reckons." he hummed, legs waving in the air for a bit.
"That doesn't bother me, just say what you're comfortable with sharing." I took a seat on the bed next to him, eyeing the 'potions' that I would be downing like shots. "A witch that's a chemist is quite a story to learn about."
He pouted at me suddenly, "Fox doesn't think you're very subtle..."
I gave him a shrug.
"However...since Suisei will be testing Fox's potions, Fox shall shed some light on Fox's journey." Now sitting up, Fox was no longer kicking the air, but now they kicked off the side of the bed.
But, I was more curious about the story. I would be learning about Fox for I think, the first time? I can't remember, so much happened with all the murders that everything I can remember were mainly the murders.
"Fox was amazing and skilled, that's how Fox came to Hope's Peak!" a large grin popped on his face. I should have known. Should have seen this coming. "Now let's test poti-"
I quickly grabbed and pulled him back to the bed. "You're not getting out of it that easily," I huffed, "not when I'm downing your potions."
"Fine, fine. Fox understands..."
Cheeky.
"Fox knows it's thanks to Fox's parents that Fox learned about science," the little witch began, eyes looking up to the ceiling as the two added button eyes on the witch's hat seemed to mimic. "Fox's dad gave Fox a lot of books and taught Fox the basics."
As he said this, I noted the many science and chemistry books. Plus the Mary Shelley book that sat right over there. "Did he give you the Frankenstein book too?"
"Mhm! Fox thinks mad scientists are cool!"
"...so that's why you seem like a mad scientist..." it was all making sense now. But from the sounds of it, was his father a chemist too? "So what about those fairy tale books? And magic books too?"
"Fox's mum gave Fox those books. Fox's mum even read them to Fox when Fox was young." a large smile appeared within seconds of Fox talking about those books. "Have you read them? Magic and potions, so many wondrous things yet untapped possibilities and potential! It's amazing!"
Now he was jumping on his own bed.
"It definitely seems like a clash," I added, trying my best to ignore said jumping. "Science and magic? Don't really mesh well."
"Fox thinks many people think that. Fox thinks that magic and science are one in the same, just different approaches." Well from what I've known about you, it seems that you favour magic more. "Fox's potions are a result of both. The perfect blend of science and magic!"
"So you became a chemist?"
Crossing his arms, Fox responded in a loud and monotone fashion. "Wrong!"
"Eh?"
"Fox isn't a full chemist yet!" at least he stopped his jumping, but what? "Fox has yet to decide to be a chemist or a magician! Fox's journey is to help Fox come to that fateful decision of Fox's career!"
I blinked, looking up and down at Fox. His attire did speak for itself. Having those dashes of science (albeit a mad scientist) theme and that of a magical witch with the belt and the robe underneath the lab coat and of course, his iconic hat.
He truly was in the middle.
"Fox worked very, very hard to the point of being scouted, you know." he then looked down at his own fingers, a bored look appeared on his face. "Fox was actually going to deny the invitation."
"You were?"
"Mhm. Fox thinks Hope's Peak is a waste of time. Fox's parents on the other hand thought it was good to improve Fox's latent talent and figure out Fox's goals. So Fox eventually accepted."
I looked back to my left arm.
Or what was left of it.
And I gripped where my arm once was.
"Accepting that invitation...you were right to be doubtful. We got stuck in this mess because of it."
A laugh soon came from the mad scientist that plopped right down next to me, leaning forward to get a closer look at my turned away face. The laugh certainly got me to turn back around.
"That may be the case, but Fox doesn't actually regret the initial invitation now."
Huh?
"Because of that invitation, Fox got to meet a good handful of potion testers." He gave me the biggest thumbs up he could, followed by a wink. "Even in the face of danger, Fox doesn't mind having met people like you, Suisei."
"That's one way to look at our situation," I mumbled out, as it became clear that the story was now over. "I...guess it's time to down those vials."
"Oh!" Fox sprang to his feet. "Fox almost forgot about them! Thank you, Sui!"
...
Me and my big mouth...
After downing multiple shots like I was trying to erase all my memories and the funny feelings that gave me, I was finally done with Fox's many, many potion tests.
He did tell the truth.
Many of them did have that strawberry flavour.
But now it was time to be on my way, but first, there was something on my mind.
"So why do you load me up with so many potions?" I had a feeling I was the only one who got this potion treatment.
Fox just giggled, making an x-shaped cross with his fingers over his mouth. "That's for another time, Suisei~."
Of course it was...
As Fox and I walked out of his dorm room, it was mostly to send me on my way to whatever or wherever I was going. I had no real idea, the only thing I knew was that I was planning on wasting time with someone else.
Hopefully learning more about them too.
Maybe I should see Anju? Isabi? Maybe Kyogen? Akahana needed time to herself and I was sure that Yozora immediately went back to her dorm to sleep. I might try Yozora or Akahana again. That or Anju.
Well, whatever. I'll figure out how and who to spend my free time with later. I guess some personal time can also be good. Actually, that sounds nice.
Yeah. I'll get some ME time!
"Fox says to stay safe with your arm, Sui~!" Fox sang in that cheerful tone of his.
"Of course I'll be careful."
Though as I turned around, I noticed a door slightly open a bit down the way. "Seems Astin's in his room today."
"Oh?" Fox peered over my shoulder and I could just feel the foxy grin grow on his face. This little witch, I swear. "Let's go say hello! Fox has a few ideas-"
"You're not doing any pranks, Fox."
He just stuck his tongue at me. "Fox does what Fox wants."
"Sure, sure. Anyways, I'll see you later." I gave him a wave before heading over towards Astin's door.
As I saw, it was open a little bit. Man Astin, you gotta close these doors. Well, I was here, might as well say hello.
Walking into Astin's room, pushing the door open, I let myself known to the inhabitant. "Morning, Astin. Sorry for the intrusion."
I looked into the room, it was pretty standard. Having all the features we had, though I noticed Astin's walls were lined with stuff that fitted the teen idol. There was even a small wall of what seemed to be either fan letters or thank you letters. Honestly both could be applicable.
But I didn't have much time as I looked around the room. "Did he leave the door unlocked?" I wondered aloud, walking around the side of the bed. "...Astin?" I called out again. Maybe he's not here-
No.
Laying on the ground, hidden from view of the doorway was Astin, laying on the ground. I quickly ran down as I shook him awake. He must have fallen off the bed.
"Hey, Astin. Wake up."
No.
He wasn't waking up.
No.
"Astin? This ain't funny." I shook him again. He wasn't moving. My hand couldn't feel anything on his neck. He wasn't breathing! No heartbeat.
DING DONG BING BONG
No. No. NO!
The familiar melody of the announcement felt like it boomed through the room. As the haunting tone echoed through my soul.
"A body has been discovered."