ACT I: THE TITANS, THE BEAR AND THE FORTRESS OF DESPAIR

Chapter 7: Trial (part 2)

Day 5

Tartarus Keep

12:30

Trial Ground

"We have already proven Minako's innocence," Amelda noted. "If her accounts are correct, I think it's safe to say that Akihiko died where he lies right now."

"That does make sense," Yume concurred. "I guess."

"We can infer that Akihiko was ambushed by the killer in the main hall where he met his ultimate demise," said Hokuto.

Rin was skeptical. "But that doesn't explain why he chose to go back to his room after Night-time is in effect. Barring Inu who was desperate, and Minako and Hokuto for obvious reasons, I doubt anyone in their right mind would think traveling in utter darkness with but a glimmer of light is a good idea, Mutual Killing Game or not. Surely someone as intelligent and organized as Akihiko is would not have made such a mistake."

"There is truth in that," said Kazuki.

"Unless something was keeping him," Eliza deduced. "Something he was putting his heart into that made him forget about the concept of time. Something he was saving for someone very special to him. And I know just what it is."

Eliza used Truth Bullet #12: Bouquet of flowers.

(With help from a pair of gardening gloves, Amelda brought the bouquet of flowers to the front. Aside from the Electronic-IDs, this was the only physical evidence brought into the courtroom. The Ultimate Herbalist stifled a sob seeing the bouquet.)

"This is what Akihiko was working on right before his death," said Amelda. "A present for Minako. And I must say, that's quite an effort he'd put into."

"I didn't know he had such talent," said Inu.

"Not talent," Fitzgerald corrected. "If you look closely, you will find it is flawed. But who am I to criticize someone for creating something I could not do myself? What I am saying is, what Kazuhiko lacked in skills, he made up with long hours of research."

"Sounds f-f-fitting for the Ultimate Librarian," said Tatsuya.

"It doesn't have to be perfect," said Inori. "It's lovely as it is."

"Quite remarkable for a first attempt," Hijiri added, not sure if anyone wanted to listen to her.

"Now that is a gentleman gesture," El Viento smiled sadly. "Too bad it didn't work out well for either of them."

Eliza scoffed, unconvinced. "Huh. It's always the dumbass selfless folks who die first. This is a fish-eat-fish world; someone has to take the fall so that others can rise, for we can't all be on top. Seriously, what's the point of showing so much care for others if you can't even protect yourself first?"

"Love works in strange ways," said Fitzgerald, out of all people. "You might see it eventually."

"Then you have seen?" Eliza asked dismissively. "Tsk. I don't believe you could ever find love in anyone."

"Not myself," Fitzgerald replied, still wearing that shit-eating grin as usual. "However, I can deduce that from observation alone."

"All the more reason why Minako could not have been the killer," said Ashley. "Those two were dating each other. Isn't that right, Minako?"

"Kazuhiko-kun…," Minako murmured. "I was so depressed last night. When he tried to comfort me, I did not return as I should have. Oh dear, how could I be so selfish? Mother Earth taught me to give more than I take, but in the state of my mind last night,…I totally fumbled."

"Wait, Minako," Ashley cried out.

(The entire class was speechless as the Ultimate Herbalist suddenly fell to her knees weeping. Only Monokuma, sitting high and above like a mighty overlord he was, enjoyed the drama.)

"It was all my fault," Minako whimpered. "I am a horrible person. Akihiko made that present for me and died as a result. If I did not exist, he would still be alive. I am the one who killed him."

"Ah, the many dangers of falling in love," taunted Monokuma. "Just thinking about them is making me all sweaty and shit, and I'm a mechanical bear, for God's sake."

"This is getting nowhere," said Kai. "Can someone do anything about it?"

"Minako, please get up," implored Inori. "It's tragic, but we must mourn him later when we have the time."

"We barely know each other for a couple of days and you guys got all cozy with one another," said Hokuto. "I wonder how we will start to react when we get to know and bond with each other more."

"This is a courtroom and there are fourteen other equally upset people here," said Kazuki. "You need to stop acting like that, Minako."

"I fully sanction such behaviors," said Monokuma.

"W-w-what?" Tatsuya shrilled. "Are you trying to d-d-derail this trial?"

"Enough with your foul influence, Monokuma," Yume shouted.

"You need to get over it, Minako," El Viento urged. "Or are you letting the murder escape justice and Akihiko's martyrdom be in vain?"

(At this point, Ashley flew into action and embraced Minako, shielding her from the rest.)

"You guys are a bunch of meanies," Ashley spat. "Can't you see what's she's going through? Have you no heart?"

"Have you no brain?" Eliza retorted. "Unless the trial progresses, we will all be punished by Monokuma."

"We are at an impasse," said Inu, desperate. "How are we getting through this?"

(Amelda stepped towards the wailing Minako. Ashley tried to stop him but was coldly shoved back. Amelda seized Minako by the shoulders tightly and looked her directly in the eyes.)

"You've gotten to move on, Minako," Amelda pleaded. "Even Mother Earth cannot weep for all her children."

Minako held back her tears at the mentioning of her deity. "Mason-kun..."

Amelda said to her calmly, "I understand how you feel. It's easy to imagine what could you have done to alter the outcome of something that has already happened, but that is where the folly lies. Bad things sometimes do happen and it's not like there is anything you could do about it at the very moment where it takes place. Until time travel becomes a thing, that is a fact we have to accept."

(The Ultimate Herbalist looked at the Ultimate Accountant for a moment, surprised by the sentimental statement. She then glanced at the faces of other classmates which ranged from pity to confusion to annoyance. Wiping the tears on her face, Minako stood up.)

Minako sighed as she wiped the tears from her face, her hair still messy. "You're right. I-I shouldn't. Everyone…. I'm sorry I have to be such a bother to you all."

"Don't worry, Minako," said Ashley encouragingly. "I'll be here for you. We'll all be."

"Amelda and Ashley are right," Kai agreed. "You can't ruin yourself like that. Every one of us has our own moments of weakness where we feel like the world is turning upon us, but together we can overcome them. You should believe in that."

"That's right," said Yume. "With self-confidence, friendship, and magic, we can get through anything."

"It would be Akihiko's wish that you be happy, regardless of whether he is here or not," El Viento added. "So honor it by behaving yourself."

"You can't blame yourself like that, Minako," said Rin. "It's not like you actively conspired with the killer to murder him or anything like that. You are just a victim of circumstance."

"I am afraid we are all v-v-v-victims of circumstance here," Tatsuya stated. "Akihiko, the killer, the rest of us, all in this twisted game against our will."

"Right you are!" boomed Monokuma.

"Shut up, you shit-eating bear!" Hokuto barked.

"Good job, Amelda," Fitzgerald complimented. "You talked her down. Mentioning her religion was an excellent play. And combining a tough approach with genuine sentiment. I am impressed."

"You can shut up as well," Amelda hissed. "Please don't overcomplicate."

"Speaking of moving on," Eliza began, "can we please resume the trial? All of this soap opera is making me hungry."

"So that's it, right?" Yume asked, continuing where we left off. "Akihiko was busy making that bouquet of flowers that he didn't notice the time. This caused him to enter the main hall when it was in total darkness, ultimately leading to his death."

"Shouldn't he have planned that as well?" asked Inori.

"I agree with Inori," said Amelda. "If it was as simple as what Yume had said, I would not have brought all these flowers into the courtroom nor worn these gloves when handling them. I believe there is something else to be investigated regarding the bouquet. It could give us the evidence we need as to why Akihiko was held back."

Minako raised. "Please let me have a go at it. It's the least I could do."

"Finally you decided to be useful," said Kazuki.

"Every head matters," Rin pointed out. "Sooner or later, all of us will have to contribute. I won't allow anyone to free-ride."

"The present is meant for you," said Hokuto. "Go ahead."

(Minako examined the bouquet after Amelda handed her the gloves. She treated each flower with delicacy, carefully checking every spot without causing any hard to the petals or the stems.)

Minako's face darkened. "This is quite disturbing."

"What is it?" asked Rin.

"I don't recognize some of these species," Minako explained. "I understand knowledge has its limit, and I have never been to Egypt before. However, I believe it's unnatural that this particular type of flower even exists on the surface of the earth, unless in an extremely difficult condition, or a controlled on. Inu, you are the expert in chemicals, right?"

Inu nodded. "Yes. Do you, uh, need my help?"

"Can you lend me a hand?" asked Minako. "I'm not particularly adept in this."

"Sure," Inu beamed. "Glad I can help. Sorry for earlier."

(After a few moments of examining using his test tubes and other chemicals, the Ultimate Chemist came up with the conclusion.)

Brainstorming.

What was wrong with the bouquet?

A. It contained flowers not from Egypt.

B. Some flowers are poisonous.

C. Some flowers have the face of Monokuma on them. Absolutely creepy.

D. These flowers are actually fake.

"I have the formula right this time."

"The chemical emitted by this flower right here is quite dangerous," said Inu. "If entering the body through breathing in, it can cause loss of vision and memory. The effect is immediate. The toxin has no smell and could not be distinguished without a chemistry kit. But there is a problem with that."

"And that is?" Hokuto pressed.

"As far as I know, this toxin can only be created in limited amounts and only in laboratories," said Inu. "Yet, that a plant can naturally produce it. I am not an expert in botany, but, if anything, I would consider it... quite a dangerous plant."

"Then perhaps Mother Earth isn't as merciful as Minako makes her out to be," said Eliza. "She's a predator. Now you see how cruel nature is?"

"Piket-chan, please refrain from making such ill comments about Mother Earth," Minako admonished. "Plants don't have legs to run or wings to fly, so naturally, they must rely on alternatives as self-defense."

Eliza scorned. "Then I guess Akihiko was pretty threatening to them."

"I am not even sure if this species even exist," Minako went on. "I have never seen nor heard of it. If the toxin is that powerful, then the medical implication should be equally vast."

"I fear that is not the case," said Inu timidly. "If this kind of plant is to be popularised, it would be best used…."

"As a weapon?" El Viento suggested. "Is that what you are trying to say?"

Inu nodded. "Yes…."

"Goodness," Yume exclaimed. "Then how did that end up in there?"

"That's because it's one of my home-grown," Monokuma chimed in, as unexpected and unwelcomed as always. "Isn't it amazing? Its beauty rivaled only by its deadliness. I used to like flowers. They are pretty and they smell nice. But then I grew bored. They are pretty and they smell nice but they don't do anything. So I injected them with some specially made despair enzyme to see what kind of horrifying terrors I could make out of them, how much suffering to humans and others I could make them cause. Some were failures, some were meh, and some, such as the one you saw, worked maaaaaarvelously."

Rin scowled. "Is there no end to your evil?"

"You have not figured that out yet, Yamamoto?" asked Fitzgerald rhetorically.

"Not even the leaders of North Korea are as insane as this bear," Amelda mused, "nor are they that creative."

"Stop this, Monokuma," Minako implored. "This sickening experiment must end. The children of Mother Earth do not deserve to be enslaved and twisted for evil purposes like that.

"Just like we are right now?" Eliza chided. "Why don't you worry about yourself first before others?"

"Maybe you should stay away from the botanical garden from now on, Minako," Inori advised. "Who knows what twisted creations that bear has in store there."

"In fact, we should all be more cautious anywhere anytime," noted Rin.

El Viento grimaced. "This entire place reeks of pure evil."

"What about the food?" asked Yume. "Have they been tampered with?"

"No, they're fine," replied Monokuma.

"Thank God for that," Eliza sighed in relief.

"So now we know the toxin is what kept him back," said Kazuki. "Since we all just know this right now, and Inu said it was impossible to tell without proper tools, this is….all a coincidence?"

"I concur," said Amelda. "It is likely that the killer had not planned this. But they were prepared to kill anyway, and Akihiko just happened to present himself as the vulnerable prey."

"I think this discovery also sheds some light on another mystery we are currently debating," Inori commented.

Brainstorming.

What does the poisonous flower further explain?

A. Akihiko shades' absence.

B. Akihiko's cause of death.

C. Monokuma is Poison Ivy's one true love.

D. All of us are infected. We're all going to die!

"One more thing I am able to accomplish before my time ends."

"I think we can now take a guess as to why Akihiko was without his shades, thus vulnerable to the killer," said Inori.

"Ah, I see," remarked Yume. "Akihiko, under the effect of the toxin, put down his shades for better vision."

"And threw away his only source of protection against the killer," Hokuto continued.

"That's probably the gist of it," said Fitzgerald.

"The killer didn't need to forcibly r-r-remove the shades to commit the deed," said Tatsuya. "Akihiko did it h-h-himself unknowingly."

"Still, how did they do it?" asked El Viento "What method did they employ to complete this foul act?"

Non-stop debate.

"The murder took place inside the main hall," said Amelda. "There isn't any place to hide, but darkness should already provide enough cover for the killer to carry out their plan. But the question remains, how did the killer do it? There was no sign of resistance or anything."

"Could they have instantly overwhelmed and killed him quickly before he had the chance?" suggested Yume.

"Akihiko is quite a tough guy," said El Viento. "I held him myself, so I know. He's not going to go down without a fight."

"But the killer has the element of s-s-s-s-surprise," said Tatsuya.

"And Akihiko himself was already worn down by the effect of the toxin," Kazuki added.

"The toxin only lowers the ability to see and remember," Inu refuted. "It does not weaken the body. If forced to fight, Akihiko would not be hindered much."

"Unless the killer is so powerful that Akihiko could stand no chance against them," said Eliza. "And I know just that person who could be."

"I do have the capacity to do so," El Viento admitted. "However, I have no such willingness to take the life of a friend. Besides, I wouldn't stoop so low as to kill someone without officially challenging them to a death match."

"Perhaps it was a sneak attack," said Ashley. "The killer made one single move to kill Akihiko and it worked out before he realized what was going on?"

"The wound is too precise," said Fitzgerald. "The flashlight is weak, but you can still see about five meters with it. If someone is rushing at you from such distance, you would be able to react, and all the perfect aiming at the right spot would come to waste. The only way the killer could have avoided resistance was to strike out from a safe distance."

"That statement is true and fair."

Amelda used Truth Bullet #3: Killer's approach.

"For now, I think it is safe to say that the killer used an unconventional approach that did not require bodily contact," said Amelda. "There is no other explanation as to why there is no sign of a struggle otherwise."

"How so?" asked Kazuki. "Do they have a gun or something?"

(Kazuki's question grimly reminded me of what was probably inside Fitzgerald's coat right now and the six bullets I left behind in my room.)

"That is something we need to find out," said Amelda, maintaining is cool demeanor. "But I still stand by my claim."

"Which brings us to the murder weapon, the needles," said Rin. "I would like to know who has been using them."

Rin used Truth Bullet #6: Discarded injectors.

"Aside from Hijiri, who has already confessed, anyone else?" asked Fitzgerald blankly.

Inori came forward. "I have. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier. My sickness has been tormenting me, and so I had to…."

"We all understand, Inori," Kazuki stopped her. "You did what you had to. We cannot judge you for it."

"Unlike Inu over here," said Eliza.

"I'm sorry!" Inu shrieked.

"Just let it go," Amelda demanded. "Stop blaming him. And Inu, stop blaming yourself."

(There was a moment of silence among the group.)

"I used one of them," Inu confessed. "I wanted to test a new drug on myself. Anti-depressant."

"Anyone else?" asked Rin. "This is your last chance to come clean. Don't make me come to you."

"Don't intimidate," Amelda refuted.

"What?" Rin replied sourly. "Don't deny it isn't effective."

"All the more reason to cut the crap out," Amelda insisted. "We are already frightened enough with the whole Mutual Killing Game thing without you scaring the ever-living shit out of us. One little push from you and someone might lose it for real."

(Some eyes were diverted towards the Kai who appeared paler than usual despite only a couple of days having passed since Monokuma announced the first motivation. With her feet already cold and dirty from the lack of footwear, the Ultimate Ballerina was agitated at this unspoken accusation.)

"I did not," Kai voiced out, undignified. "Ballerina is hard, but I am against drug abuse in all forms. It's never the right way. Short-term benefits can never justify long-term dilapidation. I have... other reasons for my less than presentable appearance."

"That's it for now," said Hokuto. "Should we raise any suspicion about those two?"

Amelda shook his head. "We're not getting the information we need here. It doesn't matter who admits using injectors on themselves and who don't. There are plenty of them out there and you don't need a prescription to plunder the storage for anything. The killer should have no problem getting hold of one."

"Coming back to the previous d-d-discussion about the killer's approach," said Tatsuya. "Now that we are certain they used a needle for this crime, the question is h-h-how."

"I think I have just the answer for you," El Viento stated with confidence.

"Your?" Eliza sneered. "Out of all people…"

"Do not underestimate me," El Viento proclaimed. "It takes a strong brain to drive all of these muscles, you know. Now, I shall expose the killer within our rank and let their misdeed be known by everyone."

Theory crafting.

"I will have to disagree with Amelda and Fitzgerald. The killer did not conceal themselves in the shadow when the crime occurred. No, in committing such a devious act, they lacked even the courage to come face to face with the person they were killing. In other words, they were absent from the crime scene the whole time.'

It was all an elaborate trap. As soon as Eliza and Tatsuya exited the main hall, the killer sprang into action from their hiding place within the storage. The exact details and specifications of this trap, none can understand other than the vile killer themselves, but I can tell you with certainty it was elaborate, tailor-made, and right there in the main hall. Once Akihiko entered, the killer revealed their present and, with honeycombed words, lured him right into the trap they had so carefully laid. Blindly, Akihiko tripped on it, triggering his doom."

"I can see where this is going," Amelda muttered, disappointed.

Eliza, on the other hand, was amazed. "Such articulate reasoning. Coming from a mountain of muscles. Has the world turned upside down? Do I have to wear shoes on my head from now on?"

"This person is driven to commit this crime not only for the protection of their loved ones, nor the need to get out of this hellhole. They are driven by jealousy. Unhappy with Akihiko's flirting around Minako, they decided to strike, less their love interest is taken away from them.

And with that, I, the Great El Viento, shall come to the conclusion: the murderer of Akihiko Kazuhiko is none other than Ashley Wiltarrow the Ultimate Pranking Queen."

Ashley was appalled by the conviction. "What?! I would never have done that. My pranks are for jokes, not harm."

"It's about time we all got over with fairy tales."

Amelda used Truth bullet #4: Akihiko's shades.

Amelda used Truth bullet #7: Monokuma's rules.

"Wait, two Truth bullets were used?" asked Yume, confused. "And haven't we already used them?"

Fitzgerald shrugged. "I don't see the problem. It's not like there is a limit on their usage."

"Oh, right," Yume realized.

"Though I am not the one who likes to stand up for practical jokers, we must exercise utmost prudence before condemning someone," said Amelda. "All of our lives are at stake. We can't allow even the slightest mistake to happen."

"That's right," agreed Kai.

Eliza was less than impressed. "Spoken like a true accountant."

"So my theory is incorrect?" El Viento asked, her fervor mostly gone. "I thought her behaviors so far after Akihiko's death was the most suspicious."

"See? I told you so," Ashley argued.

"Converting suspicion into conclusion requires solid evidence," said Amelda. "And that is something we lack against Ashley at the moment. Monokuma's rules specifically say that only the blackened will get to escape, while the rest are executed. If Ashley were to kill Akihiko out of jealousy, that would have put them in a position where one of them is going to die."

"Yes," El Viento conceded. "I almost forgot about that."

"You almost forgot?" asked Kazuki, annoyed. "We just brought that up right at the beginning of the trial."

"Let's not be too hard on each other," Inori soothed.

"Nevertheless, I do not deny El Viento's scenario making some sense," said Hokuto. "For example, it would explain how the attack would have been so precise and the lack of physical involvement. Perhaps Ashley did it for other purposes."

"Oh, come on," Ashley refuted. "As if I would ever put my beloved Minako in harm's way."

"Wiltarow-chan…," Minako mumbled.

"But here is the flaw in that theory," said Amelda assertively. "If Akihiko taking off his shades is unexpected to the killer, how could Ashley have set up a trap that specifically targets his eye? Ashley had to set up the trap in advance and made preparations even before that, and each of us has a different body profile. If she were to commit the murder, she would have taken it into account."

"I see," said Fitzgerald. "It would have been idiotic of Ashley to set up a trap specifically for Akihiko, only to target the one part in his body that is not vulnerable, at least under normal circumstances."

"So b-b-booby traps are out of the question then?" asked Tatsuya.

"I guess so," replied Kai. "For all their preparation, the amount of uncertainty involved in committing this murder rules out any approach other than a direct one."

"I have made a terrible mistake," El Viento uttered. "My honor is sullied. You have my deepest, most sincere apology, Ashley. Please forgive my imprudence!"

"Okay," Ashley sashayed. "Sheez, stop making a big fuss about it. I'm just glad you guys trust me now."

"Trust is a long way to go for you," Eliza countered.

"Don't be so sure," Amelda added. "Pranksters belong in the same place as anyone who plays Slark and Riki: in hell. That much is written in the Torah."

"Which chapter and verse?" Ashley retorted.

"Why don't you read the whole thing to find out?" Amelda challenged. "I'm no rabbi."

"Just because traps were not used doesn't mean you didn't get down with your hands dirty, Ashley," continued Rin. "You are as still as much a suspect as everyone here."

Ashley scoffed. "Thanks for nothing."

Non-stop debate.

Yume began."Let's discuss more on the killer's approach. I fear there is something amidst here. If the killer did not even get close to Akihiko, then how were they supposed to navigate? Both the main hall and the storage should be as dark as ink during Night-time."

"Couldn't they have used the flashlight from the Electronic-ID?" Rin suggested.

"That's highly unlikely," said Fitsgerald. "That would likely have given away their position. If Akihiko had seen someone in the main hall during Night-time, there is no doubt we would have been more cautious."

"And what about you?" Amelda asked. "You were there, weren't you?"

"I was," replied Fitzgerald. "But I didn't encounter him. He must have been already dead at that point."

"Maybe the l-l-light from Akihiko's portable device was their beacon," said Tatsuya.

"Maybe, but not likely," said Hokuto. "It's dim as hell. I did some checks on it and not even someone who has experience navigating through underground tunnels using only matches could make out much in total darkness.

"Perhaps the effect of the toxin prevented him from seeing," Inori advised.

"The killer could not have known about Akihiko's contact with the toxin," Amelda rejected. "Akihiko made a mistake out of his own impulse. Even if the killer knows he has been in contact with those flowers, it wouldn't have been clear from the beginning what effect they would have on him. When they were devising their plan, it was not a staggering half-blinded man they were targeting."

"Maybe they have some sort of equipment," said Eliza.

"Or maybe they possess the eyes of the devil, allowing them to navigate through the dark with ease just as they guided the fallen pilgrims in the depth of hell," El Viento exclaimed.

Tatsuya used Truth Bullet #10: Night vision goggles.

"I agree with that."

"Huh?" Amelda mumbled.

"Ehhh," Hokuto groaned lightly.

"That's it?" asked El Viento, disappointed.

Tatsuya panicked. "W-w-w-what? What is it?"

"Boooooring," Monokuma booed loudly. "You didn't even come up with a catchy catchphrase."

"This is one of the very very VERY few times where I can agree with Monokuma," Hokuto admitted. "I hope it is also the last."

"Ughhhhhh," Eliza moaned as she palmed herself in the face. "This is a trial, for God's sake. Just because Monokuma said this was a game show doesn't mean you should be acting like we are in one."

"Never a fan of trials anyway," said Rin. "Much less one headed by a stuffed animal."

Fitzgerald sniggered. "A little culture wouldn't hurt."

"I like so far," said Yume.

"I think it's a great idea," said Inori. "It helps… lighten up the mood. I don't want to see all of us so gloomy all the time throughout this trial."

"In the Hunger Games, becoming the audience's favorite helps Katniss a lot," Amelda pointed out. "Perhaps the same can be said about our circumstances."

"Fuck this shit," Eliza swore, exasperated. "Let's just get over with this trial. I'm losing brain cells just by being close to all of you dumbasses."

"Please proceed, Tatsuya," said Fitzgerald.

"Oh, right." Tatsuya collected himself. "I will try not to e-e-embarrass myself next time. You can c-c-count on me. As for the evidence, yes, the killer did have something that allowed them to navigate through the dark. And that is the pair of night vision goggles we've found in the s-s-storage."

"Are you sure it was used?" asked Rin.

"I have a very good reason to suggest it was," Hokuto confirmed. "Already told it to Amelda and Tatsuya here."

Amelda nodded. "He's right The night vision goggle was definitely the killer's means of traveling in the dark. The fact they were hiding in the storage to prepare consolidates this claim."

"But then why isn't the door usage registry showing any record of the warehouse being opened during that time?" asked Kazuki. "Surely the killer must have returned to the storage to hide their goggles after they commit the murder."

"Just leave it to me," Ashley proclaimed.

Brainstorming.

How did the killer open the storage door without triggering the registry?

A. They phased through the wall.

B. They hacked the system.

C. A hidden entrance was used.

D. The door was not closed, to begin with.

"I won't be on the receiving end of any joke."

"Do my round and short ears deceive me?" Monokuma spurted. "You, out of all people, are contributing to the trial? Or is it some sort of trick you are playing?"

"This is an interesting turn of event," Amelda noted. "But you are still going to hell."

"Oh come on," Ashley barked back. "I just saved your ass and you still hold a grudge against me?"

"I honestly didn't see that one coming," said Kazuki.

"Hey!" Ashley scoffed. "What's with the discrediting? Why so judgy?"

"This is a trial," Fitzgerald replied plainly. "We are all supposed to judge and be judged here, not just Monokuma."

"For all the wrong reasons, mind you," said El Viento. "I know I am a person with some prejudice. However, I would like to hear her words. A jester she might me, it was unwise of me to condemn her earlier. Please, carry on.

Ashley gave everyone a pouty look. "I don't know if I should be flattered or not, but here it is. The reason the registry didn't record was that the door to the warehouse was never fully closed in the first place. It's the oldest trick in the book to snuggle things into places where entry from one side requires a key or a password and the other side can open at will. All the killer needed to do was putting something in the way so that the door wouldn't shut, keeping it barely open just enough without raising suspicion from Tatsuya and Eliza as they went by."

"That is quite logical," Eliza approved. "From my observation, it seems that is the way the doors work. And while I don't like admitting my flaws (because I have very few), I think you are right that I wasn't paying attention to oddities for no reason and forgot to bring it up."

"The fault is for b-b-both of us," Tatsuya corrected.

"That was excellent, Wiltarow-chan," Minako praised.

"Of course," Ashley grinned. "I am a master when it comes to small details."

"We are discussing a lot here, but where are we heading to" Kai commented. "How about we make this a bit more simple and narrow down the list of suspects?"

"That would be a wise idea, no matter how much I hate to accuse someone close to me," said Yume. "There are fifteen of us here. If we can't pinpoint the killer, then perhaps a lucky guess is more likely if there are fewer options to choose from."

"Kaneshiro was too busy stabbing Mason and Mason was too occupied with strangling her last night to be also involved in the murder of Akihiko," said Fitzgerald quickly. "I'd say they are out."

"That's rather too specific," said Amelda, nervously touching his injured hand.

"If the killer has been hiding in the warehouse before the murder, then Eliza and Tatsuya are probably off the hook," Kai added. "That and the fact they were together."

"Minako too," said Yume. "She was in the botanical garden and could not have used anything as a light source."

"And Inu?" asked Amelda.

"Not yet," said Rin. "We can't know for sure if he had done anything other than fetching some snacks last night."

"Then perhaps we should debate on the last piece of available evidence: the mortal wound itself," Fitzgerald proposed. "There is something that bothers me, the lack of blood."

Fitzgerald used Truth Bullet #1: The eye wound.

"Haven't we already concluded how it happened?" asked Kai. "The weapon is a needle, after all."

"What killed Akihiko was not blood loss, but brain damage directly from the needle puncturing it," Inori mused.

"Please, allow me to explain," said Fitzgerald.

Logic dive.

It made sense for the needles to be used as the murder weapon from an outside perspective. But from Akihiko's point of view, it paints a different picture.

What is the cause of death?

Internal bleeding.

Neural damage.

Akihiko died instantly from the damage to his brain. The Monokuma file all but confirms this.

How long were the needles employed in the murder?

40mm.

50mm.

According to the classmates who check the warehouse and the needles we found, this seems to be the universal and only size.

What is the problem regarding their length?

Too long.

Too short.

Only the needle entered Akihiko's body, otherwise, the wound should have been much larger. However, a distance exists between the frontal eye lobe and the brain.

"Elementary. For me."

"That is something I have been wondering about," said Fitzgerald. "Four centimeters should not be enough to cause catastrophic brain damage that would kill Akihiko instantly. Adding the fact the needle is attached to the injector, the length should have been even shorter."

"Well, we know that the killer simply did not walk towards Akihiko to kill him, perhaps they didn't use the whole injector," said Minako. "Maybe just the needles."

"That would explain why some injectors we find do not have their needles," agreed Inu. "The killer must have removed them."

"I s-s-s-suppose this Truth bullet makes sense now," Tatsuya pointed out.

Tatsuya used Truth Bullet #9: Bullseye.

"So that's how the killer could have been so accurate with a single shot," Amelda noted. "They must have spent quite some time target-practicing."

"I have also wondered why the holes look so small for darts," said Fitzgerald. "The killer shot it with needles. Considering the depth of the holes on the target board, it's clear that the killer used enough force that would send the needle through the back of your brain if penetrating through the eyes."

"This means there must still be a needle inside his brain right now," Ashley remarked. "Ugh. Just the thought of it makes me sick."

Minako was aghast. "I am not feeling so well either."

"Wait, I can get the whole thing about the needle being stuck in his eye, but how the hell does it get there in the first place?" asked El Viento, unconvinced. "This is not making any sense at all."

"I agree with our wrestler here," said Inu. "The needle should be very small. Holding it alone takes some effort, let alone throwing it with such accuracy."

"Maybe they attached something to the needle that made it less unwieldy," suggested Kazuki.

"That sounds about right," said Eliza. "The killer could have used the needle as part of a device."

"What kind of device?" asked Inu.

"Aren't cylinders out of the equation?" asked Amelda.

"I don't know," said Eliza. "Something else in the warehouse, maybe. Or in the kitchen."

Hokuto shook. "We check the warehouse thoroughly. There was nothing we found that could have been used to launch the dart."

"Maybe the killer crafted one for themselves," Ashley suggested. "I know I would if I ever were to kill someone."

"Tatsuya, Amelda, and I turned the storage over and we found nothing of note other than the missing needles and medicine and whatever items I took," Hokuto insisted. "If they crafted this weapon, they could not have used it from the warehouse."

"Or maybe…," Amelda began.

(Never before had Amelda's heartbeat so hard. This was the damning evidence, the one, if proven correct, could expose the murderer in the rank. By presenting this, however, he realized he was going to sentence one of his friends to death for a crime they were reluctant to commit, a crime for a noble cause of ending the suffering of the students' loved ones including his at the paws of Monokuma. But he had no choice. he could not let myself and fourteen others, Akihiko included, be sacrificed for the sake of one person.)

Brainstorm.

How did the killer use the needle?

A. Toss

B. Propell.

C. Blow.

D. Telekinesis.

"This account will balance all books."

Rin frowned. "Blow? What do you mean by that?"

Fitzgerald laughed raucously. "Don't tell me you don't know, Rin? It's right there in front of you."

Rin was even more confused. "What's right there?"

"The final piece of evidence needed for this trial to come to an end," said Fitzgerald.

"So you know who the killer is, don't you?" Hokuto asked.

(Amelda stood speechlessly as Fitzgerald gleefully took over the discussion. Apparently, the Ultimate Private Detective had figured it out as well, perhaps before he did, and was entertaining himself by letting each of the students play their part in the trial. As an auditor and a watchdog, Amelda had exposed many dark financial and accounting secrets and brought an end to pyramid schemes, money-launderers, and even terrorist sympathizers. However, he did not feel anything for the people whose lives would be irreparably ruined because of what he did – they deserved it anyway. Yet, he was partially glad that Fitzgerald took over for he lacked the heart to drop the accusation on someone he knew and respected.)

"Of course," Fitzgerald replied insouciantly.

"Then tell us, come on," Minako pressed.

"Speak the name of the boldest and most foolish one among us," El Viento demanded.

"El Viento," Eliza blurted.

"Then speak the name of the second most," El Viento persisted.

"I think I just happen to know," Kazuki remarked.

Choose the culprit.

Amelda Douglas Mason

Yume

Kazuki Ishikawa

Fitzgerald Scott

Tatsuya Toshishai

Akihiko Kazuhiko

Inu Kagyuu

Hokuto Yamazaki

Rin Yamamoto

Hijiri Kaneshiro

Inori Hayashi

El Viento

Akai 'Kai' Omakase

Ashley Wiltarrow

Elizabeth "Eliza" Piket

Minako Yuza

"The music stops as death falls."

Inori gave a confused look. "You are accusing yourself?"

"Ishikawa-kun," Minako muttered.

"I'm just being honest here," Kazuki explained. "Let's not beat around the bushes too much."

"So you admit doing it?" Ashley demanded. "You were the one who killed Akihiko?"

Kazuki shook his head. "I only admitted being accused. You have yet to prove my guilt."

"So you didn't do it?" Ashley repeated.

Kazuki scoffed. "Why is the focus is on me all of a sudden?"

"Because you are the only person in possession of an item that could have been used as the murder weapon," Fitzgerald pointed out.

"He has? W-w-what is it?" asked Tatsuya.

Kai's face brightened as she was hit with the solution. "Ah, I see what you mean there."

Hangman's Gambit.

What weapon did Kazuki use to murder Akihiko?

_._._._._

F

F._._._._

E

F._._._.E

T

F._._.T.E

L

F.L._.T.E

U

F.L.U.T.E

"This will keep you all on your toes."

"I just notice something strange about you, Kazuki. Ever since I met you for the first time in the gallery on our first day, you never went anywhere without your flute, El Viento noted. "And yet it is no longer in your possession."

"It's broken," Kazuki claimed. "I left it in my room for repair."

"Repair, or modification?" asked Ashley skeptically.

"The evidence should be damning enough," said Fitzgerald. "If what Yamakazi said is true, then there is nothing in the warehouse that could have assisted with the murder. And since we already know that the killer struck from a distance, they have gotten to have a device that can launch a needle so accurately. This device has to be private to one of us. Barring your flute, which you must have modified, as Eliza had said, I am not seeing anything else that could have been used as the murder weapon."

"Wow, I did not even notice he is no longer carrying his flute," Ashley exclaimed.

Eliza scorned. "That's because your eyes and ears are as lacking as your brain."

"I'm afraid I have to go with Fitzgerald and El Viento here," said Yume. "It's too much of a coincidence. So, Kazuki, is it… true? Did you really kill Akihiko?"

"Tell us the truth," Rin snapped. "Are you a murderer or not?"

"How…how could you have done it?" Minako demanded.

(For several heartbeats, Kazuki was silent. He was clearly in a tense position. Sweats were coming from his forehead, his fists were clutched together, and hit teeth were biting into his lips.)

Kazuki laughed mirthlessly. "You have presented all but flimsy, prejudiced evidence against me. I will not stand it, knowing it is not just myself but all of us except the REAL killer will rot in hell if this goes on. I will fight on until the last breath."

"Then let us do it." Fitzgerald accepted the challenge. "If you are unwilling to confess, how about a little storytime? Here is what really happened last night."

Closing argument.

Act 1: We were all shocked by Monokuma's revealed motivation, but only one person among us would go to such length to carry it out. Last night, their planning came to fruition. Entering the main hall at some point none of us could tell, the killer hid within the storage room, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Act 2: Just before Night-time commenced, Akihiko was spending some time with Minako. As he departed the botanical garden, he tried making a gift for her. Unfortunately, this act proved to be his undoing, as he came into contact with a toxin that limited his vision and caused memory loss. By the time he emerged from the hallway to the main hall, all lights had been turned off.

Act 3: The killer struck. While Akihiko was nearly blind in the darkness, the killer had night vision goggles to assist them. Additionally, the light from Akihiko's Electronic-ID flashlight might have also given away his position. Using a special weapon modified from a harmless instrument, the killer shot a needle right into Akihiko's eye, ending his life instantly.

Act 4: The deed done, the killer returned to the warehouse after making sure the door did not close when they walked out to dispose of the night vision goggle. Then, they waited for the arrival of another person.

Act 5: Inu, who had been making journeys to the kitchen at midnight each night for supper, arrived as the killer had expected. When the Ultimate Chemist departed, the killer followed him all the way, ensuring they would leave no unusual record behind on the door usage register.

The only person who could have committed this crime is none other than Kazuki Ishikawa the Ultimate Flautist.

"It's all over Kazuki," Fitzgerald proclaimed. "We've cornered you. Admit it."

(I had to give it to Kazuki. In the face of overwhelming odds, he stood defiantly without a hint of weakness. His eyes were focused, staring at all of us with two hate-filled brown orbs.)

Kazuki, to everyone's surprise, stood firmly. "This is not yet the end."

"Oh, come on. How stubborn can you get?" Ashley complained.

"Ishikawa-kun…. I-I don't want to believe it," said Minako as tears began to fill her eyes.

"This is the battle for his life, after all," said Inori sympathetically. "If I were in his shoes, I don't think I would go down easily."

"This is shall be his last hurrah," said El Viento.

"Ugh, Monokuma," Eliza whined. "We've found the culprit right here. Just get on with the voting already."

Monokuma was taken back. "That's it? Are you just going to vote and all? How anti-climatic. By the order of Supreme Overlord Monokuma, this trial must go on. I can't let this end right here. The audience demands more."

"What else do you want from us?" Amelda protested. "How much suffering must there be to satisfy your thirst for entertainment?"

"Is there no end to your cruelty?" Minako cried.

"This is a mistake," Kazuki turned to pleas. "I'm telling you. You've got the wrong person."

" Enough of your deception," El Viento retorted. "I have seen through it all. Prepare yourself. You'll find my reasoning as powerful sturdy as my biceps."

Final showdown!

Panic talk action.

4 shields remaining

"Vote me, and we are all going to die," Kazuki cried.

"Only one way to find out," El Viento snapped. All of us are prepared for the consequences.

*Crack*

"We are all friends here. Why can't you listen to me?"

"You murdered one of your friends. Why should we listen to you?"

*Break*

"You all have missed a note."

"We have all the evidence we need."

3 shields remaining

*Crack*

"Using a blowgun? Do you think I am capable of such?"

"You have had plenty of practice. With practice comes expertise."

*Break*

2 shields remaining

"You're assuming I could learn it within a short time."

"Didn't take long for you to master your flute in the first place."

*Crack*

"Wait, are we in a video game?"

"Do not derail this argument."

*Break*

Last shield

"Both Inu and Fitzgerald entered the main hall last night. Why can't any of them be the culprit?"

"Neither of them entered at the time where the murder could have taken place. Amelda and Hijiri's struggle showed that."

*Crack*

"I have no reason to kill Akihiko whatsoever."

"Monokuma made you do it with his motivation. This is not coming from you."

*Break*

=FINAL BLOW=

"Inu didn't notice the body at all," Kazuki claimed. "But Akihiko's corpse was lying right in the middle of the room, right in his way. The flashlight should have given him enough light to notice."

HYPNOTIC MUSIC!

With her opponent soundly defeated, El Viento proclaimed for the world to hear: "Uno… dos… TRES. You are out, my good amigo!"

Author's note: We are finally here, at the end of the first trial. Well, there is more to come, but all the investigations and detective work are over. Next time will be the killer's story behind the crime as well as their execution. This is the HARDEST chapter I have ever written, constantly referring back to previous ones and racking my brain to make it appear smart. I hope my first trial is satisfactory to you all. If you have any advice, then I would like to hear.

Now, there are quite a few of my readers who have fallen behind a bit. I hope you can all catch up for a better reading experience. And I would love to receive your support as well.

As always, you guys are the best. Wish me luck.