Never Say Never
Disclaimer: I do not own Danganronpa or the characters associated with it.
Chapter 3
Act 28
"Y-You bastards! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Celeste—No, Taeko Yasuhiro, stood in the doorway of her room, her expression a mixture of seething and horrified, helpless watching as her classmates ransacked her private sanctuary. Like worker bees, a trio consisting of Mondo, Makoto, and Hina, buzzed around her room, destroying the eloquent and peaceful atmosphere that had once been a haven for Taeko to return to each day.
"As I said before, we are purging Celestia Ludenberg from this school," Byakuya said, sitting on the exposed mattress of her bed, examining a vase that had once occupied her table. Then, without the slightest care, he tossed it into a large box in front of him, a minute cracking sound echoing. "Everything that symbolizes or facilitates Celestia Ludenberg's presence will be confiscated and removed…permanently."
Taeko struggled to keep herself together, silently contemplating the best way to rip his throat out. That vase wasn't cheap! Nothing in her room could be bought on a high schooler's allowance! And yet, none of her tormentors seemed to give the slightest amount of care while they gutted her inner sanctum!
The lovely satin sheets of her bed had been ripped from the mattress. The few dress forms that were used to display her gothic apparel, along with anything else gothic or exotic in appearance, were torn from their place. Even the elegant chandelier, which she'd paid an exorbitant amount to have shipped to the school, was careless tossed onto one of three large boxes resting atop push carts in the center of her room.
None of her personal items were spared; the table cloth she'd procured through a great deal of hardship, a case filled with various kinds of dice, even the pack of cards she used for solitaire was sadistically plucked from its spot and tossed into one of the boxes. Nothing in her room was safe…and Taeko had a feeling this wouldn't be over until everything she valued was confiscated!
The gambler gritted her teeth and tried to take an angry step forward, but was held firmly in place by a strong grip on her arm. Snapping her head around, she seethed at Sakura, who's vice-like grip kept her from interfering with her classmates' 'cleansing'. She struggled briefly, attempting to wrench her arm free, furious pounding her fist on Sakura's wrist. However, as one might imagine, her futile attempts barely even registered on the martial artist's face.
Forced to recognize her own weakness, Taeko ceased her struggling, somberly turning back to witness the destruction of her abode. A part of her insisted that she look away, spare herself the horror of watching all her possessions torn from their natural place…but she couldn't look away. Her pride, or whatever was left of it, wouldn't let her. After all…
This was her punishment. There was no escape.
The gambler watched in horror as Mondo, of all people, pulled open her closet and began brutishly ripping her clothes off meticulously arranged hangers. His rough hands tore and mangled the fabric, not showing the slightest bit of care of the delicate material before tossing them into the closest box. Watching that uncaring display, Taeko clenched her fist so tightly, her fingernails dug into her palm and started to bleed slightly.
"Hey! Careful with those!" she abruptly snapped, causing everyone to stop working. Having secured their attention, the gambler focused her gaze on the biker and said, "Those cost me a fortune! At least pretend to be gentle with them!"
Mondo looked away from her and back to the closet full of eloquent gothic dresses. Slowly reaching his hand out, he was about to try and acclimate to her request when a harsh voice countered…
"You don't need to listen to her," Hina cruelly interjected, surprising both Mondo and Taeko with the severity of her tone. Staring right at the gambler, the swimmer narrowed her gaze and instructed, "Tear them off the hooks if you have to, just get everything out of there as quickly as possible. Besides, she can always buy more…if we ever get out of here!"
Taeko couldn't help but flinch as Hina's words tore through her. Not only was the swimmer disregarding the gambler's feelings, she even mocked her with the false hope of someday escaping this hell. It was a painful reminder of just how deeply the swimmer had been scarred. At the same time, Taeko couldn't bring herself to fault the swimmer. The once bubbly young woman who she'd shared tea with, peeped on the boys alongside, and even made promises with…was gone…and may even be lost forever.
"It's my fault…that she ended up this way…"
It was painful. Far more painful than the gambler could have imagined. Watching as Hina dug through the drawers of her dresser, carelessly tossing earrings, bracelets, and an assortment of rings onto the pile, almost smirking as she did so. Not even her underwear drawer was spared, the Ultimate Swimmer frowning as she scooped up an armful of lacy panties and thongs, mercilessly throwing them on the very top of the heap, for all to see.
Despite herself, Taeko flushed angrily, the embarrassment of having her most private possessions strewn about for her entire class to see, was almost more than she could withstand. Granted most of the class was waiting outside, but it was only a matter of time before they were paraded around to wherever Byakuya planned to transport them to.
Meanwhile, Makoto busied himself searching through the drawers of 'Celeste's' desk, removing absolutely anything that could be used as an impromptu weapon. As it turned out, the gambler had more than one finger claw, and even had one for each finger. Those had to go; tossed into the pile without a second thought.
"So, am I supposed to pull everything out of the closet or just the fancy stuff?" Mondo asked, sticking his head out and glancing in Byakuya's direction.
"Plain or simple clothing may stay, but everything else…must go," the Togami Heir clarified, the wicked smirk on his lips nearly pushing the gambler into a frenzied madness.
Looking back into the closet, the biker raised an eyebrow before reiterating, "You sure about that? She's not gonna have much of anything to wear."
If she had been in a better state of mind, Taeko would have understood that he was trying to be considerate. But as it stood, all she could do was seethe at his bluntness, feeling more and more embarrassed with each passing second.
"That's fine," the Affluent Progeny replied, meeting the gambler's furious gaze with a cold stare. "This is her punishment, after all. It wouldn't serve us to be lenient with her, after all she's done."
"…Fucking bastard," Taeko cursed, surprised when Byakuya's gaze suddenly grew even colder.
"Be grateful I'm letting you keep those rags you're currently wearing," he sneered, catching her off-guard.
Briefly glancing down at her ruined outfit, noting the many tears, ruffles, and stains sustained during the trial, Taeko knew that letting her 'keep' her current dress was more of an insult than a favor. Hatred filled her eyes and she refocused her rage toward him, which only seemed to entice the Affluent Progeny further.
"Another outburst like that and I'll have those clothes added to the pile as well," he seethed, pointing an intimidating finger at her. "Or would you prefer to simply discard those rags right now? I'm sure Sakura wouldn't mind helping you change into more…humble attire."
It took everything Taeko had not to scream at him. That was taking things too far! He wouldn't really do something so horrific…would he? Sadly, given his track record until now, it wasn't inconceivable. The bastard had proven himself to be only a few steps behind Monokuma in terms of cruelty! And if she refused to change in front of others, it was also possible that, as terrifying as this thought would be, he might actually try and force her to parade around in nothing but her undergarments!
Such a horrifying outcome was, sadly, a viable punishment he might subject her to…and thus she decided not to tempt fate further.
"Alright…that should be everything," Makoto announced, staring at the three large boxes, each overflowing with clothing, trinkets, and various accessories that had once brought the gambler so much joy.
A sad expression crossed the Lucky Student's face, obviously not enjoying putting his classmate through such agony. Sadly, his pity only further incited Taeko to frustration, considering how he 'led the charge' that eventually led to her crimes being discovered. The room was almost completely bare now, with almost no trace that anyone, let alone someone as extravagant as 'Celestia Ludenberg', had once occupied it.
Glancing to Byakuya, the lucky student asked, "So…what do you want us to do with all of it?"
Responding with a disappointed look, the Togami Heir let out a deep sigh. "The three of you will transport these items elsewhere. That much should have obvious."
"Hey! We're not your fucking slaves!" Mondo instantly protested, feeling a bit daunted by the sheer volume of items in front of them. "And where, exactly are we supposed to take this stuff? We gonna lock it up in the storage room or something?"
Another exhausted sigh escaped the Togami Heir as he stood up and headed for the doorway, motioning for them to follow after him.
"Everything will be made clear soon enough," he said, almost cheerfully, as he pushed past Taeko and Sakura, and into the hallway.
Mondo and Makoto shared a look of annoyance, feeling more uncomfortable than ever. However, they were snapped out of it by the sound of Hina jerking one of the push carts around and effortlessly pushing it toward the door, following Byakuya without so much as a complaint. Seeing this, Mondo shrugged his shoulders and followed suit, with Makoto mimicking them.
Once they had departed, with all of Taeko's beloved possessions in tow, Sakura relaxed her grip on the gambler's arm, wordlessly indicating that they should follow. Knowing that there was no real choice, the gambler slowly walked toward the exit, but not before glancing over her should at her barren room, cringing as a stinging pain of humiliation ran through her chest.
Just outside the room, Taeko took in the various expression of the rest of her classmates.
Leon and Sayaka stood together, as was usual nowadays, sharing a conflicted expression. Kyoko was as stone-faced as ever, watching the events unfold with seemingly no emotion behind her violet eyes. Chihiro and Taka followed after Mondo, offering to help carry some of the load, which the biker vehemently refused, citing how it was 'his burden to bear'. Toko was absent from the whole debacle, having been sent away after being given a task by her beloved 'Master', no doubt working tirelessly to complete whatever it was. Hifumi stood off to the side, strangely silent as he observed them 'cleansing' the gambler's room, a somewhat melancholy expression on his face.
Taeko briefly wondered why the fat nerd wasn't enjoying her torture more. He'd sure been pleased with her suffering during the trial. And she'd figured his sadistic attitude would extend to this situation as well. Perhaps he was wondering if they'd do the same to him later? They had agreed to remove all dangerous items from his room too, but she doubted they'd go as far with his possessions.
Distracted by those thoughts, Taeko barely noticed that some people were missing. Junko, Hiro, and obviously Byakuya, since he'd left before anyone else, were nowhere to be seen. However, the gambler knew that all she needed to do was follow after the trio of transporters in order to find them…or so she assumed.
With the rest of the class in tow, Taeko walked down the hallway, rounding the corner and emerging on the other side of the dorm's hallway. She paused for a moment, then stiffened. Her crimson eyes widened as she watched Hina, who held the door for both Mondo and Makoto, standing in the entranceway…to the trash room.
In all honesty, she'd expected this. Somewhere, deep down, she knew this was the only explanation for Byakuya's phrasing of 'purging Celestia Ludenberg' from the school. But even so, she'd lied to herself again. Convinced herself that her possessions were merely being confiscated…even when she knew that couldn't be the case.
Regardless, as her possessions disappeared into the disposal room, the lie she'd concocted fell apart, and all the anxiety and frustration she'd buried deep within abruptly burst forth.
"No…no, no, no, NO!"
Surprised by the gambler's sudden outburst, Sakura inadvertently loosened her grip. Sensing this opportunity, Taeko jerked her arm free and sprinted for the doorway, just barely managing to avoid being grappled by the martial artist once again. Unfortunately, as she reached the door, it swung back and smacked her in the face. It had been Hina, purposefully slamming the door on her. Toppling backward, the furious gambler practically leapt to her feet and bashed open the door.
Taeko's crimson eyes widened as she took in the scene. At the far end of the room stood Hiro, pressing the button on the incinerator and smiling as it roared to life. Not far from him, standing with a hand on her hip and sporting an angry expression, was Junko. She was arguing with Byakuya, who didn't seem to value her opinion in the slightest.
"I still think this is going too far!" she heard the Fashionista protest, gesturing toward the trio of boxes containing 'Celeste's' belongings, sitting only a few feet from the incinerator. The Fashionista caught sight of the gambler, a momentarily piteous expression crossing her face before anger took hold again and she seethed to Byakuya, "Getting rid of all her personal possessions won't make our situation any easier!"
"Well then, it's fortunate that 'making things easier' isn't the purpose behind this exercise," Byakuya effortlessly countered, also catching sight of Taeko and smiling deviously. "This is a punishment, nothing more. Perhaps this will teach our dear friend Miss Yasuhiro to be more docile in the future."
Almost without her noticing, the rest of the class entered the trash room. This, of course, included Sakura, who once again gripped Taeko's arm. This time, however, the gambler didn't fight, letting the martial artist lead her over to stand next to the pile of items that once decorated her room. Then, strangely, Sakura released her. The gambler was almost flabbergasted but didn't question it, sinking down to her knees in front of her possessions.
The once proud gambler's expression softened as the sentimental value of her items washed over her. Each item was like a piece of Celestia Ludenberg, used to extenuate that persona in one way or another. As sickening as it was to admit, Byakuya had chosen a perfect punishment for her. His insight into how he could psychologically destroy another human being was as impressive as it was infuriating! If she had been allowed to be Celestia Ludenberg, she would have praised him. But as Taeko Yasuhiro…she despised him with every fiber of her being!
"Let's begin the punishment," the bastard himself declared, addressing the entire class. "All of these items represent the person we once knew as Celestia Ludenberg. And today…we're going to dispose of each and every one of them. Starting with these…"
He gestured toward the largest box, containing her dress forms, her elegant wooden chair, and even the costly chandelier. Taeko flinched as Makoto and Mondo wheeled the box over to the large trash chute, preparing to execute the punishment.
It was worthwhile to note that most of the class abstained from assisting in this punishment. In fact, most of the class had objected to Byakuya's bizarrely cruel form of torture. Not that it mattered anyway. Even if they didn't actively support the idea, their inaction to prevent it made them complicit. She wanted to say that she'd never forgive them for it…but that was beyond foolish, considering she'd actively planned their demises for quite some time now.
Besides, only a few of her classmates actually seemed pleased with this outcome…
While it was true that Hina actively volunteered to help carry out the punishment, it was largely due to the fact that Byakuya couldn't convince anyone else to assist him. Unfortunately, when the swimmer eagerly volunteered, both Makoto and Mondo found themselves complying as well. Even if it was cruel, they couldn't let Hina do all that work completely on her own…regardless of how uncomfortable the task made them feel.
In the end, only Junko stood in direct opposition to the Togami Heir plan, a fact that had baffled Taeko to no end.
Even more than Makoto, her hatred for Junko ran deep. She utterly detested that woman for destroying her testimony during the class trial and effectively turning her plan on its head! And yet, that same hated person had tried to spare her even more pain and humiliation. It sickened her…so much so that she almost wanted to go along with the 'purging' of her belongings just to stand in opposition to the Fashionista!
But that was a stupid thought, and she knew it. So in the end, Taeko was forced to sit there and watch as everything she loved was torn from her…forever.
Taeko remained rooted in place, watching as everything was somewhat sorted. Biting back protests, she shook with fury as anything too large, or unfit to burn in the incinerator was cast into the trash chute…never to be seen again. Working in tandem, Makoto held open the trash chute while Mondo hefted the heavier objects, such as the elegant wooden chair, into the tunnel of trash. Loud banging echoed as her dress forms, still bearing two of her favorite designs, disappeared into the abyss of the chute. Her earrings and other accessories followed, the gold and silver glinting one final time before vanishing from her sight forever.
All the while, Taeko gripped her shoulders, trembling from rage as she recalled how much of her own money she'd spent on those items. Not only that, the copious amount of time she'd spent crafting her image, finding the right accessories that elevated her status from 'the plain and boring Taeko' to 'the sophisticated and dignified Celestia Ludenberg'…all of it now completely worthless as her classmates carelessly discarded everything that gave her purpose in life.
But none of that compared to the hell that she knew was still to come.
Tearing her eyes away from the boys, Taeko's crimson eyes focused on Hina, her mind almost shattering as she watched the swimmer pick one of her absolute favorite dresses, a black strapless design with lacey frills around the skirt…and begin walking toward the raging inferno of the incinerator.
"W-Wait! Hold on a second!" she instinctively shouted, her voice miraculously halting the swimmer's advance. Hina stood just in front of the opening, staring at Taeko with cruel, cold eyes. Knowing she had nothing left to lose, the gambler said, "At least leave me one or two of my outfits. I can't exactly go around the school half nak—"
In the middle of her sentence, Hina mercilessly tossed the dress she held into the roaring flames. Taeko's eyes widened and she thrust one hand out before giving a horrified shriek, "Ahhaaah! NO!"
Helpless as the fire consumed the black dress, Taeko felt tears slide down her cheeks as one of her most prized possessions was reduced to ash before her very eyes. Stunned by the loss, the gambler was only snapped back to reality when Hina slowly picked up another dress from the pile, dangling it in front of the gambler momentarily.
"I guess you should have thought about that before you lied to me!"
Without hesitation, Hina threw the next dress into the inferno, her fiery words burning almost as hot as the incinerator's flames.
Suddenly, Taeko's misery converted into fury as she leapt to her feet and screamed, "You bitch! Do you have any idea how much it cost me to make that?! More than you'll ever—NO!"
Amidst her words, Hina scooped up another dress and tossed it into the blaze, the harsh flames reflected in her shimmering blue eyes. "You can always buy more of them, right?" she hissed, throwing another outfit into the fire. "After all, you've made so much money with your gambling, you don't need the money Monokuma offered, right?!"
As Taeko's own words were mercilessly thrown in her face, the swimmer threw in yet another outfit, earning a pained grunt from the gambler. Rising to her feet, she tried to take a step forward, but once again, her jailor, Sakura, grasped her arm, keeping her from interfering. The gambler snapped her head up to shout at the martial artist…but froze as she took in her expression.
Sakura Ogami, a woman to be feared and respected for her strength, glared down at Taeko with nothing less than contempt in her cyan eyes. Even without speaking a word, the gambler could feel Sakura's intention.
You did this to Hina. This is all your fault. I will never forgive you.
Like a tidal wave, the guilt she'd suppressed for betraying Hina washed over her. Seeing the utter fury, the unforgiving rage that Sakura bore for her, forced her to realize that her actions had affected far more than just the swimmer. She had tried to kill all of her classmates…for her castle…for a dream that she knew was childish…but also something she felt she needed in order to prove…that she deserved to exist.
But now, after having lost all her worldly possessions, her 'name', and even her pride and dignity…she knew that none of them compared to the loss she felt…when she threw away Hina's friendship.
Somehow, she managed to return her gaze to the 'purging' of her clothes, her eyes growing more and more hollow with each incinerated outfit. Pain coursed through Taeko as she was forced to watch her former friend her clothing, one after another, into the incinerator.
"This…This is worse than being burned alive…"
Every fiber of her being wanted to protest, to cry out and try to stop this 'injustice', but that was impossible. Irony had finally caught up with her, and in the most excruciating way possible. The pain and agony she'd forced Hina to endure…was now being revisited upon her.
Even though it took several minutes for Hina to get through the majority of 'Celeste's' outfits, it felt as though an eternity had passed. For her part, Hina almost seemed to enjoy the cruel agony she was putting Taeko through. Instead of tossing the outfits in as one large heap, she slowly, meticulously, chose one after another, tossing them into the flames individually. And each time she did, she shot the gambler a hateful glare, scowling deeply as Taeko's face contorted with agony upon each burning.
The 'cleansing' was almost over. All of her large items and other accessories that couldn't be incinerated, had been dumped into the trash chute, never to be seen again. Only a few of her outfits remained, and once they were gone…there would be nothing left of Celestia Ludenberg. A chill set into Taeko as she was forced to accept this reality…
"…I deserve this…Hina has every right to hate me…I know that…But still, I—!"
An audible gasp escaped Taeko as the final dress came into view. Her crimson eyes widened, focusing on the elegant burgundy material of the gothic dress, laced with black frills. It was the oldest in her collection…and had been her liberation many years ago. She remembered the first time she'd worn it, the material somehow empowering her, giving her the courage to cease her pitiful existence as Taeko Yasuhiro…and embrace the confidence, the majesty, the greatest that would eventually become…Celestia Ludenberg.
Almost without realizing it, she reached out for it…unable to grasp it.
"M-My…first dress…I spent so much time—NO!"
Taeko nearly screamed as Hina roughly grabbed the dress, looking it over for half an instant before checking the box for any straggler outfits. Seeing none, the swimmer huffed and glared at the gambler.
"Last one. Any final words before I send this dress to hell, along with the rest of your 'collection'?"
For an instant, Taeko was genuinely shocked by Hina's cruelty. She could see how much pain the gambler was experiencing, and actively trying to intensify it. That wasn't the Aoi Asahina everyone had come to know…the Aoi Asahina that everyone had loved. She had become twisted…tainted by the malicious nature of Celestia Ludenberg.
"From here on…don't trust anyone. Throughout history, people have shown themselves to be nothing but deceitful, selfish creatures…willing to stab anyone in the back as long as it benefits them. Don't make the same mistake twice…"
Those words she'd spoken during the trial came back to haunt her. She'd meant them as a cautionary warning. In her own way, Taeko had been trying to impart the wisdom she'd received through painful life experience. She wanted Hina to continue on…she wanted her to wisen up and never be manipulated like this again! But most of all…she wanted the only person she'd ever considered to be her friend…to survive this harrowing ordeal.
"This…isn't what I wanted…" Taeko told herself, unable to speak the words. "I wanted you to be better than me…not become like me! You were…my very first…frie—".
"Nothing to say? Well, I guess it's too much to expect an apology from a heartless monster like you," Hina abruptly said, interrupting the gambler's thoughts.
Taeko had been so distraught that she hadn't noticed that the swimmer was already in front of the incinerator! Panic overtook her mind as she watched Hina hoist the burgundy dress toward the opening. Then, with an expression so vengeful it would make Monokuma blush, the swimmer reared back and prepared to toss the final dress into the raging inferno.
"I hope it was all worth it. Say goodbye to your life…as Celestia Luden—!"
"I'M SORRY!"
Taeko dropped to her knees, bowing until her forehead smacked the floor. Her voice cracked as she screamed, her eyes wide and desperate. It had been years…many, many years since she'd ever truly apologized for anything. She couldn't remember the last time she'd given an earnest apology. She'd killed those feelings of guilt and responsibility when she became Celestia Ludenberg. But now, having returned to live as Taeko Yasuhiro, she saw the world through an entirely different perspective.
"Please…you don't have to do this!" Taeko begged, hoping to get through to her former friend. "That's more than just a dress to me…it's the first dress I ever made! I'm begging you…please don't burn it!"
"…Made?"
For the first time since the class trial had ended, an emotion other than spite sounded in Hina's voice. Snapping her head up, Taeko was in awe as she saw the swimmer's expression soften considerably. Hina unfolded the dress, thoroughly examining it, running her hands over the material and seeming genuinely impressed.
"You…made this yourself?" she quietly asked, finally turning and meeting the gambler's gaze.
A tiny flicker of hope sparked in Taeko's chest as she continued, "I-I…I make all of my own clothes. I don't just go out and buy them. Each one of them is sewn, painstakingly, by hand, so that—".
"Wait, then…all of them…you sewed all of those dresses…by hand!" Hina exclaimed, her face registering nothing but shock.
"…Yes, I did."
"That's…amazing!" Hina suddenly complimented, much to the gambler's delight. "I don't know much about sewing or anything, but even I know how hard it is to do all this by hand!"
As Hina's praise filled her ears, Taeko felt that glimmer of hope begin to spread throughout her body. To be noticed, and complimented for her hard work! It was all she'd ever really wanted for so many years!
Celeste never would have seemed the type, but Taeko was a master seamstress. And while it was true that she only learned how to sew in order to pursue her goal of becoming Celestia Ludenberg, she couldn't deny that somewhere along the way, she developed an earnest love for the art of sewing.
Perhaps…in another life, she would have been the Ultimate Seamstress instead…but there was no point in pondering such a thing now. Right now, all that mattered was that, somehow, it seemed as though she was finally getting through to Hina. The real Hina, the one that she had so mercilessly hurt…the Hina that could smile brightly no matter how horrific the situation.
Maybe, just maybe…that Hina wasn't completely gone. Celestia Ludenberg had utterly destroyed that sweet innocent young woman…but perhaps, in recompence, Taeko Yasuhiro might be able to bring her back!
"Well…if you'd like…I could…teach you sometime?" the gambler nervously offered, extending the proverbial olive branch. "I did promise to teach you…how to be more ladylike, didn't I?"
"…"
Hina was completely silent as the offer reached her. Her hands tightened around the dress, but relaxed a moment later.
Taeko watched with bated breath as Hina stared at the dress in her hands, then over to the incinerator. And for a brief moment, Taeko could almost see a hint of shame cross Hina's stunned face. However, it vanished almost instantly as a stern expression replaced it. Fortunately, despite how rigid her face had become, Taeko could no longer see malice or fury in the swimmer's eyes.
Before she could muster another appeal, Hina stepped away from the incinerator. A collection of gasps reminded Taeko that they weren't alone in the room. All of their classmates were apparently stunned by this sudden shift in the swimmer's demeanor, especially considering how vengeful Hina had been the last few hours.
Without a word, the swimmer walked over to the kneeling Taeko, holding the dress firmly in both hands. Then, much to Taeko's surprise, Hina held the dress outward, presenting it to her former friend. A single tear trickled down the gambler's cheek, daring to let a joyful expression overtake her features.
With shaky hands, Taeko reached for the dress…but grabbed air. At the last moment, Hina tugged the dress back, much to everyone's shock. Then, with an icy glare so frigid it froze the air in Taeko's lungs, the swimmer seethed…
"You shouldn't make promises you don't intend to keep…"
Without a shred of hesitation, Hina gripped the edges of the elegant dress…and began to ruthlessly tear it apart at the seams. A horrified gasp escaped Taeko as her former friend aggressively tore the sleeves off, ripped the lacy frills from the collar, and used her toned muscles to pull at the fabric until the seams creaked and split apart.
Taeko stared in horror as her most precious creation was torn asunder, the ripped fragments thrown at her feet in a mass of ruined cloth. Hot tears spilled from the gambler's crimson eyes as the full weight of her sins bore down on her.
Hina had done exactly what 'Celeste' had done to her. Lured her into a false sense of security and friendship…only to utterly destroy everything she held dear. Poetic irony at its finest…
Once she was satisfied with the 'carnage', Hina tossed the ruined dress directly in front of Taeko. The gambler's shaky hands reach out, clutching the torn material and hugging it to her chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Slowly lifting her tear-stained face, the gambler stared up at Hina with nothing but pain exuding from her features. At the same time, Hina glared down at her, an expression of utter rage and vengeful malice radiating from her once vibrant blue eyes.
Then, with a voice interlaced with venom, Hina asked…
"Tell me…Celeste…How does it feel to have your heart ripped out…right in front of you?!"
Each word sent pangs of agony rippling through Taeko's body. This was all her fault. She was responsible for turning Hina into the monster she'd become. But what hurt was the most was the realization that, despite her plan going completely awry…the had been one casualty. 'Celestia Ludenberg' had succeeded in 'murdering' at least one person…and it happened to be the one person she would have spared…if given the chance.
"I…killed her. Hina…really is gone. And it's all…my…fault…"
In the midst of her suffering, Hina huffed angrily and walked around her, heading for the exit. However, before she got too far, the swimmer cocked her head and said over her shoulder, "Don't ever speak to me again. You're dead to me!"
And with that, Hina bolted from the room, slamming the door behind her. The rest of the class turned toward Taeko, and were shocked to see her slowly rising to her feet, dropping the pieces of her torn dress to the floor…a physical representation of her disfigured dream.
"…Burn it."
Her voice was so low, barely above a whisper, but still they heard her clear as day. Her request shocked the class, almost flabbergasted at her sudden change in attitude.
For a long moment, no one moved, hesitant to comply with her request. That is…until Sakura walked around in front of her, opening her mouth to say something but immediately falling silent upon viewing Taeko's face. Aside from the tears, and puffy cheeks, all life appeared drained from the gambler's visage. Her usually striking crimson eyes had dulled, and her face was completely neutral…as if her soul had somehow left her body.
Whatever Sakura had planned to say went unsaid. Instead, she slowly scooped up the remnants of the gambler's dress, walked over to the incinerator…and tossed them in.
Taeko watched as her ruined dress burned…becoming ashes in mere moments. And, for a brief instant…she pondered if she could go with it…consumed by the flames that she'd once feared…but knew that such a merciful fate…was forever out of her reach.
"Hey Byakuya, are we done here? Because I'd like to get back to my room and shower before the nighttime announcement goes off."
Mukuro knew her comment was rather insensitive and blunt, but with most of the class standing there, seemingly unwilling to move, she felt the need to say something…anything. Besides, it wasn't a lie. It was getting close to nighttime and after everything she, and everyone else, had been through, she was ready to collapse.
She internally groaned as she remembered she needed to meet Kyoko, but that would come after a shower. The detective girl had asked her to meet during nighttime, so there would hopefully be time to let the warm bliss of steamy water cleanse her before continuing her battle against her sister.
Fortunately, her words had the desired effect, as her classmates slowly returned to reality. The class had been so focused on Taeko's punishment that they'd forgotten that it was almost time for the nighttime announcement. Most of them were exhausted, having been running around and then debating since early that morning. The weariness was beginning to set in, a fact that the soldier could see even Byakuya was afflicted by, if only slightly.
"Yes, we're finished here at least," he replied, not even sparing her a glance. "However, there is still the matter of removing any dangerous objects from Hifumi's room."
The fanfic creator flinched but said nothing, obviously fearful after seeing how gutted Taeko's room had been after it was 'purged'. Mukuro's keen eyes noticed this and she felt the need to add, "We're not going to be burning them too, are we?"
There was a firmness to her tone that Byakuya couldn't ignore, and she knew that. She watched as he finally turned to face her, a deep scowl forming on his handsome face.
"…No, we are just confiscating dangerous objects, not purging them. We can lock them up in the art supply room, they should be fine there." The Togami Heir shifted his gaze to Hifumi, making the fanfic creator wince as he was lectured, "Since you are no longer allowed to leave this floor, if any of your belonging go missing, we will know who to interrogate first."
Mukuro gritted her teeth at his implication. The bastard was still being completely unfair. What if someone other than Hifumi took those items? Hifumi would take the blame and it could cause another incident to occur. Granted, it's not as if there were many people left who she believed would intentionally cause that kind of trouble, but the possibility still existed. Byakuya himself might take something and implicate the fanfic creator, just to 'make the game more interesting'.
"Dammit, now I've got yet another issue to worry about! Why the hell does Byakuya keep making things—!?"
In the midst of her thoughts, she felt eyes on her. Lifting her gaze, she noticed that the bastard himself, Byakuya, was intently analyzing her. Mukuro fought to keep a neutral visage as a horrific realization struck her.
"He's…He's gauging my reaction! Dammit! I knew he was getting more suspicious of me, but I didn't think he'd start pulling shit like this!"
She watched and waited as Byakuya stared at her for a moment. Then, as quickly as it came, his interest in her appeared to vanish as he turned away, but not before a tiny smirk tugged at the edge of his lips. Mukuro felt her face heat up as she bottled up all of her frustrations.
"Well, this is fucking perfect! He's definitely on to me now! And he's letting me know it too! His overconfidence is going to get me killed!"
Just as her frustrations threatened to boil over, she felt a soft tug on her sleeve. The action made her head snap around, barely keeping herself from grappling whoever dared to touch—
Mukuro froze as Kyoko's piercing lavender eyes met her sky-blue irises. The soldier tensed, then slowly began to relax as the detective's solitary glance spoke volumes louder than her simple action. Even though it was difficult to accept, Kyoko had once again intervened in order to keep her secret safe.
"You really meant it…didn't you?" Mukuro mentally pondered, holding a neutral expression as she recalled the detective's words in the hidden room earlier that day. "You never break a promise…"
Fortunately enough, no one witnessed their little interaction, or at least it didn't seem that way. Byakuya was preoccupied trying to get people to volunteer to clear out Hifumi's room, which drew everyone's attention. Mukuro reminded herself that Kyoko was now in just as precarious a situation as herself. Knowing that, if the Mastermind discovered everything she'd told to the detective…both of them would be executed.
There would be no trial…Junko would find a way to have them executed, even if it meant bending the rules. The despair loving woman had spent too much time devising this game for it to end prematurely. No deaths had occurred thus far…and Mukuro could only imagine how unfulfilled her sister must be feeling. A cold chill ran down her spine, only just realizing how desperate Junko would undoubtedly become from this point on.
Junko's creativity knew no bounds, and with the game progressing so slowly, as far as body counts go, Mukuro was certain that her next motive would be even more diabolical than anything the students had seen so far!
At the same time, Mukuro also realized that panicking wasn't going to solve anything. Closing her eyes and willing herself into a calm state, the soldier felt Kyoko's grip on her sleeve disappear. Slowly regaining composure, the false fashionista met her partner's gaze once more.
"I'll be sure to keep my promise as well," she vowed to herself, matching the detective's firm gaze. "If we continue to be cautious, and work together, then at the very least, we should be able to derail whatever Junko has planned…I just hope we survive long enough to see it."
Having sufficiently calmed down, the soldier took a few more deep breaths, thankful that, for the first time in what felt like ages…she had an ally watching her back. It reminded her of a better time…back in Fenrir…when her life was simpler…and happier.
Nodding a silent 'thank you' to the detective girl, Mukuro turned and faced Byakuya…unaware that a pair of eyes had scrupulously witnessed the entire exchange.
"Regardless, I will need some volunteers to help clean out Hifumi's room," Byakuya spoke up again, glancing at his classmates. "Makoto, I believe you will be suitable for this task. Who wants to help him?"
All eyes shifted to Makoto, sympathy laced in their gazes as the 'Lucky' boy was unwillingly volunteered once again. Fortunately, it took less than a moment for someone to voice their support as well.
"I'll help," Sayaka insisted, walking over to stand next to Makoto. With a bright smile, she told him, "If we hurry, we may even have time to get something to eat."
"Yeah, with the three of us, we'll have it done in no time!" Leon suddenly added, appearing behind them and wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "And then…it's sandwich time!"
His enthusiasm was infectious, practically forcing Makoto and Sayaka to reciprocate his smile. Sadly, they both knew that no such sandwich supplies had been delivered, for reasons they could not fathom, but kept that information to themselves. They'd console him after they cleaned out Hifumi's room.
"Let's be off then," Byakuya rallied, his voice somehow more annoyed than before. "I'd prefer to be done with this task before nighttime as well."
Without elaborating, the Togami Heir began walking toward the exit, with most of the students following after him. As the students began to file out, Sakura stopped herself. Her gaze shifted over to Taeko's stiff form, the gambler watching as the flames in the furnace began to die, leaving her possessions as nothing more than ash to be tossed down the trash chute.
"Are you ready?" Sakura asked gentle, a hint of concern in her voice.
"…Like it fucking matters," Taeko quietly seethed, her voice as broken as her spirit.
The gambler turned slowly, finally tearing her eyes away from the dying embers of the incinerator. She walked forward without any hesitation, but the lifelessness in her eyes was beyond disheartening. And even though all of the students agreed that her punishment was well-deserved…the cruelty forced upon her was still hard to watch.
As the group exited the trash room, a familiar, yet frustrating voice shouted down the hallway.
"M-Master! I-I brought e-everything you asked f-for!"
Like the obedient slave she desired to be, Toko Fukawa suddenly appeared in front of everyone, panting and sweating profusely. She held a small box close to her chest, clutching it as if her life depended on it.
"Hand it over," Byakuya commanded, to which Toko immediately complied. Once it was out of her grasp, the class finally saw what was inside the box. Metal latches, a hammer, and various sizes of nails and screws.
"What's all that for?" Junko asked, already predicting that she wouldn't like the answer. Rather than being cryptic, the Togami heir decided to humor her.
"Since our dorm rooms only lock from the inside, I felt it necessary to rectify that. For one of us at least." he told her plainly, sending a quick glance toward Taeko before handing the box back to Toko. Turning away from the group, he continued, "It's foolish to simply post a guard outside her door every day. But if we make sure she won't be able to leave without permission—".
"Don't you think she's suffered enough?" Sayaka interrupted, forcing the Togami heir to glance over his shoulder at her. Undeterred by his gaze, she finished, "Regardless of her crimes, she's still our classmate. Besides, we didn't vote on whether or not to confine her to her room."
"Such a pointless endeavor," Byakuya scoffed, his condescending tone frustrating the pop idol. "What would be the point of confining Hifumi to his quarters if we didn't plan to do the same with the one who manipulated him in the first place?"
Knowing his logic was infallible, the Togami Heir turned to fully face the class, an authoritative tone consuming his voice.
"We have had three separate instances of murder attempts, one of which you were directly responsible for."
Sayaka opened her mouth but quickly shut it, realizing he was baiting her. Although a bit disappointed she didn't try and rebuke him, the Togami Heir continued regardless.
"Not only that, there is still every likelihood that there is a traitor among us. And with certain students doing as they please without bothering to inform the rest of the class-", he paused and glanced at both Junko and Kyoko, neither of them reacting to his insinuations. "-it seems that I need to take matters into my own hands if we are to continue to survive—".
"No one wants or needs your protection, asshole!" Mondo abruptly cut in, struggling to keep his anger in check. "We've gotten along just fine until now! All we need to do is just do whatever we can! The rest will work itself out later!"
The biker shot a glance toward Junko, who surprisingly reciprocated, nodding firmly to him. Instantly, Mondo's eyebrows shot up and his cheeks flushed brightly, obviously not having expected her to wordlessly back him up. Tearing his face away from her confident smile, the bike gang leader shook his head, returning to his usual intimidating visage.
Scoffing at the exchange between the biker and fashionista, Byakuya shifted to face the biker directly, folding his arms as he asked, "Then are you suggesting we simply allow Taeko Yasuhiro, a known threat to our safety, to simply roam free as she pleases?"
"Huh? Well…no, but—!"
"Then we both agree we should limit her access to certain areas of the school?"
"Uh…yeah, I guess—".
"And ensuring she cannot leave her room would help facilitate that, would it not?"
"I…think so?" Mondo replied, not entirely sure what was happening now.
"In that case, since we're in agreement, you can make yourself useful and install this latch on the outside of her door," Byakuya coerced, gesturing to the box Toko was holding.
Picking up on his intention, the writing prodigy nervously walked up to the biker and practically shoved the box into his hands. A stunned expression occupied Mondo's face as he looked down at the box of tools, his face darkening as he slowly realized that he'd been tricked.
"D-Don't let Master down!" Toko aggressively insisted, shrinking back a bit as Mondo glared at her. "Y-You should b-be honored that Master Byakuya g-gave you such—!"
"Shut yer goddamn mouth!" Mondo abruptly swore, making Toko leap back in abject terror before hiding behind Byakuya, peering out from behind him. Staring at the box in his hands, the biker gritted his teeth and lifted it high into the air. "I'm not takin' orders from the bastard that strung up Chihiro for his own fucked up entertainment!"
Behind him, watching this entire exchange, Chihiro meekly opened her mouth to try and speak…but sadly lost her courage and stood in stressful silence as the biker grew more and more out of control. The programmer could see what he was about to do, everyone could, and the fact that he was doing it because of what had happened to her…made her feel responsible.
She wanted to tell him to stop, but as always, her inner strength failed her, and she showed her own weakness by merely staring at his back, utterly powerless to help him. It was at this time, as Mondo prepared to slam the box into the floor, that someone appeared at her side.
"Bro! Control yourself!"
At once, Mondo completely froze, a quiet gasp of shock escaping him as he turned his head around. His steely gaze met the fiery expression of Taka, who stood next to Chihiro, a hand reassuring squeezing her shoulder.
"Now isn't the time for recklessness," the Moral Compass reminded him, somehow keeping his voice even. "Right now, all of us are a little on edge due to…the difficulties this day has wrought. So please, calm yourself before anything gets out of hand!"
Taka's voice startled the biker, who only now seemed to realize his actions. Glancing around, he found the entire class staring at him, worry in all their eyes. And even more disheartening, was that Junko was also staring at him, with a hint of disappoint in her sky-blue irises.
"Guh…right…sorry about that," Mondo replied, completely embarrassed as he slowly lowered the box. Feeling ashamed, the biker tapped his foot in agitation before finishing, "But still…I'm not gonna be the one to do it. If you want it done so bad, you can do it yourself."
He thrust the box out toward Byakuya who appeared to scoff at it, like such menial work was far below him. That attitude only further incited Mondo, who was about to shout again when a large figure appeared in front of him.
"I will do it," Sakura said solemnly, quickly taking the box from Mondo. "I will be escorting Taeko to her room anyway. Let me handle this."
Her voice was…quiet, almost pleading. Completely different from her usual strong and fierce tone. Sadly, the reason why was evident. Hina's abrupt departure, combined with the tension and exhaustion from today, was beginning to wear down even the strongest of the students. And with Sakura's obvious concern for her friend's heath, it was no surprise that she wanted as little bickering between her classmates as possible.
"Uh…sure," Mondo slowly replied, not used to seeing Sakura in such a state.
"Sorry to interrupt," Kyoko suddenly interjected, gathering the groups attention. "But there is another matter I think we need to settle…one that only Taka can resolve."
Visibly shocked, the Moral Compass confusingly stammered, "A-And what might that be?"
"You don't remember?" the mysterious girl questioned, the lightest of smirks tugging at her lips. "Didn't you make a promise to Chihiro during the class trial? Something that only you could do?"
There was a moment of silence as Taka considered her words. Then, like a spark, his eyes widened, and with it, the entire class had a realization.
Alter Ego.
Taka had promised to return the digital AI to 'her' creator once the trial was concluded. However, in the cacophony of madness and punishments that followed the trial, the notion had been all but forgotten, at least by most of the students.
"Ah, yes! I remember now!" Taka insisted, seemingly proud and ashamed at the same time. With a whirl, he turned toward the Ultimate Programmer and said, "Chihiro, I believe that I am in need of a bath! Could I meet you in the bath house in a few minutes? I need to fetch a 'towel' from my room!"
He winked as he said 'towel' and Chihiro's eyes lit up with unbridled excitement. "Y-Yes! I think…having a bath would be great!" She tried to sound as genuine as possible, but the excitement at seeing her baby again made her sound a bit too enthused. Not that anyone complained, even if Byakuya gave them skeptical looks
"I'll join ya!" Mondo abruptly joined in, walking over and patting them on the back. "I wanna talk with Chihiro some more too…if that's cool?"
The programmer's face was consumed by a warm smile. "Sure! The more the merrier!"
"Woah, woah, woah, hold up a second!" Hiro unexpectedly shouted, looking between the three of them. "I mean, like, I know Chihiro's a guy and all, but she was, like, wanting to be a girl or something…or is she actually a girl and…urgh this is very confusing! But either way, are you sure all of you are comfortable taking a bath together!"
A heavy tension suddenly enveloped the area as Hiro's insensitive comment rang out. And while some of the other students had been pondering that notion as well, blurting it out so aggressively was beyond insulting!
"You don't have to answer that, Chihiro," Junko abruptly spoke up, glaring daggers at the clairvoyant, who shrunk down under her gaze. "Time and place, Hiro! Time and—!"
"Well…actually," Chihiro slowly answered, even though she didn't have to. Gathering her courage, she met the gazes of her now interested classmates, shrinking back a bit before answering, "Physically…I'm a boy. But, I like cute…girly things. And…I kind of enjoy being a girl so…can you all please continue to see me as…a girl?"
Her voice was squeaking by the end, fear and anxiety taking hold of her. However, in less time than she imagined, a flood of positivity washed over her.
"No problem! Whatever you want!" Leon said with a bright smile, his words truly genuine.
"You'll always be Chihiro to me," Makoto told her with an awkward but hopeful smile. "And if that's who you are, then it's just who you are."
"Of course," Sayaka added, smiling warmly. "We can even take a bath together sometime, if you'd like?"
"I'm down for that," Junko concurred, tiredly stretching her arms before smiling at Chihiro. "In fact, why not ditch the boy and let us girls have a bath instead?"
The fashionista's voice was playful, obviously a joke, but in Chihiro's frazzled mind could only register it as a real request. The programmer's cheeks flushed bright red and she took a hesitant step backwards.
"A-A-Actually…even though I see myself as a girl…I'm…still attracted…to girls…so…bathing…together…wouldn't be…uh…um…"
As she trailed off, Junko and Sayaka suddenly realized how unintentionally uncomfortable they'd made her.
"No, no! It's fine! Really!" the pop idol insisted, feeling a bit flushed herself. "I didn't mean to assume. Sorry about that."
"Yeah, sorry. I was joking…mostly," Junko admitted, looking a bit ashamed. "Didn't mean to make you feel awkward. My bad."
Hearing their apology only made Chihiro feel more embarrassed, so she quickly replied, "N-No! Everything's…fine! I didn't mean to—".
"Can I be taken to my room now?" an unusually monotone voice interrupted. "All this sentimental crap is giving me a headache."
The entire class was startled as Taeko abruptly spoke over Chihiro's apology. Both Junko and Sayaka looked as if they were about to say something but closed their mouths once they stared into Taeko's lifeless expression. Her eyes were dull…almost a bit sunken in, with dark rings forming under her eyes, undoubtedly due to the horrific day she'd had. Her shoulders hunched forward, and her tattered dress, which usually made her look regal, instead reminded them of deposed royalty.
Sadly, she truly looked like a pitiful version of Marie Antoinette…or more accurately, how the deposed Queen of France must have looked…just before her execution. Her dream of becoming like the French noblewoman was sadly realized in the cruelest of fashions.
"Very well," Sakura suddenly acquiesced, much to everyone's shock. The martial artist glanced at the rest of the classmates, held up the box containing the latching suppliers and said, "I'll make sure she stays in her room. And I'll ensure the lock is properly installed on the outside as well—".
"Just a second," Kyoko spoke up, taking a few steps toward Sakura. She glanced at the box for a moment before turning to Byakuya. "Installing this latch might be considered 'damaging school property'. Did such a thought occur to you?"
Her demeaning comment was met with a half-smirk from the Togami Heir.
"I won't deny that I considered it. But I doubt it would be much of an infringement." His seemingly thoughtless comment earned him various glares from his classmates, which he took in strides. "If you're that concerned, why don't we simply ask Monokuma to verify it for us—?"
"Eh…it's fine."
The entire class tensed before spinning around to see Monokuma, who looked immeasurably 'relieved', standing behind all of them.
"Since so many rules have been changed or bent recently, I don't have a problem with a little 'modification' to the outside of Miss Yasuhiro's room." The bear clarified before a menacing smirk overtook its face. "But I'd be careful about taking too many liberties if I were you. After all, without rules, this wouldn't be game at all…it would just be a massacre! Ahahahahaha!"
As it laughed, the bear's gaze shifted over…staring directly at Junko for a brief moment before cackling its way down the hall and around the corner. Once the demented bear departed, the tension slowly began to dissipate…at least until a smug voice called out.
"It seems we have our answer," Byakuya informed the class, weathering the furious gazes aimed at him. Without a hint of guilt, the Togami Heir turned and gestured for someone to follow him. "As I said, I'd prefer to clear out Hifumi's room before nighttime. Those of you who volunteered, come along."
Makoto, Sayaka, and Leon frowned angrily, obviously displeased with his dismissive treatment. Walking away without them, Byakuya brazenly approached Hifumi's door, unlocked it, and let himself inside, Toko nipping at his heels. Barely inside, an audible groan escaped the writing prodigy.
"Master, c-can we please b-burn all this useless t-trash?" she bravely asked, picking up a manga that had been just inside the door. "S-Such filth will never be c-considered l-literature anyway!"
A surge of panic abruptly ran through the fanfic creator as he recalled everything he'd left out in his room. Abject horror overtook his expression as he began to make his way to them.
"W-Wait! I'm not…prepared!" he shouted and dashed on his tiny legs toward his room, rushing inside and letting out a screech. "N-No! Not those! I need those to create 2-D magic!"
No one wanted to know what it was Hifumi was referring to…
"We'll…uh, see you all in the morning," Makoto told the rest of his classmates as he, Leon, and Sayaka followed after them, closing the door to the fanfic creator's room behind them.
"Have a good evening," Sakura politely said before she turned and escorted Taeko down the hall and around the corner, out of sight.
"Shower time…" Junko told her classmates before waving and heading for her room. "Oh, and don't worry Chihiro," her words made the programmer raise an eyebrow. "I plan to keep my door open again tonight, to make sure no one tries anything 'funny'."
Chihiro blinked, obviously confused. "Uh…thank you?"
Only then did it occur to Junko that Chihiro had no idea she and Kyoko were leaving their doors open to help keep Alter Ego safe. Face-palming, and realizing she couldn't elaborate, she tried to come up with something better to say when Kyoko cut her off.
"Junko and I have been keeping an eye out each night, to ensure that no one enters the bathhouse."
Suddenly, it all clicked in Chihiro's mind as she remembered leaving Alter Ego to fend for 'herself' during 'her' creator's absence. It broke her heart to leave her baby so defenseless but knowing that those two strong girls had watched out for 'her', made Chihiro's eye well up with thankful tears.
"Oh…then, truly, thank you!"
"It's nothing," Kyoko answered stoically, turning and beginning to head toward her own room.
"Have a nice bath!" Junko said with a smile as she followed after the lavender haired girl.
Chihiro bowed deeply as the two women departed, slowly raising her head and looking between Mondo and Taka. "I guess…it's just the three of us now?" she said, a bit nervous but excited at the same time.
"Looks that way," Mondo confirmed, already heading toward the bath. "I'm guessin' we'll meet you in the changing room, Bro?"
"Yes! I won't be long!" Taka informed them before dashing off toward his room.
With a huff and a smile, the biker glanced down at Chihiro and said, "Let's hit it."
Chihiro nodded enthusiastically and walked beside her friend, struggling to keep her excitement at bay as they walked down the hall, into the open area just outside the dorm, and headed into the bathhouse.
The halls were empty now, not a single soul in sight…except for one.
"H-Hey…what about me?" Hiro said as everyone had left, going about their own business. "Guys…come on…"
No one had invited him to bathe together. No one asked him his plans for the evening. No one even seemed to register that he was there at all! Just like always! As usual, all his classmates did was ignore his opinions or scold him when he tried to clarify something that confused him! He hadn't meant to be insulting to Chihiro! He was just trying to see if it was appropriate for her to bathe with guys if she wanted to be a girl!
Sure, he didn't exactly go about it in the best way, but he had the best of intentions! That should matter for something, shouldn't it?! But no! As usual, his classmates barely seemed to recognize his presence! He felt all but forgotten during that last exchange!
"What the hell?! Am I not important enough to hang out with?! Do my opinions not…matter…to…anyone…?"
At that moment, Taeko's words from the trial rang in his ears…
"Junko doesn't give a shit about you. Think about it, she's never cared about your opinion until now, right? Why would that suddenly change? Oh, that's right, she's trying to get your vote so she can feel all important and have the 'honor' of outwitting the Mastermind…"
…
…
…It was true.
Hiro didn't want it to be true. He wanted to believe that his classmates…his friends…did value his opinions and ideas! After all, he was the older person here! They had to respect his decision because he was older and wiser than them! They had to know that he's not as stupid as they thought! They trusted him! They believed in him! They…They…
…they didn't…and he knew it.
Hiro had known for a while that the group thought of him as nothing but a useless accessory. Not even that, because accessories had purpose…and he apparently didn't. They viewed him as a nuisance. Someone they had to constantly put down because he couldn't be trusted! He knew that! But in a way…until recently, it didn't bother him.
After all, no one wanted to kill the useless guy! He faded into the background and only spoke up when I felt he should. Someone like that would easily survive in a horror movie! That had been his plan…
But now, after Taeko and Hifumi's attempt on his life, even though it was to frame him and not kill him directly, his perspective had changed. And what hurt the most was the reason…
"Because you're stupid…"
That was it. Nothing more and nothing less. He was now considered 'expendable' rather than useless…a distinction he never imagined feeling. His confidence, usually soaring high, had finally hit rock bottom.
After all, he'd gotten into Hope's Peak! Sure, he'd practically begged that talent scout with the fedora to let him in, on account of his run-in with the yakuza, but he still made it into the school dammit! He had a talent! A place he'd earned through groveling and semi-hard work! He didn't demand respect or anything but at least a little recognition would have been nice!
But now…even though he was safe from the yakuza, he'd stepped into a much more frightening situation than he'd ever imagined. That's why he told himself it was all a joke for so long, his fragile mind couldn't withstand such a horrifying truth. And now, once again faced with a truth he'd long since pushed away…Yasuhiro Hagakure felt a deep fear creeping into his soul.
"W-What if…I'm next for real this time?" he pondered quietly, feeling his legs shake.
He suddenly realized that he was alone…in the school…close to nighttime…when all the other attacks had happened. His breathing became ragged, and his mouth suddenly dried. Swallowing a lump in his throat, he whirled around, half expecting someone to be there…ready to bash his face in with a metal pipe!
But no…he was still alone…all alone…trapped in a school with no resources…no friends…no allies…just other people who viewed him as…expendable.
His eyes widened as that horrifying truth sunk in, and he made a mad dash toward his room. His fingers fumbled with his key, barely able to unlock it before rushing in and slamming the door behind him. Locking and bolting the door, he immediately ran to the table in his room and grabbed his deck of tarot cards.
"Draw one…I'll just draw one! That'll give me a better chance!" he shouted to himself, shuffling the deck. He knew it didn't make sense, drawing one card instead of reading his whole future, but at the moment, he couldn't think straight. He needed positive encouragement…no matter the cost! Once finished shuffling, he grabbed the top card and held it up, slowly turning it over. "Whatever it is, I'll know that everything will be—ERUAHHH!"
Yasuhiro Hagakure let out a terrified shriek, so loud that, if the walls hadn't been soundproof, all his classmates would have thought he was being murdered. And he may have well been…
…He had drawn the Tower Card…face up…heralding a coming disaster…
"Unbelievable…and yet, so interesting…"
The true Mastermind, Junko Enoshima, watched several monitors simultaneously. On one of them, Chihiro and Mondo waited for Taka to 'return' Alter Ego, who she'd been aware of since 'her' conception. It honestly didn't matter if they had the information on the laptop. Nothing that hard drive contained would be enough to bring back their memories or derail the killing game. That's why she chose to let them have their 'sliver of hope'…so that when she crushed it, it would be all the more satisfying!
"I'll let them keep believing I'm clueless about Digi-Chihiro," she told herself, donning her sexy teacher persona. "It wouldn't be as despair-inducing if I took everything away too quickly."
Meanwhile, on another monitor, Hiro was currently losing all semblance of reason as he finally realized he was nothing more than a space filler for the group. Then again, his fortune-telling actually was accurate, if only 30% of the time.
"I wonder what fuckin' bullshit fortune made him flip out like that!" Junko shouted, shifted to her vulgar, crazier persona. "Not like anything will help him anyway! He's gonna fucking die! Just like the rest of these chumps! HAHA!"
Suddenly, her laughter ceased as she glanced to not one, but two obscured monitors. Instantly, her persona shifted, becoming incredibly depressed to the point of growing mushrooms on her head. Her head drooped, and she gave an exhausted sigh.
"Oh…looks like Miss Detective adopted Big Sis Muku's 'shirt in front of the camera' trick." The now depressed Junko sighed again, louder and more exhausted than before. "I really should do something about that…"
Just then, a Monokuma doll materialized in her hands, which was quickly held up in front of her face.
"Puhuhuhuhuhuhuhu! Maybe another school regulation is needed to curve those defiant impulses?" Junko asked herself, using Monokuma as a medium.
"That's a great idea!" the Mastermind replied to herself. "But I think it'll be better to wait until morning…or at least, what they think is morning!"
Junko chuckled to herself as she looked at the only accurate clock in the entire building. The time read, 12:07 PM…making it just past noon! And yet, the nighttime announcement had just played! Oh, how utterly despairing it was to know that she had complete control over the entire class' sense of time!
Throwing off everyone sense of time had been easy and yielded great results! No one had any idea that they were actually waking up just after nightfall and sleeping during the day! That's why their first few days were so tiring and why they couldn't make proper decisions. It was meant to help speed up the initial killing…something that was utterly wasted due to Mukuro's interference but still derived a twisted sense of despair for Junko.
Plus, it had the added bonus of self-inflicted despair for Junko herself! Her own sense of time was completely out of whack now, and she'd been forced to adapt to her classmates' sense of time, which made running the killing game more difficult…but more rewarding.
"Forcing myself to overwork and under-sleep was a form of despair that I never tried until now!" she excited shouted, tossing the Monokuma doll high into the air before letting it land, almost perfection, into her lap. "The despair of having to run a complex killing game was hard enough, but add in insomnia, and low blood sugar and you've got Grade A DESPAIR to feast on! Ahahahahaha!"
As her cackling echoed in the small monitor room, she noticed movement on the monitors. Just outside of both Mukuro and Kyoko's rooms, the Mastermind watched as the secret partners headed toward their rendezvous…but that's not what drew Junko's attention. It was the figure that also exited their own room…and seemed to follow after them as stealthily as possible.
A maddening grin of despair overtook Junko as she whispered, "Looks like it's gonna be a long…day! Isn't that right…Mr. Lucky Student?"
TO BE CONTINUED…
Greetings, my beautiful readers! Now that Taeko's been pushed over the edge, what will happen to her? Will Byakuya's reign of terror last or will someone rise to overtake him? What are Mukuro and Kyoko going to discuss, and will they be overheard? You'll have to keep reading to find out!
I realized this chapter is a bit short, but I had to split this one off from a chapter that would have been almost double in size! I decided to update with this first, because I knew it had been a while since I posted. And just in time for the holidays! Hope all your holidays go great this year and I'll see you in the next chapter near the first of the year!
As always, reviews and comments are most appreciated! It's always fun reading what people think will happen or just commenting on the story as a whole, so thank you all for each and every review/comment!
Until next time, have yourselves a beautiful day, my beautiful readers!