Here we are. The sixth day. It has been nearly a week since we were in Hope's Peak Academy. And in less of a week…
Byakuya's corpse is shown.
Byakuya got murdered…
Junko's stabbed body is shown.
Junko got executed for defying Monokuma…
Sonia's limp body is shown.
And Sonia got executed for killing Byakuya…
In less than a week, we lost three of our friends…
In less than a week, we discovered what despair really felt like.
But we can't give up… We promised to not continue the killing game… We promised Sonia…
End of Day 5
Beginning of Day 6
I reached the Dining Hall, where everyone was.
« Hey everyone… » I greeted them.
« Hey Makoto. » Rantaro gave me a weak smile.
« … » Kazuichi didn't respond, as he stared at the table.
« He still didn't say a word ? » I asked.
« No, he did not. Sonia's death must have hit him pretty hard… » Taka shook his head.
« … »
I sighed as I watched in worry the mechanic keep that depressing look.
Because I had the bad feeling that our despair was just beginning…
CHAPTER 2
Along the Track of Despair
Daily Life
Soon after we finished eating, Monokuma called us to the gym.
« Ok ! Lift your arms up, and down ! One, two, three, four ! » Monokuma began to make us exercise.
No one took him seriously and did his exercise, with the exception of Kiyotaka.
« Ahh, doesn't it feel great ? After all, you gotta stay healthy when you're stuck inside here ! » Monokuma panted.
« You're the o-one keeping us "stuck inside"… » Toko glared at him.
« Don't sweat the small stuff ! That's my motto. Hey… wait… That actually sounded pretty cool, don't cha think ? » Monokuma grinned.
« Whatever, just tell us why we are here already ! » Miu groaned.
« Good grief. Fine, I would like to make an announcement ! Every time you overcome a class trial here at Hope's Peak, a whole new world will open up to you ! » He declared.
« Whole new world… ? » Mahiru repeated in surprise.
« It would really suck if you guys had to live forever with nothing new to stimulate you ! So go ahead, search all you want ! Enjoy your brave new post trial world ! » Monokuma then disappeared.
« Does that mean there's a way out… ? » Himiko asked hopefully.
« Seems unlikely. I doubt he would just end this killing game with only three deaths. » Rantaro shook his head.
« Well, we won't know until we searched this school once more ! We should make groups like last time ! » Taka declared.
« Agreed. Once you finished, make sure to come back at the Dining Hall to report ! » Mahiru continued.
« Do we m-make the same groups of l-last time ? » Mikan asked.
« How about we change for a bit ? That would make things more interesting ! » Kokichi proposed.
« I agree with that ! Speaking of which, I wondered, could something new be unlocked in the first floor ? » Taka asked.
« That could be the case. Then let's divide ourselves into two groups. One check the first floor while the other check the second floor. » Mahiru nodded.
« True, but someone should take care of Kazuichi. » Rantaro looked at the Ultimate Mechanic, who didn't say a word at all.
« Himiko and I will keep an eye on him. » Kokichi said.
« Why not just you ? » I asked him.
« Because I could kill him without anyone seeing, don't you think ? » Kokichi grinned evilly.
Everyone looked at him in shock and horror at such idea.
« Oooooorrrrrr someone could kill him and frame me for the murder ! » Kokichi laughed.
« Kokichi ! You cannot joke about this ! » Taka pointed in anger at him.
« B-but he has a point… We need to protect Kazuichi, he's vulnerable ! » Mikan said.
« Yeah well, I don't trust that grape haired shota ! Mikunt and Himikunt , you watch and protect Kazu-itchy's ass ! » Miu said out loud.
« Y-yes ! I-I mean, yes ! » Mikan nodded.
« Can you stop using insults in our names… ? » Himiko pouted but was ignored by the Ultimate Inventor.
« Alright ! Me and Mahiru will investigate the first floor while Mikan and Himiko keep an eye on Kazuichi ! The rest of you go to the second floor ! Come back here when you're done ! » Taka told us the plan.
And thus, everyone left to their duties, leaving me alone in the gym, as Mikan and Himiko took Kazuichi to the Dining Hall, as he was still in this traumatized trance.
So I went to the second floor, and began to check around the restrooms and classrooms. Looks like my luck came into play, as I found nine Monocoins !
I then went to a library, where Kyoko, Rantaro and Toko were in. I decided to talk to Toko first.
« You must be pretty happy to have all these books around, huh Toko ? » I asked her.
« N-Not particularly… Nothing's really c-caught my attention so far. » She groaned.
« A-ah, that's unfortunate… » I decided to leave her alone, as she didn't seem wanting to talk.
« Hey Makoto, pretty nice place, don't you think ? » Rantaro approached me.
« Yeah, although I'm not a big reader. What about you ? » I asked him.
« I certainly do not mind reading one. Plus, considering we might be here for a while, those books will help us kill time. Wait, that's a very bad choice of words. » He rubbed the back of his head, grinning nervously.
Then, something caught my attention, which also brought Rantaro's, too.
« A letter ? » He said to himself out loud, while we approached the shelf.
« It was buried under a thick layer of dust. It must have been sitting there for quite a while. Now, shall we see what's inside of it ? » Kyoko approached us.
« I don't know… We shouldn't read other people's mail without their permission… » I was reluctant about it.
« Well, I don't think it will matter. We are the only ones here, and I doubt whoever owns this will come back here, so we should check it. » Rantaro told me.
After a bit of hesitation, I broke the seal, opened the envelope, and took out and read the paper…
From the Hope's Peak Academy Executive Office
Throughout the years, we have been committed to shaping the youth who will one day shape the world.
We have a long, proud history as an institution of higher learning with full governmental support.
Our graduates enter society ready to take on active leadership roles in every major job field.
However, Hope's Peak Academy must now lower the curtain on its glorious history, for the time being.
This decision was not an easy one to make, but serious issues beyond our control have made it necessary.
But make no mistake – This is not the end for Hope's Peak Academy.
We intend to reopen our doors as soon as the issurs forcing our closure have been resolved.
That being said, this is the end for now…
And I would like to personally and sincerely thank everyone for your help and support over the years.
For now, we are awaiting official governmental authorization to formally cease operations…
« What does this mean… ? » I thought out loud.
« It would seem Hope's Peak had stopped functionning as a school. And judging by the amount of dust the letter had collected, I would say this letter is at least one year old. » Kyoko concluded.
« Hope's Peak closed down a year ago… ? » I wondered out loud.
« That would mean whoever is behind this took over Hope's Peak and kidnapped us for their killing game. » Rantaro concluded.
« But it should be impossible ! I entered Hope's Peak a few days ago, and it didn't look abandonned at all ! Plus, if it really shut down, surely it would have been on the news, right ? » I shook my head in disagreement.
« That must have been the mastermind's plan, they lured us all in here… » Kyoko thought out loud.
« On the other hand, it might just be a forged letter. The mastermind could have just fabricated this to mess with us. » Rantaro added.
« If it is real though, that does solve one mystery surrounding the school… The reason there are no other students here could be because the school had already closed down. » She continued.
« But whay did they meant by serious issues ? Is it about what's happening with us ? » I asked.
« If it is about that… Then it would help us discovering the mastermind's motive… » She added.
Looks like I saw all I needed for the library, let's get out.
I looked around, and saw the entrance of two locker rooms with… wait, a Gatling gun ?!
« Hey Makoto, have you seen the size of this Gatling gun ? It's so big ! » Kokichi looked at it in amazement.
« Big gun, huh ? That's what she said ! » Miu laughed.
« No one asked you, you stupid bitch. » Kokichi insulted her, getting serious all the sudden.
« Well, fuck you too ! » She glared at him.
« A-anyway… What's with these locker rooms ? » I asked, changing topic.
« They lead to a pool ! And inside those locker rooms there are exercise equipments ! You gotta use your handbook to get in there ! » Kokichi explained me.
« Yup yup, he's right ! »
We all groaned as Monokuma came right in to ruin the fun.
« If you wanna unlocker the locker room, you will have to swipe your personal E-Handbook across the card reader next to the door. And to ensure maximum security within each locker room… only a boy's handbook can open the boys locker room, and the same goes for the girls ! » Monokuma explained.
« But what if someone opens the door, then someone else sneaks in ? » Kokichi grinned maliciously.
« Then they will be punished for such sexual depravity ! That Gatling gun on the ceiling isn't for show, you know ? » Monokuma grinned evilly.
« If I may ask, what happens if someone loans their handbook to someone else ? For instance, a boy borrowing a girl's handbook and vice-versa ? » Keebo asked.
« Well, I would be happy to let you take mine, Keebo.~ » Miu purred.
« That's not what I was sugg- » Keebo panicked.
« What… That never even occurred to me ! How dare you suggest such low, cowardly tactics, Keebo ! I never thought a fellow robot would have such perverted thoughts ! » Monokuma was pissed.
« I was only asking, I swear ! And don't compare me to you ! » Keebo pointed at him in anger.
« Okay then, I will make a new rule ! From now on, loaning your E-Handbook to another student is strictly prohibited. How does that sound ? » Monokuma said.
« Great idea, Monokuma ! Now that bitch of Miu will not sneak inside our locker room to watch us naked ! » Kokichi smiled with stars in his eyes.
I turned to look at Miu, but to my surprise, she didn't snap and insult Kokichi. Instead, she played with her hair, looking away while blushing.
Wait, she wasn't thinking-
Damn it Miu.
« Anyway, see ya later ! » Monokuma left.
And with that, I finished my search of the second floor, so I went back to the Dining Hall, and waited for everyone to arrive.
« Okay everyone ! How did it go ? Did anyone discover anything new ? » Taka asked.
« T-there's a library… » Toko said, not looking at us.
« And there's a pool connected to locker rooms. » Keebo continued.
« But nothing ressembling an escape route. » Kyoko finished.
« It's alright, because Mahiru and I discovered something amazing ! The warehouse and bathhouse on the first floor of the dorms are now open ! » Taka declared.
« The warehouse is fully-stocked of clothes, food and so much more ! » Mahiru added.
« W-was there anything that we c-could use to escape ? » Mikan asked.
« U-umm… No… We haven't… » Taka looked down dejectly.
Was this the mastermind's plan ? To give us hope, just to turn around and betray that hope… ?
And so ended our sixth day here.
End of Day 6
Beginning of Day 7
A week. A week since we were kidnapped and brought into this place. Monokuma was still doing his morning announcement…
« Oh, that's right ! I wanted to let you know that your E-Handbooks have been updated ! New regulations have been added, so please take a look and enjoy your school life more than ever before ! » The monitor shut off.
Probably the loaning prohibition from yesterday…
I shook my head, and headed for the Dining Hall for breakfast.
« Hey Makoto. » Rantaro greeted me.
« Hey. Is everyone here ? » I asked.
« No… Kazuichi and Taka are still missing. » Himiko answered me.
We waited for them to arrive, but only Taka arrived.
« Bad news everyone ! There is a mystery afoot ! » Taka looked uneasy.
« What's wrong, Taka ? » Mahiru asked.
« It would seem Kazuichi refuses to leave his room ! » He answered.
« Can you blame him ? He watched a person he cared for die. » Kyoko rolled her eyes.
« W-well, I stood there pressing his doorbell over and over, but he never showed himself. I'm worried something might have happened to him. » Taka said in worry.
Everyone knew what he meant…
« I-It might be a good idea to split up and look for him. » I proposed.
« I was about to suggest that ! » Taka smiled in approval.
« Stop trying to one-up e-everyone… » Toko said.
So we split up and searched both floors in hope to find Kazuichi…
I decided to check the library…
I opened the door, and inside… I saw…
Kazuichi reading.
« Oh… Hey… » He spoke quietly.
« Hey, uh… what are you doing ? » I asked.
« Reading… Miss- I mean, Sonia told me it was important to read… » He replied.
« You're not the reader type ? » I approached him.
« Well, other than manuals in case I need a refresher course, no… » He replied again.
« Well, everyone was worried for you, we searched the entire school for you ! » I exclaimed.
« S-sorry… Tell the others I'm coming. » He told me.
I nodded, and got out, as the others arrived.
« Kazuichi ! So this is where you have been hiding ! » Taka shouted.
« We were concerned, man. » Rantaro told Kazuichi.
« I'm really sorry… I just needed some alone time… » He told us.
« I-It's ok… I understand. » Mikan smiled at him.
« Looks like you gained confidence, huh Mikan ? » Kazuichi started to smile as well.
« I-It's all thanks to Makoto. » She smiled at me.
And so, we went and ate our breakfast.
And now, I could spend some free time with my friends.
But before that, I needed to buy some presents to the store. So I went there and used the MonoMono Machine. However this time, I didn't spend all of my nine Monocoins, and instead I spent only seven of them, so I could keep the remaining two for future use.
I ended up getting an Ubiquitous Handbook, an Infrared Thermometer, a Wearable Blanket, a Beret, an Autumn-Colored Scarf, Bird Food, and a Hammock.
Now, who would I spend time with ?
Kazuichi might feel better, but I should give him some more time for himself.
As I walked in the dormitory, I could see Keebo going to Miu's room, as she let him in. Looks like I will have to wait until these two are done.
But on the other hand, I'm curious to see what they are doing.
I noticed the door wasn't fully closed, so I peeked…
And was met with an unsettling scene.
Miu was… on top of Keebo ?!
« Man, you're really plugged up… You're practically throbbing… throbbing with dust and debris that is… This is no good. No good at all. You must feel so pent up… » She purred.
« I apologize… I have been neglecting my needs ever since I got here. » Keebo replied.
« Relax, I will get it all out. Trust me, you will feel much better afterward… » She began to carress his chest.
« Oh, umm… Thank you ? » Keebo replied in confusion.
« Oh yeah, your chassis is firm. REALLY firm, like damn ! Your body is seriously incredible ! I haven't seen one like this ! » She kept touching his chest.
« C-careful… B-be gentle… That tickles… » Keebo tensed up, as he puts his hand on a certain spot she touched.
« This is amazing… Whoever put you together definitely knew they were doing… Ahhh… I feel all tingly… » She was nearly drooling at this point.
« Y-you definitely know what you are doing too… If you keep this up… I just might- » Keebo closed his eyes.
Then she touched that certain spot again.
« WH-WHOOOOOAAA ! » Keebo opened his eyes wide, as he shouted.
« So that's the sound you make when I touch that soot. Good to know… » Miu smirked.
I slowly moved away from the door in shock.
It's alright… Miu was just doing maintenance on Keebo's body. Yes, nothing but that.
« Hey ! »
I turned around and saw Mahiru, giving me a dissaproving look.
Crap.
« Really, Makoto ? You're spying on other people ? Not cool. » She told me.
« Sorry… curiosity got the better of me. » I apologized.
She sighed.
« I suppose that's you in a nutshell. » She admitted.
« Do you want to hang out with me ? » I asked.
« Huh ? » She looked at me in surprise.
« Do you want to spend time with me ? Like, talking about our hobbies and stuff ? » I repeated.
She thought about it for a few seconds…
« Sure, why not. » She nodded.
She lead me to the Dining Hall.
« Stay here, I will make ourselves some tea. » She told me as she left.
I waited until she returned with two cups of tea.
« Makoto, I wanted to say thanks for saving us in that class trial. » She told me while handing me my cup.
« No problem, our lives were on the line ! » I began to drink the tea.
« Well, my point is, you are better than I thought. So I decided to promote you from 'Somewhat reliable Makoto' to 'A little reliable Makoto'. » She told me, sipping her own cup.
« Thanks ! Wait, just a little reliable ? » I asked.
« I told you it was hard to change my mind, so if you want to be 'Reliable Makoto', you gotta keep up the good work ! » She smirked a bit.
I laughed a bit, then I decided to ask some questions.
« Tell me more about yourself, Mahiru. » I said, sipping more tea.
« Well, what do you want to know about ? » She asked.
« Maybe your parents ? » I said.
At that, her eyes widened, as her breath suddenly stopped.
« M-mahiru ? What's wrong ?! » I began to panic, as I got up and approached her.
« S-sorry… You just awoke some bad memories. I will be fine. » She took some deep breaths.
« I'm sorry… You don't have to tell me about it. » I told her.
« No… I think it's better if I tell you, you seem trustworthy enough. But I warn you, if you tell anyone about it, I will see you as an 'Unreliable and Backstabing Makoto'. » She warned me with a frown.
« I promise I won't tell anyone, Mahiru. You have my word. » I made my promise to her.
She stared at me for a few seconds, then sighed.
« Alright… My mom was a war photographer, a very famous one, if you didn't know. » She started.
« Yes… I remember seeing her photos on the Internet. » I nodded.
« Well, because she had to go to conflicts to take her pictures, she couldn't be there for me. So I was alone with my father, who was nothing but an alcoholic lazy man, so I had to take care of him and myself. » She confessed.
« So that's why you're giving us guys a hard time… » I realized now.
« Because I don't want you guys to end up like my dad. I love him, but I wished he could pull it together and get his life in hands. » She sighed.
Then, she looked up at me.
« Makoto, if you don't mind me asking… Who did you see in your motive video ? » She asked me.
Should I tell her… ?
« It was my sister and parents. » I decided to tell her.
« And how are your parents ? Their personality, I mean. » She continued.
« They are kind, they want the best for me and my sister, and encouraged me when I was accepted at Hope's Peak. » I told her.
She just stared at me without a word.
Then I understood what she was thinking.
« You're jealous that your father couldn't be like mine, is that right ? » I asked.
« Yeah… I wish I had a father like yours. Again, I love ly dad, but I wish he could be happier and take care of himself. » She admitted.
« Don't worry Mahiru, when we get out of here, we are gonna help him. » I told her.
« We ? » She stared at me in surprise.
« Of course ! I'm your friend, remember ? » I smiled at her.
« Thanks, Makoto. » She smiled back.
We finished our cups, and went to the Kitchen to clean them.
« Well, that was nice to talk to you, Makoto. » Mahiru told me.
« Actually, before you leave… » I handed her the Ubiquitous Handbook.
« Huh ? Can I really have this ? » Her eyes widened at the prize.
I nodded, and she took it.
« I will gladly take it. Thank you Makoto. » She smiled.
We said our goodbyes, and I was left to choose another classmate to spend time with.
« I wanna see Mikan again ! » I thought.
I looked for her, and found her in the Laundry. I waited behind her to not surprise her.
« O-oh, hello Makoto ! » She greeted me with a smile.
« Hi Mikan. How are you today ? » I smiled back.
« G-good, thank you ! » She replied.
« Wanna hang out with me ? » I asked.
« I-I would love to ! » She nodded eagerly.
I smiled at that. She was finally beginning to build some self-esteem and confidence.
« So, what do you want to do, Mikan ? » I asked.
« W-well, if you c-could help me with the laundry… I-I'm on cleaning duty… » She answered.
« Of course ! I will gladly help ! » I nodded.
So we put the clothes in the washing machines and later put them to dry.
« T-thanks for the help, Makoto. » She smiled.
« No problem, Mikan ! I also have something for you ! » I gave her the Infrared Thermometer.
« T-thank you Makoto ! » She smiled as she took it.
« Now, why don't we talk a bit more ? » I proposed as we were leaving the Laundry room.
« O-ok… W-what do you want to talk about ? » She asked me.
« Well, how about what you did before joining Hope's Peak ? Before becoming the Ultimate Nurse ? » I proposed.
« W-well… Because no one would treat me when I was hurt or sick, I had to take care of myself. No one in middle school was interested to care about me… W-what I will say m-might sound wrong, b-but… I-I actually like being here… I feel so useful… everyone acknowledges me… I'm having fun… I'm feeling happy. » Milan confessed.
Wow, she really was ignored her whole life before this ? Poor Mikan…
« Despite the fact we can be killed at any moment, huh ? » I said out loud.
« Even so… We are working together and focusing on the same goal… For the first time, I learned that is fun. » She smiled.
« Well, I am glad you're keeping it up together. » I smiled back.
« Thank you for talking with me, Makoto. I'm really happy to have you. » She pulled me into a hug !
« H-hey, no problem ! » I hugged her back.
After that, it was getting late, so after eating, I went to my room and slept.
End of Day 7
Beginning of Day 8
I woke up for a new day, and went to the Dining Hall. I ate as usual, until…
« Hey… Is this everyone ? The table is kinda empty. » Taka pointed out.
« Hello ? We lost three persons, and Tokunt didn't come, idiot ! » Miu snapped.
« I'm not an idiot ! You're an idiot ! » Taka countered.
« Who are you callin' an idiot ?! » Miu got up from her seat and approached the Ultimate Moral Compass with a glare.
« You ! You are an idiot ! That's why you use your vulgar language and manneurisms as you can't behave like a well educated person, and that's why you walk around dressed like that ! » Taka argued.
« Oh yeah ? At least I'm not some stuck-up coward who acts all mighty but is nothing but a little shit ! » Miu growled.
They were practically forehead against forehead.
« Hey Makoto, there's a bathhouse on the first floor, right ? I want you to be our witness ! » She turned to look at me.
« W-witness ? To what ? » I asked in surprise.
« We are going to do a challenge ! We are going to see who can stay in the sauna the longest ! » Miu said out loud.
« W-what ?! No ! I refuse ! » Taka looked horrified.
« Ha ! What's the matter ? You goin' soft on me now ? » Miu smirked.
« N-no ! It's just… A boy and a girl going in a sauna together ? It's… It's… unwholesome ! » Taka shook his head.
« Jeez, no wonder why no girl wants you. » Miu groaned, looking away.
The others, tired of their antics, decided to eat as fast as they could so they could leave as soon as possible.
But then…
« Not so fast, Macockto ! » Miu grabbed my wrist.
« Y-yes ? » I said.
« I wanna talk to you. I want to know more about you, normie. » She said seriously.
Oh… Should I hang out with Miu ?
Sure, why not.
« Ok, what do you want to know ? » I asked.
« How many chicks you have banged ? » She grinned.
« Miu ! Not those kind of questions ! » I snapped.
« Well, what kind of questions do you want me to ask, you virgin ?! » She gritted her teeth.
« W-well, maybe about my family or how I got into the academy ? » I said.
« Fiiiinneee… What about your family and how you got in the Academy ? » She rolled her eyes.
« I got in the Academy as I won a lottery hosted by them, and my family is a kind and supportive one. » I answered.
« Booorriiinng… » She said.
« My turn now. » I said.
« E-eh ? » She slightly jumped in surprise.
« My turn to ask questions. How did you become the Ultimate Inventor ? » I asked.
« Well… » She played with her hair.
« Oh, you don't have to tell me if you don't- » I got interrupted by her.
« I was just in thoughts, idiot ! Let me talk, damn it ! » She snapped.
« S-sorry… »
« Anyway… Before I became the Ultimate Inventor, I was like you : A boring, unremarkable normie with not talent like you… » She started.
Ouch. She really loves to insult me and my luck.
« But then, I got onto an accident and ended up in a coma. » She looked down.
« O-oh, I'm sorry to hear that… » I actually felt bad now. Maybe I misjuged her…
« So ever since that dreadful day, my golden brain is full of ideas, ready to make those inventions a reality ! » She finished.
« That's actually very impressive, Miu. What kind of inventions do you make ? » I asked.
« Sleep-related inventions. One that lets you write while you sleep, one to read, another to eat, and so on… » She explained.
« That can't be all of it… Is it ? » I was so confused.
« Well, one time I invented some stupid eyedrop contact lenses as a joke. » She replied.
« W-what ?! That's an amazing invention ! » I exclaimed.
« Oh please ! That was nothing ! It doesn't help you while you sleep ! So I signed the patent rights to some company and never looked back. » She continued.
Miu, you might be the Ultimate Inventor, but you sure aren't the Ultimate Trader.
« So anyway, that's how I became the Ultimate Inventor. Pretty cool, am I right ? » She smirked.
« Yeah, I admit your backstory is pretty cool, and tragic too. » I said.
« Don't worry too much about that part ! Thanks for listening, Makoto ! Maybe you're not as boring as I thought ! You might be a normie, but at least you're a normie that listens ! » She smiled at me.
« Oh, by the way, Miu, I got something for you. » I handed her the Wearable Blanket.
« Wha- ! I-I have wanted this so bad… I took you for an idiot, Macockto, but you're actually pretty useful ! » Miu smiled at me.
« No worries, Miu ! I gotta go, that was fun ! » I said goodbye and went to see someone else.
Eventually, I found Keebo at the Storage Room.
« Hello Keebo ! » I greeted him.
« Ah, hello Makoto. If you have come to talk to me, that can only mean you are interested in me, right ? » Keebo smiled.
« Yes, I would love to know about the Ultimate Robot. » I nodded.
« Well, what do you want to know about me ? Please ask some questions. » Keebo told me.
« Hmm… Do you sleep at all ? I remembered you couldn't eat, so I want to know if you can sleep. » I started with my first question.
« Well yes and no. Yes, I have an ability similar to sleeping, which consists to recharge my power cells, however I am still conscious while I recharge, and a single charge is enough to generate a week's worth og power, so I don't need to do it very often. » He explained me.
« Wow, that's pretty impressive ! » I was amazed.
« I know, right ? My energy efficiency is truly incomparable ! » He smirked.
« Ok, what other skills do you have ? » I asked again.
« I have 20/13 vision, impressive, am I right ? » He continued.
« Wait, that's pretty normal, isn't it ? » I raised an eyebrow.
« What ?! No it isn't ! Over 50% of high school students have less than 20/20 vision ! » Keebo said angrily.
« W-well, what else can you do ? » I tried to change the subject.
« I have several new functions thanks to Miu ! » He declared.
« Miu ? What did she do ? » I raised an eyebrow.
« She did maintenance on myself, and I got two new upgrades ! » He smiled.
So she did do maintenance… Thank goodness…
Suddenly, his eyes lit up, brightening up the room !
« How about this ? She gave me a flashlight function ! » He said.
« Y-yeah, but you're blinding me right now ! » I covered my eyes.
Thankfully, he shut off his flashlight.
« I apologize, here's my remaining function. » He said.
Out of nowhere, an image came out of his mouth !
« This is my image recording function. I can print my memories, once again thanks to Miu. » He handed me the image, which was the Storage Room.
« I see… It's interesting, though a bit weird due to ghe fact it comes out of your mouth. » I looked at the picture.
« Well, I'm happy we had this time talking with each other. I think I can understand humans better now. » Keebo smiled.
« And I think I can understand robots better now. Oh, I almost forgot ! » I gave him the Autumn-Colored Scarf.
« This is quite a fascinating item ! Are you sure I can have it ? I wish I could give something in return, but I have nothing to give… I'm sorry. » He took it.
« It's ok, pleasure is all mine ! » I told him.
We left, and I didnt do anything until nighttime.
End of Day 8
Beginning of Day 9
After hearing Monokuma's morning announcement again, I left my room and searched for someone to talk to. Then I found at the entrance of the boy Locker Room, someone I cared about a lot.
« Hey Rantaro ! » I called him.
« Oh, hey Makoto, wanna hang out today ? » He greeted me.
« I would love to ! We are going swimming ? » I nodded.
« Yep, follow me ! » He used his E-Handbook to open the door.
So I followed him and we changed to our swimming suits. I now noticed he was a lot muscular than I expected, guess his clothes hid his build.
« Hehe, you enjoying the sight, Makoto ? » He chuckled.
« S-sorry ! I didn't mean to ! A-and that's not what it looks like ! » I apologized.
« It's fine, a lot of guys and girls tend to stare at me for too long. » He chuckled again.
« Oh, are you bisexual Rantaro ? Or pansexual, perhaps ? » I asked.
« Well… I don't really have a preference towards girls or guys… To be honest, I don't really have romantic attractions to anyone, even here. A lot of people think I'm handsome and cute, and I'm using my charms on them, but that's not true at all, I'm not that kind of guy. » He explained.
« Ah, so asexual, then. » I concluded.
« I suppose. But honestly, I don't really care about my sexuality, can we change the subject, please ? » He said.
« Sorry about that. » I looked down.
« It's fine, don't worry about it. Now, let's go swimming. » He told me.
We swam for a bit, and I clearly had trouble keeping up with him. When we finished, I was completely exhausted.
« You should definitely exercise more, Makoto. It's important to stay in good health. » He told me as we returned to the Locker Room.
« Yeah, I should… » I looked down in embarassment.
« How about I train you when we can ? You would be well built in no time ! » He proposed while dressing upn
« Yes, I would love to ! » I nodded, dressing up as well.
« I'm glad to hear that. » He smiled, fully dressed up.
« By the way, here's something for you ! » I gave him the Beret as I finished dressing up.
« Aww, another gift ? I love it, thank you. » He puts it on top of his head, as we left the Locker Room.
We then went to the Dining Hall.
« You know Makoto, you kinda remind me of one of my sisters. » He told me.
« Really ? » I asked in surprise.
« Yeah, you're kind, selfless and optimistic. It reminds me of my youngest sister. You know, I always wanted a little brother. » He chuckled.
« I do have a younger sister. She cares about me a lot, so I have to take care of her. » I said.
« Looks like you're a good older brother for her, and you would make a perfect little brother for me. » He chuckled as he… patted my head ?
I chuckled at this, letting him pat me.
« That was a lot of fun, Makoto. See ya around. » He left.
After that, I returned to my own room to sleep, when then…
Ding dong, bing bong
« Ahem ! School announcement, school announcement ! Nighttime is quickly approaching, but before it arrives, all students must gather at the gym immediately. Emergency, emergency ! » Monokuma spoke from the monitor.
I really don't like this, but I have to go…
I went to the gym, when I noticed Himiko at the entrance, seeming sad.
« Himiko ? Why you didn't go in yet ? » I asked gently.
« N-nyeh ! Don't scare me like that ! » She jumped in surprise.
« S-sorry… But we really should go inside. » I told her.
« I don't want to… I have a bad feeling about this… » She said.
« I don't like this either, but we can't ignore it, Himiko. » I tried to comfort her.
« I guess we have no choice… » We went in reluctantly.
Everyone else was waiting for us.
« Asking us to gather together all of a sudden like this… What could he possibly want ? » Taka asked to himself.
« I don't know, but he makes sure to keep things interesting ! » Kokichi chuckled.
« How is that funny ? That's totally messed up ! » Mahiru frowned at him.
« Hey, at least I don't live in denial day after day even though I don't want to kill anyone ! » He smirked at the red-haired photographer.
« Kokichi ! You can't say things like that ! » Keebo said out loud.
« Oh ? And why Keeboy ? Weren't you the one who said the police would help us ? Seems like to me we are not getting any help soon. » Kokichi smirked at the robot.
« Well, umm… » Keebo couldn't answer back.
« It's strange indeed. There's no way the police wouldn't know about it. We're right in the middle of a major urban area. » Kyoko wondered out loud.
« Umm… guys ? It might be unrelated, but- » Kazuicji was interrupted.
« Then don't say it. » Toko sneered.
« Hey ! Let me finish ! Anyway, last night, before the nighttime announcement, I was at the main hall hanging out, when I heard it. » Kazuichi continued.
« You heard what ? » I asked.
« I didn't see where the sound was coming from, but it sounded like something coming out… of a construction site, I guess ? » Kazuichi answered.
« A construction site ? » Rantaro repeated, raising an eyebrow.
« He must have m-made this up. P-probably due- » Toko was interrupted.
« Whatchoo talkin' about, Toko ?! » Monokuma interrupted her, causing her to jump in surprise.
« He has arrived… » Kyoko frowned at the monochrome bear.
« What Kazuichi heard wasn't the sound of construction… but it could have been an explosion, or maybe a machine gun ! Who knows ? » Monokuma chuckled.
« What is he talking about… ? » Himiko said quietly.
« Ignore him, he's just wasting our time with cryptic answers ! » Miu groaned.
« Then let's move on to what he wants now. Why dif you call us all here ? » Kyoko approached the bear carefully.
« Well, I'm tired these last few days. The next blackened hasn't shown up yet, and I'm getting boooored ! So, I have decided to come up with a new way to motivate you ! » Monokuma declared.
This sent shivers down our spines.
« I don't know what you've got planned, but we're not going to kill each other anymore ! » Taka retorted.
« That's very big talk. Can you back it up ? Now then, let me begin ! » He then pulled out several pieces of paper.
« I have dug up some of your darkest secrets ! You have 24 hours ! If someone doesn't become blackened by then… all your deepest, darkest, most embarassingest secrets will be exposed to the world ! » Monokuma laughed.
He then threw the envelopes at our feet, and in less than a second, everyone rushed to get their envelopes.
I opened mine...
And my entire body suddenly went rigid.
Makoto wet the bed until he was in 5th grade.
« H-how… ? » Mikan began to panic.
« How did you find out about this ?! » Taka demanded.
« Pretty unpleasant, am I right ? None of you would want me to reveal that stuff, huh ? Well, you know what to do ! » Monokuma ignored his question.
« We'd never kill over something like that ! » I said out loud.
« He's right ! Your plan is doomed to fail ! No one's gonna murder someone for this kind of thing ! » Taka agreed with me.
« Then I'll expose all of your secrets in 24 hours ! Fare not well ! » Monokuma then left.
The whole gym was silent for a while…
« Well… We dodged a bullet, right ? Sure, this is gonna be embarrassing, but it's not a reason enough to kill, right ? » Keebo asked.
« Good news, everyone ! I have a brilliant idea ! Why don't we all just confess the secrets in those envelopes right here and now ? If we do that, any and all motive for murder will vanish ! Okay, so my embarassing thing is… » Taka proposed but was interrupted.
« I d-don't want to hear your stupid s-story ! Besides, I don't w-want to talk about it ! » Toko snapped.
« Same here ! No way in hell you know my secret ! » Miu growled.
« Well, it's just human nature to wanna hear it when you refuse ! Tell us, Miu ! » Kokichi cheered.
« No ! » She snapped.
« Pwwweeassse ? » Kokichi tilted to one side.
« I said no ! So why don't you keep your fuckin' mouth shut, you lyin' little abortion ! » She yelled.
« Wha- ?! Th-That was really uncalled for… WAAAAAAHHHH ! YOU'RE SO MEEEEEAAAANNN ! » Kokichi cried.
« Ignoring these two, I don't feel comfortable sharing my secret either, I apologize. » Keebi looked down.
« Well, if everyone's that much against it, then I gotta decline too. » Kazuichi said.
« W-well, that's okay, then. It's just a few secrets, I'm sure we will be fine ! » Taka said a bit sad.
I hope you're right…
« Each of us has 24 hours to get ready ! So… Don't do anything hasty ! Good ? Good ! » He told us.
Ding dong, bing bong
The nighttime announcement played, and one by one, we headed back to our rooms.
I went to sleep, not knowing a tragedy was taking place.
End of Day 9
Beginning of Day 10
I heard a voice calling me…
I'm sure I heard it before…
I think it says… Good morning ?
« Good morning ! »
I screamed as Monokuma was literally on my bed, causing him to laugh.
« What are you doing here ?! » I asked angrily.
« I wanted to spice things up ! So instead of a school announcement, I decided to wake you in person ! » He explained.
« What the hell for ? » I sighed.
« Because it's fun. Also… Because something happened to one of your buddy-buddy classmates ? » Monokuma smirked.
« What… ? » My eyes widened.
No…
It can't be…
It can't have happened again, did it… ?
« Well, good luck finding out what I meant ! » He legy.
I immediately rushed to the Dining Hall, where Kokichi, Kazuichi, Mahiru and Keebo were already here.
« Ah, Makoto ! » Mahiru called me.
« Did Monokuma talk to you, too ? » Keebo asked.
« Y-yeah, where are the others ? » I nodded.
« They gotta be checking what Monokuma said ! » Kokichi said happily.
« No way… Did it happen again ? » Kazuichi cried, holding his beanie.
« W-we gotta join them ! Let's split up and begin looking ! » Mahiru exclaimed.
We nodded, as we searched throughout the school…
When I noticed Kokichi standing in front of the Library.
« Ah, Makoto ! Just in time ! » He smiled at me.
« What is it ? » I asked.
« The Library is suspicious, don't you agree ? No one searched there, follow me ! » He grinned, as he went towards the doors' handles.
I followed him…
And when the doors opened…
Time seemed to freeze…
As I saw the suspended body of Toko Fukawa, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy.
CHAPTER 2
Along the Track of Despair
Deadly Life