A/N: Y'know, there's only so many ways I can type out, "I had writer's block and so I ended up not writing for half a month". Oy gevalt... Anyways, after nearly half a year, here's part two of our wonderful Prologue! Sorry for the delays, folks. I really didn't mean to end up getting writer's block again with a new story, but shit happens, I guess. Anyways, without any further ado, let's see where this story leads us, shall we?
(My eyes widened in surprise. Someone else is here? Is it another student? Or is it someone different entirely? Either way, a new face meant new answers. Everyone turned around at the sound of the voice… and saw nothing.)
Fumio: Is it just me, or did anyone else hear something?
Akio: No, no... I heard something too.
Kira: Perhaps the madness has already begun to settle in from our imprisonment. Kehehehe... How interesting. It'd be quite the spectacle to witness firsthand the descent into cabin fever, I would think, wouldn't you?
(Gee, thanks, Kira. You sure do know how to lighten the mood around here, don't ya?)
High-Pitched Voice: Upupupupu! That'd be great to see people already begin to lose it, but nope! Just little old me!
(That voice again... it's the same one I heard when I got woke up in that jail cell, I'm sure of it... but where is it coming from?)
High-Pitched Voice: Hello...? Down here?
...
High-Pitched Voice: HEY, YOU STUPID INMATES! LOOK DOWN HERE!
(All of us turned our heads downward in surprise. There stood a small plush toy, barely half a meter tall. It was the same style of bear that was in the library, black and white with a sinister red eye. It was clad in a small blue military uniform, with a policeman's badge fastened to its chest.)
High-Pitched Voice: That's better! Honestly, you're my prisoners?! From what I can tell, none of you have two brain cells to rub together between the lot of you!
(The plush doll suddenly blushed, pressing his paws to his cheeks as he giggled creepily.)
High-Pitched Voice: Upupupu, but I guess you can't help it! I'll have to take extra-special care of you then, my adorable dumbass prisoners! Don't worry, Uncle Monokuma will watch over you as best as he can~!
(The entire room went dead silent as the plush bear rambled on in his grating, squeaky voice. This... this couldn't be real. I had to have been drugged, or suffering from a concussion, or something else like that. There was no possible way that I was witnessing a walking teddy bear in a prison warden's uniform casually refer to us as if we'd been friends for life. This had to be a hallucination)
Max: Pardon me... But you all are bearing witness to this strange sentient plush plaything as I am, correct?
(Oh god, it's not a hallucination.)
High-Pitched Voice: Excuse me! This 'sentient plush plaything' has a name you know! I'm Monokuma! The lovable! The luxurious! The lascivious! And the ever-so-marketable! Vice Warden of Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility!
('Ever-so-marketable'...?)
Yuuto: Vice-Warden? Wait, so you're the skeevy fuck that locked us in this shithole?!
Monokuma: Yupperino! That's a-me! Monokuma!
(Immediately, a scowl formed on the bear's face, and he raised his paw, extending three nasty-looking claws.)
Monokuma: Got a problem with that?
Yuuto: Ghhk! N-no.
Monokuma: Upupupu... that's what I thought-
Hachiro: FOR THE REVOLUTION!
(Before anyone could realize what had just been said, Hachiro dove forward, letting out a fearsome war cry, before throwing a strange container at the bear. Immediately, the Vice-Warden erupted into a pillar of flames, heating up the room significantly. In a panic, Monokuma began running around the room, and we all had to step back, lest we get caught on fire ourselves.)
Monokuma: HOT! HOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOTHOT!
Hachiro: Fuhahahahahaha! Take that, oppressive government dog! Tonight you burn in hell!
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
(Suddenly, a shrill beeping noise began to fill the room. The only thing that noise could be coming from... could be Monokuma! Crap, this can't be good!)
Ochiyo: He's going to blow! Take cover now!
(No one argued with the former Drill Sergeant as we all immediately dove behind the nearest safe places we could think of. Nearby pillars, the fountain, Akio. As the beeping grew louder and louder, we all plugged our ears for the inevitable blast.)
BOOOOOOM!
(Almost instantly, the strange bear exploded into billions of pieces of scrap metal and stuffing, scattering shrapnel all over the place. As the remains of the Vice-Warden lay there smoking, I could feel my heart beat out of its chest. That... seemed way too easy, didn't it? Hachiro got to his feet once the coast was clear, an arrogant and proud smile on his face as he placed his hands on his hips!)
Hachiro: FUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Victory for the Amaryllis Corps! Our oppressor has been slain! Once more, I've helped bring the world one step closer towards freedom! No need to thank me! The pleasure was all mine!
Keiko: You putrid pyromaniac nincompoop! What the hell was that for?!
(Huh. Impressive alliteration there.)
Hachiro: What? You're not telling me you liked that horrific bear!
Yuuto: Of course not! But who the hell starts throwing bombs like that without warning?!
Hachiro: That wasn't a bomb! That was a Molotov cocktail! Completely different!
Margot: A-aren't they still explosives?!
Ryuunosuke: Hmph. How a blithering idiot like him managed to lead an entire revolution is beyond me.
High-Pitched Voice: Yup-yup! I gotta agree with ya there, Brittle Bones Benkei! Looks to me like the little firebug doesn't even have two brain cells to shake!
(That voice... Could it be? I turned around behind us, and to my shock, there stood Monokuma, with barely even a scratch on his fuzzy hide as he grinned that same smarmy grin he had on his face the last time we saw him.)
Achiko: WAIT, YOU'RE ALIVE?!
Monokuma: Upupupupu! But of course! What Vice-Warden would I be if I ascended to the pearly gates so easily! Sorry to tell ya inmates, but this bear ain't goin' nowhere!
Hachiro: Is that so?! Then I'll just have to throw more Molotovs then!
Akio: Whoawhoawhoa! Hold on there, buddy!
Ochiyo: Hachiro, calm down!
(Fortunately, before Hachiro's anarchy could start anew, the priest and the former drill sergeant tackled him, forcing him down on the ground, much to the revolutionary's loud indignation. All the while, Monokuma laughed, his high-pitched voice grating on my nerves quickly. Eventually, the horrendous cackling ceased, and the bear wiped a nonexistent tear from his robotic eye.)
Monokuma: Ahhh… that never gets old! Anyways, I'll let that little explosives show slide just this once...
SNIKT!
(The bear raised a claw, and the three wicked claws extended outward once more.)
Monokuma: But be warned. Anyone that tries to attack the Vice-Warden will be executed immediately.
Margot: Executed...? What do you mean executed?!
Monokuma: Oh? Don't you know? Upupupupu! Whoopsie! I guess I forgot to tell you about what this whole shebang is all about! Y'know those little ankle bracelets on your feet?
(He's right... that strange ankle bracelet from before. I pulled up my pants leg, and there it was, still beeping away.)
Monokuma: Yep yep! That cute little doohickey isn't just the latest in prisoner fashion! It's also a way to keep you brats in line! Break one of the rules of Hope's Bastion and... KABLOOEY!
Aiya: K-k-kablooey?! As in SSS! BOOM! BRAKAPOW?!
Monokuma: Yupperooney! KABLOOEY! Just like I did earlier! Y'see, all of you have been very, very naughty boys and girls! Some of the most horrid high schoolers humanity has ever known! So, as Vice-Warden of Hope's Peak Academy, I'm here to straighten you out with our fantastic new program! Drumroll, please!
Ratatatatatatatatatatatata...
(The sound of a light tapping filled the air. Curious, several heads turned to the back to see Max tapping away at one of the walls. Seeing us stare at him, he blushed, before putting away his drumsticks.)
Max: Erm, apologies. It is a predisposition of mine.
Monokuma: Wow, I didn't think I'd actually get a drumroll this time. That's new! ahem Anyways, I, Vice-Warden Monokuma hereby welcome you to...
THE HOPE'S BASTION SENTENCE OF MUTUAL KILLING!
(You could hear a pin drop as the bear's words sunk in for everyone. Slowly, everyone began to turn to each other, looks of dawning comprehension and fear shown across the room.)
Yoshino: Mutual... Killing? Y'mean we're gonna have to murder each other?
Shuei: A game of death, is it? As fun as the concept is, I regret to inform you that particular story has been played out a tad too often for my tastes. Yes, yes, unless you add a new spin on this tale, this seems far too cliche for my liking.
Fumio: Y-you're kidding me! This bear just told us that we're going to be forced to murder each other, and you're concerned about overused story elements?!
Achiko: Hey, pal! Enough with the bad jokes! I'm warning you! If you don't stop this right now, I'll have my army of fans swarm this place and tear it to the ground!
Monokuma: Puhahahahahahaha! Sorry, suckers! No jokes! No tricks! This is your new life, so deal with it! Too bad, so sad!
(I hate to admit it... but the bear's right. For now, all we can do is play along with his sick ideas.)
Kasumi: So how does this Mutual Killing Sentence work, then?
Monokuma: Oh, good, someone who isn't in denial for once! Alrighty then, let me explain! As you know, you're stuck in Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility indefinitely. This place is one of the best of the best jails in the world, with no way of escaping. So, if you were thinking of an amazing prison break, tough tits! However, there is one method of escaping this esteemed high-security prison! Discharge!
Max: Discharge? What does galvanism have to do with our current predicament?
Keiko: Discharge as in being released from prison, not electricity, you heavy metal bellend.
Monokuma: Eyup! Which is where the Mutual Killing Sentence comes in! There's one major rule of this killing game! Whoever kills someone first without getting caught gets to walk away from it all!
Kira: Without getting caught... I'm guessing you mean that the others are going to have the chance to guess who killed who?
Monokuma: Yup-yup! Gold star for Grim Reaper here! It's not enough that you kill someone to escape! After a body is discovered, we go into the trial, where the rest of you have to try to find our killer, the Blackened! Guess wrong, and the Blackened gets to go on their merry way! Guess right, and... you know the rest.
(I should've figured... letting us murder each other in the open would be too easy. Not to mention, with people like Ryuunosuke and Shiya here, it'd be a slaughter...)
Ochiyo: This is ridiculous! None of us would actually try killing each other. Right?
Monokuma: Hah! Please, I've heard that spiel plenty of times, Sergeant Stupid. Sorry to say, but that never comes true. Nope! Never! Not in a million billion years! Upupupupu! Oh, yes, one last thing before I forget...
(The bear pulled out several small phone-like devices from out of nowhere, before handing each of us one. They were attatched to a lanyard colored after Monokuma himself. I pressed a button on the side, and the screen flickered on. On the phone was my name, "AHIRU KASUMI", in bold white letters.)
Monokuma: These are your Monopasses, built by myself of course! They're your ID, rulebook, and key all in one! So don't lose them! I ain't gonna shill out replacements for you brats!
(Rulebook, huh? Good to know. I'll have to look through it before the day ends... It's probably not gonna happen, but if I can find a loophole, I'll exploit it as much as I possibly can.)
Monokuma: So with that, Orientation is over, kids! See ya around! Upupupupupupu!
(In a flash, the Vice-Warden disappeared, leaving nothing but a Monokuma-shaped dust cloud in his wake as we all stood there, no one wanting to speak up.)
Ryuunosuke: Well. It appears the game is afoot now. Goodbye then.
Ochiyo: Ryuunosuke, where are you going? You shouldn't break off from the group like that.
(The Ultimate Samurai turned around, scoffing at the Former Ultimate Drill Sergeant.)
Ryuunosuke: 'Group'? Are you an idiot? As if I'd be inclined to spend my time in a room full of potential killers. Do what you wish. I'm leaving to find my quarters.
Ochiyo: Killers... you can't seriously be telling me you're going along with this demented bear's game, are you?!
Ryuunosuke: And what if I am? What other option is there? Just sitting and waiting here for an eternity, while someone plots my death to escape this place?
Ochiyo: Plots your dea-?! No one here is plotting anyone's death! We just have to stick together as a unit and stay calm. No one has to do anything rash-
Ryuunosuke: Oh, please. You are being a naive fool. You can't possibly be thinking that no one here isn't even considering a murder right at this moment.
Ochiyo: You don't know that, Ryuunosuke. We just met each other today. None of us have any motive to kill each other in the first place!
Ryuunosuke: Look at yourself, spitting this childish drivel. If lives need to be taken in order to escape, then everyone has a motive to kill!
(The drill sergeant turned trumpet player and the white-clad samurai stepped forward, and you could feel the sparks begin to fly in the air from the intensity between these two.)
Akio: Now hold on a second you two!
Fumio: Yeah, c'mon guys, just calm down, before this gets too heated-
Ochiyo: So you're saying that leaving this place is worth having blood on your hands?
Ryuunosuke: YES! I won't be trapped here for an eternity in this forsaken prison!
(At this point, both Ochiyo and Ryuunosuke were nearly nose to nose, both of their voices reaching a fever pitch as they both refused to back down from their positions. On instinct, I felt myself stepping backward, afraid of what could possibly happen if this conversation escalated even further.)
Ochiyo: We need to remain united!
Ryuunosuke: 'We' don't need anything! There is no 'we'! There is no 'group'! All there is here is a pack of potential killers!
Ochiyo: No one is going to be killing anybody here! You're just being a paranoiac!
Ryuunosuke: Of all the obstinate, bullheaded people! Fine then! Hide in your own fantasies! But leave me out of them!
(Fed up with Ochiyo's words, the samurai turned around, making for the exit once again.)
SLAM!
(The sound of a boot slamming into the ground echoed throughout the prison, and I couldn't help but flinch at the loud noise. The normally kind and gentle look on Ochiyo's face was replaced with one as hard as stone. Her fists were clenched at her sides, knuckles turned a pale white as she glared at the back of the white-haired boy. Now I could fully believe that this woman was once the Ultimate Drill Sergeant.)
Ochiyo: Ryuunosuke Harada... I order you to stay in this room.
Ryuunosuke: Order...? I'm sorry, are you ordering me around?
Ochiyo: Yes. What of it.
CLICK!
(The sound of a blade moving in its sheath filled the air as Ryuunosuke turned around, eyes narrowed as he gripped the hilt of his sword menacingly.)
Ryuunosuke: That's funny. I thought you called yourself the 'Former' Ultimate Drill Sergeant.
(This is bad... The Ultimate Drill Sergeant and Ultimate Samurai coming to blows... I don't think even Akio could hold them back if they decided to fight... I could see everyone looking at each other in worry, the immense divide between the two sides unnerving all of us. Someone had to put a stop to this whole thing before it could get heated further.)
Intervene(YES)
Keep Quiet
(What the hell am I thinking...? Despite my inhibitions, along with the fact that both of these people could easily break me in half like a twig, I stepped forward, putting myself between the two of them.)
Kasumi: Alright, that's enough! Both of you! You're both way out of line!
(Almost immediately, I was regretting my decision to step forward, as both Ryuunosuke and Ochiyo turned their irritated looks towards me. I tried to to step back in line on instinct, but I found my feet rooted to the ground. Geez, was this what it was like to be one of Ochiyo's poor soldiers back in the day?)
Ochiyo: Kasumi, stay out of this.
Ryuunosuke: This has nothing to concern you with, 'Card Shark'. I suggest you leave us be.
Kasumi: I'd love to, but there's no way in hell I'm going to stand aside while you two kill each other. You're both acting like children right now, and it needs to stop before someone gets hurt.
Ochiyo: I'm acting like a child? What are you talking about?! He's the one who's talking about us killing each other when none of us are would-
Kasumi: 'None of us would possibly kill each other'. Is that what you were going to say?
Ochiyo: Well... yeah, of course we're not. We've just met each other. We're total strangers. Why would we want to try and kill each other?
Kasumi: Ochiyo, as much as I hate to agree with Ryuunosuke, he's right. With Monokuma telling us that we can only escape by killing each other, we all have motives to murder here. To say otherwise is just being naive.
Ochiyo: Naive?! It's called trying to be optimistic!
Kasumi: There's a fine line between optimism and denial, Ochiyo!
(As I spoke, I could see out of the corner of my eye that all eyes in the room were now focused on me. I let out a breath, remembering what it was like for me at the table. Keep a calm face, but not emotionless. Make sure that I had complete control of the situation before making my move.)
Kasumi: Look. There's no way around this. The reason we're even in this prison is because we're all criminals. No matter what we did, why we did it, all of that. There's no denying it. We're people who did bad things to get put us in this place, and those very same reasons are the very thing's we'd be willing to kill each other for, reasons that we'd go through hell and high water for.
Yuuto: Hey! Don't go lumping the rest of us in with you! Just because your talent makes you a damn criminal, doesn't mean we all are!
(Despite myself, I couldn't suppress the laugh that came out.)
Kasumi: Is that right, Yuuto? Then if you think you're so confident in being a good person. Tell us... what are you in for?
Yuuto: N-ngh!
(Despite his bold words, the Ultimate Bed Tester backed off at the idea. Everyone began looking around nervously. Even Ochiyo seemed to wince at the thought of bringing up her reason for being imprisoned.)
Kasumi: Ochiyo. I know you want to keep everyone safe, and no one here likes the idea of having to kill someone in order to escape this place. But we have to face. Facts. There is nothing normal about this situation, and acting like like no one here would even consider killing someone in order to escape this place is just going to make it easier for an actual killer to take advantage of us.
Ryuunosuke: Hmph. I didn't want the known criminal to be my only supporter here, but at least someone understands the situation we're in.
(At that, I turned on my heel, sending the samurai a glare.)
Kasumi: Yes. And that someone sure as hell isn't you, Ryuunosuke.
(The slightest twitch could be seen on the sickly-looking boy's face, and I had to suppress the satisfied grin at seeing his aura of confidence and control break ever-so-slightly for once.)
Ryuunosuke: I'm sorry... what did you say?
Kasumi: Just because everyone here has the potential to be a killer doesn't mean you can act like they've already started killing people. Antagonizing everyone doesn't get us anywhere but an early grave.
Ryuunosuke: An early grave, you say? What, dug by someone like you?
SHING!
(In a flash, he unsheathed his sword, holding it directly under my nose. It took everything I had not to flinch at the motion, pouring everything I had into staring down the emaciated boy in his face as calmly as I possibly could.)
Ryuunosuke: And what could someone like you possibly do to a master like me?
Kasumi: Sure, you could probably beat most of us in a fight, I'll admit that. But what about someone messing with your meals? What about someone stabbing you in the back at night while you're headed to your room? What about being drowned in the pool while you're out swimming? Are your sword skills going to save you then?
(While he didn't speak, the scowl he gave me as he grabbed at his robes said everything I needed to hear.)
Kasumi: I know you want to act all high and mighty, oh great heir to the Harada name, but this isn't your family's estate anymore. This is a prison. And like it or not, you're on the same equal field as the rest of us. Making enemies and starting situations like this is only going to paint a target on your back, so I'd suggest you calm the hell down and stop antagonizing the rest of us for no reason. Got it?
Ryuunosuke: ...tch.
(Slowly, he resheathed his blade, and I let out a relieved breath I didn't know I was holding.)
Ryuunosuke: Do what you wish. But leave me out of whatever things you're planning.
(At that, the Ultimate Samurai left the room. Soon enough, the rest of the group slowly filed out one by one, until I was the only one left in the main hall. I walked back towards the fountain, taking a seat there once more as I ran my fingers through my hair.)
Kasumi: Jeez, the first day in the prison, and I nearly get caught up in a big fight like that... That could've ended ugly for everyone involved...
Monokuma: You sure got that right! Though I'm kinda disappointed that it didn't erupt into a bloodbath. Seeing Samurai Jackass send your head flying through the air would've been an un-bear-lievable start to the Killing Game, wouldn't you say?
Kasumi: Gah!
(There was Monokuma, seated right next to me on the fountain, that same sinister smile on his face as always.)
Monokuma: Awww... what's wrong, chum? Did I scare you? Upupupu!
Kasumi: Whatever you're here for, I'm not in the mood, you dumb bear. Buzz off and find someone else to bother.
Monokuma: Oh? Is that the way you should be talking to your dear old Vice-Warden? Upupupu! I oughta learn ya some respect, inmate! How should I do it? Beating? Waterboarding? Ripping out your fingernails? Oh, there are so many options, it makes my heart go all a-flutter!
(He keeps saying that again and again... Ever since he showed up, it's been itching at the back of my mind. I might as well try and ask him about it.)
Kasumi: Um... Actually, Monokuma, do you mind if I ask you something?
Monokuma: Oho? You have something to ask of me? What could it be? Is it a love confession?! I couldn't possibly accept! I mean, I'm but a single father of five, and I still haven't gotten over Motherkuma's loss! Not to mention, a union between rather homely girl and a beautiful bear?! How scandalous!
Kasumi: Drop the comedy act for once in your life. You keep calling yourself the 'Vice-Warden', right?
Monokuma: Correctamundo, sharpie! I yam wot I yam, and dat's all wot I yam! I'm Monokuma the Vice-Warden Bear!
Kasumi: So if there's a Vice-Warden... then there must be someone above that position, shouldn't there? A Head Warden, right? They're the one who trapped us in this damn place! The Mastermind of this Killing Game!
Monokuma: ...
(At my question, the bear suddenly stiffened up ever so slightly, his expression going blank. It was unnatural, seeing the usually lively and annoyingly talkative bear clam up all of a sudden. The Head Warden... he obviously has something to hide.)
Kasumi: So you do know something, do you? Alright then, so there is a Head Warden!
Monokuma: Upupupupu... you're clever, Kasumi Ahiru. So, so clever... I should have guessed that someone would have realized that there was a Head Warden. Oh well. I'm sorry to say that information's classified, though. Have a nice day, prisoner! Don't try and get yourself killed on the first day! Upupupupu!
Kasumi: Classified...? Hey, wait a second!
(I made a grab for the bear, but he disappeared before my eyes in an instant. Soon, I was alone in the main hall once more.)
Kasumi: ...shit.
(As much as I'd like to look for that walking hunk of scrap metal... I sincerely doubt that he's gonna try and show his face again. Not after being so cryptic about the Head Warden. I guess there's nothing left for me to do but leave this place.)
Head down to the Dorm Rooms?(YES)
(It's already getting late. I don't really have anything else left to do today, so I might as well head to bed.)
(Eventually, I made my way up to the designated areas for the girl's dorms. There were two separate halves. One on the left, and one on the right. I managed to find mine, a strange pixelated version of me serving as an indicator, and a light-up pad underneath it. I fished through my pockets, pulling out my Monopass, before pressing it against the pad.)
SHUNK!
(There was a click of a lock, and the pad flashed a bright green. Reaching out a hand, I grasped the doorknob, and-)
Ochiyo: Oh! Kasumi! How are you doing this evening?
(I turned around in surprise to see Ochiyo waving hello to me from across the hall. The 'Former' Ultimate Drill Sergeant walked up to me before I knew it. However, something seemed... different. Her smile seemed more strained. Faked. Completely different from the warmer expression she had when I first met her.)
Kasumi: O-oh, Ochiyo!
Ochiyo: Well then! I didn't expect us to be neighbors!
(I looked back towards the doors, and she was right. Hanging next to the door to my right was a similarly pixelated version of Ochiyo.)
Kasumi: Yeah… funny that, huh?
Ochiyo: I guess we're going to be seeing a lot from each other in the oncoming days, won't we?
Kasumi: Yeah, it seems so.
Ochiyo: Good, good... that's good to hear.
(That strained smile got even more fake-looking. Something really was bugging her, wasn't it?)
Kasumi: Look, Ochiyo, why did you want to talk?
Ochiyo: What, can't I just have a conversation with my neighbor? After all, we're going to be crossing paths for a while, and-
Kasumi: No, Ochiyo. Why did you really decide to approach me? Something's wrong. I can tell just by looking at your face. Just spit it out already, okay?
(At that, the green-haired girl flinched, grabbing at her shoulder abashedly as she let out a hollow laugh.)
Ochiyo: Ah... I guess you're the Ultimate Card Shark for a reason, Kasumi. Look... I just wanted to apologize you had to see that today. I don't like it when people have to see that side of me.
(Ah. So that's what this is about. I guess she managed to cool off after the whole argument with Ryuunosuke earlier.)
Kasumi: I can see why. It's like you were a whole different person then.
Ochiyo: Yeah, I was, wasn't I? Look, again, I'm really sorry that you ended up caught up in the middle of that, Kasumi-chan. You shouldn't have had to do that if I was thinking straight like I was supposed to be.
Kasumi: Look, it really isn't that big a deal, Kaiga-san. It's fine. Shit happens. Besides, I got myself caught up in it. I could have just kept my mouth shut if I wanted to.
Ochiyo: Thanks, Kasumi... You're a good person, you know that?
Kasumi: I wouldn't go that far. I just stepped in because things could have gotten worse if I hadn't.
Ochiyo: Still, you handled that situation really well back there. You stepped up when no one else wanted to, and stood up to two people who in all likelihood heavily outclassed you physically, Kasumi. We could use someone like that to lead the group.
(Wait. Leader? Am I being conscripted?!)
Kasumi: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who said anything about leading?! I just didn't want you two to start a fight, that's all!
Ochiyo: And you did exactly that. You intervened in a situation and stepped up to get people to listen. That's exactly the kind of person we need to lead this group if we want to survive, wouldn't you say?
(I hate to admit it, but she's got a point... Having a leader would help a lot in this prison, if only to keep things organized. But... would I really be the right call as a leader? I guess Ochiyo could tell what I was thinking, and patted me on the shoulder as she gave me a soft smile.)
Ochiyo: I guess I sprang that on you a bit too early. Sorry about that. But I do mean what I say. You're a good person, Kasumi. If anyone's best suited to be leading us around here, it's you. Just give it some thought tonight, huh?
DING DONG BING BONG
(The deep sounds of a bell echoed throughout the school, interrupting our conversation. Both of us instinctively looked upwards, and to our surprise, a large screen could be seen hanging on one of the nearby walls. That... wasn't there before, was it? Before I could contemplate the idea of teleporting televisions, the screen flickered to life, revealing the eternally-smiling face of Monokuma, fiddling with a microphone.)
Monokuma: C'mon, c'mon... stupid stubby paws-OH! *ahem* Sorry about that, inmates! Anyways, Monokuma here, with an official announcement. It is now 10 PM. As such, it is now officially nighttime. At this time, the courtyard and the gym will be officially locked down for the evening! Entry to either of those areas is strictly prohibited, capisce? Okay then! Sweet dreams, inmates! And, uh, make sure you lock your doors, tonight. You may never know who might be wanting to enter your rooms! Upupupupupu!
(It's 10 PM? That late already? Then again, I guess being locked in here, I haven't gotten a chance to really pay attention to any clocks.)
Ochiyo: I guess that's my cue to leave, huh? Sleep well, alright Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yeah. Same to you, Ochiyo.
(With that, the Former Ultimate Drill Sergeant waved goodbye, before opening the lock to her own room and walking inside. I shook my head. There's no way that I could ever be the leader of this place, right? Still, she wasn't lying when she said we needed someone to organize the group around here. At the very least, with someone at the wheel, the likelihood of someone breaking off and killing someone could be diminished. But that was something to think of for another day. I still had to check into my room. Placing my hand on the doorknob, I pushed open my door.)
(Upon seeing what exactly was in my room, I had to rub my eyes in order to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It honestly looked more like the inside of a casino than a bedroom. The entire floor was covered in red carpet, and a patterns of clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades could be seen repeated throughout. A table with a deck of cards set up sat near the entrance of the room, while a large mahogany fan spun slowly above. In the back, I could see a desk set up with several books, all about cardistry, sleight of hand, and various card games. Next to it was a large bed, colored in a similar red color as the carpet. Nestled off into the corner was another door, leading to a small, but well-equipped bathroom, with a shower, toilet, and sink set up. Finally, opposite to the bathroom door was a screen similar to the one I saw outside, but smaller and more compact.)
Kasumi: Geez... talk about lavish. This looks more like a hotel room than a prison cell, if you ask me.
(After exploring around the room, I decided it was about time to look through that rulebook of Monokuma's. I made my way to my bed, but something caught my eye before I sat down. Taking another look at that card table, I decided to grab one of the pack of cards set up there. To my surprise, I saw a familiar ornate pattern on the back, almost like a meticulously crafted stained glass window, and I couldn't help but smile.)
Kasumi: Huh. They even have the same brand I like. Whoever this Mastermind is, they know their stuff...
(Satisfied, I sat down at my bed, kicking off my shoes, before taking the cards out of their pack. With my free hand, I began to shuffle the cards. Almost immediately, I felt myself calm down as I felt the sensation of the cards running over my fingers. With my other hand, I grabbed my Monopass and idly began to look through its functions.)
Kasumi: Let's see here... Camera... Monokuma Announcements... Student List... Monokuma's Greatest Hits?
(Y'know what, I think I'm gonna pretend I never saw that last one.)
Kasumi: Ah, here we go. Monokuma Rulebook.
Monokuma's Ultimate Killing Game Rulebook Volume 4:
#1: Prisoners are required to stay within Hope's Bastion indefinitely, unless one of two conditions are met (See #8 and #9).
#2: "Nighttime" is officially designated as the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During this time, certain sections such as the courtyard and the gym will be locked off. No exceptions.
#3: All acts of violence toward Monokuma, the Vice-Warden of Hope's Bastion, are strictly prohibited(Punishable by death, Upupupupupu!).
#4: When a murder is committed in the academy, a class trial will be conducted. Participation in this trial is mandatory for all surviving prisoners.
#5: A body discovery announcement will occur when three or more students discover a body.
#6: If the killer (hereinafter referred to as "The Blackened") is correctly identified during the class trial, only the Blackened will be punished for their crime.
#7: If the Blackened cannot be identified, or if an incorrect student is identified as the Blackened, all students except the Blackened will be punished for the crime.
#8: If the Blackened survives the class trial, they are declared the survivor. At which point, they will be formally discharged from Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility and will be set free within the outside world.
#9: If innocent prisoners (hereinafter referred to as "The Spotless") continue to survive class trials, the killing game will continue until only two prisoners remain.
#10: Monokuma will never directly participate in a murder.
#11: Your MonoPasses are very important items that allow you access to certain areas like your cell or the bathrooms. Lose them at your own peril.
#12: As trials go on, more sections of Hope's Bastion will proceed to open up for the prisoners to explore.
#13: The Vice-Warden may add additional regulations to this list at any time.
(As I looked over the details listed out in the rulebook, my stomach began to sink more and more. We really were stuck in this Killing Game, weren't we? I knew I was going to spend the rest my life within a jail cell when I got here, but this? This is just insane… I pulled my legs up, pressing my knees to my forehead as I let out a defeated sigh., looking over the rules over and over again, desperate to find something I could use to my benefit without playing along with Monokuma's twisted schemes. Sadly, nothing came to me. Weird-looking bear or no, Monokuma really did have a plan for everything, didn't he?)
Kasumi: God... DAMNIT!
(In my frustration, I tossed the pack of cards at the door, scattering them throughout the room. While it'd be a pain to pick them all up in the morning, I couldn't care less at this point. This was unfair! I'm trapped in the world's most secure prison with fifteen other kids and a crazed metal bear, and now I'm told I have to murder everyone else to survive?! What the hell did I do to deserve-)
Kasumi: ...no. I know what I did to deserve this.
(Memories of a deafening courtroom, an outraged judge, a jeering crowd ran through my mind, and I pulled my knees up closer.)
Kasumi: Yeah. Yeah, I definitely deserve this.
(Despite my words, I still couldn't shake the feeling of despair within me. Were we doomed to be here for the rest of our lives? Picking each other off one by one? I didn't want any of this to be true, but the more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed. I let out a defeated sigh, my whole body feeling drained at the prospect of my future within this prison's walls. I grew tired, slowly, but surely, before falling asleep, thoughts of Hope's Bastion still running through my mind.)
[PROLOGUE]
[WRAPPED IN THE CHAINS OF GUILT]
[END]
[SURVIVOR COUNT: 16]
[Monokuma Theater]
Monokuma: Upupupupu! Well, well, well! What a thrilling end to the first night within Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Center!
Monokuma: I gotta say, I feel sorry for the poor kids here!
Monokuma: I mean, not only have they been sentenced to live in a giant lonely jail, but now they're trapped in a hellish killing game with a handsome but cruel Vice-Warden!
Monokuma: I'm tempted to let the poor kids go... Having their suffering on my conscience would be unbearable!
Monokuma: ...NAH! I think I'll just have fun watching them tear each other apart! Puhahahahahaha!
A/N: And so ends the prologue to this Sentence of Mutual Killing! Normally, prologues don't have half a year between the first and last half, but... eh... yeah, I got no excuse. Apologies for those who actually like reading these fics. I promise I'll eventually learn how to manage my time wisely... Eventually being the operative term here. Sorry this portion was shorter than the last half. I know it wasn't exactly the most exciting thing to return to, but hopefully(ha), now here's where the real fun starts. We have our cast, and we have our Vice-Warden. Now the Killing Game begins anew within the walls of Hope's Bastion. Up next is Chapter 1 and a couple of Free Time Events. I made a poll earlier and it surprisingly ended up as a Four Way Tie, so I guess those four are gonna be our FTE's next chapter! See ya then!
P.S.: What do you think of the cast so far? Any particular favorites? Any early-game predictions for killers, victims, and survivors? Any guesses for the crimes each of them committed in order to get locked up?