I sat on my bed, thinking of everything that happened so far…
Pictures of Byakuya, Junko and Sonia's dead bodies are shown.
Sonia killed Byakuya…
Monokuma killed Junko…
Then Sonia got executed…
Pictures of Toko and Rantaro's dead bodies are shown.
Then Rantaro killed Toko in self-defence…
And then he got executed…
Pictures of Miu, Mikan and Taka's dead bodies are shown.
Taka killed Miu… then killed Mikan…
Then he got executed…
And that brings us up to now…
End of Day 15
Beginning of Day 16
The next morning, in the dining hall… The day after Taka's case…
« So now there's only seven of us… Only half of the number of people we started with… » Kazuichi groaned.
« Loneliness has become commonplace. » Kyoko noted.
Himiko had a sad look on her face.
What did I see yesterday ? I don't understand…
Himiko is the mastermind's spy ?
Can that really be true ?
« Are you okay Makoto ? You seem pensive.~ » Kokichi teased me.
« Ah- ! N-no, I'm fine… ! » I exclaimed.
« You sure ?~ Pretty sure you liiieeed.~ » He smirked.
« Yes I am ! » I responded with more confidence.
I can't bring it up in front of the others… It would just confuse everyone even more.
« Anyway… After we ate, we need to go explore the Academy again. » Kyoko frowned at me.
« Oh yeah, we gotta see the new areas opened since the class trial is over ! » Kazuichi exclaimed.
« I guess… » Mahiru sighed.
Poor Mahiru… She's shocked she lost Taka… First Byakuya now him… Her best friends are gone...
« Don't worry everyone… We still have our trump card... We don't have to give in to despair. » Keebo said somberly.
Ah yes, our trump card is what we call the laptop that Keebo was using to extract the files so he could analyze them. Luckily he used Miu's dorm keys to get the USB cable before putting the keys back on the crime scene before Monokuma cleaned it.
Poor Keebo… He tried to sound cheerful and confident, but he was too heartbroken to do so… Who could blame him ? He learned his girlfriend used him for her murder scheme and will never know if she ever loved him or simply used him as a toy to escape.
« He's right… We have to plan ahead and think about the future ! » I exclaimed.
« But for that, we must make sure no one murders anyone else ! » Kokichi pointed out.
« Well I won't murder anyone ! » Kazuichi exclaimed.
« Yeah, me neither ! » Keebo nodded.
« I have no use in killing you. So you guys are safe !~ » Kokichi teased us.
« I won't kill anyone… I have to honor Taka's wish ! » Mahiru gained confidence.
« Y-yeah, me too… » Himiko said.
« Nor do I. » Kyoko continued.
« That goes for me too ! I won't kill any of my friends ! » I finished.
I felt like those words of encouragement were helping us come together as one. After so much sacrifice and hardship… we'd finally become united. But… We were united fot the time being, but within that bond hid weakness and fragility.
CHAPTER 4
A Small Step for Hope, A Giant Leap for Despair
Daily Life
We began our search as sook as we finished our breakfast in the Dining Hall. We had to find out what had opened up, what was waiting for us…
'So we now have access to the 4th floor of Hope's Peak Academy… Maybe this time, we'll find some kind of clue… No ! This time we HAVE to find it !' I thought.
I first found on my left at the Music Room, with a piano on a stage. I noticed Kyoko staring at it until she noticed me.
« You know, you haven't told me what you think yet. » She stated.
« What I think… ? » I repeated in confusion.
« About the secret room in the boys bathroom… » She sighed.
« O-oh ! I did find the secret room, but… As soon as I started looking around, I was attacked… » I looked down in shame.
« Attacked ? By who ? » She asked in surprise… and concern ?
I was surprised, did she start to be worried about me ? I decided to not focus on that for now.
« Well… they came from behind, and I didn't havr any time to react… So I didn't see who it was… And when I woke up… the mountains of files and documents… were all gone… » I sighed.
She didn't reply, and seemed pensive.
« I'm sorry… I know how important those were. » I apologized.
« It's okay… I already saw what I needed to in there… And I half suspected the mastermind might come after you. » She replied.
« Huh ? » I said in confusion.
« When I discovered the room, the mastermind must have seen me on the surveillance camera in the hallway. They must have seen me go into the boys bathroom, and not come out again. I wanted you to go and see it… I wanted to see how the mastermind would react and find out if they actually knew about that room. But to attack you, and steal everything in the room… That must mean there was some unknown clue in there that could reveal the mastermind's identity. » She explained.
« Then… you knew I was gonna get attacked ? » I asked, feeling betrayed.
« It was necessary, I needed to know how the mastermind would react. But… I suppose it was a risky move, so I apologize for using you as bait. » She explained.
Huh, she actually apologized. Am I starting to have an effect on her ?
« Fine… I understand. Then let me ask you something else. Do you know about the note taht was left in there ? It said 'You must not leave'… » I asked.
« We shouldn't talk about that here. » She took a quick glance at the surveillance camera.
« I'm looking into it. If I find out anything, I'll let you know. Is that okay ? » She asked.
I nodded
« Now it's your turn. Let's hear your secret. » She said.
« Huh ? » I said in confusion.
« Did you think I wouldn't notice ? You're hiding something. Am I wrong ? » She gave me a smirk.
What ?!
I can't tell her about Himiko !
« We are friends, so you should be able to trust me. Isn't that what you said before ? » She raised an eyebrow.
God… What should I do ? I did say that, but do I really doubt Himiko to the point of ratting her out ?
No ! I can't do that to Himiko !
I have no conclusive evidence, and revealing the truth might make things much worse !
« S-sorry Kyoko… I can't tell you… yet. » I replied, sighing.
« So that's your answer… But do you think that's fair ? You were happy to hear what I had to say, but now you're unwilling to share ? » She frowned at me.
« I'm sorry, I really am… » I looked down.
« It's fine, goodbye. » She left.
I sighed as I watched her leave, but before leaving the Music Room, I looked for Monocoins since I only had one left. I found one on the piano that was on the stage. I then left, and went right, to the Data Center.
But looks like it's locked, and I can't break it down…
I saw the Headmaster's Room, but unfortunately it was locked as well. So I went for the next room, the Office.
Wait, there's a picture on the floor !
Wait, it has Taka, Miu and Mikan ?!
Miu was having Mikan in an headlock, the back of Mikan's head against Miu's chest, as she was crying and trying to get out of the Ultimate Inventor's hold, with Taka scolding her, finger pointed at her. Except Taka, both Mikan and Miu were wearing school uniforms.
It was exactly like the last picture ! But how…
« There's no way ! Monokuma did it, it must be a fake ! » I thought out loud.
« Nyohoho ! You're the one who's fake ! » Monokuma appeared and snatched the picture from my hand !
« Hey ! Give it back ! » I exclaimed.
« Nope ! You have no use for it ! » He grinned.
« Wait, is this picture real or not ? » I asked.
« Yup ! Puhuhuhu ! » He left.
So the picture is real, or is he messing with me ?
I sighed and left the Office. I then arrived at the Chem Lab, where Kokichi and Himiko were.
Inside the room, the smell of medicine was oppressive. I hope inhaling all this stuff doesn't do permanent damage…
Kokichi and Himiko were discussing between each other. I would have like to ask Himiko about the mastermind, but I can't while she's with Kokichi…
« Hey Makoto ! You need something ?~ » Kokichi waved his hand in front of my face.
« H-huh ? N-no, it's nothing… » I lied.
« You suuurree ?~ I'm pretty sure you lieeed.~ » He smirked at me.
« Leave him alone… He doesn't want to talk to you… » Himiko said.
I left them alone and looked for Monocoins. Luckily, I found two, as I ended with four of them.
« Makoto ! Look inside the shelves, there are vitamins, minerals, and more ! Himiko, you should eat some of these ! » Kokichi exclaimed.
« No, I don't like this kind of stuff. They make napping harder. » She pouted.
I decided to return to the Dining Hall, and waited for the others to return.
« Alright everyone, let's discuss what we all discovered. » Mahiru started.
« There was a big shelf in the chem lab on the 4th floor, and it had all kinds of chemicals and stuff ! There was also nutrient additives and supplements ! Himiko needs them ! » Kokichi said.
« I told you I don't like these… » Himiko sighed a little annoyed.
« Oh, and if any of you guys want to commit a murder, there's a bunch of poisons just for you ! » Kokichi added.
« P-poison ?! » I exclaimed.
« They all had labels, so you can't grab one by mistake… » Himiko pointed out.
« Seeing how sleepy you are, I bet you would grab one by mistake, which is why you need those proteins ! » Kokichi smirked.
Himiko sighed, not bothering to reply.
« I found the data center and the headmaster's room, but they were locked ! I couldn't get in ! » Kazuichi exclaimed.
« That makes sense, they would be the rooms where we could find some clues. » Keebo pointed out.
« If only we could unlock the door and get inside… » I thought out loud.
« Don't worry about it, I can easily picklock it ! » Kokichi grinned.
« You can picklock doors ? » Kyoko asked.
« Yeah, it should be no problem- » Kokichi nodded but…
« What was that ?! » Monokuma came in angrily.
« Nothing… » Himiko lied.
« Nope, I KNOW you guys weren't talking about picklocking the door to the headmaster's room. That's MY room, ya know ? No picklocking or busting it down ! I hoped not having to add it down, but you're leaving me no choice ! » Monokuma declared.
I heard my E-Handbook ringing, so I pulled it up and looked…
Rule 12 : Picklocking or breaking down a locked door is prohibited, and will result in a punishment if ignored.
Rule 13 : Additional school regulations may be added if necessary.
« There, that's a rule now, ya jerks ! » Monokuma left.
We all stared at Kokichi in annoyment for saying it out loud.
« Woopsie.~ » Kokichi smirked.
« Great job, Kokichi. Now we can't see what was inside those rooms ! » Keebo said in annoyment.
« Hey ! I was trying to help, and it's not like you could have helped breaking it down, since you got the strength of an old man !~ » Kokichi smirked.
Keebo looked down in shame at that mention.
« Anyway, if he made a rule like that, there's no doubt that something important must be hidden in the headmaster's room. » Kyoko pointed out.
« That's true, but there's nothing we can do about it now… » Mahiru sighed.
« As for me, I checked the windows on the 4th floor. All of them have metal sheets and none of them budged an inch. » Keebo added.
« Just like everywhere else… » Kyoko pointed out.
« No escape from there… » Himiko cried a bit.
I tried to ask Kyoko what she discovered, but she ignored me !
« Hey Makoto, isn't Kyoko mad ? I bet you're the one who made her mad ! » Kokichi teased me.
Ugh… I need to change the topic…
« So… has everyone said what the need to say ? » Mahiru came to the rescue.
« Actually, I did find something ! You all remember the picture Kazuichi and I found that picture up on the 3rd floor the other day ? » I asked.
« You mean the one that showed Byakuya, Sonia and Rantaro all together, right ? » Keebo said.
« Oh yeah ! What about it, buddy ? » Kazuichi asked.
« Well, I found another one. It had Taka, Miu and Mikan on it. Like the last three, they were smiling, and there wasn't any metal sheets on the windows. » I replied.
« And let me guess, Monokuma took it as well ? » Kazuichi asked.
« Yeah… I couldn't have done anything. » I nodded.
« There must be some kind of hidden connection between those two pictures, don't you think ? » Mahiru pointed out.
« I agree, and Monokuma told me this new picture was real as well- » I nodded.
« So you trust Monokuma's word over the people who have died ? » Kyoko said out loud.
« Huh ? » I said in confusion.
« That's what you're saying, right ? » She frowned at me.
« No, that's not it ! » I defended myself.
« I'm shocked. You told everyone how we should believe in our friends, but you refuse to do the same. » Her glare was bigger.
« Hey ! Stop it ! Leave him alone ! » Kazuichi came to my defense.
« I don't think these pictures are real. Monokuma is just trying to confuse us. » Mahiru added.
« Anyway guys… Do you guys want to take a bath… ? I have something to tell you while you do that. » Keebo said out of the sudden.
We all looked at him on confusion, then we remembered what it meant.
« Maybe we should all take a bath. » Kyoko nodded.
So we went to the Bathhouse, where Keebo was waiting for us in the dressing room, where the laptop Miu had fixed was on a bench, with Keebo sitting next to it.
« Everyone, I was finally able to crack open all the files that were on this laptop ! » Keebo declared.
« Well, what did you find ? » Mahiru asked.
« One important fact I discovered was that a certain plan has been put into motion here… To isolate the students of Hope's Peak Academy and create a communal life for them. That was the goal of their plan… to make us live the rest of our lives. » Keebo explained.
« W-wha… That's exactly where we are right now ! » Kazuichi exclaimed.
« And that's not all… The one who came up with this plan was… the administrators of Hope's Peak themselves. » Keebo added dramatically.
« Huh ?! You mean the ones who imprisonned us here is the school itself ?! » Mahiru asked in horror.
« But why ?! » I asked as well.
« It seems they made this plan because of what happened one year ago. Because of one event… They called it the biggest, most awful, most tragic event in human history. » Keebo continued.
« Huh ? What would be the worst event in human history ? » Kokichi asked while tilting his head to the side.
« They also called it The Tragedy, it was because of it Hope's Peak Academy was forced to close down as a school. » Keebo added.
« I see… Things are finally starting to make sense… One year ago, this tragedy took place, and forced Hope's Peak to shut down. And then, they used the school as a kind of staging ground… And planned to sequester the students here, where they would live out the rest of their lives. » Kyoko thought out loud.
« But why would they do that ? What is the Tragedy anyway ? » Mahiru asked.
« I'm sorry… I didn't find anything about it. » Keebo sighed.
« Wait, that's it ? We get halfway through the answer, and that's it ?! » Kazuichi panicked.
« Not so surprising, I knew robots weren't better than humans.~ » Kokichi teased.
« Wait ! There's one thing I forgot to mention ! About the mastermind, I found a clue ! The one who was leading the Hope's Peak staff and who finalized the plan to isolate us… was none other than the Hope's Peak headmaster ! And from what I gathered, it is a man in his late thirties. He might still be somewhere in this school right now ! » Keebo added.
And then, out of the sudden…
« The headmaster is here in this school ?! » Kyoko gasped.
Wait, why did she act like this ? Does she know him ? It seemed Kokichi noticed it too.
« Then that guy is the mastermind ! I mean, Monokuma has been calling himself the headmaster, right ? » Kazuichi asked.
« But how are we going to know that… ? We can't break the door or we will die… » Himiko pointed out.
« I will find a way… No matter what it takes… I will find the headmaster… No matter the cost… » Kyoko breathed heavily, her fists clenching.
« Kyoko, are you alright ? » Mahiru asked in worry.
« I can't explain why, I just know that I have to find him. » Kyoko sighed.
She has to ? Kyoko, what's going on with you ? Your reaction was almost… violent.
« Anything else to share us, Keebo ? » Kyoko asked him.
« No, that's everything I found… Everything on this laptop is pretty old, so I can't do much more. » Keebo shook his head.
« So you did everything you could… » Himiko said sadly.
« So what the hell was Hope's Peak staff thinking ?! Why are they making us kill each other ?! » Kazuichi panicked.
« Because of what happened a year ago… » Mahiru replied.
« The Tragedy… » I added.
« The biggest, most awful, most hopeless event in human history… » Kokichi continued.
« It must have been a huge incident, whatever it was… But I don't remember anything like that… » I said.
« Yeah, me too ! What about you guys ?! » Kazuichi asked.
Everyone denied knowing anything about it.
« That event led to the closing of Hope's Peak. It must have had some kind of connection to this school. » Kyoko continued.
« S-so every other student was killed or something ?! » Kazuichi was horrified at the thought.
« T-that would have been on the news… At least one of us would remember that ! » Mahiru was clearly uncomfortable about it too.
« They must have covered it up ! » Kokichi proposed.
« That would explain why none of us knew that the school had been shut down. » Keebo agreed.
« That's not entirely impossible… » Mahiru agreed as well.
« Which is why we must find the headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy, and make him tell us everything. » Kyoko said with that same tone from earlier.
So we left the Bathhouse, and then…
« Stop right there ! » Monokuma said angrily.
« W-what do you want ?! » Kazuichi asked a bit worried.
« When you do something to me, I do it right back… An eye for an eye, a fang for a fang… » Monokuma said.
« Wait, what did he wanted to say ? » Keebo asked in confusion.
Ding dong, bing bong
Monokuma did his nighttime announcement, as the monitor shut off afterwards.
« So what does everyone want to do ? Do we keep our nighttime rule ? » Kyoko asked.
« Yes, we should still avoid being out at nighttime. And there's no use for me to do nightshifts now Taka is gone… » Mahiru said depressed.
« Alright then, good night everyone. » Keebo said.
So we went back to our rooms, with Monokuma's words in our mind…
I began to think about what Keebo said…
The administrators of Hope's Peak had planned all of this…
Because of The Tragedy which happened a year before…
And the headmaster is the one behind all of this…
The mastermind…
And Himiko was the one who helped him, although she was being blackmailed…
I stopped thinking about it and went to sleep.
End of Day 16
Beginning of Day 17
I went back to the dining hall, and I noticed everyone was here, except Kyoko.
« Where's Kyoko ? » I asked.
« She said she would come after you left. Looks like she's still mad at you. » Kazuichi answered.
I sighed, and got seated. I need to make up with Kyoko, but first, I need to talk to Himiko…
« Himiko, do you have time to talk with me later ? » I asked her.
« Ohhhh ! Now that Kyoko has dumped him, he's going after Himiko ! Well Makoto, I won't let ya ! Himiko is like my sister, so I won't let your dirty thoughts enter her mind ! » Kokichi teased me.
« Why does this keep happening to me ?! » I sighed.
« Nyeh… Can we talk tomorrow… ? I need more rest today… My mana is lower than usual… » Himiko said.
« Huh ? But aren't you tired all the time ? » Kokichi titled his head in confusion.
« Yeah, but I really need more sleep… » She replied.
« Well if that's the case, then go get those proteins in the Chem Lab ! » Kokichi exclaimed.
« I told you these make napping harder… » She sighed.
« Fine… But Makoto, save what you have to say till tomorrow ! » He told me.
« Y-yeah, I got it… » I sighed.
So we ate, where I was the fastest so I could return to my room and allow Kyoko to go in the Dining Hall.
Once I went back to my room, I began to think of my plan for the day.
'Since I can't talk to Himiko, I think I will talk with my friends instead ! But who…' I thought.
I felt my heart hurt when I remembered I won't talk to Mikan first as I always did…
I then knew someone who needed my help…
'Mahiru…' I thought.
Taka's death made her sad… First Byakuya, now him. She was the last one to try to unite our group, and now all that burden was on her shoulders. She still tried to remain hopeful and happy, but I did notice she was a lot more tired since the class trial.
Which was I went to use all of my Monocoins at the MonoMono Machine. I ended up getting an Antique Doll, an Old Timey Radio, a Travel Journal and a Book of the Blackened (Urgh…).
Now I began to look for her, and I found her at the Music Room.
She was playing, or at least trying to play the piano.
« Hey Mahiru ! » I called her to get her attention.
« Oh… Hey Makoto. » She replied, staring at me.
« Are you alright ? » I asked.
« Yes… Well, I am trying to. » She replied.
I went onto the stage and stood next to her, since there was no other seat.
« It's hard to take care of everyone here… I feel so tired… But I can't or this entire group will collapse… » She sighed.
« I know it must be hard, I'm trying to do that as well, but you're clearly doing a lot more than me, and for that, I have to praise and thank you, Mahiru. » I told her.
She looked at me in surprise, then smiled.
« Thank you Makoto, you're too kind. But you know, you did pretty well too, it's thanks to you we survived these class trials. So I think you went from 'A little reliable Makoto' to 'Reliable Makoto'. » She told me.
« Really ? » I exclaimed.
« Yeah ! You're definitely useful ! I am glad you're making the boys productive as well ! Kazuichi did make his laundry when- » She stopped herself.
It hurt to be reminded of this fact…
« Makoto, I'm sorry… I shouldn't have said that, it's rude. » She apologized.
« It's fine Mahiru, you didn't mean anything wrong. And… I am glad to know I help people, because I like helping them. » I told her.
« Thanks… Oh, I nearly forgot ! » She exclaimed.
« What is it ? » I asked.
« Say 'cheese' ! » She raised her camera, and…
Click !
« Ah ! » I exclaimed.
« Well I guess this is good enough. Yep, that sure is a dumb-looking face. » She giggled.
« O-oh, you wanted to take a picture, you should have told me ! Let's do it again ! » I said.
« Nope ! I never erase a photo once I take it. Plus it's a record of you ! » She replied.
« Record ? » I asked confused.
« I took one photo of everyone, including those who died, because in this situation, it's easy for us to forget that, you know ? » She explained.
« Yeah, I agree… So I assume I was the last one you needed to record ? » I asked her.
« Yeah, with everything that happened, it toon me time to take a picture of everything… Hey, why don't I show you their records ? » She suggested, handing her camera to me.
I took it, and began to check each photos one by one. Everyone, including those who died, were present, and I was the last one to be photographed.
« Well, what do you think ? » She asked me.
« They look amazing, Mahiru ! » I smiled at her.
But to my surprise, she looked disappointed, almost upset.
« D-did I say something wrong… ? » I asked uncertain.
« Sorry… It's just… I find comments like 'awesome' and 'amazing' not praising words at all, in fact, they sound half-assed and insincere, I really hate when people say stuff like that. » She explained.
« S-sorry… » I apologized.
« It's not your fault, you didn't know. » She sighed.
« Well, I have something to give you as apology. » I gave her the Antique Doll.
« Oh, you're so considerate Makoto ! Thanks ! » She smiled.
« No problem, it was a pleasure talking to you, Mahiru ! » I told her.
« Same here, I feel better now thanks to you ! I can deal with everything that is going now ! » She nodded.
« Glad to hear that ! I better check the others, see you later ! » I waved my hand as I left the Music Room.
« Bye ! » She waved back.
Nice, she considers me reliable now, better not lose that title so soon. Now… Who should I discuss with ?
« Hey Makoto ! » I heard Kazuichi's voice.
« Hello Kazuichi, you are free right to talk now ? » I asked him.
« Sure thing ! Follow me ! » He grinned, leading me to the Physics Lab.
« I was checking out this place again, I feel comfortable around all this machinery. » He said.
« I guess it makes sense, considering you're the Ultimate Mechanic. » I nodded.
« But I can't touch with any of these because I'm more used to vehicles and I don't know if Monokuma will punish me if I do touch them… Jeez, give me something to tinker ! Anything ! Even an RC toy will do ! » Kazuichi groaned.
« It's that much of a pain, huh ? » I said.
« You have no idea. There's nothing I can't dissasemble, so I took apart the alarm clock inside my room. And when I did that… I couldn't put it back together. It reminds me how one time I was tinkering around without thinking, and the next thing I know I ended up making some kind of car. Everything I fix end up as vehicle. » He chuckled.
« I see, so anything like engines will please you right now ? » I asked.
« Exactly ! That's my forte ! I really miss the smell of oil… » He drooled.
« That's true, but do you have a driver's licence ? » I asked again.
« Nah man, I get motion sickness whenever I try to drive something. I just… really like the feeling of an engine running. I like all kinds of machines, but vehicles are definitely the best of the best, they look awesome after all ! » He replied.
« Well, I don't have an engine on me, but I got this for you. » I gave him the Old Timey Radio.
« Holy crap ! I'm starting to get really excited here ! This is perfect, thanks ! » He grabbed it with pleasure.
« I bet you're going to tinker it after I left. » I grinned.
« You bet man ! I was literally craving for something good to dissasemble ! It might not be a car engine, but this will do for now ! Again, thanks ! » He nodded.
« No worries, and thanks for the talk ! See you later ! » I told him before leaving.
« Same here man ! » He replied with a grin.
I returned to my room to prepare to go to sleep, when suddenly…
Ding dong, bing bong
« Attention, attention ! Please gather in the gym as soon as you possibly can ! Quickly ! » Monokuma said before the monitor shut off.
Oh no… Is it a new motive ?
I don't like this, but I must go…
I went towards the gym, where Himiko was at the entrance.
« You're the last one… Everyone else is already inside… » Himiko told me.
« Aren't you gonna go in ? » I asked.
« I have a bad feeling about this… He called us together before nighttime… » She sweated.
« We must go in, Himiko… » I told her with a sigh.
She didn't reply but went in, where I followed her. Monokuma appeared on the podium.
« Okay, let's get this show on the road ! » He cheered.
« You're about to give us your next motive presentation, aren't you ? » Kyoko asked rhetorically.
« Actually, no ! The reason I gathered you all here is so that I could get rid of my grudge ! » He replied.
« We have a grudge against you, but I don't recall you having a grudge against us. » She added.
« Have you forgotten what I said yesterday? An eye for an eye, a fang for a fang ! » He explained.
« Just tell us what you want already ! » Mahiru groaned.
« Alright then ! Remember when Kokichi said that one of you might be working as a spy for me, right ? » Monokuma asked.
« Yeah, what of it ? » Kazuichi asked.
« Well I will reveal who is the spy tonight ! It's Himiko Yumeno ! » Monokuma laughed.
Everyone turned to the Ultimate Mage, who was cowering in fear with huge sweat coming out of her forehead.
« Right, nice try. There's no way she is the spy ! » Mahiru scoffed angrily.
Himiko didn't reply.
« She better do the promise she made, or I won't be responsible for what might happen to that hostage of mine ! Do whatever with her ! » Monokuma left.
I finally understood what he meant…
Betrayal would be met with betrayal.
« W-wait, so is it t-true ? Himiko has been spying on us for the mastermind ?! » Kazuichi panicked.
« No way ! He has to be lying ! » Mahiru couldn't believe it.
« No. »
We all turned to see Kokichi glaring at Himiko.
« Monokuma might not be human, but I can tell someone is lying even with just their voice… And he didn't lie about Himiko being the spy… » He said angrily.
« Well, Himiko ? If Monokuma lied, all you have to do is tell us. » Kyoko frowned at the Ultimate Mage.
Himiko didn't say anything before breaking down in tears, falling to her knees.
« I-I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier ! » She sobbed.
« What… ?! » Keebo was shocked.
« So you have been lying to us this all time ?! » Kazuichi asked angrily.
« Wait, Monokuma mentionned an hostage ! She might have been forced ! » I came to her defense.
« How do you know that ? » Keebo asked.
« Because I saw her confronting Monokuma a few days ago ! She decided to fight against the mastermind. » I replied.
« Y-you… saw all of that… ? » She wiped her tears.
« Wait, sorry if that's the case, but can we really trust her ? She did betray us ! » Kazuichi asked.
« I hate to say this, but I agree with Kazuichi. What could be more important for her than her classmates' survival ? It is illogical for me. » Keebl added.
« Sorry Himiko… But I can't believe whatever you say now… » Mahiru sighed, feeling betrayed.
« Stop it… » Kokichi said in a threatening voice.
« Huh ? » Mahiru said in confusion.
« Leave her alone ! She's like a sister to me ! I believe her ! So back off ! » Kokichi glared at us.
« Let me ask her a question first. What did the mastermind order you to do ? » Kyoko asked Himiko.
« I was told… to kill one of my friends… ! » She cried, getting up.
« See ? She could just kill us in our sleep ! » Kazuichi panicked.
« Shut up ! She can't- » Kokichi countered.
« Please stop… You don't need to defend me anymore… » She interrupted him.
« What… ? » Kokichi looked at her.
She just left the gym…
Ding dong, bing bong
The nighttime announcement played before shutting off, leaving us in a shocking silence.
« We should go to sleep and continue this discussion tomorrow. » Kyoko told us.
We all agreed, and went back to our rooms.
Himiko… is the spy.
She's the traitor…
But she's our friend, without a doubt !
But what can I do… ?
End of Day 17
Beginning of Day 18
I woke up and went to the Dining Hall. Everyone but Himiko was here, and the tension was high already.
« Makoto ? You're ok ? » Kazuichi asked.
« Huh yeah, why ? » I asked in confusion.
« You were late, we were worried for you. » Keebo replied.
« We thought.. You know… » Mahiru added.
« Wait, you guys thought Himiko might have killed me ?! There's no way she would do that ! » I exclaimed.
« I want to believe you, Makoto, but the last time I trusted someone, I was framed for murder by Miu. I can't let my emotions get in the way of my thinking now. » Keebo sighed.
« I agree with him, she lied to us this whole time, so we should take precautions. » Mahiru added.
« Why… Why do you hate her so much ? » Kokichi glared at them.
If looks could kill, both Keebo and Mahiru would be dead.
« I don't hate her, I just don't want to die ! » Kazuichi exclaimed.
« That's a stupid reason, even for you ! » Kokichi countered.
« Hey ! It's a life or death game ! We could be her next target ! She could burn us into a crisp or plunge us into acid ! » Kazuichi panicked.
« Before you get too far into your argument, maybe you should stop and think things through. Why did the mastermind reveal that Himiko was the spy to us ? » Kyoko interrupted them.
« Because Monokuma wanted revenge on her. » I replied.
« That's not the whole picture. It serves us as the next motive ! The chaos and confusion born from suspicion, the hatred… It's the trap the mastermind laid for us. » Kyoko added.
« That's exactly what's worrying ! She could use this to kill- » Kazuichi said.
« Shut up… »
Everyone turned to Kokichi, who was gritting his teeth.
« Shut up ! All of you ! You disgust me ! » He shouted and got up from his chair.
« K-kokichi ! » Keebo said in surprise.
« She has been forced to do this, and you're rejecting her like she committed a genocide ! » Kokichi snapped.
« Well, what are we supposed to do ? Wait until someone die ?! » Kazuichi snapped back.
« No, we stand together and help her take down the mastermind ! You guys are such hypocrites… I am so done with you… » Kokichi left.
Our appetite gone, we all went to our rooms.
But I don't want to stay in there… I should go talk to someone. But who ?
'Maybe Keebo…' I thought.
I began to look for him, and found him in the Library.
« Ah Makoto, so you've come to talk to me again. You must be very fascinated by me, Shuichi. That is understandable, after all, there is no other robot as impressive as I am ! » He declared proudly.
Right, I forgot how his skills were actually prrtty normal, yet he believes the contrary…
Although, I suppose it is true his technology is pretty amazing, very human-like.
« Yes, and I was wondering one thing… You said your father is Professor Idabashi ? Do you know why he made you ? » I asked.
« He told me I am the sum total of his research, the entirety of his knowledge, technology and expertise in the field of robotic engineering, all applied to create a robot more human than any that has come before… Me. He said I am the culmination of his work. However, I was not truly 'born' until an incident occured that the professor did not predict… » He explained.
« Ah yes, you mentionned it in the first days, what happened ? » I asked out of curiousity.
« Well… My programming went wrong one day… and I ended up seriously injuring the professor… » He sighed.
« Wait ! So when you said that he programmed you to not hurt humans, that was because you attacked him ?! » I exclaimed.
« Yes… the professor survived, but I died that day… I was overcome by sadness and guilt… But I couldn't experience them for long, as my AI was reset, and I was like a newborn infant. I did not feel these emotions until… until… » He began to make sobbing sounds again.
« Hey, hey, calm down Keebo ! » I hugged him.
« Why… I don't even know if she loved me… I want to hate her… But I can't ! » He cried.
« I know this isn't much, but please take this. » I gave him the Travel Journal.
« Oh… This is nice… It aligns with my preferences… You understand me… I feel… happy. » He gave me a weak smile.
« Wow… » I said out loud.
« Makoto ? Is something wrong ? » He asked in confusion.
« You truly are the Ultimate Robot… To Professor Idabashi, you're more than just a robot… You're like his son. » I told him.
His face got brighter, his smile stronger.
« T-thank you Makoto ! He does consider me like that, and he's like a father to me ! Thank you so much, I feel I can move on from Miu… It won't be easy… But with you guys, I feel I can do it ! » He said filled with hope.
« No problem ! See you later ! » I left him.
Now, who should I talk to ?
'I should see if Kokichi is alright…' I thought.
I went to his dorm room, and rung the doorbell.
Ding dong
Nothing...
Ding dong
I guess he doesn't want to talk… I will just leave… And then…
« What do you want ? » He asked, sighing.
« I was hoping we could spend time together. » I proposed.
« Do you seriously believe it's the time when Himiko feels like trash because of you guys ? » He snarled.
« H-hey, I support her ! Sorry… I will just leave… » I was about to when he grabbed my wrist.
« What did I tell you before ?~ Being so gullible will get you killed.~ » He smirked.
« You're joking about that. » I said.
« Am I… or am I not ?~ » He now had a sadistic grin.
« Look, you wanna talk or not ? » I sighed.
« Alright, alright ! Jeez, stop being a killjoy… » He rolled his eyes.
I did the same, following him to the Recreation Room.
« Alright Makoto, let's play a game ! » He said.
« What kind of game ? » I asked.
« Russian Roulette, with a bullet in every chamber ! You go first ! » He smirked.
« No way, I will die for sure ! » I exclaimed.
« Come on ! » He insisted.
« No ! » I said.
« Alright, you're no fun. » He pouted.
« How about we play darts instead ? » I proposed.
He looked at me for a few seconds, then smiled.
« Ok ! Make sure you stay behind me though ! It would be a shame if I was to throw a dart in your face by accident… » He grinned.
I sighed, and we begun to play. I did pretty well, but in the end Kokichi won.
« Yay ! My luck was better than yours ! Now give me a gift ! Now ! » He grinned.
« Ok, ok, how about this ? » I gave him the Book of the Blackened.
« Woooaah ! This is niiice ! I always wanted something like this ! By the way, that's not a lie, 'kay ? Don't worry, I'm actually happy. » He took it.
« Are you ? I'm sorry for how the others behave about Himiko… » I sighed.
His mood dropped as I mentionned her.
« Why can't they believe me… » He groaned.
« Well, if you could stop lying- » I tried to say.
« I'M NOT LYING DAMN IT ! » He snapped.
I stepped back in shock.
« Tch ! I hate them for treating my sis-like figure like this… But I hate Monokuma more… I will end this killing game ! » He declared angrily.
« Wait, what do you mean, 'end this killing game' ? » I began to panic.
« You will see… We will all be free when I'm done with this mastermind… » He left without another word.
Oh god, what have I done ?!
I wanted to go after him, but then…
Ding ding, bing bong
Nighttime already…
We still haven't settled things with Himiko…
Everyone is in a terrible mood…
And now Kokichi might do something he will regret because of me…
I went to sleep, hoping nothing would happen tonight…
End of Day 18
Beginning of Day 19
I woke up and went to the Dining Hall, hoping to change the others' mind…
But before I did that, I felt a hand grab my wrist !
I nearly screamed until I saw who caught me…
« Kyoko ! » I exclaimed.
« We need to talk. » She said.
« Are you still mad… ? » I asked her in worry.
« It's… fine. » She sighed.
« About that issue we discussed earlier… It doesn't matter anymore. » She started.
« Then… Do you forgive me for not being able to talk about it… ? » I asked.
« You could have told me about Himiko rebelling against Monokuma, but you stayed quiet. You were only thinking of her, and that's why you didn't tell me, right ? » She noted.
« I didn't want to confuse everyone until I could talk to her and be sure about what I saw. » I explained.
« To think like that… I wouldn't have expected such arrogance from you. » She frowned at me.
« H-huh ?! » I exclaimed in surprise.
« Because it means you don't trust me. » She added.
« That's not it ! But if that's how you feel, I can't change your mind, sorry… » I sighed.
« It's alright, I have already forgotten about it. And to be fair… I-I may have… overreacted… » She said.
Wait, is she blushing ? She even stuttered a bit !
« Anyway, let's just forget about it. » She sighed.
« O-okay, thank you. » I nodded.
We went to the Dining Hall together, everyone but Kokichi and Himiko were here.
« Hey you two ! Did you make up ? » Kazuichi asked.
« Yeah, we have. » Kyoko nodded.
« That's good ! Because Kokichi and Himiko are missing ! » Mahiru exclaimed.
« I get Himiko… But where did Kokichi go ? » Keebo wondered out loud.
Speaking of the devil, there he was !
But he was white as a ghost !
« K-kokichi ? What's wrong ? » Mahiru asked in worry.
« T-the Rec Room… please… » He then ran outside the Dining Hall !
« H-hey wait up ! » Mahiru ran after him.
I felt my heart going faster… I didn't like this at all !
We all went there, where Kokichi was staring at the window of the rec room…
Himiko was sitting on a chair without moving !
« What's going on with her ? » Kazuichi asked.
« I was looking for her, and here she was ! But the door is closed and I can't open it ! » Kokichi exclaimed.
« Can't you just use your picklocking skills ? » Kazuichi asked in confusion.
« That would be breaking the rule ! » Keebo exclaimed.
« We're going to force our way in. It's not locked because the Rec Room door doesn't have a lock. » Kyoko said.
« Something must prevent the door from moving… » I thought out loud.
« I will go get something to smash the window open ! » Kazuichi ran to do as he said.
He returned with a broom, and smashed the window, then removed the chair leaning against the door.
We pushed the door and entered the room…
But it was too late…
As the body of Himiko Yumeno, the Ultimate Mage sat peacefully on the chair, with her witch hat next to her.
CHAPTER 4
A Small Step for Hope, A Giant Leap for Despair
Deadly Life