After Monokuma and the Monokubs left, an alarm suddenly rang from my Monopad, and the others' too. Once again, it was the rules.
Rule 1 : Students must live at the Ultimate Academy for the remainder of their foreseeable future.
Rule 2 : Once a murder takes place, all surviving studente must participate in a class trial.
Rule 3 : If the blackened is exposed during the class trial, they alone will be executed.
Rule 4 : If the blackened is not exposed, all remaining students will be executed.
Rule 5 : If the blackened survives the class trial, they will graudate and re-enter the outside world.
Rule 6 : The killing game and class trials will continue until only two surviving students remain.
Rule 7 : Nighttime is from 10 pm to 8 am. The dining hall and gymnasium are off-limits at night.
Rule 8 : Violence toward Monokuma, the headmaster of the Ultimate Academy, is strictly prohibited.
Rule 9 : Monokuma will never directly commit a murder.
Rule 10 : Your Monopads are very important items. Please do not damage them.
Rule 11 : The body discovery announcement will play when three or more students discover a body.
Rule 12 : With minimal restrictions, you are free to explore the campus at your discretion.
Rule 13 : Students who violate these rules will be immediately exterminated by the Exisals.
Rule 14 : The headmaster may add new regulations to this list at any time.
« You gotta be kidding me… I will never participate in a killing game ! » I heard Kaede's voice next to me.
CHAPTER 1
My Class Trial, Our Class Trial
Daily Life
Hearing this felt like a stab in my heart… If only she knew…
Everyone began to talk about the situation, until Angie brought up about the sixth regulation.
« Only two surviving students ? What would be the reason for that ? » She asked.
« Well, considering the importance of these class trials, you wouldn't be able to do one with only two people ? » I replied.
« Nyahahaha, I see, I see. You're so smart, Shuichi. » She complimented me.
Then Kaito raised his arm in the air…
Only for Maki to grab it firmly, causing everyone to be surprised !
« Stop ! If you break it, the Exisals will dispose of you. » She exclaimed.
« Yeah, you can't do that. The school regulations say so ! » Rantaro nodded, his shock slowly disappearing.
« I don't care about the rules ! No way I'm gonna olay this stupid game ! » Kaito exclaimed.
« Forget about him ! Just mean one less dumbass for the world to deal with ! » Miu sneered.
« Hey ! Who you callin' a dumbass ?! » Kaito snapped.
« HEY ! QUIT FIGHTING ALREADY ! » Kaede yelled, bringing everyone's attention.
Kaede then gave us her speech… Just hearing her say it…
It was calm… Making me feel relaxed, I feel happy whenever I hear her voice.
« Why are you quiet ? Did I say something wrong ? » She asked in worry.
« On the contrary. You have made your case with such suttinct aplomb that we have been rendered speechless. » Kirumi smiled.
« I agree ! It's inspiring, you do know how to bring us into a team ! » I nodded, making her smile.
« Oh, wait ! Gonta find manhole earlier. In grass, behind school building. » Gonta spoke up.
« A manhole ? » Kaede repeated.
« Gonta peek in. See big, underground passage. Think it maybe it exit… » Gonta explained.
« Then let's not waste any time and see if he's right. Lead us the way, Gonta. » Maki spoke.
« R-right ! This way ! » He nodded.
As everyone was leaving, Rantaro held us to give Kaede a warning. Once he was done, we followed him to the Boiler Room where everyone was waiting for us.
« Looks like everyone is here. So, where's this manhole ? » Rantaro asked Gonta.
« Umm, over there, in grass. » Gonta replied.
After he removed the cover, and after a bit of talking, we began our descent.
« Hmph. It's a lot more spacious than I thought it would be. » Ryoma noted.
« Hey, take a look at this. What a considerate sign… Apparently, the end of the tunnel is the exit. » Rantaro pointed at the Exit sign.
I sighed, as I prepared myself mentally for the Death Road of Despair. I knew it was pointless to go without the card reader, and opening it only revealed the 'outside world', but I had to do this to not raise suspicion.
And thus, our attempts to clear the Death Road of Despair began… and each failed. I could see the despair on my friends' faces, it pained me to see them like this…
Kaede supported us with her speeches, but eventually, that was the final straw.
« Knock it off already. » Kokichi growled.
« Huh ? » Kaede said in surprise.
« You're free to keep trying on your own, but forcing us to join you is basically torture. » He started.
« T-torture ? » She repeated in worry.
« You know what really hurts ? Being denied the right to give up in an impossible situation… You won't let us give up and no matter what we say, you have the moral high ground… That doesn't sound like torture to you ? When you say we can't give up, you're not inspiring us, you're- » He complained.
« Shut up ! Don't talk to Kaede like that ! » I snapped, surprising him and everyone.
« Yeah, leave her alone ! She's only trying to help us ! » Kaito came to my aid.
« Well, everyone else agrees with me. » Kokichi grinned.
« This whole thing was a waste of my time and energy ! » Miu agreed.
« W-wait ! We no can give up ! » Gonta pleaded.
« Geez… We fell apart pretty quickly for a group that decided to be friends and work together. » Ryoma noted.
« I'm sorry… This is all my fault… » Kaede felt sad.
« No, Kaede ! Don't say that ! » I put my hands on her shoulders.
« Yeah, why are you apologizing for ?! » Kaito came to my aid once again.
Ding dong, bing bong
« This is an official announcement from the Ultimate Academy of Gifted Juveniles. » Monosuke spoke.
« It is now 10 pm. Nighttime officially starts now. » Monotaro continued.
« Whether you have been good or naughty, it's time to go tinkle and go beddy-bye ! » Monokid yelled.
« The dining hall and gym are locked during nighttime, so be careful. » Monophanie warned.
« … » Monodam remained quiet.
« Sweet dreams ! » They all spoke in unison before the monitor shut off.
« Nighttime, huh ? Well, no sense pushing our luck. We should probably just get a fresh start tomorrow. » Rantaro said.
So one by one, we went to our dormitories. I locked my door, turned off the lights, and fell on my bed.
I still couldn't believe what was happening…
Me, Maki and Himiko were back…
Everyone that died was back...
All because us three wished they could be here with us…
I won't let that wish be wasted.
I will save everyone, no matter what it takes.
End of Day 1
Beginning of Day 2
Ding dong, bing bong
« Rise and shine, ursine ! » The Monokubs spoke.
« This is an official announcement ! » Monotaro started.
« It's 8 am, bitches ! Time to wake up and face the blood-drenched day ! » Monokid yelled.
« I wonder who's dead this morning ? » Monosuke asked.
« Stop… If I suddenly see a dead body, I will puke again ! » Monophanie groaned in disgust.
« Enjoy your killing school semester ! » Monotaro ended the announcement.
I went to the Dining Hall, where everyone was waiting. Kaede was the only one not here, but I knew she was the last one to arrive.
« So it was not a dream… » Himiko murmured.
« Hey girls. » I greeted quietly, trying to not get everyone's attention.
« Hello Shuichi. Looks like our wish really came true. » Maki greeted me.
« I'm glad… I'm gonna hang out with Angie and Tenko when I can… » Himiko yawned.
« I'm glad too. Let's make this wish worth it. » I nodded.
Kaede then arrived, bringing everyone in the Dining Hall.
« Now… all of us have arrived. Kehehe… I'm glad. It looks as though there were no victims. » Korekiyo cackled.
It went exactly like the first time. Kokichi bringing back what happened earlier, some being annoyed of him, and then…
« Let's all think about ways to get out of here. » Kaede suggested.
« Before you do that, I have an announcement ! » Monokuma appeared, causing her to jump in surprise.
Looks like he will bring the first motive…
« Now then, the special motive I have prepared is called the First Blood Perk ! For the first murder that occurs, no class trial will be held ! Can you believe it ? That means the first one to kill someone will get to graduate, no strings attached ! » Monokuma declared.
Kaede explained we wouldn't kill, Rantaro was being cryptic, and Kaito…
Wait !
« I've had enough ! » He snapped.
I couldn't let him die yet, so I quickly grabbed his arm !
« Huh ? Shuichi ?! » He said in surprise.
« Kaito, stop ! » I exclaimed, stopping him in his tracks.
« Rise and shine, ursine ! »
« Hell yeah ! Looks like we got ourselves a volunteer ! » Monokid cheered.
« Finally, it's time for the Exisals ! » Monotaro did the same.
« We won't let you land a hand on Daddy ! We want Daddy to smile every day ! » Monophanie glared at Kaito.
« Youse bastards better pay attention ! This is what happens when you mess with us ! » Monosuke warned us.
« Wh-What ? What are you guys planning to do ?! » Kaito began to panic.
« Wait, he didn't attack Monokuma yet ! It doesn't count ! » Maki intervened.
« Doesn't matter, he was planning to ! We stopped him before he could ! » Monokid yelled.
« Run, Kaito ! » Kaede begged him.
Luckily, Monokuma got crushed again by the Exisal. I sighed in relief internally.
After that, we went our separate ways. But I, like the first time, decided to see Kaede.
« Wait, Shuichi. » I heard Maki call me.
« Yes, Maki ? » I stopped to look at her.
« Are you going to show Kaede the hidden door ? » She asked me quietly, seeing if no one was listening, which they thankfully didn't, as they left.
« Yeah… If we somehow fail to prevent the first murder, and Tsumugi is still the killer, this will be important including the passageway. And either way, someone could have discovered it, including Rantaro. » I nodded somberly.
« Ok, be careful though. I have to do something with Himiko. » She left.
I watched her leave, then went to see Kaede to show her the hidden door. After that, I looked around the school for Monocoins, where I found seven of them.
Switches to Maki's POV
I arrived at Hallway 1F, and like I expected, Tenko was harassing Himiko.
« What are you doing, Tenko ? » I asked, narrowing my eyes in suspicion.
« I was hoping I could learn more about magic from Himiko ! I definitely wanna incorporate magic into Neo-Aikido ! Please tell me, Himiko ! What sort of training do you usually do ?! » Tenko asked in glee.
« I'm tired of talking about it… » Himiko complained.
« Then I'll massage your back so you won't get tired ! I wouldn't mind if you rested your head on my lap- » Tenko said too much.
« Stop it. » I stepped in between them.
« W-wha… ? What is it, Maki ? » She asked in confusion.
« Stop telling Himiko weird things, it's creepy. » I warned her.
« I-I'm not ! I'm her friend ! » She defended herself.
« If you really are her friend, then give her a break instead of harassing her non-stop. » I replied.
« B-but… » She tried to answer back.
« Shut up. If you do that again, not only she will stop being your friend, and you will have to deal with me. » I glared at her.
I took Himiko's hand, and we left, leaving Tenko, still in shock.
« Nyeh… I forgot how Tenko was… » Himiko complained.
« Don't worry, after this, I'm sure she will change. » I smiled at her.
« Yeah, thanks for helping me out. » She smiled back.
We hung out for the day, until we left for nighttime.
End of Day 2
Beginning of Day 3
Switches to Himiko's POV
We went to the Dining Hall again. Everyone was happy Monokuma was gone… for now. I decided to say the same thing than last time.
« Nyeh… I slept well last night. Also, I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth by myself. » I said.
« I'm glad to hear that, Himiko ! Keep it up ! » Tenko smiled at me.
So Maki did scare her enough to make her change… Huh.
Then Monokuma returned in his Yokai 'form'. Now that I think about it, this should have been a red flag, and we should have suspected Tsumugi being the mastermind, as she loves animes... Of course she would make him a Yokai for his return.
And then…
« F-Father ! Your love is smothering us ! » Monotaro cheered.
Nyeh… So gross…
« Ahem ! Now then, I'm pleased to announce an additional motive ! » Monokuma declared.
« An additional motive ?! » Kaede repeated.
« A time limit is now in effect ! If a murder does not occur by nighttime, two days from now… then every student participating in this killing game will die ! » Monokuma laughed.
Nyeh… It's starting again… Everyone began leaving… All who were left were me, Maki, Shuichi, Kaede, Kaito, Gonta, Kirumi, Keebo and Tenko.
I saw Shuichi leave with Kaede, which I assumed was for the hidden door. I decided to return to my room for now on.
Switches to Shuichi's POV
I just got back from the Library with Kaede, and went back to my room. I checked the clock to see the hour, and there was still a good while before nighttime. So, I got up, and went to the MonoMono Machine to get some gifts. I got a Metronome, a Cheer Coat Uniform, an Illusion Rod, some Bunny Apples, a Dog Tag and Hammock.
I strolled around the Courtyard, until I met Kaede.
« Hello again Kaede. » I greeted her.
« Hi Shuichi ! What are you doing ? » She smiled at me.
« Just taking a stroll. But you know, I would like to know more about you. Would you like to… go on a walk with me ? » I asked, blushing a bit at the end.
« I would love to ! W-wait, I-I didn't mean it like that ! » She stuttered.
« Alright. Tell me anything, maybe about music ? » I started to walk with her.
« Oh yeah, you don't know much about music, do you, Shuichi ? » She asked me.
« I kind of follow the trends ? I don't know anything about classical. » I replied.
« I guess that's true… Normal high school boys don't listen to classical music… But you have definitely heard of Chopin, right ? » She mused.
« Yeah, he's pretty famous, so I have definitely heard of him. » I nodded.
« He composed many solos, and was even referred to as the Poet of the Piano. That title might mean nothing to you at first, but you will get it once you listen to his works. He always performed at concerts. » She explained.
« You perform too, right Kaede ? » I asked.
« Of course ! I personally enjoy Prelude, Op.28, No.15, or also known as the Raindrop Prelude. Which reminds me, I played the three Waltzes, Op.34 in front of a king before. » She smiled a bit at the thought.
« For real ? » I asked in surprise.
« Yeah, some European king, he had to keep his identity a secret as he saw my performance at an international competition on the news, so he came to Japan. » She explained.
« Wow… I see… » I was speechless.
« When he saw my performance, he told me 'It is as if a god dwells within your fingers !' He knelt down when he said that ! I was speechless ! » She continued.
« I can tell. Was there anyone else ? » I asked.
« Yeah, sorta. A representative of Juilliard, famous pianists… I was really nervous back then. Like, what were they gonna tell me after ? But in the end, I performed my usual way and hoped they enjoyed it. » She answered.
« That's incredible ! You must be really amazing if you have fans like that ! » I smiled.
« No way, Shuichi ! I'm an ordinary high school girl who just happens to be a Piano Freak. » She smiled.
I stopped walking, causing her to look at me in confusion.
« Don't say that, Kaede. You told me that I should take credit of what I do, so you should do, Kaede. » I told her.
She stared at me in surprise…
And giggled.
« Touche. You're right, Shuichi. Thank you for this, it was fun. » She smiled at me.
« Before you leave, please take this. » I gave her the Metronome.
« Whoa ! Can I really have this ? Thanks, I'm so happy right now ! » She took it with a smile.
« I enjoyed this, Kaede. We should do it again some time ! » I proposed.
« I would love to ! See you soon, Shuichi ! » She went her own way.
I felt happy…
Spending time with her… It felt good, I felt happy.
I promise she won't die. I won't allow it, I will turn around when she's about to throw her shot put ball… She and Rantaro won't die-
« Hey Shuichi ! »
I turned around, and saw Kaito approaching me. I didn't realize I entered the Dining Hall.
« O-oh, hey Kaito ! » I greeted him.
« What's up man ? You thinking about something ? » He asked me.
« N-no, I was just thinking. » I replied.
« Thinking about what ? Don't hold back, I will listen ! » He smiled.
Crap, how do I get out of this ?! Wait…
« Ah, well, you're an astronaut trainee, right, Kaito ? » I asked him the first thing I asked him the first time.
« Sure am ! I'm still a trainee, but I'm gonna be accepted for sure ! » He told me.
« It must be hard… Can you handle it ? » I continued.
« No problem ! Piece of cake… Well, to be honest, it's about as intense can get. But the universe is harsh, you gotta be able to handle any situation. » He answered.
« I see… So what happens exactly in the training ? » I asked.
« The first two years is basic training… It's pretty straightforward. You learn the skills needed to be an astronaut ! Medicine, aeronautical engineering, scuba diving, linguistics, survival training… You pretty much gotta master everything. » Kaito listed what was needed to be an astronaut.
« Survival training ? You have to do that too ? » I asked again.
« Yeah, for emergencies where I gotta make an unexpected return from space. » Kaito nodded.
« That reminds me, there's a training facility for astronauts at the bottom of the ocean, right ? » I asked.
« Yeah, it's pretty famous ! It's a little different from basic training though. Alright, Pop Quiz ! What's the most important thing an astronaut needs ? » Kaito asked me.
« A talent ? If you don't have any expertise, going to space would be out of the question. » I replied, while I knew the answer, I didn't say it to not raise suspicion.
« True, but not matter what talent you've got, there's one thing you absolutely need. And that thing is… Teamwork ! The universe is a frontier that the people of the world challenge together. And since we need to work together, teamwork is vital ! » He gave me a thumbs up.
« That does sound quite important. » I nodded in agreement.
« That's why you also need language training ! I can speak Japanese, English and Russian all fluently ! And that include their cultures too ! » Kaito finished.
« Well Kaito, that was really fun to talk to you. » I smiled.
« The feeling is mutual, buddy ! Wait… Damn it ! I gotta get back to training ! The universe is getting away from me ! » Kaito smiled back.
« Wait Kaito ! » I gently grabbed his arm.
« Yes, what's up ? » He raised an eyebrow in interest.
« Please take this. » I gave him the Cheer Coat Uniform.
« Oh, that's pretty interesting ! This is almost the perfect gift for the Luminary of the Stars ! You're on the right path, Shuichi ! » He smiled as he took it.
« Thanks Kaito, see you later ! » I left him, as I returned to my room, as nighttime arrived.
Monokid was drunk on honey again, but I ignored their announcement, as I went to bed.
End of Day 3
Beginning of Day 4
I went to Kaede's room so we could ask Miu to make us the cameras for the Library, then we went to the Storage Room. I peeked and sighed quietly as I saw her pick up the Shot Put Ball. Even if I told her what she was going to use it for, not only it would make me suspicious, but she would just pick it up after. We then went to Miu's Research Lab and gave her the cameras and sensors.
I had some free time before nighttime, so I had to make this quick. And I know who to spend it with. Maki and Himiko, I have to know if they are ok so far. I looked fpr them, and they were… at the Library.
« Hey girls. » I greeted them.
« Hello Shuichi, we were waiting for you. » Maki said seriously.
« Ah ? What is it ? » I asked.
« Have you asked Miu about the cameras ? » She asked me.
« Yeah… I have. » I nodded.
« Isn't that dangerous… ? To repeat what you did… ? » Himiko asked in confusion.
« I get what you mean, but if I stop her now, she might figure out a new plan, and that would make me suspicious. Also, if Tsumugi is still the killer, then it will be hard to prove it. As for Rantaro, I think you two can help me. » I explained.
« How ? » Maki asked.
« When Kaito hosts his strategy meeting tomorrow, I want you to prevent Rantaro from leaving the Game Room. » I told them.
« So by preventing him from leaving the Game Room… » Himiko started.
« We prevent him from reaching the Library, and Tsumugi won't be able to kill anyone. Yeah, I will tell Kaito to help me on that. » Maki nodded.
« Thanks you two. Now, how are you two holding up ? You two ok ? » I asked, changing the subject.
« Yeah, I had the chance to speak to Angie and Tenko again. Although I kinda forgot how Tenko was at first… » Himiko said.
« Yeah, I had to give her a piece of my mind, and it worked perfectly. » Maki nodded.
« Ummm… What do you mean about that ? » I asked worringly.
« Relax, I just told her to stop harassing Himiko and act like a real friend. » Maki rolled her eyes.
« Ah ok… Then, did you spend time with Kaito, Maki ? » I asked her.
« Yeah, of course I had to be a bit quiet and defensive to not raise suspicions, but I'm slowly 'opening' up to him. » She smiled.
« That's good to know. Don't worry, we will save everyone. That's our promise. » I smiled back.
In a typical team fashion, we put our hand together, until we went back to our rooms.
End of Day 4
Beginning of Day 5
This is it. The final day. I must not mess up now. I got out, and Kaede was waiting for me. I went to Miu's Research Lab to get the cameras, then to the classroom near the basement, waiting for Kaede.
« Sorry I'm late, Shuichi ! » I broke out of my thoughts when I heard her call my name.
I explained her how it worked, as we went inside the Library. I saw Kaede organize the pile of books and mess with the camera with the security sensor, causing me to sigh again. We then went to Classroom A to wait. I shared my backstory to her, and once again, she puts her hand on mine.
« I wish there was a piano here. I would play you a song to help you cheer up ! Like Clair de Lune by Debussy ! It's a soothing song that calms your heart, like the moon's reflection on water… » She smiled at me.
I slowly smiled back.
« Thanks, Kaede. I needed that. » I thanked her.
« No problem, that's what friends are for ! » She sliled back.
Later, the warning played, and I heard Kaito's group in the hallway. I knew they were going to the Game Room so I didn't go this time. The promotionnal video told us we had one hour left…
And then…
The receiver went off.
« Sh-Shuichi, the receiver ! » She said out loud.
« Someone moved the bookcase ! » I rushed out of the classroom.
Then, I stopped in my tracks, returning to the classroom.
« Kaede, quick- » I pretended to have forgotten her.
She gasped, dropping the Shot Put Ball as I caught her red handed.
« K-Kaede… Why do you have a shot put ball… ? » I asked, knowing the answer.
« S-Shuichi ! I-I… I thought I could use it to defend myself ! » She defended herself.
« Then… why a shot put ball ? Wouldn't a knife be better ? And judging by your stance, weren't you going to drop it in the air vent ? » I confronted her.
She froze, realizing I knew what she was planning.
« Kaede… Were you trying to kill the mastermind ? » I asked somberly.
She stood up, looking down, unable to say a word.
« Kaede… » I approached her.
« Y-Yes… I-I lied to you… » She confessed.
« I forgive you. » I told her.
« What ?! Why ?! I lied to you ! I told everyone we were going to escape together, and yet I wanted to kill the mastermind and hid that from you ! I'm an hypocrite ! » She snapped, broking down in tears.
I hugged her to soothe her, which she accepted, as she sobbed on my shoulders.
« I-I'm so sorry… » She started to calm down.
« I told you, I forgive you, Kaede. » I told her.
She got off me, smiling, which I returned. Then her eyes widened.
« Wait, the Library ! » She exclaimed.
« Crap, let's go ! » I cursed.
We rushed to the Library, and Kaito and Tenko noticed us in the hallway, and then I noticed someone with them.
Rantaro…
I sighed internally, I did it. I stopped the first murder.
« Well, nevermind. Your timing is perfect. You should join our strategy meeting. » Kaito told us.
« Strategy meeting ? » Kaede asked in confusion.
« When the time limit hits, we're gonna fight Monokuma ! We gotta plan for that battle ! » He continued.
« Wait, the mastermind is in the library ! » I interrupted him.
« The mastermind, you say ? » Rantaro frowned at me.
« We will explain later, just come with us ! » I exclaimed.
We went in, and the moving bookcase closed.
« Wait, did you guys see that bookcase move ? » Kaito asked us.
« Yeah, and it moved on its own ! Was it some kind of ghost ? » Tenko asked to herself.
« G-Ghost ?! » Kaito began to panic.
« No, I think it could be opened and closed from a distance. This 'mastermind' must have used it. » Rantaro thought out loud.
« So we missed them ? They ran away ? » Kaito asked.
« Let's check the surroudings. Maybe they are hidden. » I told everyone.
We searched the entire library, and unfortunately, no one was there except us.
« Damn it ! They ran away ! » Kaito snapped.
« If you and Maki didn't hold me in the Game Room, I could have saw them… » Rantaro sighed.
« Hey, you were suspicious ! I just wanted to make sure everyone at the meeting was clean ! » Kaito glared at him.
« So you think I'm this 'mastermind' ? » Rantaro returned the glare.
« Yeah, didn't you say this could be opened or closed at a distance ? You just did a slip of the tongue ! » Kaito approached him.
« I knew it ! I knew a degenerate male was behind all of this ! » Tenko agreed with him.
Crap, what have I done ? Now they suspect Rantaro…
« Stop it ! I don't think he is the mastermind, let's all calm down ! » Kaede got between Kaito and Rantaro.
And then…
Ding dong, bing bong
No…
No…
NO !
I have stopped Kaede and Rantaro ! It's impossible ! There can't be a murder !
« A body has been discovered ! Everyone, please gather in the A/V Room ! » Monokuma told us.
The A/V Room ? Why would-
No…
NO !
We rushed to the Game Room, with the A/V Room's door open…
Himiko, Angie and Maki were staring at the body…
The body of Gonta Gokuhara, the Ultimate Entomologist.
CHAPTER 1
My Class Trial, Our Class Trial
Deadly Life