"Time is an illusion, and so is pants." -That swamp guy from A:TLA, probably.
After having to write these characters interacting with the Funhouse for over 6k words, I'm starting to kinda get why people don't like this part of the game very much. I still stand by my opinion I stated at the end of last chapter, but who knows? Maybe by the end of the next trial, I'll have gone through some character development myself and realize I actually hate the Funhouse completely. Only one way to find out!
In any case, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 26
A Tale of Two Houses
Hajime slowly sat up, his head killing him. He eyes his surroundings. He was in some sort of vibrant red playground, with a flower garden nearby. Spread out around the area were his fellow classmates, also coming to consciousness.
Nekomaru was the first to react after booting up. "Where... is thiiiiiis!?"
"Huh... where are we?" Sonia gasped at their surroundings.
"Wh-What the hell is this!?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"Mmm... why was I sleeping at a place like this...?" Chiaki asked, barely awake. "...Oh well... I should go back to sleep for a little longer..."
"I assume... that this was that gas's doing..." Gundham said.
Fuyuhiko shook his head. "That gas we were forced to breathe right after the train started moving... It must've knocked us all out... And then... we were brought here, huh."
"In that case, this must be... the interior of the Funhouse." Nagito realized.
"Weeeeelcome!" Monokuma announced as he arrived. "Welcome to Strawberry House!"
"Strawberry House?" Hajime repeated. "Isn't this the Funhouse...?"
"Of course it's the Funhouse. Strawberry House is a part of the Funhouse."
""A part," you say...?" Nekomaru asked.
"Now then, allow me to explain already!" The bear produced a map out of nowhere, showing the three floors. "Tadaaaaaa! This is Strawberry House in its entirety! You are currently at the indoor park located on the 3rd floor. As you can see... there's a lot of playground equipment with strawberry designs. How fancy! Now then, next is the 2nd floor... There's a lounge that's perfect for freshening up, and I've prepared 5 guest rooms that are lined up like BOOM! The guestrooms are divided up by quality grade... The Deluxe Room is soundproof and has excellent air insulation... The Standard Room may have so-so insulation, but it's still pretty decent... And the Crummy Room has severe airflow and draft problems!... That concludes my explanation of the 2nd floor. Last but not least, the 1st floor of Strawberry House... On this floor, there's a room called the Final Dead Room that's all like BOOM! You can enter the Final Dead Room at any time, but be extra cautious when you pick the difficulty setting. On the same floor, there's a hallway called Strawberry Hall, and when you pass through it... There's a truly strange, enormous tower standing tall with a BOOM BOOM! It's called Strawberry Tower! Please use your own two feet to get a feel for what the inside of Strawberry Tower is like! This concludes the tour, but I think it was difficult to understand with my wordy explanation... So you should all use your own two feet to explore the inside of the building. That's all from me... Any questions?"
"Just one." Maki started. "What's the point of this building? What do you plan to have us do?"
"Ah, didn't I explain it to you? This is the motive this time... As escape game!"
"...E-Escape game?" Hajime repeated.
"The concept this time is... a closed circle within a closed circle... Like Hope's Peak Academy back then, this Funhouse is a completely closed space. There's only one way to get out of this closed space building... When the killing begins! I'll let you guys out when the next killing happens! Nyohoho! Let the escape game begin!" With that, he disappeared.
"...Huh?"
"W-We can't get out of here till the n-next killing happens?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"I knew this was a trap but... I never expected it to be so straightforward." Nagito said.
Gundham scoffed. "How foolish of me... if only I'd erected a magic barrier, I wouldn't have had to breathe in that gas...!"
"...I let my guard down and ended up falling asleep!" Nekomaru groaned.
"Like, why would gas even work on a robot!?" Hiyoko snapped. "That's supposed to be when you make your move!"
"Gas shouldn't pose a problem but... If they activate my sleep mode, even I won't stand a chance..."
"...Sleep mode?" Byakuya asked.
"That's right, it's a cutting-edge function that puts my other functions to sleep, even if I have insomnia... Just press the Good Night Button on the back of my neck, and I'll be forced to enter sleep mode!"
"Wh-What's the point of that function!?" Hajime asked.
"Didn't I just tell you!? It puts my other functions to sleep even if I have insomnia!"
"Do you even need to sleep...?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"In order to awaken from sleep mode, I just need to set the alarm in my chest!" He continued. "It's all possible with just one touch!"
"Dammit... he's not even listening..."
"He probably wants to live like humans as much as he can..." Gundham guessed. "Such is the sad nature of robotic organisms..."
"Anyway... Mechamaru must've lost consciousness because his button was pressed." Chiaki explained.
"What a blunder..." Nekomaru muttered. "He must've taken advantage of that white smoke and went around me... I'll never let that happen ever agaaaaaaaaaaaaain!"
"For now, why don't we look for the exit?"
"Exit... is there even an exit...?" Nagito wondered. "I mean, if there was, this wouldn't be a closed space, right? It'd make Monokuma's motive meaningless..."
"I agree." Maki said. "If Monokuma went to the effort of designing this place to lock us inside, it's doubtful he'd make a mistake like leaving an exit to be found."
"What are you giving up for... dumbass!" Fuyuhiko snapped. "If we were brought inside this place, then there's definitely an exit out somewhere!"
"A-Amazing..." Nagito gasped. "A heart that refuses to give up until the very end... That must be hope... Yes, I understand! Then let's explore the inside of this building with that map we got!"
"But exploring on your own is too dangerous." Chiaki said. "It might be better if we team up with someone."
"Then Maki... You come with me." Fuyuhiko said.
"Maki and Fuyuhiko? That's an odd duo." Byakuya remarked.
"There's just something I want to talk to her about."
Maki shrugged. "Whatever."
"Wow... when you two stand right next to each other, there's a noticeable height difference!" Nagito noted.
"D-Drop it, bastard!" Fuyuhiko snapped.
"Let's just go." Maki said impatiently.
"All right... then we'll go on ahead first."
With those parting words, the two of them left the area. The remaining members of the group did a headcount.
"Looks like Sonia and Gundham already went ahead." Nekomaru noted. Sure enough, they were both gone.
"Now then, I think it's time for me to get going too, so..." Nagito's eyes jumped from one member of the group to another, until finally settling on someone. "Chiaki, would you like to go together?"
"...Me?"
"I haven't really had a chance to talk to you, so I thought this would be a great opportunity..."
Chiaki seemed to consider it. Ultimately, she decided, "...All right. I'll see you guys later."
With that, Chiaki and Nagito left to explore the area.
"In that case... I guess I'll go with Mr. Ham Hands." Hiyoko decided.
"Heh, it's been a while since I heard that nickname." Byakuya glanced between Hajime and Nekomaru, then back to Hiyoko. "I have no issues with that. Lead the way."
As they walked off, Nekomaru shrugged. "I guess we're the leftovers... Looks like we're not very well liked..." After a moment, he shook his head and laughed. "Gah-haha! It's not like complaining about it will change anything! We're just a traitor and a robot, after all!"
Hajime sighed. "...I'm not the traitor."
"Oh, that's right! My apologies. Well then, Hajime... Let's show everyone else the value in leftovers! Let's magnificently find the exit with our very own hands! If we do that, it will solve everything!"
With that, they departed as well.
Fuyuhiko and Maki were searching through the Standard Room. There wasn't much to be found, just a bed, some lights, and a desk.
Maki didn't turn to Fuyuhiko as she asked, "What did you want to talk about?"
"Well, you know..." He seemed to struggle to find the words. "I'm sure you don't want to hear this, since I caused a similar incident... And I already know a guy like me has no right to say this to you but... But... when I look at you, I just have to say something...!"
Rather than respond with words, she simply sighed through her nose.
"You don't need to act so stubborn, you know? 'Cause... I know what you're going through."
"Do you?" She asked, slowly turning to face him. "I think that's quite a presumption to make."
"I know you lost someone who was important to you, and you probably blame yourself for what happened. But-"
"You think Mikan was the first!? No!" She suddenly snapped. "Imagine, if you will, losing connections to all your previous relationships, and being forced to start a new life somewhere else. Friends, family, enemies, acquaintances, your lover... Then, imagine trying again, trying to establish a new friend network. And just like the first time, you lose them. They flake out and leave you. But third time's the charm, right? So you try again... and just like clockwork... she betrays you..."
Fuyuhiko's gaze fell to the floor, unsure how to respond. He had quite a few different ideas of what he planned to say to her, but after hearing this new information, he found that all his words sounded empty.
"I'm a curse. A black cat. Everyone who crosses my path eventually suffers heartbreak, or death. If you were smart, you'd take my advice."
"...And what's that?"
"The way you acted before Peko's death? Go back to that. Maybe try not to be as much of a dick, but don't let yourself get attached, either. That's what I'm going to do. I'll cooperate as long as this group and I have similar interests, but if I have to choose between putting myself before the group or not... the answer's simple. You should do the same..."
"No."
"...What did you say?"
He stepped closer to her. "No. As in, I'm not doing that. When Peko died... she left me with just a little bit of life, just enough for me to keep going. I'm living on borrowed time. So I made a vow... with whatever time I have left, I'm gonna try and save as many people as I can! You think I'm gonna let you use your shitty past as an excuse to turn your back on this group, and fuck us over in the future? You got another thing coming."
The two of them had a stare down for several seconds. One could cut the tension with a knife.
"...So, you choose the hard way, huh?" Maki finally said. She shook her head and turned for the door.
"Look... It doesn't have to be like this. Maybe you're right, maybe I don't know what you're going through, or what you've gone through before. But one thing I do know is... No matter how hard you try, no one can force themselves to stop caring about others. Even if you don't want to admit it, eventually you're gonna do something that hurts someone else, someone you care about... and you'll realize just how much you took that person for granted when you had them..."
Maki was silent for a moment. Finally, she said, "I don't think we have anything more to discuss. I'll do things my way. You do things yours. At the very least, just make sure you do one thing, okay?"
"What...?"
She half-turned so that only her pink right eye was visible. With a glare, she said, "Try not to die too quickly."
With that, she made her exit.
One by one, each pair made their way to the elevator on the first floor. Once everyone was gathered, Monokuma appeared.
"Yoooo! How are you guys doing!? Were you able to get a general idea of Strawberry House's side?"
"Strawberry House's side...?" Nagito repeated. "That's a strange thing to say... It sound like there are other buildings..."
"Of course! That's why there's this thing called a contact elevator!"
"Contact elevator, you say...?" Gundham asked.
"Even though it's an elevator, it's a big mistake to think that it moves vertically. This is an elevator that travels along a rail, so even moving horizontally is easy as pie!"
"Then... does this elevator go to a different building?" Hajime asked.
"That's right! To Grape House!"
"...Grape House?" Chiaki repeated.
"The Funhouse is an enormous building that's made up of other buildings. Well, we can worry about the details when we get to Grape House! I'll be going ahead!" With that, he disappeared.
"I-I don't really get it but... He just wanted to tell us to go to Grape House this time, right?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"And that we must ride this elevator... right?" Sonia added.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Maki asked, stepping forward. She pressed the grape button next to the elevator, and it opened up. Everyone stepped onto the elevator, and the door shut.
Chiaki looked around, confused. "...Is this... already moving?"
"If so, that's another sign of our captor's power." Byakuya said.
"...How so?" Nekomaru asked.
"Only the most advanced elevators are capable of moving without any vibration. If the elevator started moving without us realizing it, it must be a marvel of technology. Like you."
"Gah-haha! You're gonna make me blush!"
"That wasn't... Whatever."
After a few moments, the door suddenly opened up, and the students' sights were filled with a sickeningly green hue.
"So... this is Grape House..." Hajime observed, stepping off the elevator. Everyone else followed. From what they could see it was hexagonal in shape. Aside from a bathroom, there was also statues resembling clumps of grapes, and a row of eight effigies off to the side.
"Okay! Welcome to Grape House!" Monokuma announced, appearing before them. "Now then, allow me to explain the Grape House!" Like before, he produced a map that showed the three hexagonal floors of Grape House. "Tadaaaa! This is Grape House in its entirety! Soooo... let's start explaining the first floor. Ahem! Aside from the fact that there's no Final Dead Room, it's basically no different than Strawberry House. Just like how there's a Strawberry Hall over there, there's a Grape Hall on this side... And when you go through Grape Hall... That means there's a Grape Tower. The 2nd floor of Grape House is the same as the 2nd floor of Strawberry House... I've prepared five guestrooms of different types, along with a relaxing lounge. But the main attraction of Grape House is obviously the 3rd floor... The Monokuma Archive! Everyone loves the Monokuma Archive! If you wanna know about my proud accomplishments and contributions, feel free to study the literature there! Now then, this concludes the tour, but I believe it'd be difficult to understand if I just explain with words... So you should all use your own two feet to check out the inside of the building. That's all from me... any questions?"
"I have one." Byakuya spoke up. "The fruit imagery has been somewhat distracting, and it's been a while since breakfast. To put it simply, I'm hungry. Where is the food in this place?"
"...Huh? Is that necessary?"
"Wh-What? Of course it is!"
"But this is supposed to be an escape game, so how can there be any tension if there's no time limit? Sooo... I've decided to use your stomachs as the time limiiiiiiiit!"
"What do you mean...?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"Well, simply put... It means kill someone before you starve to death! Puhuhu... if you're planning to kill someone, I highly recommend you make your kill as soon as possible! It'll be too late if you get so weak you have no energy to kill!" With that, he disappeared.
"H-Hey! Wait a second!" Hiyoko snapped.
"S-Starve...?" Fuyuhiko muttered. "Dammit! How much more of this do we have to take until he's satisfied!?"
"No food..." Byakuya shook his head. "This is the worst possible outcome... How can he do this to us?"
"At least try to stay calm!" Nekomaru said. "Now's not the time for you to paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiic!"
"Well, being loud here isn't gonna help us, so for now, we should explore the inside of this building too." Nagito said. "After all... if you don't give up, you're sure to find hope... Isn't that right, Fuyuhiko?"
"Y-Yeah... that's right..."
"Then let's get started. The same pairing as before is fine, right?"
"Actually..." Fuyuhiko thought for a moment. "I think I'd rather go with Nekomaru this time. I've got something to say to him, too."
"Well then, I gladly accept your invitation!" Nekomaru said.
"I guess that means you're with me, Hajime." Maki added. "Any objections?"
"Well, no, that's fine..." Hajime agreed.
With heavy steps, everyone split up to explore Grape House.
"Where do we start?" Maki wondered out loud.
"Since we're on the 1st floor... It might be okay if we start with Grape Tower." Hajime suggested.
"Starting with the most obvious target. Let's go."
The two made their way down the corridor until they reached a door with a picture of a bunch of grapes on it. Maki pressed the "OPEN" button on the wall beside the door. A second passed.
"Nothing happened." Maki noted.
"Huh, that's weird... When we were at Strawberry Hall this should've opened..."
She started repeatedly pushing it, like how one would push a "call elevator" button when in a hurry. "Of all the things Monokuma has that would break down."
"W-Well... it obviously shouldn't..."
"Wait... did you hear something?" In the next instant, the door opened. The two stepped inside. "...So this is Grape Tower, huh? It seems like an exact match for Strawberry Tower, but sickeningly green instead of sickeningly red."
"Yeah, you're right... The building is the same circular shape, and the ceiling is just as high and hard to make out..."
"While I'm listing differences, there's also that door." She pointed to the door on the opposite end of the hall. It had the image of a strawberry on it.
"It's like the opposite... of Strawberry Tower. As I recall, there should've been a grape image on the far back door of Strawberry Tower."
"In that case, the structure of the Funhouse seems rather obvious, doesn't it?"
"...The structure?"
"If you want me to explain it to you, we better gather everyone here. I'm not explaining it multiple times."
"It doesn't look like we'll need to." Hajime said, looking at the door. Everyone else slowly filtered through.
"Huh. You all arrived at once?"
"Good timing..." Fuyuhiko said. "We didn't have to waste any time gathering people."
"That was quick!" Nekomaru said. "I thought our investigations would take more time!"
"There ain't many areas to search, and we didn't find any good clues..."
"I've also managed to confirm what Monokuma said." Byakuya added. "There's no food to be found anywhere..."
"I heard... that it's really painful to starve to death..." Hiyoko said. "If we're really trapped here, we should start thinking of things we can eat, right? Like, Gundham's hamsters..."
"What are you implying!?" Sonia asked.
"H-Hey, I'm just trying to think like a survivalist!"
"Hiyoko... you should be grateful to Sonia." Gundham remarked. "If you'd gotten your hands on my Four Dark Devas of Destruction, your body would be incinerated by hellfire!"
"But are the hamsters going to be okay without food?" Chiaki asked.
"Fortunately, the flowers blooming in Strawberry House's indoor park are cursed flowers from hell's garden... As long as those seeds are there... The Four Dark Devas of Destruction shall not lose a single hit point."
"I am relieved to hear that." Sonia said.
Maki sighed. "In any case, I guess it wouldn't hurt to hear everyone's reports, first."
"Is it fine if Gundham, Fuyuhiko, Byakuya, and I represent our teams and give the reports?" Nagito asked.
"Yeah, I don't mind..." Fuyuhiko said.
"That's fine with me." Byakuya agreed.
"Hmph, rejoice mongrels... I've discovered something that you fiends will be happy to hear about." Gundham said.
"Yes, our team's discovery is number one! We shall not lose!" Sonia boasted.
"Kekeke... Now then, I shall to present to you my discovery... I won't let you say such nonsense like "I forgot." Monokuma said it himself before we arrived here. He said there are ship parts in the Funhouse... Fall to your knees and show your gratitude to me, the Overlord of Ice of the Destroyed World of Death! Feast your eyes on this! Fuhahahahahahahahahaha! Behold! A motor! It's a ship part!"
The motor he held up was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand, and the others had to move closer to see it.
"B-Based on it's extremely small size, isn't it..." Hajime started.
Maki shook her head. "A remote-controlled toy. Why did I expect anything more?"
"Allow me to tell you a little old story..." Gundham said. "I was born as a result of a union between a human and a demon, and my existence was shunned by both races... Perhaps its because nobody has ever bought me a toy before, but I believe this is truly remarkable..."
"That's not the point." Maki said. "Monokuma gave us a cheap fucking toy instead of the parts he promised."
"Teee-heeeee!" Monokuma laughed as he appeared. "You totally got tricked! I never said a single word about the ship being real! Stupid! Idiot! Mooooooron!" With that parting insult, he disappeared.
"Well..." Byakuya muttered. "That's just another insult added to the injury. I suppose there's no reason to... waste our energy on rage or indignation..."
"Agreed." Maki said. "Let's just... move on."
"Allow me to give a brief report." Nagito started. "Since I'm the one who made this discovery, it's just as important as I am. Which means... it's not that important at all."
"...Just hurry up and say it already." Fuyuhiko demanded.
"Well, it's about the 3rd floor of Grape House... Do you remember what Monokuma said about the Monokuma Archive on the 3rd floor...? I actually tried to go there... Like the name suggests... it was an archive full of stuff about Monokuma. It reminded me... of those celebrities who build their memorial house in their hometown."
"Then it looks like we don't ever need to go in there." Chiaki said. "Ever."
Everyone agreed with this course of action.
"Ah, also... I found a lost child at the Monokuma Archive..."
"...A lost child?" Hajime repeated.
Nagito glanced around. "...Huh? Where did she go? Heeeeey, don't just hide, come on out!"
"H-Hello..." Monomi greeted as she appeared.
"...So the lost child was you."
"Right!? That's how people react, right!? Well, I had a general idea of how you all would react! It's okay... I won't be depressed anymore... I'm used to being treated so poorly... Hehe! How sad! It's so sad to get used to it!"
"She seemed a little tense..." Chiaki noted.
"Um... Did Monokuma bring you here as well, Monomi?" Sonia asked.
"Yes... I'm so ashamed of myself... for getting carelessly tricked by him... I'm a failure as a teacher! I have no right to guide everyone!"
"...Nobody here considers you a teacher to begin with..." Fuyuhiko said. "Anyway, I'm sure the others already know, but let me tell you just in case... The 2nd floor of Grape House also has guestrooms similar to the ones on the 2nd floor of Strawberry House. But instead of being covered with strawberry patterns, they're covered with grape patterns. Also... like the guestrooms, there's a similar lounge here as well. There's also a phone in the lounge too. However, instead of the grape button that was on the phone in Strawberry House's lounge... There's a strawberry button on the phone in Grape House's lounge. Now, I'm just guessing at this point but... It's possible... that we can use those two phones to communicate with each other."
"So the picture on the button shows where each phone connects to." Sonia said.
"That basically surmises Hiyoko and I's findings as well." Byakuya added.
"That's the last report, then?" Maki said. "Good. My turn."
"This is what you mentioned earlier, right?" Hajime asked. "About the structure of the Funhouse?"
"...The structure of the Funhouse?" Gundham repeated.
"It's quite obvious when you observe the door across from the one we entered from, as well as the one in Strawberry Tower. Any guesses?"
Chiaki started thinking. "The Grape Tower that we're currently in, and the Strawberry Tower we were in earlier... I think they're actually the same building."
"The two towers... are the same building, you say!?" Nekomaru gasped.
"I see... what makes you think that?" Nagito asked.
"...Their positions. Inside Strawberry House, Strawberry Hall is on your left when your back is facing the elevator, right? But inside Grape House... Grape Hall is on your right when your back is facing the elevator, right? And so, if we think about it and put those two together... The two towers are the same building, and each house connects to the centre... That's the building structure that comes to mind."
"Heh, not bad." Maki praised. "Like I said, when you observe the two doors, the conclusion becomes pretty straightforward. Depending on which door we enter or exit from, changes whether or not this is Strawberry Tower or Grape Tower."
Nagito nodded along. "Which means...when you look at the other side of the Grape Hall door that we used to come in here..."
"Yep, the grape picture should actually be on there." Chiaki said.
"So all we have to do to confirm is is close the door from this side, right?" Hiyoko asked.
"Mmmmm, that might be impossible."
"Impossible... why?"
"...Well, Hajime and Maki were the first ones to enter Grape Tower, right? When you two entered Grape Tower from Grape Hall... Didn't it take a little while for the door to open after you pressed the button?"
"Indeed it did." Maki answered.
"...So, just as I assumed."
"H-How... how'd you know?" Hajime asked.
"When I was walking around by myself... I went back to Strawberry House for a while. I felt like there was something I missed when suddenly... The Strawberry Hall door automatically closed in front of me."
"The door... automatically closed...?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"And afterward, no matter how hard I pressed the button, the Strawberry Hall door wouldn't open."
"But... why?" Sonia asked.
"The doors to Strawberry Tower and Grape Tower must be designed so that only one can be open at a time. I mean... if both doors opened at the same time, we'd easily find out that both towers are the same building. If that happens, it wouldn't be a Funhouse anymore, right?"
"Then... the reason the Strawberry Hall door automatically closed in front of you..." Nagito started.
"...Was because Hajime and I were entering Grape Tower." Maki finished.
Chiaki continued. "When that happened, the Grape Hall door didn't open cuz it was waiting for Strawberry Hall's door to close... If you think about it like that... it makes sense, right?"
"Okay, but like... What about the colours on the walls?" Hiyoko asked. "It's different for both towers."
"...You didn't notice?" Nagito asked. "They're just lights on the floor being shined on the wall. By reflecting a coloured light onto a white wall, it makes it look like the wall colour has changed."
"...And the picture on the floor?" Hiyoko glanced down at her feet, which were on top of a decal of Monomi's face stuffed with grapes.
Chiaki looked down as well. "Maybe the floor is just a screen, and the picture is being projected from beneath the floor... In fact, when you look at it closely, it's not a picture that was actually drawn on the floor."
Hiyoko folded her arms, but said nothing.
"This is a very important problem, so isn't it better if we test it out?" Nagito asked.
"...Test?" Hajime repeated.
"For example, we should leave something behind here, and we'll all go to Strawberry Tower... And if it's still there, we can conclude that they're the same building, right?"
"So, what? Should one of us just stay behind?" Maki asked. "That probably wouldn't work..."
"That's right. There's a sensor... preventing that." Nekomaru explained.
"Huh? Sensors?"
"Don't you feel it...? There are countless sensors plastered all over the tower's walls and floors... Why can't you notice themmmmmmmmmmm!?"
"I'm more surprised you were able to notice them." Byakuya said, eyeing the walls.
"My guess... is that the sensor can probably detect any movement within the tower..."
"And when it reacts, it prevents the door from opening..." Chiaki finished. "I knew there'd at least be something like that..."
"By the way... how good is that sensor's performance?" Nagito asked.
"It's quite high-performance... It seems it can even detect your heartbeats and breathing patterns."
"Then... it'd be completely impossible for someone to stay behind." Fuyuhiko said.
"What about Nekomaru?" Hiyoko asked. "He's a heartless robot, after all."
"I have a motor running inside me, it's as good as any human heart..."
"But if you're in sleep mode, that function will come to a stop too, right?" Nagito asked.
"Like you said, if I cease all functions with sleep mode, the sensor won't detect it but... Do you need to go that far to test it? I won't tolerate any robo-prejudice!"
Maki smirked. "Yeah, Nagito, don't be robophobic. He could sue you for that."
"...Sorry, you're right."
"And once I enter sleep mode... I will not regain consciousness until the "Good Night Switch" is pressed again or if my chest alarm goes off. I'm a little concerned about being left alone in that state."
"It is far too dangerous, even as an experiment!" Sonia protested. "It is possible that we might violate the laws of robotics!"
"That's not what those..." Maki shook her head. "Nevermind."
"Then... why don't we just use this?" Chiaki asked, pulling something from her pocket. "My student handbook. I'll leave this handbook here, and we'll all move over to Strawberry Tower... And if, by chance, the handbook is still there, we can safely say that the two towers are the same, right?"
"You're right...let's try this." Hajime said.
Chiaki placed her handbook on the floor, and everyone left to board the elevator to Strawberry House.
As the elevator doors shut, Sonia spoke up. "I must say... this elevator is rather quiet. It is like the toad's wart... Oh, wait... never mind!"
"Toad's wart... What's she talking about?" Fuyuhiko muttered.
"It doesn't feel like we're moving extremely fast." Nagito said. "It seems it's moving very slowly... If so... The two houses might be surprisingly close."
"If they're connected by a tower in the middle, then that would make sense." Byakuya said.
The elevator stopped, and everyone stepped out and made their way down Strawberry Hall.
"If you press the button next to this door, you should be able to enter Strawberry Tower..." Hajime explained.
"Then I'll press it." Chiaki said.
"Wait. Step aside, you fiends..." Gundham commanded, stepping forward.
"...Wh-What?"
"Emissary of evil... In accordance with our ancient contract... The time has come to lend me your aid... Pierce through! Supernova Silver Fox San-D!" He extended his arm toward the button. San-D climbed down his arm and stopped when she reached his hand. The hamster pressed herself forward with all her might.
"Ah, it pressed the button...?" Hajime noted.
"Truly, this is the Skyline Lamentation Art of the Demon Mouse...! Fuhahahaha! Soon, the door of destiny shall open!"
"Wow! Amazing! Your hamsters are truly skilled!" Sonia marvelled.
"I see, your eyes managed to follow San-D's movements... As expected of the Dark Lady, you have my praise."
"Amazing! Truly amazing! You must have a strong, trusting relationship with them!"
Despite himself, Gundham blushed. "...Th-Thank you..."
Chiaki stood before the door. "...Mmm... Just as I thought, it's taking a while to open."
Nagito nodded. "Considering what we discussed earlier... The sensor will confirm that nothing is moving inside the tower, then wait for the other door to close..."
Suddenly, the door opened, and everyone entered Strawberry Tower.
"Ah, look over there!" Sonia gasped.
"It's there... The handbook...!" Hajime said.
Chiaki made her way over and picked it up. "Yep, there's no doubt. This is my student handbook."
"...It seems that we've confirmed it." Nagito said. "Strawberry Tower and Grape Tower are actually the same building. And depending on whether you enter it from Strawberry Hall or Grape Hall, the tower... becomes either Strawberry Tower or Grape Tower."
"Then, that door over there with the grape image on it..." Nekomaru said. "It's not the exit... But it appears it's connected to Grape House's Grape Hall."
"But... it also means that we have no idea where the exit is... Well, I guess that can't be helped. There's no way we'd actually find the exit that easily. Well, anyway, I'm surprised! I can't believe you already uncovered a secret like this. As expected of Chiaki, you're truly amazing. Normally, all you do is stare into space, but at times like this you really pull through for us."
"However... why was this building designed so strangely?" Sonia wondered.
"There's probably no reason." Monomi explained. "It's simply because "it's a Funhouse." That's all the reason Monokuma needs!"
"The reminds me... Whatever happened to the Monokuma Announcement?" Nekomaru asked.
"What do you mean?"
"According to my internal clock, it's already past 10:00 p.m.!"
"Huh!? Is it that time already!?" Sonia gasped.
"Despite that... why hasn't there been a Monokuma Announcement!?"
"Allow me to answer!" Monokuma said as he appeared. "Every single day, up until now... I have consistently let you know when it's morning and night on this island. And thanks to that, you've been able to live a normal life... Did you guys mistake me for some kind of pretty alarm clock? Ah, well... It's totally true that I'm pretty but... For the time being, the Monokuma Announcements are on hiatus. You can't go outside and there are no windows here, so it's not like it matters if it's morning or night. Also... I've been thinking of a little something to replace the Monokuma Announcements. Puhu... puhuhuhuhuhuhu." And then, he was gone.
"What's wrong with him...?" Fuyuhiko growled. "Well, if there's no announcements, we can just look at the clock..."
"Both Strawberry House and Grape House have clocks in their 2nd floor lounges." Nagito recalled.
"Even if I don't look at a clock, I have my internal clock, so it's no problem for me anyway!" Nekomaru added.
"And it's already past 10:00 p.m., right? I'm starting to feel sleepy after hearing that." Chiaki yawned.
"Since we don't have food... it might be better if we rest and conserve our energy." Nagito decided. "For now, let's just decide our room assignments."
"Room assignments...?" Hajime repeated.
"Each house had five guestrooms, so we should first decide who's going to stay in which house."
"Hmmm... why don't we make things simple and split them between the boys and the girls?" Chiaki suggested.
"Yes, let us do that!" Sonia agreed.
"It does make the most sense." Byakuya said.
"Then ladies first..." Gundham offered. "Now then, kittens! Choose which house you would like!"
"Let's just choose Grape House." Chiaki said. "Staring at a red room is just going to strain my eyes."
"Then the men shall have Strawberry House!" Nekomaru said. "Strawberry men are known for passion!"
"Also... each house had guestrooms of varying quality, right?" Nagito pointed out.
"Wasn't it two Deluxe Rooms, one Standard Room... and two Crummy Rooms?" Fuyuhiko recalled.
"So we need to decide those next." Byakuya said.
"But there are only five rooms in each house, right?" Hajime said. "Then one guy will be left over..."
"Then that means... there's only one appropriate way to settle this!" Nekomaru roared.
"Appropriate way...?"
"Rock Paper Scissors, of course!"
Suddenly, a Rock Paper Scissors battle began between the six guys. And the results...
"Ah, sorry. I ended up winning so easily." Nagito chuckled.
"So I take second place..." Gundham added. "That's fine. I was getting bored of always being on top."
"It's decided!" Nekomaru cheered. "You two will get a Deluxe Room! Now then, regarding the third winner... Gaaaahaha! It's meeeeeeeeee! I will be resting in the Standard Room!"
"Me and Byakuya are next..." Fuyuhiko said.
"So I'm left with a Crummy Room. I suppose I should make the most of it."
"That's unfortunate, Hajime..." Nagito said. "You can rest in the lounge but try not to catch a cold. Hey, how about you Grape House girls? Did you all pick your rooms as well?"
"Yeah, we did. We had a brief discussion and settled things smoothly." Chiaki explained. "Sonia and Hiyoko have the Deluxe Rooms, I have the Standard Room... and apparently Maki wants one of the Crummy Rooms."
"Huh? Why did you choose the Crummy Room?" Fuyuhiko asked.
"It's not that I "wanted" it." She clarified. "But one of us had to take it, and I really don't care how crappy it is. I've suffered under worse conditions..."
"So there is a Crummy Room left..." Sonia said. "Hajime, if you would like, please use it."
"...Huh?"
"Hajime, you can use our leftover room." Chiaki explained.
"Yeah, might as well." Maki said. "Otherwise, it'll go to waste, and you'll catch your death."
"I don't mind..." Hiyoko agreed. "As long as he doesn't try to do anything to us in our sleep."
"Thank you... it really helps that I have a place to sleep."
"Now then, it's decided." Nekomaru said. "We should turn in for today."
With that, the class split in two, and their first day in the Funhouse came to a close.
Woah, Maki, cool it with that hinting at your backstory! I'm still working on Albert discovering who you really are!
Unfortunately, that's the only part of this chapter that's really different from canon. Further unfortunately, I can't really talk much about that without accidentally spilling even more about Maki's backstory, so it looks like I have not much to talk about in general. Um...
...Hey, what do you prefer? Strawberries or grapes?
In the next chapter, we'll spend some more time starving, and maybe see what Al's up to. I dunno.
