AN: Hello again! We're back to our regularly scheduled programming so that means back to the bunker. Enjoy!
The 77th class were overjoyed. Their beloved homeroom teacher, or at least someone with a suspiciously identical name, had not only survived the chaos but was reaching out to survivors. Did that mean she was in a position to give help? Or maybe she was just trying to find survivors to help her? Chiaki had been beaming for a good few minutes now. Chisa had obviously meant a lot to her during her time at Hope's Peak. Hajime had gone to find a microphone and the necessary cables to connect it to the radio. Ibuki had been hopping on her toes since she'd acknowledged her former educator's name. Mahiru had gone to bring Gundham back and Peko had decided to accompany her in case any bandits were hanging around. The resident Yakuza had made the effort to write a script for the upcoming conversation which, despite Hajime's assurance that he wouldn't need it, was actually very detailed. Hajime came back with a large, disc microphone. He ported the end into the front of the radio and placed the stand in front of Chiaki. The Gamer leaned forward in her seat and her husband stood behind her.
''Don't be afraid to get emotional.'' He said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned up to him and gave him a determined look. She hadn't asked to be given the role of first speaker but everyone had silently and unanimously let her take it. The same message that had played previously met their ears and Chiaki swallowed hard as she leant even closer. ''H-Hello?'' The message seemingly wasn't automated as it stopped. ''Hello!'' A chipper voice responded. ''It's good to finally hear someone! We've been taking turns trying to get a response since the end of the Killing-'' ''Ms Yukizome?'' Chiaki interrupted, her voice showing that she was moments away from tears. ''Ms… Oh my god, Chiaki?! Is that you, Chiaki?!'' The tender voice became panicked, similar to maternal panic at the thought of their child in danger. ''Yes, it's me!'' Chiaki practically yelled down the microphone before giggling to herself. ''I thought you were dead… But I'm so happy to hear that you're okay…'' Chisa was clearly crying herself and The Ultimate Gamer was weak to it's infectious nature. ''Uh, Ms Yukizome?'' Fuyuhiko had wandered closer to the mic and spoken from behind it. ''Was that Fuyuhiko? I'd know that grumpy voice anywhere!'' The Maid laughed through her and the radio crackled slightly. ''Who else from our class is with you two?'' The older woman managed between sniffles.
''HELLO!'' Ibuki screamed from across the room as she sprinted to close the space. ''Oooh, I heard Ibuki! I hope you've been keeping up with your music!'' ''You know it, teach!'' Ibuki stuck out her tongue and gave the radio the rock hand despite the fact that anyone speaking over it couldn't see. ''That's great!'' Chiaki wiped her eyes with her sleeves. ''Peko, Mahiru and Gundham will be here to talk soon, they're just outside. Oh and Hajime should probably say 'hi.''' The Ultimate Ultimate rubbed the back of his head and leaned over his wife's shoulder. ''Hajime as in Hajime Hinata? As in 'missing Hope's Peak Student' Hajime?'' Chisa's voice was significantly more inquisitive. The brown-haired boy stood, mouth agape. ''You remember that far back? Oh and hello.'' Ibuki gave Makoto and Kyoko, who were observing from the other end of the table, a displeased look. This could turn sour very easily. ''Of course I remember your disappearance. It was the talk of the school for a few weeks and I personally investigated it. I take it you were a part of the Izuru Kamakura project I discovered?'' She sounded almost hostile now. ''Close. I was Izuru Kamakura.''
A gasp could be heard and Hajime sighed. ''Stay away from my students.'' Hajime seemed confused. ''Excuse me?'' Chisa cleared her throat. ''Stay away from my students.'' ''I'm sorry but I can't abandon my friends and my family for your misguided sense of fear.'' ''MISGUI- My fear of you is perfectly justified! The reports I read said you were 'devoid of all emotion' and 'the perfect weapon!' How am I supposed to trust you haven't done anything to my kids, or if they're even with you at all?!'' ''What exactly leads you to believe they're not here?'' Hajime was successfully staying calm. ''What's led me to believe they are? For all I know you could be using an Ultimate Impressionist's talent and mimicking their voices!'' Hajime's face was enough to realise that he could indeed be doing that. He had no proof to suggest otherwise. ''Chiaki, tell her something only someone in her class would know. Or you, Fuyuhiko.'' Chisa didn't speak. She was evidently waiting for some kind of trustworthy story.
''The time our class went to the zoo and you took us around the panda exhibit. You kept telling us that you really loved pandas and that if you were to have any pet, it would be one of them.'' Chiaki smiled inwardly as she (and occasionally The Gangster and The Musician) went onto tell a few more stories about the class and their time at Hope's Peak, including the interestingly named 'love stew' incident. Even the 78th class, save for Byakuya and Toko who were still in their room, were watching with happy smiles. Chisa was silent for all of the retelling. Chiaki eventually stopped and the room was void of sound for a few moments. ''So you really are my class.'' ''We did try to tell ya.'' Fuyuhiko offered. ''Woulda saved us the whole story time as well.'' The hatch opened and the three older students descended the ladder. Ibuki called all of them over and some more small talk broke out between students and teacher. Chisa was acting as if the last 10 minutes had never happened and came across as happy as she was initially.
The last 45 or so minutes had been fascinating to listen to from their position on the couch. Kyoko had been very talkative for the duration of their upperclassmen's conversations with their teacher. The amount of theories about Chisa's survival were vast and seemed to span for longer than the three quarters of an hour it took to get them al out. They ranged from helicopter evacuation to secret underground tunnels beneath Hope's Peak. Makoto had never seen her so enthusiastic about something she couldn't investigate first hand. It was almost certain that she would question Ms Yukizome at the first opportunity and, though she'd never admit it, would probably ask questions about her father.
The members of the 77th class had ended their conversations and gone about letting Chiaki and Hajime steer the conversation towards more important topics like locating the foundation and finding alternative methods of communication. There was a happy atmosphere in the shelter that hadn't been achieved since they had arrived. ''Oh! I almost forgot to get Hiyoko!'' Chiaki stood and walked to her room. ''Hiyoko's with you too? How tall is she now?'' Hajime's face contorted in a clear attempt to steady himself for what he was about to say.
''When she says Hiyoko, she doesn't mean Hiyoko Saionji.'' ''Then who is it?'' Chisa replied with audible confusion. ''Hiyoko Hinata. She's our daughter. Nine months old. We named her after the girl who used to be in your class.'' The radio produced no noise for a few seconds. Not even a sigh or a disgruntled noise. ''How are they so trusting of someone like you?'' Hajime chose not to answer and simply wait for Chiaki to return with the baby. That would either make Chisa happy or at the very least force her into pretending to happy. The Gamer returned with the small baby and asked Chisa to say things to her through the mic. Chisa complied with the spark and energy of a new mother, emphasising her voice and even making Hiyoko giggle. She seemed highly capable of lying and masking emotions. He wasn't sure if that was beneficial to him because it saved Chiaki's feelings or bad because it made her seem far more friendly than she intended to be when the members of her class were absent. Makoto and Kyoko chose to leave for Byakuya's room to check up on him.
...
His room was extremely dark and Toko could only be distinguished by the glint of light on her glasses. Byakuya was still asleep (could passing out really be counted as sleeping) but was now on his side with his back to Toko. Even in unconsciousness he seemed to be trying his best to ignore her. Toko was staring at him and ringing her hands absentmindedly; she barely reacted to their entry into the room. She had barely spoken at all in her normal form since Byakuya was injured by Hajime. The only reason that Genocide Jack had been conversational was because she didn't share memories with her other self and she was dragged out of the room before she was forced to sneeze. It was unclear if The Ultimate Murderous Fiend would react poorly to Hajime/Izuru's choice of actions or if she would devote her time to The Heir's recuperation. Kyoko took a seat on Toko's bed and allowed Makoto to look over the tall blonde's sleeping form from the doorway. Toko huffed loudly and stood. ''I'm g-going to get a dr-drink.'' She left as quickly as she had spoken.
Kyoko placed her chin in her palm and gazed towards the chair the Author had been sat in. ''She's far too emotional right now for us to place both trust and faith in her. She'll probably be okay when Byakuya waked up but for now, let's just make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.'' Makoto nodded and propped the door open further. Toko swung her eyes towards him from behind the counter in the kitchen and obviously felt hurried enough to speed walk back to the room, glass of juice in hand. She mumbled a 'thank you' and placed the juice next to the foot of the chair adjacent to Byakuya's bed. She sat hesitantly, as if the other two in the room would place a whoopie cushion underneath her. ''I-I promise that when M-Master wakes up I'll go and speak to the t-teacher bimbo o-or whatever.'' ''You don't have to speak to her at all, that's not why we came here. We just came to check up on you and see if Byakuya needed any help.'' Toko smiled to herself; it was difficult to see in the dim light of the room and she didn't dare to show him or Kyoko but he was sure she had. ''So i-it wasn't to make me d-do something?'' She seemed to be aware of the answer already but wanted to rub it in. ''Of course, you're important to all of us. It'd be bad if you felt alone or as if we didn't care.'' Toko squinted suspiciously at him. ''W-Well your sm-smooth words won't w-work on me. Stick to two girls, you womaniser.'' Makoto's eyes widened and he almost screamed 'what' but managed to catch his voice before it became to loud. ''What do you mean 'womaniser' and who are these 'two' girls?'' Toko furrowed her brow and pouted. ''You mean Enoshima has absolutely no feelings for you and she's just playing around?'' ''Oh, so that's wha-'' ''And can you say for definite that you don't have any feeling, not even attraction, for Enoshima? Because it seems to me like you do.'' The Author had completely turned the conversation on it's head. A few moments ago he was encouraging her to believe in her friends and now she was accusing him of falling for the enemy.
''I do not like Enoshima.'' He crossed his arms and glared at the seated girl. He crumbled almost instantly, however, to look at Kyoko. She didn't seem to be angry with him. She too was glaring at Toko, though the dark-haired girl wouldn't be able to see this unless she had eyes in the back of her head. Had she finally processed what he'd said earlier? Did she believe his excuses for smelling like Junko? Maybe it was just annoyance that Toko had made an accusation with no evidence in her favour. ''I-If you say so.'' The bespectacled girl gave in. The next two minutes was silent as the three watched over the wounded man in the bed. It gave him time to think over what Toko had brought up with him. Did he have any feelings for Junko? He hadn't really experienced love or true attraction before meeting Kyoko so he couldn't exactly decipher his own emotions. Regardless, this was becoming unbearably awkward. He flicked his eyes over to his girlfriend who seemed to understand almost immediately. She stood and walked over to him, wrapping her hand around his and pulling him out the door. Toko didn't even look up as the couple left.
The two were immediately approached by Hajime upon their exit. ''We need you to speak to Chisa. She doesn't know that you're with us yet so I'll try to ease you into conversation.'' He spun on his heels and sped back to the radio. ''Ms Yukizome, we have somebody we'd like you to speak to.'' Chiaki said with a voice full of excited anticipation. ''Makoto, come speak to her, please.'' Chisa gasped louder than she had at any point so far. ''Do you mean Makoto Naegi?'' Makoto chuckled as Hajime guided him towards the microphone. ''Hello. It's very nice to speak with you. I've heard quite a lot about you.'' He spoke slower than he often did as to allow himself time to think of an explanation for being amongst the 77th class. ''How long have you been with my students?'' An expected first question and, thankfully, the one he had thought of the most. ''Peko found us as we were walking towards the outskirts of Tokyo. She brought us to the bunker Hajime built and we've been here ever since. That was about… 8 days ago?'' Chisa hummed to show that she was up to date and the Luckster continued.
''We've had everything we've needed here. We're safe as long as we're here. This is sounding a bit like he's got a gun to my head isn't it?'' He chuckled and gave Hajime an apologetic look. That was a terrible thing to say to what was, essentially, a hostage negotiator as far as Chisa was concerned. Chisa at least seemed to appreciate Makoto's dry humour enough to giggle slightly. ''I don't think the higher ups will be too thrilled to hear that you're so far away but I'm sure they'll at least be pleased to hear that you're alive and safe.'' ''You don't need anymore details or anything?'' He wanted to gain as much from this exchange as she had; despite her claims about wanting to help, they had no proof that this 'Future Foundation' was actually a source of good. ''Your dangerous friend already gave me your location and your supplies situation. I'll talk to my superiors and get back to you within the next 24 hours. Keep the line open, please.'' Hajime crooked his head and shouted for Chiaki to say her goodbyes. The Gamer hurried over to the microphone and leant over Makoto's shoulder. ''Goodbye Ms Yukizome! Call back!'' She stood and rested her head on her husband's shoulder. The rest of the upperclassmen said their parting pieces except for Peko, who rocked Hiyoko from her seat on the couch.
The rest of the class had gone about their normal business and, after what seemed like an eternity, Hajime was left alone. He was sitting on the bed he shared with Chiaki. The way in which Yukizome seemed almost eager to end the conversation after hearing Makoto speak was alarming. The mention of higher-ups also left a lot to be determined. The real question in his mind was one that he practically knew the answer to but was hurt by the notion of. Had Yukizome really cared about the radio call up until the point of Makoto's introduction? He'd been in the Academy for roughly 2 years and nobody had tried to rescue him, is what he told himself. If this Future Foundation weren't willing to do that, then why would they be so relieved to hear his voice over a radio? The belief in his newly found hope? His usefulness in motivating a work force? He'd need to investigate if he were to find the true cause. He sighed and stood. He needed to check on Byakuya's condition. He poked his head around the frame of the door. Chiaki sat with her legs crossed in front of the TV. Ibuki was asleep with her head in the Gamer's lap. It was lucky that Hiyoko was already asleep in her cot because Chiaki would definitely have a to shuffle awkwardly to avoid waking Ibuki. It was very late now and that was apparent from the lack of people in the main room.
''Everyone's gone to bed already. Maybe you should to.'' Hajime turned to see Mahiru at the frame of her and Ibuki's door. ''Why do you say that?'' He tilted his head in confusion. Mahiru pushed off the frame and placed her fingers under Hajime's eyes. ''Bags. Dark ones, at that.'' He chuckled and in leant to look at his wife by the consoles. He still felt pressure on his face and turned back to the Photographer. She had cupped his cheek but was staring vacantly at him, as if she was unaware of what she was doing. She rub circles into his cheek with her thumb before Hajime gripped her wrist softly. She jolted and squeaked in surprise. ''So-Sorry. I don't know why I did that. I'm probably just tired or something.'' An unconvincing lie. ''You have something you want to tell me?'' He asked encouragingly. She looked strangely at him, as if he'd asked her to dance with him at a ballroom. She mouthed like a fish out of water for a few moments but eventually settled for a grumble to herself and a hard exhale. ''I'll… tell you some other time. When I'm ready and you're not busy.'' ''I'm not busy right now.'' He said with a hint of what he hoped to be infectious optimism. Mahiru's eyes flickered over to Chiaki, who Hajime had heard turn off the Dreamcast and place Ibuki on one of the couches. ''Yeah but I'm not ready.'' She looked down in disappointment before making her way to the couch where she just about managed to lift Ibuki into her arms. He offered to lift the Rocker in her stead but the redhead refused and trudged back to her room. ''Good night, you two.'' The door slowly closed and Hajime realised what she'd wanted to say. Not that it would ever change anything. ''Wanna go to bed?'' Chiaki rested her head against his chest as soon as she reached him. ''You go on ahead, I've got to check on Byakuya.'' Chiaki nodded, rubbing her soft locks against the fabric of his shirt. She headed over to their room whilst Hajime made a beeline for The Heir's and The Author's.
He softly opened the door. ''Ah, come to see me, have you?'' A sneering, confident voice met his ears. And it did a moment after. ''I'm not usually one for apologies as I am not often in the wrong.'' The blond lay flat on his back, eyes wide open and analysing the intricacies of the ceiling. ''Look, I-'' ''But.'' He was interrupted by the Heir for what felt like the hundredth time since his arrival. ''I must admit when I am being a nuisance and simply trying to antagonise someone and today, I was. For what it's worth, I apologise for harming your wife.'' Hajime managed a rye smile and sat in the chair next to his bedside. ''And I apologise for acting in aggression.'' Byakuya released a soft chortle followed by a wince. ''Yes, I would've certainly preferred not to be thrown into a wall but what's done is done.'' His head rolled to face the Ultimate Prodigy. ''Next time, simply insult my intelligence or mention my family. I'll most definitely lose track of what I was being angry about and focus on that.'' There was no irony in his voice; no humour was present in anything he had said. This was a genuine aid should Hajime ever need it again. He rolled back again and closed his eyes.
''Do you know how long it took me to convince Toko that I was the instigator?'' He asked with a grin. Hajime laughed quite loudly and was forced to cover his mouth when he remembered that the girl in topic was sleeping in the bed behind him. She wasn't sleeping, however. Her breathing was too irregular and her heartbeat too sporadic. Especially when her 'Master' uttered her name. Hajime leant over to Byakuya and pulled down the blanket to reveal his torso.. ''I'm going to administer a shot directly into your back. Do you have any major allergies?'' Byakuya gave a quick 'no' and gestured for the shorter boy to roll him onto his side. Hajime did as suggested, earning a sharp grunt of pain from the Affluent Progeny as he did so. He rolled his patient's shirt up to just below his shoulders and filled the syringe. ''May I ask what is in this shot?'' Hajime flicked the end of the needle before steadying his hovering hand in front of the boy's spine. ''Some simple anti-inflammatories and Codeine.'' The incision and injection was over within around 15 seconds and Hajime went about setting Byakuya back into a comfortable position. ''Thank you.'' Byakuya said as Hajime pulled the blanket up to his chin. ''It's the least I could do considering you're in pain because of me.'' He placed the gear he had used into his medical bag and grabbed the door handle. ''Good night. If you have any problems, Toko's evidently a light sleeper.'' He pulled the door to a close just a Toko sputtered in disbelief and spun over in her bed.
Makoto was in the kitchen when he exited, filling up a glass of water. The Luckster smiled when he saw him but looked hesitant to come out from behind the counter. He was very sweaty and seemed to be panting lightly from where Hajime was standing. Oh. Ohhhhhhhh. Okay. That's just happened then. ''Give her hell, pal!'' He said with a wink as he opened his door, much to Makoto's annoyance. ''Hey, not so loud!'' Makoto ironically yelled out. This place was going to make him die from embarrassment.
Thanks for reading! I currently have a two week holiday so I decided to get some writing done in between revision days. I hope that the few hours of writing doesn't make this really bad but I had to get something out. I just want to give a big thanks to everyone who reads every chapter and especially those who followed this story; you are most definitely a major driving force and I cant thank you enough for appreciating my writing. Til next time!
