Hi. If I do an ellipses, it just means some time has passed between paragraphs. I'll be doing that and the '[]' transition from now on to make it a bit easier to read. I don't really have much to say other than: enjoy!
Hiro stirred a lot in his sleep. Witnessing the executions at Hope's Peak was definitely something that would stay with him in the form of nightmares. Occasionally, he'd have a dream that forced him awake. He stared up at the ceiling, breathing heavily as he tried to forget the realistic sensation of being shot in the chest as Taka had. He threw his legs onto the floor and rested his elbows on his knees. Milk was supposed to help with sleep, right? He'd just warm up some of the powdered stuff in the microwave and sleep like a rock.
He pulled his door open gently. He didn't even know why; it wasn't as if anyone would hear it if he was loud with all that foam in the walls. The enormous suspended light in the living room was always on thanks to the generator, so he could fetch his drink without the need of a flashlight. He stopped and regarded the TV. Something on the screen had caught his eye. He walked closer, stopping at the couch and leaning over it slightly. ''Uhhh, what the hell is that?'' He waved to his reflection. Definitely not a weird horror movie somebody left on. He spun around to confirm and yelled out. There, across the back wall in blood red letters, was the phrase: ''IZURU LIVES.''
His breathing hitched. Wasn't Izuru the creepy robot sounding dude? Did that mean he'd become sentient? Was he going to turn him into an android too? No way was he going full 'Kill all Humans', man! He abandoned his milk plan and ran to the nearest bedroom. He pounded the door, asking desperately for a reply. The door swung inwards, revealing Hina in her night robe.
''What are you, crazy?!'' She said in a hushed yell. ''People are trying to- hey!'' He didn't let her finish, scrambling inside and slamming the door shut behind him. Hina pouted in annoyance. ''Okay, what is it? I know you're a scaredy-cat but you're not usually this bad.'' She rolled her eyes as she gave his quivering form a quick look up and down. ''He's going to turn us into robots, dude!'' Hiro finally explained. Well, it wasn't much of an explanation at all, really.
Hina stared blankly. ''Riiiiiiiight. Who's 'he?''' She air quoted. ''Izuru! The robot!'' Hina cocked a brow. ''You mean Hajime?'' Hiro seized her by her shoulders. ''No, Izuru! His evil clone or whatever!'' Hina sighed exaggeratedly. ''Hiro, Hajime is Izuru. They're two minds in the same body, like Toko and Genocide Jack. Yeah?'' Hiro didn't respond. Hina sighed again, this time louder.
''Look, where is this even coming from? It wasn't one of your fortunes, was it?'' Hiro looked offended. ''No! My fortunes are accurate!'' ''So you're saying you're making this up?'' Hina looked down her nose at him, now considering kicking him out. ''It's out there, I swear!'' He opened the door slightly. ''You're saying if I go out there, there will be proof that Hajime is trying to turn us into cyborgs or robots or whatever.'' Hiro nodded. Hina huffed, tightened her robe and peeled the door back.
…
''Hiro, there's no one here.'' Aoi said as she stood a few feet outside her door. Again, she gained no response. ''Hiro?'' She looked back to see her door shut. ''Oh, you dick!'' She slammed on the door. ''Hiro, you better let me in or I'm kicking your butt as soon as you step outside! And d-don't go through my stuff!'' She deflated. Outsmarted by Hiro. A new low. She turned away from her door and saw a red glint on the far wall. ''Oh god!''
She understood what Hiro meant now. That couldn't be blood… could it? She swallowed hard. Maybe she'd better try a Hiro tactic. She ran to Makoto's door and knocked. With each passing second her knocks became quicker and more frantic. The door opened. ''Please don't tell me you've picked 5:43am as the perfect time to attempt to seduce him.'' Kyoko hid her hands inside her nightgown, not wanting to display her scars. Aoi thumbed behind her. ''You need to see this.''
…
''Well, it certainly smells like paint.'' Kyoko sniffed the wall. ''I'd touch it but I'd prefer not to ruin my gloves.'' She stood and brushed off her lap. ''It's not even warm.'' Makoto said as he swiped his index finger along the bottom of the first 'U' in 'Izuru.' ''So it's definitely not blood?'' Hiro asked from his position behind the couch on the other side of the room. ''Unless someone here bleeds art supplies, no.'' Kyoko quipped as she glared at the scrawlings. ''Who did this?'' Hina queried. ''I suppose we'll just have to ask.'' Makoto declared as he wiped the paint on his finger off on a tissue. ''Okay! Let's get everyone awake!'' Hina psyched herself up.
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''We can rule out Ibuki and Gundham at least.'' Peko said as the two classes gathered on and around the 3 couches near the TV. ''And Chiaki says she didn't feel Hajime get out of bed at any point.'' Fuyuhiko said from beside her. ''He's got every super power you can imagine, dude. You really freaking think he couldn't handle slipping away without waking her up?'' Hiro remained skeptic of the Prodigy despite his protests of innocence. ''W-Wow, that idiot really th-thought of that.'' Toko bit her thumb as she sat on the very edge of the couch she shared with Byakuya, Makoto and Kyoko. ''I am 99% sure it's Junko.'' Makoto stared at the Fashionista who sat across from him. She beamed at the accusation, as if to invite extra pressure. Mahiru, who sat next to her, scowled at the blonde. ''Izuru was perfectly capable of writing that as a warning, wouldn't you think?'' The ex-Mastermind tilted her head to direct the comment at Hajime, who stood behind Chiaki. ''I… I really didn't- *sigh* I don't know. I don't share his memories.'' Junko burst into laughter. ''Nice defence, you're really convincing us.'' Hajime looked away, aghast.
''You did have a motive, Hajime.'' The Detective announced. The brunet looked stunned. ''What? What do you mean?'' Kyoko raised her brows. Hajime's eyes widened in shock. ''Please, what happened yesterday doesn't-'' ''What happened yesterday?'' Hina looked around, seeing faces only as openly clueless as was. ''They need to know, Hajime.'' Makoto said without his usual confidence. Hajime gave him an odd look. ''Kyoko told me last night.'' His girlfriend nodded in agreement. ''We already knew regardless. Or at least we had a hunch.'' Byakuya tutted. ''Just spit it out already; sitting in these chairs is excruciating on my back.''
The young couple revealed all to their friends: Izuru's intent to leave them all for dead bar Chiaki, his plans to breed her, Hiyoko's conception and the slowly declining food stores. Chiaki couldn't bring herself to look anywhere but Hiyoko's sleeping face.
''Holy fucking shit…'' Fuyuhiko thought aloud. The classes were stunned into silence for about a minute. ''So I-Izuru might have d-done that to intimidate Kyoko into keeping quiet?'' Toko looked around nervously. Hajime looked distraught. ''With all that context, it would seem that Izuru did do this,'' Makoto began. ''But I want to believe that Hajime has him under better control than that.'' He smiled at the conflicted young man, though Hajime was visibly too trapped in his own head to reply.
''Listen, maybe we can work around this?'' Mahiru suggested pensively. ''Like mental conditioning or something, or to only let Izuru come out on a trigger word or something?'' Byakuya chuckled. ''The only one with the kind of knowledge to do that would be the man in question. And we're certainly not going to let him play therapist for himself.''
''Wouldn't the Academy have the labs and notes from experts on stuff like that? Like Ultimate Therapists? Couldn't we use that to help him'' Chiaki said to no one in particular. ''You mean like an Ultimate Neurologist?'' Junko asked. ''They had one of those?'' Hiro asked quizzically. Junko proceeded to laugh so hard she had to grip her sides. After 15 seconds of awkward looks while waiting for her to stop, Junko cleared her throat. '''Had' would be correct. I murdered him long before the bombs dropped.'' Chiaki's expression of disappointment was unparalleled. ''But did you destroy his research and data?'' Kyoko questioned. Junko held her chin in thought. ''Y'know, come to think of it, I didn't. They should still be in the Academy. I never moved any equipment or anything in any of the buildings around the campus.''
Hina clapped her hands. ''Okay! So we just have to find that stuff?'' ''Easier said than done.'' Byakuya interjected. ''The campus is enormous and many of the buildings were ransacked.'' Chiaki bounced in her seat. ''We have to try though, for Hajime.'' ''F-For Hajime.'' Mahiru echoed. Fuyuhiko stood and rounded the couch to slam his hand onto his taller friend's shoulder. ''Hear that fuckface, we're helping you out here. Just settle down and let us do shit for you for once.'' The group resolve had strengthened. They had shifted from unease at Izuru's phantom movements to a renewed want to help Hajime remove his alter ego.
Junko snorted. Several heads spun to face her. ''Okay, I was going to wait a while longer for this but the moment seems so perfect.'' No one retorted. ''Makoto was right. I did that.'' She said as she flicked her left pigtail in the direction of the smudge marks on the wall that once formed the words. Every head turned to her in anger and frustration. Junko stood and bowed. ''Don't you think it was good to get all of that info out there though? No secrets or anything?'' She said with a heap of sadistic sarcasm.
''You fuckin' bitch!'' Fuyuhiko began stomping towards her but was halted by Hajime's inhuman strength. ''Don't. This would've come out sooner or later.'' Fuyuhiko was clearly still trembling with rage but chose to sit back down. ''Of course I would've preferred to tell you all myself. However I'm thankful that we had this discussion.'' He smiled for the first time since he exited his room. ''Because now we know we can fix me.'' He reached over the back of the couch and stoked Chiaki's hair. ''And in terms of Hiyoko, we've come to accept this. '' Chiaki nodded in accordance. ''So please, don't think we don't want Hiyoko purely because of how she was conceived. We love her. Unconditionally.'' A warm, home-y feeling washed over them; a nice, familial feeling.
''Right.'' Hajime stood and placed his hands on his hips. ''Myself and whoever would like to come will head for Hope's Peak at noon. For now, we should all go back to bed and try to make up the sleep we lost.'' He craned his neck to glare at Junko, who simply grinned maniacally in return. ''I would not be smiling at all. You realise this means we have to lock your door at night again.'' Peko remained emotionless as ever, though some of her master's shared frustrations seemed to leak out in her tone. Junko feigned shock as she slammed her palms against her cheeks. ''Okay then.'' Chiaki stood, carefully as to avoid waking Hiyoko, who had managed to fall asleep again. The Gamer very deliberately avoided walking past Junko. The Despair seemed genuinely offended, to Makoto's surprise.
…
''Alright people, you best be ready for a whole load of walking.'' Hajime threw an enormous backpack over his shoulders. ''I'm not taking the car or the bus because of the wall around the city centre.'' He pulled out a map from the pouch on the backpack, rustling the tent he had rolled up and clasped down tightly there too. ''I hope we aren't going to try and squeeze all of that gear through the hatch.'' Kyoko referred to the large bags full of essentials that would go on each of their backs. Even Junko had one. The expedition group consisted of Makoto, Kyoko, Junko, Mahiru, Chiaki, Gundham and Hajime. Hajime had stocked their backpacks with basic travel necessities like fresh water, high-protein and starchy foods, bandages and sterilising fluid, waterproof coats and, most importantly, gas masks. ''No, we'll be using the other entrance. It's a direct route along the old subway lines. It's usually clear and has a lot of exits in case something does happen.''
Gundham scoffed. ''And for what reason is this demon accompanying us?'' He side-eyed Junko, who remained emotionally vacant as she checked her nails. ''She has an ever better memory of the school than even we do,'' Chiaki began. ''And she claims she placed traps around to keep outsiders away while the Killing Game was happening. So we need her to avoid those.'' The Breeder had been brought up to speed with what had occurred in the early hours but was still wary of the threat Junko posed to them.
Hajime glanced at his wristwatch. ''15 minutes til we leave. Say your goodbyes and use the toilet if you haven't already. Not many clean places in an abandoned subway to go, as you might expect.''
…
Makoto wandered over to Hina and Hiro, who both sat in the kitchen observing the leaving party anxiously. ''You two okay?'' Hiro twiddled his thumbs as he met his eyes. ''Don't you think it's weird that he wanted to mess with his head so willingly?'' The Lucky Student bobbed his head. ''I do.'' He looked at Hajime over his shoulder. ''In fact, I'm very suspicious of his motives. Or, more accurately, Izuru's motives.'' Hina gasped. ''You think Izuru's in control right now?'' Makoto held a finger over his lips but let it drop. ''If he is, he'll have heard everything we just said. Not much point in trying to be quiet now.''
A few seconds passed contemplative silence. Then Makoto shook himself out of his thoughts and circled the countertop to give both of his friends farewell hugs. ''Look after each other. And Hina?'' The girl perked up. ''You and Peko are the strongest here now. If anything happens when we're gone, you and she are going to need to protect everyone. Can you handle that?'' Aoi fumbled over her words. ''Never mind. I know you can.'' Makoto smiled brilliantly at her. The Swimmer turned bright red but made herself face him. ''I'll do my best! For you! And for everyone!'' She wrapped her arms around him again. They both chuckled nervously as they pulled away from each other. ''See you later guys!'' Makoto waved as he wandered to the couches.
''How's your back?'' He asked Byakuya, who sat with pillows behind him. ''As many wonders as that medicine worked, sitting like this is still unpleasant.'' He didn't turn to face him. Makoto took a seat next to him and leaned far forward with his hands clasped together between his legs. ''You have people to rely on here, y'know. People who would gladly take some time to help you get around.'' They both looked to the couch opposite where Kyoko was speaking to Toko.
''She would die for you, Byakuya.'' The Heir grimaced. ''I would never ask for that. I never asked for someone so… Toko-like to begin with.'' Makoto laughed softly. ''Admit it; she's growing on you.'' Byakuya smirked. ''I'll admit I treated her poorly before. And for little reason. Now she actually takes the time to bathe and look and act respectful, she's not a bad entertainer.'' The two boys looked at each other with equal parts respect and admiration. Makoto stood and made to head off but was stopped by The Affluent Progeny. ''Makoto.'' He offered the shorter boy a handshake. The Luckster gratefully took him up on it. ''Good luck. And try not to do anything stupid like you'd normally do?'' He stated with a breath of humour. ''I'll be sure to grab some nice reading material from the Archives.'' Makoto said as he walked back to Hajime. The Heir couldn't help but smile at that.
…
Ibuki had never felt so popular. It seemed as if everybody wanted to say goodbye to her. Then again, she was going to be 'Auntie Ibuki' while Hiyoko's parents were away. Mahiru was first to rush over while Hajime and Chiaki were telling Peko and Fuyuhiko some last minute stuff. The Photographer threw her arms around her and held her tightly. ''I'll be gone a while, Hajime thinks in a few days maybe. Keep our room clean please. And keep Hiyoko safe.'' Ibuki laughed. ''Ibuki is smart enough for that.'' She said as she pushed the redhead off her a little so she could breathe through this death grip. ''Why are you going anyway?'' She inquired. ''Hajime said he needed me to capture and document everything. So if we need to go back we'll have a route ready.'' Ibuki giggled. She closed in on Mahiru's ear. ''And who are you to say no to Hajime~?'' Mahiru pushed Ibuki away, cheeks burning. ''Of course you had to do that.'' Mahiru's lips twisted upwards to form a sly look. ''You just got done with Gundham after all.'' The Musician howled in delight. ''You just burned me! And it was good!'' ''Not exactly the reaction I was expecting but I'll take it.'' Mahiru allowed herself to smile. ''I'll talk to you soon, Ibuki.'' She said as she wandered off.
''Hey hey.'' Chiaki spoke softly. Hajime stood just behind her. ''Hey, lovebirds.'' Ibuki said before leaning forward to pull funny faces at Hiyoko in Chiaki's cradling arms. ''Thank you for doing this. I don't really want Peko to be doing this when she's trying to look after herself right now.'' Ibuki scoffed. ''It's no problemo, Hajimemo! Hiyoko's my little buddy anyway.'' She crossed her arms and tried her best to appear smug. Chiaki took advantage of how her arms were positioned to begin handing her baby over.
Ibuki cradled the baby nervously. ''Just relax. She won't bite.'' Chiaki advised as she mimed the optimal method. Ibuki replicated it. ''See,'' Chiaki began softly stroking her child's head. ''You're a natural.'' She bent down and kissed Hiyoko's forehead. ''Mama loves you. I'll be back quicker than I can set a high score.'' She rose back up. ''Thanks again, Ibuki.'' She gave her a quick side hug before heading back to the table with all their gear. Hajime stepped forward and held out a pinky to Hiyoko, who gripped it loosely with both of her tiny hands. He looked down with a warm smile. Ibuki studied it closely. It was definitely the look of a proud dad. Hiyoko closed her eyes and her grip slackened. Hajime slowly lowered his finger so that her little hands could rest on her tummy. ''Thank you, Ibuki. And good job with Gundham.'' He ruffled the Rocker's hair and turned away.
Gundham cleared his throat from behind her. As quietly as he could, of course. He'd seen Hiyoko in her arms. ''Hello again.'' ''Hi, Gun-Gun.'' The imposing boy was covering his face with his scarf. ''I thought I would at least bid my farewells to you.'' Ibuki smiled. ''And my Devas are meditating in your chambers. They will not bother you while you care for the child, I assure you. Though they will require sustenance 3 times a day.'' He shuffled his feet nervously. ''Hey, lower your scarf for a sec.'' Gundham complied. Ibuki stood on her tip-toes and pecked his cheek. ''Be careful.'' Gundham fought the urge to turn away in embarrassment. ''Do not fear for my life. I am a sorcerer most powerful, my love.'' ''Love?!'' Ibuki squealed. She cursed her loud mouth as Hiyoko stirred. ''Sorry, buddy. Shhh, shhhh…'' When she looked up, Gundham had retreated to the others. ''You love me…?''
…
''Okay, are we all ready?'' Hajime asked in the store room. A unanimous affirmation. ''Okay, follow me.'' Hajime peeled back a wall panel that led down a dark hallway. He turned on his body torch and led the group down. He came to a large, firmly bolted door. ''Prepare yourselves.'' He slid the bolt. And then opened the door.
Thanks for reading. The gang are off on their trip back to Hope's Peak. There'll be a lot more of an 'apocalypse' feel to these next few chapters. I know a lot of people were probably waiting for shit to hit the fan, so there we go. I'm going to go back and edit my old chapters. Re-reading the older chapters made me realise how poorly spaced out my work is. And I'll probably find loads of story inconsistencies too, which is awful of me. Anyway, thanks again. New chapter will be coming soon.
