Ryoko sat curled in the fetal position at the foot of Mukuro's bed. A blanket had been wrapped around her shoulders and in her hand was a mug of chamomile tea. Mukuro had originally suggested ginger ale mixed with flower tea, a disgusting favorite of Junko's, but Kyoko quickly vetoed that idea. She instead fetched some dried chamomile, a rare luxury in the post-Tragedy world, from her own supply for her to drink.

It didn't seem to be having the calming effect that Kyoko claimed it would. Ryoko was still shivering like a leaf, jumping a bit whenever anyone came close.

Watching this hurt for Makoto. The poor girl seemed so innocent to him, even if she shared the face of the woman who had made his life - everyone's lives - a living hell. Even Kyoko agreed that for one of her first memories to be something that might become a potential trauma was not a good thing.

What also hurt was seeing Mukuro stand off to the side of the room, a worried look on her face but also unable to do anything. Makoto closed the distance and whispered in her ear, "Don't you think you should do something?"

"What can I do? I'm not supposed to do anything that might jog her memory. And I'm no good at comforting people, that's usually your job."

"Mukuro, she's your sister," Makoto gave her a gentle smile, "If there's anyone who she's going to want supporting her, holding her, and listening to her, it's you. I know that kind of thing scares you a little, but I know you can do it."

Mukuro sighed, "It's a good thing you're such a good person, sweetheart. You could convince people to do terrible things with that smile of yours."

"Or great things, I hope!" Makoto grinned, not realizing how red his cheeks had become.

Mukuro quickly gave him a kiss on the forehead, "Fine. Go explain the situation to Kyoko and see what she wants you to do. I'll take care of Ryoko."

"Roger roger, lieutenant Ikusaba."

Mukuro smiled and rolled her eyes. She sat herself on the bed next to her sister, who jolted as the bed springs creaked. Mukuro draped an arm over her sister's shoulders, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it once it was there. The arm hung over Ryoko's shoulders like a wet noodle for an awkward few seconds.

Ryoko didn't turn to look at her sister as the dead snake of an arm slid awkwardly down to her back, "...What are you doing?"

"Comforting you. Trying to, at least."

Ryoko couldn't help but chuckle a bit at that, "You're not very good at this are you, sis?"

"N-no… frankly I'm not. Makoto is usually the one who does the comforting."

Ryoko was quiet for a minute before she spoke again, "He seems nice."

Mukuro's smile widened and turned a little more natural, "He really is…"

"Who is he? To you, I mean?" There was a little curiosity in her words, but her voice was still soft and fearful.

"He's my partner. We go out and try to help people, or stop people who would hurt others," Mukuro was careful about her words. Kyoko hadn't yet given the O-K to tell Ryoko about the Tragedy yet.

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"I kinda figured y'all were a thing, that's all," Ryoko's voice was barely an embarrassed whisper, "You seemed close."

Mukuro was confused. Did she not notice their interaction just a moment ago? "He is also my boyfriend."

"Oh okay."

The conversation died again, but not for as long as before.

"You two are cute together."

"Thanks."

And so the conversation died again. Mukuro couldn't help but feel a twinge in her heart as she thought about what Ryoko had just said. Junko would never have given such a sincere compliment like that. It made her happy, yet it was tainted with guilt. The sister who would have told her she didn't deserve Makoto was awful, yes, but she was also dead now thanks in no small part to Mukuro. Ryoko, the sister sitting next to her, seemed so different at a fundamental level. Junko never let herself be so weak as to curl into the fetal position. Junko never clutched a blanket around her shoulders for comfort. Junko had never been as vulnerable as Ryoko was right now. Mukuro still couldn't separate the two though - Junko had gone by Ryoko once before, so this Ryoko must just be another side of Junko.

It was several more minutes before either said a word, Ryoko just shivered under the blanket and Mukuro sat awkwardly next to her. Eventually, Ryoko leaned against Mukuro a bit more, and wrapped one side of the blanket around her shoulders as well.

"You're kinda bad at this, aren't you?"

Mukuro replied with a sad smile, "Pretty disappointing sister you've got, huh?"

Ryoko's eyebrows furrowed, "Not at all! What would make you think that?"

"I-I don't know, I've just always been told that I guess."

"I know I've only really known you for a day, but I can already tell you're a good sister. Who would've said such a thing to you?"

"I… I…" Every awful thing Junko had ever called her flashed through mind. Repulsive, stupid, worthless, filthy, hopeless, unlovable. At the time she had been hurt by those words, but it all was so easy to write off as "just how Junko is." Now she was becoming aware all at once just how deeply those words had cut her. Tears began streaming down her face.

Ryoko suddenly wrapped Mukuro in a hug. A tight hug. Mukuro had gradually gotten used to physical affection from Makoto, but his hugs were soft, warm and gentle. Ryoko's was tight, like she was afraid of losing you, but deeply loving.

"Jeez, I was supposed to be comforting you, not the other way around. Some sister I am, huh?" Mukuro said between sniffles.

"Stop saying that."

"W-What?" Mukuro was caught off guard by the sudden firmness of Ryoko's voice.

"I may not remember you, but I don't care what you've heard. Hearing you say things that make you sad makes me sad too, so stop. You're my sister, so I love you. That's that."

This girl was not Junko. Despite her hair, her face and her eyes, this hug was filled with a depth of love and compassion that Junko simply did not possess. Her shaky breaths were filled with such honest, raw emotion that Junko would never show, assuming she even felt them in the first place. This love was not Junko's manipulative, twisted sense of love. She was being completely genuine in her unconditional love. Ryoko was only herself, Mukuro was beginning to realize.

Mukuro didn't know what to say, and settled on not saying anything at all. The two girls were both sobbing now, clutching the only family either of them had.

"Mukuro?"

"Yes, Ryoko?"

"Was I different before?"

Mukuro paused for a moment, "Before what?" A weak way to stall.

"My accident."

Mukuro couldn't bring herself to lie to this kind new sister, "Yes, somewhat."

Ryoko clutched Mukuro's shoulders harder, "Why did that man, Mondo, hate me so much?"

"I... don't think I can tell you that. You've already got enough going on."

"But-!"

"I'm sorry but you're just going to have to trust me for now. It's for your protection, I promise."

"Well what about the accident? What happened to me?" Ryoko's voice was no longer fearful, and she was no longer sobbing.

"...You suffered a head injury and a concussion."

"But how?"

"...During a simple sparring match, you took a nasty spill," Mukuro cursed her terrible lie. Junko never sparred with anyone, if Ryoko was as sharp as Junko had been she'll see through that immediately.

And indeed she did. Ryoko did not know why, but on this her sister had lied to her. It was an awful lie, one so bad she thought it might be a deliberately transparent lie. She wanted to believe this was for her benefit, that it would turn out to be just a little white lie, and yet suspicion gnawed at her heart.

Ryoko did her best to bury those feelings for now. She wanted to love her sister. She must have a good reason. She hoped it was a good reason.

Makoto stood at a podium at one end of a conference room, trying to prepare himself for the confusion and fury of his classmates. Kyoko had told him that it was time to brief their friends on what had happened to avoid a repeat of the situation with Mondo. She was standing by, ready to step in as needed. Makoto was not entirely sure what to say as the 78ths began to file in. Byakuya, Hifumi, Taka, Chihiro, Hina, Leon, Mondo, Sayaka, Sakura, and Hagakure entered, most with a look of confusion, Byakuya with his usual uncaring affectation, and Mondo wearing an expression just shy of violent fury. Makoto was just grateful he seemed calm for now. Everyone was gathered now, save for Toko, who was not allowed to enter the Future Foundation facilities until she had Genocide Jack under control, Celeste, who likely was still locking herself in her room, and Mukuro, who was staying with the subject of this meeting.

Makoto sighed. He still wasn't sure how he'd ended up in this leadership role. He always felt woefully unprepared for it even with all the support of everyone around him. Oh well, he figured, here goes nothing.

"Ahem. So some of you may already be aware, but you'll soon be seeing a l… familiar face wandering the halls of the 14th. I know this may come as some surprise, but I need you all to brace yourselves for this."

Makoto gulped. Mondo looked like he was about to pop a vein if he didn't hurry up, "As unbelievable as it may seem, Junko Enoshima was captured and brought into the Future Foundation's custody earlier this week-"

"WHAT?" The room erupted into shouts and worried discussion.

Mondo's voice was unsurprisingly the first to rise above the cacophony, "What the fuck do you mean 'wandering the halls?' You're letting her, the mastermind of the Tragedy, just have free reign? You can't be serious!"

"I was getting to that. After some deliberation by the higher ups, it was decided that we would attempt to reform Junko," After calming another clamor from the crowd, Makoto continued, "She no longer has any of her past memories, and her personality is radically different as a result. She doesn't even know that she's Junko, and we'd like to keep it that way. Her new self is going by the name Ryoko and we ask that you all use that name to address her if you see her, and to do your best to not hold what Junko did against her. I know it might be hard to put aside your feelings after everything she's done, but I believe in you guys. My hope is that with genuine companionship Ryoko can end up a healthier person than her former identity and become a cherished friend to us all. Any questions? I'm sure you've got plenty."

Leon's hand shot up first, "Who's stupid plan was this anyway? What if she just wakes up as Junko again one morning and decides to go around slitting all our throats?"

"Right, uh… We don't. We're going to just have to trust in the process and have hope. I know that sounds insane, but just like we gave Mukuro the benefit of the doubt back at Hope's Peak, I need you all to give Ryoko the benefit of the doubt too."

"And for the record, I helped develop this plan," Byakuya said, "Junko's many talents would be invaluable in rebuilding society. Even if this memory wiping procedure causes her to not develop her Ultimate Analyst skill, if there's a chance she could then she's too valuable an asset to simply execute and toss away. Not that I expect a peasant like you to understand that logic."

Leon balled a fist for a moment, but Sayaka and Sakura held him back.

Hagakure spoke next, "So is this, like, a Toko and Jack situation? Is Ryoko gonna turn back into Junko and vice-versa if we splash her with hot or cold water?"

Kyoko spoke up before Makoto could, "I strongly doubt it. Toko has dissociative identity disorder. Ryoko has amnesia. There's no overlap between those conditions, and no reason to believe that Junko and Ryoko will vie for control like that."

"How can you expect us to not hold what Junko did against Ryoko?" Sayaka asked, "The Tragedy, the Killing Game, our piece-meal memories, everything that's happened to us over the past year, Junko was the cause for all of it. We can barely talk about the state of the world outside without mentioning Ultimate Despair."

"And for that matter, how the fuck do we expect the Junko memories to stay gone? Who's to say they won't come back eventually the way that our memories are trickling back in?" Mondo added.

"That's wrong! She has some psyche exams tomorrow, and after that we'll slowly introduce the current state of the world to her and explain who she used to be. As for her memories coming back, like I said before, we just don't know yet. The Foundation used a more advanced technique than what Junko used on us, but the possibility is still there. All the more reason to treat her well so she has no reason to act on those memories."

Chihiro shyly raised her hand and did not speak until Makoto had pointed at her, "Where is Ryoko now?"

"With Mukuro. She… Needed to be comforted. If you're still finding it hard to believe that Junko and Ryoko are different, well here's your first indication: Ryoko is very emotionally raw. She can also be very kind, from what I've seen of her so far. She's getting along with Mukuro swimmingly."

Mondo stood up. His eyes were closed, his head facing the ceiling. His arms were crossed. He seemed to be thinking about something, "So you're saying this girl has no memories from before today, is trying to be nice, and is currently off crying somewhere? That's honestly what you're telling me?"

Makoto scratched his head, "Well, that's a pretty simplified explanation, but yes."

Mondo groaned and started to make for the door, when Taka grabbed him by the shoulder, "Wait, bro! I know you're upset but we're still in a meeting! It would be impolite to just walk out."

"Actually, if there's no further questions, I think we can call it here," Makoto paused, looking for any of his friends who may have questions, before turning back to Mondo and Taka, "Guess we're done then. Good seeing you guys."

"Yeah you too, Makoto. Bro, Chihiro, lets head to my place. I gotta blow off some steam."

"Excellent idea, bro! I'm happy to help you! I'm looking forward to some comradely competition!"

Makoto piped in before anyone else could follow them out, "Can someone catch Toko up in the morning? And Komaru too, please! I'll try to tell Celeste myself tomorrow."

"Good luck! Maybe you'll be able to talk some sense into her, one luckster to another!" Hina added merrily, "Oh, you should come work out with Sakura, Mukie and I some time while you're still here! Hit the weights, or go for some laps in the pool!"

"Haha… I'll see if I can make it, Hina."

As much as he'd like to keep that promise, the last time he'd worked out with those three he couldn't stand the next day. He loved seeing Mukuro get along with everyone, he also loved not being carried everywhere by her.

"A good meeting. It seems that you got everyone on board, and with only mild threats of violence. Your talent never ceases to. surprise me, Makoto."

Makoto chuckled, "You flatter me too much, Kyoko. I hardly think I did anything special."

"I disagree. You've kept me from personally strangling Byakuya on more than one occasion, I'm sure everyone else feels the same."

"I didn't know so many people wanted to strangle him."

"More of us than you realize, but he isn't the only one I was referring to. For you to get everyone on board with giving Ryoko the benefit of the doubt, especially Mondo who tried to kill her earlier… You certainly live up to that title of yours."

"Well thanks, Kyoko. Want to grab a drink before we call it a night?"

"No, I don't think so. You should check in on Ryoko, help her get settled at Mukuro's place. Besides, I'm sure Mukuro is going to want a little personal time before the day's over."

Makoto felt the blood rush to his cheeks. Kyoko gave him a wink before shutting the door behind her.

The housing units in the Future Foundation Facilities were hardly glamorous. Each person got a scant 400 square feet, enough for a bed and a bathroom, and a little extra space that was tailored to the resident. Some requested workout equipment, others asked for couches, Makoto recalls Hifumi asking for a highly complicated drawing tablet and lots of display cabinets for figurines. Most people didn't bother with stoves or anything kitchen related since food was kept under the strict control of the Future Foundation's kitchen to prevent shortages. They always provided tasty food and had snacks to spare, so most didn't feel the need to cook. They were simple bunks, but many preferred to call them apartments. It helped to take their minds off the fact that they were living in glorified bomb shelters connected by concrete tubes.

In Mukuto's apartment there was a simple couch, a weapon display on the wall (Mukuro didn't feel truly comfortable unless there were at least 2 weapons in the room, and even Makoto had to admit it brought the room together) and a full bed. Unlike many of the apartments, there were no windows, which Mukuro preferred - fewer possible methods of entry, she said. Makoto's apartment was right next door, had a couch, TV, and the standard bullet-proof glass window and was where the couple spent most of their time.

Today, with Ryoko's arrival, the couch had been covered in blankets, pillows, and at least one pistol. It seemed Mukuro had ceded the bed to Ryoko.

"Sis you can have the bed back, I'll be fine," Ryoko insisted

"Nonsense. You need the rest more than me, and I'm accustomed to sleeping on rocks and in windstorms. A couch is more than comfortable enough. Besides, in a few days I'll be staying at Makoto's long term. The room will be yours, it's only natural you take the bed."

"First I'm hearing of it, sweetheart," Makoto chimed in. Mukuro wordlessly grabbed his tie and pulled him down for a fast kiss. The way she did that always got his heart racing.

"Just until housing can be found for Ryoko. They'd like to build something close to us and expand a tunnel, so it might be a few weeks. I trust you're okay with this turn of events?"

"Wait a second, did I not have an apartment yet? Where have I been staying until now?"

"You didn't live here in the 14th Branch until now," Makoto quickly interjected. It was the truth, just with some of the details omitted. Ryoko seemed to accept that answer.

Mukuro looked up at Makoto, "Sweetheart let's step outside for a moment, then we can all go to sleep."

Makoto looked a little surprised, but followed her out the door, "So what was it you wanted to talk about, hon-"

Before he could finish speaking, Mukuro had wrapped her arms around Makoto and pulled him in for a kiss. He was a fair amount shorter than her, which made it easy to move him around and bring him in for a kiss. Makoto, of course, let himself be pulled into the kiss. He enjoyed this spontaneous side of her that only he got to see.

After several more kisses in each other's embrace, Mukuro pulled away and winked at him, "Just needed my fix. Haven't gotten to see much of you today, after all."

Makoto pushed her up against the wall as he went in for one more, long kiss. It was a rare treat when Makoto took an assertive role like this. Despite his size, it suited him better than he realized.

Finally, Makoto stepped back from the wall, lovingly stroking Mukuro's hair as he did, "Since we're not sleeping together, I figured I'd give you a little more romance, to help you make it through the night."

Mukuro turned her head and blushed l, "J-Jeez you're getting good at this."

Makoto leaned in and gave her one more peck on the cheek, "See you in the morning, my angel."

Mukuro nodded and gave a small wave before returning to her room. To her surprise, Ryoko, now dressed in pajamas, was kneeling on the foot of her bed waiting for her, "So what did he tell you? Was it something about my examinations tomorrow?"

The heat returned to Mukuro's face, "I'm, actually we were just doing… uh, boyfriend-girlfriend stuff."

Ryoko's face immediately gained an impish grin as she feigned shock, "Ooh like kissing while whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears?"

"I was too embarrassed to do it here in front of you," Mukuro nodded shyly. She was embarrassed, partly because one of Junko's favorite activities was to mock her for any romantic inclinations the Ultimate Soldier tried to show.

"Ooh, how scandalous! What would the children think if they saw such a thing?" Ryoko laughed playfully, "C'mon sis, I'm a grown woman, I can handle that stuff - I, uh, think. Besides you were just kissing! It not like you were gonna pull his pants down and whip his-"

Mukuro was now a deep tomato red, "Oh my god, no"

"Haha, see? It needs to be at least a steamy makeout session before I'd need to leave the room! Don't worry about it so much, I'm glad he makes you happy."

Mukuro nodded, "He really, really does make me happy."

"See?" Ryoko yawned, "That's all that matters then. What do you say we get some Z's? It has been a long ass day…"

Without another word, Ryoko flopped backward onto the bed. Mukuro smiled to herself as she laid down on the couch and pulled the sheets over herself.

"...Thanks for being here with me. Today's been a scary day, but I'm glad I had my sister with me for it. Goodnight, Mukuro."

"Goodnight… Ryoko."

And just like that, Mukuro could hear the quiet snoring of her sister. That made sense, Junko had been able to get to sleep eerily fast too.

Mukuro thought back to Ryoko's teasing. The voice, the facial expressions, even the tone were exactly the same as Junko's, but the intent and heart behind it couldn't be more different. Junko only spoke like that to break her down, but with Ryoko it was just sisterly ribbing. Just an earnest attempt to make them both laugh.

Mukuro rolled over as she realized this might be the first night in a very long time where she wouldn't need to worry about her sister stabbing her in her sleep. Today was just the first of many days with her lovely new sister. She wondered if some small part of Junko was watching this and despairing. But more than that, she hoped Ryoko was feeling as hopeful as she was. That thought warmed Mukuro's heart, and lulled her into peaceful sleep and sweet dreams.