Prologue II: Judgement and Novelty
The Trial for Humanity between Naegi Makoto and the King of Monsters: Godzilla literally happened yesterday. And today it's the day the Ultimate Hope explains the new situation to the heads of Future Foundation.
But it was also the day of Ethos' trial and judgement.
Two birds, one stone as they say.
All the heads were reunited. The island where theyhad Naegi's trial a year ago. Needless to say that both men were nervous.
Naegi because this place brought back some stressing memories of being suspected of being a Despair.
Ethos because he might die if his bosses didn't believe him. Also he was scared of something else.
"Tell me, Makoto. Will Juzo punch me?" The black and red haired man asked.
"Probably." The brunette answered, suddenly remembering the two punches of the Ultimate Boxer.
"Oh Godzilla…" Ethos sighed.
They arrived in front of a big double door guarded by two guards that knocked at the doors when they saw the duo arrive.
"Let them in." Said a voice inside and the guards opened the doors for Ethos and Naegi to come in.
The first thing Ethos did was wave his hand to his friends of class 76 and to Kirigiri. He then noticed that only 12 of the branch heads were here. Mitarai and the head of the 13th branch were absent.
"I'm Naegi Makoto, agent of the 14th Branch of Future Foundation." Naegi presented himself even if he knew that everyone already knew who he was.
But formalities.
"Oh. Um, Ethos Oroya, also an agent of Branch 14." Ethos followed.
Everyone stared at the duo but mostly at Ethos as he was the suspect. Munakata nodded then asked Sakakura to put the handcuffs on the destroyer.
"Ethos Oroya… You're under arrest for suspicion of being a Remnant of Despair or at least supporting them." He explained.
Ethos bit his lips as he saw the boxer approaching him with large handcuffs. He took a step back and extended both wrists.
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
"What are you doing?" Juzo asked.
"Well I don't want to be punched in the guts so here."
Juzo shook his head and put the handcuffs on Ethos wrists.
"Sorry but it's a tradition."
"Wh-urgh!" Ethos couldn't finish his question as he got punched, "You son… arg." he wheezed to the green haired man but didn't fall to the ground like most of his ex- punched victims.
"Alright enough. Oroya-kun, can you keep up? Or do you need medical attention?" The leader of Future Foundation, Kazuo Tengan asked.
"No it's alright. I got much worse."
"I see…"
Seiko stood up and walked toward her friend, she gave him a pastry.
"There, in case you didn't eat breakfast."
"Thank you!" Ethos beamed as he ate the offering.
"Alright, if we're done. We can start." Munakata said, his words cutting net the nice ambiance around the suspected traitor.
Everyone sat back at their place, Naegi beside Kirigiri. Only Ethos was standing up.
"First of all, congratulation for the engagement between Kyoko Kirigiri and Makoto Naegi." Munakata said, a hint of a smile on his lips as he started to applause, quickly followed by the rest of the Future Foundation leaders.
Naegi rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks red. Kirigiri just nodded politely, giving thanks. She swore she saw Koichi letting a tear roll down his cheek.
But the celebration quickly stopped as now it was time to ask questions to the Ultimate Hope about what happened in Mothra's 'Mind Room'. He told them about the human form of the King of Monsters and about the Class Trial ground that appeared.
At the mention of the Class Trial, many heads widened their eyes, especially Kirigiri who turned her head to look at her new fiancé.
Naegi continued his report, he talked about the arguments, about how the world turned like that and about why humans were needed and should be spared. He talked about Godzilla's first deal: to let him take care of Despair and let Future Foundation rebuild the world.
Everyone gasped when Naegi said he refused that solution.
"What is wrong with you!?" Juzo roared, punching the table, "You're siding with Despair again?!" He accused.
"Wait a minute, Sakakura-san. I'm sure there must be an explanation." Great Gozu, the head of the 12th Branch said, trying to calm down everybody who were starting to wonder the same thing as the boxer.
"I really hope so…" Munakata sighed, "Naegi Makoto, please explain to us wh-"
"What with all of this!?" Ethos suddenly exclaimed, starting everyone.
He was acting… weird.
"Why all the suspicion on our lil' Makoto here!? Of course he had a reason! A good one!" He exclaimed again and tapped the shoulder of the startled brunette hard with his metal handcuffed hand, "After all, He's the Ultimate Hope for Godzilla's sake! We can't demote him more, we even made dolls of his effigy for propaganda!"
At hearing the mention of the Hope dolls, Naegi turned red and the leaders of Future Foundation looked away in shame of such failure of a product: the Remnants of Despair bought and stole all of the ones in the market to burn them in a live video.
"Please don't bring back the Hope Dolls." Pleaded the ahoge man.
"I even have mine right here!" Ethos shouted and tried to reach for his pocket, but with both hands being handcuffed, it was difficult. "Fucking shit…" After ten seconds of attempts, he retrieved a little doll that look like Naegi.
Everyone stared at the destroyer, only three persons holding their laughter. Naegi hid his face with his hands. And to put the cherry on top, he pressed the doll that squeaked out a:
"Sore wa chigau yo!"
Munakata coughed, asked for Ethos to calm down, which he did after an apology, saying that he didn't know why he did that. Strangely, beside from the doll, no one was that surprised at Ethos interruption except Naegi.
"Alright, it's working." Seiko whispered.
Naegi then started to explain his reason: Godzilla wasn't aiming only at the Remnants of Despair but all the Despair. Which meant also all the innocent people that were in despair.
"I see… Yukizome. What is the percentage of people in Despair in what's left of Humanity?" Munakata asked.
"At least 65% of the humans are in Despair. And of this lot, 15% are Remnants of Despair and criminals." She said.
"We cannot sacrifice half of the Human race just to appease this monster… It seems you made the right choice, Naegi-kun." Tengan smiled.
"So, what happened next?"
Naegi then explained the second part of the trial that was more physical and dangerous as Godzilla even started to attack him to force his opinion.
Godzilla's arguments brought back memories to Munakata as he remembers using the same ones a year ago during his confrontation against the Ultimate Hope in front of him.
And after more detailed explanations, he told them about the last deal.
"So he gave us ten years to rebuild a 'good' bit of the world, while dealing with the Despair. If we don't make it, he'll hunt every single human in Despair."
"Ten years, uh…"
"I think it's possible." Smiled Yukizome.
"That's right. Plus we don't have to worry about the Monokaijus Godzilla destroyed. They were the most problematic. Godzilla actually helped us!" Gozu said.
"Yeah, but what if the Remnants are building more of those? Especially the last one that was way more dangerous than the previous ones: the Monokuma Anti-G."
"Then we'll have to find where they are building them, we knew about Towa City, but Godzilla destroyed it. So until any proof of the existence of another Monokaiju, we focus on taking care of the Despairs." Munakata sighed again, "We just have to work harder, Bandai. We're counting on you for this."
"Aye Sir!"
Now that Naegi finished his report, it was time for Ethos' judgement.
"Ethos Oroya." The vice-leader of Future Foundation started, his voice cold and strict, "You know why you're here, right?"
The black and red haired man gulped and straightened himself, trying his best to look serious despite the dizziness he was feeling.
"I am here because of the suspicions on me of being either a Remnant of Despair or helping them. These suspicions comes from my past with them during the Tragedy before joining Future Foundation." Ethos said with all the seriousness he could muster.
"That's correct. But some people in this room don't think that you are guilty of those actions. They heard your story and believe in your innocence… would you please tell us this story?" Munakata demanded, but it was obviously an order.
Ethos nodded and started to tell his story in the Center of Despair.
After Ethos finished his tale, he got various stares. Some were looking at him suspiciously, as if he just lied; some were looking at him with grief; and the rest were just staring at him stoically as they always were.
"If you ask me, it kinda sounds like a sab story for us to have pity on him." Juzo said.
"... Is this true?" Munakata asked Seiko.
"Now I'm sure of it. He did just ingest the truth serum I gave him in his cake." she answered.
"Oooh! That's why I'm feeling kinda of weird. Nice job." Ethos grinned.
"His story didn't change from what he told us before, so he didn't lie to us before neither." stated Izayoi, opening his mouth to talk for the first time in the meeting (he only opened it for Ruruka's sweets).
"I see… Oroya. We're going to ask you some questions now."
"Alright."
"What are Tanaka's Monsters of Despairs? And what was your role in this case?"
"I'm sure you have noticed, but Tanaka used to fight with an army of animals of different kinds." Everyone nodded.
"Yes, it was a shame to have to kill the animals just to get to him. And even in front of him, it was difficult." Great Gozu sighed as he hung his head.
"And he always ran away after a few minutes…" Juzo added.
"As they say: A snake is no good without their spiders." Bandai said, no one understanding this."
"What does that even means?" snarled Ruruka, glaring at the large man.
"Anyways. Haven't you notice that when he ran away with his animals… the corpses of the fallen animals weren't left behind?" Ethos asked.
"Now that you talk about it. You're right." Tengan said while brushing his beard between his fingers.
"Tanaka's Monsters are Chimeras." Ethos dropped, and everyone understood the meaning of his words.
Tanaka used the bodies of his fallen companions to play Frankenstein and create monsters. How did he do it? Well there was a lot of searchers and mad scientists in the lab that were helping him create such grotesque creatures. He then explained that his role was to 'babysit' the successful specimens. He had to analyzed them and report about any changes or abilities the creatures could develop.
"Why didn't you tell us such important information about the Remnants of Despair until now?" Munakata asked, a threatening aura enveloping him that sent a chill down Ethos' spine.
"I… Was afraid. We must admit that the Future Foundation from two years ago… was pretty extreme. I was sure that if I told a lot about the Remnants of Despairs, I'd be suspicious and I'm pretty sure I would have been executed on spot after I gave you all the information you needed. Don't get me wrong, during my two years working here, I was also scared that Tanaka will unleash a monster. I swore to myself to tell you everything if it happened… I thought he gave up on the project when I saw that no monsters got unleashed."
Everyone stared at the destroyer. He gulped in worry.
"Do you know where his laboratory is?"
"Yes."
"Will you help us kill those monstrosities?"
"...Of… course. I mean I did bonded with some of the first's monsters but I know how dangerous they are and I'm ready to kill them the moment I see them." Ethos answered.
"Alright… now we have some questions… about the Remnant of Despair Yuuko Mori."
Ethos blanched but managed to keep a serious face as everyone turned around. Seiko and Naegi looked worried for their destroyer friend.
"Y-yes…"
"What are your feelings for her?"
"I don't know… it's still really confusing for me…" Ethos sighed, looking down.
"... What would you do if you meet her in a mission?"
"I'll do whatever I can to capture her."
"...What if she's accompanied by other Remnants?"
"As I just said, she's my priority. I don't give a damn to any other Remnant. And if I could, I'd love to help her. Bring her back to normal like Makoto and Kyoko did for the 77th class kids." Ethos answered with sincerity and seriousness.
"... I see…" Munakata sighed.
Ethos got some weird looks after his declaration, but it was the truth and he meant every words. The vice-leader asked Ethos to leave the room for 15 minutes as they started a vote to know his fate.
Naegi was about to stand up and leave the room too, since it's something for the Heads of Future Foundation to do. But oddly, he was invited to vote too.
Ethos left the room and after 15 minutes, he got invited back in. The results were there…
He almost shouted a 'YES' when they said that he wouldn't get executed. But Munakata explained to him that he wouldn't be allowed to go on a lot of mission, just in case he might try to help Remnants due to his past with them. Ethos understood and only thanked all of them bowing his body in a perfect angle. Juzo came to him and took off his handcuffs.
Ethos asked if he should leave now that he was clear, but Munakata invited him to sit with them as the next discussions were important and he will be involved. He sat down next to Seiko who patted his shoulder, congratulating him.
"Alright. If you read the documents I shared before coming to this meeting, you should know what the UPDPC is." Munakata started.
"You mean this secret organization that found Godzilla in 1950 and made the first movie?" Ruruka asked just to be sure, surprising a few of the people in the room that she took the time to read the document.
"Indeed. The files provided by Byakuya Togami helped a lot for our research."
"Research of what?" Seiko asked.
"Yesterday, we found one of their research and development laboratory." Munakata declared, Yukizome and Juzo nodded along the statement.
"Wow! And what did you find inside?!" Ethos asked, but quickly shushed himself remembering that he wasn't a head of Future Foundation and maybe he shouldn't ask questions.
"We found a lot of documents of analysis of some kaijus, but mostly Godzilla, blueprints for weapons that were designed to fight kaijus and a very interesting flying vehicle." Yukizome enumerated.
"What about researchers?" Great Gozu asked.
"There was only one alive… but he's dead now."
"What?"
"He attacked one of our men with a kitchen knife, they shot him on self-defense. And from the look of the surrounding of the lab… they probably turned to cannibalism. The diaries of the researchers proves it."
"My God…"
"That's correct." Munakata nodded, "They took shelter in this laboratory during the Tragedy… but they didn't have enough supplies to survive all those years."
"But why didn't they get out?"
"The first entry of one of the scientists talked about that. They were waiting for their superiors to tell them that it was safe to leave."
"This is horrible…" Naegi sighed.
"What about their weapons?"
"The weapons got destroyed for some reason but the blueprints are safe and we have some in here for Izayoi to study them and reproduce them." Munakata said and nodded to his two best friends.
They reached for the papers they had in front of them and handed them to the Blacksmith who started to look at the blueprints. His eyes widen and shone.
"T-Those… Those are incredible! How, who would think of such designs and power? And the materials are so simple and easy to find. And with our new material… This! This is perfect!" he said in his monotone voice, but with a hint of excitement, something very rare. But his face was still as stoic as ever.
Ethos held back a chuckle as he saw his excitement.
"And for the flying vehicle you guys retrieved?"
"Right. Please look at the screen." the white haired man asked as he turned towards the screen where a picture of a black strange shaped plane, "This is the only item we retrieved in a perfect condition. They called it the XJZ-12. From what the files about it says, it's as fast as a jet and can turn… 'Invisible'."
"What?! How is that possible?!"
"The surface of the plane is actually screens and thousands of cameras that films everything around the vehicle and displays what it captures to the screen at the other side, turning it almost invisible."
"This is impressive. They could be so useful for searching Despairs and patrolling around cities." Kirigiri stated.
"That is right. But its main purpose won't be for that." Munakata said, rising a few eyebrows in confusion.
"Dear friends… We have a big announcement to make." Tengan smiled, "Munakata-san and I thought of opening a new Branch for Future Foundation. Its role would be to analyses, bond or fight any giant threat."
"And by threat… We mean monsters." Munakata finished.
"This will be the role of the Paranormal Branch."
They then announced the head of this new branch: Makoto Naegi.
He obviously asked why.
"Not only you protected us by facing Godzilla but you managed to somewhat bond with him and the Guardian Kaijus. We are sure that you'll do a good job. Of course for the moment, it's just some sort of project. There will be only you and another member in the branch." Munakata explained, then pointed at the other member: Ethos Oroya.
"What? What?!"
"You have a big knowledge about kaijus, and your talent will be very useful for the Paranormal Branch." Tengan answered, "Now let me explain a bit more about how this is going to work: for the moment there will only be two members but if a monster emergency happens, for example one of Tanaka's Monsters appears or another hostile Kaiju attacks. You two will have the duty to find a solution, you can count on any other heads to lend you some men to help you. We can't deal with every problem in the world at once. We already have our plate full with the Despairs. I hope you understand."
"O-Of course." They both stammered.
"The KJZ-12 will be on the Paranormal Branch care. A sneak attack on any monster can be decisive. You may choose whoever you want to be your pilot."
"Steve Woods." They both said in unison.
"We'll contact him and make him train himself with the KJZ tomorrow." Yukizome said.
"Now for your headquarters. The building construction will start next month, until then you two and anyone you want will live in a place we found and renovated last week. Obviously, if your help is needed outside the Paranormal Branch, you must respond to it." Munakata said.
"Yes sir! Well look at that Makoto! We're going to live together! Don't worry I'm a nice roommate. Right, Sonosuke?" Ethos laughed.
Izayoi just didn't move, not finding any answer for that.
"Alright, and with that our meeting is over. Although, I invite you all to have dinner here before leaving." Tengan invited with a warming smile.
The dinner was pretty nice, and everyone was chatting. Koichi was talking to Kirigiri and Naegi, probably about wedding. Munakata, Juzo and Yukizome were seated together, also talking. Gozu and Tengan were sitting next to each other. Ethos and the trio of the 76th class were also together, Ethos separating Seiko from Ruruka and Izayoi. Bandai and Miaya were silently at their corner, well Miaya was while the farmer just kept going with an incomprehensible talk.
Suddenly Ethos had a serious look on his face, and started to think of something. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed.
"Ethos? What's the matter?" Ruruka asked, making everyone turn to him.
"Did you forgot to mention something important?" Seiko continued.
"No… It's… Just something completely stupid. Forget about it."
After a minute of silence, they wanted to know what was on the Destroyer's mind. He asked if they were sure about it. They all nodded.
"So… If you have sex with yourself in another dimension… Does it count as incest or masturbation?" he said.
He was about to apologize for the stupidity, but when he saw Munakata, Koichi, Kirigiri, Great gozu and Miaya starting to think deeply about his question. He couldn't hold back his roar of laughter.
He was the only one laughing. It was embarrassing but what a time to be alive!
The next day, Steve Woods passed the day trying on the XJZ while Naegi and Ethos received their first mission: destroy the monsters from Tanaka's lab. With the help of Kirigiri, they managed to do it, but missed to read the Error Message about the six creatures that were missing during the execution. The day after, the two members of the Paranormal Branch moved out to their new Headquarters, the Head of the 14th Branch moved with them.
Four week after that, Hagakure went on a mission with team SLOMA from Branch 14… They encountered one of the creatures… Hagakure was the only survivor.
This is the story of the fight between Hope's new Forces against the Monsters born from Despair.
Danganronpa: Monsters are real - Story III
Danganronpa: Tanaka's Monsters of Despair
Baka's note: Let's get this third story started!
Sorry for that ending, I just HAD to put some humor in this.
I really hope you guys will love it! See you soon for
Part 1: Return to the Lab of Monsters
Chapter 1: Calm before the Storm
