Author's Notes: Finally, an update! Perhaps it's been a month and I've been through a lot, to be honest. It's damn hard to write TWO stories, not to mention the writer's block, it's killing me. Alright, here's the next chapter of this crossover. I don't know if I did is rushed or anything, but hope you guys like it.
Disclaimer: Danganronpa is the property of Spike Chunsoft and NIS America. The Metal Gear franchise is the property of Konami and more importantly, the creation of Hideo Kojima. *cousghKonamiSUCKScough*
Chapter 7: Soldiers of Hope's Peak
Combat Unit Platform
Diamond Dogs Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
5:00 pm
*Mukuro's POV*
After taking a bath and a period of rest, I spend time talking to Yuto about a lot of stuff while eating some bread along with the drinks, courtesy of Yuto himself. Of course, we are not alone; DD is with us, sitting beside me. Hehe, he is so adorable even with the eye patch. Both of us are sitting on the helipad of my workplace, so to speak.
"So that is exactly what happened?"
"Yeah," I nodded while eating my bread. "Homa wants to fight with her fellow guerrillas one last time before becoming a full merc. That is the least she can do for her own Afghan comrades. When 'Big Boss heard it while back at the chopper, he simply agree. He even said to me that Instructor Ocelot and XO Miller granted Homa's request as well. However…"
"However what?" Yuto asked.
"It would take long before choosing the right mission for that." I filled it up for him after drinking soda. "They told her to they need time to make that up."
"Lemme guess: it's about our current clients." said Yuto.
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"And here's the interesting part: our clients are from a rebel guerrilla faction in Afghanistan." Yuto confirmed while still eating his bread. "But come to think of it, it will be perfect for Homa to work with them for her first mission as a full-time merc. All we need is to set the pieces in order for that to happen." Yuto confirmed.
"Heh, makes sense to me." I commented. "Perhaps they will give her a proper send-off of sorts." Then I looked down on little DD as I give him a slice of my bread, which he ate it. The little wolf pup barked at me, seems that he liked it.
"Good dog." I chuckled as I ruffled his head. The three of us still enjoy our little company until-
"Rabbit, can I have for a moment?"
-we heard someone calling Yuto with the latter handing the paper bag and told me, "Can you hold these for me? I have some errands to do."
"Uh, okay." I nodded as I took the pastries; the young Intel boy walks off. Moreover, as I turned on which direction Yuto is going, I realized that the one who called him is another merc, a female. She had short hair and dark brownish eyes. Currently, seems that Yuto and the merc are having a conversation.
I decided to turn back and watch the sunset with DD. I do not want to bother them anyway.
"Hey, kid! Fancy meeting you here."
I heard the same woman called me.
She continued, "Who would've thought that Diamond Dogs' newest talented rookie… is none other than one of those little twerps who brought our world into chaos, or should I say, despair."
When I heard that, my mood had started to change. It took me by surprise when she mentioned the 'Tragedy'. Does this mean that Yuto and I are not the only ones here? Now I narrowed my eyes because of it and decided to stand up. I want to know who she is and how does she knows…
"I know you can hear me, Mukuro Ikusaba. You are from the 78th Class at Hope's Peak, bearing the title of 'Super High School Level Soldier', you and your sister Junko Enoshima are behind the so-called 'Tragedy'… and one of my students in your P.E. class."
I flinched after what that female soldier said. However, I was wondering, what does she know about me, and on top of that, why?
This time, I decided to stand up and turned to the woman as I said to her. "What are you getting at?" As I look closely on her face, wait, that's-
It is all coming back to me! I finally remember her. "Wait, y-you're-"
"Surprised, huh?" she smirked at me while crossing her arms. "It's been a while, Mukuro…"
"M-Miss Tenno…" I mumbled upon seeing her. Yes, during my time at Hope's Peak, she is our P.E. teacher for the 78th Class and all I can say is that she is capable and nice. However, I am the only one who knew her secret.
"That's 'Hummingbird' to you, kid." she told me her codename. "I now work a part of this PF, and since you're a teen just like Yuto…" my former teacher turned soldier approached me as she continued, "that makes me your superior, am I right?" she ended with a smirk.
"You're correct." I nodded.
I saw Miss Tenno puts her right hand on her right waist as she continued, "I remember your time as a mercenary for Fenrir. You followed orders from your superiors with no hesitation. However…"
"What is that?" I asked Ms. Tenno. Then Yuto approached me as well and he reached out his hand, handing me his bag of pastries.
"Um, if you mind…" he said in an embarrassing tone. I smiled and handed the bag to Yuto and told him,
"Yeah, take it." I handed the bag to him, which he got it. "We'll finish eating that later."
As Yuto walked away, I turned my eyes on the female merc, who is actually once my schoolteacher.
"You're now starting to interact with people? Hm, that's odd coming from someone who had little to no emotion when it comes to others… except you're sister, that is." she commented.
I glared at her silently because she was right all along.
She glared at me. "You are always by your younger twin sister's side. And both of you have started 'The Biggest, Most Awful, and Most Tragic Event in Human History' and it all started in your school…"
"Hope's Peak…" I mumbled while looking down.
"You and your sister brought that school to the ground and then the world, all through hell in the fires of despair," she continued. "Then I found out that you're alive and wandering around here and becoming a merc… after everything you've done."
Now it's my turn to speak after I took a deep breath. "To be honest with you, yes, I am a part of it. However, I am the brawn when Junko is the brains of everything."
"Huh?" she flinched upon my statement as she asked me again, with, "What are you implying, Ikusaba?"
"All the planning, all the scheming, it's all on her. I'm just a dog to put her plan into motion; I'm just following everything she says."
"And you did, right?" she said in a low tone and I nodded in response.
"Don't give me with that bullshit!" she suddenly grabbed me in the neck and I gritted my teeth yet I tried to show to her that I am resisting. "Even though, that still makes you a damn war criminal or even worse: a vile cold-blooded murderer, which you did! To me, you're no soldier!"
I looked away with regret. "You're right about that…"
Then she punched in the face that forced me down in the ground. Actually, I felt that blood is coming out of my mouth due to the force of that punch.
"Mukuro!" Yuto tried to approach me but I stopped him.
"No, stay back!"
"But-"
"This is between me and her." I pleaded. I glared at her as I tried to stand up "You're right about me. I am no stranger to war and so does killing people. However, every horrible act I committed during that time is just to make my sister happy, to bring her despair and nothing else!
"If you only know the whole truth, about everything, about me, about everything happened before I died!" I spat at her.
I saw her pissed off and snarled while clenching her right fist, "Why you-!"
"ENOUGH!"'
All three of us heard that call and looked where it came from.
It was none other than Venom Snake, with Homa beside him. The eyepatched man approached Tenno and saluted the man while Homa approached me and helped me out.
"Fenrir! You okay?" She said in a worried tone.
"I'll be fine." I replied. While the former mujaheed helped me along with Yuto, I looked on my former P.E. teacher turned soldier and of course, the 'Boss' himself.
"Boss, I never expected you're here." said Ms. Tenno.
She dropped down her salute. Then Snake began to speak up, "I saw everything and all you did is to punch your own comrade. Why is that?"
"I'm just knocking some sense into her."
"Is that it? I know there is some kind of a reason why you do that." Snake inquired.
I heard her made a sigh. "With all due respect, Boss…but someone who plunged my world into hell and despair… is no comrade of mine." she declared and then glared at me; I saw eyes full of disgust and hate, due to our pasts connected.
"If you may excuse me…" Ms. Tenno walks away, taking her leave. Venom Snake approached me as I stood up and faced him, while my two friends helped me out.
"Does it hurt?" he asked me in concern.
"Damn it is…" I told him. "But anyhow I'm fine."
"Good to hear." Snake replied. "I want to apologize about what happened-"
"It's not your fault, Boss." I interjected. "Actually, she and I had a… history together."
"Mukuro's right." Yuto stepped in and added, "Like us, Hummingbird also worked in Hope's Peak as a gym teacher."
"So you're saying that she had a personal grudge on you?" Snake inquired.
"I'm not so sure, Boss…" I admitted. "But it seems like it, something more of my past."
"Perhaps I could help." Snake offered. "As the leader of the pack, it is my responsibility to help you both out. I don't want to see comrades killing each other."
"Thanks for the help, but I refuse." I politely declined. "First, I'm not good on dealing with people, but thanks to everyone here at Mother Base that I finally get into it. Besides, I have to deal with her myself, even though we end up beating each other."
As I take my leave, 'Big Boss' halted me. "Kid."
I turned to the eye patched man.
"I have no idea what's gotten into you two. All I can say is… just be careful."
I smiled as I told him, "I will."
I continued to walk away then I heard that Homa said that, "Um, if you may excuse us, Boss…"
"Same here…" Yuto added.
"Alright, you may leave, kids" I heard the 'Boss' told them. A few moments later and I heard footsteps; both Yuto and Homa are walking beside me.
Yuto began to speak up. "Mukuro, I'm sorry that it ended up like this."
"Hey, no need to apologize."
"Mukuro, look at your face. Your right cheek is no bruised." Homa reminded me.
"Oh, you're right." I realized.
"We need to go to your room. I'll help you out." Homa suggested.
"Well, I can't even say no. So... thanks." I said to Homa.
Mukuro's Quarters, Room 212
Diamond Dogs' Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
Command Platform
6:30 in the evening
*Mukuro's POV*
"Gah! Damn, that hurts!" I exclaimed.
"Okay, okay. You'll be fine. Just a little bit more…"
Currently the three of us are inside and here I am, sitting on my bed while Homa still cleaning my bruise with cotton and alcohol.
"I never thought that the Super High School Level Soldier could be such a big baby." Yuto joked while currently sitting in a chair.
"Come on, that wasn't even clever." I bluntly replied.
Not uttering a word, I saw him shrugged instead. After a few moments, Homa finally patched me up; which is on my left cheek.
"So, care to tell me what happened?" Homa spoke first and she is referring to me. "Did you get into a fight?"
"Not exactly." I heard Yuto replied. "Actually, that senior merc have confronted Mukuro and after some words she punched her in the face."
"Yuto's right, though. But to be honest, I was surprised when I saw her, Homa." I said.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
I sighed as I gave Homa my answer. "That soldier, I knew her back then. She's my former gym teacher… at Hope's Peak Academy."
"Wait, Hope's Peal Academy? I-I never heard of that institution before…" I saw Homa shook her head. "Not even the slightest."
"Homa, perhaps it's time to tell you…" I sighed. "Perhaps, it will take long for you to process everything in your mind."
"Well, then try me." I saw her smirk. "I am as battle-hardened as you are."
"Maybe you'll never like it…" I replied. "When you totally know everything about me, perhaps you would hate me, or getting punched in the face."
"H-hey, that's not like me!" Homa nervously chuckled, disagreeing with what I have said as she is sitting on my bed beside me.
"Mukuro, perhaps she's ready." Yuto told me.
I took a deep breath as I nodded. "Alright…"
Half an hour later
After I finished telling my story, with some help from Yuto, of course, silence reigned in my room. That includes myself, where I felt nothing but regret and guilt… after all the horrible things I have done… even in my death.
That is until Homa finally breaks the silence
"So… both three of you are from a different world: two of you are students of that prestigious school and the one that punched you in the face is your former teacher. At first, you're an actual mercenary at very young age. Am I right?"
Both Yuto and I nodded while the former added, "That's correct."
"Then you, Mukuro, have a twin sister who is a model and you helped her to bring your world into chaos and destruction, for the sake of despair. You and your class took shelter in your school building and then your sister started a 'killing game' in order for you and your classmates to kill each other…and then, she killed you just for her own whims." she summarized the whole thing.
"Actually…" I started to speak. "I killed a lot of people during my heydays as a mercenary. However, when I returned to meet my sister and enrolled at Hope's Peak, she set up her own plan of plunging our world into hell and despair. She enjoyed hurting and killing people, while I do not; I do not give a damn on other people's suffering. On top of that, I am doing everything she wants because all I wanted is that… I love my sister. She is family…"
"All I can say is that… you're sister is insane." she solemnly replied.
"Hm, you're right." I turned to Homa. "Every insult, every beating, I always took it by heart. That is because I am the only one who truly understands her and I want to make her happy, even though she sees me as a tool."
"That is the time that she killed you."
"And out of boredom." I finished it for her. I looked away as I continued. "I thought being killed by my own sister would bring despair to her, she tried it many times. However, when she did it for real during the Killing Game, it was all of sudden. She does not even care, though… just to give her despair. You can call that crazy, but that's exactly what happened."
"If you ask me, you're an idiot." I looked back on Homa.
"You have a point-"
"That's not it!" I saw her being infuriated and gave me a glare as she approached me. I was surprised a bit. "You told me that both of you are twins, right?"
"Yes." I nodded. "I told you that that I am the older twin…"
Suddenly, she grabbed me, forcing me to stand up. Currently, an upset Homa is in front of me.
"You're the older sister, right? You should've act like one and tried to stop her back then!" she raised her voice, which is as if she is a bit pissed off.
"But… I can't." I replied with a soft tone, looking down on the ground.
"God forbid, why!?"
"I have to be honest with you…" I looked back at the former mujaheed, and I saw the fierce look on her face. "Yes, I am a soldier and I'm excellent of being one. It's a different story when we talk about my sister.
"I may be older, and she is young; but Junko is smart, beautiful, attractive, and uber intelligent. Me? I am just a rough, military-minded girl who knows nothing but to shoot and kill! Yes, she is a bitch obsessed with despair, but I will do anything and even everything just to make her happy. That is why I follow her every order, every wish, and did everything she wants. All I wanted is her love and attention because that's the only thing that I show care for her!"
"Then until you died, and it's by your sister's own hands!" she spat at me. "You told me that, right?"
I remained silent as Homa continued. "You said that the plan is to imprison you while instead, she killed you just for her despair fetish. I want to be honest – you think that she loves you, but for being the insane vermin she was, she treats you more as a tool, a puppet, and a toy that can be disposed of after it outlived its usefulness. THAT is how she treats you; she killed you for her own pleasure and thrown out like garbage. That is no insult, in other words, that IS exactly what happened. It's for REAL, and you finally come into your senses when it's too late!"
When I finally heard those words from Homa herself, I realized something: damn it, she has a point.
Junko and I were twins but since she is smarter than I could ever be, I had an inferiority complex when getting along with her. She's more superior than me, in brains, that is. Therefore, it is fine for me to be the 'brawn' for her. I had no qualms with that.
I remember the time when we meet each other inside the airport. When we get at the limousine as we drive away from the airport, she tried to kill me with an ice pick and even throwing a grenade at me. Of course, I evade them all, but I was enamoured that she would try to kill me so Junko can feel despair. Then the irony comes during the Killing School Life when she finally killed me… for real. Yes, she finally got the despair she wants but… at the expense of my life. She saw me as worthless, useless, and trash… that she snuffed out my existence like a paper set on fire.
Shit, how can I be so blind? How can I be so stupid?
I am embarrassed to argue back at her as I gritted my teeth. Because everything Homa says was true. Then much to my surprise, she let me go as I went back into my bed. I heard Homa blurted with a sigh and looked at me.
"Look, you may be a murderer in your world and both you and your sister destroyed it, but after I heard the fact that you died by her hand and saved me back from those Soviet scums, I never changed my view of you. You died, but you came back having a second life here. Fate has given another chance, and you finally took that chance. It's because of that boy you're talking about, right?" she replied.
I blushed when I heard Homa's comment, and I nodded. "Yeah, it's Makoto."
"You mean Makoto Naegi." Yuto added. "He's the second holder of the SHSL Luckster title after Nagito Komaeda of Class 77th. I'm sure these two lucksters will get along if you ask me." he concluded with a smirk and I nodded.
Yeah, that guy. Nagito Komaeda is not just a lucky student but also a believer of hope. Not to mention that he is one of the students whom Junko brainwashed, the 77th Class, turning them into her 'Remnants of Despair'; through my sister's influence, they helped on spreading despair to the world. At the time he was brainwashed, he had his own twisted view on hope that he had his own obsession for despair. That and he even worshipped my sister. I have no idea what happened to him, though.
"Listen to me, Mukuro." Somehow, my thoughts snapped as Homa called me. "Do you think being stupid or weak is something you get at birth? It's more like a choice, it's either you chose to be one or the other. We can create our own destiny; it all depends on the choices we made in life. I became a mujaheed our of my own choice and nothing else. I forged my own path, and you did the same."
Upon hearing Homa's words, it brought me up some light. For me, at least; things are different right now. It's a new start, and the only way to deal with the past is to face it and move forward, no matter how dark or despicable your past is.
When I stood up from my bed, I finally made up my mind.
"This is it. There's only one way to settle this." I turned to my two friends as they have my attention.
"Lemme guess: a fistfight?" Heh, nice try Yuto; I shook my head saying no and instead replied with a smile,
"I'll talk to her, and I'll tell her everything she needs to know… especially what happened to me." I declared.
"Mukuro…" Homa said.
"Thanks for cheering me up, Homa." I told her. "I dunno if this will work or not but… it wouldn't be bad if I give it a try."
"Hm, that's the new Mukuro." Yuto smirked.
"Oh yeah, but before that, let's go to the mess hall. I'm starving." I told my friends. "Care to join?"
"Of course, melgérey!" Homa cheerfully replied.
"Heh, can't complain." Yuto stood up from his chair. As I opened the door with them following me, I agree on the thought that it is better to cool off a bit as we head up for dinner.
Somewhere in the Combat Unit Platform
Diamond Dogs Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
9:00 pm
Erika Tenno is lost on her thoughts as she leaned on one of the balconies of the platform. Aside from her guard duty, many things happened today for her as it gives her stress… and knocking some sense on one girl.
However, one thing that still engrained on her is her first encounter with Mukuro Ikusaba, after all these years AND after all the crap that she did. She remembered her time at Hope's Peak Academy as a gym teacher for the school. She remembered the times they shared with the students of both Class 77 and Class 78; working with the former's homeroom teacher, Chisa Yukizome, is an honor for her because Yukizome is a former student, with the talent of being a homemaker, earning the title of "Super High School Level Housewife".
Her time with Class 78 is also memorable. Like Class 77, Class 78 is also full of young people with different yet colourful personalities. Aside from a certain luckster and the Headmaster's daughter being a skilled detective, she had brief moments with both Junko and Mukuro. Not only is that Junko being a cheerful personality and a dazzling beauty herself, the girl was also smart. Her view on Mukuro is that she is athletic yet she is cold on other yet she became different when it comes to her sister and particularly, the luckster Makoto Naegi. However, she saw herself in the young, freckled girl; just like her, she is soldier.
"Shit. Why her… of all people?" she mumbled.
Sighing on herself as she stood up, she takes something out from her pocket, revealing that it is a cigar. Unlike an ordinary cigar, the one she carries is different. Then she also took out her iDroid from her left pocket. She puts the cigar on her mouth and 'lights' the odd cigar up using her iDroid. With this, Erika is 'smoking' to pass up her time, puffing off a somewhat holographic smoke from her mouth.
Still smoking her 'Phantom Cigar', Erika went back into memory lane: back into 'The Tragedy' where the world is full of darkness and despair. Forcing back into the battlefield once again, Erika cannot help but to think about the day where she wanted to save her students…and her impending death.
"That is the day I would never forget…the day I died…"
(Flashback)
Hope's Peak Academy grounds
The old building of Hope's Peak Academy turned itself into a shelter due to the 'Tragedy'. Thanks to Kazuichi Soda, former 'Ultimate Mechanic' and Ultimate Despair member, the whole building turned into a fortress with its surmountable number of defences: from guns, rocket launchers and cannons, we can say that it is impossible to go through. Nevertheless, as they say, we can never say if we try, right?
That is the goal of the rescue team sent by the Future Foundation to rescue the Class 78 students trapped inside Junko Enoshima's killing game. Only two soldiers are left. One is Erika, in full combat gear; the other is none other than Koichi Kizakura, formerly a teacher and at the same time, working as Hope's Peak Academy's Talent Scout.
As they were under heavy fire from Ultimate Despair forces, both she and Kizakura are hiding from a damaged truck, providing them cover.
"So far so good, all things considered." Koichi began to spoke up.
"We're the only two left alive, aren't we?" Erika remarked while her fellow teacher reloaded his rifle
"Yep." Koichi agreed as he fired some shots.
Koichi continued as he leaned back on the truck, "You know I used to be a teacher, right? So does this exactly my area of expertise."
"No kidding, same here." Erika noted as she finished reloading her M202 FLASH rocket launcher and at the same time, recognizing Koichi's skills for being a soldier. "I was a gym teacher back in the day."
She began firing as the rockets successfully hit some key targets then leaned back on the truck.
Koichi sighed as he remarked, "Nah, I'm not surprised."
"Hm."
"Heh, you, uh, ought to think about doing this for a living." Koichi suggested.
"No thanks, I'm more kind out for the educator's life." she declined as she took out her rifle. "What about you?"
Koichi groaned as he answered while both soldiers are pressing the attack, "Well, I was reasonably terrible. Loved the hell out of it though; more on the kids, anyway!"
Erika cannot help but to chuckle as she agreed.
However, the cannon from the old Hope's Peak building deployed as it takes aim. The former Hope's Peak talent scout saw this and called out, "Get down!"
Hearing this, Erika saw the cannon… and it was pointing at her.
Then everything went to dark.
(Present Day)
"Sorry, Kizakura. Perhaps my dream is going in a halt. Here I am, working as a merc…" she remarked while puffing from her 'Phantom Cigar'.
"I finally found you, Tenno-sensei."
She heard her former student's voice, the latter approaching her.
She sighed, "Why the hell are you here…?"
*Mukuro's POV*
That is the first time I call her 'sensei', after those years at Hope's Peak…
That dinnertime with Homa and Yuto helped me eased up a little bit. We discussed many things, including my plan; but I cannot tell you the details about this. It's… kind of personal. For me, at least.
Actually, I decided to make this conversation with her in order to tell my former teacher about everything: my death, my 'resurrection', and best of all, the time that I have found a new purpose in life and a new home where I can start over.
Okay, here it goes…
"Back at the helipad here… about what happened." I took a deep breath as I tried to stay calm. "You have any right to be mad at me about everything back in our world, but all I ask is…you need to hear me out."
She turned to me… with a neutral look on her face while holding that cigar; not that I mind, though.
"What happened to the once cold and calculated bitch once you are? A change of heart perhaps or is there something more?" She wondered aloud.
"You do know that I am different when I'm attached to my sister, right?" I told her.
I heard her chuckle. "Such loyalty; that is something a soldier would have." She sighed, "Alright, I'm listening..." she replied.
"We'll go to that later." I told her as I began to lean in the wall. "Can I start?"
"Hmm, go ahead."
I begin to tell my side of the story as I look up in the starry sky. "Remember about the Killing Game back at Hope's Peak?"
"Actually, yeah; after Hope's Peak Academy was officially shut down, most of the teachers and the staff went to the Future Foundation. You're familiar with that, right?"
"I know." I said. "You're one of them."
"Hmph. But before we go there…" I saw her smirked at me. "You know, I served at the JSDF back then before going to Hope's Peak. While you…just disappeared and joined an elite mercenary group; a good use of your talent."
"Are you trying to complement me?" I inquired.
"Perhaps, but that's not the case." she puts her cigar back into her mouth as she puffs another 'smoke' from it. "If you ask me, Mukuro, you could've used that talent in order to help people, rather than being a murderous bastard."
"I killed a lot of people, but I never took pleasure from it. My sister was." I told her in a matter-of-fact.
"But you still helped her, as both of you plunged our world in chaos. Isn't that right?" Ms. Tenno said.
"That was all out of love." I began to explain. "Yes, I disappeared and worked as a young merc, but that was also the time that I felt I abandoned her. When I returned home and met with her again, it is my chance to reconcile with her. Instead, she came up with a plan and I agree with it."
"And that is where you two attended Hope's Peak Academy… and the 'despair' stuff?"
"Yes." I nodded. "All of Class 78, my classmates are trapped inside the old Hope's Peak building. That's where the Killing School Life started… after Junko killed Headmaster Jin Kirigiri."
"I see…" Ms. Tenno said. "That's what happened after he called the Future Foundation HQ for a rescue mission."
"Rescue mission?"
"A rescue mission… just to save those kids; and that includes you, Ms. Ikusaba." Ms. Tenno replied. "But unfortunately, I died after a cannon fired at me."
Good, now it is my turn. "And… during the Mutual Killing Game, I also died as well."
"What?"
"It's not an accident, though. It was my own sister who killed me." I told her.
"You're lying." She muttered in disbelief.
"Believe it or not, it's the truth!" I argued. "The supposed plan is to bring up an example to my fellow classmates about the 'Class Trial'; I should be the one who oppose the monochrome bear known as Monokuma about the 'rules' of the school. That is where I disguised as my sister.
"My sister's plan is for me to be punished since I threatened Monokuma, and to be sent in a trap door and imprisoned in an underground chamber. However, what happened next is something that is unexpected to me: my death." I concluded.
"If what you've said is true… then why would she kill you?" the older woman asked me.
"Out of boredom… and on top of that, just to bring her despair. At the time when those spears hit me, I never felt death before…. that is where I realized that it was too late for me." I honestly answered.
"Let me get this straight, Ikusaba…" Ms. Tenno looked at me with a straight face. "You can say that you loved your sister Junko, but she treated you more as a tool, and more like garbage. You do not mind verbally abused by her as long as you are close to her. In addition, guess what, you died because to her you are useless. In other words, she betrayed you.
I remained silent as she continued.
"How ironic; anyhow, every insult she said about you, did you mean it?"
When she asked that to me, I suddenly remember:
"Fat, stupid, ugly people need to shut up!"
"Fat, stupid, ugly? That's me in a nutshell."
The last statement echoed in my mind. Perhaps I just accepted that just to show my love for her. I do not mind her namecalling whatever, for me it was nothing.
When my death came all of a sudden, perhaps it could tell me that… she meant it.
"I don't mind at all… if that is the only way I could get close to her; to show that I care for her. Then… that happened." I admitted.
While puffing her cigar, Ms. Tenno blurted a sigh. "I don't know if I should believe you or not, but… I see that you're not lying. However, that does not mean we're good. I still hate your guts, Ikusaba."
She closed her eyes as she tried to leave, walking past behind me. However, I won't allow our conversation to end like this.
I chuckled, "Perhaps I must be a horrible and despicable human being that fate has given me a second chance."
Then I heard that Ms. Tenno stopped walking.
"You heard me." I continued. "After I died at Hope's Peak, everything went black. Suddenly, I found out that I am in handcuffs inside a prison: a barracks in Afghanistan. Someone found me alive and took me in; I found out that it was a Soviet soldier. Then… the 'Boss' himself found me; he took me here in my new home - to be a soldier once again… but in a different light. You know what this means?"
She turned to me. "What are you saying?"
"I need you to look at this." I unbuttoned my uniform as I want to show my former teacher something…
The scars in my chest; as expected, she widened her eyes, mumbled. "T-Those are…"
"Yes, these are my scars…" I confirmed. "I got them when I was in Hope's Peak; during the time of the Killing Game and where Junko killed me – a number of spears have impaled me. At first, I was surprised why I have these even I am now alive."
I buttoned up my uniform as I continued. "Perhaps one of the reasons why I have those scars… is to remind me of my own regrets, my own pain; and at the same time, to keep going forward, to keep on living, and to keep on fighting. You're not the only one who is given another chance and start over. I did. Same goes to Yuto." I glared at her. "I wouldn't let that go!"
Then afterwards, I saw Ms. Tenno throw out her cigar as she gritted her teeth. I saw her right hand curled into a fist.
"Damn you, Ikusaba…" my former teacher snarled at me. "You think someone like you should deserve another chance, after all that happened?!"
Once again, she punched me in the face. However, I stood my ground and stared at her, in defiance.
"I never forget that!" I spat at her. "Yes, you can't change the past; it all happened! Tell me, what's wrong about seeking redemption and learning from your mistakes and moving forward!?"
"You don't understand what it feels like about losing everything!" She charged at me, attempting to do another punch yet I blocked most of them, due to my reflexes. However, I started to cover myself from her punches. Damn, I never thought that she was this strong!
"My family, all who are dearest to me; all of them are gone since the world fell into despair!" she yelled at me while she keeps on punching. "And it's all because of you and your despair-obsessed bitch of a sister! I don't care if she betrayed you, but you're also a part of that mess!"
"And I don't give a damn!" I insisted back. She tried to punch me again-
THUD!
-until I caught her right fist. Still holding my ground, I glared at her saying, "Just like you, I ended up being here. I just want to start a new life and furthermore, to redeem myself!"
"What!?"
"It's not about the past anymore…" I mumbled.
My mind is now focused; it's time to take her down!
"What I care most…" I began to attack her, elbowing her in her stomach…
"…is my HOPE, of a FUTURE!" I declared as I made a throwing move, sending Ms. Tenno down on the steel floor. That hit her hard. While down and helpless, I tried to hit her in the face and-
KLANG!
-I hit the steel floor instead; my fist is just inches from her cheek. The downed teacher glared at me asking, "Come on, do it. What are you waiting for?"
This is it… you know, I was known for being cold and somewhat emotionless. This time, not anymore…
My eyes became watery, and I let the tears out, flowing down. In other words, I started to cry.
"Yes, family means to me: to be with my sister… and make up for the years that I abandoned her. Now, none of that matters anymore." I sobbed as I continued. "Ever since Junko betrayed me by killing me, I thought it was the end… until I got here. Thanks to… to Snake, I-I've found a new home, where I am now free: free to live the life I want it to be. This… is where I have found… my hope."
"Ikusaba…" she said.
"I know it'll be hard…" I continued to speak while crying. "But this is the path that I've chosen. No matter what, if this… will allow me to have hope… and for a better future… so be it."
Tears are still flowing from my eyes as I closed them. I have said a lot, but most importantly, that is coming from my heart. There will be struggles on the road, mostly from my past. However, I will keep on living… and fighting.
"Well, you really impressed me…" my former teacher, replied.
I opened my eyes and looked down. To my surprise, she smiled.
"Finally, you opened up your feelings to someone; something that you never did when we were back at Hope's Peak." Ms. Tenno commented.
As I wipe out my tears I said, "No, it all started when I entered Mother Base. Of course, after the 'Boss' rescued me. Then I met Yuto and now, Homa."
"You mean the Afghan girl?" she asked.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"I see." she chuckled and moments later, we laughed. Since the atmosphere is now calm as it blends on the quiet night, I saw her sat up and went on beside me. I sat down as well.
"You deserve of having the title 'Super High School Level Soldier'. You're that tough.," she told me.
"Not really." I shook my head. "You're stronger than I am."
"You have your talent, but I have a lot of training and experience.," she argued.
"Heh, I learned how to fight and the pull the trigger… when I was younger before going to Hope's Peak." I playfully told her.
"Really?" Ms. Tenno raised her eyebrow. "So… you started as a child soldier and spend your life on the battlefield? No wonder why you have that kind of talent…. until that happened."
Realizing what she meant about my past…I nodded, while staring down on the ground.
I saw Ms. Tenno sighed, "I never expected that this would happen between the two of us. Yeah, I admit that I'm furious when I saw you. However, after this, it seems that I have changed my mind."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She turned to me with a smile on her lips. "I saw your tears: they are genuine. You have shown me your newfound resolve. Perhaps that is enough to convince me."
I blushed when she said it. Does this mean that we are now in good terms?
"Well…" she continued while looking up in the starry sky. "Do you know why I choose to be a teacher at Hope's Peak rather than being a soldier?"
I remained silent.
"Yes, serving your country is not just an honor but also a duty to uphold." She calmly noted. "However, I've seen the reality of war… and it was ugly. Every time you shoot enemy soldiers, you cannot even stray your eyes away the horrible things it could show to us. Destruction, chaos, death… it's all in there. However, I keep on fighting since not's just a job but also my service to my country. Until I feel that I couldn't take the harshness of war, I decided to come to Hope's Peak Academy and start anew… as a gym teacher."
"So that's the reason why you left the military?" I asked her.
"To be honest, being closer to kids is much better than carrying a gun. It… gives me a different feeling. More like it brings warmth in my heart, like… it gives me peace." she said
I suddenly remember my times I spent with my classmates, especially our time with Ms. Tenno as our P.E. teacher. She is friendly towards everyone and cheerful as she could be. There is even one time that we had a joint P.E. class with Class 77. Those were the good times.
"You mean, you abandoned everything you are as a soldier?"
"Not exactly." she shook her head. "If you ask me, it's much better to fight to protect something rather than for the sake of it. I have my own ideals, though…"
"Ideals…?" I muttered.
"Now, I wanna ask you: what are you fighting for? Are you just fighting in order to live? Or there is something else?"
Suddenly, it hit me. Yes, I am a soldier and that is it. Fighting is the only thing that I am good at and nothing else. I know that other people have their own reasons to fight, but…
"Since Junko is now gone, I am free. I am now fighting for myself…" I gave an honest answer.
"For yourself?" Ms. Tenno wondered.
"Yeah."
Instead of berating me, I am surprised that she smiled about my answer.
"Well, there's nothing bad about that. If that is what you believe in, just go for it.," the former teacher told me.
"What?"
"As soldiers, we have directives and orders to follow and we do what we can to finish our jobs, even if it's dirty or something that we did not like. But in the course of life, one should make his or her own path because in the end, we are the ones who can create our destiny." she explained.
"Tenno-sensei…"
"We have a lot to talk about, Ikusaba…" she stood up and I followed. "However, it is getting late. You need to get some sleep."
"But I'm not a kid anymore…" I tried to complain.
"You're STILL a kid…" she stressed and then, smirked. "To me, anyway; you're still a student despite of being an official merc in this PF."
I smirked back and… made a salute. "Thanks for your time, Ma'am."
"Hm." she huffed in response, but more in a good way. I took my leave to go back in my room. Until-
"Fenrir!"
I turned back to Ms. Tenno as she puts out another cigar and her iDroid.
"Good night."
"What about you?" I asked Ms. Tenno.
"I'll just come along later.," She said as she puts the cigar on her mouth and lights it up.
"Okay, good night to you… Hummingbird." I concluded by calling her codename as I finally left.
Now I am back to my room as a lie down on my bed. All I can say? Many things happened. Honestly, I never expected that someone from my world, aside from Yuto would be part of this PF. I did all I can to make up things for Ms. Tenno but thankfully, it all worked out in the end.
I finally closed my eyes as sleep came into me…
Second Floor
Inside the Combat Unit Platform
Diamond Dogs Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
8:30 am
After waking up and eating breakfast at the mess hall, I decide to take a stroll inside the Combat Platform, my workplace. While walking in the halls inside the platform… I suddenly heard a noise.
"Huh? Is that… music?"
Being curious, I'm trying to find where that music come from. As the noise grew louder, it finally led me where it came from.
A gym. Yes, that's it! There is a gym inside this platform! I spend a lot of time just to get myself in shape.
I opened the door as I entered the gym. The music is coming from a boombox and the song is more like 80s pop. I finally saw someone inside the gym: it was a woman and she is alone… I widened my eyes about what I saw.
It was none other than Ms. Tenno! And she is… dancing?
As I keep on watching, I was entranced of the way she moved. Her arms, legs and her own body keep on flailing; she's in tune with the rhythm, with sweat coming out everytime she moved her body into the music. However, I keep on tapping my right foot since I kind of like the song itself.
She turned around… and she stopped when she saw me. "Ikusaba?"
"Ah!, I-I uhh… sorry for interrupting!" I stuttered, trying to look away due to being embarrassed.
"That's okay." She chuckled. The former teacher and now merc turned off her boombox. She took her bottled water and drink from it. With a towel between her shoulders, she approached me afterwards. "Well, good morning. How are you today?"
"Um, g-good morning, Ms. Tenno; and… I'm doing fine." I greeted her back.
"If you're gonna ask me what I am doing here, better to answer it for you…," she said.
I was surprised. Wait, is she psychic or something!?
"H-How did you know?" I asked.
"Nah, I'm just baiting you…," she laughed. Calming herself down, she answered. "Anyhow, I'm just doing some dancing exercise, just in order to keep up in shape. Well, you can join if you want.
"But before that, there is something you need to know…"
"What is it?" I asked.
"The 'Boss' himself talked to me… about what happened last night." she replied.
"Are you…?"
"Well, it's just something like this…" she began to explain.
(Flashback)
Inside the Combat Unit Platform
Diamond Dogs Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
10:50 pm
Silence and peace had engulfed Erika as she puffed her cigar. That is until…
"You're spending time smoking here…"
Erika heard a voice, it was male. As she turned, it was none other than 'Big Boss'.
"Uh, Boss! I'm sorry that-"
"It's fine. I need to pass up some time before going to sleep." Snake said as he also puts out his own 'Phantom Cigar' and his iDroid. Putting the cigar in his mouth, he lights it up as well.
"Seemed that we're both the same doing this." she remarked.
"Hm, perhaps." Snake gruffed. "So tell me, about you and Fenrir: what happened?"
Erika blurted out a sigh. "It's… kinda complicated. More like personal."
"How can it be personal?"
"What I mean is… it's all about her past." she told the eye-patched man. "At first, I was thinking about how could be someone like Mukuro Ikusaba to be accepted in this PF, despite of the things she had done. She, Yuto, and I came from the same world: once strived in hope, then the world fell into despair. Of course, she's part of the crime."
"Perhaps, but that doesn't even matter to me anyway." Snake stated in a different light while puffing smoke in his cigar. "Despite of whatever dark past she had, she deserved to be here, being one of us. Her skills at fighting and pulling the trigger earned her that 'Ultimate Soldier' moniker of hers; I realized that she had potential. However, there is something more."
"What makes you say that, 'Boss'?" she inquired.
Snake puffed another smoke as he answered, "One time at Wakh Sind… I've met Ikusaba for the first time; I acknowledge her being capable by taking down a guard. As we managed to escape that Soviet base and went on aboard the chopper, we had a talk with each other. That is where I saw something…"
"About what?" Erika wondered.
"Those fiery eyes she had: her own resolve." Venom Snake said. "She told me a bit of her past, including her life as a young soldier. Ikusaba told me that she wants to start anew, even if it was a different battlefield, even a different world. She is indeed talented, but like a parent or a teacher, I need to keep watch on her. She's more like a stray lost wolf wandering around to find shelter or a new home and needs to have a guide. Yet Fenrir finally made it here."
"So that's what Mukuro meant, huh?" Erika complemented after hearing Venom Snake's side. Like her former student said, that path to change will be hard but because of her newfound hope, she can do it.
"I'm proud of you, Hummingbird. Good thing that you and Ikusaba finally managed to get along." Snake said. "However, there is another reason why I came here…"
"Um, care to tell me, 'Boss?'"
Venom Snake just smiled.
(Present day)
*Mukuro's POV*
"Wait, the 'Boss' told you that?" I said in surprise.
She nodded. "The 'Boss' is not alone on watching over you of becoming this PF's best soldier. From now on, I am also your personal teacher and trainer. You're also gonna join me in some dispatch missions as well. You should remember that I'm your senior. Is that clear?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Now, how about you join dance fitness with me today? I'm sure it will help you a lot." She offered.
She invited me, but I tried to decline. "Um, thanks but not right now." I tried to leave yet the former teacher caught off my hand as she tried to drag me in.
"Come on, don't be such a killjoy. Think of it more as like… an exercise. Simple, isn't it?" she plainly explained.
"But-"
"No buts!" she declared. "Since we're not at Hope's Peak anymore and we are in Diamond Dogs, let's make this more than a teacher-student relationship. More like… comrades, like sisters-in-arms."
I widened my eyes when she said those words: Words like 'comrade' and 'sister-in-arms'.
She put her hand on my shoulder. "A teacher's job is not just to teach his/her students but to be close to them. That's why most people call teachers as 'second parents'. Mukuro, I want to know you more… because both of us are going on the same path: our future."
"Ms. Tenno…"
"Alright, let's go!" I saw her going to the boombox. "Don't worry, I gonna teach you how to do 'fitness dancing'." She assured me
As she pressed the 'Play' button on the boombox, she approached me stood beside me and began to move her hands, along with her.
"Mukuro, just follow my steps…"
"Okay." I nodded and began to follow. I had a hard time but I easily cope with her since my mind now focused. Whoa, this was different from a battlefield. It's more… pleasant, inside a peaceful atmosphere. For me, this is a learning experience. This is what I call freedom.
Moving forward and starting anew… what a feeling, indeed.
CHAPTER END
Author's Notes: And… done!
In the previous chapter, I teased another new character for my story. And yes, it was none other than the P.E. teacher that appeared in the Danganronpa 3 anime. I also give her name and a codename (Erika Tenno a.k.a. Hummingbird). I decided to add her here in my story because she was a soldier, as seen in episode 8 of Future Arc. When I saw how she died I was like 'She's more than just a P.E. teacher, she's a soldier and a hero. She's a true… patriot.' And then I go, 'Okay, why not add her to my story?' However, I think the banter between Mukuro and the teacher and their reconciliation all done in this one chapter, so I probably rushed it a bit. If it was, then I apologize.
And about the song that I used for Erika's dance workout, I used "Flashdance – What a Feeling" by Irene Cara, from the film "Flashdance" and released in 1983. I also want to give credit to Dixxy Mouri, the author of the Danganronpa fic "Haunted", where the dead classmates of Class 78 were wandering as ghosts; he/she puts up the 'Mukuro dancing' idea there. And hey, wherever you are, I just hope you continue writing your story.
And for the next chapter, and since this is the month of December, perhaps I can make an extra chapter before going back to the main plot. Since there are a lot of responsibilities that I'm currently doing nowadays, I will do my best. And yes, I will continue writing my Danganronpa x Metal Gear Rising crossover and I'm currently writing chapter 2 but perhaps I'll juggle between the two. But, who knows...
Thanks very much, readers. Read and review!