A/N: Well everyone here I bring you Chapter 41 of The End of Hope's Peak Academy...this story is rapidly coming to a close, in about ten or so chapters this story will have reached its end. I'm not sure if I will include snippets of the first year under the new despair world, but if I decide too, it will most likely be cut scenes, after all I have to show how Sonia, Hiyoko and Daisuke started the Remnants of Hope and how all three of them fell to despair.
I am actually writing Chapter 44 right now, and let me tell you, it is literally breaking me. I am putting these characters through a lot of shit, but with my OC, it gets rather personal...You have to take someone as upbeat as Daisuke and break him down into he's nothing but a worthless person, and at the end of it all, he gets broken into insanity. I am not looking forward to reaching the end of this story, because of the sad ending it will have. I also rewatched the last five episodes of Zetsubou-Hen last night, and I fucking cried when I saw Chiaki's execution, it will always get me, because she's my favorite character out of this entire series, and seeing her getting stabbed by those spears is just so heart breaking...it will be even more heartbreaking when I write it.
So instead of filling you with the despair of reading all of this, I will fill you with the despair of reading my story, and getting despair from it all...I hope you like it.
The End of Hope's Peak Academy
Zetsubou-Hen
Chapter 41
Plotting
The sound of fireworks could be heard all over the city. The academy was lit up, large search lights shining brightly into the sky. The New School Building had been turned on for the first time, a gleaming tower of hope, shining brightly above the city. New Hope's Peak Academy was finally open to it's student body, who would all be settling in during the next few days. The courtyard was overflowing with people, along with The Four classes, including the incoming Class 79. It was a large block party being held for Hope's Peak Academy students and staff only. It made it the perfect time to slip away, and that's exactly what he had done.
Sneaking into the Faculty building had been hard, getting his hands on an ID card had been even harder, but he had done it. Now, he silently moved through the night, using the fireworks to his advantage. He reached the Reserve Course building a few minutes later, easily scaling the large iron gates. He raced toward one of the trees, using it as cover in case someone came by. Thankfully, the Reserve Course had little to no security, and the ones that did were at the party. The building was mostly left abandoned, even so, Daisuke was careful.
He reached for his belt, his M1911 was still secured to his hip. He had asked Ozzy for some special tranquilizer darts, in case he ran into some trouble. The Ultimate Gunner had looked at him questioningly, but handed him all of the necessary ammunition anyway. He had been looking for a way to test the new anesthetic rounds he had developed with Akira, so he would be the one using them.
He silently walked toward the main doors of the Reserve Course building. He tested the doors, seeing they were firmly locked. Looking around, he saw a card reader on the opposite wall. He reached for his back pocket and pulled out the clear ID he had stolen. It was the size of a credit card, completely clear with the academy crest on it. He swiped it, the red light blinking to green as the doors opened. He quickly stepped into the building.
Now that it was night time, the building seemed more lifeless than before. Normally, the academy was filled with students, Reserve Course students. They were considered normal by every day people...those that lacked true talent. The school for them was entirely plain, but now at night, it made him realize just how little they mattered in the grand scheme of things. The only thing they were here for was for their money, and the Trustees were sugar coating everything. Shaking his head, Daisuke continued walking down the halls, looking for the Reserve Course Faculty Office.
He heard the sounds of footsteps and quickly ducked into a classroom, closing the door softly. He pressed his ear against the door, his gun raised up in case he needed it.
"Man, check out the festivities."
"Tell me about it, leave it to Hope's Peak Academy to throw a massive party. It's just a new school building, nothing new. This hellhole didn't get inaugurated." a second voice said. The first chuckled.
"The Reserve Course doesn't matter dumbass. Of course they wouldn't make a big fuss over it, you actually think cracking a bottle of Dom Perignon for this place would be worth it?"
"This is true...whatever, maybe we should sneak over there...get some fucking food."
"Yeah, let's get outta here...it's not like someone will break into this boring ass place."
The two guards walked off, their voices becoming faint as they walked further away. Daisuke waited a couple more seconds before leaving the classroom. He continued walking down the hall, taking a right rather than a left. He started seeing more offices instead of classrooms, so he was heading in the right direction. After a few more minutes of walking he found a door with a card reader on it. He made his way toward it, and snuck a peek into the room. Thankfully it was empty, making it much easier to actually get in. He swiped the card and walked through the door, softly closing in behind him.
"Jackpot." he muttered, pulling out the small flashlight from his pocket. He walked over to the desk, seeing the name Yuriko Kirigiri on the desk top. He walked over to the large filing cabinets in the back of the room and opened it. The first drawer was filled with student profiles. He started sifting through them all, quickly finding Hinata's file. He pulled it out of the drawer, opening it.
"Hajime Hinata, 16 years of age, completely normal by all means...expelled. So he truly didn't drop out." he muttered. Daisuke took a picture of the profile, saving it into his encrypted phone. He placed the file back and closed the drawer.
He continued sifting through it, but didn't find anything. He checked the other cabinet as well, pausing to check the hallway. He didn't find any files of interest, making him grow distressed. He finally turned to the computer, taking a seat in front of it. He wiggled the mouse, pulling it from sleep mode. He tried accessing it, but he quickly found a password window. He bit his lip, looking around the desk.
"Alright Mrs. Kirigiri, what's your password?" he muttered to himself.
He looked around the desk, unable to find anything. He spotted a picture of the woman, her arms wrapped around a seven year old Hisashi, with a nine year old Kyoko standing next to her, an annoyed look on her face. He chuckled at the picture, taking a hold of it. He pulled the frame apart, finding some words written on the photograph itself. He typed the words into the box, gaining access to the system. He put the picture back together, placing it at the desk.
He sifted through the files on the computer, finding quite a bit of interesting information. There were some test scores and some other things as well. He looked up Hajime Hinata's file, eyes widening a bit.
"Hajime Hinata was expelled from Hope's Peak Academy for progressively getting into trouble. He has lacked the gumption to take up exams and has been skipping class periodically. Furthermore, he refuses to pay the tuition fees, I have no choice but to expel the boy from the Reserve Course, this action will be effective immediately."
"That's odd, Hinata never struck me as a trouble maker...he was soft spoken, sure he lacked a lot of confidence..but that was probably because of his obsession with this place. Goddamn it, this academy can truly be a hellhole to some people can't it?" he muttered. He put a flash drive into the computer, dragging the file into it. He closed out of it, opening another file.
"Hope's Peak Academy Reserve Course Tuition Fees...looks like I found what I was looking for." he muttered.
He clicked the file open, seeing information regarding the tuition fees. His eyes widened a bit when he saw some of the numbers. The students weren't being charged a single unified amount, depending on the family, they were charged more or less. He saw Natsumi Kuzuryuu had been paying nearly three million yen for her yearly tuition cost. It was an outlandish number, even by tuition standards. He transferred the information as well, finding something else.
"A bank account, connected to Takao Morita...was he the manager of the funds for this place?" he muttered dryly.
He opened the account file, seeing all of the deposits...nearly every deposit made was directly to Hope's Peak Academy. How much money was undisclosed, but this was a phenomenal find. He copied that onto the drive as well, closing out of the system. He did a final sweep of everything, shutting the computer down once he was done.
"Now for the Principle's office." he said, quickly leaving Yuriko's office. He walked down the office, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He tried getting into the faculty office, but it was firmly locked, without a card reader. He didn't want to risk being caught picking a lock, so he ignored it. Finally after twenty minutes, he found the office he was looking for. He swiped the card, instantly getting access.
Compared to Jin Kirigiri's office, this one was lackluster. It was plain and boring, even the desk was boring. There were two flags behind the desk, bearing the crest of the academy and the Reserve Course. He instantly walked over to the filing cabinets, pulling them open. The Principle had different files inside, unlike Yuriko who had student profiles.
He laid eyes on several files of interest. He grabbed one file, looking it over. It was one detailing a search he had been doing, candidates for something that wasn't disclosed. He took a picture of it, replacing it and taking out another file. His eyes widened when he saw the words written on it.
"The Izuru Kamukura Project...why would something like this be left unlocked? Then again, getting one of these ID cards isn't exactly easy." he muttered to himself. He looked down, reading the contents of the paper.
"My search for the perfect candidate continues. I have found several potential students, but none have agreed. Only two students have shown an interest in it. Natsumi Kuzuryuu and Hajime Hinata. Both have expressed their love of the Main Course and their wish to join it...we shall see if they pass the preliminary examinations.
Update: Natsumi Kuzuryuu has moved up to the Main Course, leaving only Hajime Hinata as our sole candidate. The boy still hasn't given us a choice, but we have enlisted Kazuo Tengan to convince him. The boy shows promise.
Update 2: Hinata has given us his answer, it seems he has made his choice. I have no choice but to keep this under wraps, one if the faculty members has been skulking around, that Main Course transfer teacher. I will continue to push funding for this project toward Hope's Peak Academy's Trustees.
Update 3: The Project has begun, I eagerly await its results. The subject has been doing fine training each day. Soon he will be imbued with every talent known to man, a paragon, a superhuman by name alone. He shall be our Ultimate Hope, and leader of the future."
"That was the final update...that was back in...April...that means by now...whoever that is must have been, has most likely finished the project." he muttered. He took a picture of this file as well, quickly replacing it in the cabinet.
Having found a sufficient amount of information, he decided it was time for him to leave. It had been half an hour since he had left from the party and people would be asking questions. So he quickly made his way out of the Reserve Course building, using a pair of scissors to cut the ID card up into small pieces. Once he was outside, he shoved them all into the storm drain, taking his gloves off as well. He took off his ski mask, dumping it in the trash, fixing himself up before heading toward the Main Course. He would pretend like nothing was wrong, until he could next meet with Hisashi.
xxx
"Ugh man...this moving shit is total hell." Ibuki muttered, as she looked around the room. Everyone was in the same state, moving all of their things into packing boxes. They would be heading toward their new classroom on the seventh floor of the New School Building.
"Tell me about it, but at least we get new state of the art stuff, right?" Kazuichi asked, a smile on his face.
"Are we all gonna ignore the fact that Tanaka brought a fucking bear to class?" Daisuke asked, earning a chorus of yes from his friends. He sighed, stuffing some books into a box. Once they were safely inside, he sealed the box, placing it by the others.
"I'm going to leave this right here." Hiyoko said, placing a beautiful white orchid on top of a desk. They all looked at her oddly.
"Um...what is that for exactly?" Takane asked curiously.
"It's for Nagito of course. It's been a whole year since he died!" she said.
"First off, he's not dead, and second it hasn't been a year since he left." Daisuke said, earning a huff from the girl.
"Leave it to you to ruin my sentiment..then again I sort of am curious about what he's doing." She said, glancing at the ceiling.
"Knowing him, he probably got himself stranded on some island." Kazuichi said jokingly.
"You...don't honestly think that's what happened to him right? He hasn't been answering his phone, and he hasn't been home in awhile." Sonia said.
"I don't think so sweetheart, Nagito wouldn't die that easily. He's the Ultimate Lucky Student, that guy is legendary." Daisuke replied, a smirk on his face.
"Does anybody know where Ryouta and Mikan ran off too? We need all the help we can get to move this stuff!" Akane said, dropping a stack of boxes onto the ground.
"I'm not sure, but the two of them did leave together." Mahiru replied, taking a few pictures of the room. It would be the last time they would be in there.
"You don't think...those two are having a scandalous relationship? Imagine, Mikan Tsumiki and Ryouta Mitarai, the two of them doing naughty things. All behind Makoto's back!" Teruteru said.
"Mikan isn't a second rate whore, and I doubt Ryouta would do something like that." Hiyoko replied, surprising everyone.
"But still, I can just imagine...I'll give you an example, here Kazuichi take this donut!" the chef said, handing the pink frosted donut to the mechanic.
"Uh...the hell do I need this for?"
"Because man, I'm about to get real practical with you. Imagine those two scurrying around the new school building, Mikan's bouncy bits all over Ryouta's face. It won't be long until his banana finds its way into her donut hole. The poor girl will be torn between her two loves!" he said, the banana slowly nearing the donut. Peko slammed her fist over the boy's head, causing him to cry loudly.
"You best watch yourself pervert. Mikan loves Makoto dearly and she would never do something like that too him."
"Oh Peko, you love me so much don't you?" the boy asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Ew, when did you become so bold?" she asked, pinching the boy's earlobe. He let out a moan, dropping to the ground unconscious.
"What the fuck...was that a secret knockout technique?" Hiyoko asked excitedly.
"Indeed, by pinching the nerves behind the earlobe with the right amount of pressure, it is possible to knock someone out cold." she said.
"Huh...I'll need to learn how to do that." she said, a sneer on her face.
"Hell no, you make our lives a living hell already, we don't need you to knock us out cold too!" Fuyuhiko said, making the girl huff.
"I mean, we should totally use that against the Freshies! I mean we haven't given them a proper welcome into the academy yet!" she said.
"I'm going to make this abundantly clear to you and everyone. Hiyoko, I love you, I truly do...but you lay a finger on my sister, and I will break your leg...so don't even think of fucking doing anything against her." Daisuke said firmly, glaring at Hiyoko. She shivered a bit, giving him a firm nod.
"Damn, you pulled her leash really hard...I'm proud of you." Kazuichi said.
"Yeah, male dominance!" Nekumaru shouted, flexing his muscles.
"Ugh...men." Sonia muttered, earning a giggle from Chiaki.
"Wonder where Chisa is, she hasn't popping yet." Akane muttered, grabbing a bag of chips from her desk.
"Knowing her she's probably dealing with some more school crap. She's getting our dorm reassignments and class schedules ready, after all." Chiaki said.
"I'll go look for her, maybe I can get some revenge on her for that bullshit eating contest." Daisuke said, walking out of the classroom. He let out a scream as Sergeant Sprinkles dove down at him.
"Tanaka! Get this fucking eagle out of here!" the boy shouted.
"Sir Daisuke, I shall wrangle this vile phoenix soon. I cannot have it defeating my captains this early on in my take over...come Dark Queen, we must work together to defeat this foe!" the animal breeder said, earning a groan from Mahiru.
Xxx
A white haired young man was looking out into the sea. He was currently supervising the construction of Hope's Peak International Academy. He was a bright young man of twenty, with white hair styled in a bowl cut. He was wearing a navy blue suit, with a white shirt underneath and matching slacks. He was wearing a pressed tie, bearing the crest of Hope's Peak Academy. This young man was Kyosuke Munakata, and he was the Ex-Ultimate Student Body President. Currently, he was speaking with his close friend, Chisa Yukizome. He smiled a bit, hearing the excitement in her voice.
"I'm glad that you are able to return to your kids...how did they enjoy the beach house by the way?"
"Daisuke let me know everything last night. They all had a wonderful time, they even ran into the Student Council, and they had loads of fun. He even refilled the fuel on all of your ATVs and your motorcycle." she replied. The man chuckled, shaking his head.
"Somehow, I knew he would start riding it. I don't mind, I haven't ridden it in quite awhile, since I'm overseas and all. But we can talk about your kids later, what did you find while you were at the Reserve Course?" he asked firmly. He heard a sigh on the other line.
"Not much I'm afraid. Everything that I could find was hidden away in the Principle's office...they installed a security system after the Christmas break. I did find something of interest though, it's called the Izuru Kamukura Project."
"Izuru Kamukura?" Kyosuke asked, confusion written in on his face.
"Yes, Izuru Kamukura refers to the Academy's Founder, Izuru Kamukura. The Academy wouldn't slap his name on it if it wasn't something important. It doesn't seem like something festive to me."
"Hmm...alright then, continue searching for information...if you find anything significant, let me know. Give my regards to Juzo."
xxx
"I sure will, talk to you soon!" Chisa said happily, ending the call. She placed the phone in her pocket, spinning around only to stop when he saw Daisuke standing in front of her. He had a firm look on his face, arms crossed.
"So...what secrets are you hiding from me Chisa Yukizome?" he asked.
"Huh? Whatever do you mean?"
"The Izuru Kamukura Project...how long have you known?" he asked.
"How long have I...how long have you known?" she countered, earning a chuckle from the boy.
"Awhile...let's just say I have insider information...stuff you couldn't get access too." he said.
"Daisuke, I don't think you and I should be discussing this in the open...we shouldn't be discussing this at all...so let's drop the subject and head to class." she said, walking past him.
"The Tuition fees for the Reserve Course are being transferred straight into the academy's bank account. The one who managed it was Takao Morita, the man my father had killed. Subsequently, he also funded the project, in hopes to use it to bring down the academy. Reserve Course students were being tested for this project, but I don't know exactly what the project itself entails." he said, causing her to stop.
"How...how did you find that out?" she asked, glancing at the Ultimate Story Teller.
"Do you like swans?" he asked, earning a curious look from her. Her rolled his eyes, taking a hold of her hand.
They walked in silence for most of the time, as he lead her out of the academy's main building. He ended up taking her to a spot on the other side of the campus, a large pond where some water dwelling critters could be found. There was a small family of ducks swimming around, along with two beautiful swans. There was even a Crane swimming around as well.
"Me and Hiyoko like to come here for some alone time. She likes feeding the ducks." he said, tossing some crackers into the water. The ducks eagerly swam to it, picking up the bits of soggy flour.
"Why did you bring me here?" she asked curiously.
"Because the world you and I stepped in, is a dark one. I don't know exactly what this academy is doing, but I do know what that project does. They're taking a person, a normal person, and injecting every talent into their brain. I don't know how it's done, but that's the gist of it."
"Are you serious...that's human experimentation! Hope's Peak Academy wouldn't do that!" she cried.
"The Reserve Course springing up out of the blue, the high tuition fees, the academy that's entirely solar powered connecting to the grid, expelling students as a cover up for new building plans, and the coup de gras, Hajime Hinata's expulsion. I don't know about you, but he's the epicenter of all this...and if we don't find the facts, and act accordingly, something big will happen." he replied.
"This can't be true...Hope's Peak Academy wouldn't do something like this...they're supposed to breed hope."
"Sweet words whispered through prison bars lose their charm. This academy isn't what it seems, and I plan on getting to the bottom of it. For now, I'll keep you informed on anything I end up finding. Give me your phone." he said.
"Huh? What for?"
"Just do it." he said.
She nodded, handing him her cellphone. He pulled out the one he had bought in Yokosuka, a vibrant blue flip phone. He activated the encryption application that Chihiro had made for him, and transferred it to her phone. Once he had set it up, he handed it back to her.
"I downloaded a custom app onto your phone, I'll be calling you with new information when I find it. The encryption will kick in automatically, so we can share data without being compromised. For now just act normal, trust no one, heh...I wouldn't even trust me." he said.
"Don't say that, you are precious student, and one of my friends...I'll never doubt you're words." she said, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you Chisa, I truly did...I hope we can uncover this...before something bad happens to the academy."
"I hope so too, let's go back. The others must be wondering where we are by now." she said, walking back toward the academy. Daisuke tossed the last of his crackers into the water, running after his teacher.
xxx
"How is he doing?"
"He's fine, just a bit malnourished...he needs some IV fluids daily to keep him healthy." Mikan replied, looking up at Ryouta...or rather the Ultimate Impostor. Kiriko was standing beside them, listening to the boy's heart.
"He's doing better than yesterday...once he wakes up, we need to take him to the campus hospital and get him started on those fluids." she said, placing her stethoscope around her neck.
"Damn it, I told him to pace himself...now this shit happens...Mitarai what were you thinking?" The Impostor asked, earning a curious look from Mikan.
"Um...if you don't mind, I would like an explanation...you have been pushing it off for two days now, and I'm rather confused." the Ultimate Nurse said, earning a nod from the boy.
"Alright, it's the least I can do for your help...you see it started like this..."
(Flashback)
I was scouted for this academy for my specific talent. It was rather amazing to be honest. I was born without an identity, no family, no name...I didn't truly exist. And yet here I was, in Hope's Peak Academy.
One night, I heard noises coming from the room beside mine...I opened the door a crack, and found a boy collapsed on the ground...so I brought him into my room, and took care of him until he woke...I still remember our conversation.
"Who are you?" he asked, shyly looking at me.
"I'm no one, I haven't a name nor an identity...I am who fits the situation. I have however done my research on you, Ryouta Mitarai. Lover of anime, antisocial, workaholic, barely eats or sleeps, it is a miracle you are still alive."
"Why...why are you here?" the boy asked curiously. I just shook my head, a smirk on my face.
"For the same reason as you...I was scouted by this academy for my talents. I can blend into a crowd, become anyone and no one would notice the difference. This time around, I tried becoming a wealthy individual, however this identity has an expiration date, and I am in need of a new one."
"A new identity, all I want is to create anime...I can't help you." he said.
"But you can, I can take old Ryouta Mitarai for a spin, leave you here to work on your anime. You would get time, and I would get an identity, the both of us win in the end."
The boy gave me a weary look, finally giving me a nod.
(Flashback ends)
"In the end, I took over as Mitarai, and joined the 77th Class. But I would always return here, to make sure nothing happened to him." The Impostor said, finishing his tale.
"You really do care for you friend don't you? Well alright, I have to make sure he gets all the help he needs. He's my friend too!" Mikan said cheerfully.
"Same here, I can't let himself get like this again, I'll carry him if I have too." Kiriko added.
"Thank you girls, I really appreciate this...just remember to keep it on the down low for now." The Impostor said, earning nods from the two girls.
xxx
"Are you sure this is accurate?" Hisashi asked, looking at the information on Daisuke's phone. The boy chuckled, shaking his head.
"Duh, I got this a couple nights ago...it was a bit hard but thanks to Kyoko's handy work, I was able to get in and out in a flash."
"At least you were able to procure these, if you failed I would have been rather mad at you." Kyoko replied, a smile on her face.
The three of them had found themselves in one of the old dorm buildings. It had been closed down years prior, and had been left unused. It had been the perfect place for them all to meet up and discuss the information they had found. Initially, Kyoko had been peeved that Hisashi had brought Daisuke into the investigation. However when the boy explained to her that he had found everything out of his own accord, she had let him explain themselves. He had been able to convince her not only to let him join, but also to find him a Hope's Peak ID card.
"This information will take us a long way, what else did you recover?" Hisashi asked. The boy handed him a flash drive, which he had hung around his neck.
"This file contains profiles of students that were being watched. They wanted to see if they had what it took to be part of this project. I copied some stuff regarding tuition fees and some extended profiles on expelled students, including Hajime Hinata. There's one more thing however, that I feel the two of you should know." he said firmly.
"Well...go ahead." Kyoko said, not at all wanting to beat around the bush. She preferred if she got the facts straight to her face rather than some half assed explanation. He sighed, taking a deep breath.
"I found the tuition information and student profiles in Yuriko Kirigiri's personal computer. It was password protected, so I have reason to believe she was hiding this stuff from prying eyes." he said.
"No...she wouldn't do that." Hisashi said.
"I found the password written on the back of a picture, one that had the two of you on it." he said, crossing his arms. Kyoko sighed, placing a hand on Hisashi's shoulder.
"I don't know why she would hide this, but perhaps she was being forced to do it. The Principle of the Reserve Course is part of the Board of Trustees, so it makes absolute sense." she said firmly. Daisuke's secure line started ringing, something he found odd since almost no one had that number. He narrowed his eyes, accepting the call.
"Hello?"
"Daisuke, thank god you answered."
"Is something wrong Chisa?" he asked curiously.
"Yes, I was speaking with Juzo...he's told me one of the Trustees has gone missing."
"What? Are you serious?" he asked, eyes widening a bit.
"Would I lie to you? He's been missing since yesterday, apparently he was supposed to head to a meeting and never showed up. I don't know much about him I'm afraid...I've asked Juzo to find me an ID card, I believe I can find some information inside the New Administration Building."
"Alright, thanks for letting me know this, I'll keep you posted if I find anything on my end." he said, ending the call. He looked at the siblings, a frown on his face.
"One of the Trustees has gone missing, my friend is going to investigate the New Admin building for information. I think I'll investigate that place as well, and see if I can find some information regarding this project." he said.
"Daisuke, please be careful...we wouldn't want anything to happen to you." Hisashi said, adopting a concerned look. Kyoko nodded.
"Indeed, you are one of our best assets in all of this. We will relay this information to our father, but we will omit the part of our mother being involved. If he doesn't suspect it already, I wouldn't want him to know." Kyoko said firmly.
"Alright then, I'll see you soon." Daisuke said, walking out of the old dorm, he quickly found himself outside, racing toward the old school building.
xxx
He awoke, to the smell of curry. It was a scent he had grown to love, as his wife made him this meal every other night. However this time, it was different. He moved his arms, which were numb for some reason. He felt some bindings at his wrists, the culprits of his numbness. He cried to move his legs as well, but found himself bound as well. That's when he realized he couldn't exactly moved. He looked around the room, finding only a single light being turned on. He was in his on campus apartment. He remembered now, he had answered the door, and found himself knocked out the next second. He didn't know had done it.
He tried to speak, but found his mouth had been gagged and taped shut. He tried to scream, but only muffled noises left his mouth. The person behind the stove turned around, a bright smile on her face.
His eyes widened when he realized who it was. A beautiful young woman, dressed in a fashionable school uniform, her hair tied into a single ponytail, bright blue eyes glittering in the low lighting.
"Well well, you finally woke up sleepyhead? That's good, I hope your hungry, because I made your favorite!" she said.
He shivered a bit, the voice making him shake in fear. He tried closing his eyes, but only one was able to close, he realized one had been taped open. He realized it had long since dried out, and it stung every time he moved it. He felt something around his head too, as if he had been stuffed into one of those faceless cardboard cut outs, which was exactly the case.
"Well Mr. Trustee, you've been hiding secrets from everyone in this school. But you couldn't hide them from me, I know everything!" she said, focusing on her cooking. The Curry had finally thickened enough to be served. She spooned some into a small dish, tasting it.
"Yum! This is absolutely delicious...too bad you're not going to be having any." she said, pouring some curry over a serving of rice. She grabbed a spoon from the drawer and started eating, a smile on her face. She walked over to the man, a grin on her face.
"You wanna know something, every single day we handle so many items. How many of them do you think can be turned into weapons? Pens, pencils, books, cups, ashtrays...why even this spoon here. That's the beauty of it, an instrument of torture being made out of an everyday object...the despair of it is delicious." she said, shoving another spoonful of rice into her mouth.
"Ah, but you must be wondering, but Miss Enoshima, what could you possibly be talking about? Well, you're half right...you see, I want to infect this world with sweet tasting despair...Hope is boring, it leaves something to be desired, but Despair is...despair is like Pandora's Box. One little flick and you can destroy the world with never ending pestilence!" she said.
"Mhmmph!"
"I can't say I agree...I mean, if a single bullet can change the course of a single event, and plunge the entire planet into a war, then despair can do the same. Wouldn't you say it's a gamble worth finding? You have the perfect little tool, one Izuru Kamukura...where's he being kept?" she asked, kneeing before the man. She ripped the tape off his mouth, causing him to scream.
"HELP! SOMEONE!"
"Ah ah, that's not what I asked!" she cried, shoving the spoon into his mouth, gagging him a bit.
"Now, tell me where Izuru Kamukura is being kept...and I'll make this a whole lot less painful...I know...you need some motivation." she said, setting her plate down. The man choked on the spoon, trying to spit it out of his mouth. She walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a single picture, holding it before the man.
"You have a beautiful wife, and a sweet looking young boy...It would be a shame if something happened to them, wouldn't you say?" she asked, holding a lighter under the picture. The man screamed loudly as she set the pictures on fire, tossing them onto the ground. She yanked the spoon out of his mouth, a bit of blood flying to the floor.
"Kamukura...he's being kept...in the New School Building...bottom floor." the man wheezed. Junko smiled, shoveling more curry into her mouth, ignoring the fact the spoon had been covered in spit and blood.
"Thanks for being so kind as to share that with me...maybe you'd like a reward? I can show you my boobs if you want."
"Fuck you...you psychotic bitch!" the man shouted, causing her to laugh.
"Aw, I'm flattered, but sadly I do not engage with old icky men..." she said, sealing the man's mouth with tape once more. She turned around, holding the spoon over the open flame, causing him to swallow hard.
"You wanna know something...fire is a really mystifying thing. Back in the olden days, you would have to rub to sticks together to get a spark, or wait for lightning to strike the ground...but now with a flick of a button, you get fire. It makes it most gratifying, especially when it can be used as an instrument of despair." she said, blowing on the spoon a bit. She walked over to the man, smiling brightly.
"I already knew where Kamukura was being kept, I just needed your confirmation...well that and your eye...those pesky retinal scanners, amirite?" she asked, lowering the spoon in her hand. The man let out a muffled scream as the glowing spoon got closer to his eye.
"Don't worry, this will only hurt a lot...let the despair consume you, let it fill your mind as I take your eye...you know what they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul...but your eye is going to be a door, a door to despair." she said, scooping the man's eye out of his skull. He screamed in pain, steam rising from his face as the hot spoon burned the socket. Junko easily gauged the eye out, taking a hold of it with her dainty fingers. She gave it a tug, severing the tendon holding it in place.
"There, that wasn't so bad was it?" she asked, looking at the man, who was crying in pain. His remaining eye was filled with tears and despair. She sighed, shaking her head.
"Ugh...fine, I'll put an end to this." she said, walking back toward the stove. She pulled out a plastic funnel from the drawer. She grabbed a steaming tea kettle, which had started whistling only seconds before. She walked over to the man, a grin on her face.
"Fancy a spot of tea?" she asked, in a perfect British accent.
The man cried as she jabbed the funnel through the tape and into his gullet. She flicked the tip of the kettle open and poured the boiling hot water down the man's throat, his screams of agony filling her mind. She could only giggle as the man's throat literally melted from the boiling water. It wasn't long before he finally passed out from the pain, dying shortly after. She groaned, throwing the kettle aside.
"Mukuro, get your disgusting trollop ass in here!" she shouted. The Ultimate Soldier raced into the room, standing at attention.
"Yes Junko? May I help you?"
"Get rid of that will you? I'm trying to enjoy my dinner." she said, turning to the boiling oil. She had made some Takoyaki earlier and had been eager to fry it up.
"Alright, where should I take him?"
"Him? Oh right the sack of flesh...chop it up and flush it down the toilet, I dunno...oh, you should do one of those tribal skull shrinking things and send the head to his wife...that'll fill her with despair."
"I don't know any tribal rituals, but if you'd like I can hang his body from a tree in front of his house."
"Hmm...alright that works out perfectly. Keep making suggestions like that and you'll have 45% power...but do that later, we have somewhere else to be." she said, earning a nod from her sister.
xxx
Juzo's words echoed through her mind as she made her way through the New School Building. Ever since it's inauguration, the Security had been rather tight around the lower areas. She didn't know why, but she suspected it had something to do with the project. Now that one of the Trustees, who was also the Principle of the Reserve Course, had gone missing, it made it that much more pressing. She pressed herself against the wall, knelt down on the floor.
"Did you hear, that Takuto guy went missing."
"Yeah, the Reserve Course Principle...man shit is sailing down fast. First Morita and now him...who's next, Kirigiri?"
"Don't even joke about that, he kicks the bucket and we don't get paid. Come on, let's go to the higher floors, there's nothing here." the man said.
"Security is supposedly tight, but that's just a Skeleton Crew...then again I can't very much complain." Chisa thought to herself, as she walked through the empty halls. She had yet to find her way around this building, but she could navigate it well enough.
She finally reached the place she had been looking for, an office that was located at the farthest end of the building. She pulled the card Juzo had given her from her bra and swiped it, gaining access to the room.
"Hello, housekeeping." she said quietly. Noticing the office was empty, she closed the door, walking further inside. Everything was being packed into boxes, so it was obvious the owner was leaving the place. She walked over to the computer, finding a stack of binders within a box.
"I can't go through all of this...it's just too much...oh well, looks like I'll have to put my multitasking to the test." she said, sitting in front of the computer. She grabbed one of the files, pulling it open.
Her eyes drifted back and forth, between the computer and the files she was reading. She hadn't found anything conclusive, nothing at all. She set the files aside, focusing solely on the computer. It wasn't long before she found a password box. She sighed, leaning back against the chair. She noticed a post it stuck to the side, with the words Curry Rice written on it.
"No...that can't be it...oh well, worth a try." she said, typing the words in. A large box reading, Access Granted, flashed onto the screen, making her smile brightly.
Her smile diminished when she saw what had opened up. It was a personal journal, or rather a progress report. She scrolled to the top of it, eyes widening.
"The Izuru Kamukura Project, Progress Report...what is this?" she muttered, scrolling down a bit. She sifted through some useless entrees, finally finding one of interest.
"Funding for this project had begun with the construction of the Reserve Course, where most of our money came from. Izuru Kamukura refers to a young student who has agreed to be part of this experiment. Studies have shown that talent isn't something genetic. The scientists have been gathering data for years that we can finally use.
The Izuru Kamukura Project begins by taking the subject and placing them in a comatose state. During this period, they are injected with every talent researched at the academy. By reconstituting certain aspects of the brain, those that create an individual's personality, this state can be achieved. We have finally been able to put it into practice.
The subject has already awakened and has been cleared to enter the testing phase. We eagerly await the results of this experiment, this young man will become the Ultimate Hope of the academy, and of this world."
"This is awful...is the academy really a front for human experimentation? This can't be...I refuse to believe it!" she snapped.
Everything Chisa had believed about the academy was starting to crumble around her. She didn't want to accept it, but the facts were right in front of her, the Steering Committee was conducting inhumane experiments, with students no less. The abnormally high tuition fees, the expelling of students to use it as a front to expand, it all suddenly made sense.
"I need to copy this, Kyosuke needs to see this." the woman said, fishing a flash drive from her pocket. She plugged it into the computer, copying the files onto the small device. Once she was done, she returned everything to the way she had found it, leaving the office as fast as she had arrived.
Xxx
Mukuro had an emotionless look on her face as she took down another guard. The man gurgled as he choked on his own blood, falling to the ground, lifeless. His blood filled from the gash in his neck, bathing the floor in a wave of pink.
"You dumb shit, don't you realize you are making more work for yourself?"
"Sis?" She asked, looking at Junko. She had a small basket with some Takoyaki on it, and had been munching on it for the last few minutes.
"You killed all these idiots and messed up this hallway...now you have to get rid of the bodies. I swear, if I get blood on these heels I will definitely murder your ass." the fashionista said, stepping over the pooling blood.
"I guess I'll take care of this right away." Mukuro said.
"Later, we got shit to do." her sister replied, shoving another Takoyaki ball in her mouth. Mukuro nodded, and followed after her sister, carefully avoiding the blood pools.
"I've got to say, this academy's got its own head shoved so far up its ass, that it makes it almost too easy. I mean really, you lack security, hide documents in plain sight, and let the students do as they want...I'm surprised this place lasted this long." Junko said, looking around the linear hallway.
"It won't last any longer, especially with your beautiful plan." Mukuro said, giving her sister a smile.
"Ugh...stop kissing my ass alright, jeez you are so goddamn useless!"
Those insults only made Mukuro flush with happiness and despair. The two continued down the hallway, reaching a set of double doors. Junko stopped in front of it, poking another Takoyaki ball with her tooth pick, placing it in her mouth. Mukuro examined the door, a frown on her face.
"This is a retinal scanner...we won't be able to advance any further."
"Like...don't even worry...I found someone who lent be theres, we'll be inside in no time." she said, poking another ball. She held it to the scanner, a glowing bright blue eye staring back at it. The door beeped loudly, and started opening.
"Open sesame! Let momma in!" the blonde cried, tossing the food in her hands to the floor, along with the eye. Mukuro swallowed hard as she watched the eye roll away, the pick still stuck inside it.
Inside the room, was nothing more than a single bed. On said bed sat a young man, dressed in a black suit. He was wearing a pressed black blazer, over a long sleeved white shirt, and matching black slacks, he wore a pair of black loafers. His long black hair fell all around him, his glowing crimson eyes seemingly the only bright thin in the room. Junko grinned, flashing him a peace sign.
"Yo Kamukura, what's up? Don't you know it's rude to just sit around and do nothing?" she asked.
"You should leave, people aren't authorized in this sector of the academy." he replied, not at all caring about the girl or her presence.
"Aw don't be like that, at least throw caution to the wind. Don't you think it's a shame that they have you locked up in this place? All of that talent going to waste?" she asked. The boy remained silent as she approached him, looking him over. She reached behind her back, reaching for the handle of her ice pick.
"Wouldn't it be more fun if you took a stroll? Well then again, if you died, the Ultimate Hope would leave the world, and that would bring this academy great Despair!" she cried, running at the young man. She aimed the pick at his face, only for him to pin her to the ground with ease.
"Junko!" Mukuro cried, aiming at his throat with a knife. The boy back-handed her, sending her flying to the wall. He ground his food into Junko's back, causing her to groan in pain.
"You see...what's the fun in all of this? Predicting the outcome of everything, smart people like you and me are destined to suffer. What's fun about Hope, when everything is so predictable. You need to satiate your boredom don't you? Then join me, and spread Despair. There is nothing more unpredictable than the chaos Despair can truly cause."
"Despair is a truly useless emotion, it's illogical for me to care much for it." Izuru replied, looking at the blonde.
"That's the beauty of it...the illogical becomes logical when you add a pinch of despair. You never know what can happen, a single bullet can start a war, a single man can end the world...there is nothing you need but the never ending delectable taste of despair!"
Alarms started ringing, the hallway flashing red. Mukuro grit her teeth, getting up to her knees, clutching her arm in pain.
"Junko, they've found us...we need to go!" she said.
"Come on Izuru, join me so you can see a world of never ending Despair. We can spread it to every corner of the globe, make it divine and beautiful, a world in where talent doesn't matter. Despair is what you need, let it fill your soul and warp your mind and body!"
Izuru grew bored of the girl, and slammed his foot into her head, knocking her out cold. Mukuro let out a cry, as she stumbled over to her sister. She took a hold of her, relieved to see she was still alive.
"You, give her a message for when she next wakes...tell her that I'll be waiting."
Mukuro nodded, and quickly stood up, grabbing a hold of her sister's unconscious form. She ran out of the area as fast as she could, making sure not to leave a trace of herself behind.
Xxx
Junko let out a groan, her eyes fluttering open. She didn't know where she was, or why her heard hurt. She looked to her right, seeing the smiling face of her sister. Instantly she scowled, forcing herself up.
"Where am I?"
"The school's infirmary. Don't worry, I covered for you, I told them you fell down some stairs. With those heels, you were a liability waiting to happen." she said.
"Hmm...nice work I suppose...did her say anything after he conked me?"
"Indeed, he said he will be waiting for you."
"Step one complete...now the fun part." Junko said, getting up off the bed. She put her boots back on, not bothering to buckle them up.
"You aren't supposed to be walking yet, the doctor didn't clear you."
"Pfft, so what? Despair is way better when it surprises you...now did you get me the information for the plan?" she asked.
"Yes, The files on the Student Council members have been placed in our secret meeting place. All of the secrets, motives, and weapons are ready." Mukuro said, handing her a faculty ehandbook. Junko smiled as she sifted through the Student Council records, eyes widening a bit.
"Hello, what is this, Daisuke is part of the council?" she asked.
"Well no, he's a Vice Representative for Class 77B, Chiaki is the main Representative for the same class. I didn't know if you wanted them involved or not."
"Nah, no Representatives, I have something better for them...just core members...we need to work on this a little more, and get the messages ready, ugh it's gonna take days of planning." she muttered.
"I'll help you, we'll have to wait until the Main Course building has been completely emptied. There are still students moving stuff to the new building, it's been three days since we met with him." Mukuro said.
"Three days huh...damn that bastard is good, it fills me so much despair."
The hospital doors slid open, and she walked outside for the first time in a few days. The sun was shining, and the skies were blue. There were streaks of white clouds, made by high flying jets...it honestly made her a little sick. She kept smiling as she walked, brushing past another student. She came to a full stop, grabbing the boy by the hand, forcing him to spin around.
"Gah...is something wrong? May I help you?" the boy asked.
"What's your name?" she asked, a dimwitted look on her face. The boy shook a bit, licking his lips.
"Ryouta Mitarai...I'm the Ultimate Animator." he said. Junko's lips turned into a smile as she wrapped her arms around the boy.
"Have we met? Isn't it strange to hug someone you've never met?" he cried.
"No it isn't, because you and I are already friends! You can call this...a Despairingly Fateful Encounter!"