Chapter one. To Survive. [D̶a̶i̶l̶y̶ L̶i̶f̶e̶ Deadly Life]
"Who knows how long I was out for? All I knew is that I wished I woke up in bed, and this was all a nightmare. But of course… fuck me for having that wish right? At least someone I knew was with me…"
Junko awoke in the gym, eyes Slowly opening as she tried to sit up. Standing over her was Byakuya, who helped her stand up,
"..." Junko was silent.
"She's awake! You ok? You, uh… need anything?" Akane offered, looking concerned for Junko.
"Sorry to say, no more sleeping for you. It's time to kick your ass into high gear!" Fuyuhiko said sternly yet not mean.
"Huh…?" Junko asked, still trying to regain her wits.
"You… you were unconscious. I had to carry you back here. You weigh a bit more than you look, you know…" Kazuichi said, sweating "...Shit, I didn't mean it that way! Argh, just forget I said anything!" He panickly said.
"Ignoring that comment. I'm not surprised she was out cold like that… given what she saw." Nekomaru said, sympathizing with Junko.
"What… happened?" Junko asked her mind, trying to block out what she saw… only for her to remember, clear as day… the image of Mikan's dead body flashed in her head.
"Urk… Gah!" Junko clutches her stomach looking visibly ill.
"He-Hey you alright?" Akane asked concerned
"I-It wasn't… a hallucination… or a dream?" Junko asked weakly, "That… wasn't a joke… that was…. r-re-real…?" Junko asked.
"Well, duh! No shit it really happened. You have her blood on you, you know?" Hiyoko said cruelly, "Trash bitch… ugh! Mikan is dead! Capita D!"
"...!" Junko froze dead still.
"Despair… dark deep despair worked itself through my body, and exploded out violently. I started to run…"
Junko took off to run out of the Gym, only for Byakuya to grab hold of her arm.
"Where are you going?" He asked simply.
"MIKANS NOT– SHE CAN'T BE! I NEED TO SEE IT MYSELF! THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL MIKAN IS…! T-THAT MIKAN IS–...!" Junko shouted. Sorrow, anger, and sadness evident on her face.
Byakuya sighs and holds on firmly, "You can check as many times as you can. A thousand… ten thousand… thirty thousand. Mikan is irrevocably dead. I'm sorry Junko, but that's the truth."
"GODDAMMIT! I HAVE TO SEE FOR MYSELF!" Junko shouted as she started trying to fight Byakuya to make him let go. However he remained firm despite Junko's lashing out.
"Junko. What do you think is going to happen if you got back to her?" Byakuya asked, unphased by Junko's attacks on him.
"WHAT THE HELL GOOD ARE WE DOING JUST SITTING HERE YOU ASSHOLES?!" Junko screamed as she kept struggling.
"Junko… I understand. I understand this is hard for you. But you'll be doing Mikan a disservice if you don't get your head straight." Byakuya said both firmly, yet trying to remain as kind as possible.
Junko struggled for a bit more before slowly ceasing her lashing out on Byakuya… tears falling down from her face.
"Mikan… m-my best friend in the entire world… s-she's…" Junko hesitated. Still wanting to deny it as much as possible but… it can't be denied anymore "She's dead!" She finally shouted.
"Dead… Dead… Mikan's dead… saying that out loud, I finally… could accept that as fact…"
"N-N-None of us… r-really wanted to also be here now…" Chaiki said as her normal disposition was replaced with sadness and terror.
"Then… why?" Junko began to ask
"Monokuma. He told us to come here…" Mahiru said solemnly
"We protested it of course, but it wouldn't allow us a moment to even process Mikan's death." Byakuya said looking displeased, "The terrible price Mikan had to pay…" Byakuya sighs looking to the side, "However we have to go by what it wants for now. So I convinced everyone to come. Chiaki also helped out with that." Byakuya said.
"I-I thought… h-he would have… some more information… w-we can gleem" Chiaki said, breathing heavily, prompting Hajime to stroke her back
"Hey… easy now. Just remember what I said. Slow and steady breaths. In. And Out." Hajime said comforting to Chiaki. Trying to appear calm. Though it was easy to see he was trying his hardest to not freak out himself and barely managing.
"We are its prisoners. Defying it won't go well for us." Byakuya added, "We shouldn't incur more losses then we already have now." he said finishing as he losseens his grip on Junko.
"...Why should we listen to what he has to say for a damn moment?" Junko asked, "The shit killed Mikan, it's obvious!"
"I would never do that! If you can believe anything, you can believe that!" Monokuma said, suddenly appearing.
"Great… he's here again… thanks Blondie" Hiyoko said, looking less than pleased and directing her anger at Junko.
"Unless someone violates a school regulation, I absolutely will not interfere." Monokuma said, sounding agitated by Junko's remark, "I can promise you, I won't do anything that goes against the purpose of your school life here. I'm famous at safari parks throughout the world for following the 'Bear-Times-One' rule!" Monokuma said back to chuckling and giggling again.
"Then… Then… Who killed her?" Chiaki asked while trying to breathe deeply to keep herself calm and collected.
"You already know the answer!" Monokuma declared with a cruel smile "The one who killed Mikan Tsumiki…. is one of you!" Monokuma said loudly.
"Nobody had a answer for that…how can we? One of us…killed Mikan? Stupid! That's! That's- That's…."
"Hmm? What's the matter? You guys look like you're about to see a dove get shot up" Monokuma said inquisitively "Dont you remember what i told you when i explained the Graduation Clause?" He asked mockingly chuckling "One of you decided to kill Mikan so that you could graduate!" Monokuma laughed out loud "Someone's just being a good rule follower. There's nothing wrong with that at all!"
"Thats a lie right? T-Thats surely a lie…right?" Teruteru asked weakly
"OF FUCKING COURSE HE'S LYING! I'M TELLING YOU, HE GODDAM KILLED HER!" Junko screamed
"Nope, sorry banshee. One of you is now a bona fide killer" Monokuma simply stated "If they wanted to, the one who did it could testify to that little fact"
"STOP SCREWING WITH– …Wait, what?!" Junko asked, anger abating.
"I instantly looked around at everyone. They all had the same look on their faces. Everyone looked at each other with a combination of fear, suspension, and contusion… Just like on the first day here."
"A-A-Are you… serious…?" Chiaki asked, her breathing becoming erratic and panicky.
"Someone… killed someone here." Byakuya said looking displeased and sadden by that fact
"Its…morbidly interesting what some can be capable of…" Peko said pondering
"Hey, hold the fuck on! Dont believe that he's actually being honest with us all!" Fuyuhiko yelled.
"Shut it, baby boy." Hiyoko interrupted, "Before we do anything else, I'd like to confirm something with stuffing filled bear here. If one of us really did kill her, that person gets to graduate from this hell school, right?" Hiyoko asked
"...Huh?" Monokuma asked curiously.
"Don't play dumb, you robotic animal! That's what you said, isn't it?! If you kill someone, you get to leave!" Hiyoko pressed.
"Puhuhuhu! Puhuhuhu! Poohohoho!" Monokuma started cackling, "Bwahahahahaha!"
"...Eh? Why are you laughing?" Hiyoko asked, sweating nervously now.
"Puhu… it's cuz… Naive… You're just so naive!" Monokuma laughed, "You think it's really that easy? You can just kill somand waltz on outta here?" Monokuma asked.
"W-Well you made it sound like that!" Mahiru yelled.
"You're super naive! Devilishly naive! HELLISHLY NAIVE!" Monokuma yelled, looking agitated again, "No no no, the real thing has just begun."
"The… real thing?" Junko asked
"Are you ready!? Allow me to explain the second part of the rule regarding graduation!" Monokuma announced "Just like I explained before, you must kill someone if you want to leave. However… even if you do that, there's still one more part to the agreement you have to uphold, remember?" Monokuma asked.
"You're referring to rule six if the school regulations…" Peko said, "If you are the 'blackened' that committed the murder, you can't be found out by the other students. That's what you are going on about, correct?"
"Bingo! It's not enough to just kill someone. You have to actually get away with it!" Monokuma said, "Which naturally means you need a system in place to assess whether or not it's been gotten away with! So, after a certain amount of time after a murder has taken place, a class trial will begin!" Monokuma declared having an excited tone clashing with his angry looking stance.
"C-Class… t-trial?"
"Yup! It'll begin a few hours after the murder! Everyone will gather together, including the blackened who committed the murder. And they along with the spotless will all engage in one big debate showdown! During the trial, you'll have to present your arguments about who you think the blackened is. And once everything comes to an end, the outcome will be decided by popular vote! If the answer you've arrived at is correct… only the one that disturbed your peace will be punished. The rest may continue their communal life." Monokuma explains so far clearly, "However, if you choose poorly… then the one who got away with murder will survive, and the rest of you will receive punishment. Which of course means your school life will come to an end!" Monokuma added sinisterly, "As far as class trial rules go… that's all there is to it!" He finished.
"Uhm… I-Ibuki hates to ask… but uh… what exactly is this "punishment" you keep talking about…?" Ibuki asked tentatively.
"Oh! Well, to put it simply…" Monokuma said, drawing out his sentence "...It's execution!" Monokuma declared, grinning.
"E-Execution?!" Teruteru asked nearly choking
"B-B-By any chance do you mean… mean… m-mean…" Chiaki tries to speak… but fails to as she started to hyperventilate.
"Execution is… execution. Ex-e-cution!" Monokuma said, putting emphasis on his words, "Electric chair, buzzt buzzt! Poison gas, Cough cough! Torn apart like a paper plane in a hurricane!"
"So, to make sure we all understand… If we get our vote for the culprit correct, then only they die. But if we get it wrong… the rest of us get executed...?" Byakuya asked, looking as disturbed as the others. But attempting and fairly well at that to keep himself looking calm and collected.
"What a smart little chimpanzee you are! Look at you, implying you didn't do it without actually saying it!" Monokuma said in a mock praise, "But yeah, it's basically what the outside world calls a 'lay judge' system or an inquisition type thing! Which means you'll be deciding who you think the killer is. But judge carefully, because all your lives are on the line! Okay, let me just add the rule I just described to your handbook. Make sure to keep it in mind!" Monokuma said
*A new rule has been added to the handbook!*
"Now hold the fuck on!" Fuyuhiko yelled, "You're fucking insane you know?!"
"Hmm?" Monokuma looked inquisitively
"A class trial? What the hell?!" Fuyuhiko yelled "I won't have anything to do with it you bastard!"
"Why not?" Monokuma asked curiously
"What the hell do you mean 'why not'?! What the fuck is that supposed to mean?! Why do I have to waste my fuckin time with trying to figure out who murdered that bitch?!" Fuyuhiko yelled.
"TAKE THAT BACK YOU FUCKER!" Junko yelled.
"What?! Are you saying you're not gonna participate in the trial?! Only punishment awaits such blasphemy!" Monokuma yelled enraged, "I might… I dunno, tie you to a pole and pelt you with a bunch of baseballs, or something!"
"Shut up, you creep! Say whatever you want! I'm done with this!" Fuyuhiko said, turning his back to Monokuma.
"Don't be selfish!" Monokuma yelled.
"You're the selfish asshole! Kill whoever you want, it has nothing to do with me!" Fuyuhiko snaps.
"The evil standing Before me… I'm trembling with fear…! But I won't give into such evil! Its my style to stick it out and resist till the very end…!" Monokuma declared, "If you really want outta here… you'll have to go through me first!" Monokuma yelled claws out.
"As he said that, he came charging… Ok that's being way too charitable. Waddling at us? Yeah, that's much more appropriate. But then…"
Crash! Thunk!
"Gyumeh!" Monokuma yelled, pinned down by Fuyuhiko's foot.
"Ha! Not so tough when you can't move now huh?" Fuyuhiko said smugly with a grin on his face, "That puts you in your place!" Fuyuhiko then turns to everyone else, "Well? What are you all waiting for?! Let's tie the bastard up! If he can't move or get destroyed then another wont show up!" Fuyuhiko reasoned.
"Y-Yeah! That could work! But someone would have to keep him pinned so he can't escape and punish us…" Hiyoko said nervously while trying to smile smugly as well.
"Dammit you're right… I guess I'll-"
"I'll do it!" Komaru said.
"Huh?" Fuyuhiko asked, looking up at Komaru who approached him.
"I'm the Ultimate Soldier so… I can keep him pinned and restrained while you all get rope and a chair." Komaru said.
"Hm… well alright. Just let me…" Fuyuhiko presses his foot against Monokuma harshly
"Gahh! Aahhh!" Monokuma cries out. Sounding like he was in pain or something.
"Ha! I needed that stress relief! Alright, you keep him down Komaru." Fuyuhiko said, stepping off Monokuma as Komaru slammed her foot down onto Monokumas body.
"Well? Are you enjoying yourself now?!" Komaru asked with a smirk.
"Are you all?" Monokuma asked the pained noises he was making suddenly gone, "Violence against Headmaster Monokuma is not allowed. You and that Fuyuhiko guy violated school regulations… but seeing as my own personal code says I can only punish one violator at a time… Heh! Nice knowing ya, sissy. I invoke the mighty summon spell! Help! To me, godly spear Gungnir!" Monokuma yelled out.
Suddenly out of nowhere, several spears each from different directions came out from the floor… all pointing towards where Komaru is… and in just a split second, all of them impaled her.
"Haaaah…!" Komaru gasps for air as her body starts to twitch blood coming out her mouth and every part of her body.
"W-Wha… what…?" She asked, not fully processing what happened, "T-This wasn't… I..." she spoke words slurred and lacking any emotion… until…
"H-Heh… Heheheheheheheh… So this is what it feels like..." Komaru… laughed? As she grasps one of the spears impaling her.
"T-this… is despair." Komaru spoke…the light in her eyes… fading…
"Suddenly, right at the end, her eyes shot open… and… and… and… s-she… never moved again…"
"W-Wha?!" Akane asked, holding her mouth with her hands eyes wide in disbelief.
"I-I-I-I-" Chiaki tried to speak, stammering words from the normally talkative girl, gone before she just… sat down and started to hyperventilate faster than before while rocking on the floor.
"N-No way… this… wha?" Hiyoko asked similarly at a full loss for all words. Not even
"WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUU?!" Teruteru yelled
"BLLUPBLUPBLUPBLUPBLUP-!" Ibuki foamed at the mouth, unable to speak.
"Now I am painfully aware of the great power and meaning of a promise… I really wanted to keep a corpse from popping up for no good reason, ya know?" Monokuma said pissed, "But I guess you all needed to be taught a lesson after all. Ahh, what an amazing promise… Although…" Monokuma said, chuckling before pausing and looking at Fuyuhiko dead in his eyes, "By the rules you should also similarly be punished as well, considering you started it." Monokuma said threateningly as Peko stood in front of Fuyuhiko who was frozen in fear, "But since I managed to let off a little steam, and I would like to not have to off another student, I'll consider Komaru's punishment as a full stand in for your own~! Technically speaking, that does mean you killed her instead of me." Monokuma said, staring straight at Fuyuhiko.
"W-What d-do you mean?!" Fuyuhiko asked
"Well Komaru got herself involved because of your rebellion. You caused her to rally to you in your revolt and take your spot in trying to hold me captive… her blood is on your hands, Kuzuryu." Monokuma stated firmly with a deafening finality in his voice.
"Wha… No… I didn't…" Fuyuhiko stutters at a full utter loss of all words.
"It's a good thing it's only one murderer per trial, otherwise it'd be a warp for you! AH-HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Monokuma cackled, "That said, you guys understand now, right? Now you see just how serious I am… Defy me and you get shot full of holes, exploded, buried alive, disintegrated… et cetera. So if you don't want this to happen to you, you'd best obey those school regulations!" Monokuma stated plainly for all to understand clearly.
"Komarus body… it's… full of spears all sticking out of her body… like… like… oh god, the blood is rushing out of her body forming a puddle! I… I… Oh god… oh god… oh god…! I've read about it… seen it in games and shows and such b-but… this is the first i ever seen in real life… the very moment someone's life came to an end. D-discounting Mikan who was dead when I found her… even if we wanted too, we couldn't deny what we've seen. Komaru, who had just a second ago had been… our acquaintance… she could've been a friend to some… but she was dead. She'd died. She'd been murdered… Wait, why am I paraphrasing?! THIS WAS A HUMAN BEING'S DEATH!"
"It's really not all that shocking. She just died, that's all. Just went and died. It's no more remarkable than the inevitable demise of the entire human race. Just as natural as the eventual end of the world itself. This isn't some superhero comic. So it's not like when you die, you didn't *really* die. This is reality!" Monokuma cackled.
"...Why did you have to kill her? Especially like that. Didn't you say you would have done something involving baseballs at least to Fuyuhiko?" Byakuya asked directly.
"I changed my mind. Due to circumstances." Monokuma said, facing away.
"No. You've been wanting to kill this entire time. Komaru was just an easy convenient target for you." Byakuya stated.
"Kill this entire time…? Don't be silly, you can't kill time!" Monokuma said, "Or are you being metaphorical? Are you saying I wanted to waste time this whole time? Come on, what do you take me for?! I'm Monokuma!" He yelled angrily, "Anyways, none of that matters right now. I have something I'd like to give you to help you in your search for the blackened!" Monokuma said pulling at a black looking card of some kind. With a gray button and orange-ish red on the bottom left corner near it, "It's the Monokuma File!" Monokuma said grinning, "I mean, naturally you guys aren't experts on investigating murders, so you can only do so much with a corpse. So instead, I've gathered up everything I know about the circumstances and cause of death! I know what you're thinking. How do I know the cause of death?"
"No one was going to ask that." Hajime curtly responded while trying to give Chiaki comfort.
"Cuz the surveillance cameras picked up the whole thing! I got to see it all go down!" Monokuma said gingerly.
"Wait so you know who killed Mikan?" Byakuya asked immediately
"Of course I do! If I didn't, I couldn't possibly pass a fair judgment and an accurate one at that during the trial, now can I?" Monokuma chuckled.
"YOU BASTARD! TELL US WHO TOOK MIKAN AWAY FROM ME!" Junko screamed as she ran to Monokuma… or tried to. Byakuya cut that attempt immediately, holding her tight.
"That's a fair point I suppose. The judge has to be able to make the proper decision. Comforting in an odd way." Byakuya said before leaning on Junko, "I know you want to find justice for your friend… but you've seen what happened to Komaru. And Fuyuhiko, in terms of mental stability... You can't avenge Mikan if you're dead, unstable, or worse… Just play by its rules for now. Ok?" Byakuya whispered.
"Tch…" Junko spat… but relented.
"Now then, please put your full effort behind your investigation!" Monokuma said in a cutesy pose, "After all, you don't have any choice but to give it your best shot! Have I made that clear to you yet? Well, haven't I?! …You know what, don't answer that. Okay, so we'll meet up for the class trial… in a little while!" Monokuma finished sinking into the ground.
"And with that, Monokuma disappeared once again. He left us stunned, confused… ANGRY! …Ahem! And at a total loss. He left Komaru's dead body growing colder right in front of us. And… we didn't say a word… for god knows how long… The fact that both Mikan and now Komaru were dead was a huge shock of course for everyone. But there was more to it than that obviously… it was the idea that one of us actually had murdered someone… and that if we didn't figure out who it was somehow, we would all, except the killer, die here. We'd found ourselves in a situation where looking at one another with suspicion was the only sane thing to do right now. The worst possible situation imaginable. And yet, even in such a perversely terrible situation…he didn't show the slightest hint that it gotten to him."
"Still wallowing in your own depression now?" Byakuya asked disapprovingly, "The worst thing we can do right now, for Mikan and Komaru, is to lose all faith in each other." He stated to everyone "That would lead to the same result as having total faith in everyone else, as unfortunate as it may sound."
"Huh?" Hiyoko asked nervously.
"Cooperation is key here now. No… Essential. Who you decide to trust or not trust is, of course, up to you." Byakuya explained.
"Continuing to think about the deceased isn't going to help at all." Peko stated.
"Ugh! S-Saying that stuff is just–!" Akane began saying, agitated.
"How many times have I told you? Anyone who can't adapt will die!" Hiyoko snaps, anger & frustration replacing fear & nervousness, "Do you need more evidence? The trashy pig Mikan didn't adapt, nor did Komaru despite being a supposed 'Ultimate Soldier', and now they're dead! Death is the only thing awaiting those who are unwilling, unable, and cannot adapt, period!" Hiyoko explained, "They only have themselves to blame for being dead." Hiyoko smirked.
"Jeez! I know you seem to have a sucky life but that's way too far!" Akane shouted as she was getting sick to her stomach of Hiyoko's attitude.
"Hiyoko's words were fueling my hatred for that banana haired bitch even more than I've had for… anyone, ever! My fists were clenched so hard, I could feel my own nails threatening to pierce the skin of my palms. But luckily for her, and my sanity…"
"Right now. Our main priority is exposing the killer. No matter what. If we don't we'll all die and they'll get loose." Byakuya said before Junko or anyone else would lose what little restraint they had left.
"...Ugh he's right. We gotta begin our search right away." Hiyoko said, annoyed while crossing her arms.
"Either way, turning away from this situation is something we cannot do! WE! MUST! MOVE! FORWARD!" Nekomaru shouted to get everyone's spirits up.
"We just hafta do it? Fine i guess…" Akane said annoyed, "Not much choice otherwise, is there?"
"I won't let someone kill me. No way in hell absolutely!" Hiyoko said with determination "Let's do this, dammit!"
"We just… have to do it. Everyone is repeating that sentiment. Me most of all… We were using it as a mantra… or battle cry? To give ourselves strength. They're right. We have to do this… No matter how much I… or any of us don't want to, we have no choice, really. If that's what it takes to survive, and that's what we have to do… Come… hell… or… high… water… On top of that, there is something I needed to find out, actually… I… I need to know why Mikan had to die…! Why did she have to be the one?! I'm… I'm terrified of what I'll find… but I need to… I deserve to know. Otherwise I sure as hell will never accept her death. Which is why… I don't and won't give myself any other option! I have to do this!
Junko takes a moment to calm down. Breathe. And relax. Hard as it was, she needed to do that. After she looked at Komarus lifeless body…
"It's… stupid. It's obvious, but… I have to… I… placed my hand on Komaru's lifeless body… I touched her wrist… checking for a pulse like Mikan taught me, she taught me a lot of medicine, but…"
"...Yup. She's really dead…" Junko said.
"She was gone. I knew it already but… I also didn't want to accept it… like how I didn't want to accept it with Mikan…"
"Did your brain travel to your boobs?! Why even bother checking what's obvious?" Hiyoko asked, "Losing so much blood and those injuries… if she had survived I'd rethink my entire world view on everything."
"AHHHHHH!" Kazuichi cried out, "STOP IT STOP IT AAAAAAAA! PLEASE NO MORE!" Kazuichi begged, pulling his hat over his eyes as he panicked, "Why did this have to be real? Why did this have to be real?!" Kazuichi asked in a state of uncontrollable panic, "Someone save me please!"
"..." Mahiru just looked at him and at Komaru silently… Only one of them had her pity. The other… her sorrow.
"Hmm…" Hiyoko said looking at the file, "Well, this is interesting~" Hiyoko playfully said.
"What's interesting?" Peko asked.
"Looking at the file we received… I noticed something very obvious and unusual." Hiyoko stated
"And what's that?" Hajime asked.
"Go ahead, take a look. Use your own two eyes for once, trash! See anything interesting about where Mikan died?" Hiyoko asked, "She died in Junko's dorm."
"Wait… yeah, it does say that!" Akane said surprised.
"Could… that actually mean…?" Teruteru chimes in as he stares at Junko.
"Just as he stared at me… so did most of, if not everyone else… I-I didn't even process that… she died in my room… MY ROOM! That means of course I'm prime suspect number one!"
"I-I would never– I would never hurt Mikan!" Junko yelled defensively, "We traded rooms for a night… she stayed in my room and I stayed in hers… because she wanted my help over something that was causing her fear!"
"I…You might be telling the truth… but you could also be lying…" Mahiru said uncomfortably, "Are you really being honest?"
"Everyone's eyes seemed to have done a complete 180 from just a few minutes ago… The feeling of suspension was now on me… I… I… Y-YOU ALL THINK I DID IT?!"
"Are you all done ganging up on each other? We need to begin our investigation soon. At this point, we need to split up." Byakuya said, "We have to find out who killed Mikan. We'll collect clues and form a foundation, then make a constructive argument to come to a final decision. If we get it wrong because we went with our emotions… well, need i say more?"
"I'd rather not but… fine…" Teruteru reluctantly agreed.
"Good luck, all of you." Byakuya said leaving
"With that, he left the gym with… surprising speed for someone of his size."
"I'm also going…" Hiyoko said.
"And just like Byakuya, she also left before we had time to say anything…"
"Ugh… we should probably have someone guard the crime scene…" Fuyuhiko said, trying to act calm and collected again.
"True…" Nekomaru nodded
"Hey killer! If you're here, know that if you're thinking about destroying any evidence… Then you better be prepared to not be found! Else the trial will be skipped with a premature punishment given by me!" Fuyuhiko warned, though his eyes are mostly fixed on Junko.
"Letting his deadly words hang in the air, he, Nekomaru and Peko ran off."
"But… I mean, we're not detectives or stuff, y'know? And we have to investigate a murder?" Akane asked, not sure how they'll pull it off.
"I mean… it's possible the killer that took Mikan's life is right in front of us…" Mahiru gestured to Junko.
"What are you–" Junko tried to asked
"I'm not saying I believe that 100%, but… it's highly likely you did it…" Mahiru stated.
"I'm telling you I didn't do it!" Junko said, agitated.
"Save it for the trial, will ya…? Either way, I don't want to be victim number 3, so… I'll be leaving…" Mahiru said.
"Hey, you just said you're not certain! Why are you acting like you are certain she did it?!" Akane asked, confused.
"I mean I agree with both of you ladies… checking should at least be our first priority…" Teruteru responded.
"I wouldn't… be much useful for an investigation… at least if it's not on my own…" Mahiru said, twiddling with her hair.
"Why must you be alone?" Nagito asked
"I… I just am bad with groups…. I work better on my own…" Mahiru stated quickly.
"Well, I suppose that makes sense. I don't think we were expecting much of you anyways, given your current track record so far." Nagito said in a friendly way despite how… non friendly his words were, "I should go myself." Nagito said leaving.
"You're not gonna even hear my side of the story?!" Junko asked.
"Ugh, dammit! They already left… fucking pointless. As for their looks as they left… Even those who seemed to at least be partially on my side were all full of suspension at best, or accusation as worse… Do they… really think I'd kill her? How… How did it turn out like this? Why? What did I do wrong to deserve this?!"
"Goddamit, why do they all suspect me?!" Junko yelled out mostly to herself…
"I have to do something! Otherwise, well…"
"Execution is…execution. Ex-e-cution!" Monokuma said, putting emphasis on his words "Electric chair, buzzt buzzt! Poison gas, Cough cough! Torn apart like a paper plane in a hurricane!"
"I can't… I won't let that happen! I can't let Monokuma win! I just… need to find out who really did it. Yeah… simple… completely simple… Who really… killed Mikan?!"
Investigation start!
"I need to look through this Monokuma file we got so I can get a good grasp of the crime."
Junko pulls out the file and goes through it.
"The victim was Mikan Tsumiki. The time of death is estimated to be around 1:30 A.M. The body was discovered in Junko's room, in the dormitory. All evidence suggests that the death took place in the bathroom. The cause of death was a stab wound to the abdomen. There was also a injury to her right wrist. Specifically, the wrist appears to have suffered a fracture and a deep slash."
"We… have no choice, and honestly we can't give ourselves any other choice but to push forward if we want to find out what happened."
"Somehow, someway, I have to find the truth. So we can survive… A-And… for Mikan… I have to find out how she was killed!" Junko said, determined, holding a fist to her chest.
Junko decided to check on Hajime and Chiaki first to see if they have some idea… and really… just to check on them.
"H-Hey Hajime… h-how's she… holding up?" Junko asked.
"Not well… but she's breathing deeply now rather than erratically so it's something… she may need a bit to recover." Hajime replied as he stroked Chiaki, who was still rocking back and forth as she breathed heavily.
"Alright. I… I hate to ask especially with her like this, but it's for the investigation…" Junko said.
"We… don't have any clues if that's what you were going to ask, sorry." Hajime interrupted, "All we know is that we came into your dorm after hearing your scream and saw you passed out holding Mikan's body. We… didn't really search around. But for what it's worth… I personally don't think you're the killer. And… I'm positive she doesn't either" Hajime replied, attempting to give a reassuring smile as he tended to Chiaki.
"Thanks… Just stay with her for now till she's good, okay?" Junko asked as she went to Kazuichi. He…was a mess. It wouldn't be worth trying to talk to him. So Junko just left the gym.
"First things first. I need to head to the crime scene: My room… Not gonna make any progress without at least giving it a thorough search."
Junko began heading off to her dorm. Walking past the hallway and into the dorms.
"Heading to my room, where Mikan's corpse still remained…"
Once inside, Junko was given the stink eye by Fuyuhiko while Nekomaru and Peko stood around as well to ensure no one messed with the crime scene. Byakuya was also nearby. Investigating the busted down door
"Alright. Now to actually examine my room. Ugh, as much as I hate to say it… thank god I have that other talent. For what it's worth, I should be able to figure a few things out."
Junko went over to her bed to investigate it first. As she began checking it, she noticed the Lint roller was moved.
"Eh? I definitely haven't used that yet. Wasn't dirty enough here to justify wasting it... Did Mikan decide to clean up a bit? I suppose it would make sense but…'
Deciding to leave it for now, Junko turned and looked at the sword on the ground.
"That's the replica sword I brought back alright… But it's missing almost all of its golden coating now… and it's been unsheathed. Was it… used against her…?"
Looking sideways from the sword, Junko spots her key.
"The key I gave to Mikan for the switch. Mikan had my key and I had hers… But then how the heck did the killer get inside?! Maybe Mikan forgot to lock the door– No! Don't be stupid…"
"I will be! As long as you don't open the door for anyone. No matter who it is." Junko firmly said.
"As much as I hate to say it… even if I knew 1000% it was you, I won't open it. Switching would be kinda moot at that point." Mikan nodded in agreement.
"Mikan knew I'd have a fit if she forgot. And she's not that careless to forget in the first place, nor open the door without a damn good ass reason. That also rules out the key being taken from her dropping it or whatever, as she was in the room with me when I gave her the key. So how on earth did the killer…?"
Junko went over to the drawer checking inside. The sewing kit inside was still wrapped and hadn't shown signs of use.
"Been meaning to do something with this. Never got the chance to because well… everything that's been happening, along with hanging out with the others."
"You haven't open your kit either?" Fuyuhiko asked
"Yeah, I was planning to use it for… Something nice but never found the time." Junko said
"Hm…No one else seemed to have opened their kits either… Me and the other guys haven't opened up our Toolkits… and Peko told me that, as far as she knows, none of the girls opened their Sewing kits."
Junko nodded. That's comforting at least. Investigating around some more she took in the damages done to her bed, floor, and wall in her room.
"Evidence of a struggle most likely…" Junko murmurs.
"That definitely means whoever killed Mikan didn't have an easy time of it… Mikan actually fought her killer… Great job Mikan… I… I am so proud of you… I'm… I'm sorry I…"
"Fuck these soundproof rooms…" Junko cursed
"I agree… it seems this was intentional as to prevent anyone from intervening." Peko said
"That's hard to understand… because the locked dorm doors made specifically to not be able to be busted open suggested he wouldn't like murder in your sleep." Junko retorted.
"You're assuming the likes and dislikes of a homicidal robotic bear one who likes to speak in contradictions and omissions so far." Peko stated simply.
"...Fair point." Junko nods.
Junko then looked at her bathroom door and went to check it out. But stopped by near Fuyuhiko who seemed to be in thought. As he noticed Junko near him he looked at her with… a less accusatory look.
"You know, while guarding the evidence it just struck me. The killer could've spent the night destroying the evidence before anyone found the body." Fuyuhiko mentioned, "There's a trash room they could've used for most of the shit here."
"They probably put one or two things there…" Junko replied
"Tch… the dirty shit. Though, not a thorough one." Fuyuhiko mentioned, "You strike me as someone who'd be thorough, so… perhaps you may not have done it. Or you could've been really stupid." Fuyuhiko said before going on watch.
"I… guess I should be happy he's mixed rather than fully against me now…?"
Junko walked past him and went to her bathroom door, seeing Byakuya standing by.
"Hey Byakuya." Junko called.
"I called out trying to force something to look like a smile, but…"
"What do you need?" Byakuya asked in a simple, slightly curtly manner.
"What are you doing?" Junko asked.
"Investigation, of course." Byakuya simply said
"He seems busy investigating each inch of my room. I probably should leave him be for now. However, he did stand up and looked at me."
"Junko. Pardon the crass way this may sound but… Are you what one would call… a clean-freak?" He asked
"Huh? Well… not particularly. Sure I clean regularly, being a Fashionista and all. But I don't do it religiously. Though I do admit that I probably should be cleaning my room… It's been almost a week now." Junko mumbled disapprovingly.
"Interesting… so you haven't used the lint roller for nearly a week?" Byakuya inquired.
"Huh? No. Why do you ask?" Junko asked
"Because looking around… there isn't a single strand of hair or dust around in your room." Byakuya informed
"Really?" Junko asked, a little intrigued.
"No hair from the victim, or even you." Byakuya confirmed, "And you've been living here for a while."
"Now that you said it… I noticed that my lint roller was lower than when I last saw it. I thought Mikan may have used it… but would the killer actually…?" Junko asked curiously.
"Very possible. It's possible who killed Mikan used the lint roller to clean all the hair up. Though we can't discount that perhaps Mikan used it either." Byakuya concluded
"Meaning someone really did come in here and clean up…" Junko said uncomfortable about that fact.
Seeing as Byakuya would be busy near the bathroom door, Junko decided to look around a bit more in her room. And looked at the sheath of the replica sword
"There's definitely scratches there. Something sharp. Perhaps nails or a knife? But how? Even using the sword, as impractical as it is, you'd rather unsheathed it, no? Unless you're Peko and can turn a Bamboo sword deadly."
Junko the checked on Byakuya who seemed less busy near the bathroom door. Meaning Junko could go in without disturbing him much.
"The bathroom… and on the other side… i… NO! I… I can't let it get to me… I can't afford to freeze up now! Not here…! Pushing my panic and sickness down, I forced myself into the bathroom."
Junko enters the bathroom, again seeing… Mikan's dead body.
"Looking at her… my vision was swimming some… but I forced myself to remain alert. It's clear this wasn't a dream… like I need more proof… She had lost everything that made her… 'her'..."
"M-Mikan…" Junko utters fighting a sob.
"I… I tried not to but… but… I couldn't… I-I just couldn't, ok?! Dizziness, nausea, and tears falling from my eyes… But… No, I can't hesitate now… Why? Why did Mikan have to die? I have to find out, and uncover the truth! I would just rather collapse and hug her and cry? But… Byakuya's words resonated in my head. Keeping me up and making me find some courage to persevere."
Junko stared at Mikan's body for a while..
Before sighing, "It's hard to do this… but… can't think like that now, can we?" Junko asked herself.
"I pulled out the Monokuma file to verify what it said about her body was true."
"Ok so… there's definitely a sharp object, I think… no, that's definitely a knife in her stomach. That must've been what killed her… but where'd they even get that knife from? Need to look into that…"
"Putting the file away, I looked at her hands… they're covered in gold coating from the sword. And there's a slash on her right wrist. From the knife, no doubt. And her left hand was mostly covered in blood… patchy on the palms, but more prominent on the index finger. The stab in her stomach killed her, meaning the damage to her wrist was before that. The killer attacked, Mikan defended herself. And after getting disarmed, she was cornered in the bathroom… and killed there."
Junko takes a deep breath to steady herself. Before taking note of something on the wall that was… intriguing.
"Wha?" Junko asked aloud confused
"Written on the wall in blood… were the numbers… 8 9 25 15 11 15. Mikan definitely wrote this… I guess with her blood… ugh."
Just as Junko went to look around elsewhere in the bathroom for any other clue she noticed something hidden near Mikan's left hand… like it was stuff there… Junko bends down. And with a bit of effort, took it out…
"This…is some fabric of some kind…cloth, maybe? But to what? Mikan must've rip this from the attacker's shirt or something…"
Taking the cloth, Junko does a quick last scan of the bathroom and exits.
"So. You saw it too, Junko?" Byakuya asked, "The bloody numbers. Which must be Mikan's dying message."
"Seeing something written in blood is… not something i thought I'd ever see… like she used her own life to write the message…" Junko murmurs.
"Were you a poet before becoming a Fashionista?" Byakuya lightly jokes.
"Eh… I read a lot of poems. Still… 8 9 25 15 11 15…? I can't think of what that could mean at the moment…" Junko said.
"The way she wrote the numbers and how her body is positioned makes me believe she wanted them to not be seen. To avoid her killer seeing them… by turning only her hand toward the wall. You know how that would end?" Byakuya asked.
"Uhhh… not comfortable, I guess?" Junko replied, confused.
"That and something else." Byakuya mentioned.
"...You lost me." Junko stated
Byakuya mutters something to himself before looking Junko in the eyes.
"You'll need to figure that part out on your own… otherwise you'll only finish this case in denial." Byakuya said
"Gee, cryptic much? Ugh, fine. I'll try to figure that out myself if you're not gonna spill it. Byakuya seems to have a idea what the numbers could mean… or at least why Mikan tried to hide them. But honestly, I'm drawing a blank right now. Perhaps the Ultimate Gamer would know? Assuming she's gonna be well enough to help out when I need it."
"Another question Junko. Why would someone come up and break down your door?" Byakuya asked
"Honestly, no clue… it's not like it was locked, that's for sure." Junko said.
"How would you know that?" Byakuya asked immediately.
"Oh, well because the lock is… or I guess it was busted. It wouldn't lock. Oh sure, you could click it… but then it'd unclicked the second the knob turned." Junko explained, "Had to use that old trick of holding it close to keep it locked at all…" Junko rolled her eyes. She still finds that ridiculous.
"Then… that makes a piece of evidence quite out of place." Byakuya said
"Huh?" Junko asked.
"Look for yourself on the floor."
Junko looked down at the floor near the door. And sees… a screw… and a needle and thread?
"Eh? Someone tried to unscrew the doorknob?" Junko asked, confused as she looked at the needle and thread and picked it up, "Weird… where'd someone get a needle and thread from? And even use it for?" Junko asked before the realization hit her, "Wait… you dont think…?" Junko asked.
"It's highly probable. Though also likely not. For now it should be considered. Alongside the heel embedded in your door." Byakuya added.
Junko looked confused and looked at the fallen door. Sure enough, there was a heel embedded into it. The rest of the shoe it would be with was missing. But the heel was firmly stuck there.
"Jeez. So someone must've kicked the door down then…" Junko mutters
"Hm… one more question. Did you tell anyone else about the issue with your door lock?" Byakuya asked
"Mikan, and that's it. When we switched rooms, I told her about that just in case." Junko informed him.
"So only you and Mikan knew? Interesting…" Byakuya stated.
"He thinks to himself. Likely going over the evidence we've seen so far. "
"That clears it up. Goodbye Junko… for now" Byakuya said.
"He left my room heading elsewhere. I guess I should as well. I looked as thoroughly as possible around my room best to search other areas, find where the knife came from, check the trash room for anything thrown away, check for alibis of course… A-And… I suppose I'll look at the DvD in Mikan's trash… she's dead now, so… if I want to know that badly… gotta look at it myself."
Leaving her room Junko closed the door… and spotted something curious.
"What the?! That's my room! I know for a fact it is… so why is Mikan's nameplate on the door?!"
Junko checked Mikan's door and…
"Same thing! My nameplates on Mikan's door! Why the fuck did I not see that when I walked in?"
"So the nameplates for our doors were switched? What would be the purpose of that?!" Junko asked, confused.
"Surely not to make us think the murder happened in her room. Because Monokuma seems to know it was in my room, so…"
Junko looked at the nameplates confused before deciding to head to the trashroom. Turning to face the door which was green with a blue trash can and garbage bag inside said trash can picture on it. Junko opens the door and enters. Inside she could see a trash bin, a furnace and other things far back... Blocked off by a gate
"Great… a gate. The same type that blocks off moving to the second floor..."
Soon Monokuma pops up, "It's the end of the line. The trash room… this is where all the trash in the school eventually winds up."
"Well then, how the heck do I get inside?" Junko asked incredulously.
"No no no! No entry beyond this point! Only the person on cleaning duty is allowed in!" Monokuma said
"Cleaning duty… what?" Junko asked
"No no no! No entry beyond this point! Only the person on cleaning duty is allowed in!" Monokuma repeated.
"You just said that. Who is on cleaning duty?!" Junko asked, getting frustrated
"No no no! No entry beyond this point! Only the person on cleaning duty is allowed in!" Monokuma repeated again like it was a recording.
"Ugh, fuck it! I'll just ask someone!" Junko threw her arms up and walked away.
"No no no! No entry beyond this point! Only the person on cleaning duty is allowed in!" Monokuma said again… only disappearing when he (finally) noticed Junko was ignoring him.
"Sweet god, that was grating…" Junko sighs, checking around for a bit. Only spotting some kind of door hatch. It wouldn't budge. However she got another coin with a Monokuma face on it, for whatever good that does her… She then leaves the trashroom.
She headed back to her room where she saw Hiyoko, "Hey Hiyoko, know anyone who might be on trash duty?"
"Huh? Oh that. Asked the pervert. He's more knowledgeable about that than me." Hiyoko curtly replied.
Junko nodded and went over to Teruteru who was outside his room, "Hey Teruteru, know anything about cleaning duty?"
"Hm? Cleaning duty? Why yes I do~" Teruteru said smiling "It's apparently a duty 'one person each day gets to keep trash from piling up' sort of rule. Why do you ask?"
"I need to get inside the room to look for evidence." Junko said.
"Hm… Sure, I can get you in~ But you'll have to also let me teach you about what you'll be doing there when it's your turn~" Teruteru said.
"Fine…" Junko rolled her eyes
"Seriously dude? We're on the clock, you know?!"
"Hey wait… Why isn't it open all the time?" Hiyoko asked.
"It would be more convenient… but remember, the blackned is encouraged to hide their crime." Junko said.
"Oh yeah, it'd take the thrill of this game out. It'd be totally boring." Hiyoko nodded
"E-Eh?! Thrill?! Boring?! The fuck?!" Junko asked, bewildered by Hiyoko's statement.
"Anyways, why do you have the key pervert? Why so eager for cleaning?!" Hiyoko asked aggressively.
"O-Oh i just wanted to help out… M-Mama didn't raise a dirty boy." Teruteru nervously said
"Fat chance, liar! You did it so you can dig through girls' trash like the pervert you are!" Hiyoko declared.
"I-I didn't choose it for that! I would never do that! I may like voluptuous women, or occasionally the male~ What? My tastes are open for all~ But I wouldn't do something that rancid!" Teruteru said offended by the idea.
"Surprisingly… pretty decent from you…" Junko mutters
Junko follows Teruteru to the trashroom and enters inside.
"You'd like for me to open the gate, right~?" Teruteru asked, "Though… hmhmhm… You know, when I look at it, it makes me think… Hm, nevermind actually." Teruteru said.
"I don't even want to know what he was thinking… Ugh, anyways! Teruteru pulled a key out of his pocket and used it to flip the switch next to the gate, opening it for us."
The two went to the furnace where Teruteru stood in front of it as he told Junko how it works.
"Oh god, he was serious… DUDE! WE HAVE OUR LIVES ON THE DAMM LINE!"
"...Along with the various valves here and there… there's the furnace itself. It works with a green and orange button. Green turns it off and orange turns it on." Teruteru explained
"...Wait, what? Shouldn't it be the other way around?"
Teruteru then pressed the orange button causing the furnace to come to life. As the fire rises up, Junko… smelt something.
"Do you smell that?" Junko asked.
"Huh?" Teruteru sniffs, "Wait…that smells like…"
"SOMETHING'S BURNING!" Junko yelled and quickly smashed the green button. The fire slowly dies as Junko goes to the furnace. Unfortunately it was too hot for her.
"Let me do it. I'm used to the heat and I have something to fish out whatever's in there." Teruteru said, grabbing a long spatula as he went to the furnace and stuck the spatula in there. Lifting something up and tossing it onto the floor. Quickly, both he and Junko stomped out whatever fire was on it, but…
"Ugh, it's nearly burnt to a crisp…"
"Wait… that's a shirt! Or, well… was one." Teruteru pointed out.
"Huh? Then… someone put their shirt into the furnace? Wait… you think the killer did that?" Junko asked.
"If they did… then I just burned conclusive evidence! AAHHHHHHHH!" Teruteru screamed.
"Well… it's burnt nearly beyond recognition. But there's still some blood on it, so that's worth something at least."
After that fiasco, Teruteru just stood near the corner freaking out as Junko investigated the furnace. Mainly around it for anything else. She then spots something.
"Hmm?" Junko picks up the item… it looked like a long, fairly wooden stick. As she moved it, it unfolded showing it was a fan of some kind.
"Huh… a traditional fan? Wait… it looks cut! Torn in the middle… and since it was near the furnace… Hm… best take it with me."
Not finding much else, Junko and Teruteru left the trashroom. Junko was gonna head to Mikan's room, but…
"Perhaps I should check in the dining hall. Need to find if that knife is where I suspect it to be from…"
Junko headed into the dining hall where Akane was sitting down.
"Oh, Akane… Were you investigating here?" Junko asked
"Oh no, I was taking a lunch break. I'll get back to it after I eat!" Akane said food in her mouth.
"Well… at least it'd be a short break at the rate you're going through that food.." Junko said as she headed into the kitchen and looked around it was the first time she was in here. Fruits, Veggies, Meats and more. Whatever one would need they could find in abundance. Junko turned her gaze to the knife set on the wall
"I knew it. One of the knives is missing. Meaning the knife in Mikan… is from here…"
Junko left the kitchen and went back to Akane, who'd look like she'd be the best to answer… maybe… hopefully.
"Hey Akane… did you know one of the kitchen knives is missing?" Junko asked
"Oh yeah, I noticed after last night while I was here with Nekomaru." Akane said.
"...Why were you here with Nekomaru last night?" Junko asked.
"Reasons. Mainly tea. And when I went to get some food I noticed one of the knives was gone. Didn't think much of it." Akane shrugged
"Well it became a big thing to think about now… but at least you can say I didn't come here last night, meaning I didn't take the knife and use it!"
"Yo, I… Real quick… Are you truly not Mikan's killer?" Akane asked.
"W-Wha? No the fuck I'm not!" Junko yelled
"Woah, easy! Sorry, it's just… a friend killing another friend isn't uncommon… at least stories about it aren't where I grew up at." Akane said carefully.
"..." Junko just left silently, heading to Mikan's room and opening the door. Where she headed to the trash can.
"Yep, still there."
"Mikan got really freaked out and upset seeing whatever the hell was on that video."
"Ugh… I should at least check it out. At most, it may give me an idea of what made her so upset."
"I'm… God, I'm so sorry Mikan… I need to know…" Junko said softly while taking the DVD.
As Junko heads out into the hallway she sees Hajime and Chiaki entering out the main hall. Junko ran up to them.
"Hey Hajime, hey Chiaki!" Junko smiles
"Oh hey… what's up?" Hajime asked, smiling a little.
"How's it going?" Junko asked.
"C-Could be better… but… I'm better than… I was before…" Chiaki said softly.
"Hey just… take your time alright? Oh…uhm…I'd like to ask you something if that's alright…." Junko said nervously
"Oh it's fine! W-What do you need?" Chiaki asked trying to smile.
"Do the numbers 8 9 25 15 11 15 mean anything to you?" Junko asked
Chiaki thinks for a moment and shakes her head sadly, "Not at the moment. Sorry."
"It's fine, I understand. No worries, just focus on calming down okay?" Junko asked
"Okay… got it! Thanks Junko." Chiaki smiles
"I'll see if we can't help at least a little bit… I'd feel bad for not contributing at all." Hajime said.
"Hey don't be! You were just looking out for Chiaki. No one can fault you for that." Junko smiles.
Hajime smiles back as he and Chiaki leave while Junko makes her way to the AV room.
"Ugh, I don't wanna be here but… I have to know."
Junko opens the door and goes inside. Taking the DVD and putting it into the player and putting the headphones on.
The screen flashed on showing an image of several people, some appearing to be older folks, others around the young adults ranging from a few teens and a couple of kids. Each smiling wearing some patient gown of one kind or another and hugging two of them with pride and a beaming smile…
"Mikan… So… these people must've been the family she talked about. They looked so happy… she looks so happy and even proud! No wonder she loves them so much."
"Mikan… you worked so hard… you earned this…"
"It made me so proud… I was almost about to cry… Then… the one voice I have now come to utterly HATE AND DESPISE floated out the speakers."
"Mikan Tsumiki, the Ultimate Nurse and soon to be Ultimate Field Medic! Healer to the injured, caregiver of the sick, and angel for all her patients! Especially the 10 who adopted her as their surrogate daughter! (Or mother for a couple~) For this family who were cared for by their angel and were happy to see her moving up in her career they couldn't be filled with more hope! But then…"
"Suddenly the screen went dark… and I knew what was coming next would make me sick…"
The screen came back, first appearing normal like before… only for Mikan to fade and then… a horrific sight…! Most of the patients were missing with blood marks where they were. The younger kids likely had bags over their heads. And the others that remained seemed to be unconscious.
"W-WHAT THE F-"
"The… the surroundings were in ruin… and the others… were… w-were…"
Monokuma's face appeared suddenly in the background.
"This great loving family suffered a series of awful, tragic diseases! And not just the physically harmful ones! None of them will likely survive! None will feel the care and love of their angel… For Mikan, the family she had… is gone forever!" Monokuma said in a mock concerned tone, "So here's the billion-dollar question. What oh what, or who, could have caused the disastrous end of this family?!"
"LOOK THE ANSWER AFTER GRADUATION!"
"I-I almost threw up… Her mental breakdown yesterday suddenly made more sense than it ever did! Did knowing that make me feel better? Like hell it does!"
"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!" Junko yelled, throwing off the headphones.
"What sick bastard would hurt this loving family Mikan finally built for herself?! This… this can't be… Oh god, could it…?"
*Ding Dong, Bing Bong*
"Erm, so ah… I'm getting tired of waiting. What say we just get started, hm? It's time for the long awaited… Class trial! Now then, allow me to appoint a proper location for the proceedings! Please go through the red door on the 1st floor of the school! Puhuhuhu! See you soon!" Monokuma announced
"The red door on the first floor… that's where i have to go…" Junko said to herself.
Junko headed out the AV room and went to the door. After a brief pause to steady her breath, she steeled her nerves and entered inside… greeted by everyone else being inside.
"Yo bitch. You're late" Fuyuhiko yelled at Junko.
"That only tells us you're that afraid you'll be discovered for being a murderer…" Mahiru said pointedly.
"Don't jump to conclusions yet. Save all conclusions for the class trial." Byakuya cuts her off, "Then we will determine if it is indeed Junko or perhaps someone else."
"So besides Byakuya I think… and Hajime and Chiaki… the rest are convinced I did it… But I didn't do it! Mikan knows it. I know it! But then… who the hell is the killer then? The one that murdered Mikan… Is… Can it really be one of us?"
"Puhuhu… Is everyone here? Okay then... Please board the elevator in front of you, which will transport you to the courtroom, where all your fates will be decided. Puhu. I'll meet you all down there. I'll be waiting~" Monokuma said cheerfully and yet at the same time… codly.
Junko looked at the elevator door in front of her…
"No choice… like we ever had one…"
"Time to prove our spirits!" Nekomaru shouted as he entered inside.
"I'll be waiting for you all." Peko said, entering as well.
"..." Byakuya was silent, "Are you scared Junko?"
"Honestly? Yes. I'm terrified… But I'll push on… for her…" Junko said determined.
"...Remember, you need to uncover the truth behind her death. Or you'll never accept reality." Byakuya simply said entering inside.
"Ugh… still being cryptic? Well, at least I agree with one thing."
"In Mikan's honor… I'll find who the real killer is, dammit!"
"I raised my voice to push out all doubt. Then I turned and faced the elevator… trembling at it… With each step forward, I could feel my heart racing… faster and faster… everyone else was already on when I finally stepped inside… then the elevator began moving. The steel box descended with heavy clunking sounds towards the school's basement."
"I wonder if people on death row feel what I'm feeling right now when the time finally comes for them…" Junko spoke out to try and distract from the overwhelming fear and dread.
"Rather than that, is it not more like a defendant waiting to receive her judgment?" Hiyoko asked.
"Oblivious to our shared anxiety, the elevator lowered us further and further into the bowels of the school."
The elevator makes a ding. It stopped. The doors open and everyone leaves the elevators before Monokuma greets them all.
"Nyohoho! You've finally arrived!" Monokuma laughed, "What do you think? Doesn't it feel like a real courtroom?" Monokuma asked, appearing near a big chair. He wasn't wrong either. The black and white checkered floor… red curtains, that aforementioned big chair, and more… really made it feel like a courtroom, heightening everyone's anxiety. "Like a Hollywood movie set, right?"
"Not even close. It's total bullshit." Fuyuhiko huffs.
"Okay, okay, everyone find your assigned seats and sit down! Hurry up now, hurry up!" Monokuma laughed, clearly eager to start the trial.
"We all took our seats… the seats were arranged in a giant circle, made so we would all see everyone else infront of us easily. Which means it'd be easy to transfer your tension and unease to everyone else without even trying…"
"The air grew heavy as we sat there waiting. For the curtains to close on our first day. A deadly judgment… A deadly deception… A deadly betrayal… A deadly riddle, a deadly defense, a deadly faith… A deadly… Class trial!"
"...Why do I feel like I'm gonna be saying that a lot?"