Never Say Never
Disclaimer: I do not own Danganronpa or the characters associated with it.
Chapter 1
Act 3
"It's settled then! We'll all meet here each morning for breakfast!" Kiyotaka proclaimed to everyone, ignoring the awkward glares he received from those who had opposed the morning ritual he'd imposed on everyone.
A few of the more unruly students, such as Leon and Mondo, grunted with grim acceptance of this newfound rule, obviously only agreeing to it to make the Ultimate Moral Compass shut his trap. Asahina and Sakura remained silent, thinking this idea would be good to bring everyone together. And the more laid back students, Hifumi, Junko, and Yasuhiro, decided to go with the flow rather than voice objection.
Meanwhile, Sayaka, Chihiro and Fukawa, the more reserved of the students, simply nodded in agreement, not finding much fault with the idea. Makoto also didn't voice objection, but that was because he honestly believed this would be a good way to prevent anyone from falling to the temptations Monokuma had laid out for them.
Finally, the highly intellectual students, Byakuya, Celeste and Kyoko, opted to remain silent. Voicing their opinions on the matter wouldn't serve a purpose and either way, the plan had some merit.
Even so, that didn't mean that they weren't cautious of this new situation they had found themselves in.
Standing next to a table far in the back, Kyoko couldn't stop herself from pondering Kiyotaka's motives. Was he truly trying to unite everyone, as he said, or was this simply a ploy to learn the strengths and weaknesses of others?
His earnest nature and title would suggest otherwise but for some reason, Kyoko just couldn't discount the possibility. However, even she had to admit that he was more than likely genuine in his methods. With that in mind, she made a mental note to keep a closer eye on him from time to time, just to be safe.
Glancing around the room, Kyoko took in the faces of the other students and frowned. Most of them were wearing their hearts on their sleeves, openly showing their fear and increasing desperation. Only those like the overly confident Byakuya Togami or the naturally deceitful Celestia Ludenberg were exempt to this observation, herself included.
In her case, however, it was even more important not to show any weakness in front of them. Because she was missing something that no one else seemed to go without. She had noticed it almost immediately, but then again, who wouldn't?
After all, it's not every day you wake up in a hellish situation with little to no memories of your past.
"A fine time for amnesia…almost as if it were orchestrated by someone. I can't even remember my parent's faces or what I've been doing for the last few years. Or, for that matter, why I am even here at this school."
No one seemed to mind that she had elected to wait until everyone else had finished gathering their food before getting anything herself. And when she had collected her meal, once again she ventured back to her lonely table to eat. All the while, she kept up her calm demeanor and acted as if nothing was wrong…but it was.
"What's odd is that it seems to be certain memories. I remember parts of my childhood, my name and that I was accepted into this school, even if the reason eludes me. But…what was my title?" she thought to herself as she ate in silence.
These questions whirled around in her mind and though she kept herself from being overwhelmed by them, she still felt quite uneasy. Just as she sat alone at the back table, Kyoko herself felt cut off from the others.
She couldn't reveal that she didn't remember her title or that she had amnesia. There was enough tension between everyone and she didn't want to increase their fears or apprehensions. Not to mention that revealing such a fact would instantly cast suspicion on her and would alienate her even more than before.
Unconsciously, she gripped her gloved hands together. Her eyes drifted down to her form fitting gloves and she shuddered as she recalled removing them the other night. The horrific burns had left her shocked…no, terrified. Not because of their appearance but because, no matter how hard she tried to remember, she just couldn't recall how she'd gotten such a life-changing injury.
How could she forget something as traumatizing as severe burns on both her hands?!
Losing one's memory is a frightening enough ordeal, but having to cope with that loss while being forced to survive a killing game…would undoubtedly break anyone's spirit. However, simply acknowledging that fact is what was keeping Kyoko Kirigiri sane.
And it was for that reason that, in the next few minutes, she was able to keep her composure.
"Alright then, now that we're all agreed, I'd like to make a personal request of all of you!" Kiyotaka continued shouting even as his classmates began their meals.
"If we are to get along and establish rapport with each other, then it's necessary to get familiar with everyone. To that effect, from this moment on, I would like to be addressed by the nickname 'Taka'."
"And why the hell would we want to do that?" the skeptical voice of Mondo called out, his mouth already full of food.
Glaring fiercely at his delinquent classmate, Taka puffed out his chest and answered, "So that we can feel more comfortable with each other! My mother always calls me Taka and it is rather soothing…in a sense."
Despite his demands, it was obvious that 'Taka' was rather uncomfortable with being called by a nickname. He was doing his best to smile as if it didn't bother him but it was obvious that his attempt to unite everyone was an utter failure.
Or at least it would have if Aoi hadn't stood up and said, "Well, in that case…"
Everyone stopped and turned as she spoke, clearly surprised that she had spoken up at all.
"As you guys know, I'm Aoi Asahina…but my friends just call me Hina. So, feel free to call me that too! Let's all get along everybody!"
For some reason, Hina's cheerful smile and affectionate tone seemed infectious, almost immediately resolving much of the tension that everyone was feeling. Even the stern faced Byakuya was feeling slightly more at ease among these commoners, if only because everyone was now silent.
Unfortunately for him, that did not last long.
"T-That's the way…Hina!" Taka expressed loudly, trying to get used to not properly addressing his classmate. "Anyone else?
"Yeah! I have a long name too!" the overly lazy voice of Yasuhiro called out, earning a good deal of eye rolls and grumbles. "I'm Yasuhiro Hagakure but you can just call me Hiro from now on!"
A collective groan sounded from most of the students but Hiro didn't seem to notice, as he was too busy laughing at how cool he thought he was being.
It was then that a blessing in disguise abruptly coughed violently, making everyone turn and blanch as they saw none other than Monokuma sitting in one of the chairs in the back of the room.
"Bleagh! How can you people stomach such melodramatic crap? I feel like vomiting dead puppies just listening to you people! I mean, if it were me, I'd be using my fork to poke out a few people's eyes by now!" the demented bear said before groaning loudly once again.
Being one of the closest ones to the bear, Toko immediately leapt out of her chair and shouted, "Y-Y-You! What do y-you w-want?!"
Instead of directly answering her question, Monokuma pulled itself up to its feet, standing on the seat of the chair as the rest of the students turned to face him. All of them were instantly on guard, with Mondo and Sakura taking a step toward the bear while keeping everyone behind them. Seeing their petrified faces obviously pleased the half and half bear, and it slightly chuckled to itself as it stood on the seat.
Once the bear was certain that everyone's eyes were on itself, Monokuma finally answered, "You know, I've been trying to figure it out…but I just can't. Maybe it's because I'm a bear and I have no real human emotions but…since your lives here have already begun and a couple of days have gone by, I can't understand why nobody's killed anyone yet!"
"Of course we haven't killed each other!" Makoto furiously interrupted, slamming his hands down on the table in front of him. "There's nothing you can say that'll make us want to kill anybody!"
Even as Makoto shouted at him, it was obvious by the bored look on Monokuma's face that he wasn't even listening to what the herbivore boy was saying to him. Instead, he suddenly snapped his head up, as if inspiration had just descended upon his despair inducing mind.
"Wait, I see now! Ding! Ding! Ding! I've got it! I just realized that there is one very important piece missing from this scenario! And that would be….a 'motive'! I need to give you all a proper 'motive' to get this game a-going!"
As the entire class paled at Monokuma's announcement, Mukuro did her best to be as surprised as her classmates. It had only been a matter of time and it seemed that Junko had finally gotten bored enough to bring out their first motive.
"It's a bit sooner than I expected, but I suppose this is Junko we're dealing with," she thought as she pretended to be as shocked as her classmates.
After telling everyone to go to the A/V room, Mukuro watched as Mondo volunteered Makoto to be the one to go and confirm if the bear was telling the truth. And as the Ultimate Lucky Student found himself unable to refuse, she couldn't deny that it was kind of amusing to see him so flustered.
"Serves him right for trying to interfere with my business," Mukuro thought with a hidden smile, still a little ruffled over what had happened in the laundry room the day before. "Maybe this will teach him that not everything works out just because you want it to. If not, I may have to teach him a lesson myself!"
At the time, Mukuro had absolutely no way of knowing just how accurate her predictions could be.
-In the A/V Room-
Makoto Naegi's mind and body froze as he stared at the image on the screen. Only a moment ago, his family had been there, cheering him on with such enthusiasm that he had momentarily forgotten where he was and what was happening. And then, the blackness of the screen startled him and the next image is what made his blood run cold.
His wonderful and beautiful home was torn to pieces, the windows shattered and his family nowhere to be seen. And then, those horrific words appeared on the screen…
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
A surge of desperate anger rose up inside the normally optimistic boy and he furiously smashed his fists against the video console that had shown him such despair.
"God Dammit! I have to…I have to make sure everyone is okay!"
The Ultimate Lucky Student had no idea that standing just behind him, completely befuddled by his change in attitude, were the rest of his classmates. For a moment, no one said anything, even the stoic Kyoko was at a momentary loss.
That was when Sayaka, who had led everyone there and was standing in front, snapped out of her trance.
"M-Makoto…What happened?" she asked timidly, unsure of what could make her very hopeful friend radically change like this.
Although still in shock, Makoto's head snapped up at hearing her and he slowly turned to see his classmates still staring at him. He felt ashamed that they had seen him so desperate and full of fear, when he had been the one telling them all to stay calm and work together. However, after seeing that video, his mind was in a state of disbelief and he wasn't quite sure if anything that was happening was still real.
Without a word, he pointed to the box of DVDs that Monokuma had left them, the 'motive' the bear had promised to show them.
A moment passed before everyone silently approached the box, taking out the disk marked with their own name. Everyone dispersed and everyone paled as they watched the images unfold before them.
"Good luck at your new school, honey! Don't get into bigger trouble with the yakuza and remember to change your clothes, it's hard making new friends when you smell like incense. Oh, and for the love of all that is holy, DON'T GET HELD BACK AGAIN!"
Hiro didn't understand why everyone seemed to so terrified of these DVDs. I mean, it was nothing but a nice, heart-warming video message from his beautiful and (for the most part) loving mother, Hiroko. Briefly looking up from his console, the Ultimate Clairvoyant watched as his classmates faces began to twist in horror. He was just about to take his headphones off and shout to Asahina, who was a few feet away, when a hissing noise filled his ears.
Snapping his head back to his own screen, Hiro's irises widened as he saw the new image.
The camera that had been recording his mother had been knocked over and sounds of a struggle could be heard. A piercing scream rang out and Hiro couldn't stop himself from smacking both hands on the screen and leaning in. And then, something fell in front of the overturned recording device and he instantly recognized it as his mother.
Hiroko, her eyes wide with terror, scrambled to get away from something off camera. Hiro was forced to watch as his mother's once smiling face upturned in fearful panic. All at once, two pairs of hands shot out and grasped her legs, pulling her roughly and dragging her off camera. She turned to face the lens one last time and as she opened her mouth, either to scream or shout something, the screen blackened.
Before Hiro could even think, that sickly sweet voice of the headmaster called out:
"Oh dear! It seems that 30% accuracy in fortune telling was just enough for our Ultimate Clairvoyant NOT to see this coming! Oh me, oh my, whatever happened to poor Yasuhiro's bombshell of a mother!"
Less than a moment later, those ominous words appeared before him.
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
"Meoooooow…"
For a long stretch of time, Celeste could only stare blankly at the video screen. She had been expecting some sort of threatening message and feared that someone may have discovered her true name and identity. The last thing she expected was to see a pudgy black cat with a frilly collar glaring at her through the camera lens.
However, it wasn't just any feline that was caught on film. This fine specimen was none other than Grand Bois Cheri Ludenberg, a most beloved pet of Celeste's.
Having been forced to leave her treasured companion at home, due to the academy not permitting pets unless they were tied to one's Ultimate Title, Celeste never expected to see his adorable face here. She fought back the feeling of relief that rose up inside her, already knowing that the spoiled feline's appearance was an ill omen.
And just as she guessed, Monokuma's voice quickly came through her headphones.
"Ah, the majestic house cat. Such a delightful and heartwarming little ball of fur that surely wishes to see its mistress again."
Abruptly, Grand Bois Cheri Ludenberg hissed loudly as a shadow loomed over him. With speed unlike anything Celeste had ever seen, her beloved cat leapt out of view and could be heard clawing and hissing for several moments. The Ultimate Gamble foolishly allowed the faintest smirk to grace her lips before the horrific sound of a feline yelp reached her ears.
It was quickly followed by a smashing noise that sounded as if a metal pipe had just struck a particularly large mass of fur. Celeste's milky white skin became even paler as the shadow once again loomed over the camera. The screen began to darken but just before it faded to black, a frilly collar with a fresh bloodstain flashed in front of the camera.
Despite every single command that her brain sent her, Celeste couldn't stop the terrified gasp that escaped her. Her beloved feline companion…the only real friend she had ever known…the only creature in this world she had shared her life-long dream with was…was…!
It was then that Monokuma's dulcet tones came back.
"Oh don't freak out! The kitty's not dead…I think? If only there was a way to be sure, a way for Miss Ludenberg to go home and see her beloved little furball again. Oh wait! There is!"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Deep down inside, buried beneath a mountain of false pretenses and practiced mannerisms…Taeko Yasuhiro burned with a furious rage.
"You little bitch! Whoever you are...for what you've done to Grand Bois Cheri Ludenberg…you're fucking dead!"
Leon honestly snickered as he looked at the monitor in front of him. On the screen was an obviously hastily put together video of his old middle school baseball, standing on the field next to their old school. They all crowded together to fit into the frame and from off-screen, persistent shouting could be heard.
"Oh, come on, guys! We only get one shot at this! Just bite the bullet and huddle up! For Leon!"
The Ultimate Baseball Star smirked as he recognized the voice of his overly energetic cousin and wasn't surprised when she suddenly appeared before the lens. Her blonde hair was tied in a bow and she gave an enthusiastic grin as she moved to join the team. Clearing her throat, the former manager of the team brushed off her dress before staring directly at the camera.
"We know it'll be hard getting used to Hope's Peak. But we all know how hard you've worked for it! You're gonna do amazing Leon! And even though you're a bit lazy and don't need to practice…"
Suddenly, as one, the rest of the team joined in and shouted:
"Don't give up on baseball, Leon! We know you can do it! Take it all the way to the nationals!"
Leon chuckled to himself and slightly lowered his head; it was just like his cousin to pull this kind of stunt. If they had been standing in front of him, declaring their determination for him, he would have merely shrugged it off playfully. But here, trapped in this school, that little bit of encouragement resonated deep in Leon's chest and he felt lighter than he had for—
Abruptly, a hissing noise flooded Leon's ears and his eyes shot to screen to see the image shifting into a nightmare.
The once peaceful ball field was now littered with the bodies of Leon's former teammates. Blood-stained and beaten, none of his friends seemed to be moving at all. Dented and bloody baseball bats lay scattered around the field, filling the Ultimate Baseball Star with utter horror. However, the most frightening thing wasn't what could be seen…but what couldn't.
Leon's eyes frantically scanned the entire field through the screen and while his stomach churned as he looked at each and every corpse, the one he failed to find among them was his cousin, Kanon Nakajima.
It was then that the hated bear's voice came through the headset:
"Would you look at that? It seems that after you left them, Leon, you're team just fell to pieces…literally! Oh, but it seems that one member of the team seems to be missing. A certain Ultimate's little cousin is nowhere to be found! I wonder whatever happened to her?"
Even before the words came up on the screen, Leon smashed his hands against the monitor and screamed with rage.
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
"…What…what the hell is this?" Mondo questioned aloud as he looked at his monitor.
On the screen, his gang, the Crazy Diamonds, had their bikes all lined up and were revving their engines furiously. All of them wore a similar duster that bore their gangs name on the back and strung above them, supported by two poles, was a long paper sign that read:
Give 'em Hell, Leader!
Just then, one of the bikers kicked his stand up and dismounted his motorcycle. He brazenly walked up toward the camera, stopping just in front of it with a cocky grin on his face and his arms folded. Mondo instantly recognized him as his number two guy: Takemichi Yukimaru.
"Yo, Leader! We know you've got your own problems to deal with, bein' in that new school with all those weirdoes and all. But we wanted to let you know that, no matter where you go or what you do…you'll always be our Badass Boss! And if you ever have need of the Crazy Diamonds! We got your back!"
Despite knowing how it would look if his classmates saw him, Mondo didn't fight the tiny smirk that stretched over his lips, a hint of moisture in the corner of his eyes. His boys' display and Takemichi's words resonated deep in his soul and for the first time since being trapped here, Mondo felt that he could stay strong for—
Suddenly, a huge explosion came rattling through the headphones and Mondo practically slammed his face into the screen as he leaned in.
His gang was visibly startled by the noise and some of them had fallen over due to the force of the explosive. Luckily, none of them seemed to be hurt but just as they began to pick each other up, a vicious shout echoed.
From out of nowhere, a rival gang that the Crazy Diamonds had trounced before suddenly appeared. All of them were armed with metal pipes, baseball bats or brass knuckles and with no hesitation, they began to mercilessly beat down Mondo's crew. There was no quarter given as the rival gang's weapons cracked bones and shattered skulls.
Mondo's eyes widened and pure rage coursed through him as he stood there, helpless, as he was forced to watch his boys get beaten…some to death. The Ultimate Bike Gang Leader balled his fists and cursed as he thought of how cowardly those rival gang shit bags were for pulling such a bullshit stunt while he was away!
And just as Mondo was about to ram his fist into the screen to make it stop, he saw a familiar face dragged in front of the camera. He gasped aloud as he saw those other gang bastards holding Takemichi in a kneeling position. The number two Crazy Diamond struggled furiously to get free but froze as a shadow loomed over him, his eyes bulging in terror. And in the next moment, a metal pipe made brutal contact with Takemichi's head, a thick splatter of blood darkening the camera lens.
"Such violence to such—" Monokuma's voice began.
However, Mondo didn't even hear it as demented bear continued jeered about him not being able to protect his gang and he didn't notice the sugary sweet words that would have come up after the video. Because his fist had already smashed through the console and embedded deep within the machinery.
"…You…SON OF A BITCH!"
"…I already told you…I'm not telling you…anything…You low-life bastards…"
Taka's eyes were glued to his screen, unable to comprehend the images before him. The video had started out nice enough, his loving mother was telling him to do his best and at least try to make friends. But then, when she opened her mouth to speak again, the video suddenly changed.
Now the setting was a dark room with a dim light hanging above, giving the room an eerie glow. In the center was a single chair and tied to that chair, beaten and exhausted, was Takaaki Ishimaru…Taka's father. His graying dark hair was frazzled and it looked as if he hadn't shaved for a while, which Taka noted was very unlike his stern and professional father.
The scene was almost like a police interrogation, which oddly made sense because Taka's father was a police officer. However, why was his father the one tied to the chair? Why was he the one being questioned? Surely his father had noticed the disappearance of his son and the entire class with him?
So then…how was it that Takaaki was the one to be interrogated! How could such a thing happen?! Japan's justice system had never faltered and his father had always been on the right side of the law! Both he and his father were law-abiding citizens! How could such terrible things happen to them!? What happened to the Civil System and the Order of Society?!
As all these thoughts raced through Taka's mind, the voice of that loathsome bear echoed:
"Takaaki Ishimaru, a well-mannered police dick from Towa City. He's being held in custody under the pretense that he won't tell us where to find his god-damn wife!"
Hearing this, Taka foolishly let the faintest glimmer of hope seep into his mind. Even though the Ultimate Moral Compass had no idea how this situation had come about, it gave him renewed strength to see that his stern and tough father was still fighting and struggling even now to keep his beloved wife safe! This surely meant that his mother was still alive and hadn't been caught up in whatever had happened to both him and his father!
It filled Taka with pride that he had such a dedicated and strong parents who would never give in to—
"Bring it in!" an unrecognizable voice on the video abruptly shouted, disturbing Taka's thoughts.
A dark shadow came out from behind the camera, wheeling in a cart with a large square object secured to it. It took Taka less than a moment to recognize it as an electric generator. All at once, paralyzing fear gripped him as he watched the dark figure hook up two long corded clamps to the generator. Moving toward the chair, Taka could only stare frantically as the other ends of the cords were attached to the chair his father sat in.
Takaaki tensed for a moment, obviously feeling a hint of the electricity. However, the experienced police officer only hardened his glare before spitting at them.
"You punks think you're tough?! I was putting little bastards like you behind bars when you were in diapers! And you think I'm gonna—"
A loud click sounded and Takaaki abruptly ceased speaking, his body tensing and twisting. His voice came out as a gargled snarl as the electricity coursed through his body.
Utter horror warped Taka's face as he watched his father's body convulse. However, he held his composure, no matter how much he wanted to break, because of the look on his father's face. Takaaki was still glaring furiously at his captor, even through the pain and burning his body must have been feeling. He hadn't given up…he was standing up for his family by not breaking.
That is…until another click was heard and Takaaki's face twisted in agony and he let out a pain-filled scream. It was then that the screen abruptly went black and Monokuma's voice returned.
"I wonder whatever happened to that stubborn cop. Did he give in and tell them where his wife was, to end his own suffering? Or did he just die in a pool of his own excrement?"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Surprisingly, Taka was no longer gaping at the video. In fact, he had found a strange sensation of calmness. All of this felt wrong…no, more like it felt impossible. How could his father, a reputable police officer, be captured and tortured without anyone knowing of the incident? And in only the few days since Taka had been imprisoned?
"It must be fake…that's it," Taka said quietly, as if trying to convince himself. "And even if it was…I know that…Dad would never give in…never…."
"…and that's about all I have to say for now. Just remember, Chihiro, I'm always on your side. No matter what choices you make in life…I will always support you. Your mother may not be with us anymore but I guarantee you that I'll always be here for—"
Static erupted on the screen and the on-looking Chihiro blinked rapidly as the video abruptly changed.
Fire…blazing high and scorching the sky. Thick, billowing clouds of smoke raising out of the house that Chihiro had called home since birth. A home filled with so much advanced electronic computer systems that even NASA would have been shocked at what they found inside. And now, it was all going up in flames…
"W-W-Why is this…happening?!" Chihiro squeezed out, barely able to take in air due to shock.
Only a moment ago, Chihiro's father, Taichi Fujisaki, had been telling the programmer all about his recent work with technology…and now all of it was up in flames!
Suddenly, the video changed again and it was focusing on the door leading to the inside of the burning house. Standing outside, staring up at the blaze, a man with light brown hair stood just outside the door. The Ultimate Programmer stiffened as they recognized the figure.
"D-Dad! What are you doing?! Get away from there!" Chihiro said aloud, not caring if anyone heard.
To the programmer's utter horror, Taichi defied the unheard wishes of his child and brazenly dashed into the burning home. Chihiro's hands slammed into the screen, as if trying to reach in and pluck the man from danger.
"No! No! No! Get out of there! It's not worth—" Chihiro shrilled in desperation, clawing at the screen in a frenzy…but it was too late.
A moment later, the roof of that home gave way. The flames shot up even higher and larger patches of black smog rose up from the decimated home.
It was then that the sickening voice of the headmaster came on.
"Oh no! Someone call the fire brigade! I knew that having all that technological stuff lying around was a bad idea! Don't you know that having too many electronics is a fire hazard?! And what about that guy who ran back in to try and save his beloved computer equipment? Do you think he made it out of the blaze?"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
All color faded from Chihiro's cheeks before the programmer collapsed to the floor, hot tears streaming from reddened eyes.
When the video began, Toko honestly couldn't understand what was happening. It appeared as though someone was carrying a handheld camera around, filming their travels outside and into a small garage.
For a brief moment, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy thought that this kind of angle would be perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Meeting a tall, handsome stranger in the darkened space for a passionate love confession! Heat rose up in Toko's collar just thinking about it!
"M-Meeting in such a secluded place! Ohhhhh, what delightful feats of passion will two lovers achieve in such a location!" she thought furiously, panting like a dog in heat.
However, a loud slam from the video startled her and Toko turned her sights back to the movie.
The figure behind the camera had turned and was now looking down at a strange canister on the floor. It had a long tube with a spray handle attached to it and an image of a cockroach with a large red X through it printed on the canister itself. Obviously this was some kind of insect repellant or poison but why would that be in a romantic—
In mid-thought, Toko watched the camera turn and face the center of the small garage. Sitting there, doing absolutely no harm, was a small but very familiar bug cage.
Fear seizing her up, Toko couldn't make a single sound as the camera began to move closer and closer to the bug container. Each step made the writing prodigy flinch and she began to shake her head back and forth, as if trying to deny that what she was seeing was real.
And then, only moments before the figure would have reached the insect container, the hose of the canister was lifted for the viewer to see, the nozzle aimed directly at the bug cage. It was then that the lens zoomed in and Toko finally caught a glimpse of the exact insect that was trapped inside.
Before she had time react, the hissing of the hose reached her ears and she watched the spray of poison fly toward the unsuspecting insect.
"K-K-K-Kameko!"
Just as Toko called out to her insect companion, the screen blackened and Monokuma's voice chimed in.
"…Seriously….who the hell has a stink bug as a freaking pet!? Hell, who cares for a stink bug, period!? Anyway, wanna see if we crushed or poisoned it?"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
"Forgive me, Young Master. I have failed you."
Byakuya honestly couldn't believe what he was seeing. On the monitor in front of him, a grey haired old man dressed in butler attire was staring back him, surrounded by several armed gunmen with their crosshairs pointed at the restrained elder. The Ultimate Affluent Progeny instantly recognized his faithful butler, Aloysius Pennyworth, but that fact alone was startling.
If the Mastermind was trying to use hostages as bargaining chips, as Byakuya surmised, how then did they discover his connection to Aloysius?
Very few outside of the Togami Family knew of the butler or that he was Byakuya's personal aide since he was born. In fact, if Byakuya was pressed to admit it, the elderly man could be considered the only person in this world that he actually placed value in. After all, the Togami Heir had been in Aloysius' care longer than he could remember.
But then, who could have known about that and would be in a position to use it against him in this killing game? No one readily came to mind, and that troubled Byakuya even more.
Even so, it was difficult to believe that someone had been smart enough to use Aloysius against him like this. Having no love or affection from anyone in the Togami Family, Byakuya never had anyone to turn to aside from his faithful butler. During his long battle with his siblings to reach the top, the only person who had been there to witness his rise to glory had been this old man.
And while Byakuya wouldn't call Aloysius a father figure…he had to admit that he didn't completely find the servant to be without merit. Even so, the Togami Heir valued the elderly man for his loyalty. That is why, when he saw his butler with his hands tied behind his back, as if awaiting for a firing squad to gun him down, Byakuya saw red for the first time in his life.
Although Aloysius appeared to have no physical injuries, the shame on the elderly man's face spoke volumes. However, as Byakuya stared into that wrinkly old face, he suddenly noticed something he'd seen far too often in the butler's eyes.
Almost scoffing to himself, Byakuya whispered, "I see. So that's the kind of game this is."
The look that Byakuya recognized from his butler was not one of shame or even a cry for help…it was a silent command that he make whomever had opposed his young master pay for their crimes against him!
It was the same look that Aloysius had given him many years ago, when Byakuya had been unsure if he could really outwit his siblings and become the heir to the Togami Family. It was this look that gave the young Togami Progeny the strength to stand up to all the odds and defy all expectations.
"Age does not matter. All that matters is ability. And you possess that, Young Master…"
That is what Aloysius had said to him and now, even though it was silent, the aged butler was telling him the same thing. He had faith in his protégé to fulfill his destiny and it was all the encouragement Byakuya would need…even if he hadn't asked for it.
Taking off the headset, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny didn't bother listening as the demented bear began drolling on about what may have happened to the butler. For Byakuya, that was already irrelevant. He knew what needed to be done.
"This is no different than my rise to the top of the Togami Family. No matter the cost, I will be the one standing victorious at the end of this game…I swear on my family name!"
The Mastermind behind this ordeal had no idea that instead of inspiring fear and despair in the young heir, he had given him the motivation to endure and win this twisted game.
"T-This can't be real! This has to be fake, right?!" Hina almost shouted as she stood, appalled by the video she'd just seen. Her body shook and she wrapped her arms around herself to keep steady.
Her video had been straightforward, to keep her from getting confused. It showed her younger brother, Yuta Asahina, sitting in front of a camera with a perplexed look.
"This is a video for my sister? What am I supposed to say? Something encouraging? Why? My sister's amazing! She doesn't need any encouragement!"
Hina had almost laughed at that. It was great to know her brother had such confidence in her, though she already knew as much. This definitely wouldn't have been the first time she heard Yuta compliment her on her prowess as an athlete. If she hadn't been under such dangerous circumstances, she might have turned the video off right then.
Unfortunately, that was when things took a turn for the worse.
A dark figure walked around to the other side of Yuta as he struggled to come up with something to say. The figure then proceeded to pull out a cloth and a bottle of something from behind their back. Hina gasped as she watched the figure slowly put some of whatever was in that bottle onto the cloth and set it just behind her brother.
At the same time, Yuta finally seemed to come up with something to say, because his whole face lit up with excitement. However, as he opened his mouth to speak up, the figure behind him thrust the cloth over his mouth. It took less than a second for the Ultimate Swimmer's younger brother to fall limp in the figure's grasp.
Frozen in place by what she'd seen, Hina could only listen as the voice of Monokuma came to torment her.
"Well, at least that finally shut the little brat up! Seriously, if they hadn't done that, he would have talked us all to death! But anyway, yeah, he's still alive. Where is he? How is he doing? Is he still an annoying little brat that you want to cut the tongue out of?!"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Those sugary words still illuminated the screen as Hina backed away from it, a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. Never in all her life had she so desperately wished that everything was a dream, but no matter how hard she pinched herself, she wouldn't wake up. Almost against her will, tears spilled down her cheeks as she begged for this all to be a nightmare.
Only it wasn't…this was real…and no amount of tears would change that.
Sakura's massive figure trembled with anger and her hands were clutched tightly into fists. In her family, the dojo where they all trained was more than sacred; it was a place of peace that was the symbol of strength for the Ogami Clan. It was a place that was treated with utmost respect and was never to be tarnished by the working of the common man.
So when the video screen flickered on and Sakura beheld the state of her family's ancestral training ground, it took every ounce of strength to keep her rage from surfacing.
The walls and floor of the dojo had fallen into disrepair, and large holes in the ceiling allowed for light to stream in from above. However, the most enraging feature was the massive amount of graffiti that now cascaded almost every inch of the once sacred training ground. The various obscene colors of the offensive paint were drawn with purpose, as they all seemed to connect to form a gigantic mural vaguely resembling Monokuma.
The instant Sakura noticed this, she became even more infuriated, glaring at the screen as if doing so would reverse the damage done. However, much to her dismay, only the melodically annoying voice of Monokuma greeted her.
"Wow, you have really let the place go! You really should take better care of your family's dojo. I mean, you were entrusted with its protection and all, weren't you? But now that I think of it, isn't it odd that, since your family lives just next door, that they would allow such disgrace to befall such a pitiful heirloom? *Gasp* Could it be that they've all been…defeated?!"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Sakura almost flinched as the monitor clicked off but she held her composure. Even if the demented bear's insinuations were true, and her family had been…overpowered by some unnatural force, it was not in her family's nature to defy their fate. If they were to be beaten, they accept whatever punishment the victor decides for them, as it had been for generations in the Ogami Family.
What was truly unforgivable…was the retched sight of their family's dojo being disrespected in such a way! Even more humiliating was that Sakura, as the current head of the Ogami Clan, was tasked with the responsibility to preserve their family's honor by maintaining the dojo. If those images were in fact real…then she had failed in the sacred duty that had been passed down to her by her father.
And as much as she hated to admit it, it appeared as though she had utterly failed not only her family…but also her ancestors.
"…and don't forget to change your underwear every day. I know you have a bad habit about that so don't let yourself go. You're in high school now, so be a little more responsible. Well, that should be it for now. Take care of yourself, Hifumi! And be sure to become one of the four Legendary Manga Artists by the time you return!"
Hifumi felt winded after watching his video. From the moment it turned on, it appeared to be nothing more than a message from his sister, Fujiko Yamada. And while it was nice to see her again, Hifumi couldn't help but feel embarrassed that his sibling had spent over five minutes of the video reminding him how to take care of himself!
Despite that, he wouldn't deny that he felt more at ease than before. Perhaps his sister's powers of natural calmness had seeped into the video and were empowering him to stay strong. Yes! He had to persevere! Just as Princess Piggles did when she was forced to fight against her mind controlled friends!
"Okay, how was that?"
Hifumi snapped out of his reverie as his sister's voice continued to come through the headphones. She was now looking off-screen and talking to someone whom Hifumi could not see or hear.
"Is that really all you need from me? I guess it was a nice thing to do for my brother but…it feels kinda awkward to record an encouragement video after he's already at school. Well, I suppose it's just something you Hope's Peak people like doing for your students. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Watching the screen intently, Hifumi felt a strange unease settling into him as he saw his sister's face upturn in amused perplexion.
"M-My autograph?! Surely you can't mean…you're a fan of my work! Oh, that's quite a shock! I thought only kids seemed to enjoy my work these days. But if you insist…I suppose a signing or two couldn't hurt!"
The Ultimate Fanfic Creator sighed at seeing his sister become so flustered at merely being asked for an autograph. He would never become so reddened with embarrassment! He would have held his head up high and produced the paper and ink from his own pocket!
In the midst of his thoughts, he watched as his sister stood up from her seat.
"One moment! Let me get my official signing papers!"
Fujiko must have been rather excited because as she ran past the camera, she accidentally bumped it. The forced spun the lens to the side and Hifumi gasped as he finally got a clear look at the people who had 'interviewed' his sibling.
All of them were wearing expensive looking business suits but that wasn't the frightening part. Each of them was equipped with a large Monokuma mask that completely obscured their heads! They almost appeared to be snickering as they approached the camera and abruptly shut it off.
And to Hifumi's horror, the voice that belonged to the bear those masks embodied suddenly came through his headphones.
"Well, I never! Those greedy guys! Getting an official autograph from Fujiko Yamada! I'm so jealous…or at least I would be if they had actually gotten such a trophy! But don't worry, they got themselves an ever better souvenir from their trip…they got to take the famous doujin author home with them! Do you think she's having a good time with such 'strapping' young men?!"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Before putting on her video, Kyoko took a moment to glance around at her classmates. Judging by the terror and desperation that spread among them like wildfire, the amnesiac girl assumed that this 'motive' had been planned from the beginning and that everyone's initial refusal to go along with the killing game had incited the mastermind to do this.
Turning her fierce gaze around, she found that Junko had only just put on her headphones and begun watching her video. Was it because she had been one of the last to find their DVD or could it be that she had hesitated out of fear? In either case, Kyoko couldn't stop herself from believing it was suspicious and made a mental note to inquire about Junko's trepidation later.
Picking up her own headphones and sliding her own 'motive' into the player, the amnesiac girl was actually quite curious as to what would appear. If the mastermind didn't know of her amnesia, then this would prove a valuable clue to her identity. However, if, as she suspected, her memory loss was somehow planned, then this disk would reveal it all.
As the screen flickered to life, Kyoko felt perplexed as nothing but a single photo of an older man slowly appeared on the monitor. She didn't recognize the elderly man nor did she feel any kind of recollection at seeing his face. Even so, something about him was…familiar, though Kyoko felt that word was too strong to accurately describe the feeling she got by looking at the picture.
It was then that Monokuma's voice came to her, making the amnesiac girl suppress a groan.
"This man is Fuhito Kirigiri. He is your only living relative and he is quite close to our current location. In fact, he is waiting for you just outside the school and he holds the key to something precious that you've lost. But I can't say for how long. He may not survive long enough for you to learn why you're here and what your true purpose is. Think carefully on what you want to do next."
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Despite how shocking this information was, Kyoko didn't even flinch. The bear had sounded much more serious that she'd ever heard him before, as if it knew that provoking her would only strengthen her resolve. Not only that, Monokuma hadn't seemed concerned about revealing that her memory loss was not a coincidence, confirming her suspicions of the amnesia somehow being purposefully inflicted on her.
And while it was frightening to think that anyone would be able to intentionally take away someone's memories, it was even more terrifying that the mastermind paid no mind in revealing that they had done so. Monokuma may not have directly stated it, but the way it nonchalantly spoke showed that whoever controlled the demented bear wasn't concerned if she discovered the truth.
Even so, this was a boon for Kyoko, as she now knew that the mastermind had considered her enough of a threat to take away something as precious as her memories. And while she couldn't deny that it was more than tempting to be free of this place and meet with her supposed 'only living relative', the cost of attaining that freedom was just too high.
"Patience," Kyoko told herself, slipping off the headset and running a hand through her long hair. "Right now, I have to focus on what I can do. If the mastermind believed me to be such a threat, then it must mean that only I am capable of solving this mystery. Otherwise, he would have done the same to my classmates as well."
Feeling empowered by what she had learned, Kyoko hardened her features and waited in silence for her classmates to finish watching their own 'motives'.
Mukuro honestly didn't know what to feel as she watched her classmates' expressions shift from hope to utter despair. She made sure that hers was the last DVD to be acquired and was quietly observing the others as she made her way over to her own console.
Being careful to appear as distressed as the others, the disguised young woman supposed she did feel a hint of contentment at seeing their terrified visages. Not for herself but because she knew that Junko, who was undoubtedly salivating at the scene, would be appeased with this. Everything was going according to her sister's plan and it was only a matter of time before the first killings started.
"It's taking longer than Junko had suspected but then again, we both know that without a motive, these guys would never be willing to kill just to leave here," she thought as she found a console that was just far enough away from the others that, even if they peeked, they'd be unable to see the screen.
Taking one last glance around the room, Mukuro was almost shocked to see Kyoko was doing the same! She didn't even have her headphones on! And now her head was turning and would be on Mukuro in a matter of an instant!
Quickly averting her gaze to her monitor, Mukuro pretended she didn't notice the inquisitive gaze of her classmate as she hesitantly took her DVD out of the case and slid it into the player. Picking up her headphones, she carefully slid them over her ears, very mindful of the wig that snugly fit her head.
Just before she pushed play, Mukuro's sky-blue eyes flicked over to find that Kyoko had finally turned her attention to her own DVD and was currently watching it. A relieved sigh escaped the Ultimate Soldier as she silently congratulated herself for not being found out. Shifting her gaze back to the screen, she pressed the button on the console and her video was almost instantly brought to life.
"Hmm, I wonder what Junko has prepared for me?" she wondered to herself as the blackness of the screen continued for many moments. "She doesn't need to motivate me and she's very aware of that. Perhaps she fabricated a video for herself? Just in case anyone happened to see it."
As Mukuro considered these options, the video abruptly flashed a bright light on the screen and if she had not been trained to anticipate surprises, the Ultimate Soldier might have been startled. However, she was experienced enough not to flinch even in the face of death and so, the flash did nothing but perplex her.
As the white on the screen faded, a figure became more and more visible. It was female, with luscious curves, an amble buxom and bright pink hair that….Oh dear lord!
This time, the shock of the image did startle the hardened soldier and she gave a noiseless gasp as she recognized the figure on the monitor was none other than her sister, and sitting in the surveillance room no less! The entire room was clearly visible and if any of her classmates saw this image, it would completely ruin everything the sisters had worked for!
Immobilized by the fear of being discovered, Mukuro was completely unprepared when the Junko from the video began speaking:
"Hey there sis! How's the impersonation going? You're doing pretty good, by the way. Not exactly an award winning performance but, meh, it gets the job done."
So many terrifying thoughts coursed through Mukuro's mind at seeing her sister on that screen. What was Junko thinking?! Didn't she realize how much danger she was putting herself in by revealing herself, even if it was only to her?! What if one of the other students saw this?! Sure, she was in a place where she was certain no one could see her screen but that didn't guarantee someone wouldn't see the disk at some point! Now she would have to be sure to destroy this disk as soon as possible just to be safe!
But more than all that, Mukuro was startled by the fact that Junko had now paused and was merely grinning at her through the monitor, as if giving her time to think. Was it possible that her sister had expected this to happen to the soldier and that's why she'd given a pause while recording it? It wasn't beyond Junko's capabilities and considering the length that the despair loving girl was going to, this certainly wasn't a leisurely video she'd made to encourage her disguised sister!
Not only that, she could tell that her sister was angry. After all, she'd given her beloved older sister praise…and the only time Junko praised anyone was when she was utterly disappointed with them.
Just as she suspected, the Junko on the screen abruptly let out an annoyed sigh, her personality shifting over to frustration:
"Gawd! I am soooo bored up here, big sis! There hasn't been a single killing yet, for which you are partially to blame, and I'm crazy with boredom! I thought you were supposed to keep that away from me! You did say that after the game started, you'd keep me entertained! Uhg! It's so lame, lame, lame, lame, lame, lame-"
The Junko on the screen picked up her feet from the floor before kicking at the side of the computer next to her, causing her rotating chair to spin her round and round. All the while, she kept changing her 'lame' sutra.
Mukuro bit her lip hard as her sister groaned and complained. First the praise, and now the complaining, this was a sure sign that Junko had already decided to interfere in the game. However, the Ultimate Soldier knew her sister well and was certain that whatever she had planned, she wouldn't be doing herself.
Plus, if Junko was dedicated to following the rules, as she had claimed, then it meant that the one to carry out her bidding would have to be—
"I know!"
Junko's voice through the headset snapped her back to reality and she returned her gaze to the screen to see that her sister had stopped her spinning and was now giving a malicious grin.
"If the killings start…I won't be bored anymore! Sooooooo, how about this?! Would you please kill Makoto Naegi for me? He's been far too hopeful during all of this and it's annoying me. Pretty please, with sprinkles on top?"
Mukuro's eyes widened at the sudden request, not anticipating the extent that her sister's boredom was pushing her to. Almost reflexively, the Ultimate Soldier swiveled her gaze around until she was able to see her new target. Makoto was standing near the door, obviously still reeling from what he'd seen in his video, waiting patiently for everyone to finish their own.
And even though his expression was wrapped in despair, Mukuro could still see a hopeful glint in his eyes. He hadn't given up…even after seeing what had happened to his family, he was still able to keep himself strong and positive.
"It's no wonder Junko would want him out of the way," the disguised Mukuro unfortunately surmised, "Dammit, Makoto! Couldn't you just give in like everyone else?! If you had…I wouldn't be forced to…to…"
The words trailed off in her mind as she couldn't force herself to finish the thought. The idea of ending Makoto's life wasn't impossible for her to imagine, which is what made the pain in her chest ache even more.
It was then that Junko decided to relay another terrifying message:
"And just to make things exciting, if that herbivore boy who smiles at you isn't dead within twenty-four hours…I'll tell everyone that your true identity is Mukuro Ikusaba!"
Snapping her head back to the video screen, an audible gasp rasped its way out of Mukuro's throat as she heard that threat. Against her will, she started to take in quick shallow breaths, trying to force her racing heart to slow. However, nothing could forestall the panic that reached its way into the deepest recesses of her mind.
"Th-This can't be true!" Mukuro tried to reassure herself. "There is no way that Junko would jeopardize my position! Not when it's so vital too—".
As if anticipating her reaction, the Junko on the screen sneered before continuing:
"I guarantee you, Mukuro, I am 100% serious. And while it would certainly affect my plans, I can always find a way around it. After all, I had to plan for if someone managed to kill you during the game. So rest assured, I will get by without you if need be."
Her sister's cold, unfeeling words dug into Mukuro like newly sharpened knives, twisting and turning inside her until she felt that her body was going to collapse. A chill ran down her spine as she realized that, contrary to her previous belief, she was expendable.
Frozen in place, she could only stand there as the voice of Junko from the video continued:
"However…"
Mukuro lifted her gaze and stared directly at the screen, unable to turn away. To her shock, Junko was looking directly at the camera with a serious but concerned expression.
"…I would like to avoid that if all possible. You're my sister, after all. And I don't want to have to lose you. I lost you once before…and I don't want to have that happen again."
Utter confusion warped Mukuro's features as she heard her sister's heartfelt confession. Never in all her life had she heard Junko express such honesty with her. And though there was a little voice in her head that said that her sister was merely lying to gain her favor, at that time, Mukuro couldn't care less.
Junko had entrusted her with a task and tested her several times, a few of which she'd failed. This was obviously the final test to see if she could live up to her sister's expectations. Mukuro had no one but herself to blame. After all, if she had just done as her sister had expected and killed one of her classmates sooner; she wouldn't be forced to kill the only student that actually seemed to…care…about her…
"Is that why it has to be Makoto?" she pondered carefully, unsure of what to think. "Because he smiled at me…because he's hopeful…because he's a threat? Why did I never see that before? Why do I still not see him as a threat?!"
With all these new thoughts tormenting her, the video of Junko finally relayed it's last message:
"Whelp, my job is done here! Good luck to you, sis! Make me proud!"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
And without further adieu, the video cut out, with those famous words at the end of it. It was most likely there so that if anyone happened to see it, it wouldn't look suspicious but that mattered little to Mukuro right now.
She had barely realized that everyone around her was already finished and were arguing about if these videos were even true. And for a brief moment, Mukuro's overly active mind actually dared to think that the threat might have been fake too. However, she knew that was a stupid thought.
"I…I made this choice all on my own. And now…I have to live with the consequences of that choice."
Lifting her gaze up and turning toward everyone else, she hardened her features as she looked directly at Makoto. Taking in all of his features, listening as he too insisted that this was all fake, Mukuro knew that this would be the first time in all her life that she wouldn't be killing to survive.
And whether or not she was aware of it, her hands began shaking as somewhere deep in her subconscious, for the first time in all of her life…she doubted herself.
"…For Sayaka, there's absolutely no place left for her to return to. So here's big question…what, oh what, could have caused her beloved idol group to fall to pieces?"
*Look for the Answer after Graduation!*
Sayaka's entire body trembled as she watched her closest friends and rivals lying on the floor, unmoving. She had barely heard Monokuma's jeer and with almost robotic movement, she pulled the headphones from her head, letting them fall from her grasp and onto the console. Her mind tried to deny what she'd seen, tried to force away the images that had burned into her retinas.
However, every time she squeezed her eyes shut, that horrific picture of her fellow idols appeared, unwilling to leave her be. And in that instant, Sayaka felt something deep within her snap.
At that very moment, a gentle hand landed on her shoulder, sending a way of shock through her body. Without thinking, she jerked her entire body away from whoever had touched her and flung herself backward, her back making brutal contact with the wall. She didn't have the willpower to lift her head or courage to see who it was that had tried to get her attention.
Sayaka was consumed with a single thought that bubbled up inside her until it unintentionally burst out.
"I…I have to get out of here! I have to get out of here right now! I can't…I can't be stuck here any longer!"
As she shouted her proclamation, she tore from the room, leaving all of her fellow classmates with a horrific feeling of unease.
"S-Sayaka! Wait!" Makoto called after her, still very startled that she had reacted so violently to his comforting gesture. As he prepared to head off after her, a harsh voice deterred him.
"Leave her be. There's no point in going after her," Byakuya sternly advised, not truly caring either way.
Startled by his classmate's lack of empathy, the Ultimate Lucky Student fired back, "I can't do that! She's my friend!"
And without further interruption, Makoto also sped out of the room, calling out for Sayaka far into the distance.
Far away on a higher floor, watching the entire event unfold with bated breath, Junko could barely contain her ecstasy as the despair of her former classmates washed over her in waves.
"And with that…ahhhhh, the game truly beings!"
Her ecstatic moaning echoed throughout the surveillance room as she finally felt a small taste of the despair she was certain was to come.
To Be Continued…
Greeting, my beautiful readers. So, now that the first motive is out of the way, we can get on to the really interesting parts in the next few chapters. Also, the vomiting dead puppies thing…that was something my beta and I came up with while being sleep-deprived, so forgive us.
By the way, go and check out the music video for Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood", it's the reason Sayaka's band broke up…
Tell me, what do you think is going to happen? Will Mukuro actually kill Makoto? And if not, how will she be able to proceed? What did you all think of the motives that were presented? It took a while to come up with them all so I hope they were interesting.
Anyway, look forward to the next chapter and if you have any theories or questions for me, leave a comment or review to tell me what you're thinking. As some of you may know, review or comments are like crack to writers, so even if it's a simple "Good Job, can't wait for more" it's much appreciated because it shows that you like it and want more. With that said, I'll see you next time!