Never Say Never
Disclaimer: I do not own Danganronpa or the characters associated with it.
Chapter 3
Act 17
Clutching her left arm, a pained expression disfiguring her face, Celeste stared at her disheveled appearance in the girl's second floor bathroom mirror. Her usual pristine and elegant appearance was marred by wrinkles and bits of dirt, her hair was slightly ruffled, particularly in the front where it would be most visible. And finally, a slight bruise highlighted her left cheek, an image that was sure to draw much attention.
Despite her 'wretched' visage, very slowly, Celestia Ludenberg grinned maliciously at her own reflection.
"Perfect… Hifumi's not the only one who can craft a masterpiece!" she affirmed for herself, admiring her handiwork. "Now, when whoever finds me, all they'll see is a helpless victim. And if luck is on my side, that bleeding-heart Makoto will be the one to find me first."
Her eyes trailed down to the sink, smirking as she reached out and grasped 'Justice Hammer 1'. Her knuckled whitened as she tightly clutched the tiny blue mallet. With swift movement, she smacked the hammer down on the rim of the sink, an abrupt pop echoing.
"Oooooh, I wish I could be there when Hifumi caves in his thick skull!" Celeste seethed, smacking the hammer a second time, to get the frustration out of her system. And it worked, because an instant later, she felt her stress receding. Putting up her façade, in preparation for the next phase of her plan, she smiled sweetly at her reflection. "Oh well, I'll settle for stomping on his corpse once this is all over. I only hope Monokuma will allow me such a pleasure."
A bit of giddiness struck her as she knew that, only one floor above, Hifumi was achieving the vengeance she'd so desperately craved. However, she had little time to revel in such success, as preparation for the final phase needed to be completed…a task that Hifumi needed to be kept unaware of. Taking the mallet with her, Celeste backed away from the mirror and decided to head for the third floor.
"What an idiot! Hifumi didn't bother questioned why I had him leave one of largest hammers in the art supply room," she swiftly said to herself as she exited the bathroom and proceeded toward the stairs. "Love truly is a frightening thing, blinding someone as talented as him into becoming a disposable—".
Suddenly, she stopped, her own words echoing in her mind.
"Talented…? Since when have I ever considered that loser talented! I mean, sure, he can make orgasmic tea but beyond that, he's just an otaku freak! He's obsessive and prone to perversion and…able to make adjustments to his stupid robot cosplay in less than a few hours to fit a person with a completely different physical appearance from himself…"
At the time, she hadn't questioned it, but thinking about it now, even she had to admit it was rather spectacular. Robo Justice had initially been designed for his own personal use, and thus it had originally been much wider. However, once Celeste had acquired his services, he immediately reconfigured it to perfectly fit Hiro instead. And while it hadn't been much of a spectacle to watch, there was no doubt that it was impressive.
"Not to mention that he takes loyalty to an absurd level! I mean, whatever I ask of him, he practically throws himself into it! Yeah, he complains sometimes but after a few words of encouragement, he's right back at it without losing enthusiasm. And that tea he makes…it's like the nectar of the gods! He'd make a perfect butler in my castle—".
A silent gasp escaped Celeste as an epiphany was cruelly visited upon her.
"But he's going to die…I'm going to kill him. Yes, for the sake of my castle…sacrifices must be…but what if I modified the plan? I could do as I promised and kill someone besides him—No! I need to follow the plan. If I try to change it now…it could all fall apart! Besides, I never accounted for killing anyone but him! And now that he's in place to dispatch Taka, there's no turning back. Unfortunately, no amount of loyalty…or tea making skill…is enough to keep me from my castle!"
After that momentary lapse in judgement, Celeste forced herself to move forward, suppressing any regrets she may have had for her actions. At a swift pace, she ascended the stairs up to the third floor and quietly made her way toward the art supply room.
Reaching the large atrium just outside the art room, she glanced down the hallway leading to the equipment room. Her lips twisted into a sadistic smile, incredibly tempted to peek in and watch as Taka's life ebbed away. But that would only hinder her plans, much to her chagrin. After all, Hifumi couldn't know she was plotting his own demise behind his back, and only a short distance away. As such, she resigned herself to simply appreciate that revenge had been served and her master plan to escape the school was officially underway.
Even so, she decided to offer a last rites…of sorts.
"Rest in pieces…you rule-obsessed fuck-tard!"
With that curt comment, Celeste turned on a heel, marched into the art room and headed directly for the supply room beyond. Only a few moments after she'd departed, heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.
"Just one strike…just one clean strike and Alter Ego will be freed from that virgin's clutches!"
It was the moment Hifumi had been both dreaded and anticipated. From his spot, hidden behind the equipment room door, he could see the furious aura and white hair of the foul virgin that had stolen his beloved. Clutched in his sweaty hands…Justice Hammer 4 was ready to be used for its intended purpose.
In all honestly, Hifumi's apprehension hadn't lessened since his talk with Miss Ludenberg. And though he understood that not only his life was at stake with this venture, he also couldn't deny that innocent victims would be created because of him. Kind souls like Mr. Naegi and Ms. Asahina didn't deserve such a cruel fate…executed so that Miss Ludenberg, Alter Ego and himself may find happiness.
And while he would not miss the likes of Mr. Togami or Mr. Hagakure, he would still be executing those who had not personally wronged him. It was true that the virgin deserved death for his betrayal, but should everyone else be sacrificed to appease his own sense of justice?
While grappling with that apprehension, Taka's thunderous voice abruptly erupted in the small room.
"6AM and no one has arrived yet! The least they could have done was be on time for their own meeting! Once they arrive, I will give them all a stern talking to!"
Hifumi froze, the Moral Compass's words surprising him. He'd expected something more…nefarious? After all, the wretched virgin before him had committed such great atrocities! Stealing away his beloved Alter Ego, threatening Miss Ludenberg, dressing in all white! But…did he truly deserve death? He didn't seem to be all that fearsome, simply waiting to discipline students who had gone behind his back.
"Perhaps…I let myself get carried away," Hifumi thought, lowering the mallet in his hands. "Miss Ludenberg will undoubtedly be disappointed, but maybe it's best if we wait—".
"I wish they would hurry up and arrive!" Taka's rambling interrupted his thoughts. "I have little time to waste on this venture! Once this is settled, all that remains will be to deal with Alter Ego!"
The instant his beloved's name was uttered, a quiet rage suddenly overtook Hifumi. Taka was going to…'deal with' his beloved?! There could be no other interpretation for those words! Miss Ludenberg had been right all along! Somehow, the despicable virgin was plotting to use his one-true-love to facilitate an escape from this place! And then…once he had no more use for her—!
"How DARE he!" Hifumi mentally shouted, gripping Justice Hammer 4 tightly. "Death is too kind for him!"
Shoving the door aside and lifting Justice Hammer 4, Hifumi's rage overtook him and he prepared to fulfill his role in Miss Ludenberg's grand design.
"I won't be satisfied until his entire body has been reduced to ashes! By the flaming moons of Hell, I SHALL BE HIS APOCOLYPSE—!"
"BROOOOOO!"
*SLAM*
Hifumi had no time to react. The door he'd pushed aside suddenly flung back, avenging the harsh shove he'd used a moment ago, by bashing into his face. The force of the door's vengeance sent the fanfic creator reeling backward, slamming the back of his head into the wall behind him. His vision blurred and he slumped to the floor, his large body obscured by the very door that had retaliated against him.
His consciousness slipping, Hifumi lost his grip on Justice Hammer 4. As darkness converged on him, all he could think about was Alter Ego…and how he'd failed her.
"Curse you…wretched door…"
Mondo was completely out of breath, panting heavily as he stood in equipment room, staring at the person he'd been searching for. Kiyotaka Ishimaru glared back at him, a fearsome scowl forming on his face. The biker briefly wondered how he'd gotten here so fast, considering he'd followed him up here at a break-neck pace!
Then again, he wasn't actually sure who he'd been following…but it had to be Bro, right? He was the only one here, after all!
While the biker had been on the second floor, he'd heard footsteps coming from the third floor stairway and rushed up there, only to find that whoever it was had already moved down the hallway. He followed after what he thought were footsteps until he'd reached the atrium in front of the art room. The biker figured that Taka probably wasn't in the art room, and was probably patrolling the halls or some crap, like a real honor student.
Then, when he'd gotten to the room with the gigantic sci-fi looking machine, he'd heard Taka's voice from the equipment room and dashed to the door, slamming it open so hard he heard it smack the something, probably the wall, so hard it sounded like a something fell over! But he didn't really care about that right now, he'd found his Bro and now…everything would be alright!
Now…he could save Chihiro!
"Bro!" he shouted, relief evident in his exhausted voice. "What the hell are you doin' in—actually, never mind! You gotta come with me! It's Chihiro, she—!"
"MONDO OWADA!"
The biker's words died in his throat as Taka's booming voice eclipsed his own. Startled that his Bro could shout so much louder than himself, Mondo was stunned into silence as the Disciplinary Committee Chairman furiously pointed at him.
"So, it was you! You arranged this meeting! I should have known that a traitor like you would be behind this!"
Confused and insulted, Mondo couldn't stop himself from retorting, "W-Who the hell are you callin' a traitor?! And what's all this meeting shit?! I was only following after you!"
"Don't play coy with me, traitor!"
"I'm not! And besides, that's not what's important right now! I need your help because—".
"SILENCE!" Disciplinary Committee Chairman Ishimaru commanded, taking a moment for the silence to set in. "Regardless of whether or not you were responsible for this gathering, it is fortuitous that you are here! I see that you are abandoning your duties once again! Proving that my judgement is infallible!"
Mondo gritted his teeth angrily, knowing he didn't have time to waste on Taka's obscene rules right now! Chihiro could slip away while he was spouting his stupid gibberish!
"Dammit, Taka—!"
"Language! And do not call me by that name! I am Disciplinary Committee Chair—!"
"God-dammit, Taka! Would you shut the fuck up for a sec—!"
"THAT IS THE LAST STRAW!" A furious Chairman Ishimaru belted, his voice once again overtaking Mondo's. Striking a threatening pose and aiming his finger at the biker, Taka narrowed his eyes and shouted, "You leave me no choice! I wanted to avoid having to do this…but if you persist on violating the rules, I will need to consult the others about having you restrained!"
Clenching both fists, Mondo seethed through gritted teeth as Taka droned on. All the while, the biker's mind was unable to stop from picturing Chihiro's lithe form, remembering the faint heartbeat that seemed to be growing weaker with each passing moment. And as Taka wasted this precious time, the biker found himself consumed…consumed by the fury that he'd tried so hard to suppress since attacking Chihiro. A fury he'd feared to unleash out of sheer weakness…
However, unlike that time, his fury was not born out of jealousy. It was a righteous fury…one that he had experience every time someone tried to hurt one of his boys. In fact, it wasn't so much fury as it was an impulse. A desperate need to protect what he cared for most. And right now, that happened to be Chihiro's fragile life!
"And if that is not enough!" the insolent Chairman Ishimaru persisted. "Perhaps I will have to consider allowing Monokuma to punish—"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
Stomping forward, Mondo reared back his fist and slammed it directly into the side of Taka's cheek. The Moral Compasses face twisted to the side as the impact sent him flying, landing square on his back on the floor. Dazed from the sudden strike, Taka could only blink in surprise as Mondo abruptly stood over him. Reaching down and grabbing him by the collar, the biker pulled his face up, their eyes meeting.
"You're acting like a god-damn idiot and it's pissing me off! I don't have time for your bullshit right now!" Mondo screamed, roughly jerking him around. "I need you to come with me and—!"
"W-What do you think you're doing?!" the shaken Committee Chairman demanded, cutting the biker off with excessive loudness. "Do you understand that because of your foolish actions, we must now hold a Bullying Trial—?!"
"I don't give a damn about that! Just shut up and listen!" Mondo screamed, shaking him harshly. "Chihiro woke up! She woke the fuck up, god-dammit!"
Shock overtook Taka's features, his body tensing and his eyes widening. Then, abruptly, his fearsome aura dissipated. His whitened hair blackened and the fire in his eyes extinguished. Once again, Kiyotaka Ishimaru lay before him, this revelation so startling it left him speechless.
"But she was only awake for like a minute before she blacked out again!" Mondo persisted, his voice a little shaky as he continued. "I…I don't know what the fuck to do! She's breathin' and shit but she seems really weak and I don't know how to help her! I wanted to get Junko but she can't get into the office because of the bear's stupid fucking rule! But you've got authority and shit, so you can go in there, right?!"
Taka flinched at that question, as if he never even considered that notion. Unfortunately, it seemed that the Moral Compass was at a loss for words, infuriating the anxious Mondo.
"Are you listening?! We don't have time to fuck around! I need your help, Bro! Chihiro needs help and I don't know what the fuck else to do!" Shaking him, the biker practically begged, "So get off your ass and help me! You're the only one who can—!"
"Lies…you're lying!"
Mondo gasped as Taka reached his hands up and gripped the biker's arms, squeezing so hard it was sure to leave a bruise. With a swift movement, the Moral Compass used Mondo's arms to pull himself up to his feet. Unable to remove Taka's hand from his sleeves, the biker watched in horror as Taka's eyes suddenly blazed and his hair turned starch white, accompanied by the return of his furious aura.
Holding him in place, so that he couldn't escape, the Disciplinary Committee Chairman screamed, "Will your treachery know no end?! Now you think to use Chihiro to lure me into a trap!"
"W-What?! What the fuck are—?!" Mondo tried to interject but was interrupted.
"No doubt you plan to murder me while my guard is down! And now that you have attacked me, twice! There is no forestalling your punishment! I will have to call Monokuma and request a trial immediat—!"
"You fucking idiot!"
Without warning, Mondo slammed his pompadoured head directly into Taka's skull. Pain shot through both of them, a pair of grunts resounding. However, having such a hard head, the biker was able to recover quicker.
Dazed from the attack, Disciplinary Chairman Ishimaru's grip on his sleeves loosened and Mondo could tighten his grip on Taka's collar, lifting him up off the ground and shaking him as he shouted, "Why the fuck would I attack you in the nurse office if I could beat you to a blood pulp right now?!"
Struggling to breathe, the Disciplinary Chairman seethed, "H-How should I…know what…you're thinking…?! It's probably…all…a part…of your plan!"
Growing more furious, Mondo brought Taka closer, their faces only inches apart. "Do you really think I'm smart enough to plan something like this?! I just wanna help Chihiro! Get that through your thick head!"
"You're…lying!" the Moral Compass insisted, unwilling to change his mind. "And if…you continue like this…I will…have you…executed—!"
"Fine then! Call the fucking bear and have me executed!"
Surprise suddenly spread over Taka's features as Mondo's words echoed, a hint of understanding mixed within all his confusion. Seeing this, Mondo released his grip, letting Taka topple to the floor in front of him. Coughing from lack of oxygen, the startled Moral Compass glanced up at him, frustration and perplexion clear in his gaze.
Glaring down at him, Mondo seethed, "I don't give a fuck about what happens to me! If you wanna have me executed, go the fuck ahead! But at least help me save Chihiro first!"
Finally able to breath, Taka managed to clear his throat and scoff, "I see you're committed to your lie—!"
"Then I'll fucking prove it to you!" Mondo shouted, cutting him off. Extending a hand out to him, the biker continued, "And once it's all over, you can do whatever you want to me. But…until then, I need you to help me, dammit! So get off your ass and get a move on!"
For nearly a full minute, Taka stared at Mondo's hand, a disgusted expression on his face. It was almost as if the very gesture wounded him. However, eventually, the Disciplinary Committee Chairman slowly reached out and grasped his wrist. Mondo reciprocated and pulled him to his feet. Then, before the biker could turn to leave, Taka jerked on his hand, forcing Mondo to continue to face him and keeping them both rooted in place.
Before Mondo had a chance to complain, the Disciplinary Chairman seethed, "If you're lying…I swear…I will have you executed!"
Despite the Moral Compass' ominous tone, Mondo found himself smirking. The fire of Taka's soul, the one that had impressed the biker in the sauna so many days ago…it was still there. Deep down, buried under all that Rule-Nazi bullshit, Mondo knew that his Bro was still the same man he'd come to respect. It would take time, but this display proved that the real Taka could come back to them!
"Fine by me! Now stop wasting time and move your ass!" Mondo chided, tearing his arm away and speeding toward the exit.
"There is no running in the halls! And for the last time, mind your language!" Taka shouted as speed walked after his classmate.
Minding the door, the Moral Compass pulled it shut behind him…never seeing another of his classmates slumped against the wall just behind the door.
"There…that should do nicely," Celeste complimented herself, covering up the largest mallet with a tarp.
It hadn't been easy to get it down, considering her small stature, but it was necessary for her plan. There was no way for her to surreptitiously dismount the hammer with someone else in the room, as it required her to get up onto the counter just to lift it off. Not to mention that the mallet was incredibly heavy for a woman of her size. Underestimating its weight, had she accidentally dropped it while trying to get it down. However, now that it was down and hidden away in the corner of the room, the final piece of her plan was set.
The weight of the mallet was a bit of an issue but she needed it to be heavy enough to kill with a single blow. After all, there was no way a girl like her would be able to grapple with someone as large and physically intimidating as Hifumi. She had to ensure he wouldn't be able to counter-attack, for if he did, there was no way she would survive. Having seen his murderous rage for herself, Celeste knew it was a bit of a gamble relying on him, especially since he could easily turn the tables on her if he so desired. Fortunately, she didn't believe him intelligent enough to try and double-cross her, and even if he had a change of heart, the plot was already set in motion.
Nothing could stop it now…by the end of the day, she would be free of this shit hole!
"All that remains is to head to the Rec Room and wait…" she told herself, closing the Art Supply room door and heading toward the hallway.
Once there, she heard echoing footsteps coming from the stairwell leading down, a smirk appearing on her porcelain lips.
"There goes Hifumi. So, that means…" she concluded, glancing toward the physics lab maliciously. "He really did it…that rule-obsessed fucktard is finally dead!"
Unparalleled joy erupted from within and Celeste found her mask slipping as she cackled quietly. Oh, how she wanted to be there when it had happened! Seeing his pathetic face twisted in horror as he was clubbed to death! She briefly wondered if she had enough time to go spit on his corpse but decided against it. It was almost 7 AM and she needed to be in place soon just in case someone happened to be wandering around early.
"Besides, I wouldn't want to leave unintentional evidence behind," she reminded herself, knowing all too well how meticulous her classmates were when it came to investigation. "Best just to stick to the plan. I'll get to see his mangled corpse later anyway."
Although a bit disappointed that she couldn't survey her handiwork, Celeste marched toward the Rec Room with a spring in her step, confidence overflowing as she prepared for the next phase of her plan.
"Whaddya mean you can't go inside?!" Mondo complained as he and Taka stood outside the nurse's office. "That was the whole point of finding you! Don't you have authority and shit?!"
"It's not as simple as just declaring that I am able to defy rules!" the Disciplinary Chairman shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at his classmate. "That would destroy the very fabric of our communal—!"
Stomping his foot, the biker retorted, "Chihiro's life is on the fucking line! Can't you make-up a rule or something?!"
"Monokuma made it very clear that we are only allowed to use the nurse's office in a state of emergency! Unless someone is critically injured and requires medical treatment, we cannot—!"
Half-way through his explanation, Mondo turned and slammed his face into the wall. Taka's eyes widened as Mondo repeatedly beat his head against the drywall. His grunts echoed down the hall for a moment before the biker whirled around, blood dripping from his forehead.
"There! I'm fucking bleeding! Get into the fucking office and help me!"
There were no words that Taka could use to express his shock. Watching as the blood rolled down Mondo's face, the Disciplinary Committee Chairman found himself in a situation unlike any he'd ever imagined.
As Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, he had encountered various kinds of misbehavior. And while he'd broken up many fights and witnessed classmates bleeding as a result, it was always due to their own choices. However, this was the first time blood had been drawn due to Taka's own inability to act. Mondo had injured himself in order to force him to act, a shameful but effective tactic.
This action boggled the Disciplinary Chairman's mind. He had little doubt that Mondo was trying to deceive him, but with so much evidence to the contrary…could it be that his classmate was…being truthful with him? And if that were the case, it would mean that Taka's actions had potentially hindered Chihiro's survival!
"No! That can't be right! I would never do such a thing! As the Disciplinary Committee Chairman, it is my responsibility to prevent disaster! Not hasten it! I am trying to save lives! Not end them! It is Mondo who is being treasonous! And I will see him executed if…executed…if…if…"
Cruel realism suddenly crashed down on Taka's head as that contradiction arose in his mind. His purpose was to keep everyone safe and protected! Why then…was he considering execution?! It should have been the furthest notion form his mind, and yet…he'd been all but ready to call for Monokuma to punish Mondo. The biker was on thin ice and knew that his actions could lead to his own death.
Despite that…all that Mondo seemed concerned with was Chihiro's safety…which is what Taka realized should have been his primary concern! The very idea of Chihiro awakening should have thrilled him! Instead, he was skeptical and doubting…all because the news had been delivered…by his former friend. And now, that former friend had done personal harm to himself…just to find a means of protecting Chihiro's fragile life.
"...Why…why did I not at least hear him out?! Why did I let my anger overrule my judgement?! At this very moment…Chihiro could be…?!"
Even though he never would have noticed it, for a brief moment, the white of his hair darkened and his aura flickered, the fire in his eyes ebbing slightly as he came to a decision.
"Errah, very well! I declare a state of emergency and will escort you into the office for treatment! While there…I will also see if any other students require medical attention!"
"'bout fucking time!" Mondo groaned, sliding open the office door and heading inside.
With a displeased visage, Taka followed after him, determined to discover if his methods truly were flawed in such a way.
"Ahhhhh, I know I should be more upset that Taka's gray matter didn't paint the floor but…OH THE DESPAIR HERE IS ORGASMIC!"
The Mastermind, Junko Enoshima, ran her hands down the length of her body as she shivered from ecstasy. A husky breath escaped her as the throes of despair ignited her body with passionate heat. Chills ran down her spine, tingling her entire body as ecstasy consumed her. There truly was nothing like despair…and it came in so many forms!
From Taka's 'heartfelt' reunion with his former friend, all way to Celeste's pitiful confidence that she'll win! There was almost too much despair gorge on!
Junko had been observing since yesterday, analyzing the many ways Celeste's plan could go, and now the answer was clear to her. Celeste's plan was headed for a devastating crash that would ignite the ripest of despairs! The Mastermind chuckled, having never imagined that watching a murder fail would be as despair inducing as having one be committed! It was obvious Hifumi's failure to kill Taka was something Celeste hadn't even considered, and with that crucial piece of her plan missing, the rest of her scheme was certain to crumble, entrapping the gambler with the very plot she'd placed all of her hope on!
"And of-fucking-course she doesn't even realize it!" Junko screamed, switching to her most offensive persona. "That meticulous little bitch is about to crash and burn, emphasis on the burn when I get to execute her! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—!"
"But what if she doesn't gets to kills Otaku Nerd?" Junko said as she suddenly shifted personalities, becoming more cutesy. "I won't gets to execute her and watch her burn to a little crisp while she screams for her fat cat to save her…"
"Perhaps not," she continued talking to herself, donning her fake glasses and ponytail. "But the despair of watching her plan fail so spectacularly, seeing the despair of her own futility…that will be our prize—".
"My prize…my prize…" Junko corrected herself, resuming her 'normal' persona. Leaning back in her chair, the Mastermind sighed. Partly out of boredom. Partly out of depression. "It's only me here…since I can't talk to Muku anymore. And going schizo's already boring me…plus, it's been done already so…" A deep sigh escaped her. "It wouldn't be despairing enough for me…"
Sadly enough, for her at least, the euphoria of the upcoming despair was already fading. And while it had been rhapsodic, it had also been fulminating. She was only getting bits of despair until now, so having such a tasty morsel had been absolutely euphoric! But it lasted for such a short time that…Junko had begun to wonder if something was amiss.
"Could I be…getting bored of despair?" she pondered, tilting her head to glance at a Monokuma doll she'd pinned to the wall with knives. "What do you think?"
"I think your logic if full of holes…just like me!" Junko replied to herself in her Monokuma voice. "You've been consuming so much despair since the world ended, that you've gotten used to it! You need a new kind of despair! One that no one but you can experience! The kind of despair that will make you drool with anticipation and wet yourself in a way that makes the internet love you! You need…the despair of masturbating to you dead lover—!"
"Been there, done that…" Junko retorted herself, feeling even more bored. "I guess I'll just have to wait until the goth chick's plan fails…at least that will soak the southern fields."
"Alrighty then, just remember…" Junko's Monokuma voice returned, her grip on sanity unclear. "The Ultimate Despair you dream of may be closer than you think…"
Silence fell over the room, a deafening quiet that made Junko's ears ring. Even more surprising, her expression was completely neutral. What 'Monokuma' had said wasn't exactly false. Despair wasn't as palpable as it once was. At first, Junko assumed it was because she was confined to the school, and thus the variety of despair was limited. However, as more and more of her classmates survived what should have been fatal encounters, she began consider the nature of this 'experiment'.
In the end, it was simple. Junko Enoshima wanted despair…but was the despair awaiting her at the end of this game be enough to satisfy her? Had her cravings grown too strong? Like a drug addict who had to switch drugs to get more stimulation? There was no way for her to know. Even with her analytical abilities…it was too early to tell. She craved the Ultimate Despair…the one true despair that a person could only experience once.
…Death.
She knew that would bring her despair…but only under the right circumstances. If she killed herself now, the only despair she would have is that her former classmates would eventually starve because she wouldn't be replenishing food for them. And unfortunately, that despair would be a drop in the hat compared to the idea of her classmates somehow surviving and somehow defeating her. The very thought of all her hard work going to waste, all the planning and effort resulting in Hope winning the day…that would breed a Despair unlike any other!
…But…was that even possible?
No matter how much she analyzed the Mutual Killing Game, there was no doubt that someone would die before it all ended. Even if it was only one person…someone was going to die because of this game…she just didn't know who or when…which actually…was kind of despairing in and of itself!
Momentarily, a flush of heat erupted from within Junko, temporarily sating her needs and making her grin maliciously. It seemed that despair had not abandoned her yet!
"Eh, what do you know, ya dumb bear? You just hang out all day…" Junko finally 'retorted', reaching into her desk before throwing another knife into the motionless Monokuma doll, sticking it between the eyes. Huffing amusedly, she switched back to the monitors and chuckled, "Let's see if Muku's having as much 'fun' as I am…"
7 AM…it was time for the morning meeting. The morning announcement had just concluded and Mukuro was preparing to depart for the cafeteria. Ensuring her wig was in place, the disguised soldier opened her door to find an unexpected visitor waiting for her.
"Morning, Junko!" Sayaka cheerfully greeted, smiling brightly as Mukuro stepped outside, closing and locking her door behind her.
"O-Oh, hey Sayaka!" she replied with a smile of her own, a bit startled to see her classmate waiting for her. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Yup! I figured we could walk to the meeting together," the pop idol informed her, glancing down the hall. "Leon went on ahead. Something about wanting to see if the fridge got restocked…"
"Ahh. I was wondering why he wasn't with you." Mukuro replied, chuckling as they began to walk down the hall.
Sayaka, however, pouted a bit at that response. "We're not attached at the hip, you know."
"There's evidence to the contrary," the soldier found herself teasing, a smirk lighting up her face. "I mean, you've already seen his room—".
"One time!" a flushed Sayaka protested before a mischievous smirk spread on her lips. "By the way, your wig's looking fantastic today…"
Mukuro froze. Time stood still as fear gripped her soul…her worst fear realized.
Then, instinctively, her hand flew up to her wig, her heart racing. Her eyes dilated and her breathing quickened, her other hand reaching toward the knife hidden under her shirt. Against her will, and out of sheer panic, Mukuro's mind instinctively began running scenarios about where to hide Sayaka's body—
"NO! Stop that!" she cursed herself, fighting her soldier's instincts as much as possible. "I will not let my instincts take control! I won't kill—!"
"Junko…?! Are you alright?!"
Sayaka's panicked voice startled the frantic soldier back to reality, her pale blue eyes shooting over to see the pop idol's distraught expression. Taking in that visage, Mukuro gulped and took a breath, eventually falling into a steady rhythm of breathing. As she stood there, staring at her friend's face, she was shocked when Sayaka's features abruptly grew stern.
"I…I'm sorry," she fervently apologized, bowing her head. Lifting her gaze up, she continued, "I shouldn't have teased you about that. It's a sensitive issue and I should have been more respectful."
Still recovering from her own bout of panic, Mukuro took a deep breath before asking, "W-When did you…figure it out?"
"Yesterday," the pop idol admitted, a hint of shame in her voice. "There's a big difference between a wig and real hair, even if the wig is made from real hair."
"T-Then…why didn't you say anything yesterday?!" a dazed and confused Mukuro questioned, her fear refusing to subside. Her tone incited an apologetic visage from the pop idol.
"I'm not intimately familiar with the fashion industry, but I understand how strict and harsh it can be. I figured that the wig was a part of your image and you didn't want people figuring it out. I mean…it could end your career if your clients found out your image was fabricated so…"
She paused, collecting her resolve before a determined expression overtook her.
"I'm sure you have your reasons for wearing that wig. And it's not my business, anyway. I should have been more respectful of your private life. So again, I'm sorry."
Sayaka bowed once more, leaving Mukuro utterly perplexed as a flood of emotions engulfed her. A part of her was glad that the pop idol hadn't mentioned it yesterday. It would have been more difficult to stave off her urge to 'eliminate threats' in the confines of her private room…where no one would have been able to hear screaming…
Shaking her head, Mukuro felt guilty for having such dark thoughts. Even considering the soul crushing fear that had almost consumed her, it was still disconcerting that she had even thought of such a despicable solution.
And what's worse…that unexplainable tightness in her chest had returned, further perplexing the already flustered soldier.
Despite the maelstrom of conflicting emotions, Mukuro somehow found the words to reply, "N-No, it's not your fault. I should have mentioned it earlier. And about my reasons for wearing the wig…"
She hesitated, knowing what needed to be done. She had to lie. There was no other choice. She needed to lie to her classmate…her friend. If not, then both of their lives would be in danger. And she wasn't willing to let—
"You don't have to tell me…" Sayaka interjected, startling Mukuro into silence. "It's your deal and I have no right to question you."
"Thank you…" Mukuro squeezed out, secretly thrilled that she didn't need to fabricate another excuse.
"And don't worry, I haven't mentioned it to anyone and I don't plan to," the pop idol assured, her features stern and determined. "I'll keep it to myself. I promise."
"…Thanks," the disguised soldier said again, feeling relieved but awkward at the same time. "I appreciate it."
"Just do me one tiny favor…" Sayaka quickly continued, surprising Mukuro by inching toward her. Without warning, she grasped the soldier's hand and lifted it up, holding it with both hands. The pop idol stared her square in the eyes as she requested, "Keep the fact that I visited Leon's room to yourself. Everyone's suspicious enough as it is…"
Honestly, Mukuro had been expecting a much more diabolical request. Then again, considering that her sister's 'requests' often involved someone else's untimely death, it was probably just a knee-jerk reaction.
In either case, the disguised soldier smiled widely and nodded. "Deal!"
Giggling, Sayaka reciprocated her friend's smile and gently shook her hand before letting it go, turning to head into the cafeteria. Mukuro followed after her, ignoring the foreboding feeling welling up in her chest.
The cafeteria was eerily silent as the students waited for their classmates to arrive. Sitting at her usual spot at the longest table, Kyoko glanced around the room, tallying attendance for the third time.
Makoto had arrived just after 7 AM, and had taken a seat beside her. Next to him, Sayaka and Leon sat together, the baseball star groaning at his bacon and eggs while the pop idol patted his back. Across from them, Junko played with her food, occasionally twiddling her fingers through her hair. Next to her sat Hina and Sakura, an apprehensive expression on both their faces. At an adjacent table, Byakuya sat alone, taking an occasional glance at the clock before huffing angrily. Hiding behind a nearby chair, Toko peered out at her 'Master', a lewd expression twisting her features. And with Mondo taking care of Chihiro, their absence was to be expected.
Overall, four people were unaccounted for…a startlingly large number considering their situation.
"Wrong…something feels…wrong…"
It was fifteen after 7 AM and while most of the class had arrived, key figures were missing.
Most notably, Taka was absent. He should have been there first but was abnormally late. And while the silence his absence provided was soothing, his lack of presence was disconcerting. Kyoko almost didn't notice that Hiro was absent as well, if not for the fact that he wasn't there to be excessively loud as well.
Even more unnerving, Celeste and Hifumi were remarkably late. Even considering their laxed notion of punctuality, it was odd that neither of them were present. Hifumi especially, considering his passionate feelings about their current situation. And with Celeste absent as well…
"Something's wrong…" Kyoko said aloud, drawing everyone's attention. "With so many of us missing, it's possible that someone has been attacked. Or worse. We need to investigate immediately. We may already be too late."
"H-Hey, Kyoko!" Makoto stammered, a bit stunned by her bluntness. "I'm sure the everyone's just running late! Five more minutes! We can at least wait that long!"
A part of Kyoko wanted to comply with his request, mostly out of admiration for his unwavering optimism. Unfortunately, it was obvious that his comment was meant to reassure not only their classmates, but Makoto himself. And there was no doubt in Kyoko's mind that foul play was afoot. There was no time to waste on sentiment or good will. Her instincts told her so…and she couldn't ignore them.
"We can't afford to wait any longer, not with so many unusual circumstances," she countered, making the lucky student grimace.
"I…I get that but—!"
"Think about it. Taka's never been late. And after yesterday's events, I doubt he would miss the opportunity to scold us. And with Monokuma's motive in play, I believe it would be more appropriate to assume the worst rather than hope for the best," Kyoko refuted, watching as her logic crushed his optimism.
It was almost painful to watch his expression fall, but it was necessary. Only when the situation turned grave did Makoto somehow find the strength to persevere, even through the harshest of truths. He'd done so twice now, and Kyoko was confident he would do so again.
…It was something she whole-heartedly admired about him.
Just as she anticipated, Makoto's expression hardened, but deep concern almost immediately overtook him. "You're…You're right, Kyoko. We should go and look for everyone, just in case!"
And there it was, his unbreakable spirit, just as she'd anticipated. With his agreement, it would be easy to convince the others, a fact that she made shameful use of. At the same time, it was necessary. The tension was palpable and it showed on everyone's face. They all feared the worst, and for good reason. Each time someone failed to arrive for the morning meeting, tragedy had struck. And it seemed this time was no exception…although they all prayed that wasn't the case.
Well, most of them anyway…
"It seems the game is afoot once again," Byakuya said almost gleefully, earning many furrowed brows and vicious glares. The Affluent Progeny paid them no mind, effortlessly continuing, "As Kyoko said, we've no time to waste. Let's split up and search the school."
The group of students silently seethed at his order, his attitude and 'authority' wearing on all their nerves. Kyoko, in particular, sent him a sideways glance, her grievances almost visible. However, he was being somewhat cooperative, an unusual change that was welcome in this time of uncertainty.
"Alright then, but we should start by checking on Mondo and Chihiro," Kyoko proposed, knowing that no one would oppose her suggestion.
"Yeah. I'm kinda worried about them actually," Junko voiced, already standing up.
"But shouldn't someone stay here?" a concerned Hina pondered. "I mean, what if someone shows up while we're all out searching?"
"It would be highly unlikely—", Byakuya began, only to be cut off.
"I'll stay here and keep an eye out," Sayaka bravely offered, talking over Byakuya with a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "I'm still recovering and can't move as fast as the rest of you. So it's best if I stay here—".
"By yourself?! Are you crazy?!" Leon interjected, worry clear in his tone. "Nu-uh! No way! Don't you know that splitting up is the best way to get yourself killed?!"
Sayaka frowned at his pessimism and let out a deep sigh, "I never said I would be here by myself. I planned to ask if someone wanted to wait with me."
"O-Oh…well…" Leon stammered, at a loss for words.
Almost immediately, Sayaka let a mischievous smirk spread on her lips. "Well, since you've made such a fuss, I suppose it'll have to be you. You'd better take responsibility."
Embarrassed by his overprotective nature, the baseball star nervously answered, "T-That works for me…besides, safety in numbers and all that, right?"
"He brings up a good point," Junko said, a fierce determination in her eyes. "If we do split up to search, it should be in pairs. That way, there's less of a chance any of us will be attacked…"
"It will also establish alibis for everyone here," Byakuya pointed out, a malicious grin spreading over his face. "It will narrow down the list of suspects. And once we find a body, it will be easier to establish where everyone was."
The Togami Heir's cruel logic irritated the rest of the class, but no one refuted him. After two incidents happening so close to each other, all of them were subconsciously preparing for the worst. Not even Makoto, whose reckless optimism appeared boundless, could find the words to counter his claim.
Due to the newly renewed tension, Junko grimaced at Byakuya's comment and sneered at him, "That's not what I meant—!"
"Regardless, we need to exercise caution. After all, we know that we aren't the only ones here in the school," Kyoko reminded everyone, earning a few confused glances.
"Oh, right! That masked weirdo is still out there!" Hina suddenly realized, looking a bit ashamed. "I almost forgot about him…"
At the mention of the mysterious 16th individual, everyone tensed. The incident had occurred so many days ago that it had almost faded from memory. And while Kyoko had been secretly investigating that lead, she had uncovered very little. Apart from the hidden room she discovered in the second floor boy's restroom, there was no hint of the masked figured to be found. And while it was possible that the masked attacker was the Mastermind, Kyoko's intuition told her it couldn't be that simple.
Regardless, with this information now fresh in everyone's minds, the class' worries only increased.
"We've been letting our guard down," Sakura shamefully admitted, voicing what the entire group was thinking. "It's quite possible that one of our classmates were attacked by the masked figure!"
"Then we need to hurry up and get to searching!" Makoto earnestly shouted, almost everyone rising to their feet in response. Seeing prepared to help, he smiled confidently. "Okay, so we need to decide where everyone's gonna search."
"Sayaka and I got the cafeteria covered!" Leon insisted, triumphantly smirking at the pop idol. "I have to take responsibility, after all!"
For a moment, Sayaka frowned at having her words thrown back at her. However, she obviously understood the gravity of their situation and knew that stubbornness would be pointless. Just then, a snide grin overtook her lips as she acquiesced, "Fine, but that means we're gonna be cleaning up the kitchen."
"…W-Wait, what?!"
"It makes sense, doesn't it? After all, I believe you made quite a mess while making breakfast. Plus, it'll give us something to do while we wait," the pop idol insisted…or more accurately subtly demanded.
Realizing he'd been duped once again, the baseball star begrudgingly accepted his fate. "…Alright, fine!"
"In that case, why don't I stay and investigate the dorms?" Sakura proposed, glancing at Leon and Sayaka. "Afterwards, I will meet up with the two of you and we can check on Mondo and Chihiro together."
"Sounds like a plan!" Leon concurred, smiling confidently.
"Alright…but don't take any risks," Sayaka practically demanded, her visage hardening. Despite the brave face, the concern in her eyes was impossible to overlook. "And if you all happen to find someone, come and let us know right away."
"Fine, then I will investigate the first floor, beginning with the gym," Byakuya cut in, folding his arms and averting his gaze. "And unlike the rest of you, I won't require an escort—".
"T-That's b-b-because I'll be going w-with him!" Toko practically shouted, lustfully grinning at the Affluent Progeny. Instantly, he shot her a furious glare, making her flinch…but then shiver euphorically. "A-After all, we need to st-stay together to establish an a-alibi!"
Despite a disgusted expression, Byakuya was forced to acknowledge this arrangement. "Let me be perfectly clear. You are only coming along to provide an alibi for me. And you will stay out of my sight as much as possible. Understood?"
"Y-YES!" Toko emphatically shouted, a bit of drool running down her chin.
"Okaaay…now that that's been decided, I think we should talk about the elephant in the room," Junko spoke up, a worried but determined expression on her face. "If you encounter the masked weirdo, don't try to fight them! Call for help and we'll deal with them together!"
"Indeed," Sakura concurred, unfolding her massive arms and clenching both fists. "If you find someone, friend or foe, be sure to call for the rest of us immediately."
As everyone nodded in agreement, Kyoko found herself surreptitiously glancing at Junko. For some reason, the way the Fashionista had addressed the masked figure perturbed her. Until this point, almost everyone had been using male pronouns when speaking of the masked figure, but Junko chose to use a gender neutral pronoun. Perhaps it was nothing, but combined with her already suspicious behavior, Junko was unintentionally drawing attention to herself more and more with each passing day.
In the middle of her thoughts, said Fashionista abruptly offered, "Okay then, I'll take the second floor!"
Sensing an opportunity, Kyoko quickly chimed in, "I'll join you."
Surprisingly, Junko seemed almost appreciative of her choice. It wasn't that unexpected, considering they had worked together to guard Alter Ego the other night, but it still felt a bit awkward. Kyoko had noticed that Junko simultaneously trusted and distrusted her classmates, which only put the amnesiac girl further on guard. At the same time, her resourcefulness couldn't be argued, so it made trusting the Fashionista a sensitive matter.
Regardless, this arrangement worked in Kyoko's favor. She had planned to search the second floor anyway, considering only she knew of the hidden room and it would certainly need to be investigated again. And while she found Junko to be mildly trustworthy, the amnesiac girl didn't feel comfortable telling her of the secret room…at least not yet.
"Cool, that covers the first two floors," the Fashionista continued, glancing around at everyone else. "So, that leaves Makoto and Hina to check the third floor."
"Right! Leave the third floor to us!" Hina shouted, wrapped her arm around Makoto's shoulders and pulling him close.
"Y-Yeah!" Makoto concurred, fighting off a blush from the sudden physical contact. Quickly, the flush in his cheeks faded and he confidently proclaimed, "Be careful out there everybody! And be sure to watch each other's backs!"
Collectively, the group of students nodded…except for one.
"Can we please more forward with this group therapy meeting? I would prefer to find the bodies before they grow cold," Byakuya chastised, tapping his foot impatiently. Ignoring the furious glares of his classmates, he turned on a heel and headed for the door. "I suggest you all hurry as well."
Without another word, the Togami Heir departed, with Toko eagerly nipping at his heels.
"Prick…" Junko muttered under her breath as he left. "But he's got a point. We should all head out!"
"Very well," Kyoko affirmed, moving to stand next to Junko. "We have our objectives. Let's go."
"Where the hell are they?" Celeste groaned as she lay flat on the floor. "That stupid meeting was supposed to have started an hour ago! They should have begun investigating already!"
As she whispered into the floor tiles, she fought back her seething anger. Anxiety wasn't something she usually felt, but with so much riding on her plan going smoothly, even the Ultimate Gambler was feeling uneasy.
"There's no need to be nervous," she reaffirmed for herself, speaking in her usual accent to instill confidence. "I am sure they're just running late. Everything is going according to plan. And by the end of the day…I will be free of this place."
Her ability to 'lie' to herself truly was astounding. Even now, as anxiety and fear threatened to creep into her mind, her own words dispelled her doubts. It was a frightening talent, and one that would allow her achieve her dream…no matter the cost.
After all, any moment now those poor fools would come bursting in and see her in a state of 'distress'. Then, she could initiate the second phase of her plan, building her own alibi while simultaneously 'helping' to solve the mystery of Taka's, and later Hifumi's, demise.
…But she couldn't do that until someone came and 'found' her—!
As if on cue, Celeste heard the Rec Room door open. Despite the excitement that rose up in her, she maintained her perfect mask and pretended to be unconscious on the floor. For any moment now, whomever had entered would notice her, and their shock would be her cue to 'awaken'. Footsteps approached her and given that they sounded close, she was fairly certain whomever was there had already seen her. More than likely it was Byakuya or Kyoko, as they would be some of the only students who could keep calm after finding a 'body'.
Suddenly, the footsteps ceased. Celeste was instantly puzzled but dared not move. Too much was riding on her establishing an alibi here, and she wouldn't let mere curiosity disrupt her plans to—
"M-Miss…Ludenberg…"
In an instant, Celeste's perfect mask cracked as a familiar voice called out to her. Shooting her gaze up, she saw the very picture of horror.
Standing above her, fresh blood oozing down his face, stood Hifumi.
His eyes were dilated and he was struggling to breath, a hand resting on his blood-smeared head. Very slowly, he pulled that hand away, droplets of pink fluid dripping to the floor as he reached out to Celeste. Frozen in horror, the gambler's eyes stared at the blood-stained hand growing close and closer to her face.
"H-Help…me…"
As the bloody appendage hung over her, a single drop of pink blood slipped from his fingertips…and collided with Celeste's pale cheek. All at once, her perfect mask shattered, and a piercing scream echoed throughout the entire school.
To Be Continued…
Greetings, my beautiful readers! Well, now that Celeste's plan has begun to go awry, how will that effect the rest of her scheme? Will she be able to go through with her plot? Will she be discovered and by whom? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out!
I am so sorry for the delay. I meant to get this chapter out MONTHS ago, but due to an unforeseen tragedy in my family, everything in my life was put on hold. Now, months later, I'm back to writing and I wanted to get this edited and posted as soon as I could. That being said, there may be typos or mistakes here and there, because editing was kind of rushed.
By the way, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed or favorited recently. I'm happy to know that people are still enjoying my story, even with the inconsistent uploads. Also, to the Guest who left the most recent review: I'm glad you gave this fic a try and I assure you that you will get the sweet satisfaction you're looking for! ;)
Beyond that, I wanted to let you know the DR: IF dubbing project is going smoothly! We're in the process of getting all the lines recorded and I can't wait to show you all the final product! By the way, for anyone interested in watching let's plays, I'm doing a blind playthrough of "999", another SpikeChunsoft game, on my youtube channel - hunterofcomedy
Please leave a review/comment if you're still enjoying the story or if you have any questions! Reviews make my day, so don't be shy if you feel like saying anything! Until next time, keep on smiling, my beautiful readers!