Chapter 9: Rise of the Kingdom of Despair
Day:April 11 th Time:7:08 AM Location: Hotel-5 th F-Celeste's room
Celeste walked into the room with her hands up in the air. The Ultimate Princess was behind her, pointing a gun at her back. ''You know, this is very unsightly for someone of noble blood.'' The gambler scoffed.
''Indeed.'' Sonia said. ''But you forced my hand by trying to run away. Of course, I cannot shoot to kill. That would make everything pointless. But I can make sure you are unable to move if you resist.''
''You could have just asked your goons to deal with me.''
''The members of the student council are not my goons, Celestia.'' Sonia smiled. ''They are helping me because they believe in me. But there is only a few of us left, now that Kirumi and the others have resigned. It is more efficient to split up the work.''
''Good for them.'' Celestia chuckled. ''I think you're a crazy bitch.''
''You are free to think anything you wish.'' Sonia said. ''All I want to do is ensure everyone is safe at any cost. If I must be hated and derided because of it, then so be it. Now then, it is time I take my leave. I believe you were the only one left. Now I shall lock the rest of the student council myself, and then make preparations for breakfast. I am afraid I will not be able to sleep tonight.''
''How thoughtful of you.'' Celeste said sarcastically.
Day:April 11 th Time:10:07 AM Location: Hotel-2 nd F-Kazuichi's Room
Kazuichi was having cereals for breakfast when Hina walked into the room, carrying a box of donuts. Sonia closed the door behind her and stayed outside.
''Hina?'' Soda tilted his head. ''What are you doing here?''
''I didn't wanna eat alone.'' She smiled and put the donuts on a table. ''I can't get away with eating so many donuts by myself if I can't go and swim them away.''
''I'd think you would go with Nekomaru or Owada then.'' Kazuichi said in thought. ''And probably exercise together or something too.''
''I'll probably do that a lot, but I get tired of them sometimes.'' Hina crossed her arms. ''I like them, but there's such a thing as too must testosterone, you know?'' She sighed. ''When Sakura and the others were still alive, there was more of a balance, but now...I kinda need someone more...low-key...in my life.''
''Y-you're kinda hurting my male pride.'' Soda grimaced.
''No, I mean it as a compliment.'' Hina giggled. ''I'm starting to like you a lot.''
''Wait.'' The mechanic blushed. ''Do you mean like or like?''
''I-I'm still trying to figure that one out, actually.'' Aoi pouted. ''But I do wanna hang out more. It'll be hard without leaving our rooms, but maybe we can exercise together or something.''
''Wait.'' Soda put a hand to his mouth. ''Do you mean exercise or exercise?''
''The normal one.'' The swimmer blushed and looked to the side.
''Shit.'' Kazuichi gritted his teeth. ''Did I ruin the moment?''
''A little, yeah.''
''Dammit.''
Day:April 11 th Time:12:06 AM Location: Hotel-2 nd F-Hajime's Room
Izuru and Mondo were doing push-ups.
''Your actions baffle me, Owada.'' Kamukura said in his monotone. ''You keep challenging me, knowing full well that you can never defeat me.''
''We'll see about that!'' Mondo yelled, gasping for air. ''I don't give a shit how many talents you have, you ain't some kinda god. You're a human just like me. So if you can do it, then so can I!''
''How asinine.'' Izuru sighed. ''I am no mere human, but the Ultimate Hope, created to stand at the top of all humanity.''
''And even so, you're fucking hopeless.'' Owada chuckled. ''So don't be so full of yourself, goddammit.''
Day:April 11th Time:3:05 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Kokichi's Room
Kokichi and Kaede were having lunch together.
''Y'know, you are the last person I would expect to come spend some quality time with little ol' me.'' Oma said with smile.
''Nutjob or not, you are still my classmate.'' The pianist sighed. ''As the class rep, I have to take responsibility.''
''Awww.'' Kokichi chuckled. ''You're always so reliable and selfless. I bet guys are just dying to date you.''
''To be honest, I actually came to ask you something.'' Kaede looked at him in the eye.
''Oh?'' Kokichi tilted his head.
''How do you do it?'' She asked. ''How do you keep yourself together? I'm so tired of this. My heart keeps breaking over and over again. I don't have the energy to do anything anymore. And I know I'm not the only one. Everybody is either too depressed to act or just completely losing it at this point. But you...you're different. You're the same happy-go-lucky clown you've always been. After watching so many people die...how can you keep that up?''
''Well, we all die eventually, right?'' Oma shrugged. ''So it's not that big of a deal if you stop to think about it.''
''That's your answer?'' Kaede scoffed. ''Just nihilism? That's why you got Tenko and the others killed? I almost died too.''
''On the contrary.'' Oma smiled. ''Since we all die no matter what, it's better if we can accomplish something with our death, don't you think? In their case, we got a rid of a clearly dangerous person like Mukuro.''
''I see.'' Kaede got up. ''Well, then. I think it's time for me to leave. There's just one more thing I want to tell you.''
''Oh?''
''Fuck you.''
Day:April 11th Time:7:04 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Kyoko's Room
Makoto and Kyoko were playing chess.
''Hey, Kyoko.'' Naegi called. ''Do you think I'm a good class rep?''
''Why do you ask?'' She asked.
''I think Hina and the others don't want to listen to me anymore.'' He sighed.
''I don't think I am qualified to give opinion on the qualities of a class representative..'' The detective closed her eyes.
''Of course you are.'' Makoto said. ''Because you're my classmate. And you never lie, either. If I asked Chiaki or Kaede, I know they'd try to cheer me up. But I want to hear the truth. I've already heard from everybody else. Mondo, Hifumi and Hina are tired of me. Taka is always trying to follow up his own moral compass. And Celeste never took me seriously to begin with. So I wanna know what you think, too, Kyoko.''
''What I think?'' Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''As I said, I'm not qualified to have any relevant thoughts on your role as class representative. However, if you ask me how I feel, that might be different. I learned long ago to keep my cool, but this whole thing is very hard on me, too. Frankly, I'm surprised my emotional state isn't worse than it already is. And I think you're a big reason why. So, if you really want to know how I feel about you, I'd say...I'm extremely glad to have you around on this trying times.'' She smiled.
''T-thanks.'' Makoto smiled back. ''I didn't know you could be so candidly sweet.''
''I-I'm not a robot.'' She blushed. ''This is checkmate by the way.''
''Don't say that in front of Keebo.'' Makoto chuckled. ''He might take offense.''
Day:April 11th Time:9:03 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Tsumugi's Room
Hifumi and Tsumugi were laying in bed.
''We should have stopped Harukawa.'' Hifumi muttered. ''The princess has really lost it this time. Now we have to deal with this lockdown nonsense.''
''You're wrong!'' Shirogane jumped up. ''This is an incredibly captivating turn of events! The audience must be filled with excitement.''
''Really?'' Hifumi tilted his head.'' 'Cause it's hard to see how the game can continue like this. I think Nevermind might actually get away with this one.''
''Don't be silly!'' Tsumugi tripped off the bed. ''Monokuma always finds a way! And if he can't, then we can do it ourselves!''
''You keep dragging me into your games.'' Hifumi rolled off the bed and fell on top of the cosplayer. ''As I said, I regret letting that whole thing with Harukawa play out.''
''Oh, c'mon.'' Shirogane pushed him off her body. ''Kaito was going to die anyways. Do you really would have liked to have her alive for that? She's unstable enough when she's not grieving, so imagine how she would have reacted. She might have killed everyone on the island and then herself.''
''I guess.'' Hifumi pouted. ''Anyways, let's get dirty.''
''You always have the same thing in your head.'' Tsumugi sighed and got up. ''All right, let me grab some cosplays.''
Day:April 12th Time:9:02 AM Location: Hotel-4thF-Shuichi's Room
Saihara was drinking coffee when Mahiru walked into the room. Sonia was behind her, but she stayed outside and closed the door.
''Good morning!'' She greeted.
''Do you want something, Koizumi?'' Shuichi asked.
''Rude!'' Mahiru put her hands on her hips. ''Is that any way to greet a lady? At least say 'good morning', jeez.''
''That would be a lie.'' The detective replied. ''Waking up and remembering I'm locked up puts me in a bad mood. So you only have yourself and the rest of the Student Council to thank, Ms. Vice-President.''
''Tch.'' Mahiru crossed her arms. ''We are only doing what we think is best for everybody.''
''Deciding what's good for everybody else by yourself isn't very reasonable.'' He scoffed.
''I don't care if it's reasonable or not.'' She pouted. ''As long as nobody else has to die.''
''I want you to succeed in that, trust me.'' Shuichi pushed down his hat. ''But the precedent isn't very inspiring.''
''That's why I'm here.'' Koizumi explained. ''We want your help, since you're the Ultimate Detective and all.''
''How so?'' He raised an eyebrow.
''Do you think there could be more people plotting to cause trouble?'' She asked. ''Have you noticed anything weird. Perhaps someone acting strangely?''
''What kind of question is that?'' Shuichi sighed. ''Anyone could be plotting anything at any time. And this island is full of pretty eccentric people. It's pretty hard to read everyone, let alone when I'm locked in my room for most of the day. But I have no reason to suspect anyone of anything right now. If all you want is to feed back your own paranoia to take even more insane actions, I have no intention of helping.''
''Rude...'' Mahiru gritted her teeth.
Day:April 12th Time:11:11 AM Location: Hotel-4thF-Nekomaru's Room
Nidai and Iruma were doing aerobics.
''I never would have expected you to want training, Iruma!'' Nekomaru shouted. ''You look more like a nerd type!''
''That's gorgeous girl genius, thanks.'' Miu pouted. ''The genius side just comes naturally to me, but I gotta do the work if I wanna keep the 'gorgeous' side.'Stay fuckable!' , as I always say.''
''Use whatever motivation works for you!'' Nekomaru nodded. ''As long as it helps you stay healthy!''
''Well, to be honest, my real motivation is...this!'' She patted him on the crotch. ''This humongous bulge...I wanna feel it inside me! Fuck me! Do anything you want with me!''
''Not a chance!'' Nekomaru chuckled.
''Why!?'' Miu spat. ''I know you and Owari used to fuck! Isn't that good training, too?''
''Yeah.'' He said in thought. ''But Akane was on a completely different level from you.''
''The fuck are you talking about!?'' Iruma yelled. ''My tits are bigger!''
''That's not what I mean!'' The Ultimate Team Manager yelled back. ''You're not nearly strong enough! You'd probably break apart from the inside!''
''Y-you're only making me more excited.'' Miu gritted her teeth. ''C-can I at least get naked and jerk off here? It'd be nice if you lent me your sweaty underwear too. At least let me look at that absurdly huge dick!''
''Sonia!'' Nekomaru called. ''We're done here! You can take Iruma back to her room!''
Day:April 12th Time:2:22 PM Location: 3rdF-Nagito's Room
Komaeda and Ishimaru were having lunch together.
''I see Sonia keeps insisting on having me accompanied during meals.'' Nagito commented.
''It's to make sure you eat.'' Kiyotaka replied. ''And that you don't try to do something ridiculous like trying to commit suicide with a plastic spork.''
''If I wanted to commit suicide, I would just jump out the window like Ibuki.'' Komaeda chuckled. ''Although with my luck I would probably survive. And then Sonia would have me tied to my bed. Or hers, to keep an eye on me at all times. Celeste would blow a gasket. So I don't really have a way out of this situation. Why are you helping her anyways? I thought you quit the Student Council.''
''I might not agree with the current policy, but I ultimately want to maintain order and avoid further killing.'' Taka rested his face on his fist. ''So I will lend a hand where necessary. That is my duty as the Ultimate Moral Compass.''
''I see.'' Nagito shrugged. ''Personally, I find this situation disgusting. It's clearly a result of despair. Locking ourselves up is just giving up. Completely hopeless. So what if more people die? They'll just become stepping stones for those who survive. That's the only way we can truly achieve...Ultimate Hope.''
''Tsch.'' Taka gritted his teeth. ''You really are a madman through and through, Komaeda.''
''What can I say?'' Nagito smirked. ''That's just the effect hope has on me.''
Day:April 12th Time:4:33 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Ibuki's Room
Chiaki and Ibuki were playing a co-op shooter. They'd convinced Sonia to get them a console and a TV.
''BOOM!'' Mioda shouted. ''Headshot! Go to hell, sucker!''
''No need to be so mean.'' Chiaki chuckled. ''True gamers always respect their opponents.''
''Yes, commander!'' The musician saluted. ''But this reminds me...you're made of computer code just like these guys, right? So what happens if you die? Is there like an A.I. Heaven or something? Do you just respawn?''
''To be honest, I guess I can't really die.'' Nanami tilted her head. ''But I could be deleted. Monokuma has probably made it so that's what happens to me if I die during the killing game. And then I'll be just gone forever, I think.''
''Oh no!'' Ibuki foamed at her mouth. ''Your existence!''
''Well, as far as I understand nobody knows what actually happens to humans when they die, right?'' Chiaki shrugged. ''That's why people fear death more than anything else. And that's why...killing is unforgivable.''
''Right.'' Ibuki nodded. ''That's why we should be thankful for every day we're alive. That's what Gundham always tells me. I guess even he makes sense sometimes.''
''Yeah.'' Chiaki smiled. ''I'm glad you guys are doing alright, at least.''
Day:April 12th Time:6:44 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Keebo's Room
Keebo was staring wistfully out the window when Gundham walked in.
''Ye Ultimate Robot.'' He called. ''I have come to do battle.''
''W-what?'' Keebo stuttered. ''Did Sonia allow this?''
''She's right outside.'' The breeder explained. ''Even in her current state, I was able to reach her reasonable heart.''
''Reasonable!?'' Keebo screamed. ''This is dangerous!''
''Worry not, my metallic friend.'' Gundham smirked. ''This is no fight to the death. It is merely a test. Man vs machine. The ultimate question shall be resolved right here and now! Come Forth, My Four Dark Devas of Destruction!''
The hamsters jumped out of him and ran towards the Ultimate Robot.
''W-wait!'' He tried to say, but they jumped on him and he fell backwards. ''S-stop this.''
''Is that all, Tin Man?'' Gundham crossed his arms. ''I expected far more from an existence created by humans arrogantly acting like gods.''
''Well, my strength is comparable to a senior citizen.'' The robot pouted.
''My disappointment is immeasurable.'' Gundham closed his eye.
Day:April 12th Time:9:55 PM Location: Hotel-5thF-Hiyoko's room
The Ultimate Maid was cleaning puke off the floor while Saionji rolled around on her bed.
''I can't believe Sonia still has you cleaning up, even after you quit the Student Council.'' Hiyoko scoffed. ''You're so pathetic, Tojo.''
''I assure you, I'm doing this out of my own free volition.'' Kirumi replied. ''I live to serve. There's no greatest satisfaction for me. I don't think someone as exceedingly selfish as you could ever understand.''
''Better to be selfish than to clean shit.'' Saionji said.
''If my beliefs disgust you so much, I can leave you drowning in your own vomit if that's what you prefer.'' Tojo said.
''No, please!'' Hiyoko screamed. ''The smell will just make me puke again. I'm just in a bad mood. It's all because of the puberty serum. The puke too. It always happens when the effect is about to go away. And I've ran out of doses...''
Suddenly, she transformed back into her smaller form.
''I see.'' Kirumi sighed. ''That does seem quite inconvenient.''
''Shit!'' Hiyoko punched the bed. ''I gotta go see Mikan and...shit! Now I'm sad!''
''Of course.'' Tojo shook her head and kept cleaning.
Day:April 13th Time:9:01 AM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Hina's Room
Hina and Mahiru were having breakfast together.
''Do you think this is really gonna work?'' The swimmer asked. ''Can we really stop the killing game like this?''
''There's no way to know that.'' The photographer sighed. ''But it's better than doing nothing, right? I don't know about you, I'm sick of watching us play directly into Monokuma's hands. Sonia is right...Mikan, Maizono, Yonaga...they all got their minds warped by the situation. Can you really say you wouldn't kill no matter what?''
''Of course not.'' Hina pouted. ''When I think of Sakura,Tenko, Akane...I wanted to kill Mukuro with my own two hands. Oma, too. But...I don't think that's what they would want. Not if it costs my own life too, at least.''
''I guess there's a certain irony to this place.'' Koizumi crossed her arms. ''Killing means putting your own life at risk. So in theory, the best move is not doing anything. It's like that philosophical thing. What was it called again? The prisoner's dilemma? It would be better to just trust everyone like Naegi says. But that hasn't stopped the killing so far.''
''That's probably why Sonia decided to do this, then.'' Aoi nodded. ''Since simply trusting everyone doesn't work, it's better to create a situation where there isn't even a choice to begin with. Now all of us are forced to get along and nobody has the chance to stab the rest in the back. Makoto would probably think that's too cynical, though.''
''What does he know anyways?'' Mahiru shrugged. ''He's way too naive, specially for a guy. But it does makes him kind of cute in a way.''
Day:April 13th Time:11:11 AM Location: Hotel- 4thF-Miu's Room
Miu was laying on the floor, and Hiyoko was kicking her in the butt.
''What the hell do you mean there's no more Serum, bitch!?'' The dancer screamed.
''H-How am I supposed to make more if I can't even go to the lab!?'' The inventor cried. ''Why don't you go complain to Princess Fuckslut? She's the one that said this isn't important enough to make an exception...''
''Because she's scary when she's mad!'' Hiyoko yelled. ''I like picking on wimps like you better!''
''Y-yes, mommy.'' Iruma drooled. ''I deserve this punishment.''
''Call me that again and I'll throw you out the window!'' Saionji kicked her in the stomach.
''R-right.'' Miu said. ''You're more like a little sister. Or maybe step-sister? Which one is sexier?''
''First of all, we are the same age.'' Hiyoko turned around. ''And second...what the fuck is wrong with you? Being a slut is one thing, but do you have to be so goddamn weird about it?''
''Listen, you really should forget about that Serum.'' Miu got up. ''Even if I could go to the lab, I doubt I could make it without Tsumiki.''
''Don't talk about Mikan.'' Hiyoko pouted. ''It makes me sad!''
Day:April 13th Time:4:44 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Keebo's Room
Kyoko and Keebo were playing chess.
''If I may ask, why did you want to play chess with me, Kirigiri?'' The robot asked.
''I simply want to compare my skills to yours.'' The detective replied. ''Man or machine, whose intelligence is greater? I'm just curious.''
''But I'm not one of those chess-playing robots.'' Keebo pouted. ''I barely know how to play! Why do you people keep treating me like I have all kinds of special talents!?''
''Well, I would say it is a natural assumption.'' Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''After all, the reason humanity created machines in the first place is to do things better than we can.''
''So you're saying a robot that's no different from human is worthless?'' The robot sobbed.
''Sorry, I didn't mean to insult you.'' Kyoko crossed her arms. ''On second thought, your sentience is impressive by itself. Humans are arguably the most complex system in existence, so it must have been hard to recreate one.''
''Thanks.'' K1-B0 smiled. ''Professor Idabashi focused on that to create me. He wanted to make me more human than any other robot.''
''Then he succeeded, as far as I'm aware.'' Kirigiri smiled back.
Day:April 13th Time:9:19 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Hajime's Room
Tsumugi walked up to Izuru, who was lying on the bed.
''Do you want something?'' He asked.
''I'm just checking on you.'' Tsumugi said. ''You know about me, after all. It would be bad if you started leaking top secret intel.''
''I have no intention of doing such a thing.'' Kamukura replied. ''And if you're so worried, you probably shouldn't talk about it out loud. Specially not with that princess right behind the door.''
''These rooms are made so it's hard to eavesdrop.'' The cosplayer shrugged. ''It would be boring if people could figure out everybody's secret plans and conversations so easily, you know. You need to scream to be heard outside. And I'm not here to have sex or anything like that. Although with so many talents, you're probably the Ultimate Sex God or something too.''
''Indeed, such a thing is certainly within my power.'' Izuru replied dryly. ''But I have no interest in it.''
''Energetic as ever, huh?'' Shirogane sighed. ''Well, I'm glad you're on our side at least.''
''I'm not on your side.'' Izuru clarified. ''I'm not opposing it either. I'm simply an observer. I want to see how this story ends. And whether it's boring or not.''
''Of course!'' Tsumugi clasped her hands. ''Maybe we're not so different, you and I. I want to see this story to its conclusion, too! People may die, but stories last forever!''
''How naive.'' Izuru said. ''What will your stories be when humanity inevitably goes extinct?''
''I dunno.'' Tsumugi tilted her head. ''Maybe aliens will try to decipher or something?''
''Any aliens that may exist will eventually disappear, too.'' Kamukura replied. ''Everything will.''
''Gee, do you always have to be such a nihilistic buzzkill?'' Tsumugi pouted. ''My stories are fun, and that's what counts!''
Day:April 14th Time:9:19 AM Location: Hotel-4thF-Ibuki's Room
Ishimaru walked into the room as Sonia closed the door behind him.
''Good morning, Mioda.'' He greeted.
''What's crack-a-lacking, prez?'' Ibuki waved.
''I'm no longer the president of the Student Council.'' Ishimaru said with sadness.
''C'mon, I know that.'' The musician stuck out her tongue. ''We had that election and everything. That was when I did this to myself, too. No way I would forget, Ibuki is not that ditzy. You just have that president vibe. Like you ought to be in meetings and saying stuff like 'Our current course of action seems to be suboptimal'.''
''A-alright?'' Taka grimaced.
''So what brings you to Ibuki's private chamber?'' She asked, putting her fingers on her forehead. ''No offense, but we aren't really close at all.''
''Now that I'm out of the Student Council, I have too much time on my hands, so I've decided to help whoever may need it.'' Taka explained. ''I thought you in particular could use some extra hands, given your condition.''
''Hey, what's that about 'my condition' supposed to mean?'' Mioda glared at him, but then she chuckled. ''Just kidding, Ibuki thinks it's very cute of you to offer. But what I need is not extra hands, it's extra legs. And my classmates have all that covered. There's my main man Gundham of course, and our amazing class rep. But Sonia, Mahiru, Nekomaru...even with all this going on, they still find time to take care of me. They're all so responsible...Ibuki is just the exception!''
''I guess your class turned out to be a more cohesive unit than ours.'' Ishimaru sighed.
''If you don't count Nagito, that is.'' Ibuki shrugged. ''To be honest, I don't need a lot of help at the moment. It's not that hard to move my own wheelchair through the room, and nobody can leave anyways. Everybody may as well be crippled.''
''That's a disturbing way of putting it.'' Taka gritted his teeth.
Day:April 14th Time:2:01 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Shuichi's Room
Kaede and Shuichi were having lunch.
''So...how are you holding up?'' She asked.
''Same as always.'' He replied. ''I don't approve of Sonia's actions, but I'd be lying if I say I don't enjoy the peace and quiet. How about you?''
''I guess it is nice to be able to relax all day.'' Akamatsu nodded.
''So you're really under the weather, huh?'' The detective put his hand to his mouth.
''W-what do you mean?'' Kaede stuttered.
''You're the type that can't stay still.'' Shuichi glared at her. ''Normally, you would be trying to find something to do, and arguing with Sonia about this. If you're taking it in stride...then you must be in pretty low spirits.''
''You really are the Ultimate Detective, huh?'' Kaede sighed. ''Well, you're right. I''m not doing so well. Over half of our class is dead. Most of them just a few days ago. And what did I, the class rep, do? Nothing. Kiyo, Maki, Kaito...they were all hiding dark secrets. Maki and Angie ended up getting swallowed by the darkness in their own hearts. And I just let it all happen on my watch. No, worse than that. I trusted Nagito and Rantaro ended up dead. I tried to throw that stupid party and Tenko ended up dead. I feel like no matter what I do, or even if I don't do anything at all, things always end up in tragedy. This place, this game, it all feels so...hopeless.'' She sobbed. ''So yeah, I feel like shit. How else I am supposed to feel?''
''Exactly how you feel.'' Shuichi replied.
''Huh?'' The Ultimate Pianist tilted her head.
''You're actually not like Naegi at all, are you?'' He grabbed the tip of his hat. ''He seems to actually have the ability to always keep hope alive in his heart, no matter what, for the most part. But you...you're just a liar. You just force yourself to smile through everything, so everyone else won't fall apart. You've always been like that. Taking the burden all on yourself so nobody else has to worry. But we're way past that point.'' Shuichi got up and pulled her into a hug. ''It's okay, Kaede. We're all in this together. You don't have to always act as the class rep. You don't have to always take responsibility. You don't have to always be the strong one for our sake. You can be a normal girl and bawl your eyes out when you're upset, too.''
''T-thank you, Shuichi.'' She buried her head in his chest and started bawling her eyes out.
Day:April 14th Time:7:37 PM Location: Hotel-5thF-Celeste's room
Ludenberg and Oma were playing poker.
''I'm surprised you accepted my challenge.'' Kokichi said.
''Why wouldn't I?'' Celeste played with her hair. ''Boredom is hard to escape around here these days, thanks to that snooty princess. Might as well play a game.''
''You think this is a game, bitch?'' Kokichi glared at her. ''I've come to take away your title once and for all and become the King Of Liars, no, the Emperor of Lies.''
Celeste slapped him and then smiled sweetly. ''It is unsightly for a guy that looks so much like a kid to use nasty words like that.''
''Whatever.'' He pouted. ''I'm going all in. I've got an insane hand.''
''I see it.'' Ludenberg pushed her chips forward. ''Now let's go.''
The gambler revealed a full house with three sevens and two threes. Oma had two aces, a king, a queen and jack, all diamonds except for one of the aces, which was from clovers.
''Damn it!'' He punched the table. ''How did you get such a good hand?''
''The real question is what's so insane about a pair of aces?'' Celeste clasped her hands. ''You though I wouldn't call that bluff? I know a lie when I see it.''
''It wasn't a lie, though.'' Kokichi shrugged. ''I was one card away from a Royal Flush and I got another ace instead. Isn't that bonkers? I almost got the best hand possible.''
''When you put everything on the line, there's no 'almost'.'' Celeste rested her head on her hands. ''In this world, there's only ever two outcomes possible. Either you win...or you lose.''
Day:April 15th Time:12:21 AM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Makoto's Room
Makoto was lying on his bed, about to fall asleep, when someone jumped in from the window.
''Hi.'' The other Ultimate Lucky Student greeted.
''K-Komaeda!?'' Naegi screamed. ''W-what!? H-How!? W-why!?''
''What? I'm just paying you a visit.'' Komaeda raised a finger. ''Why? Because I'm interested in you. How? I jumped from my window.''
''What!?'' Makoto shouted. ''That's really dangerous! You could have fallen and died!''
''With this luck of mine?'' Nagito crossed his arms in thought. ''I don't think so. And I had a bad streak right before. I wanted to go to Kaede's room, but her window was closed.''
''Kaede?'' Makoto tilted his head. ''Why? Breaking into a girl's room in the middle of the night is a pretty bad look, you know.''
''Oh, I just wanted to see her reaction.'' Nagito hugged himself. ''Would it be hope...or despair? I believe in her, you know. I've always thought she had the most potential out of anyone, to become the Ultimate Hope. She has a presence that both you and Chiaki lack. But maybe the universe is telling me something. Maybe it's meant to be you, after all. I saw your window open, and I jumped a few more feet than planned. So tell me, Makoto Naegi. Why did you leave your window open?''
''Huh?'' Makoto raised an eyebrow. ''I just thought it was kinda hot in here.''
''I see.'' Nagito put a finger to his chin. ''Why not take your hoodie off, then?''
''I like my hoodie.'' Naegi shrugged. ''Anyways, it's past curfew. I'm gonna call Sonia and report you.''
''Please do.'' Komaeda smiled. ''I don't want to risk jumping again. I've gotten lucky enough today.''
Day:April 15th Time:12:21 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Chiaki's Room
The Ultimate Gamer was lying on the floor, playing a shooter and eating snacks, while The Ultimate Made cleaned up her room.
''You really don't need to this, Tojo.'' Nanami said, munching.
''I respectfully disagree.'' Kirumi sighed as she cleaned a stain on the window. ''Such disorder shouldn't be allowed in upstanding society. It's frankly impressive that you've even been able to make this big of a mess in just a few days without even leaving your room.''
''Well, I am the Ultimate Gamer, after all.'' Chiaki shrugged.
''You sure are.'' Kirumi shook her head, picking some food of the ground.
''Anyways, I do feel bad having you just work all day.'' Chiaki said. ''Why don't we play something when you're done and you relax a little. What kind of games do you like?''
''I don't really play video games.'' The maid replied, getting some clothes from the lamp and folding them. ''But when it comes to board games, I like strategy.''
''I have some strategy games!'' Nanami said excitedly. ''Although those tend to take a long time before the end. Let's tell Sonia you're going to be busy here all day!''
''I haven't agreed to play yet, you know.'' Tojo chuckled.
Day:April 15th Time:3:33 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Mondo's Room
Mondo and Nekomaru were having lunch together.
''So what's up lately, bro?'' Owada asked.
''Nothing much.'' Nidai shrugged. ''Not a lot to do inside these 4 walls. The only half-interesting thing that happens is when Sonia needs my help as an enforcer.''
''I dunno if I'd call that interesting.'' Mondo spat. ''Most of the time she just wants us to stand behind her all tough and intimidating. It's been a while since I've had a real fight. I got into brawls all the time with the gang. I miss that shit.''
''That's very expected!'' Nekomaru laughed. ''Wanna go at it?''
''Right now?'' The biker asked.
''Why not?'' Nekomaru got up and smirked. ''You got a date or something? C'mon, I need to stretch my muscles a little in the morning.''
''The fuck do you mean 'a little'?'' Mondo got up. ''Don't look down on me, asshole. I can beat your ass any day of the week.''
''That's more like it!'' The Ultimate Team Manager laughed.
Day:April 15th Time:7:44 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Kazuichi's Room
Kazuichi was lying on his bed, reading a comic, while Yamada was sitting on a chair and tapping the desk nervously.
''So how do you like it?'' The Ultimate Fanfic Creator asked. ''I'm trying to get some extra feedback.''
''Well, the girls are certainly hot, but are the tentacles really necessary?'' The Ultimate Mechanic replied. ''It's a little too much for me.''
''Of course they are, you ignoramus!'' Hifumi pushed his glasses. ''They're the essence of the story! How else are the h-scenes supposed to happen!?''
''C-can't it just be some dude and some chick meeting at the beach or whatever and fucking?'' Kazuichi grimaced.
''Who would ever pick up a plain work like that?'' Yamada frowned. ''In the work of fanfiction, it's all about standing out! The one who goes the most overboard wins!''
''Is that so?'' Soda scratched his face. ''Because this one doesn't seem that crazy.''
''That's because that's the sample version without any of the hardcore stuff.'' Hifumi bit his hand. ''The real one is only for paying customers. I mean, that one doesn't even have...''
''Don't finish that sentence, please.'' Kazuichi grimaced.
Day:April 15th Time:11:10 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Gundham's Room
Gundham was playing with the Four Dark Devas of Destruction in his bed when Sonia walked into the room.
''Good evening.'' She greeted. ''The curfew will begin soon, so I am paying everyone a last visit, as customary. Do you have any requests, Gundham? Perhaps someone you would like to talk to?''
''There is someone indeed.'' Tanaka closed his eyes.
''Who?'' The princess asked. ''I will accompany you to their room.''
''Sonia Nevermind.'' Gundham said as he got up from the bed. ''So we can talk here in my lair.''
''Me?'' Sonia put a hand to her chest. ''Whatever for?''
''Even for a high-level demon such as yourself, the situation you insist on putting yourself through must be taking a toll.'' Gundham crossed his arms. ''I simply wish to know if your life force is holding up.''
''I am fine.'' Sonia said with a smile. ''The Ultimate Princess cannot be dispirited so easily.''
''I didn't ask about the Ultimate Princess.'' Gundham looked at her in the eye. ''I asked about Sonia Nevermind. She's just a maiden.''
Sonia looked to the side and grabbed her arm. ''As I said...I am fine.''
Day:April 16th Time:9:08 AM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Kokichi's Room
Oma and Saionji were having lunch and talking.
''So now because of Sonia's bullshit, I'm stuck with this pipsqueak body.'' Hiyoko finished.
''You really talk a lot, Hiyoko.'' Kokichi replied. ''You know I'm not your therapist, right?''
''But you're my friend!'' Saionji pounded the table. ''You should listen to me!''
''I dunno, are we really that close?'' Oma tilted his head.
''I-I kinda thought we were.'' The dancer pouted.
''Oops.'' Kokichi chuckled. ''Aaaawkwaaaaard.''
''Asshole.'' Hiyoko glared at him.
''Hey, c'mon.'' He shrugged. ''It's not like you listen to my troubles, either.''
''I would if you told me.'' Saionji sighed. ''But you never say to anyone what's actually going through your head.''
''I guess I am a pretty mysterious man.'' Oma smirked.
Just then, they started hearing a disgustingly familiar voice.
''Hey, everyone!'' Monokuma said. ''It's been a while since someone croaked and it's driving me crazy with boredom. So I figured it's about time for a new motive. It's a doozy this time. The theme is 'secrets'. Right now, as I speak, an envelope will appear under your pillows. That envelope contains a secret about one of your fellow players. There's of course one for each, and they're distributed randomly. You can use that info however you please, but hopefully you kill someone. That's all for now. Monokuma out!''
Kokichi immediately jumped onto his bed and lifted his pillow, revealing an envelope underneath. ''So it's true.'' He muttered.
''It says 'Sonia Nevermind'.'' Hiyoko picked it up and opened it. ''I wonder what kind of disgusting things that bitch is hiding. Probably something perverted.''
''Hey, that's supposed to be my secret to uncover.'' Kokichi pouted.
''I'll show you mine later.'' Hiyoko said. ''Now let's see the darkest depths of the Ultimate Princess! 'Sonia Nevermind cries herself to sleep every night.' Huh?''
''That doesn't sound too dark.'' Kokichi commented.
''Monokuma's motives are getting lazier.'' Hiyoko crushed the paper into a ball and threw it behind her.
''Be more careful with my property, bitch!'' Kokichi screamed angrily.
Day:April 16th Time:11:24 AM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Keebo's Room
Keebo was posing and Hifumi was drawing him on his sketchbook.
''I must say, it is an honor that you intend to base the protagonist of your next work on me.'' The robot said. ''I am proud to bring more robotic representation into the world of fanfiction.''
''Sure, sure.'' Hifumi said, concentrating on the drawing process. ''Now give me your back.''
''So what kind of story is it?'' The robot asked as he turned around. ''Perhaps a gripping action thriller?''
''Nah, it's just porn.'' The fanfic creator shrugged.
''W-what?'' Keebo screamed. ''I wasn't aware of that! I don't want to star in such lowbrow content!''
''But think of it this way.'' Yamada held his glasses. ''Why should only flesh and blood humans appear in pornography? Shouldn't robots also have erotic content aimed at them.?''
''You have a point.'' Keebo said in thought. ''But what is the story about? A heartwarming love story between human and robot?''
''No, it's about an evil robot that attacks high school girls at night.'' Hifumi bit his hand. ''And by 'attack', I of course mean...''
''Then I won't be a part of it.'' The Ultimate Robot shouted. ''That's promoting negative stereotypes about robotkind!''
''I don't think anybody actually thinks that robots normally do that.'' Hifumi frowned.
''I still don't like it one bit.'' Keebo frowned back.
''Whatever, man.'' Hifumi sighed. ''I'll just switch the robot for a werewolf if you're so offended.''
''Can the robot be the hero that saves the girls?'' Keebo asked.
''They don't get saved, idiot!'' Hifumi chuckled. ''That's the whole point.''
Day:April 16th Time:3:46 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Chiaki's Room
Makoto and Chiaki were playing Mario Kart.
''I win again!'' Naegi shouted. ''Man, the Ultimate Gamer sure is taking a beating today!''
''Sorry to disappoint you if you expected a more extreme challenge.'' She shrugged.
''Y-you don't have to apologize for that, Chiaki.'' Makoto said. ''But you seem pretty out of it.''
''I am.'' She sighed. ''It's that secret Monokuma gave us. Did you read yours?''
''Yeah, but it turns out it was about me.'' He laughed. ''I guess I'm not the Ultimate Lucky Student for nothing. But honestly, it wasn't even that bad. 'Makoto Naegi wet the bed until 5th grade'. That's embarrassing, but it's not a motive for murder by a long shot.''
''Mine was about Hajime.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''I don't really know if I should tell you, but I guess it doesn't matter at this point. But let's keep it between us, alright?''
''My lips are sealed.'' The boy nodded.
''It said...'Hajime Hinata willingly chose to become Izuru Kamukura'.'' Nanami sighed. ''He must have felt in despair if he really did that. And I wasn't even there to help him. I'm useless as the class rep, once again.''
''Hey, don't beat yourself up over it.'' Makoto patted her on the back. ''It's Monokuma we're talking about here. These 'secrets' could be complete fabrications, or at least out-of-context half-truths.''
''So you didn't actually wet the bed until 5th grade?'' Chiaki asked.
''No, that is true.'' Naegi blushed and scratched his face. ''We can talk all about it if that helps you take your mind off all that nasty stuff.''
''About wetting your bed?'' Chiaki snorted. ''That's your idea of a different topic? Not that I'm one to talk, but your social skills are kinda lacking.''
''Hey, at least you're smiling now.'' Makoto pouted.
''Right.'' Chiaki nodded. ''Thanks, Makoto. You really are a nice guy.''
Day:April 16th Time:5:13 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Kaede's Room
Kaede was practicing her piano skills on a keyboard. She had asked Sonia to bring it to her.
Gundham walked into the room, visibly upset.
''Ultimate Pianist!'' He shouted. ''Must you keep playing that song? My lair won't be able to hold up at this pace.''
''What are you talking about?'' Akamatsu asked. ''This isn't that loud and it's not that easy to hear things between rooms here. Specially from a floor below, and not even the room under this one.''
''I'm not talking about me.'' Gundham crossed his arms. ''I'm talking about the Four Dark Devas of Destruction. They can perceive things far beyond human senses. Furthermore, both of our windows are open. And that melody you insist on unleashing just so happens to be the key to unlocking their full power. I can barely control them at this point!''
''Carl Orff's Carmina Burana?'' Kaede asked.
''Yes.'' Gundham replied. ''They're running around the room like rabid were-beasts. So I beg of you, stop this demonic spell of yours.''
''Why don't you just close your window?'' Kaede shrugged.
''Of course!'' Gundham grabbed his arm. ''To keep the darkness inside!''
''I mean to block the sound.'' Kaede glared at him. ''I'll close mine, too. Why do you always have to be so dramatic, Tanaka?''
''Because I am the great and powerful Gundham Tanaka, Supreme Overlord of Ice!'' Gundham shouted.
''I totally walked into that one, didn't I?'' Kaede sighed.
Day:April 16th Time:7:27 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Kirumi's Room
Kirumi was mopping the floor when Ishimaru walked into the room and slammed the door behind him.
''Please watch your step, Kiyotaka.'' The maid requested. ''The floor is wet.''
''Never mind that, Kirumi!'' He yelled. ''I got your secret!''
''W-what?'' Tojo stuttered. ''Are you talking about what Monokuma said? Please, don't be so gullible. There's no reason to believe a word he says.''
''I know that!'' He gritted his teeth. ''Furthermore, what I read is far too insane to be the truth. And yet...it's also far too insane to be a lie that someone would come up with. So I decided to just ask you in person. 'Kirumi Tojo is secretly the Prime Minister of Japan'. Is that ridiculous statement true or false!?''
''False.'' Kirumi replied coldly.
''Oh.'' Ishimaru said, taken aback. ''Well, then. Sorry to have bothered you.''
''You really are gullible, aren't you?'' Tojo sighed. ''It's painful, lying to an earnest guy like you. I guess I don't mind if you know. I'm glad it was you of all people who got my secret. It's true. I'm the one running the country behind the scenes. Or at least I was, before we got trapped here.''
''S-so you aren't actually a maid?'' Kiyotaka asked, sweating.
''Quite the contrary.'' Kirumi clasped her hands. ''It all began with me working for elite clients, and soon they asked me for help in all kinds of important matters. I see myself as serving every citizen. Fitting for the Ultimate Maid, don't you think?''
''I guess.'' Ishimaru looked at her eyes. ''I just hope you'll be okay. I know that's hard job to do. My grandfather was once the Prime Minister of Japan. People called him a genius, but he got roped into a scandal, and his whole life crumbled down. He ended up like that because he'd only ever known success, and not failure. You're like that too, aren't you? Everybody knows about Kirumi Tojo, the maid that can complete any task without fail.''
''You can rest easy.'' Tojo bowed. ''I don't see myself as a genius. I simply stop at nothing until I complete my task. That is also why...I must survive, no matter what. So I can continue serving everybody.''
''Just be careful.'' Taka said. ''Even the strongest rocks can get crushed under pressure.''
Day:April 16th Time:10:01 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Hajime's Room
Izuru was leaning on the open window, staring at the horizon, while Ibuki stared at him from her wheelchair.
''Why are you still here?'' Kamukura asked.
''Well, we're classmates, aren't we?'' Ibuki said. ''Kinda. I just wanna know what your deal is. That's why I asked Sonia to bring me here.''
''I have no such thing as a 'deal'.'' Izuru said.
''Oh, c'mon.'' Mioda chuckled. ''Everybody has something going on. Let's do something. Whatever you feel like it. Maybe a jam session? Playing some games? Exercise? But only upper body please. I'm even up if you wanna get steamy, pretty boy.''
''I don't feel like doing any of that.'' Kamukura replied. ''It's all boring.''
''That's what you always say about everything!'' Ibuki pouted.
''Because everything is boring to me.'' Izuru said. ''Once you understand everything there's to understand about the world, there's no reason to find anything that exists compelling.''
''Well, I have no clue what any of that's supposed to mean!'' Ibuki gritted her teeth. ''But let me tell you what I think. If you find everything boring, then it's obvious you are the problem. You're boring, Izuru Kamukura!''
Day:April 17th Time:9:09 AM Location: Hotel-4thF-Nekomaru's Room
Nekomaru and Asahina were stretching their arms. The Ultimate Swimmer was also stuffing her mouth with donuts while doing it.
''Is it a good idea to do that?'' Nidai asked. ''You're gonna choke.''
''Nah, I'm used to it.'' Aoi smirked. ''Both donuts and exercise are part of my morning routine.''
''Seems a little contradictory to me.'' Nekomaru shrugged.
''Well, I must be burning more calories than I eat if I'm not getting fat.''
''I'd say you've got plenty of fat in your body.'' The Team Manager laughed. ''It's just fortunately distributed.''
''What's that supposed to mean?'' The swimmer pouted.
''I'm talking about your tits.'' Nekomaru replied.
''That was a rhetorical question, idiot!'' She blushed.
''No need to get embarrassed.'' Nidai grinned. ''But since you're already blushing, might as well bring this up. I got your secret. 'Aoi Asahina has a crush on Kazuichi Soda'. Is that for real? You're into our Kazuichi?''
''S-so what if I am?'' Hina stuttered. ''It's not a big deal. You're far too big of a guy to be acting like some high school gossip.''
''Hey, it's not my fault that Monokuma gave me that info.'' Nekomaru chuckled. ''Besides, we just graduated high school.''
''That's true.'' Hina sighed. ''With everything that's happened, it feel like it's been 20 years instead of 20 days.''
Day:April 17th Time:2:24 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Mondo's Room
Kyoko and Mondo were having lunch.
''I wasn't expecting you of all people to visit for a meal.'' Mondo said, munching on his steak. ''I never had you for the sociable type.''
''I'm not really that antisocial, am I?'' Kirigiri said, bringing a piece of omelet to her mouth. ''Why is everyone always telling me things like that. Is that really how I come across?''
''A little bit, yeah.'' Owada shrugged.
''Oh.'' The detective put her hand on her hair. ''Anyways, I must confess I didn't come here simply to share a pleasant lunch with a classmate. Truth be told, I wanted to tell you that I know your secret.''
''M-my secret?'' Mondo stuttered. ''Are you talking about what Monokuma said? Are you the one that got info on me?''
''Yes.'' She nodded. ''I've been debating with myself whether I should tell you or not. But I choose to believe you wouldn't kill me over something like this. We're classmates after all. And you can trust me to not reveal it to anybody else, too.''
''It's about my brother, isn't it?'' Owada gritted his teeth.
''Mondo Owada caused the death of his brother.'' Kyoko quoted. ''That's what it said. You don't need to confirm or deny anything. And I'm not going to ask about any details, either. I didn't come here to pry. I'm not here as the Ultimate Detective, but as a friend.''
''It's all true!'' Mondo punched a wall and started crying. ''I challenged my brother to a race to prove I was worthy of succeeding him as the leader of the gang. But I was reckless and went into traffic. My brother pushed me out of the way to protect me, but he was the one to die instead. Fuck! It's all my fault! I killed him!''
''I...am sorry.'' Kyoko said, putting a hand to her chest. ''I don't know what else to say.''
''That's more than enough.'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''You know, I've never told this to anyone before. It feels good getting it off my chest. Thank you, Kyoko.''
''You're welcome.'' Kirigiri smiled. ''I'm glad...I made the right choice.''
Day:April 17th Time:4:42 PM Location: Hotel-4thF-Shuichi's Room
Shuichi and Tsumugi were playing Clue.
''Why did you insist on playing this, Tsumugi?'' The detective asked.
''It's classmate bonding.'' She smiled. ''It's important to keep social interactions alive in times of isolation like this.''
''But out of all the board games, did it have to be this one?'' He grimaced.
''Well, you're the Ultimate Detective.'' She shrugged. ''I thought you'd like it.''
''Don't you think it's a little tasteless, given our situation?'' He pushed his hat.
''Oh.'' Shirogane raised a finger. ''I didn't think about it like that. But if that's what you think, why did you agree to play?''
''We've been here for a week.'' Shuichi sighed. ''Anything's better than this boredom. At least the victim and the killer aren't my friends in this game.''
''See?'' Tsumugi grinned. ''It's like therapy.''
''That's going way too far.'' The detective glared at her.
Day:April 17th Time:6:36 PM Location: Hotel-2ndF-Kazuichi's Room
Kazuichi and Miu were building a small drone.
''You're putting that piece wrong.'' Soda said.
''I'm not putting it wrong.'' Miu smirked. ''I'm just being creative!''
''Well, it's not gonna fly that way.'' The mechanic pouted.
''Maybe.'' Iruma raised her finger. ''But have you thought...about what kind of new things it could do?''
''Nothing.'' Soda stared at her. ''How's that gonna add any functionality?''
''We won't know until we try!'' Miu pushed a button on the dron, and it immediately exploded in her hand.
''What did you think was gonna happen?'' Kazuichi sighed. ''We were only halfway done. Pretty impressive that something even happened at all, to be honest.''
''See?'' Miu put her hands on her waist and laughed. ''We wouldn't have known the effect if I hadn't done that. There's no such thing as a failed experiment. It's vital to take risks. That's true both of science and romance.''
''What does romance have to with this?'' Soda tilted his head.
''Oh, don't play dumb.'' Miu played with her hair. ''Thanks to Monokuma, I know your little secret. 'Kazuichi Soda has a crush on Aoi Asahina'. You wanna bang that swimmer, don't you? Well, you're in luck. Big Sis Miu is gonna teach all you need to know about getting to a woman's heart. And her panties!''
''Y-you're literally the last person on the planet I would ask for romantic advice.'' Soda blushed. ''Besides, my feelings are a lot more pure than that.''
''Oh, so you don't wanna fuck her, then?'' Miu grinned.
''I can't really say that, but...'' Kazuichi scratched his face. ''Step by step, y'know.''
''However way you like it, casanova.'' Iruma laughed. ''Why Asahina anyways. I didn't think you'd like flatboards.''
''Not everyone smaller than you's a flatboard, Miu.'' Soda sighed. ''And I just...She feels like such a nice and approachable girl.''
''In any case, I'll help you hit on that.'' The inventor said. ''Just do what I tell you.''
''No, I won't.'' Kazuichi deadpanned.
Day:April 17th Time:9:11 PM Location: Hotel-3rdF-Nagito's Room
Nagito was lying on his bed, looking at the note he'd been given the day before. 'Tsumugi Shirogane is one of Junko Enoshima's accomplices'. They'd sure been lucky he was the one to get it. Monokuma was playing with fire. But then again, that had always been Junko's style.
Suddenly, Celeste walked into the room and watched Sonia close the door behind her. Nagito quickly put the paper back under the pillow.
''Die, bastard!'' The Ultimate Gambler shouted.
''What was that for?'' Komaeda tilted his head.
''Just to make sure the princess doesn't have an ear on the door.'' Celestia looked to the side. ''I want to have a private conversation.''
''Private as in perverted?'' Nagito put a hand to his chin.
''No.'' Ludenberg crossed her arms. ''Private as in serious. Are you...dying, Nagito?''
''Aren't we all?'' He chuckled.
''Nagito Komaeda is terminally ill.'' Celeste gritted her teeth. ''That's the supposed secret Monokuma gave to me. I didn't want to believe it, but...I haven't been able to think of anything else for the past two days. So I just had to ask you.''
''Lymphoma and frontotemporal dementia.'' Nagito said with a smile. ''I was given a life expectancy of a year max... a little over three years ago before I entered Hope's Peak.''
''B-but then...you could die any minute now.'' Celeste stuttered.
''I could.'' Komaeda nodded. ''But I haven't yet, not even in this killing game without access to my treatment. That's Ultimate Luck for you.''
''Even so, you shouldn't be here.'' Celestia clasped her hands. ''We have to get you out of here as soon as possible. If we keep wasting time in our rooms...even your luck is bound to run out.''
''It's fine.'' Komaeda shrugged.
''No, it's not!'' She shouted. ''Do your classmates know about this?''
''Of course not.'' He laughed. ''That's why it's a secret.''
''Then we have to tell Sonia.'' Ludenberg said in thought. ''I'm sure she still cares about you. We have to convince her to end this lockdown.''
''I have no intention of bothering anybody with my troubles.'' Nagito crossed his arms.
''Too bad.'' Celeste glared at him. ''Because I have every intention to do something about this.''
Day:April 17th Time:10:59 PM Location:Hotel-5thF-Mahiru's room
Sonia and Mahiru were having dinner.
''Well, it's been a week.'' The photographer said. ''What's the evaluation, Miss President?''
''It has been rough for everyone to be frank.'' Sonia sighed. ''Including myself. I can see I am not as well-liked as I used to. I do not like this situation one bit either, but...''
''Nobody's died.'' Koizumi finished. ''So we have to call it a success, right?''
''Indeed.'' The princess nodded. ''Do not take my previous statement as a sign of regret, Vice-President. My resolve to stop the killing game by any means necessary...has yet to waver even a little.''
''Speaking of that...'' Mahiru put a finger to her cheek in thought. ''What are we going to do about these secrets Monokuma pulled as a motive?''
''I am still thinking about it.'' Sonia clasped her hands. ''Is it too much to ask about yours?''
''Chiaki Nanami is not a real person.'' Mahiru quoted. ''But she already told us that.''
''It does seem fairly harmless, all things considered.'' Sonia put a finger to her mouth. ''I will not disclose mine, but it is also quite trivial.''
''But how do we know they're all like that?'' Mahiru pouted.
''We cannot.'' Sonia grabbed her arm. ''What the notes actually say is not relevant. If someone is hiding a deep, dark secret, they might be compelled to kill just by the threat of exposure alone. That must be Monokuma's true goal. In that case, trying to pry will only make things worse.''
''So we just leave the whole thing alone for now?'' Mahiru asked, tilting her head.
''I believe that is our best option, yes.'' Sonia nodded. ''After all, it is impossible to commit murder in these circumstances.''
''The words of the President are what counts.'' The photographer shrugged.
''Thanks.'' The princess smiled. ''Now I shall take my leave. Curfew is approaching. It is time to pay everyone one last visit.''
After the Ultimate Princess left, Mahiru decided to go to sleep. She was pretty tired, so she didn't dream of anything. It was for the better, since lately she only had either terrifying nightmares, or sweet dreams about Gonta that destroyed her heart whenever she woke up. She didn't know which was worse.
The voice of The Ultimate Supreme Leader woke her up the next morning. ''Guys, big news!'' He yelled. ''Look outside your windows if you're in this wing!''
Mahiru yawned and went to the window. She'd kept it open since it was pretty hot. When she looked down, her heart stopped.
Right outside the window of what used to be Gonta's room was the body of Sonia Nevermind, lying in a pool of blood, and with a knife stuck in the heart.
''Finally!'' Monokuma said. ''A body has been discovered!''
Day:April 18th Time:9:32 AM Location:School-Classroom B
Mahiru, Taka, Tsumugi, Kirumi, Hifumi, Nekomaru and Mondo were sitting around the room.
''I guess this is all of us.'' Koizumi said. ''Kazuichi said he wasn't in the mood for a meeting now and Hina stayed with him. Not that I am either.''
''You don't say!'' Nekomaru bawled. ''Sonia!''
''She was trying to protect all of us, but couldn't even protect herself...'' Tsumugi grabbed her arm.
''So what's the plan now, Koizumi?'' Owada asked. ''You're the Acting President now, right?''
''I should be, but...'' Mahiru gritted her teeth. ''I don't think I can do it. That's why I asked Ishimaru and Tojo to come. Yonaga is dead, Hajime is gone as well, and I'm not going to ask Oma. Sonia's way of doing things clearly didn't work out in the end. So I thought maybe you guys should be back in charge of the Student Council.''
''I'm willing to serve whoever is in charge.'' Tojo said. ''Whoever that may be.''
''I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't accept that.'' Taka clenched his fist. ''I was removed because of my failures! I won't take advantage of Sonia's tragic demise to get myself back in charge!''
''Yeah, you've both failed at this point.'' Hifumi pouted. ''Has this Student Council ever succeeded at anything?''
''Maybe it's not a leadership problem, then!'' Nekomaru shouted. ''Sometimes, the opposing team is just too strong!''
''So then...what?'' Tsumugi tilted her head.
''To be honest, I'm pretty sick of this bullshit.'' Mondo said. ''If we can't save anyone, then what's even the point?''
''Are you perhaps suggesting that we put an end to the Student Council?''
''That might be for the best.'' Mahiru sobbed.
''In that case, I will accept your previous offer for just a moment.'' Ishimaru raised his arm. ''I hereby declare the Student Council...dissolved!''
Day:April 18th Time:9:47 AM Location:Despairville-Behind the Hotel
Kyoko was kneeling near the body, and Celeste and Makoto were standing behind her.
''You really don't need to do this.'' The detective said. ''I'm fine on my own.''
''I just feel bad leaving your alone with a corpse.'' Naegi said. ''I know Saihara is investigating the hotel instead.''
''I'm not here for you.'' Celeste played with her hair. ''I just want to take in some fresh air after being locked up for so long, so might as well see if you figure something out.''
Kyoko got up and pulled the Monokuma file out of one pocked and the map of the hotel rooms in the other.
Victim: Sonia Nevermind
Cause of Death: Blood loss due to 51 stab wounds in the chest and abdomen.
Time of Death: around 12:00 AM
Body was found outside the window of Gonta Gokuhara's room in the hotel.
1st F
Lobby-Stairs to 2ndF-Reception-Exit
2ndF
Stairs to 3rdF
201 Mukuro Ikusaba 212 Hajime Hinata
202 Sakura Ogami 211 Kazuichi Soda
203 Kokichi Oma 210 Gundham Tanaka
204 Gonta Gokuhara 209 Himiko Yumeno
205 Hifumi Yamada 208 Yasuhiro Hagakure
206 Kirumi Tojo 207 Leon Kuwata
Stairs to 1stF
3rdF
Stairs to 4thF
301 Chihiro Fujisaki 312 Makoto Naegi
302 Koreiyo Shinguji 311 Kaede Akamatsu
303 K1-B0 310 Nagito Komaeda
304 Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu 309 Mondo Owada
305 Aoi Asahina 308 Angie Yonaga
306 Rantaro Amami 307 Ryoma Hoshi
Stairs to 2ndF
4thF
Stairs to 5th floor
401 Chiaki Nanami 412 Nekomaru Nidai
402 Tenko Chabashira 411 Akane Owari
403 Miu Iruma 410 Kiyotaka Ishimaru
404 Toko Fukawa 409 Ibuki Mioda
405 Teruteru Hanamura 408 Tsumugi Shirogane
406 Shuichi Saihara 407 Kyoko Kirigiri
Stairs to 3rd floor
5thF
Stairs to rooftop
501 Sayaka Maizono 512 Junko Enoshima
502 Ultimate Imposter 511 Byakuya Togami
503 Mahiru Koizumi 510 Sonia Nevermind
504 Hiyoko Saionji 509 Mikan Tsumiki
505 Peko Pekoyama 508 Kaito Momota
506 Celestia Ludenberg 507 Maki Harukawa
Stairs to 4th floor
''The body has bruises that indicate she fell from at least a 3rd floor, but they're postmortem.'' Kyoko explained. ''The murder weapon is the letter opener stuck on her chest. The stab wounds are consistent with it.''
''So you think the killer threw her out a window after killing her?'' Celeste asked.
''Yes.'' Kirigiri nodded. ''But every single one of our rooms were locked this morning, and the keys were found on Sonia's body.''
''Yeah, Tojo had to climb down her window and everything to retrieve them and let us out.'' Makoto said with a grimace.
''That means that the killer could have only thrown her out from outside their own window.'' Kyoko continued.
''In that case, if we look at the column of rooms from Gokuhara upwards...the only one still alive is...Hiyoko Saionji.'' Celeste put a fist to her chin in thought. ''She's on the highest floor, too.''
''That is only one possibility.'' Kyoko crossed her arms. ''I'd say anyone on this wing and from the 3rd floor up could have thrown her out.
''Then the list of suspects would be...'' Makoto looked at the hotel map and started counting with his fingers. ''Keebo...Hina...Chiaki...Iruma...Saihara...Koizumi...Saionji...and...Celeste.''
''How bothersome.'' Celeste gritted her teeth.
Day:April 18th Time:10:10 AM Location:Hotel-Lobby
Chiaki, Keebo, Kazuichi, Hina, Gundham, Nagito, Izuru, Hiyoko and Ibuki were standing and sitting around the lobby.
''Damn it.'' Soda sobbed. ''Miss Sonia...''
''I'm so sorry...'' Aoi hugged him.
''That's another classmate I wasn't able to protect.'' Nanami pouted.
''There's no need to blame yourself.'' Keebo patted her on the head.
''Yeah.'' Nagito nodded. ''Sonia's death is a consequence of her giving up on hope.''
''Boring.'' Kamukura added.
''Izuru Kamukura!'' Tanaka shouted. ''If I hear one more callous word out of you, you will know my wrath!''
''Gundham...'' Ibuki cried. ''Are you alright?''
''Of course not.'' Gundham gritted his teeth. ''Sonia Nevermind was a most strong woman. I won't stand for any slander!''
''Strong?'' Saionji said with a sad chuckle. ''I think she was only pretending to be. That's why she forced us into this crap.''
Gundham grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up. ''The Four Dark Devas shouldn't taste human blood.'' He said. ''I shall end you myself if you don't take that back.''
''Y-you're only so angry because you know it's true!'' Saionji shouted. ''Just like Chiaki, you think you should have protected her. Hell, I bet all of you are thinking the same thing. That we should have stopped her before it got to this point. Well, I'm not like that! Sonia's responsible for her own fucking choices! If that's what lead to her grave...she has only herself to blame!''
Tanaka dropped her to the floor, with tears in his eye.
''Please, don't fight.'' Chiaki said. ''If there's anyone we should blame, it's Monokuma.''
Day:April 18th Time:11:19 AM Location:Hotel-5thF-Sonia's room
Kaede, Shuichi, Kokichi and Miu were spraying luminol around the room.
''Thanks again for helping me with this.'' Shuichi said. ''It'd be a lot of work for one person alone.''
''Always glad to help.'' Oma smiled.
''He didn't even ask you, virgin.'' Miu laughed. ''You just grabbed one of these bottles and followed us.''
''We're getting reactions all over the place.'' Kaede said in thought. ''All the rooms we checked on the other side were clean.''
''Yeah.'' The detective nodded. ''This room is definitely the crime scene. The letter opener is also something Sonia had picked up alongside a few other weapons for self-defense.''
''Not that they did her any good.'' Miu pouted.
''The body was found in the other wing, though.'' Kokichi said. ''With all this blood, how did the killer manage to not stain any other place.''
''There was a bloody towel near Sonia's body.'' Shuichi explained. ''We didn't know what it meant at first, but now it seems clear the killer used it to envelop the body while taking it to the other side. I've checked and there's a towel missing from the bathroom.''
''So the killer took everything from this room.'' Akamatsu scratched her head. ''The towel, the weapon and the body...so they wouldn't leave any traces inside their own room.''
''Figures.'' Kokichi shrugged. ''We were all locked up, so any trace would be as good as decisive evidence.''
''Maybe the princess' measures weren't useless after all.'' Miu played with her hair.
''Only if we actually find out the killer.'' Shuichi pushed down his hat.
''Time's up, kiddos.'' Monokuma said. ''The class trial will begin at 11:45 AM, usual place.''
Day:April 18th Time:11:45 AM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber
Everyone was on their assigned seats. There was a shriveled up doll where Mikan used to seat, another one with blood on its mouth in Kaito's place, and one with its torso ripped apart in Sonia's.
''Let's go one more time!'' Monokuma shouted excitedly. ''It's the 9th class trial!''
''Detectives, speak your truth!'' Gundham yelled, clenching his fist. ''Who killed Sonia!?''
''We don't have a conclusive suspect yet.'' Shuichi explained. ''However we have determined that she was killed in her own room and then thrown out a window in the other wing.''
''But weren't we all locked up this morning!?'' Ibuki asked with her fingers on her head. ''Wouldn't the killer need the keys for that? Then whoever had them did it!''
''Sonia's body had the keys.'' Kyoko crossed her arms. ''The killer simply locked themselves up and threw them out their window with the body. There were no traces found in any room so we don't have any leads in that regard. However, the state of the body suggests she was dropped from fairly high. Therefore our current list of suspects is everyone on the 3rd floor or above in that wing.''
Kirumi closed her eyes. ''If memory serves right, that would be Keebo, Asahina, Nanami, Miu, Shuichi, Koizumi, Saionji and Ludenberg.''
''You know the layout by heart!?'' Miu flinched.
''That's the Ultimate Maid for you!'' Ishimaru clenched his fist.
''That is not a very long list.'' The Ultimate Robot said in thought. ''Perhaps we can figure this one out by process of elimination?''
''The murder happened in the princess' room.'' Celestia clasped her hands. ''Considering her paranoid state, it was probably someone she trusted if she took them there.''
''Are you suggesting someone from our class?'' Izuru asked in monotone.
''Then it'd be Saionji, Nanami or Koizumi.'' Tsumugi raised a finger.
''For what it's worth, the body was found right below Saionji's room.'' Hina pointed out.
''H-hey, wait a minute.'' Hiyoko stuttered. ''Are you people trying to pin this on me? Cut it out.''
''Come to think of it...'' Celeste played with her hair. ''I noticed something weird last night. Sonia has been visiting at the end of every night, but she never came last night. I didn't think much of it, but...''
''The hell are you talking about!?'' Saionji shouted. ''She definitely came to my room!''
''Wait a minute!'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''You just played yourself, bitch! If she came to your room, but not Celeste's, then you have to be the killer!''
''We can't know that for sure.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''Sonia could have talked to anyone at any time.''
''The timing matches, though.'' Mahiru put a finger to her face. ''Sonia always paid a visit to everyone just before curfew, starting with Izuru and ending with Ludenberg. Although I was asleep yesterday at that time, so I don't know if she came into my room.''
''I can testify that she came into my room at around 11:30.'' Shuichi said.
''That's not a lot of time before her death.'' Kyoko noted. ''I think it's fair to assume Sonia didn't have time for anything but finishing her customary visits. Specially since Saionji admits she met her.''
''I dunno, I think that's enough time to run to some other room and get someone upstairs.'' Kokichi said.
''Or maybe Celeste is just lying.'' Nagito smirked.
''Why are you laughing, Nagito?'' Soda asked.
''Oh, nothing.'' Komaeda looked at his hand. ''I just think it's a little funny that Celeste didn't think much of not meeting Sonia. After all, she told me she was going to have a very important conversation with her.''
''What are you doing, you little bitch?'' Celeste gritted her teeth.
''But if she's lying...are you saying she did it!?'' Yamada bit his hand.
''Ovbiously!'' Nidai shouted. ''Why else would she lie?''
''Come to think of it, Ludenberg's been trying to push this trial in a certain direction.'' Akamatsu said in thought.
''Is it true, Celeste?'' Makoto asked. ''Did you kill Sonia?''
''No!'' Celeste yelled and raised her finger. ''You have no fucking proof!''
''But I do!'' Nagito smirked and pulled out a red tie out of his pocket.
''That looks like Celeste's...'' Hina said.
''But isn't it redder than usual?'' Mondo clenched his fist. ''Is that blood?''
''Yes.'' Komaeda nodded. ''And I've got the rest of her clothes in my room. She brought them to me in the middle of the night and told me to wash them. They were pretty bloody, but I guess that's expected with so much stabbing.''
''Then you knew?'' Chiaki asked. ''You knew she killed Sonia!''
''You were an accomplice all along!'' Taka clenched his fist.
''Celeste must have figured we wouldn't have time to check all the rooms.'' Kyoko put a finger to her cheek. ''But leaving traces on an empty room would have been risky. So she got help from someone on the other wing of the hotel.''
''I killed that bitch.'' Nagito said. ''That's what she said. 'Help me and we'll be out of here soon'. ''
''Why are you betraying me, you piece of shit!?'' Celeste shouted with bloodshot eyes. ''I was trying to help you!''
''Help me?'' Nagito pointed at her. ''Don't make me laugh. I can feel it in your heart. This wasn't a crime of hope. This was a crime of despair!''
Day:April 18th Time:12:01 AM Location:Hotel-5thF-Sonia's room
Sonia walked into the room followed by Celeste.
''Why does it have to be here?'' Ludenberg asked.
''You said it was an important matter.'' Sonia explained. ''I prefer to conduct official business here. So what is it?''
''Nagito is dying.'' Celeste said, giving the princess the note with his secret.
''What!?'' Sonia read it. ''This...is...terrible.''
''He told me he was supposed to die a while back.'' Celeste said. ''He doesn't have his medicine here either. He could die any minute now. We can't be wasting our time in our rooms. We have to get out!''
''That is not possible.'' Sonia grabbed her arm. ''Our only hope of escape is to wait for someone to save us from outside.''
''What if he doesn't last that long!?'' The gambler shouted.
''I am sorry.'' Sonia sobbed. ''I still consider Nagito a dear classmate of mine, even after all he has done. But I have to look out for everybody. I will make no exceptions. Please understand...Taeko.''
''Huh?'' Ludenberg tilted her head.
''Your real name is Taeko Yasuhiro, right?'' The princess said with a smile. ''That's what the note I got said.''
At that moment, the Ultimate Gambler's eyes landed on the letter opener lying on the bedside table. Without thinking, she grabbed it and stuck it in Sonia's abdomen. Before the princess could react, she pulled out and stuck it in again. And again, and again, and again...
''My name is Celestia Ludenberg!'' She yelled. ''Stop acting like you're better than me! You think you're so high and mighty 'cause you're a princess, don't you, bitch!? Don't look down on me! You're not better than meeeeeee!''
When Celeste came back to her senses, she was covered in blood, and the Ultimate Princess was lying on the floor, dead.
That was the end for Sonia Nevermind.
Day:April 18th Time:12:15 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber
''S-shut up, asshole!'' Celeste shouted. ''Don't act like you know me! Stop looking down on me!''
''Wow, this bitch is snapping hard.'' Miu commented.
''I did not know humans could malfunction like that.'' Keebo added.
''That's not what she means.'' Ibuki said, foaming at the mouth.
''Can we take that outburst as a confession, Celestia Ludenberg?'' Shuichi asked.
''Just admit you lose, Queen of Liars.'' Kokichi laughed.
''We don't need some fucking confession.'' Mondo yelled. ''We can just vote to find out!''
''Don't try to steal my line!'' The bear shouted. ''It's voting time!''
Voting Results
Celestia Ludenberg: 22
Hiyoko Saionji: 1
''Once again, you figured it out.'' Monokuma clapped. ''The person who murdered Sonia Nevermind was Celestia Ludenberg!''
''So it was you!'' Kazuichi shouted. ''You killed Sonia!''
''Please, calm down, Kazuichi.'' Hina sobbed.
''Celeste...'' Makoto muttered. ''You too...''
''I refuse to admit defeat!'' The gambler yelled. ''I didn't make any mistake! This all Nagito's fault!''
''In that case, your mistake was trusting him in the first place.'' Izuru said.
''Indeed.'' Gundham closed his eye. ''You bet your life on the wrong man, Ultimate Gambler!''
''I suppose.'' Celeste sighed. ''But I didn't have much of a choice.''
''I guess it would be pretty hard to get away with murder when everyone's supposed to be locked up.'' Tsumugi raised her finger.
''In that case...'' Kirumi clasped her hands. ''We could say Sonia's own gamble did pay off.''
''Yes.'' Celeste nodded. ''I can admit I was defeated by the Ultimate Princess.''
''How stupid.'' Hiyoko pouted. ''You only win if you survive.''
''Don't say that, Hiyoko.'' Mahiru frowned. ''That's like calling everyone who's died so far a loser.''
''Dying is kinda like losing everything, though.'' Hifumi said, sweating.
''That's for us to decide.'' Kaede said, grabbing her arm. ''Whether everybody's deaths mean something or not...can only be determined by the actions of those of us who are still alive.''
''Well said!'' Nekomaru shouted. ''You'd make a great team manager!''
''I can't speak for anybody else.'' Celestia clasped her hands. ''But I've already accepted both my loss and my death.''
''Well, I'm glad you feel that way.'' Monokuma smirked. ''Because it's punishment time!''
''But if I can have some last words...'' Celeste said with a smile as trap door opened underneath her. ''Fuck you, Nagito Komaedaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!''
GAME OVER
Celeste has been found guilty.
Time for the Punishment
Celeste was playing roulette in a casino, with Monokuma as the croupier. She'd bet everything on 13. The ball landed on 13, but Monokuma kicked the table and the ball jumped all the way to zero.
Losing Streak
Ultimate Gambler
(Taeko Yasuhiro) Celestia Ludenberg's Execution: Executed
A few Monokuma croupiers grabbed her by her ankles and started shaking her. Money began falling out of her clothes, and they kept taking it. In the end, they left her with a single coin. However, they gave her a bill with a lot more money to pay.
Celestia spotted a slot machine and quickly put the coin in it. She got triple 7s, but then they immediately turned into -7s. Before she could react, the Monokuma croupiers jumped on her. A few moments later, she was kicked out of the casino, wearing nothing but a trash bag as a dress. They'd even taken her pigtails.
Celeste ran away in tears, but some suited up Monokuma's appeared in front of her. They were carrying baseball bats and iron bars, and one of them held a debt collection notice to her face. She turned around to escape, but there were even more of them.
They started slamming her with their weapons, and she felt to the ground, crying and screaming. Then they kept doing it, until her body was completely mangled and lifeless.
That was the end for Celestia Ludenberg.
Day:April 18 th Time:12:25 PM Location:?
A green-haired girl in a wheelchair was attentively observing the monitors. Next to her, a boy with red hair was clenching his fist.
''They killed their leader!?'' He shouted. ''Damn it! Adults really stoop at nothing to get their way! As the leader of the Warriors of Hope, this annoys me!''
''Shut Up, Masaru!'' Monaca punched him. ''This game is finally getting interesting!''
''S-sorry!'' Masaru gritted his teeth and his eyes got teary with pain.
''Oh?'' The girl tilted her head and giggled. ''Are you crying? Some leader you are.''
''S-sorry, it won't happen again.'' The boy forced a smile. ''I can take so much more than this without crying. I'm the strongest there's is!''
''No! You! Aren't!'' Monaca glared at him, then grabbed him by his hair and started slamming his head into her wheelchair. ''Monaca has taken so many worse beatings than this. Bruises, swollen eyes, broken bones, knocked out teeth, scabs, burns, nosebleeds, sprains...Haiji does all that and more to Monaca. And never has a single tear dropped from her eyes. Because! Monaca! Is! The! Strongest!'' She dropped the boy on the floor, bleeding from his head.
''Y-yes.'' He said, crying and smiling at the same time. ''M-maybe you should be the leader instead.''
''No, I think you're a fine leader.'' Monaca smirked and clasped her hands. ''Now let's get some bandages for that nasty wound.''
Day:April 18th Time:12:30 PM Location:Town Hall-Debate Chamber
''Celeste...'' Hina sobbed.
''Bitch had it coming.'' Hiyoko scoffed. ''For trying to pin this crap of me.''
''And killing Sonia.'' Nekomaru clenched his fist.
''Yeah, that too.'' The dancer nodded.
''I hope her soul can rest easy now.'' Gundham closed his eye.
''So...now what?'' Ibuki asked. ''Do we just lock ourselves back up?''
''The student council has been dissolved.'' Kirumi explained. ''So no course of action has been determined yet.''
''I guess there's really no need for it when there's so few of us left.'' Shuichi sighed. ''It should be easy to organize ourselves.''
''We'll see about that.'' Kokichi laughed.
''Sonia's way at least helped us figure out the killer.'' Mahiru raised a finger. ''So maybe it is a good idea to stay locked up.''
''Don't even think about it.'' Monokuma laughed. ''I've removed all the door locks on the island. They were only making it hard for killings to happen and I'm sick of it!''
''Great.'' Mondo said sarcastically. ''Now we're going to have to handcuff ourselves to our fucking beds.''
''Yes!'' Miu blushed. ''Let's do that.''
''No!'' Makoto shouted. ''Even if we could go back to locking ourselves up`, we shouldn't do it!''
''Dude, I really can't handle another fucking hope speech right now.'' Kazuichi gritted his teeth.
''Boring.'' Kamukura added.
''I think Makoto is right.'' Chiaki put on her hoodie. ''We only figured out the killer thanks to Nagito.''
''Shucks, I did it all for the sake of hope.'' Komaeda grinned.
''So what do you suggest we do, Makoto?'' Taka asked, resting his face on his chin.
''We've all become paranoid at this point.'' Naegi said. ''But that has only caused more and more killings. We have to put it all behind us and start from scratch. That's the only way we can actually stay safe.''
''Are you saying we should forget everything that's happened so far?'' Kaede grimaced.
''Of course not!'' Makoto replied. ''But there's only 22 of us here now. Being constantly suspicious of everybody has clearly not taken us anywhere good. So let's believe in each other for once.''
''Does that include Komaeda and Oma?'' Hifumi adjusted his glasses.
''I know Komaeda just helped us, but...'' Tsumugi raised her finger.
''It would be pretty hard to restrain them now, regardless.'' Kyoko crossed her arms.
''I'm not sure what exactly it is that you are suggesting, Naegi'' Keebo said.
''First of all, don't listen to anything Monokuma says.'' Makoto explained. ''But more importantly we should stick together. Let's meet up everyday when we wake up, and right before going to bed. That's the only way to keep hope alive. Whoever agrees with me, come to the dining hall at 11:30PM.''
Day:April 18 th Time:11:30 PM Location: Restaurant-Dining Hall
When Makoto arrived at the dining hall, everyone was there waiting for him.
''Guys...'' Naegi sobbed. ''You all came.''
''Obviously.'' Nagito laughed. ''This is hope we're talking about.''
''Your leadership is not to be underestimated!'' Taka clenched his fist.
''It would appear your arguments have been effective.'' Keebo said.
''Really it's just more peer pressure.'' Hifumi said.
''That's a way to put it.'' Shuichi grabbed his hat.
''No bitching!'' Mondo clenched his fist.
''I think it's worth a try at least.'' Kaede said with a smile.
''We did have to drag some of these guys here, though.'' Chiaki sighed.
''I want to see whether this will turn out boring or not.'' Izuru stated.
''Everything else has failed, so...'' Sainoji shrugged.
''You guys know I've always been big on the power of friendship.'' Kokichi cried.
''So what exactly are we supposed to do here?'' Ibuki asked in thought. ''Some bonding?''
''You mean an orgy?'' Miu drooled.
''It doesn't have to be anything in particular.'' Makoto shrugged. ''Just meeting up and talking. Like a roll call of sorts. And the point is not to have a curfew afterwards, either.''
''In this case, I suggest we simply meet for breakfast and dinner everyday.'' Kirumi clasped her hands.
''That's a great idea, Tojo!'' Nidai shouted. ''Hell, let's add lunch to it! We have to keep the team well-fed.''
''In that case, I'd say we should meet at 8:30 from breakfast, 2 for lunch and 9:30 for dinner.'' Mahiru suggested.
''And we can prepare our meals together too!'' Hina clasped her hands.
''Sure, why not.'' Soda sighed.
''The darkness that has been enveloping us so far...'' Gundham crossed his arms. ''Will we be able to expel it from out hearts?''
''How poetic.'' Tsumugi noted.
''I believe we will.'' Kyoko smiled. ''Good job, Makoto.''