Hello readers and welcome to my new chapter. So… this was harder than expected. A lot of the characters have their own issues now, and I had to figure which one to start with, as well as how to address each issue. With personal life add in to the mix, I ended up taking longer than I expected to finish. Sorry about that.

Well, at least this chapter is done. Gonna try not to take too long with the next one, but I apologize in advance if I do. Hope you enjoy this one, and that it's worth the wait.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danganronpa.

Chapter 65: Break Chapter

The air of distrust became even thicker amongst the group.

If the group felt divided before, it was nothing compared to the current atmosphere. It felt like a bomb could go off at anytime, and it was only a matter of time until it does.

Many of the students locked themselves in their room, or went to other areas of the building. The rec room was practically empty, with only Hifumi, who's in the lounge once again, as well as Makoto, Leon, and Sayaka, who were sharing a table, inside the rec room.

"Looks like most of us decided to stay in our rooms for the time being." Makoto noted softly, looking around the rec room. "This place looks so empty now."

"Not surprising, considering what we saw." Leon sighed, folding his arms together on the table. "Three more dead, you blindsided by a masked dude, and on top of all that, Sakura of all people being the traitor. The only good thing that came out of this chapter was Alter Ego, and even then, I have bad vibes about that."

"True." Sayaka agreed sadly. "A lot of our friends must be hurting right now."

"Mondo, Chihiro, Taka, Hina…" Leon listed off morosely. "This is so not cool."

The idol looked down at the table, guilt gripping her heart once again. "I can't help but feel this is my fault…"

That got the attention of the luckster and baseball star. "Sayaka…" Makoto spoke up first. "You can't keep blaming yourself for this."

"I was the first one to attempt a murder, Makoto!" Sayaka argued back. "My action caused paranoia to be fueled up! My action caused the others to do the same thing!" Tears began filling up her eyes. "Leon, Chihiro, Mondo, Taka… no one would've killed or been murdered if I wasn't so desperate."

A fist suddenly hit the table, causing Sayaka to jump in surprise. The one who did was none other than Leon. "Don't start putting the blame all on yourself, Sayaka!" He snapped at her. "What happened to me in the future was because of my damn choice! I was the one who chose to come after you and kill you! Not you, me!"

"But if I didn't plan to kill you-"

"That doesn't change that I still did it!" Leon interrupted sharply. "I have several different chances to cool my head and stop! I didn't, and I paid the price for it! It's the same thing with Mondo, Hifumi, and Celeste! All of them had a choice, and they all chose badly! We're all at fault here!"

After that, there was silence, with Sayaka staring at Leon with wide eyes. "Leon's right…" Makoto spoke up, after that moment of silence. "Your actions may have set up for all those things to happen, but the choices are still our own. And those who murdered chose to do so."

"And even then, it's not completely their fault or yours." Makoto continued, his voice becoming slightly more fierce. "Our situation, the memory lost, the motives… they were all caused by Monokuma and the one controlling him. So if anyone is to blame, it's the mastermind. Not you, not Leon, none of us."

Sayaka was silent, taking their words in. After a moment, she took a couple of deep breaths, before speaking. "I'll… try not to blame myself so much." She gave a smile towards her two friends. "Thanks, you two."

Makoto smiled in response while Leon grinned. "Not a problem." The latter stated. "You would do the same if I took the whole blame for the first trial."

"I... well... yes I would." She would never let Leon take the blame for her own actions.

Makoto smiled, then winced and touch the still swollen cheek, something that Sayaka and Leon noticed. "Still hurting, huh?" The latter remarked with slight concern.

"Y-Yeah." Makoto confirmed, careful not to press on the wound too much. "I'm surprised I didn't knock out, but man Mondo really packs a punch."

"You should probably go and rest for a while, if you won't let Spirit heal that." Sayaka said, not hiding her worried look.

"I will, but later." Makoto reassured her. "I want to check up on some people."

His words caused Sayaka to frown. "Are one of those people Celeste?"

Makoto picked up the venom from her question, and sighed. "Sayaka, I understand why you feel the way do about Celeste right now. Honestly, a part of me is hesitant about checking on her." He replied honestly. "But like all of us, she's still a victim to this sick game."

"But, Makoto… everything she did, what she attempted to accomplish, was all for a castle! Some dumb dream!" Sayaka argued, her anger coming back. "She manipulated Taka and Hifumi, killed both of them, framed Hiro for it, and tried to fool everyone. She planned and executed the murders with no remorse, no hesitation, and no regrets. All for such a shallow dream!"

Tears began pooling her eyes once again. "I know it's hypocritical of me to be so angry about it, but I can't be silent about it, especially when you're putting your own health below her! When her main motivation is just pure greed, pure self-satisfaction! Its sick, horrible to even think about!"

"And I don't disagree with that." Makoto replied back, not raising his voice. "What Celeste did was completely wrong. There's no justification or understanding to her motive and reasoning. But that's not our Celeste. She's changed from who she was before."

"Do you really believe that?" Sayaka asked him. "What makes you so sure she changed from who she was before?"

"Because of she acted today." Was Makoto's sure answer. He stared at Sayaka with determined eyes. The same eyes she and the others seen in the trial. "If she really was the same person, she would've acted just like her future self. She would've been ok with everything that was happening. She wouldn't have broken down as hard as she did." His voice went softer at the last note. "So I can't say that hasn't changed, not with how she acted today."

Makoto then got up from his seat. "Anyways I'm gonna start checking up on everybody. I'll see you guys later." With that, he left the table, leaving Sayaka and Leon by themselves.

"We should trust Makoto on this," Leon spoke up, after a moment of silence. "If there's anybody that's got a good read on people, it's him. I don't know how he does it though."

Sayaka could do nothing but nod in agreement. "Yeah. He's special." She said softly.

"So let's trust that Makoto can sift through that mountain of lies Celeste buried herself in, alright?"

"I'll try, Leon." But it wasn't Makoto she doesn't trust. It was Celeste.

(With Hifumi)

Being the Ultimate Fanfic Creator, Hifumi have scene of variety of story and character scenarios, even wrote some himself.

A character getting framed for a crime they did not do, others easily believing that lie, and eventually, that lie was brought to light by others, mainly the main character of the story. It was a scenario in mangas that were at dabbing in mystery.

He never thought he would be in the scenario himself, where he's the one easily believing that the innocent character is guilty. Not just once, but twice. And the second time cost him his life.

The doujin author was at the lounge, where several of his favorite mangas where displayed on the table and shelf. However, he had no motivation to read any of them at the moment. There was just too much on his mind to do so.

He felt like such a fool. He easily believed what Miss Ludenberg, or rather, Miss Yasuhiro, told him. From what she said about Taka, to the murder scheme, he ate it all up, as she had said.

And he couldn't even claim that his only his past self would do this. Right when he saw his death, he immediately accused Taka of killing him. Quickly thought that he would murder him for Alter Ego… for a AI who didn't held any romantic feelings towards him.

As for his friendship with Miss Yasuhiro… is there one in the first place? Does she care about him at all, or does she just see him as a tool? Am I just that easy of a person to manipulate? It was like he was in a nightmare that he would never wake up from.

"Hey Hifumi," The fanfic creator looked up to see Makoto right behind him. "Mind if I join you? It looks like you got a lot on your mind."

After a moment, Hifumi nodded. "Sure, Mr. Naegi. There's actually something I wanted to ask you."

After hearing and seeing confirmation, Makoto went to one of the recliners, one that was previously held by Celeste on the last break. "So, what did you want to ask me?"

"It's… about the first chapter." Hifumi hesitantly approached the topic. He doesn't know how fresh the wound is for Mr. Naegi, but he wished for answers. "How did you feel when you found out that Sayaka betrayed you?"

When Makoto frowned and looked away, the writer felt that he broached a still sensitive topic. But before he could apologize, the luckster softly spoke. "It… hurt. It hurt badly. It's like someone is grabbing at your heart, and there's no way to grab the hand that's doing it."

"After, it was hard for me to trust Sayaka." He continued, gripping his knees. "I couldn't help but wonder if our bond was real. And even if it is, if she would easily discard it when faced with the option. No matter how much I wanted them gone, those thoughts could not leave my head." He faced Hifumi once again. "Is that anyway similar to how you're feeling?"

"Yes… very close, in fact." Hifumi confirmed with a nod. "And… how did you manage to deal with such feelings?"

Makoto sighed. "I accepted that those feelings are gonna stay, probably for a long time. But I wasn't gonna let it affect the bond I have with her now." His eyes glinted with resolve. "I won't let that possibility, these 'what-if' scenarios, destroy the friendship we have now."

He made it sound so easy...so simple..and yet..

"Does Miss Luden- sorry, I mean Miss Yasuhiro and I have a real friendship?" Hifumi couldn't help but ask. "Does she sees as more than a servant for her? Or was it just on my side?"

"You don't have to call her that. I bet she still prefers to be called Celeste." Makoto told him. "As for your questions… that's something you and Celeste need to discuss. I think, even if she doesn't admit it to yourself, the two of you have some sort of bond. And even if you don't…" He gives an optimistic smile. "Well, there's a first for everything I guess."

"I'm thinking... am I really the person I think I am?" Hifumi said, letting out his thoughts. "That maybe, I'm not the hero I think I am. Maybe I can't do the things I think I can do especially after... after that. I keep thinking what if I was being played by everyone? What if I'm just that easy of a character to manipulate? Am I just a NPC?"

Makoto stayed silent for a bit, gathering his thoughts and just soaking in Hifumi's troubles. "I don't think so Hifumi. You're definitely not just a NPC. The 'you' that you've established through your works are proof of that. And maybe you're an NPC to some people, but if you think about it, I think everyone's their own protagonist. Don't most characters in games and such start off as NPCs before becoming allies and party members? I remember from one of those RPGs you recommended me that they can become allies if I put in the work, and I think it's the same in life."

Those words struck Hifumi like lightning, and had him thinking. "I.. I see." Hifumi replied, falling silent and beginning to lose himself in thought once more.

Seeing him thinking, and knowing he needs time to think on it, Makoto quietly got up from his seat. But before he left, he asked one more thing. "By the way, are you planning to talk to Taka?"

Breaking out of his thoughts, the doujin author nodded. "I am. I… owe him an apology." He admitted. "And I'm not gonna be the character type that refuses to admit he's wrong."

"Glad to hear." With another smile, Makoto left Hifumi to his thoughts. Hopefully, he and Taka can make peace with each other. There's enough tension between everyone already.

(With Hina and Sakura)

Despite everyone having left the living room, both Hina and Sakura stayed where they were at. Eventually, they sat back at one of the couches, but that was it. The swimmer couldn't move at the moment, while the martial artist didn't want to leave her friend.

While the two were silent, Sakura thought about her future self's actions. How she was a spy for a mastermind, her fighting and actively resisting him, when Monokuma revealed that he's holding someone hostage.

Or most likely, something. Sakura could think of two possibilities of who/what the bear captured, in order to blackmail her. One was Kenshiro, her love and rival. Another was her family and/or their family dojo. It could even be both.

Either way, she knew that any of those scenarios would get her to comply. And now, seeing that, seeing her own weakness, frustrates her. Even if her dojo was at stake, something she swore her life to protect, she shouldn't have let this control her.

However, she knew that hindsight was 20-20, and she was glad that, at the very least, her future self realize this now.

"I can't believe it…" Hina finally spoke, her voice soft and shaky. It gained Sakura's attention. "It's still so hard to believe that… that you would betray us. That you would work with the mastermind."

"Hina…"

"Who would want to side with that monster? Who would want to kill for him?" Hina continued, fresh tears shining her eyes. "The only person I could imagine Byakuya. But you, you would never. You care about everyone, about all your friends. So… I can't…" The tears slid down her eyes, unable to finish her sentence.

Sakura closed her eyes, cursing her future self for making Hina feel this way. "I'm sorry, Hina." The martial artist said softly. "I wish it wasn't true, either. No matter what the reason, nothing can justify being a mole for the mastermind."

Her words caused Hina to look up. Immediately, she saw the regret and self-loathing on Sakura's face. And that made the swimmer feel guilty. 'Sakura's probably struggling with this info even more than I am.' She thought bitterly. 'And here I am, crying my eyes out, when she needs to be comforted.'

Trying to push her own grief, Hina placed a comforting hand on Sakura's arm. "It's not like you want to work for him." The swimmer stated. "He forced you. Threatened you with something you care about."

"But that does not condone my betrayal of the group."

"You didn't betray anyone, not really!" Hina argued earnestly. "You openly resisted him, fought him! You could've just continued to be a mole for him, but you didn't! And you never did anything to sabotage the group! So please, don't look down on yourself." She ended her request with a pleading look.

Sakura was silent, mulling on Hina's words. After a moment, she nodded. "I'll try, Hina." She brought her friend into a hug, one that she easily recuperated. "Still, I'm sorry that this had hurt you."

"You don't have to be sorry." Hina said in response. "Let just make sure this future never happens."

(With Makoto)

The luckster, who just happened by luck to be passing by quietly, smiled sadly at the two athletic friends before continuing on his way. It was nice to see that they were working things out on their own.

As he walked up the stairs and in the hallway, he thought about who else to talk to. Hiro and Toko probably barricaded themselves in their rooms, even literally so. Byakuya seems to be okay right now, so he shouldn't try to get him to open up. Chihiro doesn't seem to bad, other than the few scares he had from Mondo. Most likely the results of the second chapter.

That left Mondo, who's probably still pissed. Taka, who's probably frustrated with himself. Taeko, who's most likely trying to maintain some sort of control with her emotions. And Mukuro… who's most likely working for the mastermind.

'Don't. Don't think about it now, Makoto.' The luckster thought, shaking his head. 'Just focus on the first three right now.' Pushing thoughts of Mukuro at the back of his head for the time being, he thought about who to talk to.

Before he could think on it further, he heard a door open from behind him. Turning around in curiosity, he was met with a timid Chihiro poking his head out the door. "Chihiro?"

"Hello Makoto." The programmer greeted, coming out of his room. "What are you doing up there?"

"I planned to check up on Mondo, Taka, and Celeste." The luckster answered. He let out a sigh. "This mess took a big toll on those three, as well as Hifumi. I already talked with Hifumi a bit, and I want to help the other three if I can."

"Could I… could I help you then?" Chihiro offered, though his head was lowered towards the ground. "I could talk to Mondo and Taka, while you talk to Celeste."

That caused Makoto to look at the programmer with slight surprised. "Are you sure, Chihiro?" Makoto asked him. "I know that Mondo frightened you a few times. No one would blame you if you want to let him cool off for a bit."

Chihiro flinched a little at the reminder, but held firm. "I… I know. And to be honest, I'm still a bit scared." He admitted. He then looked up to face Makoto. "But… he's still my friend. I want to help him; him and Taka. And I get this feeling that it has to be me. I can't explain it because it doesn't make sense to me but it's there."

Makoto couldn't help but let out a small smile at how fast Chihiro was growing out of his shell. It's moments like these that made Makoto baffled as to how Chihiro came to the conclusion that he's weak. "Alright. Make sure Mondo and Taka are okay fine then, alright?"

Chihiro nodded, determination clear on his face. And with that, the two headed towards their intended destinations.

(With Taka)

Rarely did Taka felt as useless as he does now. The last time he did, it was when he was old enough to understand what had crippled his family. He thought, after committing himself to breaking through that debt with hard work alone, that the feeling of uselessness would leave him.

Yet here he was now, having witnessed the future, where several of classmates died on his watch. Where he himself also died.

The Ultimate Moral Compass was sitting at the edge of his bed. His fists were clenched together, posture stuff, and face twisted with frustration.

Three murders had happened and he had been able to do nothing to prevent them. In fact, even afterwards, he had been able to do nothing but get killed himself.

He had no way of stopping Sayaka from her attempt of murder. No way to convince everyone to share their secret. No chance of stopping Mondo from his crime. The only thing he could've prevented was his own death, but like a fool he was, he walked into it. In fact, it was due to his fascination with Alter Ego that caused his own death.

'Why?' Taka thought, gritting his teeth. 'Why am I so useless? Why wasn't there anything I could've done to stop this? Why am I such a naive fool?' He shut his eyes as tears of frustration started forming.

His self-loathing thoughts were stopped when he heard a knock on the door. Before he could ask who it was, the knocker spoke up. "Taka, its Chihiro." Was the meek voice of Chihiro. "Could I come in for a moment?"

Taka didn't think too long on it before going to the door. Despite wondering whether he wants any company or not, he didn't want to be rude by refusing, or taking too long to answer. So he opened the door, revealing the timid programmer he and Mondo became friends with.

"Is there's something you need, Chihiro?" Taka inquired curiously.

In response, Chihiro shook his head. "I just… wanted to check up on you." He explained. "Seeing your own death must've hit you badly. I should know."

Taka winced at that. "Yes, you would know," He said softly, looking away. "I'm sorry that you have to share that experience."

Chihiro's eyes widen at this. "Taka, we already discussed this. There was nothing you could've-"

"That's why I'm apologizing!" Taka interrupted, drawing a surprised flinch from the programmer. He softened a little at the timid look. "There's nothing I could've done to stop the murders from happening. Not in any of the cases we've witnessed."

"Each time death happened at the end, and there was no way for me to stop it. No way to figure out that a murder was going to happen." He continued, frustration cleared in his voice as he walked back further into his room as to not disturb the others. Chihiro meekly followed suit and closed the door behind him as he listened to Taka rant. "In the third chapter, I walked willingly into Hifumi and Celeste's trap. I can't even say for sure if I could avoid it, if I didn't fall for the trap."

"That's why… I am sorry. I'm sorry for being so useless." He ended that with a low blow, closing his eyes once again to keep the tears from escaping.

For a moment, Chihiro didn't say anything. During that time, Taka kept bowing to him. After that moment, the programmer softly spoke up. "I don't… think you're the only one who feels that way." He told him. "I think there are several of us who feels just as you do. Maybe worse."

Chihiro's words caused Taka to look up. The programmer was looking down, a sad look on his face. "I know I do. I was ready to reveal my secret, ready to change into someone better. And when I went someone to help get a little more courage, I got killed."

But then he faced Taka when determination. "But like I said before, we have a chance to do something now." He stated. "I think we can be better, do better. We've seen the future so we can definitely learn from this and be the people our future selves wanted to be."

Taka took a deep breath, taking in Chihiro's words. Then he nodded in response. "Tha.. That is a very interesting perspective on things Chihiro. Thank you."

"Glad I could help in some way." The programmer responded back, giving a sheepish smile. "I'm not as good as speaking like Makoto. But I wanted to help you and Mondo."

"You've spoken to Mondo?"

"Not yet." Chihiro shook his head. "I went to his room, but he wasn't there. I was going to try to find him."

"Okay, then. I wish you luck." He wanted to join Chihiro, to find and check on Mondo. But he isn't in the best emotional state at the moment, and knows it. So he could only hope for the best between his two friends.

(With Celeste/Taeko)

As soon as she got into her room, Celeste worked on getting back control of her emotions.

The first thing she did was ripping the Monokuma dolls apart. Even stabbed some through the walls.

Next, she got on her bed and performed some calming techniques. Deep breathing, picturing herself calm, questioning her emotions, etc. Eventually, she manages to gather back some element of control, though it was barely. However, she couldn't block out every thought that entered her mind.

She felt like such a hypocrite. Her future self have judged others for giving in to the temptation of escape, yet she did the same thing. Admonish Leon for not stopping when he could, yet planned out not one, but two murders. How could her future self do that? Did she really think that she could win that gamble? Couldn't she have been more patient?

She could hardly understand her future self's reasoning. Yes, she said it was to escape and get her dream castle, but she doubted that it was the whole truth. But she couldn't figure out why else she would do this. It couldn't have been out of desperation. Not due to fear, definitely not.

So why did those thoughts feel so hollow?

She was driven out of her thoughts when she heard a knock on the door. Having a good guess as to who it is, Celeste walked towards the door. When she opened, she was met with the very lucky student she guessed was at the door.

"Hey Celeste," Makoto greeted, deciding to use her preferred name for the time being. "Do you mind if we talk?"

"You want to make sure I'm alright, correct?" Celeste smiled at him. "There's no need. I'm aware that this is only our future. That we're able to keep it from happening, so long as-"

"Celeste, you are the most impressive liar I know," Makoto interrupted, a sad smile on his face. "You're good at masking your emotions, make any convincing expressions…"

"But right now, even I can see through that fake smile of yours."

That last statement wiped the smile right off the gambler's face, and for a moment, Makoto could see what she was really feeling. The stress, frustration, anxiety, and fear. But that moment quickly passed, and the gambler placed her mask on, though it was more neutral now.

She gestured for Makoto to come in, and the luckster followed her in her room. As he closed the door, the gambler sat back down on her bed. "Makoto…" Celeste sighed. "What exactly do you want? My future self's actions isn't justifiable, nor pitiable. My own morals isn't something you could agree with. Do you really think something will come out of us talking?"

"We won't know until we try." Makoto replied, looking serious. "Please Celeste, at least just answer this… do you really think future you tried to escape for your dream?"

Celeste looked away, her fist clenched. "You heard her, didn't you?" She rhetorically asked. "I hated it there. Wanted to escape more than anyone. Staying in the school was in the way of my dream. And I would've done anything to get out, with no remorse."

"I don't believe that." Makoto stated firmly. "She may have hated being there, but not because of what you said. In all honesty, when I think about it, it's hard to believe anyone that acted the way you did would do it out of greed."

"What do you mean, how I acted?" Celeste questioned.

The lucky student tensed, knowing that his gambler is not going to react well. "You saw it for yourself. She was desperate. Frantic. Scared."

For a moment, Celeste frozen. The fragile mask she hold broke once more, and again, Makoto saw those varied emotions. "No… no I wasn't." The gambler denied, her accent shaky. "What was there to be afraid of? What would cause me to act out of desperation?"

"You were afraid of being killed. That someone would come after, and you wouldn't be able to fight back." Makoto answered softly. "Just like how Leon overpowered Sayaka. Like how Mondo took down Chihiro."

"As long as she's smart and careful, there's no need to fear for her life!" Celeste argued. "There's no need to worry about becoming murder!"

"And it easier if our classmates listen to what you have to say, right?" Makoto added, having guessed her line of thinking. "But no one did. Our classmates continued leaving their rooms at night. No one wanted to adapt to their current life, no one listened to you."

It was something he thought about after the chapter ended. He thought about the things Celeste has been doing throughout the chapters, thought about certain reactions she had, thought of certain things she has said. And it led him to this conclusion.

"You wanted control of the situation, but didn't have it. You wanted people to listen to you, but they wouldn't. You attempted to convince yourself that you were safe, but wasn't able to fully believe that." The more Makoto talked, the more tense and emotional Celeste appeared. "Even with Alter Ego, you weren't convinced that everyone could escape. So, seeing no hope and a chance to escape, you chose this seemingly last chance to get out. To survive."

After that, there was silence. The lucky student gave Celeste a forlorn look, while the gambler herself was staring at the floor, eyes wide and body shaking.

"Sorry." Makoto sighed, looking away from her. "This is probably the last thing you want to hear." But he felt like it needed to be said. He turned towards the door. "I'll leave you to your thoughts now. Just… Taeko, stop trying to lie to yourself. Stop wrapping yourself in these lies. It's not gonna change what happen, nor will it help you in the future. And I have a feeling you know that." With that, he opened the door and left the room.

Even when alone, Celeste, or rather, Taeko, felt paralyzed. It's difficult to shut out what Makoto had said. While she wanted to deny it, much of what he said was correct. Probably all of it. She was scared, she wanted to control, and she, out of desperation, committed murder. As much she wanted to say he was wrong, deep in her heart, he knew that he was right.

And it's frustrating to think about.

(With Kyoko)

Once again, Kyoko was in her room, recording everything she had gathered from chapter 3. She briefly thought about going to the rec room for this, but didn't want to risk getting interrupted from her own thoughts.

Like with the previous chapters, very little information was gained. Most of it were little hints from Monokuma and even that could hardly be considered evidence. It frustrates her to no end, gaining so little from these chapters in terms of answers.

'How many more chapters do we have left?' Kyoko mused to herself. 'Will we be able to get enough answers from any of them?' This is something she would have to ask Spirit. Hopefully, he'll answer.

Pushing back her frustration for the time being, she thought about the pieces she did gain. And all of them leads to what's happening in the outside world. Unable to get new magazines. A note, saying 'You must not leave'. Something called The Tragedy.

All of those were hints as to what's happening in the outside world. And those hints, along with the other clues in the previous chapters… doesn't paint a pretty picture. Not at all.

Why was that note written? What is happening in the outside world? What happened within that two year memory gap?

(With Makoto)

The luckster let out a sigh as he walked away from Taeko's room. He's not sure saying all that is going to help. If it's going to affect her in any way. But, he felt that it needed to be said.

He knew that Taeko was going to just wrapped herself in the persona of Celestia Ludenberg. Probably as a reflex, than anything else. But she needs to accept that she was scared. That she was afraid of dying, and was desperate. That… she gave in to the despair of the situation, rather than accept any of the hope given to them.

'I hope my words will help her in some way.' Makoto thought. 'Now, the last person I need to talk to… is Mukuro.'

Unconsciously, he began tensing. He stills remember her reaction to the note he showed her. That reaction most likely confirmed what was said in that note. A part of him still hopes that he was wrong, that he was overthinking things, that it was just her being taken by surprise.

But he has a feeling that it isn't. That note wasn't guesswork from anyone. The person who wrote it was sure that Mukuro is working for the mastermind. And again, he couldn't ignore the brief reaction she gave.

So he had to this. He needs to confront her about it, regardless of what answer she gives. He needs to find out the truth.

(With Junko)

In most cases, Junko would probably be downstairs, enjoying the despair filled air. After all, not only the victims and the culprit are a mess, but Mondo, Hina, and Sakura are as well. Chihiro looks so fearful of Mondo, with Toko and Hiro being very distrustful are the muscle-weight traitor.

However, she didn't. For two reasons. One, most of her classmates locked themselves in their room, so the rec room is probably empty right now, or at least close to it. And two, she needed to think. About everyone's favorite lucky student.

With each chapter they watch, Junko was starting to see just how dangerous Makoto really is to her plan. Despite his plain look, there's something inside him that makes other trusting of him. That would have other let their guards down around them. That fills them with that disgusting hope.

And seeing such a normal boy becoming a major threat, both annoyed her… and excited her. Made her much more eager to break him, to fill him with nothing but despair.

'But what should I do next? What should I do next?' Junko mused to herself, tapping her chin with a finger. She already played a big hand, revealing to him that Mukuro works for her. And it would be boring to do the same thing again. But what else can she do to push him into the arms of despair?

'Perhaps I can sow more of the guilt he carries.' Junko thought, grinning at the thought. Seeing him struggle with the idea that he was the cause of each murder sounds really pleasant in the fashionista's mind. He couldn't stop Sayaka from trying to commit murder. Gave Chihiro an idea that led to his death. Sparked the rivalry between Taka and Hifumi, which Celeste quickly used for her own gain. 'He would be in so much pain!'

Despite the idea sounding pleasant, she decided to think of more ways to break Makoto. She has plenty of time to think.

(With Mukuro)

Ever since the third chapter ended, Mukuro has been wrestling with whether or not to tell Makoto of her involvement with Junko's plan.

However, she couldn't shake of that fear and anxiety that comes with the thought. How would he react? Would be angry with her? Disgusted? Fearful? The thought of the luckster having any of those reactions, especially the last one, twisted her stomach.

How would Junko react if she finds out? Would she do something drastic? Would she try to harm Makoto? The soldier didn't know what she would do if her sister would try to hurt Makoto.

All these 'what-if' thoughts only serve to further made her anxious. Even when she trying telling herself that Makoto isn't like that, and that Junko wouldn't do anything with Spirit and their classmates around, it didn't let up the unease sinking in her gut.

'Could I… could I really do this?' Mukuro thought pessimistically, staring at her Fenrir tattoo once again. 'Can I really reveal the truth to Makoto?'

She couldn't help but curse her indecisiveness and fear. Even now, when she knew that Makoto will confront her about this, she's still so terrified of his reaction. How could she call herself a soldier, when thoughts like these petrified her?

However, all thoughts left her mind when she heard a sound that filled her with absolute dread. The sound of someone knocking.

'Is that… Makoto? Is he here to talk?' Slowly, she got herself off the bed and mechanically walked to the door. A part of her hoped that it wasn't Makoto. That it was one of her classmates, or possibly Spirit. Even Junko would be better than facing the luckster right now.

However, no such luck was with her, and when she opened the door, she was face to face with the lucky student. "Hey Mukuro," Makoto greeted, giving a small smile. "Mind if we talk?"

She wanted to say yes. She wanted to push it off as far off as possible. But the rational part, the one that knew she can't keep running away, kept her from doing that. "About the note?"

"About the note." The luckster confirmed with a nod.

Taking a deep breath, Mukuro nodded and opened the door further. "Come inside. I… would rather not have anyone else hear this."

"I would imagine." When Makoto entered inside, the soldier closed the door and went back to her bed. Slowly, the luckster went towards the bed as well, and sat a few feet beside her.

For a moment, there was just awkward, tense silence between the two. Mukuro still couldn't bring herself to breach the topic any further, while Makoto was trying to figure out what to say. After a moment, the latter of the two finally decided to ask, "Is it true?"

His question caused Mukuro to tense. When she didn't answer, Makoto turned to face her. "Are you… conspiring with the Mastermind? Do you work for them?"

Again, the soldier said nothing. Seeing her clamped up made Makoto frown. "Mukuro, please talk to me."

'I… can't.' Mukuro thought to herself. She tried moving her lips, tried to say something, anything. But her entire body felt frozen and she bit her lip instead. 'I'm too scared.'

"Can you say something? Anything?" Makoto pleaded with her. "Mukuro, please. I just want the truth."

"Do… do you believe it?" She managed to ask him. "Do you believe that I'm working for them?" Although her intent wasn't to look threatening, being put on the spot has made her unconsciously slip back into what was most comfortable for her: looking like she's ready to kill.

'Why am I such a coward right now?' She cursed herself once again, unaware that her death stare was only intensifying. 'Why can't I admit to my crimes? He deserves the truth.' But she couldn't bring herself to do it. She's too scared of his reaction, afraid that he would stay away from her out of fear, just afraid, afraid, afraid-

"I… can't ignore the growing possibility that it's true." Makoto admitted, looking away. "Your reaction to the note, and your reaction now, just all but confirms that your working alongside them."

That caused a flinch from the soldier. But before she could spiral into pessimism, Makoto continued. "But even so… I want to believe in you."

Those words finally caused Mukuro's gaze to relax and focus. Light blue eyes pleading for help opposite of the determined hazel ones.

"Whether or not you're with them, I still believe you're a good person at heart! You've shown to care about others, including yesterday. You've shown to be more than just a soldier who follows orders."

"You're my friend! And like future me said, friends believe in each other!" Makoto said, flashing an all too familiar smile. "So please… tell me the truth. Believe in me."

Mukuro couldn't help but stare at him in shock and awe. Despite the evidence, despite her silent reaction, he's still think that she's a good person. He still view her as a friend. 'I don't deserve your friendship.' She thought. 'Nor the belief you have in me.'

Despite those thoughts, she gathered up her courage… and began telling him the truth.

And that's the end. I hope you guys liked this chapter. Again, sorry it took so long. Next I'll be wrapping up the break before the class starts the fourth chapter. Review, favorite, and follow and I will see you guys later.