SURPRISE! I know! I'm back. There's an authors note at the end like always but I hope you enjoy this part!
[This part has been edited and updated after the completion of Chapter 2]
DANGANRONPA: OFF THE RAILS
Chapter 1 – Freedom's End
Part 4
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[Time remaining: 07:10:34:22]
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After the drop of the motive, the atmosphere of the train shifted. Distrust was always there, hidden underneath the surface of the riders. But once the motive dropped, that distrust grew and no matter who it was, there was always a worry. People could still be civil with one another when it comes to living together on this never-ending train.
However, this motive was but a timer. A timer that pushed these fears to the forefront. Some still walked around and about while others relegated to waiting in their rooms, hiding away from the appending doom that approached. Despite those fairs though, night shifts were going on. The added safety they provided helped ease some of the tension
Shunso was one of the ones still leaving their room as he personally was always a logical thinker. Allowing his emotions to run wild would not help him in the slightest so he kept strong. But of course, some cases are different since the motive drop the night prior. Before they dispersed the night before, Shunso had chatted with Wally a tad before the sidekick went off to their room. …Shunso has not seen him leave since. And he knew why.
Guilt. Wally felt guilt about the motive. The guys night had been a little before the motive drop. And to the sidekick, it felt like the nail in the coffin that lead to the motive occuring. Shunso understood that it wasn't his fault. All the guys of the guys night understood that. But the only one who didn't was Wally himself.
The intelligence officer could only sigh as he tried to focus on his usual investigating throughout the train. The urge to find something important to help the others was growing as he wheeled himself to the observatory cart. To him, there was always a strange feeling to the room... one that unsettled him a bit. So, it was his focus for the day.
But it seems he was not the only one to think that as entering the room, he noticed Ai standing there, looking up at the 'stars'. Shunso would move towards the astrologer and give a small wave. "Hello Ai. How are you?"
The astrologer would turn to Shunso with a grin on her energetic appearance, one that brought a small smile to Shunso's face. "Well hello there my friend! Come for a reading? It… will not be the usual accuracy of the Ultimate Astrologer for these stars of falsehood blocks my pure talent!"
Shunso would roll his eyes a bit, not at her talent… but more in agreeance with the stars. They didn't make a lick of sense. "I understand what you mean… I mean... an octopus? What nutjob constellations are these?" He then stopped and turned to Ai with a curious eye. "Though… I guess if anything, I'm more curious about your process. How does the research into astrology work? It seems far different from what I do yet at the same time… very similar."
"Ah! A truly excellent question, my fellow researcher!" Ai would have a smile on her face as she grabbed a nearby stool and sat down next to the wheelchair bound boy. "Well to start, astrology is not simply zodiac readings or constellation readings. Mainly because astrology is split into different sections."
Shunso looked at the astrologist with curiosity. "Hmmm… is that like… how zodiacs and horoscopes are similar but different?"
"Correct! You see, horoscopes is western astrology, focusing more as a form of divanation. This comes from creating a horoscope for an exact moment, like a birth, a location, all of which are influenced by the cosmic bodies. It runs off the western zodiacs which…" She gestured to her wrist & ankle bracelets holding the different signs. "…Are well known. But these aren't the only zodiacs after all… and you know this right?"
"…You're talking about the Chinese zodiacs?" Shunso responded with a look of inquisition and a small smile. Ai's energy is truly infectious at times.
"Bingo my researcher friend! Chinese zodiacs come from Chinese astrology. It holds different concepts from western astrology that just isn't the different zodiacs. Chinese astrology has close relation to Chinese philosophy… do you know some of that?"
"I believe I do. That holds principles like yin and yang… the wuxing or also known as the five phases… and the ten heavenly stems?"
Ai was smiling widely and nodding. "Correct! Most will just state they know yin and yang, but to hear about the five phases and the ten heavenly stems is a welcome surprise! But that's not all! There's also the lunisolar calendar, shichen, and also how the Chinese zodiacs stem from the system known as the twelve earthly branches."
Shunso would stop and blink for a moment. "The… twelve earthly branches?"
"Yep. And I'll go over it with you the next time we have a chat, I will explain in more detail." She then gained a serious look. "But for now… I must return to my mission… You hear me strange constellations!? I will understand you!"
The intelligence officer would look a little confused… but shrug and smiled as he pulled out his notebook. His spirits raised a little from the smiling astrologer was a nice change of pace as he moved back to his own investigation.
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[Time remaining: 07:08:21:59]
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Walking… well not walking but you get the idea… around the train was getting tiring for Shunso. He prided himself on focusing on the mission at hand, the exploration, and the location… He was used to long shifts and working hours of the night. But now? In the current situation? He's exhausted all he could do. Perhaps it was a wake-up call, but Shunso pondered a bit on himself and the others. He knew right away their uniqueness, their kindness, their overall character that left him stunned in ways. It was a fresh change from his usual job in the police station. But that being said... He knew about himself, and he knew the basics of the others… but that was it.
The interaction with Ai was very intriguing and it went to show that she wasn't some 'star obsessed researcher'. She had put time and effort into her craft which one wouldn't see on a first glance. To most, it was using a telescope to see the stars and that's it. But in truth, it was more to behold. The knowledge that the astrologer knew was incredible. It made the intelligence officer wonder… what else was he missing?
Well, travelling to the yacht, he would notice a certain sniper sitting in the crow's nest of the yacht. "…Koharu? What are you doing up there?" Shunso would call out to the pink haired sniper as she looked down with a raised brow.
"…What the fuck do you want?" She spoke out to him, blowing a bubble-gum bubble. Despite that, she would still climb down and sit on the ladder, looking down at Shunso.
The intelligence officer went to speak but paused... before finally speaking up. "To be completely honest? I'm not sure… Just to talk I guess?."
This response would cause the sniper to look at the intelligence officer with a look of distrust as she sighed and nodded, but kept a good distance away.. "…Okay… and what do you really want?"
The intelligence officer would sigh a bit as he scratched the back of his head. "That's it. I… I had a wakeup call in a way. Not like a complete shift, but… I know I need to learn about the others on this train. I can't just sit here and let it all go by, you know?" However, the intelligence officer would then stop before he would laugh a little bit and shook his head at the irony. "…Man… he would be laughing." This caused the sniper to raise a brow, still not saying a word, as Shunso continued. "Sorry. Just... My boss. He was the one who helped me get into the force you see. Absolute hardass when it comes to working on the job but a softie when it comes to afterhours. And to be honest… he would always tell me to stop being so serious and to take breaks. To live life before "I learned too late". I respect the man, so I listened and I sometimes I did disobey… but I never understood what he meant. Still don't completely understand it."
"…I get that. It's the same with my supervisor in ways." The sniper would sit there smiling a bit. "He's the man in charge, ya know? And… to be honest… I'm a skilled bitch with a sniper rifle. But I'm one to disobey the regulations. It's where my dyed hair and piercings came from." She would chuckle a bit as well. "My supervisor was still there for me, you know? Still respect the man."
This caused an eyebrow raise from the intelligence officer as he scoffed with a smirk. "Really? I thought for sure you were born with bubblegum pink hair and were the living image of a model cadet."
The sniper would scoff and shoulder bump the intelligence officer as she shook her head. "Smartass. But no. My hair was originally black. Was asked so many times to stop with my piercings and fix my hair... but why?" Shunso looked at her with a raised brow as she continued. "When I was younger, I was, as you said, a model cadet. But as I grew up, I realized how I need to think for myself. Fuck those guys if they say I can't look how I want. What are they gonna do? Fire me? I'm the best of the best and they fucking know it." She scoffed but had a small smile. "At least my supervisor understands me a bit and is on my side with things like this."
Shunso nod along as he smiled. "So you were a goody two shoes who went through a teenage rebellion?" This caused a glare from the sniper and a small chuckle from the intelligence officer. "I'm joking. I'm joking." He then smiled and sighed a bit. "Still...It's nice having someone who, despite you not fully listening to them, are still there when you need them."
Koharu would smile and chuckle. "…Yeah. … … you got any absolutely embarrassing stories about them?"
"Oh of course.." Shunso would pull out a notebook. "I keep track of those moments because blackmail gets the best shifts."
This action would cause Koharu to smirk as she looked at him. "You know the way of the land. Good to know." Hopping off the ladder, she would stretch a bit before tuning to Shunso. "Well… I'm gonna go get some food." Walking off towards the door, she would turn around one more time to face the intelligence officer. "But… next time we chat, we can exchange stories about our bosses." And with that, she was off.
It was sudden, but Shunso sat there with a smile. Maybe... that's what his boss talked about? But either way, he would just have chat with her later. After all, he had something to talk about next time. So that's a conversation for another day.
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[Time remaining: 06:15:11:46]
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Leaving the yacht cart, Shunso had turned in for the night early as, in his opinion, sleep would be needed soon. A well rested mind would be beneficial. However, as Shunso woke up the next morning, he pulled out his notebook to keep track of the events. And the biggest factor came forth... Today was the last day for food. Once night time passed, the riders and himself were going to struggle with hunger and exhaustion. So the goal was simple. He needed enjoy what he had to the best of his ability before it was too late. And so, he headed out to the kitchen to prepare a meal to his liking... and probably only his liking.
It was trial and error due to the kitchen not being completely handicap friendly... but soon enough, his cooking was complete. Now in the dining room, Shunso looked down at the bowl in front of him which held a simple bowl of ramen… except for the bright red appearance and spicy smell. To others, it would appear to have an aura of danger but to him? It was normal ramen. And as the intelligence officer was enjoying his meal, a familiar combat medic took a seat right next to him. "Oh. Good morning Takeshi."
Takeshi would turn to Shunso and give a small tired smile. "M-Morning comrade." The combat medic would pull out his own meal... which appeared to be an MRE ration pack, which caused the intelligence officer to raise a brow. The combat medic would just chuckle weakly. "I-I know... it's n-not a high-class m-meal, but I prefer t-them. It's g-gives me n-nostolgia at times. ...W-What are y-you enjoying comrade?"
Shunso looked down at his bowl with a small smile as he looked back up at Takeshi. "Oh… it's just some spicy ramen. I know it's not the best meal persay but it's comfort food." He then took a big bite before sighing a little in enjoyment. "I was luckily able to find some ghost peppers for that extra kick."
This, however, caused the combat medic's eyes to widen. "W-What!? A-As in actual g-ghost peppers?" Receiving a nod from the intelligence officer only seemed to make Takeshi worry more. "A-Are you s-sure that's safe? While n-not the hottest p-peppers, I know t-that ghost peppers s-still have a high m-measure of pungency!"
This brought a look of confusion as Shusno stared at the combat medic. "Oh. No, I'm quite alright. I have a rather high spice tolerance and rather enjoy the flavours." He then stopped and held his chin in curiosity. "However... pungency? I don't believe I've heard that one when it comes to spice."
Takeshi nodded as his placed his meal within the MRE heating packet. "Y-Yeah… while I'm n-not a 's-spice fan' m-myself... I understand t-the effects of pungency." The combat medic would turn to the intelligence officer and point to his own cooking meal. "We h-have to make sure our m-meals are simple 'm-meals ready to eat'. It would not be h-helpful if a s-soldier burnt their m-mouth and g-gave away their position. A-Anyways... P-Pungency is commonly referred to s-spiciness, hotness, or h-heat. But in truth, it means a s-strong, sharp s-smell or flavour. It m-mainly effects the t-tongue for receptors like TRPV1."
Shunso would stop eating for a moment as he turned raise a brow. "What? I... don't think I've heard of that."
Takeshi just nodded. "TRPV1, k-known as transient receptor p-potential cation ch-channel subfamily V m-member 1, is a protein in people's genes. Its f-function is the detection and r-regulation of body t-temperature as well as p-providing a sensation of scalding heat and p-pain. In simplest terms, it's known as the c-capsaicin receptor."
A look of understanding entered the intelligence officer's eyes. "Capsaicin… I have heard of thart one. The component in peppers for spice, right?"
"C-Correct." As he finished cooking his MRE, Takeshi would turn to Shunso. "P-Put simply, TRPV1 determines how much sp-spice one can take. It c-can change of c-course but most likely, you have a v-variant that can h-handle higher levels of capsaicin."
Shunso would gain a thoughtful look before smiling. "Interesting. Never knew that. The more you know. …I guess it's interesting to hear such facts. They aren't normally common facts in our area of expertizes however. Still... nothing wrong with more knowledge, right?"
The combat medic nodded with a smile. "I-I know it's n-not neccessary knowledge... but I always w-want to be of assistance. A-And so I would t-try to learn whatever I can that c-could be helpful at some point. S-So, even if it's something o-obscure like spice or something l-like restarting a heart... I w-want to know for the w-what if."
Shunso would look at Takeshi with an expression of respect. "That's very honourable of you." He would then look down at his ramen and then up at Takeshi before holding it out. "Since we talked about it so much... Do you want to try some?"
However, the combat medic would just shake his head. "N-No thank you. I… don't like r-ramen."
The intelligence officer would chuckle a bit at that. "More for me I guess… oh well. This is personally one of my favourite foods. Next you're gonna tell me you dislike coffee too."
"…u-uhhhh…"
"…Wait really?"
The intelligence officer and combat medic would turn and face one another... before the two broke into some small laughs. It wasn't anything crazy but the moment felt nice. Either way, the two would go on to enjoy their meals and clean up before stating their goodbyes.
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[Time remaining: 06:04:01:33]
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After making his rounds once more, Shunso found time ticking closer and closer to the first milestone of the motive. The intelligence officer personally felt nervous about the lost of their first privilege... but not because of the loss itself. But rather the effect it will have on the others. Many questions and theories of what-if scenarios entered his head as he rolled himself down the halls towards the cafeteria once more. In a gesture of comradery and perseverance, Li-Wei had brought up the idea of a grand meal for all of them to enjoy together before it was all lost for good.
Entering the cafeteria and sitting at one of the tables, the intelligence officer could notice the awkward yet friendly atmosphere. People were chatting happily while some looked away with distrust. Shunso had found himself sitting to next Chizure and Kanade who were chatting away about something that the pianist very excited. He didn't pay attention as eavesdropping wasn't very respectful. His meal had come and gone and now the intelligence officer was simply passing the time. However, Shunso would notice an annoyed looking Li-Wei standing off to the side, rubbing his eyes in frustration. So, backing his wheelchair out and moving away from the table, the intelligence officer would approach the park ranger. "Everything alright? You're looking rather stressed."
Li-Wei would turn and notice Shunso but stayed for a few moments. However, after a bit, the park ranger would nod as he sighed. "It's Kana. I tried to convince her to come out of her room once again. But yet, like every other time, it was the same response. She's still refused to leave her room very vocally and slammed the door in my face." He looked exhausted as he crossed his arms. "I understand the fear and distrust with our current predicament... but... she still needs to eat despite that. To reject that despite everything..."
The intelligence officer would ponder the park ranger's words as he held his chin in thought. After a bit, Shunso would tug at Li-Wei's sleeve a bit as he smiled. "How about you take a break from this job and go eat." The park ranger moved to refuse the offer, but a growl from stomach removed all forms of rejection as the intelligence officer gave a little laugh. "It's fine. I've already finished my meal so I have nothing to do at the moment. I'll go try and talk her into coming and if that doesn't work? I'll try and find an alternative."
Li-Wei would nod as Shunso rolled himself out of the cafeteria and towards the dorm cart. The trek was short but silent as the intelligence officer found himself right outside the surivor's door. Giving the door a knock on the door, there would be a pause before it swung opened to reveal a glaring Kana. She raised a brow at Shunso but kept the glare up. "…What do you want? I thought I made it clear that I'm not leaving my room."
Shunso would shake his head. "I understand that. You've made your intentions very clear. I simply figured I should try and understand why you wish to stay there and not leave for a single meal."
Kana scoffed at the intelligence officer as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a protein bar. It appeared to be a something she had stocked up as she looked at Shunso with defiance. "I have food here. So there's no point in leaving my room in the first place.."
Shunso, however, would deadpan at her for a moment. "You and I both know that those bars count as a snack at best. You need a real meal." The intelligence officer sighed and rubbed his eyes as he continued. "…Look… I don't want to be pessimistic... but there's a strong chance this could be that last chance we have for a large meal in some time. So, not because of social reasons but for your actual health, can you head to the cafeteria for food?"
However, Kana just scoffed at Shunso as she sighed and shook her head. "Listen Shunso… You're a smart one. So you can tell that this is similar to a last meal they serve in prison. And yet some people in there are acting as if all is kumbaya and perfectly fine. Well, I refuse to go. Besides... it's better this way. Less hassle for me and less danger for them."
And with that, she closed the door as Shunso quickly moved, stopping the door last minute as a small gap in the door was left. Shunso was silent as he processed the survivor's words with a frown... However, he then stopped and smiled as he pulled out his notebook. Turning to a blank page, he pushed the book through the gap in the door with a pen as he spoke. "Very well. If you don't want to eat with the others, then that's fine. But... we want you to have something to eat. So please... if you can, write down on exactly what you would like to eat."
Moments passed in silence as Shunso was hesitantly waiting. Suddenly, his notebook would be pushed back through the gap as the intelligence officer took it. Opening to the page, he found a simple vegitarian recipe written on the pages. Having a smile and a nod, the intelligence officer would leave towards the kitchen cart. After a discussion with Ember, who had been one of the main chefs for the meals, Shunso soon found himself returning with a warm dish wrapped.
Approaching the survivor's door and knocking on it, the door opened a bit as the intelligence officer placed the meal down and moved to the side. The door would open more slightly as Kana grabbed the meal, pulling it inside, and closing the door once more... but still leaving a gap. This brought a small smile to Shunso's face as he spoke aloud. "I hope you enjoy it. Ember seemed to be rather hopeful. I think she wishes to befriend you."
This caused a pause on the other side as Kana sighed and spoke through gap in the door. "That's a big mistake." Shunso raised a brow as Kana continued. "I'm not going to be social. And she's a lot safer away from me." Shunso nodded with a frown as he watched the plate get pushed out, the survivor continuing once more. "There. I ate the dish. Now leave me alone."
The intelligence officer would roll over and pick the dishes up as he nodded. "Of course." He would then turn to leave... but found himself stopping as he Shunso he called out. "...Why are you so determined to hide yourself away?"
A moment of silence passed as Kana opened the door a bit more, revealing a tired expression. "…Because It's easier to be on your own and feel nothing than to open up and feel the pain of loss again." And with that, the door would start to close. However, before it fully closed, Kana spoke up once more. "...Tell Ember that it was delicious."
And with that, the door would close completely as Shunso would feel a small smile graced his face. Perhaps... things would look up from there.
-DING DONG, DING DONG-
"Upupupupupu! This is an announcement! It is almost 10 pm and officially nighttime! Entry to certain locations have will be locked soon so please head to your dorms! Entry to the locked locations once nighttime starts is strictly prohibited! Sweet dreams~… Or at least I would say that, but I want you all in the end car!"
It was time… Shunso gathered himself as he started to wheel himself through the train. His mind was wondering about this motive as worries started to appear… what would happen when it reaches zero? Would they really die? …Was Shunso willing to take that gamble? No matter what how much he tried to convince himself otherwise, he was unsure as time ticked closer to the final threshold of the motive.
But that wasn't important. What was important was reaching the end car. There were only a few people, but the others soon trickled in. Once everyone was in the room, an alarm rang as they turned to the cell holding the food. Metal walls would shoot up from the ground and surround the cell, a large yellow x on the front of it. The timer on the wall continued to tick down. And from there, the announcement turned back on.
"Upupupupupu! That's one privilege down! How long will you all be able to last? Such a mystery~ But that was all I needed you for… so off to your dorms!"
Everyone was either annoyed at the bear, afraid of what was to come, a mix of the two, or just indifferent. However, what caught the attention of others was a cough. Turning to the cough, Li-Wei stood there at in command with Kanade, Satoru, Emiko, Ember and Hastur.
Moving to the front of the group, Li-Wei would turn to the riders with a small smile. "Now that I have everyone's attention… We have an announcement of our own." Some people looked in fear and worry but the park ranger waved his hand. "No, it is nothing like the motive. But rather... With all our combined efforts, the idea to try and bring some peace back became our biggest priority. And after careful consideration, we have decided to host a large party tomorrow night. For that will be the last day where we can have fun and then sleep in."
Kanade would step forward and smile. "The location is going to be in the pub found in the fourth cart! Of course we're going to have to be respectful... But it's going to be a fun time! We're going to be having games, drinks, and live performances!"
Satoru would smile and nod. "Well said darling. As little kitten here stated, we'll be performing ourselves. If you wish to perform and take over the karaoke, let us know."
Li-Wei nodded along as he looked at the group. "This isn't a mandatory party, but it is strongly recommended you come. We wish to stand proudly in unity before more privileges are lost. However, we request that one night shift be on duty at the end and sleep through the day."
Everyone was silent before nudges could be heard followed by a couple sounds of agreeance. Stepping forward, Wally would stand proudly as he gave a smile and a nod. "Our night watch can run night watch of the party! You can count on us!"
Li-Wei would give a nod of acceptance as he turned to the everyone. "Perfect. With all that sorted out... everyone rest up. We have a big day ahead of us."
…
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[Time remaining: 05:23:48:17]
-TO BE CONTINUED-
16/16 REMAINING
Hello everyone! VoidRebirth here!
Well… this part came quick! To be honest, I'm impressed with myself. I was struggling to deal writing for a while but… well… I was able to get this done. I have an idea as to how and why but yeah… for now…
PARTY TIME! So, this is going to be a fun part of the chapter as this next part is going to be all party. It's gonna be a little different from the sectioned off aspect with it being more one large scene… or it may be sectioned off. Who knows? Depends on how the story plays out.
Other then that, I hope you're all enjoying the interactions. All the characters are wonderful in their own ways, and I can't wait to see what is going to come from this. Plus… fun fact… I have a lot of plans made, but that's besides the point.
I hope you enjoyed this part. Please leave some comments about how you're enjoying the story and what I can improve on!
And with all that said… That's all for now! I'll see you all next time!
Void signing out!