Don't call it a comeback, because I never even left. Hey folks, it's been YEARS hasn't it? Well my life has undergone a lot of changes since then, and recently I found myself in the proverbial throes of Danganronpa again. And then I remembered this little story, so I figured, "screw it its about time I continue, I got free time now" Don't know if there will be frequent updates, but at the very least I want to conclude this storyline. Sorry for the wait, but its about time we move on!
(Having just departed Agrabah, the group was back on the Gummi Ship, traveling through space once again)
Leon: Man, it still feels so surreal. We're actually flying through space in a spaceship.
Mondo: The feeling hardly goes away, well at least till we find any Heartless ships.
Leon: They're here too?
Chihiro: Yeah but don't worry, I've gotten the hang of this so they won't be causing any trouble.
Sakura: So how close are we to another world?
Chihiro: We've still got a ways to go.
Celeste: Fine, just wake me when we arrive.
(Celeste falls asleep, right up against Makoto's shoulder, making Makoto blush and Sayaka jealous)
Sayaka: Hey!
Makoto: C-Celeste?
Hifumi: My my, it seems like she's taking another step.
Sayaka: Is that so?
(Following her initiative, Sayaka decides to lay her head on Makoto's lap)
Makoto: Whoa, S-Sayaka!
Mondo: Looks like Makoto's on their radar.
Makoto: What, me? No way I'm…
Hifumi: You're a hero Mr. Naegi, who saved both of them along with us. I think it's warranted.
Sakura: At the very least you're trustworthy enough not to do anything rash.
Leon: Course he wouldn't, he doesn't have a bad bone in his body. At least one that wouldn't let him do THAT to them.
Makoto: Heh heh heh…
Chihiro: *giggles* Yeah… huh?
Hiro: Find something Chihiro?
Chihiro: Yeah, it's not a Heartless but it's… moving towards us.
Jill: Ooooo, did they bring in the big guns?
(Suddenly, something flew overhead, they looked up to see that it was… a giant whale?)
Hiro: A whale?
Mondo: Whales can fly here… or swim… or whatever, what the hell is that doing here!?
Makoto: Your guess is as good as mine.
(The whale suddenly noticed them, and began charging towards them)
Hifumi: It's coming right for us!
Chihiro: Okay, time to go!
(Chihiro quickly dodges out of the way and speeds past the whale, but it turns around and starts pursuing them)
Hiro: IT'S AFTER US!
Makoto: Okay everyone, calm down. Let's not panic, we can make it out of this.
Hifumi: Faster Mr. Fujisaki, FASTER!
Chihiro: I'm going as fast as I can!
(It was at this time Sayaka and Celeste awoke)
Celeste: *yawn* Did I miss something?
Makoto: We're being chased by a giant whale.
Celeste: Oh is that all….. Wait what!?
Sayaka: A whale!?
Hifumi: It's gonna eat us!
Sakura: This cannot end well.
(Unfortunately for them, the whale was right behind them with its mouth open, ready to chow down)
Makoto: Okay, now we can panic…
(Everyone screamed as the whale swallowed the Gummi Ship whole)
(Everything suddenly went dark, then Makoto experienced something… odd. What seemed like a flashback, one he didn't recognize)
Makoto: Guys are you sure?
Leon: Just trust me man, she'll totally say yes.
Makoto: But I don't know, I'm totally out of her league.
Chihiro: Just be brave Makoto, go on, ask her!
Taka: You'll be fine, now chest out, head held high, and don't be quiet.
Makoto: R-Right…
Hiro: Come on man, you gotta have some more confidence than that. Just be calm alright?
Makoto: Calm… right.
Hiro: Alright, now off you go!
(Hiro pushed him off as Makoto nervously walked towards Kyoko)
Makoto: Uh… hey Kyoko.
Kyoko: Oh Makoto, hi.
Makoto: I-I have something I'd l-like to ask you.
Kyoko: Okay….
Makoto: ….
Kyoko: Well, are you going to ask?
Makoto: Um… well…
Kyoko: "Well"?
Makoto: Are you… busy this weekend?
Kyoko: Sort of, I need to do some studying for next week's test.
Makoto: Oh, well sorry for…
Kyoko: But I think I can squeeze some time in on Sunday. How about you come over and we can discuss it then?
Makoto: Really?
Kyoko: Why not? I'm sure you can use some help with studying.
Makoto: Sure, that'd be great!
Kyoko: See you then…
(Kyoko heads off, and Makoto heads back to the others)
Makoto: I did it, I asked her to hang out…
Leon: Nice! But next time you gotta ask her on a date.
Makoto: I don't know, I mean would she really wanna date me of all people?
Chihiro: Any girl would be lucky to have you honestly, I saw how Sayaka was looking at you.
Makoto: Sayaka?
Leon: Oh yeah, Sayaka…
Makoto: I thought you said it was Kyoko that was looking at me like she was interested in me?
Leon: Uh well…
Hiro: You bastard, you were gonna flirt with her again weren't you?
Leon: *laughs nervously*
Chihiro: Leon!
Leon: Oh look at the time, gotta get to practice!
(Leon quickly darts away)
Taka: Hey! Running in the halls is not welcome in a school environment!
Chihiro: Leon, you know what she'll say!
(The others chased after him, Taka following them to keep them under control)
Makoto: Hmm, should I ask Sayaka out instead? I know we were friends for a while but would she have the time for that now?
Makoto: I'll think about it after this weekend, for now I gotta check on the others.
(Alright, enough flashback business. Let's get back to the main story! A flash of white light permeates the area as Makoto comes to, unconscious on the ship with Sayaka and Celeste by his side)
Makoto: Ugh… my head.
Sayaka: Makoto, you're alright!
Celeste: Thank goodness you are awake.
Makoto: What happened?
Hifumi: Help! Let us out of here!
Sakura: It's no use Hifumi. We've tried everything, I can't pry the beast's mouth open.
Chihiro: W-We just gotta find some way out of here!
Makoto: Wait, did that whale…
Mondo: Yep, swallowed us whole.
Hifumi: Great, we're trapped in the belly of a gigantic whale! What else could go wrong?
(Out of nowhere, a small chest hits Hifumi in the head)
Hifumi: I just had to ask.
Leon: Huh, where did that…
(Leon gets hit by another one…)
Leon: Ow! Hey, what's your problem!?
(They look up to see a young boy rummaging through a large treasure chest)
Chihiro: Excuse me, who's up there?
?: Oh, sorry!
Celeste: ...Did that boy look a bit…
Sakura: He reminds me of a wooden puppet.
Leon: A living wooden puppet? No way!
(Suddenly the young boy started walking away carrying some items from the chest)
Sayaka: Maybe that boy knows what this thing is?
Mondo: Or better yet a way to get out of this hellhole!
Hiro: It's worth a shot, come on let's go!
Celeste: Um… well…
Jill: Hate to bug you Princess but, are you really THAT worried about getting wet?
Celeste: I told you I don't have any other clothes to wear.
Chihiro: Well I don't either and I keep getting mistaken for a girl.
Celeste: *sigh* Fair point…
Sayaka: Come on, let's follow that little boy and see if we can get some answers!
(Knowing they had no choice, they jumped into the water the whale had swallowed and began swimming)
Makoto: Let's check that boat over there, maybe that's where he went.
Hifumi: Good thinking Mr. Naegi!
(They made their way to the boat, and soon everyone began getting out of the water. As they headed up they overheard something)
?: What have you got there, Pinocchio?
Pinocchio: With this, we can get out of here, Father.
?: Really? With this big block? You think so?
Leon: Got any room for a few more?
(Pinocchio and his father turn to see the group, some on the boat while others still climbing up)
?: Oh my. So the whale swallowed all of you too? My goodness.
Chihiro: He was a bit too fast to get away from sadly.
Gepetto: Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Gepetto. And this is my son, Pinocchio.
Sakura: Your son?
Gepetto: Yes, when we got separated, I traveled all over, looking for him.
Hiro: We're kinda doing the same thing. Did you see anyone else come in here?
Gepetto: No, you're the only other ones that whale swallowed up.
Mondo: Figures, now we REALLY need to get out of here.
(While Gepetto is conversing with the group, Pinocchio notices someone running deeper into Monstro. Gepetto then takes the block Pinocchio found and moves it to another location)
Gepetto: I must admit, it was a hard journey. But I'm glad we're together again. We've all had quite the journey, right Pinocchio?
(He looks over to see his son walking deeper into the beast)
Gepetto: Pinocchio!
Sayaka: Oh no! We need to help!
Gepetto: Can you please? There have been strange creatures deep in Monstro, I don't want my boy getting hurt.
Mondo: Monsters? Shit the Heartless are here!
Chihiro: Don't worry Mr. Gepetto, we'll save him!
?: Hold on! I'm coming too!
Makoto: Huh?
(They look around to see where the voice came from)
?: Down here!
(They look down to see what looks like a sharply dressed cricket)
Leon: Did uh, the bug just talk?
Celeste: Glad to know I'm not the only one hallucinating.
?: Nope, no hallucinating here. I'm real!
Makoto: Uh nice to meet you uh…
Jiminy: Jiminy Cricket, at your service!
Makoto: Right, you said you wanted to come with?
Jiminy: I did! I need to help steer him right, I'm his conscience you see.
Chihiro: His conscience?
Jiminy: The poor guy doesn't have one without me, he's too impressionable and always ends up getting up to mischief.
Mondo: He doesn't have one? Isn't he a…
Jiminy: Well to be frank on the details, Pinoch started out as a puppet before being given life. If he wants to become a real boy, he needs to start by learning to not get into trouble.
Sayaka: Hmm, okay! We could use the extra help!
Makoto: Here, hop on!
(At his cue, Jiminy hops onto Makoto's shoulder)
Jiminy: Thanks! What's your name?
Makoto: I'm Makoto Naegi, and these are my friends. We'll go through the introductions along the way.
Jiminy: Sure, just let me get my journal. I'm gonna need to write this down if I'm gonna remember everyone.
(The group makes their introductions as they head deeper into Monstro. Eventually they find Pinocchio a few chambers ahead)
Makoto: Pinocchio? What are you doing?
Sayaka: Your father's worried sick about you, come on let's go!
Mondo: It ain't safe to be wanderin' around here you know.
(As the group goes to walk away, someone calls out to them. Someone familiar…)
Junko: Aw… but Makoto, I thought you liked games?
(They turn around to see Junko, and Byakuya)
Byakuya: Something tells me he's not into playing games now that he has the Keyblade.
Hifumi: Mr. Togami? Miss Enoshima?
Sakura: What are you doing here?
Byakuya: Just humoring this young man, nothing more.
Chihiro: But how did you-
Junko: Nuh uh uh, trade secret. Can't tell you, if I did, I'd have to kill you!
Junko: But then again, I'm gonna do it anyway so I'm just not telling you because I don't wanna.
(Changes to her stoic persona)
Junko: Besides, it's not like it's very important. Death comes anyway so it's better to just let us do our business.
Byakuya: That's enough, we have business.
Jill: Master? What are you doing with her!? WHAT BUSINESS!?
(Changes to her aggressive persona)
Junko: You wanna find out you filthy bitch!? Come and get us then!
Byakuya: Grab him!
(Junko grabs Pinocchio and the three head deeper into the whale)
Jiminy: Pinocchio!
Leon: What the hell's up with them?
Hiro: I don't know, but we need to find them and save Pinocchio!
(Right on cue, ghostly looking Heartless appear out of nowhere)
Sayaka: Heartless!
Makoto: Jiminy, stay down!
Jiminy: Ya don't have to tell me twice.
(And not long after, a few Monokumas popped up)
Monokuma #1: There he is! Get him!
Monokuma #2: I call his girlfriend!
Monokuma #3: Which one's the girlfriend?
(Both Sayaka and Celeste took offense to that and immediately went to attack the mouthy bears)
Hiro: Whoa…
Chihiro: Remind me not to say anything about this in the future.
Mondo: Me too.
Leon: Uh guys, the Heartless?
Mondo: Right, bring it on you bastards!
(They get right to work, a few Search Ghosts head towards Sakura and Hiro. Hiro fortunately reacted quick enough and managed to trap them with his orbs)
Hiro: They're all yours Ogre.
Sakura: Thanks…
(She immediately jumps up to attack them, but they teleport out of the way)
Sakura: What!?
(They appear behind Hiro, but fortunately Jill manages to take them out before they could strike)
Jill: Hey Headcase, watch your back next time!
Hiro: Oh, thanks Jill!
Jill: Whatever, now where's the rest of them?
Chihiro: Heads up!
(Chihiro sends a few more Ghosts into the air, Jill sees the opportunity and alongside Chihiro slices them up till they're nothing. Meanwhile, Mondo and Leon are back to back dealing with a horde of Heartless. Fortunately they're not very worried…)
Leon: Mind setting me up?
Mondo: As long as I get to knock 'em down!
(As Mondo began swinging his ball and chain, going faster and faster, Leon hit it like a baseball. Upon hitting it, Mondo began spinning around, taking every Heartless down)
Leon: Nice one man!
(Mondo eventually stopped, though a bit dizzy from the experience, causing him to fall right on his butt)
Mondo: Okay, that's gonna be for emergencies only next time. Not sure I can take it.
Leon: Good thinking.
Mondo: Please tell me we're done.
Hifumi: Just waiting on Miss Maizono and Miss Ludenberg
(Both are still busy destroying the Monokumas, after a few minutes of them waiting, the smoke cleared and they were all destroyed. The ladies stood proudly, though covered in oil from the Monokumas)
Mondo: Holy shit…
Chihiro: Whoa…
Makoto: Guys, are you…?
Sayaka/Celeste: They never said anything, got it?
(Everyone agreed, even Sakura)
Makoto: Too bad we didn't bring any spare clothes then.
Celeste: Hmm?
(Celeste looks at her dress)
Celeste: MON DIEU! What have I done!?
Sayaka: Don't worry, I'm sure it'll wash off.
Mondo: Yeah sorry, oil doesn't wash out very easily. Believe me I know, damn bike kept giving me way too many oil stains when I had to fix it up.
Celeste: What was I thinking?
(Celeste seemed like she was about to cry)
Makoto: Don't worry, I still think you look good.
Celeste: Do you mean it?
Makoto: I do! Now come on, we need to go find Pinocchio!
Jiminy: Is it safe to come out yet?
Makoto: It's safe.
(Jiminy hops back out)
Jiminy: Thank goodness, well at least we have nothing to worry about.
Sakura: I wouldn't be so sure, he's still in danger.
Jiminy: You sure?
Hifumi: Trust us, they are not very good people.
Jiminy: That's terrible, we need to get moving right away!
Celeste: R-Right!
Celeste: (He still thinks I look good? Hmm, maybe I need to re-evaluate him)
Sayaka: …
(They moved into the next chamber, but when they got there, they spotted Junko and Byakuya)
Makoto: Uh oh, guys hide!
(They quickly get out of sight and listen in as another Monokuma appears)
Monokuma: Bad news, we lost the boy!
Junko: You what!?
Monokuma: He wandered off, I tried to find him but he vanished!
Byakuya: …...You're useless!
(Byakuya takes out his blade and slashes the Monokuma to bits)
Junko: Mind your temper Byakuya, don't forget we have business with the boy.
Byakuya: If only those bears did their simple job of watching him. I knew we should've locked him up.
Junko: Well now we have the excuse to do it if we can find him again.
(With a snap of his fingers, Byakuya summons some Beast Monokumas)
Byakuya: Find that puppet and bring him back, in one piece! Now go!
(The Beasts head out into Monstro to find Pinocchio)
Byakuya: So what's the plan?
Junko: Duh, we're making that boy into a Heartless. It'll prove pretty useful.
Sayaka: What?
Hiro: That's not good.
Jiminy: Pinoch…
Junko: Alright you idiots listen up, keep your eyes peeled for Makoto and his group! We're going hunting, you find any of them, let us know immediately. I'm waiting for my chance to finally kill him for what he's done.
Byakuya: Do with them what you will, but the Keyblade is mine!
Junko: Yeah yeah I know, now come on. We've got a lot of whale to look through.
(Byakuya and Junko exit to another chamber)
Sakura: We better hurry and find Pinocchio before they do.
Hifumi: It'd probably be unwise to attract attention, as much as I hate to say it, for now it's best we sneak around carefully.
Sayaka: Where should we go?
Leon: Hey, why not up there?
(Leon points to another passage, on a raised platform not too far from them)
Mondo: Well best we cover a lot of ground, okay let's move.
Makoto: Just remember guys, be quiet. We don't want them finding out we're nearby.
(Knowing they had to sneak, they quietly walked past the unassuming adversaries and made it to the platform. Celeste managed to help everyone who had trouble climbing and they were able to escape without anyone noticing)
Makoto: Okay, let's hope we won't have to go through that again.
Sakura: Hopefully, but we seem to have another problem.
Jill: What's that She-Man?
Sakura: It appears the paths diverge.
(Just as Sakura says, there are two paths ahead)
Celeste: If we want to find Pinocchio, then we need to cover as much ground as possible.
Chihiro: You're saying we should split up?
Leon: Well these have gotta meet up at some point, right?
Chihiro: Let me check…
(Checking his e-Handbook, Chihiro's able to get a map of Monstro's interior)
Chihiro: Alright good news, the paths do meet up at the um…. Bowels.
Hifumi: ….No comment.
Mondo: Smart choice man.
Sayaka: I'm going with Makoto!
Celeste: Hold it, I'm going with him!
Makoto: Wh-Why don't both of you come with? Mondo, mind leading the other group?
Mondo: Me?
Makoto: Well, you're the only other one here with experience being a leader. You are the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader after all.
Mondo: You got a good point, fine but I want Chihiro.
Chihiro: Sure thing! But why?
Mondo: There's a few things I wanna talk about with you is all.
Sayaka: Okay so Makoto, Celeste and I go one way, Mondo and Chihiro go the other way. Who else goes where?
Hiro: Dibs on Makoto!
Jill: Why not? I'll give Macho Man a hand.
Sakura: I'll assist Mondo then.
Leon: Same here.
Hifumi: I guess that leaves me with Mr. Naegi then.
Makoto: Even five and five, I like it!
Makoto: Well we'll see you on the other side guys!
Mondo: Try not to die before you get there, we still have some of our friends we gotta find.
Sayaka: Same goes for you!
Jill: No promises if I find any cute guys I wanna slice!
Mondo: No dice on that got it?
Jill: Aw, you're no fun!
Hiro: Stay safe guys!
(And the groups go their separate ways, let's start off with Mondo's group shall we?)
Mondo: So, where to?
Chihiro: The chamber where the paths meet up is a long way from here. I'm gonna work on giving Makoto a map, for now we should just keep going straight.
Jill: Alright fine, let's just go so we can get the kid and get out of here already.
Leon: Just keep your eyes peeled, I don't know why but I got a bad feeling about this.
(While they continue making their way chamber after chamber, Mondo takes the time to talk with Chihiro)
Mondo: So… about that thing.
Chihiro: You needed to talk to me right?
Mondo: Well yeah… you see I…
Chihiro: Actually, do you mind if I ask you something?
Mondo: S-Sure why not?
Chihiro: Be honest, do you… think I'm strong?
Mondo: What? You mean you're still havin' doubts?
Chihiro: No, I just wanna know what you think because if I can be honest. Before that fight with Clayton I…. looked up to you.
Mondo: Hold on. Me?
Chihiro: Yeah, I mean you're just so strong, fearless, everything I'd always wanted to be.
Mondo: Strong?
(That stopped Mondo in his tracks, literally)
Leon: Huh? Yo what's up?
Mondo: Are you serious? Me? Strong?
Chihiro: Y-Yeah, I always imagined you to be strong.
Mondo: The hell are you talking about…
Jill: Earth to 'glorious leader', we need to move it!
Mondo: YOU TRYING TO START SOMETHING!?
Chihiro: Huh?
(This made him confused, did he say something wrong)
Chihiro: I-I'm just admiring how strong you are, is all.
Sakura: Mondo, what is going on?
Mondo: You think you're better than me!?
Leon: Dude, calm down!
Mondo: You think I should just come out and say it? Are you fucking with me right now!?
Chihiro: No, no! I just think you're strong and-
Mondo: Strong, strong, strong, strong….
(Lost in his rage, Mondo clenches his fist…)
Mondo: ...ENOUGH WITH THE STRONG ALREADY!
(Just as he was about to punch Chihiro, Sakura grabs his arm and stops him)
Leon: DUDE! What the hell!?
Jill: Whoa, someone's got some serious anger issues.
Mondo: What the hell are you…
(He then looked over to see Chihiro on the ground, trembling in fear. Upon noticing it, Mondo snapped out of it and slumped down, he looked ashamed of himself)
Mondo: Shit...
Chihiro: Why? Why did you try to…
Mondo: It's a… a long story.
Leon: We got time, not like those Heartless are gonna show up.
Mondo: Mind if we like, walk and talk or something? We still gotta meet up.
Jill: Whatever, let's just get to the good stuff!
Mondo: And one more thing, I wanna be the one to tell the others alright. This is something I gotta tell them.
Sakura: We wouldn't have it any other way.
(Mondo stands back up, Chihiro hides behind Sakura as they walk through chamber after chamber as Mondo began his story)
Mondo: Well, where do you want me to start?
Jill: I think the beginning is where people usually start.
Mondo: Well, it's all about my bro Daiya.
Leon: Your bro? Did something happen to him?
Mondo: He's dead…
Chihiro: What?
Jill: You say that like you're responsible for it or something.
Mondo: I am…
Leon: What was that?
Mondo: I SAID I AM! I KILLED HIM!
Jill: Wha-wha-wha-WHAT!?
Chihiro: How?
Mondo: *sigh* It's a long-ass story so I better start from the top. I wasn't always the leader of the Crazy Diamonds, it was my older bro Daiya that got me the chance to join up with the gang in the first place.
Mondo: Hell, it was thanks to him I even got on a motorcycle to begin with.
Leon: Let me guess, rumors?
Mondo: The worst kind, sooner or later I was gonna be the one to inherit the gang. He was the top dog, and I was right behind him. The guys didn't really like the idea that much.
Sakura: And what did your brother think?
Mondo: He told me not to worry about it, but trust me, that's easier said than done.
Mondo: Sooner or later, he retired. The day he did, I wanted to prove to the gang that I could be stronger than him. So, I challenged him to a street race.
Chihiro: W-What happened?
Mondo: ….
Chihiro: Mondo?
Mondo: *sigh* I was an idiot, got caught up in the adrenaline and before I knew it, I was driving in oncoming traffic, and a truck was right in front.
Jill: Oh, oh wait! I think I know how this story goes!
Leon: SHUT IT! Let him finish!
Jill: Fine whatever, just get on with it!
Mondo: Daiya knew what was about to happen so he… he…
Chihiro: Saved you?
Mondo: ….
(Chihiro noticed Mondo clenching his fist, though this anger was more towards himself than anyone else. He came out of hiding behind Sakura and stood by Mondo's side)
Mondo: Huh?
Chihiro: He must've really loved you huh?
Mondo: *sigh* Yeah….
Leon: Was it instant or…
Mondo: No, he had his final say. He told me, it was up to me now. I gotta keep the gang together, a promise… between men.
Chihiro: ….
Mondo: So I told the gang I beat him, and he ended up dying himself, not because of… of something I caused. The gang got stronger, but me? Well I….
Sakura: You didn't feel strong, did you?
Chihiro: You were backed into a corner, and forced to admit to yourself that you're something you aren't. Just like…
Mondo: Just like you…
Jill: But why tell us? We're not exactly the kind of people you'd tell these kinds of life-changing stories too.
Mondo: Well yeah, that's pretty fuckin' obvious. But you know, this journey's kinda changing my opinions of you guys; I guess fighting monsters and people trying to kill you does that.
Sakura: I suppose, had this not happened you likely would never have opened up to us like this.
Chihiro: Yeah, I don't think I ever would've told you guys about my… real gender if this never happened.
Leon: Still kinda surprised but man, what a trip.
(But in the midst of their walk, they soon spot some more Search Ghosts dead ahead, prompting them to duck out of sight)
Mondo: *phew* Don't wanna risk getting caught now, not while Byakuya and Junko are on our asses.
Jill: What, we gotta sneak around? That's no fun…
Sakura: "Fun" isn't the point, we cannot afford to raise any unnecessary conflicts, not while our numbers are splintered.
Chihiro: Look, the next chamber is dead ahead, we just gotta sneak by them and we should be good.
Leon: Alright then, let's just go and be quick.
(Mondo steps out first as the others quickly follow behind them, as they stealthily moved past the searching Heartless. They neared the exit as each hid behind a barrel)
Mondo: Okay, we're almost there, how much longer before we reach the meet up point with Makoto?
Chihiro: Just gotta get through the next two chambers, then we'll be right before the dreaded Bowels.
Jill: I wonder how Big Mac is doing anyways? Can't imagine he's doing any worse than we are.
(Unfortunately, they in fact are doing worse, as they are running away from Heartless who have already spotted them)
Makoto: WHY DID I HAVE TO HAVE BAD LUCK TOO!?
(Several Shadows and Search Ghosts were pursuing Makoto's group through Monstro's chambers, eventually after a while the group managed to get some distance and lost them in one of the chambers)
Hifumi: Oh, why did there have to be so much running involved?
Sayaka: We need someplace to hide, NOW!
(Makoto looked around, but there weren't many places to hide inside the whale. Eventually his eye caught a bunch of barrels)
Makoto: Quick, behind those!
Sayaka: Are you sure those will be able to-
Hifumi: EVERY PERSON FOR THEMSELVES!
(Hifumi quickly ducks behind the barrels, despite his size he manages to hide himself. With that done, the others quickly followed and hid themselves away just in time. The Heartless caught up and looked around the chamber…)
Hiro: …
Celeste: …
Sayaka: …
Hifumi: …
Makoto: …
(...And then left them)
Celeste: That did not just work…
Hifumi: Aha! Never doubt the might of our hero of luck!
Makoto: I-It was just an idea, it's not that big of a deal.
(Apparently it was to Sayaka, who quickly glomped the lucky student out of gratefulness)
Sayaka: Thank you!
Makoto: You're welcome, but really it wasn't such a big deal.
Hiro: I'm just glad those barrels were there, who knows what might've happened if they spotted us.
Hifumi: You know, not to ruin the moment, but I was expecting something to pop out of those barrels.
Celeste: DON'T JINX IT!
Hifumi: Gagh!
(Hifumi jumped back at Celeste's apparent reaction, right into one of the barrels. But it doesn't fall over, instead it starts rumbling)
Hifumi: Huh?
(And suddenly, other barrels start rumbling too)
Hiro: Uh guys, please tell me the whale is just moving them.
Makoto: I… don't think that's what's going on.
Celeste: Hifumi…
Hifumi: Um, would it be too late to apologize?
(He's taken aback by the barrel behind him, and as he turns around to see what's happening, spider legs emerge from the barrel, and a yellow eye can be seen through one of the holes on the side. The others quickly followed, and soon enough 6 barrel spiders emerged and surrounded the group)
Hifumi: I-I'll accept my punishment later Miss Ludenberg.
Celeste: You better!
Hiro: Well great, now we either die here or wait for Junko and Byakuya to come here and finish the job.
Sayaka: Please tell me you have a plan, Makoto.
Makoto: Uh, uh….
(In the midst of this problem, Makoto thought to try some magic)
Makoto: FIRE!
(He launched a more powerful fireball at one of the spiders, but upon doing so…)
*HISS*
(It ended up setting off the gunpowder inside of it instead)
Makoto: ….Uh oh.
Sayaka: Makoto.
Makoto: Yes?
Sayaka: I love you but… bad idea.
Makoto: I know…
Makoto: …Wait what was that about-
*BOOM*
(The Barrel Spider explodes, and the others along with it. An explosion of this magnitude is enough to get the attention of those looking for Pinnochio)
Junko: What was that?
Byakuya: Not sure, but I think I might have an idea.
Junko: It better not have been that damn puppet!
(Byakuya and Junko quickly headed off towards the direction of the explosion, with a few Monokuma units in tow. Meanwhile, Makoto's group managed to survive the aftermath of the explosion, though a bit worse for the wear)
Hifumi: Am I forgiven Madam President?
Celeste: Shut up…
Makoto: Okay, don't use fire magic on the barrels. Good call…
Sayaka: I just wish we didn't find out this way.
Hiro: Who fills barrels with gunpowder?
(In the midst of their daze, Hiro catches noise approaching them)
Junko: Over here, I heard the explosion come from this chamber!
Hiro: Uh guys, we got company!
Makoto: Not good!
Celeste: Tell me there's a way out of here.
(Makoto checks his E-handbook with the map Chihiro sent him, and as luck would have it they're actually close to the meetup point)
Makoto: Quick, to that passage on the second level! We're almost there!
Sayaka: Wow, that is lucky.
Makoto: Thanks, oh and Sayaka?
Sayaka: Yes?
Makoto: We need to talk once we're done here.
(Took Sayaka a second to realize what Makoto was talking about, and then began blushing beet red with embarrassment over her sudden confession)
Celeste: Talk later, escape now!
(Celeste quickly grabbed Sayaka with her wires up to the second level, while Makoto & Hiro helped Hifumi up, and they all managed to escape just in time. Moments later, Junko and Byakuya arrived in that same chamber)
Junko: Alright boy, come out! I know this was your doing!
(Silence, and not a piece of wood in sight belonging to Pinnochio)
Byakuya: It wasn't him…
Monokuma: I'm not sensing anything here, I think the blast was caused by something else.
Byakuya: Someone else…
(Byakuya looked upwards, right at the chamber which Makoto's group just went through)
Byakuya: Keep looking for the boy, I have some matters to attend to.
Junko: Anything I should be worried about?
Byakuya: …
Junko: Fine, keep being secretive about it, but keep in mind that we've got our eyes on you.
Byakuya: It doesn't matter either way, I have my reasons and you have yours.
Byakuya: The least you can do is keep following orders, the one thing you're good at.
(Junko gripped her fist tightly, but didn't speak a word and simply ran back with the Monokuma units in tow. Byakuya meanwhile summoned a dark portal and entered it)
(Elsewhere, Makoto's group managed to give their potential pursuers the slip. Having made it to the meeting point, they decided to rest, giving them time to talk things over)
Makoto: Again, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that-
Sayaka: Makoto please, you've already apologized enough.
Hiro: It's alright dude, if anything it made us realize we're closer than we thought.
Makoto: Close…
(Makoto looked to the ceiling, in deep thought)
Makoto: Hey, you guys ever get the feeling that… this isn't the first time all of us met?
Hifumi: Hmm? What gives you that notion Mr. Naegi?
Makoto: Well, back at Hope's Peak, remember when I told you guys about those images of us? The ones that flashed through my head.
Hiro: Oh yeah, did you get any more of those recently?
Makoto: Well… when I was unconscious earlier when Monstro ate us. I think I… had some kind of flashback with us.
(This got everyone's attention)
Sayaka: What did you remember? Anything useful?
Makoto: Well, it definitely seemed like a good number of us were friends. Pretty close in fact.
Sayaka: How close were you and I?
Makoto: Any reason you ask?
(Sayaka was taken aback by Makoto's rather snarky response, she's starting to think that maybe he's catching on)
Sayaka: N-Nevermind…
Makoto: Well at the very least, we definitely knew each other, but we can't seem to remember anything.
Hifumi: Hmm, amnesia maybe?
Celeste: It's very possible, perhaps it was something the mastermind of the killing game used.
Makoto: Junko…
(Looking back on those memories, Makoto remembered the image of his entire class. But something puzzled him)
Makoto: Hey guys, how many of us went missing?
Hiro: Fifteen of us, why?
Makoto: Well, I was thinking back on those images that flashed through my mind and for some reason…
Makoto: There are sixteen of us.
Hifumi: Sixteen? Inconceivable! There were most assuredly fifteen of us when we were trapped in Hope's Peak. You'd think some trace of a sixteenth student would've been around.
Celeste: Keep in mind, we didn't have access to the entire school, only a small portion of it. And chances are, Junko was keeping them hidden to use later.
Sayaka: I still can't believe she doesn't look like the picture on the covers, I never heard of anyone undergoing that much makeup just for a magazine cover.
Hiro: She reveals herself as the mastermind as that's the part you're surprised about!?
(Suddenly, Makoto comes to a realization)
Makoto: Hey wait a minute, Junko…
Hiro: What about her man?
Makoto: What did she look like when we first saw her here?
Sayaka: Just like her magazine cover…
Makoto: And when we saw her again later with Byakuya?
Hifumi: Her… 'real' self?
Makoto: A magazine cover is one thing, but why her real body?
Hiro: Maybe she's just THAT obsessed with fashion?
Celeste: I'd say she's more obsessed with the concept of despair than her body. And I don't see why she'd want to do anything to her chest, especially at the frequency she apparently does it.
(Hiro, Hifumi and Makoto start thinking about the bodily differences in the two Junko appearances, to which Sayaka and Celeste hit the three of them to snap them out of their trance)
Sayaka: *AHEM*
Makoto: R-Right, sorry. Anyways, I think the 16th student must be disguising themself as Junko.
Hiro: Why would they do that?
Sayaka: Well, if Junko is the mastermind, then the fake would be her close eyes in places she wouldn't be able to see. If Hope's Peak had all those cameras, and Junko was able to watch them, then maybe the fake would handle the rest?
Celeste: Maybe, but it's all circumstantial.
Chihiro: What's all circumstantial?
(The other group finally catches up, and the party is reunited at last)
Hifumi: We were discussing the possibility of a 16th student in the academy, perhaps working for Junko.
Sakura: What made you think of that?
Makoto: Those memories I had flashing through my head, there were sixteen of us.
Sakura: And what did this sixteenth student look like?
(Makoto tried thinking of that memory again, and just barely the image of this mysterious 16th student flashed through his head)
Makoto: A girl, short black hair, and freckles. She always seemed to be hanging with Junko.
Mondo: Huh, didn't Junko have freckles?
Chihiro: Sometimes, but for some reason there were times she didn't.
Jill: Uh guys, you forgotten about Mucky?
Mondo: Huh? Who the hell is Mucky?
Celeste: Do you know something perhaps?
Jill: Hang on a minute… Do you guys have amnesia?
Makoto: It's very possible, I mean the others can't remember much, I can barely recall the fact we all used to hang out.
Makoto: I feel like I should know her name, but it's not jumping out to me.
Jill: What the heck happened to you guys? Don't tell me you had some party and forgot all the fun times we had together?
Jill: WHY WASN'T I INVITED!?
Leon: Wait hold on a sec… you remember?
Jill: Well duh! The mastermind or whatever didn't hit me with the convenient memory loss stick, they just hit Toko. And she and I share memories of each other.
Mondo: Then who the hell is the other girl with Junko?
Jill: Oh her, you're talking about
?: HELP!
(Jill was immediately interrupted, as Pinocchio comes running from one chamber, pursued by several Monokumas clad in riot gear)
Monokuma #1: Get back here boy!
Monokuma #2: Yeah we just wanna play with you.
Monokuma #3: We found you, you're supposed to stay still!
(Jiminy pops up onto Makoto's shoulder)
Jiminy: Pinoch!
(The group immediately gets between the Monokumas and the fleeing Pinocchio, who runs into the next chamber)
Monokuma #3: Oh man, you made us lose him!
(And they immediately pull out their weapons, intimidating the pursuing Monokuma units)
Monokuma #4: Heheheheheheheh, uh any chance we could talk this over?
Mondo: How about you tell us what's going on here?
Monokuma #4: Uh….
(One of the Monokumas flees into another chamber, screaming at Mondo's interrogation tactic)
Monokuma #1: COWARD!
Celeste: So, does anyone else want to run?
Monokuma #1: Uh…
(Suddenly, an alarm goes off from one of the units, and a bunch of Heartless appear)
Monokuma #1: I think I'll settle for killing you!
(Cue Monstro Battle theme)
Sakura: Everyone on guard!
(The team charges forth and begins fighting the Heartless and Monokumas. Chihiro takes to the air in his orb to deal with the Air Soldiers and Yellow Operas, but since he's fighting them himself he quickly finds himself overwhelmed trying to finish them off. Regardless he fights on, managing to blast a few of them down before the Air Soldiers knock him back and corner him)
Chihiro: Uh… guys help!
(Mondo and Sakura quickly respond, the former winding up with his wrecking ball before knocking the Air Soldiers down, giving Sakura enough time to jump in and slam her fists down onto them, taking them out)
Chihiro: Thanks guys!
Mondo: Anytime, now back to business!
(Elsewhere, Leon and Sayaka are back to back dealing with the riot gear clad-Monokumas)
Leon: Not how I expected this to go down.
Sayaka: The fight?
Leon: No, our first real time together.
Sayaka: Not the best time you know.
Leon: Yeah, worth a shot though.
Monokuma #1: Does someone have a crush?
(In response, Leon winded up and sent the Monokuma unit flying with all his strength)
Monokuma #3: Foul! I call foul!
Leon: I'll give you a damn foul!
(Leon charges forth, but his bat is stopped by the riot shield)
Leon: Huh, riot shields are pretty tough.
Monokuma #3: And deadly!
(The unit pushes Leon back, hard into the wall. Sayaka then charged forth and swept the Monokuma's legs before knocking his shield away. Then proceeded to stab her bo staff into the bear)
Monokuma #4: Well these things are useless!
Monokuma #2: Got any other ideas?
Monokuma #4: Yeah, charge me!
(Suddenly, a Yellow Opera appears and infuses the unit's riot shield with electricity, similar to how Makoto and Toko used their magic to enchant their friends' weapons)
Monokuma #2: Whoa, where'd you learn that move?
Monokuma #4: Oh it wasn't me, it was her.
Sayaka: Huh?
(The Monokuma charged forth and struck Sayaka with its shield, electrocuting her and causing her to scream in pain, loudly)
Sayaka: AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
(Leon recovered to notice what was happening, and when the Monokuma's back was still turned he ran forward and brought his bat down onto it. Then repeatedly smashed it over and over again, even long after it was dead)
Monokuma #2: They don't pay me enough for this!
(The last unit tried to escape, but Leon quickly pursued it)
Leon: Hey Hiro, set me up!
Hiro: You got it man!
(Hiro fired off one of his floating orbs towards Leon, who quickly set up and struck it, launching it right into the fleeing Monokuma)
Hiro: Yeah! That's one hell of a home run!
(Leon quickly rushed to Sayaka's side, Hiro soon noticed what happened)
Hiro: Holy crap, what happened?
Leon: Those things are getting smarter. Please tell me you're alright.
Sayaka: I'm… fine. Just need to… rest.
Leon: Damn it, why did I let myself get taken down so easily?
Hiro: Hey it happens, let's just make sure they don't do much more damage.
Leon: Right, stay here and rest. We'll handle the rest.
Sayaka: Thanks guys…
(Leon and Hiro head back into the fray. Elsewhere, Celeste is swinging around knocking back two Large Bodies)
Celeste: Hifumi, tell me you've got something to knock these things around.
Hifumi: Certainly, time to bring the hammer down!
(Hifumi's sword changes into a large hammer, which he slams onto a Large Body. This knocks it against the wall, and leaves its back exposed long enough for Celeste to shoot her wires into it, killing it)
Hifumi: Excellent work Miss Ludenberg!
(Unknown to Hifumi, the other Large Body was beating its chest and got mad. It immediately charged towards the fanfic creator and knocked him back. Celeste quickly ran down and began attacking it directly, sadly she had trouble getting behind it while it was so enraged)
Celeste: Damn it, I need help here!
(Makoto and Jill showed up, pursued by several Search Ghosts, deciding to take advantage of the situation, they let the Large Body crash itself into the Ghosts and take most of them out. Celeste went back to swinging to finish off the rest, while Makoto and Jill teamed up to finish off the Large Body. It wasn't easy, and Jill even got knocked around a bit, but they eventually managed to finish it off)
Jill: Phew, never had to cut up anyone that big before.
(And with that, all the enemies that spawned were no more)
Makoto: Right… you okay guys?
Celeste: I'm fine, though Hifumi could use a bit of assistance.
Hifumi: I'm okay… I think.
Makoto: Heal!
(And just like that Hifumi's wounds were healed)
Hifumi: Oh right, thanks Makoto.
Jill: Blah blah blah, get up Huffy!
(While Jill helps Hifumi up, Leon calls for Makoto)
Leon: Hey! Sayaka needs help here!
(Makoto quickly rushes over and sees the damage, without another word, he heals her and she's back on her feet, though a bit wobbly from the shock)
Makoto: What happened?
Sayaka: The Monokumas… they're getting smarter.
Hiro: Looks like those things learned the same spell enchantment thing you and Toko were doing.
Makoto: Damn it, Sayaka are you-
Sayaka: I'm okay, I just need to be more careful is all. Thank you so much Makoto.
(Sayaka hugs Makoto as tight as she could, a feeling Makoto reciprocates, and unknown to the lucky student, Sayaka smiled brightly. It felt like a greater smile than she ever gave before, but the moment didn't last)
Leon: Ahem, haven't you guys forgotten we're trying to find a living puppet?
(Embarrassed that everyone witnessed the moment, they quickly broke it off, visibly blushing while everyone else either smiled or smirked)
Chihiro: Let's get back to the task at hand, which way did Pinocchio go again?
Hifumi: I believe that chamber, quickly everyone!
(The group headed forth, but Sayaka and Makoto stayed behind for a second)
Sayaka: Um… Makoto?
Makoto: I can wait…
Sayaka: Huh?
Makoto: If you need time to find the words, I can wait, I imagine this isn't something you're able to just blurt out and say right?
(Sayaka was taken aback by Makoto's sudden awareness, but she knew this wasn't the time or place, she needed time to prep herself to let him know how she felt)
Sayaka: Thank you Makoto.
Sayaka: So, shall we be off?
Makoto: Let's!
(The two followed the others towards where Pinocchio was last headed off towards, meanwhile right before the bowels, Byakuya was busy with his own search, when suddenly he hears an all too familiar voice)
?: Why do you still care about that boy?
(He turns around to see Maleficent)
(Cue Villains of a Sort)
Maleficent: I was always under the assumption he was but a minor inconvenience not worth the trouble?
Byakuya: He is, as are the others. I was just messing with him, trying to ascertain his true power.
Maleficent: Oh really? Of course you were.
Maleficent: Beware the darkness in your heart. The Heartless prey upon it.
Byakuya: That's none of your business!
(Maleficent ignored him, and simply stepped through a dark portal and disappeared. Not too long after, Pinocchio came running through the chamber, followed by Makoto and his group before the wooden boy ran into the bowels)
Makoto: Byakuya! What are you doing, what's the matter with you?
Makoto: Don't you realize what you're doing?
Byakuya: Hmph, I was about to ask you the same thing Makoto. You really seem to be interested in running around and showing off that Keyblade of yours. Tell me, do you really want to save everyone, and save our home?
Makoto: I-I do…
(The conversation is cut short by a sudden scream, coming from the bowels, from Pinocchio. Byakuya quickly ran in, and the others followed suit. Upon entering the chamber, all parties bore witness to a massive Heartless, a large magenta-colored blob with yellow eyes and a cage for a mouth, Pinocchio trapped in its clutches. Above it was another head, smaller and pink, and to its sides were two massive tentacles, with what looked like massive purple fly traps in place of hands. The Heartless emblem proudly displayed on the center right beneath the top head)
Hifumi: It's got Pinocchio!
Sakura: Then I think you know what we need to do.
Pinocchio: GET ME OUTTA HERE!
Byakuya: Well, this oughta be interesting.
Makoto: Wait, are you gonna-
Byakuya: Do you want to free him or not?
(The rest of the group seemed hesitant, but Makoto knew there was no time to debate it, and simply summoned his Keyblade)
Makoto: We'll talk about this later, for now let's take this thing out.
Byakuya: Straight to the point, very well.
(Cue Shrouding Dark Cloud)
(Everyone got their weapons ready, and charged towards the Parasite Cage Heartless. All were quickly pushed aside, half with one swipe of right tentacles, the other half with the left)
Mondo: Okay, head on assault didn't work.
Byakuya: Any ideas then?
Makoto: It doesn't look like it's moving from its spot, and not all of us can attack from a distance. We're just going to need to be able to dodge and block quickly. Chihiro, Celeste and Hifumi, see if you can draw its attention!
Hifumi: Well, let's see if I have anything useful in this thing.
(A turn on the jack-in-the-box gives Hifumi a crossbow this time)
Hifumi: Huh, not my choice in weaponry but it will do. Miss Ludenberg, Mr. Fujisaki, let's go!
Chihiro/Celeste: Right!
(Chihiro activates his orb while Celeste takes to the ceiling, and all three draw the Parasite Cage's attention, as it swings its tentacles around trying to hit them)
Leon: Hey, that thing really isn't moving around!
Byakuya: Surprising observation, you've gotten more clever since I last saw you.
Makoto: I can't afford not to.
Byakuya: Then I can't fall behind.
(Byakuya charges forth, attacking the Parasite Cage with several slashes from his sword, all the while dodging the tentacles. The Heartless was having difficulty dealing with opponents both from up close and from a distance away)
Sakura: Doesn't appear that it can handle too many at once.
Makoto: Just try not to get hit and strike hard. Let's save Pinocchio!
RIGHT!
(The plan appearing to work, the others charge in, dealing all sorts of damage to the Parasite Cage)
Mondo: This shit's easier than I thought it would be!
Leon: Yeah, almost too easy!
(As if on cue, the Parasite Cage jumped up and latched onto the ceiling with both arms)
Sayaka: You were saying?
Makoto: Everyone out of the way!
(Everyone attacking up close quickly ran away from the center, as the Heartless slammed down creating a shockwave everyone was able to dodge in the nick of time)
Hiro: Wow, these things are getting smarter!
Chihiro: I don't know how long we can keep this up guys!
Celeste: Think of something fast Makoto!
Makoto: This thing doesn't have much in the way of attacks, I think we're just going to need to strike hard.
Byakuya: That's your plan?
Makoto: Guys, charge towards it!
Hifumi: What are you saying Mr. Naegi?
Makoto: It only has two arms, if we attack in three, then it won't have time to recover!
Sayaka: That… makes sense.
Celeste: Alright, but you owe me for this Makoto.
(Chihiro charged first, but he was knocked away by the right tentacle. Hifumi and Celeste right afterwards were swiped back by the left. The rest came right afterwards, and they struck it as hard as they possibly could, knocking it back)
Jill: Holy crap, Big Mac was actually onto something!
Hiro: More than that, look!
(The Parasite Cage, having had enough, started reeling back almost like it was in pain. And right after, the larger mouth spat out Pinocchio, and the ground where it once stood opened up sending the puppet down)
Makoto: Pinocchio!
(And in the back of the group, Byakuya pushes through everyone, knocking Makoto down, and follows the puppet right afterwards)
Mondo: Hey, what the hell was that about!?
Celeste: Figures he would turn his back so quickly on us.
Jill: Master!
(Jill quickly follows Byakuya into the hole)
Chihiro: M-Master?
Makoto: We need to hurry and save Pinocchio! After them!
(And with no time to think, Makoto and the others head down the hole to follow Byakuya. After they all departed, and the hole closed up, another figure appeared. Mukuro, looking as angry and pensive as ever)
(Cue Villains of a Sort)
Mukuro: You've gotten in her way long enough Makoto Naegi.
Mukuro: I promise you, the next time we meet will be the first and last.
Mukuro: What you've done to Junko is unforgivable!
(She says as she clenches her fist. Though she appears hesitant given her memories with Makoto, even up to the moment where their world was destroyed, she's resolute in her decision. She would end Makoto Naegi, and all those who follow them, even if it meant her life should be extinguished in the process)
Things appear to be heating up aren't they? I had a lot of this written for years, but I'm glad to get it and the rest out now. And don't worry, you won't have to wait long for the next chapter, because it'll be up right about now! Next time, the conclusion to Monstro... only here the Parasite Cage won't be the final obstacle the group faces here. If not, then who? Well I guess you'll have to read and see for yourself!