Time for us to take a look at what Makoto and friends have been doing in their free time!
(The night passed peacefully as Makoto and Sayaka slept soundly, even considering the situation with the killing game and the Heartless. Even though the morning announcement played, they both remained asleep… until a certain someone started ringing his doorbell)
*DING DONG*
Taka: Makoto! Wake up!
Makoto: ….
Taka: Makoto! You're late! Tardiness is inexcusable!
Makoto: ….
Taka: Makoto? Are you there!?
Makoto: ….
Taka: MAKOTO!
(With Taka's insistent ringing, Makoto finally started waking up…)
Makoto: Huh….?
(...And noticed his assistant was snuggling with him, fast asleep, which caused Makoto's entire face to blush)
Makoto: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!
(Just as he started screaming, Taka quickly barged into the room)
Taka: I apologize for the rude entry, but do you have any idea what time it- Huh?
(Taka immediately noticed the sleeping Sayaka right by Makoto)
Taka: Makoto Naegi!What is the meaning of this!
Makoto: S-Sayaka was having trouble sleeping because of the Heartless, so she wanted to sleep in my room but-
Taka: Co-ed sleeping is NOT welcome in a school environment! You oughta be ashamed of yourself young man!
Makoto: B-But I didn't know she-
(Suddenly, Sayaka woke up…)
Sayaka: *yawn* Is it morning already?
Sayaka: Huh?
(She notices Taka, who had barged in...)
Sayaka: EEEEEKKKK!
(...And smacks him for his trouble, knocking the moral compass out)
Sayaka: Hasn't he heard of knocking?
Makoto: Sayaka, wh-what are you doing-
Sayaka: I told you I wasn't feeling safe away from you, I… I just wanted to feel safe.
Makoto: I understand that, b-but I don't want the others to get the wrong idea.
Makoto: We're not like *that*... are we?
Sayaka: N-No! Not at all like that…
Sayaka: ….
Makoto: (Huh? I could've sworn I heard her mutter something…)
Makoto: Well, I'm glad you're alright, but let's not do this again.
Makoto: I-I just don't want people to start saying stuff is all, you understand right?
Sayaka: I understand, but thanks.
Sayaka: It really meant a lot to me to know you'd look after me like that.
(And with a kiss to his cheek, the pop star made Makoto blush red once again)
Sayaka: Come on! That key isn't gonna conjure itself!
Makoto: R-Right, but what about Taka?
Sayaka: Hmm, let me try something.
(Sayaka immediately picks the unconscious Taka up and smacks him, causing him to wake up)
Taka: Ah! How long was I out? Did I oversleep?
Makoto: No it's alright Taka, you weren't out for even a minute.
Taka: R-Right, well. We'll discuss your incident later Makoto, right now you and Sayaka need to get on some fresh clothes. It's a brand new day!
Makoto: O-Okay.
Sayaka: Don't go anywhere without me Makoto.
(With that, Taka and Sayaka exited the room, Makoto got changed, met up with his assistant and began to tackle the day. Their mission, to find the key to fight the Heartless, and maybe deal with Monokuma and whoever's controlling him)
(Over the course of the next 3 days, Makoto and Sayaka tried all sorts of things to conjure the key from Makoto's dream. Some of the other students helped out, while others worked on investigating the school for clues. Though they made many, MANY attempts, nothing worked. Here are a few highlights…)
(Attempt #1, Location: The Kitchen)
Hifumi: Okay Mr. Naegi, let's start with something simple. Miss Maizono is going to charge at you with the replica sword we grabbed earlier and hit you. Hopefully when you sense the incoming danger you'll react accordingly and presto, out comes the key!
Makoto: Are you sure this is gonna work?
Hiro: Well we gotta start somewhere. Ready over there Sayaka?
Sayaka: Ready!
Hiro: Okay, charge!
(Sayaka quickly charges towards Makoto with the prop sword, knowing he's in danger he tries to summon the key… but nothing)
Makoto: Come on! Work!
(He kept trying, but sadly he didn't notice how close Sayaka was and she bonked him on the head with the sword, knocking him down.)
Sayaka: Whoops, sorry. Too much?
(Makoto rubs his head where he was hit…)
Makoto: Well, that didn't work…
Hiro: It was worth a shot, onto the next plan?
Hifumi: Indeed Mr. Hagakure!
(Attempt #7, Location: The Halls)
Makoto: So… what's the plan here?
Chihiro: Well, you said when you fought those Heartless at that weird place, you suddenly got more acrobatic right?
Makoto: Yeah?
Hifumi: So maybe we are approaching this from the wrong direction. We tried focusing more on parrying attacks, so maybe we should try something more environmental.
Sayaka: Okay Makoto, here's the rundown. Slide on those trays from that wet floor all the way to the wall at the end. Hopefully the key's power will come back to you and you can dodge out of the way in time!
Makoto: I'm not sure if this is gonna-
Hiro: Oh don't worry, this has a 60% chance of success!
Makoto: That high?
Makoto: (Well, I guess it can't hurt any worse to try)
(Makoto places the trays on the wet floor and plants one foot in each)
Makoto: Okay, can I have a push?
Hifumi: Miss Maizono, if you would?
Sayaka: Gladly, I hope you can keep your balance.
Sayaka: And….. he's off!
(Sayaka pushes Makoto and he sets off, surprisingly keeping his balance. However, he wasn't able to make it to the wall…)
Makoto: Almost- huh?
(...Due to Hina suddenly walking into the hallway right in Makoto's path)
Makoto: HINA LOOK OUT!
Hina: Huh?
(Sadly she couldn't react quickly enough and Makoto crashed into her, sending them both tumbling)
Hifumi: That did not sound good.
Sayaka: Makoto! Are you okay?
Makoto: I think so. Hina are you alright?
Chihiro: Wait, Hina?
(They quickly head over to the fallen Makoto, who ended up landing with his head on Hina's… heart)
Hifumi: Oh my, are we interrupting?
Makoto: Huh?
(Makoto quickly realizes where he's landed and quickly scrambles up and off of Hina)
Makoto: AH! Hina I'm so sorry!
Hina: N-No I'm sorry Makoto! I should've realized you were… wait what were you doing?
Hiro: We're trying various tests to get him to summon the key again.
Hina: Ah that makes sense.
Hifumi: Well let's call that a faulty test run and try that again. Get the trays!
Sayaka: We should probably see if we could find a helmet for Makoto.
Hina: Ooo this sounds interesting, can I watch?
Hiro: Sure thing! Let's hope it works this time.
Makoto: I'm hoping I won't die from this…
(Attempt #19, Location: Classroom 1A)
Makoto: Okay, so what's the plan here?
Hina: We're going to try gravity this time, right?
Makoto: Uh, gravity?
Hifumi: How's the stack looking ladies?
Chihiro: We're stacked and ready to go…
Hifumi: Hehehe, in more ways than one.
Makoto: Uh, Hifumi?
Hifumi: Huh? Oh right, *ahem* this time we're going to be dropping this large stack of boxes right onto you. Hopefully this time, the key will realize you're in danger and manifest before they land.
Makoto: Those boxes aren't filled with anything heavy I hope…
Hiro: Of course not, we're not trying to kill you.
(Monokuma is heard in the distance…)
Monokuma: OH COME ON!
Hiro: Anyways, the boxes are only filled with paper. Nothing real heavy, but that many boxes are sure to bury you.
Makoto: Well, this better work…
Hifumi: Alright, let us know when you're ready!
(As Hifumi walks away to get into position with the others, Kyoko walks into the room and approaches Makoto)
Makoto: Kyoko? What are you doing here?
Kyoko: I needed some paper, but Hiro ended up grabbing it saying it was for something important. I was wondering if you-
(Just as they were talking, Hina accidentally pushed one of the boxes out of place, causing the entire pile to fall over)
Makoto: Huh?
(Makoto is quick to notice the pile beginning to fall over...)
Makoto: Kyoko look out!
(...And before she could react, he grabs Kyoko and defends her from the falling boxes by shielding her with his own body. Both are soon lost under a large pile of boxes)
Chihiro: Oh no, he wasn't ready yet!
Hiro: What the heck Hina?
Hina: That was a mistake! I'm so sorry!
Hifumi: I knew we should've put our position farther from the boxes.
Sayaka: Are you okay Makoto?
(Makoto suddenly emerges from the pile, pushing several boxes out of the way)
Makoto: I'm alright.
(Kyoko pops up shortly after)
Kyoko: So, would someone please explain why that fell all of a sudden. You wouldn't be trying to kill Makoto are you?
Hiro: N-No way! We're just trying to get him to wield that key again by making him think he's in danger.
Hina: We have his consent!
Kyoko: Well Makoto?
Makoto: It was kinda my idea in the first place, but you guys should've waited till I was ready! You could've hurt Kyoko!
Hifumi: Oh… Our apologies Miss Kirigiri.
(Everyone else apologizes too)
Kyoko: It's fine, just be careful and don't cause too much damage.
Monokuma: In the meantime, you rabble-rousers can spend the next few hours CLEANING UP THIS MESS!
(Monokuma then popped up and everyone there spent the next few hours cleaning up the classroom)
(Attempt #33, Location: The Trash Room)
Hifumi: Fortunately I've been trusted with trash duty for the next few days, so we can use this room.
(Hifumi takes the key he was given and unlocks the trash room)
Sayaka: Okay, so what's the plan this time?
Hiro: This time, we're gonna test Makoto's reflexes!
Makoto: Huh?
Hina: I got the stuff guys!
(Hina arrives with a box, containing small toy guns)
Makoto: Huh?
Leon: Relax man, these aren't real guns. We wouldn't kill you.
(Meanwhile…)
Monokuma: Why! Won't! They! Kill! Each! Other! Already!?
(Said as he banged his head on the wall with each word. Back to the others)
Chihiro: Fortunately the ammo in these aren't lethal, so you won't get in danger if you get hit.
Sayaka: But treat this as if you're in serious danger, and someone is trying to shoot you.
Makoto: Wait, where did you get these?
Hiro: Oh, Kyoko provided these.
Makoto: Kyoko?
Hina: We'll talk about the details later, just stand over there.
(Makoto stands opposite the trash room while Hina hands everyone a toy gun)
Chihiro: I'm not sure I feel comfortable shooting these. I mean I know they're fake but…
Hiro: It's alright, just act like you're playing a video game and aim for the targets.
Chihiro: Oh, okay! That makes sense!
Hifumi: That's the spirit Miss Fujisaki! Alright, everyone, ready…
Makoto: I can do this, I can do this, I can do this…
Hifumi: Aim….
Makoto: I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this, I can-
Hifumi: FIRE!
Makoto: Wait, I don't think that-
(He spoke too late as everyone started firing, Makoto trying to dodge but sadly was getting hit most of the time. Suddenly…)
Junko: Guys! What's going on, I heard there's a- *gasp*
(Junko spots what's going on as she entered the trash room)
Junko: What are you guys doing!?
Hina: Wait Junko, this isn't what it looks like.
Junko: Looks to me like you're shooting at Makoto with toy guns!
Leon: Okay, it does look like that, but-
(Junko suddenly charges towards the others, but Makoto quickly gets in her way and stops her)
Makoto: W-Wait Junko, let us explain!
(One explanation later…)
Junko: Oh, you're trying to summon that key from your dream?
Makoto: Yeah, though we haven't gotten any results yet.
Sayaka: Well, back to the drawing board.
Junko: Sorry about that, well good luck.
Makoto: Thanks, oh and Junko…
Junko: *sigh* What is it?
Makoto: Thanks for looking out for me, I really appreciate it!
(Caught off guard by his smile, Junko lightly blushed before quickly walking away, much to everyone's confusion)
Makoto: Huh, what was that about?
Hiro: I think someone's got a crush on you…
Makoto: Wh-What?
Sayaka: Huh?
Hifumi: No time for that Mr. Hagakure, we have work to do!
Chihiro: Y-Yeah, the sooner we can get that key the sooner we could get out of here!
Sayaka: Yeah! Let's keep going!
(Test #50, Location: The A/V Room)
Hifumi: Well, it seems it's come down to this, 49 consecutive tests and all ended in failure.
Makoto: So, what now?
Hina: Well, I don't know if this works but…
(Hina reaches into her track jacket and brings out a cassette tape)
Makoto: Huh? A cassette tape?
Hina: I got it from that MonoMono Machine, it says it's a "Self-Destructing Cassette Tape."
Makoto: A WHAT!?
Chihiro: I-I'm not sure we should try this, I mean what if he gets seriously hurt?
Sayaka: I'm with Chihiro! It's too dangerous!
Hiro: If we don't try this, then we'll be at risk of dying anyways! If not to each other, then that giant Heartless that's supposed to show up!
(Sayaka and Chihiro still wanted to say no, but Makoto stopped them…)
Makoto: It's alright, I'm willing to try.
Chihiro: But, what if you end up di-
Makoto: I'll be fine. Even if it doesn't show up here, I still have my luck to rely on. It's not much, but it's something.
(Sayaka quickly hugged Makoto)
Sayaka: Just stay safe, okay.
Makoto: I will, I promise.
(Sayaka then separated and Hina handed the tape over to Makoto, Hifumi supplying the cassette player)
Hina: Okay, just record a message and it should self-destruct.
Makoto: You guys might wanna get some cover.
(Everyone but Makoto quickly runs out of the room and closes the door, awaiting Makoto's move)
Hiro: You think he'll be alright?
Sayaka: He has to! I don't know what we'd do if he was gone!
(Suddenly, Byakuya, Toko and Celeste walked up to them, curious what was going)
Byakuya: Well, good to see your investigation is going well.
Hifumi: M-M-M-Mr. Togami!
Toko: Wh-Why are you guys waiting outside the d-door like that?
Chihiro: We're trying to get Makoto to summon the key.
Toko: And h-how's that going?
Leon: Not well, nothing's worked yet.
Celeste: So you insist on clinging to his delusions as a means of escape from this place?
Celeste: Frankly I do not know whether to laugh or feel sorry for you.
Sayaka: Hey!
Hina: Then explain all the crazy stuff; the voices, the dark patches, the Heartless, and that weird guy in the robe!
Byakuya: None of that matters right now. If you've lost sight of the plot, allow me to remind you.
Byakuya: We are trapped in this academy, no way of contacting the outside world, and the only way of escape is to kill each other.
Chihiro: You're not seriously considering doing that, are you?
Byakuya: Regardless of what happens, I don't intend to give my life away so easily.
Byakuya: If this is gonna be their game, I have every intention of winning it.
Sayaka: "Winning it?" But what about us?
Byakuya: What about you?
Sayaka: Huh?
Byakuya: You refuse to take this seriously and instead worry about some made up key that could miraculously get us out of here, but I'm afraid you refuse to accept the dark reality here…
Hiro: D-Dark reality?
Celeste: If you keep clinging to hope like this…
Celeste: ...Then do not expect to live very long.
(Everyone was stunned silent at Celeste and Byakuya's words and didn't know what to say… until Sayaka stepped up)
Sayaka: Well it's not like we'll have long anyway!
Celeste: Hmm?
Sayaka: That large Heartless is coming, and I'm not just gonna wait around for it to show up, destroy the place and kill everyone here!
Celeste: Well that's…
Hifumi: Miss Maizono is correct, so many aspects of Mr. Naegi's dream have already come to fruition. So if the smaller mooks have already appeared…
Hifumi: Who's to say the big bad won't arrive here shortly thereafter?
Byakuya: Keep telling yourself that.
Byakuya: But don't expect me to fall for that drivel for one second…
Hiro: Fine! Go ahead! Wait for that thing to come and kill you!
Hiro: Meanwhile, we're gonna stick with Makoto to the end and find our way out of here!
Leon: Yeah, who needs some stuck up rich kid who's been handed everything in his life?
(Leon's statement caught Byakuya off guard, and he grew mad)
Byakuya: What was that?
Leon: I said "who need some stuck up rich kid who's been handed everything-"
(Before Leon could finish, Byakuya slammed his fist into the back wall, shocking everyone)
Byakuya: ….Listen well, I don't care for the stuck up part, and I don't care what you think of me personally…
Byakuya: But never say I was handed everything….
Byakuya: You have no idea what you're talking about!
Leon: Huh?
Byakuya: I have gone into battle and have emerged victorious, against countless odds, that's why I am the chosen one!
Byakuya: I have no reason to listen to the ramblings of spoiled brats like you!
Leon: Oh *I'm* the spoiled brat? At least I treat people like they're people Mr. High-and-Mighty!
Hiro: Yeah, we're the ones working our butts off, people like you always sit back and watch from ivory tower while we-
(In a fit of noticeable rage, Byakuya grabs Hiro by his shirt collar)
Byakuya: Listen to me, if you or anyone else say that to me again, then I'll personally make sure you and everyone you love will be wiped off the face of the planet!
(He drops Hiro on his butt and walks away, leaving everyone else stunned at his sudden mood change)
Chihiro: Is he alright?
Leon: Leave him, we've got more important things to worry about than that guy.
Celeste: Hmm, speaking of which, I wonder what Makoto is doing.
(Just as Celeste goes to open the door…)
"Wait don't go in!"
(...Sadly their pleas fell on deaf ears as Celeste opens the door just as Makoto finishes recording.)
Celeste: Was I interrupting something?
Makoto: Celeste look out!
(Makoto quickly covers Celeste before the tape could go boom, but he still couldn't summon the key no matter how hard he tried. Sadly it wouldn't have meant much as the explosion was rather small, only small enough to destroy the tape and the player)
Hifumi: Wait… that's it!?
Hina: I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
Celeste: Wait, why'd you do that Makoto?
Makoto: I don't care what you may think of me, but I'd do anything if it meant making sure everyone here was safe!
(Celeste was rendered speechless at Makoto's act of heroism, even if it was misplaced she still appreciated he was willing to take that damage for her)
Celeste: I see… well I think I may just have to keep my eye on you…
(And with that, Celeste walked away leaving everyone confused)
Toko: Wh-What did she mean by that?
Sayaka: I don't know, but I have a feeling I'm not gonna like it…
(Right after that the nighttime announcement came and everyone went to sleep. The next day, Taka woke Makoto up and everyone convened in the dining area once again to go over what they've found in the past few days)
Taka: Okay everyone, thank you for coming today!
Leon: It's not like we had much of a choice…
Taka: Now, in order for all of us to escape from here, we need to work on cooperating and getting to know each other. So to that end, I recommend we all meet here in the dining hall after the morning announcement for breakfast.
Sayaka: I'm fine with that.
Toko: You w-want me to eat breakfast with other p-people? I've never done that b-before. I'm not s-sure…
Leon: Yeah, it's been a while for me too…
Junko: Well anyway… did anyone happen to come up with any clues?
(Sadly, no one spoke up, not even Kyoko)
Junko: Wait, seriously? No one found *anything*?
Sayaka: Maybe we shouldn't have spent all our time trying to get Makoto to summon the key.
Hifumi: Well it was certainly quite the experience at least.
Makoto: Yeah, at the expense of my safety.
Sayaka: Well at least you've come out of those tests in one piece. Maybe there's something we haven't tried that we can do today.
Celeste: ...You are going to die.
Sayaka: Huh?
Celeste: If you can't stop yourself from showing weakness in front of others...you will die.
Junko: Wh-What the hell? Don't even freaking joke about that!
Celeste: I assure you this is no joke. Adaptability is survivability, did I not say so? So you better hurry up and adapt to your new life here.
Chihiro: But I- I don't want to live here forever.
Hifumi: Relax Miss Fujisaki, once Makoto gets ahold of that key again we-
Byakuya: That's enough of that.
Hifumi: E-Excuse me?
Byakuya: Your inane stories about that key are starting to get on my nerves, as are your 'attempts' to summon it. If you're going to kill him, then at least be honest about it.
(That caught everyone off guard, especially those who were helping Makoto)
Hiro: WHAT!?
Chihiro: We weren't trying to kill him!
Hina: We were just helping him get that key, honest!
Byakuya: Then why has nothing worked? Be honest, you're simply abetting his illusions so one of you could kill him then claim it was an accident and not murder.
Leon: Don't make us out to be a bunch of killers, we wouldn't do that!
Byakuya: Did I ask for your opinion?
Hiro: Did we ask for the trust funder to put everyone down like that?
Byakuya: Never… compare me… to them!
Sayaka: You shouldn't talk down to everyone like that, not everyone is born into wealth like you!
Sayaka: We don't need the opinion of someone like you… you… you…
Sayaka: YOU SPOILED RICH MAN!
(That outburst sent Byakuya over the edge as he angrily stomped towards Sayaka)
Byakuya: What did I just say the last time? I won't repeat myself!
(Suddenly a dark aura began surrounding Byakuya)
Byakuya: If you won't listen to words then maybe you'll listen to this!
(In a fit of rage, Byakuya lifts his hand to attack Sayaka. But Makoto quickly gets in the way and pushes Byakuya to the ground, causing him to hit his arm on the table on the way down)
Byakuya: Agh! How… dare you…
Byakuya: Need I remind who I am, and where I come from?
Makoto: It doesn't matter where you come from! None of that excuses hurting other people like that!
Byakuya: In case you didn't remember "Key Master", but we are stuck in this academy and being forced to kill each other!
Byakuya: If you don't intend to play the game, then you're better off dying!
Byakuya: And even IF you miraculously survive this, you honestly think I'm gonna let you or any of your little friends walk away clean after this.
Byakuya: I swear it, if we ever get out of this, I will dedicate my life's work to wiping you from history, YOU SIMPLETON!
(His rage subsided, along with the dark aura around him. As if the tension wasn't bad enough already, here comes Monokuma!)
Monokuma: Wow, talk about drama! I should've brought my knife, I could've cut the tension and got a slice of pie to enjoy it with.
Monokuma: It's almost like you guys are this close to snapping, just one step and SNAP! The branch is split in two and everyone else falls into despair!
Sakura: You? What do you want?
Monokuma: Well, I've come here with news. It's been a few good days and despite Makoto's many, MANY mishaps.
(Makoto simply chuckles awkwardly)
Monokuma: There have been ZERO murders! So I thought this would be the perfect time to come by and twist that knife even more!
Monokuma: Well it feels like it's pretty close already, so I'm just gonna give it one more tap on the hilt before plunging it into your hope…
Makoto: What do you mean?
Monokuma: I've been missing a key ingredient this whole time, the motive!
Mondo: Motive?
Monokuma: The motive for murder of course, a reason someone would want to escape from this place!
Monokuma: So with that in mind, I have some videos for everyone to see!
Monokuma: Don't worry, it's not one of those pervy "adult" videos or anything like that, just a little special something for each of you showing what's going on on the outside.
Kyoko: Is that so? I have a feeling I know where that is, but I have a question for you.
Monokuma: For little ol' me? No pictures please, I haven't gotten my makeup on!
Kyoko: What are you? Why would you do something like this? What do you want from us?
Monokuma: What do I want from you…? Well, if you must know…
Monokuma: All I want is despair and darkness, overflowing throughout this world… And none left standing as the Heartless devour everything…
(Said as a dark aura protruded from his body, just like Byakuya a few minutes ago. But it goes away rather quickly)
Monokuma: That's all, despair!
Hiro: Huh, but you said-
Monokuma: I know what I said! I'm not losing my hearing or anything!
Monokuma: You want anything more, you gotta find that out yourselves! Anywho, have fun with your home entertainment!
Monokuma: AHHH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
(With that laugh, Monokuma left)
Kyoko: I see…
Sakura: He mentioned the Heartless again, then acted like that never happened.
Taka: Perhaps Kyoko's theory about them possessing Monokuma isn't so far-fetched.
Byakuya: Hmph….
Kyoko: Well regardless, we have to check this so-called, "motive" out.
Kyoko: If I'm right, it'll be in the A/V room.
Makoto: Okay, I-I'll go check it out.
Mondo: Whoa you sure dude, haven't you gone through enough already?
Makoto: I said I wanted everyone out of here, and I'm gonna fulfill that promise.
Makoto: So please, allow me to go ahead.
Celeste: Well, I see no reason to stop him. Go right ahead.
Sayaka: Wait, I'm coming with! I don't feel comfortable leaving Makoto alone like this.
Makoto: Are you sure Saya-
Sayaka: No excuses, I'm coming with!
Makoto: Well, okay…
(Makoto and Sayaka immediately headed towards the A/V Room, unaware of whatever plot Monokuma was hatching for them…)
For those of you who've seen the series, I'm sure you can guess what comes next. But sadly, their story in this world is almost coming to an end, as the Night of Fate soon approaches. Next time, the motive... and the aftermath.
Also a heads up, I will be spoiling the mastermind of the Killing School Life in the next chapter, for a story like it'll be easier to have them directly involved as opposed to keeping their identity in the dark until the very end. So if you haven't played or seen the ending to the original Danganronpa, then don't say I never gave you a spoiler warning.