Chapter Text
Shuuichi had done it. He had managed to convince Monokuma to get one last trial, a retrial for the very first case and with the discovery of the nanokuma’s they might actually have a shot at unravelling who the mastermind is and what is going on with the mysterious messages they had been finding across the school.
It was going well. He had successfully managed to prove that Rantaro’s killer wasn’t Kaede and the Tsumugi was the real killer and the mastermind. But now she started telling them that the other killing games were all fictional and that Kiibo’s inner voices had been watchers of their tv show. Shuuichi didn’t believe that in the slightest.
That’s also when he noticed that he started receiving messages on his monopad. They did make some noice but not enough for anyone else to notice, so he descreetly tried to take a peek.
Group chat: ‘Ahoge squad’
Makoto: guys
Makoto: care to help
Hajime: how we are in the middle of a trial !
Shuuichi: ?
Makoto: video chat
Makoto: help me
Makoto: junko
Hajime: whats that supposed to mean
Hajime: im talking to you
Hajime: but its not reallt tou
Hajime: its fake
Shuuichi: ?
Makoto: sorry
Makoto: please
Makoto: it might be helpful
Makoto: for you two too
Izuru: I agree.
Izuru: It might make things go smoother.
Shuuichi: it w help m 2
Hajime: someone has 2 b descreet
Hajime: but fine
You are receiving a video call from Hajime, accept? Yes/no.
He taps yes. And then Hajime together with Izuru and Makoto appeared. It is kind of strange seeing them move around. Since the only time he had seen them previously was in pictures. Hajime seems to share this sentiment.
‘Woah it’s weird to see you move around,’ Hajime says. And as he says so Shuuichi could see another girl appear behind Hajime. The girl was unfamiliar to Shuuichi but judging by her looks she must be Sonia the ultimate princess. She doesn’t seem to understand what is happening.
‘You’re telling me.’ Shuuichi says.
‘Shuuichi what’s going on?’ Kiibo asks.
‘Ah I should probably explain,’ he says as he closes his eyes and braces himself. ‘Since the beginning of the killing game I found this secret function on the monopads. It allows me to chat with people from other killing games. We recently unlocked the video chat function and since Makoto needs our help we decided it was best to start one.’
‘What!’ the mastermind Tsumugi exclaims.
‘Are there any others who have discovered this?’ Kiibo asks. Shuuichi notes that his voice is slightly hesitant.
‘From our game, Maki and Himiko, as well as Kaito, Kokichi and Tenko.’ At the mention of their names both Maki and Himiko nod their head. The other two participants are clearly taken aback.
‘Why didn’t you tell anyone about this?’ Kiibo asks a little louder than he normally does.
‘It was against the rules.’ Himiko says. Maki quickly agreed.
‘Plus, the mastermind could find out about it.’ Shuuichi quickly adds. This is the reason that is given when one opens the application.
‘Then who are the people you are talking to?’ Kiibo asks again.
‘The people from the killing school life and the killing school trip, and also Izuru.’ Shuuichi couldn’t forget Izuru, he had been a tremendous help during several investigations and problems.
‘But weren’t they fictional according to Tsumugi?’ Kiibo asks. He is really asking the questions. But before he could answer he was interrupted:
‘Finally, finally. Hahahahaha.’ The entire group turns to look at their mastermind that seemingly has gone mad. Her laughter rings across the hall and echoes in their ears.
‘It seems she has lost her mind.’ Maki says. This is the moment Shuuichi decides to check back in with the other games. By looking and listening he can deduce that both Hajime and Makoto just had similar conversations to his own. This makes things a little easier.
And to make things even easier Monokuma managed to connect his monopad with a giant screen that gives everyone the function to see what is happening.
‘Hello everyone!’ A cheerful girl says. She is from Makoto’s game.
‘It is a great honour to meet so many ultimates.’ Sonia says.
‘That’s great and all but let’s get back to business.’ Hajime says. He had folded his arms and is clearly irritated.
‘Of course.’ A skinny boy in a suit says. Shuuichi thinks this must be Byakuya Togami.
‘Wow Byakuya you lost weight!’ A girl with more boobs than brains says.
‘I did not!’ came the quick retort from the boy.
‘Right, right. Now what shall we discuss first.’ Makoto attemps to bring back some order in the groups.
‘Me, me, me! I wanna be discussed first.’ Junko Enoshima (from Makoto’s game) proudly proclaims.
‘But what are we supposed to discuss?’ A boy with freakishly pink hair says.
‘Well we kind of have to prove that she is the mastermind and should free us from this cage.’ Touko says. She was playing with her braids.
Junko laughs. ‘But are you sure you want to leave.’ Junko says. Everyone could tell that she has some secret information that they have to prey from her hands.
‘What do you mean?’ A man with a weird haircut says. He is from Makoto’s game.
‘Well the air outside is poisoned and will kill you if you can’t purify it.’ And Junko’s cheerful personality is back.
‘But that’s not all right. After all you didn’t mention the biggest, most awful, most tragic incident in human history.’ Makoto adds. They had talked about it in great detail in the chat and in his game.
‘Oh yeah, that happened as well.’ Junko just shrugs it off. As if it wasn’t important. Just something that happened.
‘What is she talking about Makoto?’ The cheerful girl asks. She isn’t part of the chat so of course she doesn’t know.
‘From what Hajime and Shuuichi have gathered it is an incident junko orchestrated which made the whole world fall into despair.’ Kyouko answers instead of Makoto.
‘OooOooh yes, it was delightful!’ The Junko from Hajime’s game screams out. It’s kind of disgusting. Is she getting off from it.
A boy from Hajime’s game starts talking. He has pink hair. ‘How can one say that?’
‘Well lucky me also got help.’ Junko puts her hand on her chest. She looks really proud of herself. There is this air of pressure hanging around her. This is the mastermind of the killing games. The one that started it all. No wonder she is so intimidating.
‘From the remnants of despair, right?’ Shuuichi asks her. He stares her down as well as he can through the screen.
‘Is that what they are called now?’ There is this mysterious glint in Junko’s eyes. ‘But yes, and guess what?’
‘What?’ The girl with big boobs asks.
Junko spreads her arms and makes a pose. ‘Our good friends from over at the island game ARE the remnants.’
‘What!’ came the resounding surprise from nearly everyone.
Shuuichi is one of the few that doesn’t say anything. ‘Yeah I kinda figured it would be something like that.’
‘So, we are evil?’ the pink haired boy asks. His voice is shaking and sweat is rolling down his face.
‘It seems that way.’ Hajime nods. His voice is soft, low, he doesn’t want to think about it.
Then Junko puts her focus on someone else. ‘Oh Izuru, are you going to say anything!’
‘No, I have no need to say anything at this point.’ Izuru is not impressed. He never is, why should he be now?
‘Wow how boring.’ Junko’s depressive aura is back. She switches personality faster than Kokichi switches movies.
‘Oh, and we also know that Hajime and Izuru are one and the same.’ Makoto decides to say. Junko acts in a strangely over the top manner. It’s clear that she had expected this.
‘Aw man… I wanted to announce that,’ she pouts.
‘Well too bad Junko but your time is over. We have all the people here that can disprove your trickery.’ Hajime yells. The Junko from his game had gone strangely quiet. It’s understandable. It’s not like she can add much more since she is an AI afterall.
Junko smiles. ‘Luckily that other detective’s game is wayyy more interesting than these two. I mean I’m not there!’ She screams.
‘You kinda are, in cosplay form that is.’ Himiko points out.
‘SWEET!’ Junko’s brash personality appears.
‘Misses mastermind care to reveal to us what is really going on.’
They all turn to look at Tsumugi. She has been laughing this whole time. Shuuichi had tuned her out a little before. But now that his focus is back on her he can finally hear how loud her screams were. ‘Hahahaha haaah, finally.’
‘She really has broken, hasn’t she?’ Kiibo says.
Then all of a sudden, she stops laughing. She gets stock still and stares Shuuichi down. ‘Shuuichi, if you want to know the truth, reveal it, I’ll give you all you need.’
‘What do you mean?’ Shuuichi asks her. The rest keep watching from the outside.
‘Use your deductive reasoning, it will reveal the truth.’ Her voice is soft. No longer containing any of the insanity it did just seconds ago.
‘Where am I supposed to start?’ Shuuichi can reason well but he needs something to get him to start.
‘Well lucky for you I got some extra help. Take a look at these videos.’ She points to the screen that currently not occupied with the face chat. ‘Monokuma,’
‘Stop!’ Monokuma screams. It’s clear he doesn’t want her to show whatever he wants to show. It’s strange since from the beginning they’ve been led to believe that the mastermind was in control of Monokuma. By now though it’s clear that’s not the case.
‘Just show them, I don’t want to stay here another minute, your experiment has failed anyway.’ She says to him. The rest of the group, and the ones from the other games as well, stare.
‘Fine,’ Monokuma relents his position and the screen turns on.
Then on the monitors videos started. They appear to be audition tapes of Kaede, Kaito, and Shuuichi but the thing is, with the presence of the other games they disproved Tsumugi’s insistence on it being fiction. So, what could it mean?
‘Shuuichi.’ Izuru whispers out to him. While it might seem redundant given that it’s being displayed to everyone now it’s actually not. Izuru managed to directly connect his system with Shuuichi giving him the ability to talk to Shuuichi alone.
‘What is it Izuru?’
‘The design of your robot friend is the same as was described in the notebook.’ Shuuichi takes a good look at Kiibo. He can see the similarities, but he can’t say anything else since he’s not a technic person.
‘But that was Miu’s notebook, right?’ he asks.
Hajime also seems to be connected as he quickly responds as well. ‘I get the feeling we are missing out on somethings.’
‘Haven’t there been many inconsistensies in your killing game from the start.’ Izuru points out.
‘Inconsistensies?’ Shuuichi knows what Izuru could be talking about but he needs to be certain.
‘Like, how did Kaede know the music would play that night, how certain situation would just play out like a script, like everything had been planned, why they would feel the need to continuesly brainwash us.’ Maki mentions. She has been overhearing the conversation.
‘Sounds to me like this has happened before,’ Izuru says. There is a hint of emotion in his voice. It’s strange to observe him having some feeling.
‘Ha ha.’ Tsumugi laughs.
‘Plus, the strange items I found, like that book with Maki’s handwriting, Kaito’s recordings and Rantaro’s video.’ Shuuichi adds. It would make sense.
‘Izuru, how likely is it that their game is also in a virtual world.’ Kyoko asks. She has been quiet for a bit, but it seems that she was just pondering some things.
‘With the information I currently own, I’d say extremely likely.’
‘What makes you say that?’ Shuuichi asks. He needs to know. If this is a virtual world also then that means, there might be a probability that he can see the dead people again.
‘The sheer amount of money needed to create your killing game would make the Togami corporation look like a small business. However, should it be a virtual game, a significant more approachable amount of money would be needed.’ Shuuichi nods. That makes sense. They did seem to have a much larger budget than Makoto’s game. Given the quality of their technology.
‘Is this true, Tsumugi?’ Shuuichi looks at the mastermind. There is this unreadable look on her face.
‘I can’t say.’
‘Why not?’ Shuuichi is getting desperate now. Why won’t she say anything.
‘They’ll hurt me.’ As she says the word hurt Shuuichi could vaguely hear Tenko’s voice layer on top of it. Like a memory that is starting to come back. It’s hurting his head.
‘I guess we just have to run with it.’ Byakuya says.
‘Why did you ask Kyouko?’ Makoto asks. Sure, the other detective is smart but why would they need to know that.
‘All these things you found made me think of a timeloop. But only the mastermind keeps their memories and instead of going back in time one would just reset the system.’ Kyoko explains. There is this strange resonance within Shuuichi at her words. Could it be true?
‘That makes sense in some strange way.’ Maki mutters. Her hand is on her chin and the other is playing with her hair. Twisting it around her fingers like she’s thinking about something. Does she feel the strange resonance as well?
‘It’s true.’ Kiibo says.
‘Kiibo?’ Shuuichi looks at their android friend.
‘The voices in my head. They are not the viewers watching. They are us.’ How Kiibo managed to figure that out just now Shuuichi might never know but it’s enough for them to continue thinking.
‘What is that supposed to mean?’ Himiko asks.
‘It is likely that Miu in a previous loop managed to enhance Kiibo into a robot and by doing that was able to avoid the system.’ Izuru explains. Shuuichi nods. That would make sense.
‘Yes.’
‘In truth we have all been the mastermind once. It’s the truth behind the two people remaining rule. One would return as the ultimate survivor and the other would return as the mastermind.’ Kiibo continues explaining.
‘Why would anyone do this?’ Fuyuhiko questions from the other game.
‘Talent.’
‘What?’ Again, Shuuichi could feel like a memory is trying to resurface. It is like an itch that he can’t reach. What could that mean?
‘Yo Shuuichi, could it be then that you are in our world?’ Hajime asks.
‘What makes you say that?’
‘We know the technology is available here through the achievements of Ultimates, but if you are from another world it wouldn’t necessary mean that they got the same technology.’ Hajime explains. It’s a reasonable explanation, but it’s a bit strange coming from him. He’s not exactly smart.
‘I suppose it is. Why?’ Maki asks. What could it mean?
‘When this is over, lets all hang out!’ Hajime gives them all a thumbs up. It feels strangely good.
‘That would be nice.’ Makoto has a smile on his face. Shuuichi too finds himself smiling.
‘But for now, focus on the truth.’ Tsumugi interrupts their moment.
‘Why do I need to find the truth?’ Shuuichi asks. ‘Why isn’t exposing them enough.’
‘They won’t let me go otherwise.’ The itch returned with even more force. It’s banging on his head. Shuuichi winces under the pain. It’s bonking in his brain, shuffling the fluids inside.
‘Why?’ he manages to stammer out. He can see the concerned faces of the other people.
‘You tell me!’
And that’s when it happened. Like the sudden force of a car something came undone and he could remember everything. Why they are in this game, what the purpose is, and the cruelties he has done before. How he wrote them all down and put them in his research lab, as a warning, so someone could help them get out. Because even though the mastermind is aware of everything, they are being controlled by the other, by team Danganronpa.
‘Shuuichi what happened?’ Himiko calls out in concern.
Junko only laughs. It’s strange hearing her voice again. She has been quiet for a while. ‘It seems the fool has fallen.’
‘Shut up, this is way too interesting!’ AI Junko interrupts her other self. This is a new development.
‘I remember things.’ Shuuichi starts explaining. The force is still overwhelming him a bit. Tears are forming in the corners of his eyes. All the things he’s done. They’re so horrible. His stomach turns, a rush of something rising up. And then he promptly vomits on the floor. Not much longer Monokuma has it cleaned up again.
‘Your memories returned?’ Maki stammer out. Her eyes wide.
‘What do you remember.’ Kyoko asks. She doesn’t take mind of Shuuichi’s emotional state.
‘I remember a couple of the previous games. Everytime one of them is finished another would start. The two survivors would then take on the position of mastermind and ultimate survivor.’ Shuuichi stutters out, his voice cracking as the tears leave his eyes.
‘That’s sick.’ Hajime mumbles but Shuuichi can hear him clearly.
‘Why would anyone do this?’ The boy with the strange haircut from Makoto’s game screams out.
‘That I don’t remember yet.’ Shuuichi mutters. It’s there but he can’t reach it just yet. ‘But I do remember the previous game. I was the mastermind there. And I killed Kaede there.’ It had been something so brutal, it must have damaged her brain enough for her memories of the other games to get loose.
‘What?’ Himiko’s face is white. The rest isn’t much better off. Tsumugi’s face is blank but there is this air of despair on her face.
‘It was torture. We didn’t want this.’ Tsumugi says.
‘Then why did you do it?’ Kyoko asks.
Shuuichi doesn’t know how to answer so he just says something. ‘They forced us to.’
‘Who forced you?’ Fuyuhiko asks now.
‘I don’t know. They are known as team Danganronpa.’ Shuuichi grabs his head. His headache has not subsided. It just seems to get stronger and stronger.
Junko taps her chin a couple times. ‘Nope, don’t know those guys.’ So, they must not be affiliated. Maybe some strange followers?
‘Then Shuuichi, what is it you want us to do?’ Maki’s voice is soft. Her eyes are reaching something inside him. It’s familiar look, one he received once before in another game.
‘Get out of here obviously. We don’t want this anymore.’ He grabs onto her shoulder. His grib is so strong it nearly rips her clothing but Shuuichi doesn’t pay any mind to that.
‘But they’re not just going to let us go!’ Tsumugi adds. Her voice is shaking.
‘Then how do we get out?’ Himiko is desperate now. She probably doesn’t want to remember either.
‘I don’t know if it’s any help but here we have a shut down code that we can activate in emergencies. I don’t know if you guys have that there. But it could be something to look into.’
‘Is there such a thing Tsumugi?’ Maki asks. She’s stern.
‘I-I don’t know.’ Tsumugi says. ‘It’s not like they tell us anything.’ The only thing they do is control us. Direct us to do certain actions. Shuuichi still remembers the last game where he was forced to perform certain actions. How something they would physically hurt you when you didn’t do as they said. How when he was looking over his cheques he would get massive headaches.
‘Wait,’ Shuuichi mutters. There is something not right here.
‘What is it Shuuichi?’ Hajime asks.
Shuuichi turns to face Tsumugi, he still doesn’t remember everything. For that he needs her help. ‘Tsumugi what was my talent in the last game?’
‘Why would you want to know that?’ She asks.
‘It might just be me, but something doesn’t quite feel right.’ His mind is reeling. He needs to figure out what’s wrong. Maybe then they can figure something out to fix this.
‘If I’m not mistaken in the last game you were the ultimate accountant.’ Ignoring the shout for ‘boring’ from Junko he thinks. The rest of the people look at him strangely. That’s not what they were expecting.
‘It’s different.’ Makoto says.
‘Why though?’ Fuyuhiko says.
Byakuya’s eyes are narrowed. ‘Why would they assign you a new talent?’
‘Guys?’ Kiibo calls the attention.
‘What is it Kiibo?’
‘The voices in my head are yelling.’ He holds up his hand.
‘Voices in your head? Are you sure you’re not malfunctioning?’ The girl with the big boobs screams at the robot. Of course, she wouldn’t know about them.
‘He’s had them the entire game already.’ Shuuichi explains.
‘Oh.’
‘What are they telling you Kiiboy?’ the cheerful girl from Makoto’s game says.
‘They’re just yelling: talent, talent, talent. It doesn’t make any sense.’ That is strange. Even Tsumugi looks confused. Does this mean the masterminds are not up to date with what’s going on? Then how do the voices in Kiibo’s mind know? Maybe they figured it out on their own?
‘That is strange.’ Kyoko mutters.
‘What could it mean?’ Makoto asks. He seems deep in thought. It’s kind of cute to see him thinking so hard.
‘They are the forgotten us.’ Shuuichi says. Maybe, maybe he can figure it out.
‘Dunno maybe it’s something crazy like Izuru bud.’ Akane screams out. It’s an out their theory. But exactly something she would come up with.
‘What?’ The pink hair boy says. He shakes his head. Probably thinking this is another one of Akane’s strange things.
‘Akane is right. It could make sense.’ Izuru decides to interrupt. Shuuichi looks up at the strange man. He can see the reasoning behind it. It does make sense.
‘What do you mean exactly?’ Byakuya asks.
‘It’s like. Once you survived the game, you’ve mastered the talent. Then you get a new one until you’ve mastered all of them.’ Shuuichi says. It’s the most likely probability if they’re going with this theory.
‘Is this really what is happening?’
‘I don’t know. But it could be an explanation.’
Kyoko is not yet convinced however. ‘Why would they not go the surgery route like with Izuru?’
‘Not everybody is fit enough to go through a surgery. Not to mention the knowledge and money needed to perform it.’ Izuru explains. His voice is as neutral as ever.
‘Like this doesn’t cost money.’ Maki scoffs.
‘They need people with ultimate talents to perform the surgery. They can’t just get one for free.’ Shuuichi explains on Izuru’s behalf. Maki seems to understand.
‘Let’s just say that’s their goal then what now?’ Maki asks. ‘How are we going to continue?’
‘Maybe Monokuma can answer that.’ Kyoko adds. Everyone looks at her in shock. Why would she want to do that?
‘What?’ Shuuichi asks. He can understand her point to some degree, but he doesn’t really know what she does mean by it.
‘He’s the communitcation you guys have to this team Danganronpa. It might be your only clue.’ She explains.
Shuuichi lets himself think for a bit. ‘I suppose that does make sense. Well then Monokuma what do you have to say?’ He turns to look at the bear who’s just laughing at them.
‘Upupupupu. This is most certainly interesting.’ His high-pitched voice answers.
‘Just get on with it.’ The girl with big boobs screams at the bear.
‘Well then you are correct.’ Monokuma cheers. But then his voice turns frustrated. ‘This is all just a grand scheme to get more talented people.’
‘And why are you doing this?’ Shuuichi asks.
It seems that now the people behind team Danganronpa are now speaking through the bear as his speech pattern has changed ever so slightly. ‘After the despair Junko left we couldn’t live without the complete despair we felt. And thus, we decided that the best way to get despair is by copying what happened before.’
‘But it isn’t that simple is it?’ Kyoko narrows her eyes at the bear. Monokuma laughs a bit more. It’s grating on the ears.
‘Upupu. We couldn’t get anyone with talents, since they are all protected by the people at hope’s peak, so we had to make our own.’ That explains a lot.
‘Make your own talents?’ Maki looks at the bear, leaking her own killing intent. It’s terrifying Himiko.
‘That’s right!’ Monokuma cheers. ‘Using mind altering technology left behind by the ultimate neurologist we could give people talents inside this virtual world. And so, we are killing two birds with one stone.’
‘Despair and getting talents.’ Shuuichi puts his hand on his chin to think. It’s a logical decision even if he doesn’t exactly agree with it.
‘That’s right!’ Monokuma’s voice is as high as ever. It’s like he’s complementing them like they just got a question on a quiz right.’
‘Then where did you get us from?’ Himiko asks. Shuuichi narrows his eyes. Were they kidnapped? They couldn’t possibly do that right? Not without anyone noticing and making a fuss.
‘That’s simple. Your lovely dovely parents gave us permission!’ Shuuichi has to take a step back. What?
‘Our parents?’ How could they. Why would anyone wish this upon their children? That just doesn’t make any sense. Why should he want to return to those people who left him behind in such a state?
‘You mean I’m not an orphan?’ Maki’s voice is soft. It’s breaking. It must be hard for her. This entire time she believed she was an orphan. To hear that she does have parent must come as a shock. But then again, they did to this to her.
‘Most of the memories you posses are all entirely fake!’ Monokuma laughs. ‘Hooray!’ he cheers. But then he continues his explanation. ‘In exchange for their contribution to the project they got to have their children partake in the project.’
‘That’s just fucked up!’ The boy with pink hair screams through the screen. Shuuichi has to agree with him.
‘What kind of parent would do such a thing?’ Hina says. Her eyes are wide and her mouth hangs open.
Monokuma laughs only louder. ‘It’s only to feel the glorious despair of losing one’s child!’
‘I can only imagine the despair they must feel.’ Junko over in Makoto’s game is giddy with pleasure from what Shuuichi can tell. It’s disturbing really.
‘Shut up Junko!’ Fuyuhiko says. Everyone agrees with him. This is not the place for her to interrupt.
‘But then what about the books in this world! They didn’t exist in their world.’ Shuuichi argues. It is a flaw he’s been thinking of for quite a bit now. Ever since they got the confirmation that they are in fact in the same world as the others.
‘Your right!’ Monokuma cheers. Then he turns serious again. ‘That’s because you all created them in your mind.’
‘What’d you mean?’ Himiko asks, she’s slightly hesitant.
Monokuma taps his chin in quite the extravagant manner. ‘I suppose that after a lot of brainwashing you automatically start making things up. We just went with it.’
‘What! But we all know about them!’ Kiibo explains. Shuuichi has to agree with him. ‘Shouldn’t we have things exclusive to ourselves?’
‘What are you talking about?’ Monokuma seems genuinely confused. But then realization hits him. ‘Your minds are all connected in the system. When one succeeds in mastering a talent it’s transferred to all of the other kiddos here.’
‘That’s just wild.’ The man with the crazy hair from Makoto’s game says.
‘It is.’ Shuuichi agrees with him. It’s certainly something he did not expect, but it would explain a lot.
‘I never imagined it was such a thing.’ Maki mutters. She seems deep in thought. Maybe she’s still shocked from the previous shock.
Himiko doesn’t seem to be that nervous anymore as she turns to Monokuma and speaks: ‘Then how do we get out!’
‘Get out? Why would you want that?’ Monokuma’s head tilts to the side. It makes him look more innocent than he actually is.
Himiko isn’t taking the bullshit however. ‘To stop these killing games. We don’t want them anymore.’
‘Well then though luck. If you get out of the system you will automatically die! Your lifelines are now connected to the game.’ Monokuma is furious. While previously he might have been a little agitated by now it’s grown into full fury.
‘That can’t be true.’ Shuuichi mutters.
‘It can’t. He’s probably implying that there is a rather specific way to get out.’ Izuru adds. Shuuichi silently thanks the man. It’s great that he’s there, and to help them. It makes things certainly a lot easier.
‘Well aren’t you a smart one.’ Monokuma taunts. He should’ve already known that. ‘But mister Izuru is right. Only when you all get out at the exact same time you will be fine. And not only that. You have to all want it.’ Monokuma starts cheering.
‘We all need to want it? What’s that supposed to mean?’ Shuuichi points his finger at the bear. Monokuma blinks a couple times.
‘If even one of you doesn’t mind staying for a bit longer then you can’t get out.’ There is laughter resounding from Monokuma. Shuuichi is left to ponder, how are they going to convince the dead people.
‘Who would want to stay?’ Maki glares at the bear.
Then from Makoto’s game Byakuya speaks up. ‘I’ve been in only one killing game and I want out.’ Shuuichi agrees with him.
‘I can’t imagine having to go through so many.’ Sonia speaks.
It seems that Monokuma isn’t done yet however. ‘Oh, and when you get out you will remember everything you did in the games.’
Kiibo looks down. ‘And we get to meet our parents that threw us to the wolfs.’
‘Would we really want that?’ Himiko mutters. Shuuichi is inclined to agree with them. Sure, the outside world sounds great and all in concept, but the reality isn’t that kind. They’ve all done horrible things. Their parents are horrible people. Why would they want to get out?
‘Of course, you do!’ Makoto screams through the screen. ‘You can’t want to stay inside a fake reality.’
‘But it’s better that the real world. Why wouldn’t we want it then?’ Shuuichi stares at the boy. His eyes have gone blank and his stomach stopped turning. There is this strange feeling of nothingness going through him.
‘I get that the real world is cruel but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing.’ Makoto says again. He’s truly kind. He can see why Izuru like him so much.
‘If you get out we’ll promise to find you and help you out.’ Hajime joins in with convincing them. If they hadn’t become such great friends over the time spent inside the games Shuuichi would’ve ignored them completely.
Shuuichi’s voice is cracking. ‘But we’ve all done horrible things inside the game. How could you want that?’ There is this distinct feeling of tears appearing in the corners of his eyes. He tries to force them down but that doesn’t quite seem to work.
‘You have to remember that we did awful things as well. We were the ultimate despair after all.’ Hajime pats himself on the chest. Shuuichi can see his point.
Junko however seems to be of a different mind. ‘I thought it was pretty great.’
‘I even want to revive all the people who died in this game. Even the killers.’ Hajime starts explaining. Shuuichi would do the same. None of them deserved this. It’s just something cruel they’ve been forced to do. But then why can’t he forgive himself.
‘We were being pushed to extremes, we can forgive you for that.’ Makoto’s voice is the soothing cream that covers an ache. It’s a feeling that’s difficult to describe but so easy to feel.
‘That’s not the biggest problem.’ Shuuichi starts. ‘How can I forgive myself.’
‘That will be difficult, and we are going to have to struggle with that as well. But I’m willing to take that road. If only because it’s the right one.’ Hajime starts. He had a lot to think about since it was revealed that he became Izuru, but he’s grown to accept that part of him. However difficult it was.
‘I agree. I grew to like you guys a lot over our stay here. No matter what happened we were there for each other. Why wouldn’t we be there for each other during this as well.’ Makoto smiles.
‘Good point.’ Shuuichi smiles back. It’s great to have these friends. If only because they’re there for each other.
‘We’re all going to work together to make sure that we get to be normal again. That we get to live happy lifes. That we can repent for our mistakes.’ Hajime looks up. There is this distinct look of longing in his eyes. It’s a strange look for the other.
Junko starts making vomiting sounds. ‘That just sounds boring to me.’ She looks absolutely disgusted by what they are saying.
‘That’s because you’re the cause of all this Junko.’ Hina screams.
‘Isn’t it great. The despair! It’s so refreshing!’ There is this strange feeling emanating from her and Shuuichi wants to get as far away as possible.
‘You even killed your twin sister for your despair. Now you’ll never see her again.’ Byakuya points out.
‘Oh well. I knew that going into this. It’s exactly why I did it. Because then I would feel despair.’ Junko explains. It seems that she’s rather bored of needing to explain everything she did. But then again, she also said she was always bored.
‘Then are you also feeling the despair of your plan going up in flames?’ Maki taunts.
‘Not really. I find it kind of boring really.’ Junko laughs like a maniac. ‘It’s not like you guys really did anything to stop me yet. I got plenty of tricks up my sleeve.’ This made everyone stand on guard. What could she possibly do next?
‘Like what?’
‘How about… I let everyone go but only little Makoto stays behind.’ Everyone takes a step back. And Shuuichi narrows his eyes. ‘Then I get to have my way with him.’
‘No way we are ever going to let you do that.’ The man with the weird hair yells at the girl. The rest agrees with him. No way they are going to let Makoto live such a fate.
‘I thought so already. Maybe I should add something then… Like… if you don’t then I’ll kill your remaining family!’ She growls out the last part. It’s scary. Shuuichi can see the people over in Makoto’s game flinch. All of them except Kyoko. Of course, she wouldn’t, she knows better.
‘You can’t do such a thing!’ Fuyuhiko yells through the screen.
‘Who says I can’t?’ Junko snorts. Her eyes have a glint that he doesn’t like. His mind can only come to one conclusion.
‘You mean those kids you brainwashed?’ he asks.
‘You know about them? Wow! That’s impressive.’ Junko’s cheerful personality is back. It’s strange to see her flip between them so fast. Like where does she get the props from? ‘I could do that. You know what, that sounds like a great idea.’
‘No! You can’t do such a thing!’ Makoto’s eyes are wide. He’s shaking. Shuuichi can only hope that he doesn’t flip.
‘Stop your useless screaming it’s not going to fix anything.’ Junko yells at the boy, completely furious. ‘So, what is it. Let your family live and give your precious Makoto to me or get him back and let your family die.’ The smile on her face does not ease any of their worries. In fact it only increases them.
‘What are we supposed to choose?’ Hina says. She looks down.
Makoto has some other idea though. ‘Let me stay. I can fight her off.’ He says with all the convidence in th world. He doesn’t know where he get’s it from.
‘Ooh. What makes you so sure.’
‘The only thing you want is to feel despair. If I can make you hopeful, then wouldn’t you feel the greatest despair yet?’ Makoto explains.
‘That sounds a bit backwards.’ The boy with pink hair says. Shuuichi has to agree with him. It does sound backwards.
‘I agree. But it does sound interesting. So, tell me little Makoto what are you going to do?’ Junko leans one of her arms on the stand. She looks smug, like she already won.
‘I’m- no we are going to make you feel like your despair failed. Those followers of yours over in Hajime’s game, they are going to wake up and fix their mistakes. Then in no time at all the world will be back to how it used to be.’ Makoto stares her down. They never expected they would get to see the showdown between the ultimate hope and the ultimate despair. It’s a strange battle, but impressive nonetheless.
‘Don’t forget that they are in a different time.’ Junko swirls some sort of keychain around her finger. Eventually it slips off and goes for Makoto. But before it could hit a sneeze from genocider changes its course. It’s seems Touko is back now.
‘Does that really matter?’ Makoto asks. To drive his point across he makes himself stand more secure on the stand.
‘What?’ Junko blinks.
‘Maybe not now. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not even next year. It might take a while but eventually we’ll get there. And when we do you would feel the greatest despair you have ever felt. I’ll make sure of it.’ It’s a promise that Makoto would surely keep. The determination in his eyes makes everyone believe in him. Even Shuuichi could feel himself believing in the boy.
‘Makoto really living up to his name as ultimate hope here.’ The pink haired boy yells.
‘It’s impressive.’ Maki agrees with him.
‘No. It’s fucking stupid!’ Junko’s enraged personality is back. ‘You are always so annoying with you bright personality, your hopeful stature. It’s just so frustrating. I want to see you cower in despair. See the life in your eyes leave.’ She points at him with fury. ‘Why can’t you just fall into despair!’
‘The reason is simple. The feeling of despair is horrible. I don’t like it one bit. So, I force myself to overcome it. To be stronger than it. Can’t you do the same?’ Makoto asks the girl with the gentlest voice.
‘No way.’ Junko screams. ‘That’s just so boring and predictable.’
‘Is it really?’ Kyoko interrupts. ‘It sounds to me that you’ve been expecting Makoto to fall into despair for while now, but it has yet to happen.’ It’s a good point and one Shuuichi would’ve made if the other girl didn’t come first.
‘Shut up!’
‘You’re the one that needs to shut up.’ Fuyuhiko yells across the screen.
‘You’re not looking at this logically.’ Himiko points out.
Junko snorts. ‘Who says I want to do that.’
‘Lets just move on to the next problem.’ Shuuichi interrupts the conversation.
‘Which is?’ They all look at him. It brings back the nerves he was sure he left behind. Maybe that part of him isn’t quite gone yet.
‘How we are going to convince our dead classmates to want to get out of the system. We are all fine with it. But we can’t connect with them.’ They all turn to think. It is a problem they would have to deal with. If even one of the dead people doesn’t mind staying, then none of them would be able to get out.
‘You can do something about it Monokuma?’ Kyoko asks the bear.
Monokuma laughs. ‘Maybe I can. But for that you need to first answer a riddle.’ Of course, it’s not going to be that easy.
‘A riddle.’ Shuuichi stares at the bear. There is an amused look on his face. It’s not a look Shuuichi would like to see more of.
‘That’s right! What do you get when you cross a bear with a skunk?’ Monokuma tells them. They all start thinking.
‘A bear with a skunk?’ Shuuichi mutters to himself. He can’t come up with something. But he has to otherwise they won’t get out.
‘Shuuichi?’ Maki looks at him expectantly. Shuuichi’s nerves come back tenfold.
‘I’m thinking.’ He grumbles. Maki seems to understand. Bear and skunk. It’s got to be something ridiculous.
‘I know!’ Hina yells from the other game.
‘Hina really?’ Byakuya looks at the girl. Not expecting much.
She only smiles and says her answer. ‘Winnie the phew.’
Monokuma blinks. ‘Oh my. She got it right.’ The bear mumbles. It must not have been expected.
‘That’s it?’ Fuyuhiko looks at the bear.
‘Of course, why not?’ Shuuich laughs. It’s a strange one but perfectly Monokuma.
‘Well then fasten your seatbelts because this will be a ride!’ the bear announces before he presses a button.
On the blank screen appears Rantaro. His eyes are closed but before long he opens his eyes. He takes a look at the space around him. There is a sense of wonder on his face.
‘What is this? I though I died.’ He says. Shuuichi can see the people from the other games looking at him.
‘You did.’ Shuuichi says.
‘Then how?’ Rantaro’s eyes are wide with shock.
‘This is a virtual game. We just have to know wether you want to get out of the system.’ Shuuichi says.
‘Why wouldn’t I?’ He better not reveals the problems, it would only hinder their goal.
Monokuma is of a different mind however. ‘Maybe because of the awful memories of the previous games.’
‘Monokuma shut up.’ Himiko yells at the bear. Monokuma only laughs.
‘What do you mean?’ Then Rantaro starts clenching his head. ‘What’s this headache.’ Then his eyes roll back for a second. ‘Ah.’ He must have obtained the memories then.
‘What’d you say?’ Shuuichi asks again.
‘I don’t know anymore. The things we did they’re horrible.’ Rantaro’s eyes are blank. They’ve lost the light they had before.
Makoto takes notice and interrupts the thoughs of the boy before they can escalate. ‘But they are redeemable. If you want to redeem yourself get out of there.’
‘I guess you’re right. Thank you.’ Rantaro nods and then fades from the screen.
After Rantaro is Kaede. This brought up plenty of emotions with Shuuichi, but he kept himself calm as they convinced her. Then came Ryoma, then Kirumi, then Angie, Tenko, Korekiyo, Miu, Gonta. Then Kokichi appears.
‘What the fuck?’ His first reaction was but then he takes a look around. His personality switches instantly. ‘Oh, hey the other guys are there as well! Hello!’
‘He certainly is cheerful.’ Fuyuhiko mumbles.
Shuuichi laughs. ‘I think he just insecure.’ He did die after all.
‘Could be.’ Maki snorts. She still doesn’t like him. Figures.
They explain everything that’s happening. Kokichi pays rapt attention. He doesn’t complain too much before agreeing with them. Kaito’s turn is next and they don’t even have to say anything before he agrees. It has been smooth sailing. They might have gotten back some of their memories but most of them caved in once they explained everything.
Junko then thought it was a good idea to interfere again. ‘How about the guys in Hajime’s game. I heard you had a shut down code.’
‘Yes, we do. If we put it in, then we would be able to get out safely.’ Hajime explains.
‘That’s what you think.’ The other Junko, from Hajime’s game says. There must be more to this as well.
‘What are you saying Junko?’ Shuuichi narrows his eyes at the AI.
‘Don’t let us wait. Tell it to our faces!’ The pink haired guy yells at the girl.
AI Junko starts laughing. ‘Should you use the shut down code then everything that happened inside the system would have been for naught.’
‘Are you saying that they’ll revert back to their despair forms?’ Maki says. This could be a problem.
‘Yes exactly. Isn’t that most despairful?’ She laughs.
‘It certainly is despair inducing.’ Hajime nods but his demeanor doesn’t change. Does that mean it’s not affecting him?
‘Why isn’t it affecting you guys?’ Junko yells at them.
Hajime shrugs. ‘After everything that already happened this seems kind of minor.’ They would just have to do something else then. It’s annoying but not the biggest problem.
‘You’ll turn back into Izuru! Is that what you want?’ Junko growls out.
‘Not really.’ Hajime glances at said guy.
Izuru takes the hint and responds. ‘It most likely won’t happen anyway.’
‘What are you saying Izuru?’ Shuuichi asks the other. Izuru can be really cryptic if he wants to.
‘This is just a tactic used to scare everyone.’ Izuru explains and everyone lightens up immediately.
Junko doesn’t like that. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?’
Izuru stares at the girl before shrugging. ‘They are nicer.’ Makoto must have gotten through to him. That’s one less worry to worry about.
‘That’s it!’ Giant Junko smashes her hands on the ground. The resounding earthquake could be heard through the screen.
‘He likes us more than you. Take that you bitch.’ Fuyuhiko yells at the girl.
‘Fine then. Get out. I don’t even care anymore.’ Junko flips and the screen of hers is starting to turn black.
‘Other me why are you giving up?’ Junko over from Makoto’s game yells at her AI version.
Just before the AI turns black it returns to say something. ‘Who says I am? I just need to get some new tactics.’ That could be a problem. If she returns with something bigger then it could ruin everything they’ve done so far.
‘Like hell you will!’ A voice resounds from Hajime’s game. It’s not one they are familiar with. The camera shifts and a white rabbit in a pink dress appears.
‘Who’s that?’ Makoto asks.
‘Usami?’ Hajime is surprised. The girl should have died a little while ago.
Usami takes a stance and activates her magic. ‘I am the one responsible for this hopeful connection between games. I will not stand your meddling any further Monokuma and Junko.’ She jumps up, leaving a rainbow in her wake. ‘Take this.’ Usami starts beating up AI Junko. It’s an odd sight to see.
‘Holy shit!’ Comes a voice from one of the guys. Shuuichi isn’t sure who.
‘This looks kind of weird.’ Himiko points out. Usami is circling the AI and covering it in rainbows, restraining its movements. It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t a virtual world.
‘Usami saves us all. Hooray!’ Sonia exclaims. There are stars in her eyes.
Byakuya is of a different mind however. ‘That came out of nowhere.’
‘Who cares. It’s awesome.’ The guys with the crazy hair yells.
‘It just looks ridiculous to see a tiny rabbit take on a giant robot.’ Junko from Makoto’s game laughs. She doesn’t mind seeing her other self being beaten.
‘Glad we can agree on something.’ Hajime says to the girl, who immediately snarls at him.
‘Thank you Usami!’ The guy with pink hair yells at the rabbit as she’s finished with taking the AI down.
‘No need to worry any further kids.’ Usami stands on top of one of the stands. ‘I the magical girl Usami also imprinted myself in the systems of the other games. Now everything will shut down.’ They all start cheering. This is better news than that they could have hoped for.
‘Fuck you! You pink fluffy rabbit!’ Junko grumbles at the rabbit. ‘You know what would be despairful. If I just died!’ She suddenly starts cackling like mad.
‘How?’ Makoto eyes her with wide eyes.
‘Not only would I be able to witness the ultimate form of despair, but you guys can’t infect me with your hope again.’ There is this twisted look on her face. It’s not a look they like to see.
‘You don’t have to do this.’ Makoto tries to argue with the girl, but Junko is taking none of it.
‘What if I want to?’ She asks with a smile on her face.
‘You won’t!’ A man’s voice says. Then a flurry of people rushes inside the courtroom in Makoto’s game. They capture Junko and free the others.
‘What? Where did these people come from?’ Junko yells out as she struggles against their grip.
‘When hacking the system, I opened the door keeping everyone in and out. Now the future foundation is there to capture you!’ Usami yells at the girl on the other side of the screen.
‘Well atleast I have some contacts inside there too.’ Junko laughs out loud. This surprised Shuuichi a bit. It could form to be a problem for them later.
‘Don’t worry I already took care of them as well.’ Usami pats herself on her chest. She must be proud of herself.
‘What? How? Why are you ruining all of my plans?’ Junko yells out as she hits the men that are grabbing her and preventing her from moving any further.
‘Because that’s what I’m made to do. For I’m a hopeful rabbit.’ Usami looks over at her students with a proud face.
‘That’s nice and all but can we finally continue with what we were doing?’ Hajime asks the rabbit.
‘Of course. Feel free to get out.’
Hajime then turns to the screen again. ‘Guys! Promise me after this we’ll find each other and hang out?’
‘It’s a promise.’ Makoto yells back.
‘I’ll look forward to it.’ Shuuichi smiles. They might not know how many years apart they are, but they would meet up when the time comes.
‘Then it’s finally over.’ Himiko says as she falls down to the ground in relief.
‘We can get out.’ Touko laughs.
‘No more murders.’ Tsumugi’s face lights up as well.
‘No matter how many times I might have been brainwashed, I’ll never forget this. This feeling of happiness.’ Shuuichi tells the others.
‘Same here.’ Hajime yells back.
‘See you soon?’ Makoto asks.
‘See you.’ They all respond. Maybe they can all meet up. The entire classes. That would be nice.