Chapter Text
“Don't you have something to say to me?” Byakuya puts on an intimidating front.
Why? Syo didn’t have a clue.
“Is it about how I’m still not over you?” She guessed wrong, going by that handsome scowl. “Come on. Even you’ve gotta admit that’s a vague question.”
“Putting it strictly into words would insult every party involved, considering the gravity of the secret you’ve withheld from us. So please, do remember.”
Ugh, she hated when he did this. When he’d invited her to his office, she’d expected something…
Nah, this was par for the course.
“I hate to be useless, but I’m not in the mood for guessing games. Gloomy’s giving me a serious headache right now.” Like she was playing tennis with her brain in there.
Byakuya relished that bit of bad news. “Trouble with memories, perhaps?”
…
Oh.
Oh.
“I thought I’d take that secret to the grave, but as expected of Master to expose me, even if it took you almost 20 years.” Syo let out a gut-busting cackle. It was short-lived. “Do Big Mac and Nancy know?”
“They would have long ago if you’d told them.” Byakuya rebuked her.
Toko tilted her head. “You think I wanted to tell Big Mac that he executed the love of his life and mother of his kid? Who for all we know has been pushing daisies for a loooong time? Even I’m not that messed up.”
“You said ‘kid’. Elaborate on that."
Now he was just confusing on purpose. “Uh, you know, a baby. It’s not like I got to see it come out of the oven.”
Byakuya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Good to know you can still be forthright. That begs the question of why you couldn’t tell me. I’m not so sentimental as those two.”
“It wasn’t any of your business.” Syo said bluntly.
Byakuya frowned at the perceived insult. “That doesn’t excuse you. Is Toko aware of this?”
“Nope. Only my memories didn’t get affected, remember? Oh, guess you don’t!”
Her joke falls on deaf ears.
“I’ll be lenient on her then.”
Syo sighs. He’s too serious for his own good. “Don’t sweat it. The kid’s old news. It’s not like knowing changes anything now.”
Byakuya’s brow creased. “Really, hm? Ever wonder just how I know? Munakata told me.”
That didn’t sound right. “How-"
“Would he know?” Byakuya predicted her response. “Because we have good reason to believe that those same children are alive. And in this school.”
. . .
“I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed today.” The headache was bad enough, but she really might get her head bashed in if Komaru finds out.
“You reap what you sow.”
“What’s his name?” Or was it her?
“I used plural. They are twins. And you know one of them quite well.”
“This is one hot mess I’m in.” Byakuya had sworn her to silence for now. A brief reprieve from the hell that would fall on her eventually. Big Mac forgave a lot, but would he forgive her for this? That’s a tough sell. Before Syo could do anything else, she had to scout the targets.
She was still wrapping her mind around lil' Mugi being a lil’ Naegi. “But it’d be crazier that Master would be wrong about something like that.”
While the kids were in homeroom, Syo had to get into their second class of the day. Byakuya’d informed her they’d be in the art room for 2nd period.
Perfect, it’d be easy to sneak in as an advisor or assistant or something. Syo’d been forced to reign in her artistic facets, but she still knew a thing or two about art.
She opened the door to the art room and received further confirmation that today was not her day.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” Said one Jataro Kemuri, the most famous art instructor in the school. For reasons that appealed to much of the female staff and student body.
She didn’t see it though. He’d always be a snot-nosed brat to her and right now he was holding the ugliest mask that Syo had ever seen.
Which strangely enough, may have been no problem for the kid some 15 years ago or so. Now he just looked as concerned as Syo did for the tastes of the owner.
“It’s a Tiki mask.” Eri cornered the younger man. “Didn’t you always like hiding your face?”
“A-Are you calling me ugly?” Jataro asked, clearly offended.
“Are you saying you don’t like my souvenir?”
Fear was plastered all over Jataro's face. His eyes darted everywhere but in front, naturally landing on “Toko!”
“You shitty brat!” She should have gutted him in that machine.
Her outrage drew Eri’s attention to her.
It was too late to run so she walked in, headfirst. “Long time no see, Cinderilla. Your hair’s all grown out.” If Eri ever walked out without that blindfold, she’d be a dead ringer for her older sister.
Eri cocked her head slightly to the side, studying Syo. “You didn’t burn the house down while I was away, why are you so nervous to see me all of a sudden?”
“Not-so-Gloomy didn’t tell me you were back.” It’d been nearly a full year now since her leave. “Mako's Christmas shindig wasn't the same without you.”
“Uh-huh.” Eri quirked an eyebrow. “Something came up in Towa City. It gave me lots to think about. Not that you care about the boring details.”
Syo 100% took that as a compliment, whether Eri meant it or not. “You know me too well, sister.”
“I also know you just changed the subject. What's up?”
“Stay sus. These lips are sealed.” Said the woman with a tongue long enough for the record books.
“. . . Guess I can't hate on you being able to keep a secret.” She said, her face hard to read.
“It gives me whiplash whenever you’re reasonable.” Syo murmured.
“I’m the picture of sensibility.”
“Um, guys . . . I’m still here and need to get ready for class.”
They’d completely forgotten Jataro’s presence.
“Sorry about that. Enjoy your souvenir.” Eri waved goodbye. She doesn’t take a step before Jataro’s arm latches onto her shoulder like a vice.
“Didn’t you come to work today?” Jataro asked with frightening clarity and determination.
“No way. I only wanted to see everyone.”
Jataro clapped his hands in prayer. “Please be my assistant for today!”
Eri folded her arms. “There isn’t much I can do that you can’t.”
The desperation in his voice caught both Syo and Eri off-guard. “That class is next and I…” Jataro’s eyes lost their light. “Just one day. I need one day to have a break.”
Even Syo was starting to feel bad. "Do your job. What do you think master pays you for?” She interjected.
"Even if I worked every day for the rest of my life, it still wouldn't cancel out all my donations."
"Not like you have anything better to do."
"Good point." Eri faced Jataro. "Alright. How many classes do we have for today?”
“4!" He beamed. "Starting with big sis Komaru’s class.”
“How are the students?” Eri asked.
“They’re good kids . . . at heart.”
“S’that so?” Eri didn’t sound convinced.
The perfect opening presents itself and she’d be a dunce not to take it. “I’ll help you keep em’ in line.”
Jataro and Eri faced her, shock evident on both their faces.
“You want to help us . . . teach?”
Before Syo could provide an excuse, a well-timed “excuse me” came from the opening in the door. “Good morning. Naegi-sensei sent me to help prepare for our next class.” A tall, silver-haired girl spoke.
“This is Kirumi Tojo, the SHSL Maid and the class representative of class 95-C.” Jataro introduced the new arrival.
Huh. Syo would have thought a talent like that would be a free ticket to dressing like a lewd bitch on Halloween. The maid was surprisingly wholesome.
Boooring~
“Jataro. Could you get me 2 chairs and a canvas?” Eri asked.
Syo swore the man moved like lightning.
“What for, if I may ask?” Kirumi sits.
"For our lesson! Ms. Tsukasa wants you to be a model.” Jataro explained with a jittery smile that creeped Syo out.
“Is there a pose you’ll require of me?” And the bloody maid is all for it.
To Kirumi’s credit, she was a perfect model, not even budging from the pose she’d assumed from the start. The remainder of her classmates stared in confusion and intrigue at first, but with explanations and excuses from the art instructor, many lost interest and went about their tasks.
Syo was reminded of how crafty Jataro was when the ex-brat didn't hesitate to use Eri’s impulses against her. The students were made to draw simple sketches of their partners on the other side.
It worked in her favor. Now she could scope out the brats. Starting with the pale ‘gremlin’ she’d heard so much about. Kokichi Oma was short as a twelve-year-old. Even Big Mac wasn’t that small when they’d met. And it wasn’t hard to tell where he’d picked up that grating way of talking.
“Isn’t it about time you take me up on my offer?” Kokichi asked, modeling for Ryoma Hoshi and the robot. The boy had struck at least 3 different dramatic poses that Hoshi had gone out of his way to ignore in his sketch.
“I barely listen to half of what comes out of your mouth. I don’t feel like it right now either.”
“Join my crew! As it so happens, we’ve got a spot available for hardboiled midgets.” An invitation like that was just a setup to be refused.
And Hoshi didn’t miss a beat. “I’ll respectfully pass.”
“You’ll be paid handsomely. I could use a strong, no-nonsense guy like you on the team.” The worst attempt at flattery Syo had ever seen.
Ryoma grunts. “I can’t tell if you’re joking about this supreme evil leader business. Isn’t it time to call it quits?”
Kokichi tilts his head. Out of nowhere, an orange ball spins on his index finger. “I’m talking about my dream basketball team! I think we really hit it off last time.” Kokichi grinned menacingly. “Or were you interested in a high-ranking position in my evil army? Sorry, that’s not on the table.”
Ryoma narrowed his eyes. “Shut up.”
"What about my invitation, Kokichi? I'm sure to be an asset." Keebo optimistically joined in.
Kokichi's enthusiasm tanked. "To ball or be my subordinate? Doubt it matters but I don't want to be called robophobic."
"Erm, I don't think the professor would sanction my joining any nefarious groups, however, I am outfitted with knowledge and the capability for all known athletic competitions."
Ryoma stopped drawing for a moment, staring Keebo down with newfound intrigue. "How good are you at Tennis?"
Keebo's antennae shot up as he proudly boasted. "Not only tennis, but I can easily play all sports at the level of a 10th grader."
". . . You shut up too."
"The immeasurable depth of disappointment aside,” Kokichi holds the basketball in both hands in a throwing motion. “Give it some thought, Ryoma. It’s not like you have any other aspirations after graduation. Or was Tennis still on the table? I’ll get it if it was.”
“Do you want to die?"
"They're stealing your catchphrase, Maki-chan!"
The sound of wood snapping was heard over by the twin-tailed caregiver's station "I need another pencil." Maki calmly raised her hand.
"Use mine." Shuichi offered.
"Are my talents that useless?" Keebo slumped into depression.
"More like unremarkable considering robot status," Kokichi said bluntly. "But feel free to prove me wrong. Show me what you got and hit the trash can behind me." He tossed the ball to Keebo.
The desire to prove himself drove Keebo to play into the Supreme leader's provocation.
Syo saw it all. From the ball leaving Keebo’s hands, flying over too far in an arc, bouncing against the wall, and landing square on Eri’s forehead. The others hadn’t noticed immediately, distracted by their works. Not until the domino effect of the bouncing object and gasps from whoever was close enough to the accident.
"Uh oh." If Keebo had skin, it'd have paled at that point.
“Well, that answers all our questions.” Kokichi stepped up to retrieve the ball. Ryoma, Keebo, and Syo watched him every step of the way until he was beside the assistant teacher and maid.
Kokichi picked the ball back into his hands, glancing at the blindfolded woman. She hadn't stopped drawing to even look his way.
“Don't play with balls indoors!” Even Kaede had to release some frustration at the violation of basic social practices.
“Wasn't me this time, mom.” Kokichi answered with a wide, unrepentant smile, before addressing his other uptight classmate. "Not gonna scold me too, Kirumi?" The order-obsessed maid hadn't moved from her pose. She was still and receptive as stone.
“Wow, I'm being ignored.” Kokichi expressionlessly rubbed his cheek.
“You're coming with me.” Syo saw her chance and grabbed Kokichi by the arm and bolted out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
“Am I in trouble?” Kokichi rubs his head after being dropped like a sack of dumb puppies.
“Do I look like a teacher?”
“Fair point.” He lazily regards her. “So what, you want to join my syndicate too? There might be room for eavesdroppers and spies, but sorry, we have a strict ‘no killers allowed’ policy.”
He doesn’t beat around the bush. Then again, neither did she, and it’s nice that she doesn’t have to pretend to play goodie goodie for once. “First I’ve ever heard of an evil organization being against killing folks.”
“Get with the times, granny. There are soooo many ways to get ahead and be evil: extortion, bribery, blackmail, kidnapping. Just lying in general.” Kokichi counts off his fingers. “Killing is just for lug-heads who can’t think their way out of a paper bag.”
Syo knew a lot more than he thought. Byakuya had called the company he'd taken, ‘Panta corp’. The acquisition happened too fast to be normal. He’d practically given her answers why.
“Where’d you pick those weird standards up?”
Kokichi folded his arms behind his head, smiling. “Three places: me, myself, and I. As if there was anyone else I could have relied on to teach me.” He had one hell of a poker face.
A really punchable one.
“I get loving the freedom to whatever the hell you want, but playing the loner gets restrictive after a while.” Even Master and Pinkie gave that one up a loooong time ago.
“Is the serial killer giving me life advice?” Kokichi cocked his head and snickered. “Good one. Maybe I’ve got room for a comedian. A lot of the guys back home dress like clowns, but none of ‘em could tell a joke to save their lives."
“What can I say? I’m a class act. Whether it’s putting smiles to faces or cutting them up. And let me say that cute face of yours is bringing back the old spark.”
Kokichi dramatically steps back and gasps. “B-But my adorable face is all I’ve got!” He hunches over with a depressed look. “Unlike some people who get to do whatever they want cuz they’ve got friends in high places to bail them out.” The third shift to that enigmatic smile is as abrupt and hollow as the ones before. “Say, aren’t there a lot of those conveniences in this school?”
“Dunno. I don’t pay attention to boring things.” Syo replies honestly.
“Oh? What’s interesting about me then?” Kokichi deadpans.
“How you’ve stayed alive with that shitty personality.”
“Cuz I’m unpredictable? Or I could be reaaaally strong? Could be that I’ve got connections too? Or maybe I’m just smarter than everyone else.” He scratches his cheek throughout. A gesture she’d seen whenever Komaru was bashful or that Makoto was his nervous loser self. On Kokichi’s expressionless face, it was just unsettling.
“I suck at multiple choice.”
“Understandable! So how about we don't ask for answers that I won’t give and that you don’t deserve?”
What a bitter little brat.
Syo steps aside, pointing to the door. “Go back in. And don’t piss off Cinderilla. She’s got a lower tolerance for bullshit than I do.”
“Damn it, Fukawa. Don’t you know I have to do what people tell me not to!?” He whines.
“Your funeral.” Syo opens the door.
Kokichi carelessly walks in. Three steps and a wide, strong hand slams the center of the pale boy’s back and sends him flying forward.
Without even looking back, Kokichi replies with a grunt. “You’re sooo touchy, Kaito. ”
The so-called luminary of the stars bellowed. “Can’t help it. I thought she’d haul your ass off to the headmaster for sure.”
“So I could get a ‘talking to’ then go out for lunch? Gee, I didn’t think you wished my happiness that much!”
Syo observes the youthful banter for a moment before deciding she’d seen enough to form an opinion.
“You three partner up often?” Syo said, sitting in a square formation with Rantaro Amami, Kaede Akamatsu, and Tsumugi Shirogane on the bottom ends.
“Kirumi was taken, sadly. Rantaro was the next best thing.” Tsumugi said harshly.
“I saw that coming.” Rantaro chuckles.
“Trouble in paradise?” Kaede offers a pitying look.
Rantaro sighs. “If Paradise was under siege 24/7. Even I’ll start getting hurt after constant mistreatment.”
What a travesty! This fine piece of man is almost Master-class. “What are you doing, Moogie? Tsundere has been out of season for decades. Nowadays, you gotta bag and tag em!”
"I fully agree!" “If you say so.” “Nice to be appreciated . . . I think.”
Youth is wasted on the young. This Kaede has potential at least.
Tsumugi was harder and easier than Kokichi at the same time. Syo was confident the girl didn’t know about her, unless Toko snitched. If her other self had, that means she was pretty close with Tsumugi.
Syo didn’t know what to think of her. She only felt what Toko felt. An estranged, yet positive emotion.
If the ex-murderous fiend was to form an opinion of, it’d be “a total waste”. Those glasses and that outfit did nothing for the eyes. A poor show compared to Kaede over there. The pianist's colors and outfit popped out, with a personality to match. It wasn't a hard decision to make her the model.
Syo moved behind Rantaro to check his work. She had to at least pretend to be doing her job.
“Amateurish, but not bad.” Syo appraised.
“You pick up strange talents when you have sisters drawing you into their hobbies. Sometimes literally.” He laughed in that hot guy voice. “Although, I’m nothing compared to Angie, Kirumi, or Tsumugi here.”
Syo skid over to the bluenette and her work. A low whistle followed the appreciation of fine art.
“It’s nothing special.” Tsumugi muttered.
Rantaro shakes his head. “When you're that modest, it sounds like a lie. I wish I looked half as good as your drawings, even if most of the detail is on the outfits.”
"Now who's being modest? Pretty boys always make good subjects.” Tsumugi admitted.
"You said it, not me."
From one bespectacled girl to another. "I'm always looking for new models for my cosplays. Rantaro occasionally helps me out." Tsumugi clarified.
“Now I’m interested. Lemme see.” Syo requests.
“I don't keep stock, sorry. I toss them out whenever I'm finished.” "No problemo." Tsumugi trailed off when Rantaro whips out his phone. “Here you go.” Her eye twitched when the green-haired boy showed Syo his collection of her artwork.
Syo whistled at the pieces. “I’m more 3D myself, but you’ve got taste, Moogie.” She zoomed over the outfit. "Formal is definitely in my strike zone."
“That suit's mine. I've got a ton of them back home." He boasted.
“Little Amami’s a rich boy?” Syo asked.
He cocked his head in confusion. “More my dad’s wealth than mine.”
"Wow. I always assumed, but it's different hearing it from the horse's mouth." Kaede's amazement was plain as day.
"It's not something I like to talk about, but Fukawa already knows anyway."
"I do?" Syo blinked.
". . . Don't tell me you forgot."
"I forgot."
"Guess you not as popular as you think you are." Kaede teased. "Right, Tsumugi?"
Dead silence.
All three zoned in on the absent-minded cosplayer. She wasn't even focused on her drawing. Tsumugi's gaze was fixed on Kirumi and Eri.
"What're you looking there for?"
“I know that look.” Rantaro was similarly unimpressed. “You’re undressing them in your mind.”
Their reprimands bounced right off Tsumugi. “I’ve got plenty of new outfits I want to try and Kaede’s not up for helping any time soon . . .”
"Don't look at me. Those last clothes were way too risque!"
"You shouldn’t be embarrassed about your body." Tsumugi looked at Kaede like an adult would an overreacting teen.
“I'd be less embarrassed if I'd been naked!" The blonde's face burned red.
"Now I'm really curious." Rantaro smirked.
Tsumugi faced Syo. "Hey, Fukawa-san. Know how I approach the assistant teacher? First impressions are everything.”
Syo gave her wise wisdom. "Tell her what you want straight up. If she likes what you’re selling, she’ll buy. Beat around the bush, and she’ll tell you to take a hike.”
“Gosh, here I thought it'd be complicated.” Tsumugi motioned to stand.
“Someone’s eager." Syo watched Tsumugi leave. "Can't ya wait after class?”
“Give it up.” Kaede sighed.
“Tsumugi doesn’t have many interests, but once she sets her mind on something, it’s such a pain to change it.” Rantaro explained.
Like father like daughter.
Hell, maybe it ran in the whole family.
“What do you think of her, Mr. Prince?” Syo asked the green-haired boy.
“Haha, a prince may not be too far from the truth but it’s not what you’re thinking. I’ve had tons of princesses. Lost ones like Tsumugi just make me wanna help out.” Rantaro’s bashfully replied.
"You're sounding a little skeezy there." Kaede remarked.
“Ugh. The carpet does match the drapes. Here I was hoping you were up for subversions.” Syo gagged.
“Didn't I say I wasn’t that kind of guy? I’m talking about my little sisters.” He held both hands out placatingly. “I can’t leave her alone. Plus, I like a girl who’s not afraid to speak her mind, even when it makes her unpopular.”
Kaede nodded rapidly. "I love how she isn't afraid to talk about her interests . . . even if I don't really get them."
From the looks of it, the sister's a piece of work, but at least she’s managed to make some decent friends. Here’s hoping she wouldn’t take them for granted. Like her mother did.
Syo stumbled onto a sharp realization after a school day of stalking. Kids had to be raised with care. If they all turned out like Hope’s Peak brats, she wanted none of it. Now or in the future.
“Troublesome brats. How does Omaru do it?” Syo sighed loudly.
“You only had to put up with one day’s worth of teaching.” Eri walked a pace one step slower while Syo maneuvered around the courtyard.
“The longest 7 hours of my life, you mean.” It’d have raised suspicion if Syo called it quits after Tsumugi and Kokichi’s class were finished. She had to put up with all the others too.
"How'd the drawing with the maid turn out?"
"I gave it to Jataro once I was done, as an example for the class." She smiled. "That girl barely blinked the whole time. You don't find good help like that just anywhere."
"Thinking of hiring her?"
The smile turned into a menacing grin. "I already made the offer."
Like a dirty old man with a maid fetish." “I can’t believe you stayed overtime.”
“When the kids have questions, it’s our job to answer them.” Eri continued. “Actually . . . Jataro’s job. But the girls took a liking to me.”
“Did you seriously go for the cosplay thing?”
Eri looked at her strangely. “No. Yonaga wanted me to donate blood. I didn’t mind.”
“You just forked it over? Right there?”
“That’d be unsanitary. We went to the nurse.” Eri replied.
What is Mikan doing? “Why blood anyway?”
“As a sacrifice, apparently. She said food or clothes worked, but that’d be more annoying.”
Takes all kinds . . . “So you didn’t take Mugi’s offer?”
“Not my thing. I’m camera shy- Oh, it’s Hina.”
Syo’s head snapped forwards. Sure enough, Aoi was cleaning a statue of Ogre. Like she had every day for over a decade. The blindfolded blonde had been off just a tad. Today, Komaru was lending a hand.
“Hey, look who it is!” Their bubbly swimmer waved.
“Glad to see you.” Komaru hugged Eri once they were within arm’s reach. “Did you hear, I’m finally an aunt!”
“Might want to cool your jets until it happens. You’ll give your brother anxiety.”
“I’m always on my best behavior!”
“Good girl.” Eri patted Komaru on the head.
Komaru mewled before her eyes snapped open. “Hey wait, don’t treat me like a kid when I’m older than you.” She takes a step back.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Eri glances at Aoi. “I brought souvenirs from Towa for everyone. They were too heavy to bring with me to school though . . .”
The two women glowed. “Heavy. Like a truckload of donut boxes?” Aoi drooled.
“When do we visit?” Komaru said, a little too energetically.
“Whenever, I guess. Bring Kyoko along.”
Komahina #2 high-five’d.
“Like babies the night before Christmas.” Syo motioned over to the wet statue. “Cleaning again?”
“Yeah,” Aoi said proudly. “Did you guys come to lend a hand?”
“Of course-NOT.” Syo answered.
“It’s a statue. How am I supposed to help?” Eri follows up with a second rejection.
“I think you might be cleaning it a bit too much anyway.” Komaru scratched her cheek.
“No such thing as too much water.” To prove her point, Aoi dipped a cloth into the water bucket and went to scrubbing.
To prove another, more pivotal point. “All that water makes the statue rust easier.”
“Nice try. I’m not gonna fall for that one.” Aoi rolled her eyes.
“Hey, I was trying to save you a total chore.” Syo said. “Ogre wouldn’t give a rat’s ass even if you blew that statue to kingdom come y’know?”
“Course I know that, but everyone deserves to know how amazing Sakura was. And they can’t if this big ol’ chunk of stone isn’t aquamarine!” The wet cloth rolls along with the concrete.
“Pristine.”
“Oops. Thanks, Komaru.”
The younger Naegi laughed nervously. “Y’know, Hajime could just build another one. It’d only take him like a month, tops.”
Tall order there, lady.
“Could you ask him?” Aoi shamelessly jumped for joy.
“Are these two for real?” Syo looked to check with her silent princess. The woman faced away from the trio, gazing at the tree that marked their first meeting. “What is it?”
“Someone’s hiding over there.” She retorted.
Syo spotted a smidgeon of dark purple.
“Lemme have a look.” Syo zoomed over and around the tree bark. She looks down while he looks up at her – that short rascal.
“How do you do, Sir!?” Kokichi saluted.
“Just peachy, Corporal!” Syo mimicked him.
The wind picked up as they stayed like that for 5 seconds. Then Kokichi ran. Or would have if she didn’t hoist him by the collar.
“Look who I found~”
Komaru’s face grew downright sickly at the sight of the boy.
“Why are you skulking around?” Aoi planted both hands at her hips, staring Kokichi down.
Syo dropped him and, like a cat, he landed right on his feet. “Oh you know . . . patrolling the area. Keeping the peace. Making sure all the recycling is in order.”
Distrustful gazes pelted him all around.
“Only two of those were lies. Recycling is serious business.”
Komaru sighed, resigning to her involvement with her student. “I’m glad you think so. It’d be nicer if you and your friends got around to help take care of the school instead of making something explode every other week.”
“Don’t ask the impossible, Komaru-chan. A certain someone told me that I don’t have friends and I agree, you see.” Kokichi scratched his cheek.
“D-Don’t be so depressing. Please?” Komaru said, exasperatedly. With how she had to deal with the kid day in and out. Doing after school was pushing it.
“What were you doing behind the tree?” Eri asked.
Kokichi watched her like a child presented with an unfamiliar, uncertain toy. “I needed a getaway from Shuichi. I loooove the attention but a guy needs his space. “ He faces his teacher with a wide, Cheshire grin. “Then I found my darling!”
“Darling?” Aoi emphasized.
“Yes!” Kokichi prostrated on one knee. “I’m here to confess my love for Komaru.”
“. . .”
“. . .”
“. . .”
With the other three stunned into silence, Komaru inhaled strongly. With a slow, determined bow. “Sorry. I’m grateful for your feelings but I’m happily married, you’re way too young, and you’re not my type.”
Syo choked at the deadpanned expression on the boy’s face.
“That was obviously a lie!” Kokichi’s voice got 3 octaves lower.
“Really? You shouldn’t play with love like that. You’ll end up all alone.” Komaru pouted.
“Why’re you really here, Kokiiichi?” Aoi inquired.
“Hajime’s been getting on my case lately. I'm trying to manipulate Komaru into coughing up his weaknesses. And if it turned out to be her, then I’d keep her as a hostage down the line.”
The swimmer now looked about half as done with this kid as the Naegi sibling.
“Or maybe that was just another lie. No way to tell~”
“Is this a joke?” Komaru pondered.
Sensing the elephant in the room, Aoi ignored the teen in favor of the confused Eri. “Kokichi’s obsessed with this evil supreme leader schtick. He’s not a bad kid.”
“I’m downright villainous and don’t think you’ll escape my vengeance, Hina. I'm serious about those frilly mini-skirts.” Kokichi puffed his cheeks. Syo had to admit it was cute.
“Not that. Rollback.” Komaru raised her hand. “Hajime? Weakness? If something like that existed, I wouldn’t be a hostage, I’d be helping!”
“Pardon me?” Kokichi pressed his lips into a thin line.
“Me and the boys make it a family pass time to catch a vulnerable dad on camera. It’s been 3 years and we haven’t even gotten one. My husband is too perfect!” Komaru stamped her feet.
Syo’s tongue slid down her mouth like she’d tasted something awful. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were bragging.”
“Yeah . . . this wasn’t how I saw things going. Later.” Kokichi doesn’t even manage the first step before Eri called out to him.
“What did you expect – By stalking us, I mean?” Eri clarified.
“Nothing much. Just wanted to check on my favorite gals. Making sure you’re not going through mid-life crises and all that.”
“Kokichi-chan’s really asking for it today, huh?” Aoi cracked her knuckles.
“You’re lying.” Eri said succinctly.
“Am I?” Oozing smugness, Kokichi pressed a finger to his lips.
“I don’t get what your angle is, but your lies are plain as day to me. Including the parts that weren’t.” She said coldly. Behind that blindfold, she stared icily at the boy.
Kokichi hummed. “Think you can catch me in the act, eh? Many have tried and failed, you know.”
Aoi and Komaru fought back glares.
“Let’s not even bother with this. It’ll just tire you out.” Komaru told Eri.
Eri flippantly waves her hand back and forth. “It’s nothing like intuition or guessing. I just know.”
‘Well, ain’t this an interesting (and useful) development?’ - An idea popped into Syo’s head
“Here’s an idea. Since the half-pint’s always going about with that lame-o ‘King of Liars’ title. How about we have Cinderilla put it to the test?”
Eri glanced at her.
“I don’t care enough to compete.” Kokichi said in a bored tone.
“Another lie.” Eri repeated. “Kids who are honest with themselves are more fun to be around.”
The midget grew stone-faced. “Alright. Give it your best shot.”
“And I’ll ask the questions!” Syo beamed. “First. Your shitty group big enough to take over Master’s corporation?”
“You mean Glasses McDorkface? We’re waaay bigger, gotta be when we’re planning to take over the whooole world.” Kokichi spread his arms wide.
“Lies.”
Kokichi slumped. “Everyone always doubts me, but it’s true. I really am leading an evil syndicate!”
“Yeah, that part is true. Though I don’t have a clue what you think “evil” means, your group’s not all that big.”
Komaru gasped. “Kokichi really is some kinda boss?”
“Only if you believe her. I mean, I could confirm it, but how would you know if we’re both telling the truth or both lying?” Kokichi chuckled.
Komaru rubbed her temples. “My head hurts.”
Satisfied with tormenting his teacher, he offered his challenger an enigmatic smile. “Next question?”
Syo opted for a more harmless question. “I’ve seen you hanging around that stacked science chick a lot. Got a crush?”
“That’s disgusting.” ‘Harmless’ had Kokichi looking like he was shot through the heart. “And that’s not a lie. Don’t even bother correcting that.”
“Sounds like it.” Eri nodded.
“Even I coulda told you that.” Aoi scratched the back of her head.
“Even if you look like a midget, a guy your age’s gotta have someone to look out for. Even platonic-wise. Like family.” Syo presses every button she can to get a reaction out of Kokichi.
Without a moment’s hesitation, “I don’t have family, I don’t love anyone, and nobody loves me.” He said in a voice that added two decades to his appearance.
Syo eyes Eri. The blonde purses her lips. Similarly, without reservations, she gave her answer. “All I can say is that you should brush up on your social skills. Maybe you’ll find someone who gives a damn about you one day.”
It took longer for the gravity of those words to sink for Aoi than the others. Komaru caught on surprisingly fast. Faster than even Syo had.
“How about we stop playing here, you guys? I’m sure Kokichi’s got plenty of homework he’s left unfinished. I know he does.” Komaru cut through the tension. The Naegis weren’t what Syo would call intellectuals, but their emotional sensitivities were unmatched.
“Why’s that? Kokichi finally got a point in!” Syo wanted to both praise and reprimand Aoi for being less . . . advanced when it came to reading the signs. To her credit, she proved to understand subtlety when she whispered into Eri’s ear. “Kokichi doesn’t have family.”
Eri frowned. “Evidently that’s not true.”
Kokichi heard clearly and replied. “Course it’s not. My parents loved me tons!”
“Sure, they did. All parents love their children.” Komaru added. That dopey smile all but reveals her love for her kids.
As if to spite his teacher, Kokichi’s reaction was on the other side of the spectrum. “But when your parent’s the SHSL Despair, you’d be better off without love. It’s a miracle that I don’t hate the both of them.” Kokichi deadpanned. For a moment. That mischievous smile returned in full force within the blink of the eye. “Both of those are lies by the way! Or are they? Or maybe only one is true?”
He ignored the shock and bewilderment that was sent to Aoi and Komaru’s systems. Syo’s as well. The ex-murderous fiend hadn’t predicted the brat would go and indirectly confirm her suspicions outright. There was no way those could have been lies.
“They’re both lies.” Eri spun Syo’s deductions over on her head then smashed them to pieces with her heel.
“Haaa?” Syo let out a squeal of confusion. The hell was she talking about?!
“Woah! You’re the real deal.” Kokichi gasped before sprinting over to Komaru’s side. “Komaru-chan, this lady’s scary! It’s like I’m naked. That has to be a crime!”
“Why is he like this?” Komaru palmed her face.
Sensing that his chosen defense wasn’t coming to his aid any time soon, Kokichi fumed. “Boo. I’m gonna run away before I face my first crushing defeat!” He dashed away, echoing four words in his retreat. “But that’s a liiiiieeee!”
. . .
“See. Total waste of time.” Aoi smiled lamely.
“You were right. It’s not like I could prove anything.” Eri didn’t even look at the athlete. Her gaze was fixed to the diminutive boy’s back for far too long. She snaps out of her stupor only when he’s out of view. “If you guys will excuse me, I have things-“ She paused and reconsidered her words. “ . . . I need to be alone for a bit.”
“Everything okay?” Komaru asked, concerned.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Eri smiled. “Call me when you’re free to hang out. Your gifts will be lounging around till then.”
Komaru and Aoi traded the same, doubtful glances. “Will do.” Yet they accepted those words at face value. Though they were all longtime friends, they understood the barrier separating them. Even Syo and Toko, who knew the depths of Eri's secrecy, could only watch.
The same applied here. She stalked Eri from a distance.
“When I said I wanted to be alone, I meant it.” The blonde called out to her.
All those years of stalking Master meant nothing, huh? “Can’t help being a little curious. Not every day I see you rattled, especially cuz of a little munchkin.”
“Dunno why I would be. That kid had nothing of substance to say."
“Sure about that?”
Eri turned to fully face Syo. “Why . . . would you doubt me?”
The long-tongued devil shrugged. “It’s just kind of a big deal. ‘Can’t give despair any roots to sprout from!’ or so master says. If Kichi’ was the SHSL Despair’s brat, that’d be a huge violation!”
“It wouldn’t mean anything even if he was telling the truth.”
Syo blinks. “Reason?”
“SHSL Despair is just a title. Anyone can and did use it. If he was your kid and you happened to use that title once or twice, then he would have been telling the truth. See? Meaningless.” Eri explained.
Damn. “One heck of a way to outsmart a lie detector.”
“Sad but true. In the end, all I can do is read hearts, and you’d be pretty optimistic to assume what you feel is the objective truth.”
Syo let her have that bitter laugh without a single interjection.
“Still. He seems like a smart boy. What'd you call him?”
“Kokichi Oma.” Syo lied.
“Interesting name.”
Guess you can fool a lie detector that way.
‘Unless she was pretending to be deceived.’ – Syo thought. Not that there was a reason for Eri to do that. Hardly a point in hiding secrets. For years, Syo carried information that would have destroyed Eri Tsukasa – the real Junko Enoshima, if she let that knowledge slip to even a single soul.
That said, it was a one-way transaction. Syo had plenty to hide and more allegiances than just to Eri. Stronger ones, she’d dare say.
“I don’t know what you’re scurrying around about, but don’t worry about it. I won’t pry.” Eri said.
The purple-haired woman crossed her arms. “Putting it that way makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong.”
“If you feel that way, you probably are."
"I don't." She lied.
"Good. You’re one of the only friends I’ve ever had. I know-“ She amends. “I think that you wouldn’t intentionally hurt me.” She told the one who was once feared as the second coming of Jack the ripper and feared throughout Japan. “If anything, I’m afraid that I’ll be the one betraying you someday.”
“Then don’t. Simple.”
Eri’s smile had no joy behind it. That wasn’t unusual, however, this time, Syo saw a veiled apology behind it.
“What about any of this was simple?”