Chapter Text
After what felt like a century of silence, Tsukiko was the first to break it.
TSUKIKO: What… just happened?
The others quickly followed suit.
YUTAKA: This is impossible… I thought Monokuma was…
SAORI: Dead? Well, guess what? He isn’t anymore, sunshine.
HIBIKI: (trembling) T-This can’t be happening... This isn’t happening...
NORIKO: (mumbling) If I see that fucking bear again I swear I’ll rip his goddamn head-
She paused, then shook her head in disapproval.
NORIKO: No… that won’t solve a damn thing…
MISAO: ...Wow, Ichika! That was a great comedy act! It was super realistic!
ICHIKA: T-This might sound as dumb as always, but that wasn’t an act of mine…
YUUNA: P-Please stay calm. I’m sure if we just wait it out, we’ll be-
ASAMI: We’ll be what!? Old!? Forgotten!? Isolated from society!?
HARUTO: I dunno about you, but this sounds like fun! I can see it now! The pink blood runnin' down everyone’s bodies, the anguish and turmoil forever plastered on their face, the excitement of finding the murder weapon...
BENJIRO: What the hell, Haruto!?
HARUTO: Aww… don’t be so mean, Uncle Benji…
BENJIRO: MY NAME IS BENJIRO, DAMMIT!
TSUKIKO: EVERYONE, STOP!
Everyone turned to Tsukiko, whose words were still lingering around the room. With all eyes on her, she took the opportunity to take charge.
TSUKIKO: We can’t just stand here and argue! That’s exactly what Monokuma wants! He wants us to give in! Allow our paranoia to take over and kill someone completely innocent!
TSUKIKO: Well, you know what? I’m not letting some outsider create tension like this! It isn’t… It isn’t just!
In the crowd, Hibiki looked restless.
TSUKIKO: Oh? What’s wrong Hibiki?
HIBIKI: I-I was just thinking… What could we possibly do to stop this?
TSUKIKO: Huh?
HIBIKI: I-I mean, at any minute, Monokuma could put a motive in front of us. And he’s smart about it, too! He uses people’s weaknesses against them!
HIBIKI: Y-You know how he used them in the first game, right!? If those students couldn't resist him, what makes us any different!?
He looked up, noticing the rest of the class looking as worried as he was.
HIBIKI: ...I’m sorry I said anything. I-I'm just making things worse, aren’t I?
RYOU: No, I believe you have a point, Hibiki. As soon as Monokuma announces a motive, we will need to be as resilient as possible. But do we all have that within ourselves?
Silence filled the room.
RYOU: ...Guys?
TSUKIKO: ...Then we’ll just have to do something about Monokuma, won’t we?
NORIKO: (suspicious) Tsukiko, what are you planning?
TSUKIKO: Well, Monokuma’s some sort of robot, right? Then all we need to do is find where he’s being made and destroy it! With no more Monokuma, he has no more power and we’re free to go!
BENJIRO: Are you insane!? We don't even know if Monokuma is even being made here! You know, if your little plan fails, our blood is going to stain the school! God, did you even read the rules!?
Tsukiko’s heart skipped a beat. She knew she hadn’t read them just yet.
But that wasn’t going to stop her from helping the panicked masses.
TSUKIKO: Sure, we can’t fight him physically, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a different way to rebel!
BENJIRO: What the fuck are you referring to?
Tsukiko wasn’t so sure herself.
She just knew she needed to figure it out, because now everyone was staring at her with the same disbelieving look as Benjiro.
TSUKIKO: Well…
TSUKIKO: ...The rules don’t say anything about looking for an exit, do they?
Murmurs could be heard throughout the gym.
TSUKIKO: Hear me out! If we can break out of here or at least find a secret exit, we can stop Monokuma from the outside! We’ll get the government, the army, anyone we can! Then, we’ll reveal his location and destroy him once and for all!
Koto pushed his way through the crowd to show Tsukiko what he had just written. She read it aloud for everyone to hear, despite knowing what he was about to say.
An exit? You think some sadistic fucktard like that bear would just allow us to walk out? How stupid do you think he is?
Frustrated with Koto’s lack of support for her suggestion, she gave the tablet back to him and continued her attempt at optimism.
TSUKIKO: I know it’s a stretch, but it’s the only chance we got! If we don’t, then all of us could be dead by tomorrow!
TSUKIKO: ...And I don’t want to imagine that.
Her face darkened at the thought of the lives of each student, killed because of an act of immorality. The room was equally as morose, imagining the dire situation that Tsukiko had laid out to them.
NAKAMI: I… I agree, ma’am. This may be the only chance we’ll ever get. I’m in. Even if nobody else is.
YUUNA: Nonsense! It’s a brilliant idea! I don’t mean to speak on behalf of everyone, but, gosh darn it, I’d rather take my chances looking for a way out than sitting around watching everyone drop like flies! I’m sure at least some of you feel the same…?
YUTAKA: (blushing) O-Of course! I’m not going to sit around doing nothing!
YUTAKA: What’s that going to achieve? Failure, that’s what! Unless you want to waste your life away, I suggest you all man up and do the same!
BENJIRO: ...Sure, why the hell not? The sooner I get away from you loons, the sooner I can get back to my business.
BENJIRO: And mark my words, all of you are gonna get blacklisted once I’m through with you!
Soon, a sizable amount of responses, all as interested in the idea as the others, began to pour in.
NORIKO: (chuckling) That’s just the type of self-assured response I would expect from someone as thorough as yourselves. I may as well give it a try.
ASAMI: (passionate) What are we waiting for? Let’s get going! The longer I stay here, the quicker some no-name broad’s gonna steal my spotlight!
Even Koto had the closest thing he could muster to a positive response.
Sure. Whatever. But if you fuckers die, it isn’t my problem.
With the overwhelming amount of agreement thrown at her, Tsukiko felt a feeling she never expected to feel again. One she thought Monokuma crushed out of the entire class the moment he entered their lives.
Hope.
Hope for a chance to find a way out. Hope that her classmates would stick by her side.
And hope that she could finally be the hero she wished to become.
So, with newfound courage, she smiled and continued the next step in her sudden game plan.
TSUKIKO: Alright, you guys. If we’re going to go through with this, I’ll need your help. Are there any recommendations on what we can do?
Nakami hesitated for a moment before his voice rose from the crowd.
NAKAMI: Ur, well, in a case like this, my… My old team and I would split into large groups and scout the area. It might help if we do so here to cover more ground.
TSUKIKO: Good idea! Plus, if anyone tries pulling anything suspicious, we'll have at least three eyewitnesses! Now, Nakami, is there any team you want to be in? I’ll gladly put you in-
CHIE: Hold on, Masayoshi. What makes you think you’re qualified enough to lead a group like this? Have you memorized building layouts day in and day out?
TSUKIKO: Uh…
YUTAKA: Wait! I’d love to have both of you fine women trying to lead us, but courage and navigation just isn’t enough! We need someone with an eye for detail to pick out the perfect team!
CHIE: Let me guess. Someone like yourself, perhaps?
YUTAKA: S-Such tender words! If that's truly what you want, then I'll do my best! It will be a privilege and an honor to be leading the likes of you. I won't let you down!
Before Chie could interject, Saori interrupted all three of them.
SAORI: Hold on. Why should any of you be in charge? How do we know that you aren’t already working with some of the students here? The last thing we need are two or more people teaming up and planning out a murder together.
NORIKO: I don’t think they’d go that far just yet, but then again, that’s still a possibility.
NORIKO: It might be best if we chose at random. That way, nobody has too much influence.
ICHIKA: Ooh! I have an idea! Benji! You still have that notebook on you, right?
BENJIRO: Benjiro. But yes, of course. Why does it matter?
ICHIKA: Quick, pass it over! And a pencil, too!
BENJIRO: (sly smile) Sure.
He pulled out his notepad, but instead of passing it along he simply opened it, pulled out the pencil from behind his ear, and looked back at her with a glint of light shining on his glasses.
BENJIRO: But first, I need a few answers from you. Why did you retire!? What happened to your-
ICHIKA: Ohohohoho! Good one! You almost made me think I was important there! Man, with jokes like yours, I'm sure your old writing team is missing you right now!
BENJIRO: ...
BENJIRO: ...Ugh, fine. Here. Maybe you can use it to write down my actual fucking name.
He chucked the notepad and pencil to Ichika, who smiled through her own shaken nerves. Catching both, she flipped it open and began to write vigorously on it. Once she was done, she ripped the papers into sixteen different strips, took off her hat, and threw the papers inside.
MISAO: Ooh! Good idea!
ICHIKA: Thanks! It’s the one time I’ve ever come up with anything useful!
Ichika reached into her hat, grabbing four different slips.
ICHIKA: Okay everyone! Our first team iiiiis… Hibiki… Nakami… Tsukiko…
Confidence seeped back into Tsukiko. Maybe she would have a chance to lead after-
ICHIKA: And Chie!
Her heart dropped.
CHIE: Good. Now listen closely.. If I’m going to lead you three, I need your utmost collaboration. Okamura, I need you to keep your eyes open. A surgeon like you should have a great eye for detail.
HIBIKI: Shhhhh! P-Please don't say that so loud!
As he looked nervously around the room for any traces of cameras, Chie sighed.
CHIE: Okamura, you can't live your whole life in fear like this.
CHIE: (small smile) In fact, be proud. You’ve saved so many lives with your talent. So stop moping.
HIBIKI: ...I-I’ll try, miss.
CHIE: (serious) Good. Also, keep yourself alive. If we find your pulverized remains on the floor, then we're all as good as dead.
HIBIKI: D-DON'T GIVE THEM ANY IDEAS!
CHIE: (gesturing to Nakami) Ito, your talent suggests your detective skills are second-to-none. I need you to look for any clues. Maybe Monokuma hid an exit right under our noses.
NAKAMI: Oh, I… I don’t do work like that anymore, miss. But I'd be happy to-
CHIE: Then start.
NAKAMI: (nervously) I won’t let you down, ma’am!
CHIE: Masayoshi! We need you to motivate the team! A will as strong as yours is bound to increase morale!
Tsukiko froze.
Was she really going to let this opportunity slip by her? She was so close to helping those in need, and Chie was the only thing in her way. However, it was clear she wasn't going to budge.
Maybe she could speak up and try and wrestle control away. Or maybe she could break off from the team and start a new one, working alongside those who would favor her actions.
But what good would that do? She would just be butting heads with the people she wanted to help the most. And the class was tense enough as is.
Maybe, just this once, she could take the sidelines. Besides, she had a whole search to help make a difference.
TSUKIKO: You can count on me!
CHIE: You don’t have a choice.
ICHIKA: Good to hear! Now, ladies and gents, let’s move on to our neeeext group!
Before she could go any farther, Koto quickly swiped her hat.
No you don’t. If I have to listen to you ramble on again, I’m gonna kill myself.
ICHIKA: Ohohohoho! So mean, yet so true!
Observing the crowd, he slid the hat straight towards Noboru, who was leaning next to a bulletin board filled with posters.
You. Instead of sulking in the corner, how about you make yourself useful?
NOBORU: ...Not happening.
Why not? Are you shy? Or just plain stupid?
NOBORU: Say that again and I’ll claw out your throat.
Though Koto still kept his manufactured smile plastered on his face, traces of sweat rolled down the sides of it.
Fine then. I’ll do it myself.
Pulling out four slips, he glanced at them carefully before spelling out each name in big, bold letters on his device.
RYOU ISHIYAMA
ICHIKA KOBAYASHI
NORIKO MIYARA
KOTO MIKAMI
RYOU: (raising fists in the air) YES!
RYOU: (calmly) As we embark on a quest as spiritually draining as this one, I implore you all to accept me as your sage. With me at the helm, I promise to lead you all through this daunting time and discover a way to shape our own destiny.
Silence filled the group.
I’ll pass.
RYOU: WHAT!?
RYOU: I-I mean, what unease do you feel in light of this situation?
None. You just annoy me.
Ryou slumped down in defeat. Quietly, Noriko placed a hand on his shoulder.
NORIKO: It’s alright, Ryou. Just see this as a learning experience. By facing rejection, it can inspire you to cope with your negative emotions and use them to grow further as a leader.
The three looked at her, shocked by how eloquent the thug in front of them sounded. Noticing this, Noriko blushed and shyly drew her hand away.
ICHIKA: ...Say, Noriko, how would you feel as a group leader instead?
RYOU: WHAT!?
NORIKO: (shameful) I... really shouldn’t be trusted to lead an entire team. What about you two?
ICHIKA: You kidding? I couldn’t find my way out of a broom closet, let alone a place like this!
Me? Don’t even joke about that. I’d rather rip out my spleen than be in charge of a bunch of paranoid lunatics.
RYOU: T-Then if nobody’s up for it, I should lead! With me as your guide, I’ll lead you all to a future full of peace and-
Glad to see there’s no arguments.
RYOU: H-Hey!
Noriko glared at Koto, but composed herself.
NORIKO: Well, if you're really against him being in charge, I'll try my best to take his place. But I assure you this is a terrible decision.
The others seemed content. That is, except for Ryou, who crossed his arms and tried glaring at her through his perpetually-closed eyes.
RYOU: (bitterly) Sure, that’s fine…
Good. Then I can finally get rid of this stupid thing.
Without a second thought, Koto flung the hat into the crowd, landing in front of Haruto. Grabbing it, he saw the anticipation in his audience’s eyes and beamed.
HARUTO: Gather round, everyone! For these next few slips will forge together four of the most powerful beings to ever exist! Only through combining their legendary powers will it allow them to reshape their destiny and see the light of day again!
HARUTO: The characters of this piece will beeee…
He pulled out a slip.
HARUTO: The beautiful siren, whose mysterious eyes have the ability to turn those who stare longingly into them into crystal!
He pulled out a second slip.
HARUTO: The black-haired angel, who watches over the world with pity and wraps those suffering in the comfort of her wings!
He pulled out a third slip.
HARUTO: The blue-eyed speed demon, whose constant movements allow her to warp through space and time itself!
He pulled out one last strip.
HARUTO: And Benji!
BENJIRO: FOR FUCK SAKE!
NORIKO: Well, that’s one person cleared up, but what about the other three?
NAKAMI: From what I can piece together, it sounds like Haruto's talking about Asami, Yuuna, and Misao...
HARUTO: Bingo, mister! You're a grade-A detective!
NAKAMI: I-I-
ASAMI: (to her team) Now listen up! I’m taking center stage and if anyone disagrees, they can shape up, shut up, and sit the fuck down. Understand?
YUUNA: It would be a remarkable experience working under you, Miss Oshiro! I’m a huge fan! With your… determination, you’d make an amazing leader!
Asami eyed up Yuuna. Although her makeup was applied nicely, her face would look somewhat unwomanly if it was removed. Additionally, her clothes were much too modest, making her look more like a librarian than anything to do with hostessing.
ASAMI: Oh, stop it, you! You’re making me blush!
MISAO: I love your show too! Maybe someday, I can be just as pretty as you!
Asami eyed her up as well. Her silky pink hair framed her face beautifully, curving down from her head and into perfect tufts. The pink shirt and blue skirt she wore highlighted all the right curves. And her face, although light on makeup, made up for it through her naturally rosy cheeks and her long, dark eyelashes.
ASAMI: ...Who are you?
BENJIRO: Hold it! What chance does a tailor have finding a way out of here? Last time I checked, looking at clothing material isn’t nearly as helpful as hunting for the latest scoop!
ASAMI: I’m a seamstress, you peon! Besides, what’s some journalist going to-
Asami paused. She smiled, stars shining in her eyes.
ASAMI: ...You’re absolutely right, darling. Someone as smart, bold and… striking as you are would be running circles around me.
BENJIRO: W-What? S-Stop it! Aren’t you at least going to put up a fight!?
ASAMI: Nonsense, sweetie. If you really want me to make a fuss, though, then you should at least ask a bit about ourselves. I’m sure it would look dazzling on the front page of the news…
BENJIRO: G-Get lost!
MISAO: Wow! I can’t believe I’m seeing a power couple forming right in front of my eyes! This place is sooooo cool!
YUUNA: (chuckling) I guess we have our leader now! Why don't the rest of you move on to the final group?
NAKAMI: Well, I guess that leaves Saori, Haruto, Yutaka, and Noboru.
HARUTO: Yaaaaaay! I get to work with the criminal lady! What was it like killing all those people, miss?
YUTAKA: HARUTO!
Yutaka turned to Saori, who watched him with impatience. Although his voice stayed firm and serious, it was trembling as he talked.
YUTAKA: A-Anyways, it would be an honor to have you lead our team, Saori. If you ever need me to assist you, just let me know.
Saori slowly eyed up each of her teammates, one at a time. Finally, she spoke.
SAORI: So I ended up with a toddler, a dance teacher and an untrained animal. Right. If I can get any use out of you three, it’s gonna be a miracle.
She then turned around, leisurely making her way toward the door.
SAORI: If I’m doing this at all, it’s on my own. Between dealing with the bear and spending time with a bunch of potential killers, I’ll take my chances with the bear, thank you very much.
HARUTO: Nooo, come back! Without you, I’ll never be able to become a proper mass murderer!
YUTAKA: W-What are you saying, Haruto!?
Suddenly, a third voice rose from her group.
???: Where do you think you’re going?
With her attention properly grabbed, Saori turned around to see Noboru glaring at her, his arms crossed.
SAORI: You’re awfully talkative now. Why do you care so much about my well-being when you were throwing shards of glass at me minutes ago?
NOBORU: I don’t. If I’m stuck here, then so should you.
She paused, then drew a smug smile.
SAORI: Well, that’s the difference between you and me. You’re a helpless creature, herded along by what your captors tell you. I, on the other hand, have the cognition to do things on my own. Now, ta-ta.
Saori didn’t have time to move another step before Noboru slammed her to the floor, pinning her by the neck.