Chapter Text
Despair. They say when you say a word enough times it begins to lose all meaning. But somehow after all this time, despair still seemed to have just as much, if not more meaning than ever. Ironically it was hope, a word that’s not uttered nearly as much, that seems to have lost all meaning to this world. Junko Enoshima may be dead. Future Foundation may be back on its feet with new leadership, but the world was still in shambles. It would’ve been foolish to think all that violence would go away with only the death of their leader and a short video.Many sects of despair driven terrorist groups, though few and far between, still pillaged the world over. And new groups too, gaining inspiration from the preexisting sects. For all intents and purposes, they’re the Remnants of Despair now.
The easily recognizable, yet plain looking Hinata Hajime stood motionless, save for the effects of the wind on his clothes and hair, on the farthest dock of Jabberwock Island. Hajime never expected it to end that easy. He knew all too well how easily despair was spread. As did his friends. Faster than any plague known to man and once it’s got a good enough hold of you, there’s rarely ever a chance of coming back.
After helping Naegi and Future Foundation stop Mitarai from brainwashing the entire world, he and his friends used their reputations as the Super High School Despairs to take the fall for the latest tragedy. Everyone took the bait hook line and sinker. He and his friends were former ringleaders in the war against hope after all. Now Naegi has a chance. A chance to make everything right. Unfortunately, society had no place for them anymore. They’d never go back to the Despairs, but they're now seen as even worse by Future Foundation. In the end they returned to the uninhabited Jabberwock Island. There, Class 77 would live in relative peace and work towards atonement. Of course, there was one more goal Hajime had in mind. He opened his hand and stared longingly at his prized possession. A hairpin based off a famous arcade game.
“Hajime.” A familiar voice called from behind him. Hajime turned slowly to the sight of two of his classmates. The first was a finely dressed, blonde boy with an eyepatch over his right eye. The Ultimate Yakuza, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu. Beside him was a significantly less well-dressed boy in a yellow jumpsuit and bright pink hair covered by a beanie. He smiled at Hajime showing of his sharp teeth. The Ultimate Mechanic, Kazuichi Soda.
“Dude, what’re you doing here?!” Kazuichi called. “We’ve been searching the entire island for you!” He approached Hajime with Fuyuhiko following closely behind.
“Stop complaining. You didn’t have to come with.” Fuyuhiko reminded him coldly. “I would’ve been capable of finding him on my own.”
“I know... but Sonia wouldn’t stop gawking at Gundham’s ‘amazing powers’...” He said sadly. “I can’t be around her when she’s like that.”
“Gotta let it go, Kazuichi.” Hajime input. “She’s not interested.”
“I can’t help it man! There’re only two blonde babes on this whole island and one of them has the personality of a fuckin’ hornet’s nest!” Kazuichi snapped. “...although, if I absolutely had to, Mikan and Peko are also-”
“Try anything with Peko, and I’ll gut you like a fucking fish.” Fuyuhiko said immediately.
“Dude! We’re supposed to be bros!” Kazuichi snapped. “I have needs too, you know!”
“Everyone’s waiting for us at Teruteru’s.” Fuyuhiko informed Hajime, ignoring Kazuichi’s outburst. “Food’s gonna get cold. You know how annoying he gets if we let a single piece of food good to waste.” Fuyuhiko turned his head.
“Sorry.” Hajime apologized lightly. “I was just doing some thinking.” He slowly walked back towards the two as well. “Didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” The three of them made their way back to the hotel located at the far end of the island.
“What did you need to go all that way just to think about?” Fuyuhiko asked. “It’s not like you don’t have your very own cottage, you know.”
“I was thinking about our predicament. And what we’re going to have to do next.” Hajime responded calmly. “There’s still a lot that needs to be ironed out. I’ve been in contact with Naegi on possible avenues to better improve our situation here.”
“Yeah... sure does suck that we’re basically quarantined here.” Kazuichi said.
“We’ve been over this, you dumbass. If we ever went back, we be shot down on sight.” Fuyuhiko said. “Brainwashing or not... after what we did, there aren’t many people willing to keep us company anymore.”
The three boys slowly climbed up the staircase on the side of the hotel. Above them a new green neon bar sign hung above them reading ‘Teruteru’s’. As soon as they moved back into the island the chef immediately claimed the restaurant for himself. They entered slowly to the familiar sight of two of their classmates pigging out. Most of them must have left while they were searching for Hajime.
The first was an obese boy with rosy cheeks and short brown hair with a long cowlick on top forming an ahoge. He was dressed in black pants and a dark green hoodie. The Ultimate Imposter. No one really knew his name. He claims he wasn’t born with a name, so he often has people refer to him as the people he impersonates. Recently he told people to just refer to him as Imposter. He seemed to take pride in the name. He recently started to admire Makoto Naegi quite a bit so he took on the appearance of the boy for the time being.
The second was a dark-skinned girl with messy dark brown hair. Her wardrobe consisted exclusively of white button-up shirts and short red skirts. The Ultimate Gymnast, Akane Owari. “Yo! Hajime!” She called; mouth still full of food. “You’re late! All that’s left is that overly healthy shit!”
“I could make some more...” Another voice called. A short, pudgy boy in a chef’s outfit and red apron walked onto the scene, combing through his dark brown pompadour and smiling evilly. The Ultimate Cook, Teruteru Hanamura. “but it’s going to cost you. The girls all went to the beach yesterday, you wouldn’t happen to have any... especially sexy photos from then, would you?”
“How predictably indecent.” A cold voice responded. On the other side of the room a pair of blood red eyes glared holes into Teruteru through a pair of square glasses. A tall girl with long, braided, silver hair stood with her back against the wall. Attached to her back was a concealed kendo sword, strapped around her black shirt and matching skirt. The Ultimate Swordsman, Peko Pekoyama. “I assure you we made sure there were no cameras around.” She spat.
“Where’s miss Sonia? She was just here!” Kazuichi snapped searching the room desperately. “I told her to wait here until I got back! Sure she might not have been paying too much attention to me, but she was at least listening, right?!”
Peko shook her head at him. “She and Gundham left almost immediately after you ran after Fuyuhiko.” She informed him.
Hajime put a gentle hand on Kazuichi’s shoulder. “We still have our meeting at noon. You can try your luck again then.” He comforted. “But maybe you should think of... moving on.” He tried.
“We’re not Ultimate’s because we’re quitters!” Kazuichi boomed, brushing off Hajime’s hand. “I’m going to go find her right now!” He turned heel and bolted out the door.
“Oh, yeah.” The Ultimate Imposter cut in. “That’ll end well.” He continued stuffing his face. “Change his title to ‘The Ultimate Stalker’.” Hajime smiled at the scene. His friends may be eccentric, but he wouldn’t change them for the world. But... there was still one member missing... a hole in his heart that unfortunately not even his friends could fill. He shook the thought away for the moment and sat down at the table. “The salads are fine Teruteru. No need for you to do any more work.” He said with a wave of his hand.
Teruteru’s shoulders slumped. “...Actually, I would’ve rather done more work if it meant I got those pictures...” He muttered before sulking away. “...guess I’ll go clean the kitchen.”
About thirty minutes later, after everyone else had left the restaurant, Hajime slowly descended the staircase, lost in thought. Carefully taking every step, knowing he wasn’t paying full attention to his surroundings.
“You were off thinking about her again, weren’t you?” Hajime lifted his head up to the voice. At the bottom of the stairs stood another one of his classmates. Tall, lanky, and blonde hair that looked like it had never been brushed once in his life. The boy stood cross-armed, showing off his robotic arm. He was dressed in a green hoodie jacket with red markings, white undershirt and black skinny jeans. The Ultimate Lucky Student, Nagito Komaeda. A creepy, slightly twisted smile creeped across his face. “Hope is coming off in waves. It’s simply inspirational. I take it your early morning secret conference with Ms. Kirigiri and Ms. Asahina went well. Oh, how I envy you. Being able to converse with pinnacles of hope such as them!”
“...I didn’t tell you-”
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Lucky, huh?” Nagito interrupted with another smile. “And I happened to overhear a very intriguing portion of your conversation.” His smile turned into a serious look. Not a bad one, just serious. “You should’ve told us that you had something like this in mind, we could’ve helped.”
Hajime slumped down onto the final stair. “I didn’t mean to exclude anyone. No one’s talents would’ve been particularly helpful at this stage anyway. And I didn’t want to give anyone false hope.” He sighed. “But I can’t leave things as they are. Not without at least trying.”
“...False...hope?” Nagito questioned. “No such thing.” He sat down next to Hajime. “Hope is never false. And it’s never a bad thing or something to be feared. The fact that you’re supposed to be every ultimate in one bundle and you still don’t know that is absolutely disgusting.” He paused for a moment. “You know everyone else misses her, too. She was our friend, too.”
“I know. You’re right. I should’ve told you guys as soon as the plan started.” Hajime admitted. “At this point it’s hardly a secret anymore, anyway. More than half Future Foundation is aware of it. I’ll tell them later. Along with everything Kyoko and Aoi were able to tell me.”
Nagito shook his head again. “Bringing back Chiaki...” He said wistfully. “It’s amazing how the hope inside your heart causes you to reach farther than everyone else.” He gushed. “...I suppose if anyone can bring her back, it’s you. With all those ultimate talents locked up in that brain of yours, you should be able to come up with something.” He poked the side of his head for added effect. Hajime laughed and pushed the hand back towards Nagito.
“I’m surprised you’re speaking so highly of me. I thought you found me to be an unnatural freak. ‘Like the Ultimate Frankenstein’ were your words if I remember correctly.” Hajime reminded him.
Nagito turned to him and smiled. “Oh. You still disgust me.” He said in a light tone. “But if it’ll bring someone as amazing as the Ultimate Gamer back, I guess I can put up with you for a little longer.” Hajime immediately smacked Nagito upside the head and he flinched slightly. After a few seconds of stunned silence, the two both erupted into laughter.
As the laughter calmed down Nagito looked up at the sky. “...Although, doesn’t it worry you?” He asked in a sad tone. Hajime cocked his head slightly at the comment. “When you bring her back, the world won’t be the one she left behind. Only about ten percent of the world’s original population remains, the majority of them being either the despairs, or those who could resist Junko’s brainwashing and chose to fight them. Her family won’t be around anymore. Partially because of us. Are you sure, after she learns the truth, that she’ll even want to be our friend anymore?”
“You make a good point. I have no reason to believe she won’t try to kill me herself.” Hajime admitted. “And if that’s my punishment for everything I’ve done, then so be it. But I owe her this. If she decides that she’s too good for us, then I’ll accept that decision and get her a one-way trip to Future Foundation Headquarters. They could use a brain like hers. But whether that’s the outcome or not, I’m doing this.” He said with determination.
“Okay then.” Nagito said standing back up. He turned back around and looked down at Hajime. “Tell me what I can do to help.”
“You’ve already done your part.” Hajime responded. “I can’t ask any more of you.”
“What do you mean?” Nagito questioned.
“Hey!” A loud feminine voice called. “Hajime! Nagito!” On the other side of the pool two more females were waving their arms in the air. The first was a rather plain looking ginger girl in a traditional school girl uniform. The only things that stuck out about her were her bright red bowl cut and the camera strapped around her neck. The Ultimate Photographer, Mahiru Koizumi. The second was a much less traditional looking girl. A slender build, long black hair with silver streaks scattered about culminating in two horns on top of her head, piercings all over her face, bright pink eyes, and a refusal to stand still. The Ultimate Musician, Ibuki Mioda. “Everyone’s meeting up at the amusement park!” Mahiru called.
“Kazuichi finally finished fixing up the roller coaster! It’ll be Mitarai’s first time! No one ever forgets their first time! It’s always such a rush!” Ibuki added. “Come on! Even Fuyuhiko’s coming!” Ibuki bounced up and down with every word. “It’s gonna be lit!”
“I’ll tell you later.” Hajime promised. “For now, let’s go make sure they don’t kill Mitarai.”
~(Formerly) Abandoned Building~
~Noon~
After their day at the amusement park, Hajime had called the Ultimates to meet up in the dining hall in the Abandoned Building, which they had done their best to renovate with what little resources they had. Most of it just came down to reinforcing the structures that had deteriorated over the years. Hajime thought he’d be the first one in there, but to his surprise when he stepped into the room, someone was already there...sweeping. A curvy young girl with long, dark, unkept hair swaying with her motions. She was wearing a pink undershirt and matching skirt with a white apron on top. There were notable bandages wrapped around her right arm Her face looked like she had been sweating quite a bit. The Ultimate Nurse, Mikan Tsumiki. The meek girl quickly took note of Hajime’s presence. “Ah! Hajime!”
“Mikan?” He questioned. “What are you doing?”
“Oh! Hiyoko kindly reminded me that no one would talk to me if I let them walk in here without first doing some cleaning.” She smiled. “So, I got here a while ago to prepare.”
Hajime sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mikan, no one cares if there’s a little bit of dust here and there.” He walked over and snatched the broom out of Mikan’s grasp causing her to shriek. Hajime threw the broom up against the wall behind him. “You can’t let Saionji keep bullying you around like that. You’re the Ultimate Nurse. Show some spirit!”
“I’m terribly sorry!” Mikan quickly bowed respectfully.
“See? That’s what I’m talking about.” He sighed. “I know you’re the Ultimate Nurse and I’m not, but are you sure you’ve got a backbone in there?”
“Of course, she doesn’t! And I was not bullying her!” A childish voice called. Another girl stood in the doorway. Not nearly as developed as Mikan, A short blond girl in an orange traditional festival kimono grinned maliciously. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into one long ponytail. “It’s just a little bit of hazing. So, she did a little extra work? She could use the exercise. Have you seen those thighs?” The Ultimate Traditional Dancer, Hiyoko Saionji giggled to herself.
“We’ve known each other for years,” Another voice added as a second figure entered the room. A young-looking boy with short blonde hair and heavy bags under his eyes took a single step inside and stopped. He was dressed in a professional black business tux and matching pants. The Ultimate Animator, Ryota Mitarai. “Should you really still be hazing after all this time? It does sound kinda like bullying.”
“Oh, what do you know, you ugly shut-in?” She said waving him off. “You can’t know how friendship between girls works, you’ve probably never even talked to one!”
“But... I’m talking to you...” Mitarai said softly.
Peko suddenly appeared and placed her hands on Mitarai’s shoulders. She gave him a gentle push forward. “Maybe it’s best if you just drop it.” She advised. As she continued into the room, Fuyuhiko, Nagito, and Ibuki followed closely behind.
“Who cares what she thinks, anyway?” Fuyuhiko added. “Not like she’s the late fuckin’ Queen of England of anything.” He scoffed. “She’s just a washed up nobody like the rest of us.”
“Why are you guys always so mean to me...” Saionji’s eyes watered up and her head fidgeted ever so slightly. “What did I ever do to you?”
“Hiyoko!” Mahiru pushed her way through the crowd quickly and came to a stop in front of Saionji. “Why are you crying?!” She turned back to the crowd. “Well?!” She questioned pointing an accusatory finger at the group.
“For Christ’s sake.” Fuyuhiko rolled his eyes and turned away. “I’m not going to stand here and get lectured by you again.”
As he went to leave the room. A massive figure appeared in the doorway blocking his path. The massive boy was about as muscular as one could be. His black hair had been slicked back, his face had several vertical scars, and his blue eyes roared with intensity. He wore a black collared jacket and white undershirt and also donned a large chain, wearing it like a necklace. Attached to the chain was a whistle, fitting for the Ultimate Team Manager, Nekomaru Nidai. “Guys! We’ve got a huge problem on our hands!” Nekomaru shouted at the top of his lungs.
“What’s wrong?!” Mikan panicked.
“I just took the most wicked shit ever! It took like three hours!” Nekomaru roared. Beside him Fuyuhiko facepalmed. “The toilet in my cottage is completely trashed! What if I have to shit!?”
“You just did!” Saionji snapped. “Stop interrupting!”
“Amazing how fast the waterworks go away when someone interrupts your performance.” Nagito commented. “You’ll never reach your hope’s full potential if you let a little noise get to you like that.”
“Pitiful mortals.” A deep voice called. Nekomaru moved out of the way, making room for a grey skinned man to make his entrance. Much like Nekomaru, he was decked in a black collared shirt and a normal white tee underneath. Unlike the former, however, his long purple scarf covered most of the white undershirt and his black, streaked hair was combed over on both sides. As a wicked smile crept across his mouth, four hamsters popped out of his pockets and assembled on the shoulders of the Ultimate Breeder, Gundham Tanaka. “We have since evolved past the need for a digestive process. Just one of the many ways we’re superior to the many inhabitants of this realm.”
“Wow, that’s so amazing Gundham!” A young, regally dressed girl followed closely behind him. Her long blonde hair flowing behind. Her blonde hair was topped with a black bow and her uniform was topped with a special piece of Jewelry cementing her former status of princess. Not just any princess, the Ultimate Princess, Sonia Nevermind. “I would’ve never guessed you’d possess that kind of advanced physiology!”
“You can’t just believe everything he says!” Kazuichi snapped appearing as well. “He’s human! Of course, he has a digestive system! I saw him come out of the bathroom yesterday!”
“Fool. I was not defecating. If I told you what I was really doing in there, your mortal mind would never be able to comprehend it! Your mind would be forever shattered from the unsolvable mystery!” Gundham snapped back.
“Ooooh.” Ibuki’s eyes lit up with excitement. She started jumping up and down in one spot hyper-actively. “Tell me! Tell me! I want to know what a shattered mind feels like!” She pleaded.
Slowly, Teruteru, Akane, and Impostor entered the room as well, completing the collection of Ultimates. “So, Hajime,” Akane said digging at her teeth. “What’d you want. Make it snappy it’s almost time for second lunch.” She droned.
“I called you guys here to talk. More specifically, to tell you that our class reunion isn’t complete yet. There’s one more.” Hajime extended his arm out and opened up his palm to reveal Chiaki’s old Galaga hairpin. “And it’s finally time. Initially I thought that she would just have to live on in our memories but... new evidence has come up.”
“Hajime...” Peko said carefully. “We’d all like nothing more than to have her back. But she’s not like us. We died in a virtual world. A lot easier to rectify than here in reality.”
“Besides,” Mahiru added. “She’s already six feet under, remember? We’ve all visited her memorial more than once. You want us to go desecrating the grave of a friend?”
“By now, she has no doubt crossed the fiery River Styx. No one can return to this realm from the other side.” Gundham input. “The sacred scrolls wrote that rule eons before you pitiful humans began to inhabit this plane.”
“You’d all be right... if Chiaki had actually been buried at her memorial.” Hajime cut in. “But she wasn’t. In fact, no one’s buried there. It’s an empty grave.” He explained.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up nutcase.” Akane cut in. “What do you mean ‘she’s not buried there’? How do you know that? If you went and dug up her grave on a hunch, I’ll fuckin tear your head off your body right now!”
“We all saw it!” Sonia consented. “We all watched her...” She crunched her eyes shut to keep the tears from falling out. “We watched her die.” She said with a straight face. “And I will not dishonor her memory by continuing this conversation any further!”
He expected push-back. Actually, he’d been expecting quite a bit more now that he thought about it. “Hear me out. It’s Junko.” Hajime said. “It was her doing.”
Fuyuhiko groaned. “I thought we all agreed to never talk about that dirty fucking cunt ever again!” He snapped. “If you keep talking about her or her fucking sister, I’m out of here!”
“I wouldn’t talk about her if I didn’t have to.” He promised. “But this is about Chiaki. Memories have been slowly resurfacing ever since leaving the Neo World Program. Memories of my time as Izuru before meeting up in Towa City. One showed very recently. Chiaki’s not dead. She’s not alive, but she’s not dead.”
“That might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Ibuki quipped. “And Ibuki's heard a lot of dumb shit! Most of it said by me!”
“Dumb or not, it’s true.” Hajime insisted. “After her death, Junko took her body to a secret room saying ‘It’s for future projects.’. Besides that little bit, my memory is still a little blank, but from what I can guess, it was a backup plan in case any of you broke from your ‘programming’. Think about it. What’s our catalyst? The moment all hope became lost?”
“My memories during my time as a remnant are still pretty clouded. But they’re consistently clear up until... Chiaki’s death.” Peko spoke up.
“Exactly.” Hajime confirmed. “You all were fine until you saw that footage. So, it makes sense that she would need Chiaki to replicate it in case any of you came to your senses.”
“And by ‘you’...” Nagito started. “you’re referring specifically to our class. Minus Mitarai, of course, since he got away.” He guessed. “She had the entire world in her palm, why would she need a special plan just for us?” He questioned, meeting Hajime’s gaze. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“Who cares?! Chiaki’s alive!” Nekomaru cheered. He practically tore the door to the room off the hinges. “What the hell are we waiting for!?”
“It’s a little early to be getting our hopes up.” Sonia commented, stopping Nekomaru in his tracks. “As much as it pains me to point out, all this happened over a year ago, and we have no idea what Junko was up to while we were off wreaking havoc. It would not surprise me if she abandoned her plan halfway through because she got bored.”
“C-Chiaki was a good friend...” Mikan continued. “...a-and we failed her. D-Don’t we owe it to her to at least try?” She said softly. Mikan shook nervously. She didn’t like countering someone as popular as Sonia.
“Try what?” Kazuichi deadpanned. “Hajime got some Ultimate Necromancer talent locked up in his head, there?” He spat. “The world’s got enough problems, we don’t need a zombie apocalypse to top it off.”
“You sound like you don’t care at all!” Hiyoko snapped. She scoffed at him. “She was too good for you, anyway. You’re just a heartless stalker after all!”
“Yeah, you're right! Maybe she is too good for me!” Kazuichi barked back. His back hit the wall and he slumped himself down onto the floor. “We just stood by and let her die, damn it. We should’ve done something! She’s too good for all of us!” He said softly. “Wherever she is now, she’s better off there than with us.”
Suddenly Cham-P appeared from behind Kazuichi’s shoulder and scratched him with his tiny claws, grabbing his attention. “Only a mindless fool would blame themselves for that which is beyond their own agency.” Gundham said. Kazuichi looked up to see Gundham looking down at him with the familiar intense glare as usual. He slowly offered his hand to Kazuichi. “Devastation is all that awaits such paths.” Kazuichi gave a small smile and grabbed his hand and allowed Gundham to help him to his feet.
“Thanks Tanaka.” Kazuichi said once he had regained his stability.
“You never answered my question.” Nagito reminded Hajime. “Why did she care so much about us, specifically?”
“Admittedly, I have no clue as to why either, but I’ve been talking to the 78th survivors. Specifically, Asahina, Naegi, and Kirigiri.”
“Why?” Mahiru asked.
“Because Kirigiri is the Ultimate Detective. She can solve any case we give her, every hunch she’s ever had has been correct.” Hajime explained. “She thinks the reason we were secretly so important to Junko has something to do with the fact that we weren’t among the followers who committed mass suicide after her death.”
Fuyuhiko scoffed. “Yeah. We went with the self-mutilation instead. Lucky us.” He droned. “Look, I don’t give a shit about Kirigiri or whoever. What does this have to do with Chiaki? Where is she?”
“I... don’t know. Sonia was right about one thing; we were out of the picture for a long time. All I know is that she’s out there somewhere.” Hajime admitted. “Which is why I have to go find her.”
“This has to be a trick.” Imposter spoke up. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and shook his head. “Junko’s last hurrah, maybe? Chiaki can’t be alive. It’s way too convenient.” He turned back to Hajime. “Don’t you think?”
“Not convenient.” Hajime said in disagreement. “Luck. To be specific two doses of Ultimate Luck.”
“...Ah.” Nagito said. “So that’s what you meant.”
“Luck?!” Gundham gawked. “You would bank all your misguided logic on luck? Luck alone cannot change the flow of life and death! Only, I, the dark lord, can incite the ancient forbidden ritual required!”
“Then do it, you fucking hack!” Fuyuhiko challenged heatedly, pointing an accusatory finger at the breeder. “Make yourself useful for once and bring her back!”
“As I said, It. Is. Forbidden!” Gundham snapped. “Would you require me to retrieve Pandora’s Box and pry it open as well?!”
“Why would a panda need a box?” Ibuki asked, intrigued. “They don’t even have opposable thumbs!”
“Oh my God, I can feel myself getting dumber.” Fuyuhiko said rubbing his open hand across his face in frustration. Peko put her hands gently onto his shoulders offering to leave and get some ice water for him. She knew better than anyone he didn’t mean it, but one’s mood does tend to go south whenever someone utters ‘Junko’.
“I know it seems farfetched, but think about it. Nagito’s the Ultimate Lucky Student and I’ve been altered to harbor the potential for every ultimate talent known to man, including luck.” Hajime said. “I was there when she was impaled, and she was your class rep., putting her in direct contact with Nagito.”
“So, you’re saying that somehow all Nagito’s luck rubbed off onto Chiaki. That combined with you being at her death scene in your altered state forced a road to lead to this specific outcome.” Peko said slowly. “The idea has very little merit. Excluding your memory, it’s all conjecture.”
“It’s more than conjecture,” Mahiru pointed out. “It’s a huge risk. If she is alive, will you even be able to help her? Would anyone even let you take her back here? You might be captured immediately.”
“For an ass as fine as hers, I’m willing to risk it!” Teruteru exclaimed. “Of course, after I save her, she’ll owe me several favors. Special favors.” Blood started trickling down his nose as he continued to babble the same two words over and over. Something inside Hajime said to pummel him, but he pushed the thought back.
“Yeah, you’re definitely not going, Teru.” Hajime said immediately. A look of heartbreak came across Teruteru’s face, but it was short-lived. Gone almost as quick as it came. Probably because he’s been shot down so many times before. “I’m going alone.” Hajime clarified. “Mahiru’s right. There’s no way the mainland has forgotten us that quickly. The more people who go, the more danger we’ll be in. I called this meeting so I could let you guys know. Future Foundation’s sending a ferry this evening.”
Everyone began exchanging glances. “And what if we refuse to let you go alone?” Akane spoke up. “I’m not sure I really understand everything, but if there’s a chance Chiaki’s alive...”
“This could be part of the atonement we’ve been looking for.” Gundham finished. “The resurrection of the 77th ambassador would quell the despaired atmosphere surrounding us. I nominate myself to go. Obviously, no one is more fit than I, Gundham Tanaka!”
“What are you going to do? Fight them with your dumb mice?” Hiyoko snapped. “Clearly we need reliable people. Not barn house crackpots. So obviously Mahiru and I are going... and maybe Peko...”
“I said I’m going alone.” Hajime reiterated sternly. “The more of us who go along, the worse off we’ll be. That’s just the reality of the situation we’re in.” Hajime sighed. “I’d bring you all, but Future Foundation barely even agreed to let one of us go on this mission. If we push it, they may cancel the whole thing and redirect their attention. Then we’ll never find Chiaki.”
“...Then we’ll leave it to you.” Nagito said, giving Hajime a warm smile. “If...” He added. “you promise not to come back without her.” Everyone was reluctant at first, but one by one they slowly gave their remarks of agreement. “You’ve got all our talents, anyway. We’d just be in your way.”
“Don’t say that.” Hajime said immediately. “I don’t want you guys thinking I think I’m more capable or anything, it’s just...only one of us can go, and... Chiaki...”
“All right, we get it.” Fuyuhiko stopped him. “Do whatever you want, Romeo.”
XXXXX
Hajime stood on the same dock as before as a medium-sized ship came to a slow stop in front of the perch. A small ramp descended and Hajime steeled himself at the following sight. The ones picking him up weren’t any of the survivors, it must have been other members of the Foundation. Two beefy members, not as big as Nekomaru, but still able to break him like a twig, dressed in black suits and sunglasses approached Hajime. Hajime immediately noticed that one of the guards held a large taser in his left hand and was making no attempt to hide it. As expected, he wasn’t trusted.
“Izuru Kamakura?” The first said in a deep, gruff voice.
“Just call me Hajime.” Hinata replied, giving his best smile. “Thanks for this, by the way. It means a lot to everyone here.”
The second guard leaned forward and stared Hajime straight in the eyes with an overly intense aura surrounding him. “Listen here, Remnant. We don’t give a frog’s fat ass if you monsters are happy. I’d kill you right now, but we’re doing this because Ms. Kirigiri asked us to.” He growled. “You’ll board our ship, then you won’t speak, you won’t bother us, and above all you won’t touch a thing.”
Hajime couldn’t exactly blame them for their hostility, but it didn’t mean he was happy about it. “Understood.” Hajime agreed. He could hear Kamakura in the back of his mind begging to let him tear the guard to shreds. “Just get me to Kirigiri and Naegi and I’ll take it-” He was interrupted when a strong grip grasped his shirt collar and effortlessly lifted him off the ground. He was quickly met with the intense stare.
“I know you’re not telling me what to do, Remnant.” He hissed. His glare deepened and he pulled Hajime closer. “I’ll get you there. But no one said anything about you having to get there in one piece. You Remnants are a violent bunch after all-” He was cut off by a bone from a large piece of meat smacking him in the forehead. His group loosened up and he dropped Hajime, who landed gracefully back onto the ground as the larger man stumbled backwards.
The guards and Hajime looked back to see Akane standing a considerable length away. She had a second piece of meat on the bone in her right hand and she violently tore a piece off the bone with her teeth. “Don’t get handsy, boys.” She growled through chews. “We don’t want to have a little scuffle, do we?” Nekomaru quickly appeared behind her cracking his knuckles loudly.
One of the guards took a step forward to engage the two, but a katana rolled through the air, before piercing the ground in front of his foot, stopping him in his tracks. He turned to the source to find Peko drawing two more katanas and pointing them towards him. “I would recommend you stay where you are. I have two more.”
The guard scoffed. “Come on, bro. We can take these crooks.” As he spoke, he turned to his ‘brother’ to find he had gained many pounds in fat in little more than a minute. He quickly realized this wasn’t his brother and took up a fighting stance. “Where’d you get that costume?! How long have you been standing there?!” He demanded. Imposter stepped out of the way and revealed Fuyuhiko standing with one foot on top of the hog-tied body of his brother.
“Just long enough for me to restrain twinkle-toes here.” Fuyuhiko bragged, not even bothering to look at the man. “Seriously, are they just so short on applicants that they have to take even the dumbest of people? Do they even train you? Because I think they should’ve left you fuckers in the oven for fifteen more minutes.”
“What do you bastards want?!” The guard screamed.
“Want?” Nagito’s voice questioned from behind them. The guard turned around to see Nagito standing on the ferry with a warm smile on his face and Kazuichi bearing his sharp teeth next to him. Nagito chuckled a little. “We don’t want anything. Not like you’re thinking.” He answered.
Kazuichi nodded. “Despair’s not really our thing anymore, but that doesn’t mean we’re just going to let you push around one of our own. So as soon as you calm down, we’ll untie your brother and they can be on their way.”
“What do you mean, 'they’?” The guard demanded.
“Oh, yeah. Change of plans.” Nagito clasped his hands together. “I’m coming with you three! Don’t worry, I’m not here to fight or anything, I just feel like Hajime could use a little backup, that’s all.”
“Out of the question!”
“Dude, come on.” Akane droned. “This is only half of us, we haven’t broken a sweat, and you’ve already lost. Just let Nagito go with you voluntarily.”
The guard gritted his teeth. “Or...” Peko added sheathing her sword behind her back. “Nagito and Hajime could just take the ship, and you two can be our guests until they get back. Just you two and the rest of our group.” She smirked. “The choice is ultimately yours.”
“I’ve double-checked the ferry for anything out of the ordinary.” Kazuichi added happily. “Besides being a piece of junk, there’s no sign of any foul play.” He reported. “Set up some hidden cameras and a tracker, too. In case they try to ditch you somewhere.”
“How dare you-”
“Don’t get your undies in a twist. They’re not permanent. Just have someone contact me once you get there and I’ll give them the code to disable them.” He informed them. He stepped off the ferry and walked casually toward Peko, joining her side. “Until then, I wouldn’t touch them. The cameras are rigged to explode if they’re moved.”
“This wasn’t part of the deal!” The guard snapped.
“I’m sure Mr. Naegi won’t mind.” Nagito shrugged. “The kindness of an Ultimate is unrivaled by anyone.” He turned around and walked toward the front of the ship. “Now, let’s go. I would hate to keep someone as amazing as Mr. Naegi waiting.”
“Guess we’re both stuck with him.” Hajime shrugged giving the guard a smug grin. “Best to just roll with it. Bad things tend to happen when you fight with Nagito.” He boarded the ship carefully and took a seat on one of the built in benched next to Nagito, who was already in a relaxed position.
Fuyuhiko slowly released the knots confining the second guard, one by one. “Try anything, and I’ll tie you up with your intestines next.” He warned. The guard gave him a side glare before sulking off onto the ship, too.
“I’ll remember this, remnants.” The first guard hissed. “If I ever see any of you again, it’ll be the last time anyone hears from you, I promise.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Akane said dismissively. She watched the last person retreat to the safety of the ferry. “Hey! Remember! You can’t come back unless you’ve got Chiaki! That goes for you too now, Nagito!”
“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Hajime promised.
Peko watched contently as the ferry sailed away. “Exploding cameras is a bit overboard don’t you think?” Peko asked turning towards Kazuichi.
“Oh, they don’t actually explode.” Kazuichi said waving his hand at her. “On those rocky waves, if they were wired to explode, they would’ve by now. But those guards don’t seem to be the critical thinking types.”
“Oh right! Kazuichi! I need a favor from you!” Nekomaru said. “My toilet got trashed again earlier. Think you can work some of your mechanical magic to fix it up for me?”
“No way man!” Kazuichi snapped. “You had me do the same thing two weeks ago, and after I was done, I smelled so bad, Miss Sonia wouldn’t let me anywhere near her for five days straight!” He ranted.
“That is odd.” Peko commented. “I do not recall you smelling any differently than normal.” She remembered. “Nor did I hear anyone else mention it.”
“Don’t get involved, Peko.” Fuyuhiko told her.
Meanwhile back on Future Foundation’s ferry, the two guards grumbled as the marched past the booth Nagito and Hajime were sharing. Within moments, the loud sound of the engine could be heard, and before the two knew it, they could no longer see the hopeful faces of their friends.
“So... what made you change your mind?” Hajime asked turning to the half-asleep Nagito. “You all agreed that it’d be best if I went alone. Why the sudden coup?”
“Something you said bothered us. Admittedly I’m not smart enough to have noticed it, but luckily Sonia and Peko were able to figure it out.” Nagito explained.
“What do you mean?”
“You said you ‘have the potential’ for every ultimate talent known to mankind, not that you ‘had’ every ultimate talent known to mankind.” He clarified. “I think there’s something you’ve been hiding from us. You may have all that potential, but something happened, didn’t it?”
Hajime chuckled. “I should really have planned out that speech more.” He cursed. “Yeah, even though I’ve got every talent, I don't think I could actually hold a candle to anyone who specializes in just one field. I’ve already found that I can cook, but I’m not a chef like Teru, and I can fix a broken car, but Kazuichi still uses terms I’m not familiar with. On top of that, since melding with Izuru, my normality seems to have weakened his potential. That’s why it was so important that your luck was incorporated too. Mine’s not as potent, so to speak.”
“I knew it.” Nagito said calmly. “There’s no way you can manufacture a hope that strong that way. It’s unnatural.”
“So, that’s really the only reason you came with me? Because you found out about my limitations?” Hajime asked. “...There has to be more.”
Nagito sighed. “Well, because you mentioned it... if I’m being honest, I only told the others that reason to stop them from coming too. If I had told them the real reason, they would’ve insisted they come with.”
“Which was?” Hajime prodded. Nagito sat in silence for a minute, but Hajime wasn’t going to let it slide. “We’ve got a long trip ahead of us.” Hajime reminded him. “Might as well tell me now, so I don’t have to annoy you all the way there.”
“I just... haven’t forgiven myself.” Nagito admitted. “I know it was brainwashing and all, but how could I be okay with all this? I watched Chiaki die, and then immediately committed atrocities like a maniac. Then Mr. Naegi risks his neck to save us, and I go and screw that up too. I started the killing game myself, just like Junko wanted.” He held out his metallic arm in front of himself and stared at it sadly. “It’s always me that screws it up. So, I made a decision. If I couldn’t make myself useful just this once and save Chiaki, then I didn’t deserve to be with the rest of you on Jabberwock. I think for all my good luck in insignificant places, I somehow have the worst luck when it really matters.”
“Wow.” Hajime said. “I’m not used to seeing you be... heartfelt. Usually, it’s non sequitur after non sequitur followed by a hope speech.” Hajime admitted. “I had no idea you felt like that. But that luck is yours. If you think it’s not good enough, nurture it until it is,”
“How do you nurture a useless talent like luck?” Nagito spat. “If I were Akane, I could work out, if I were Mikan, I could study, but I’m not. I have luck. Shit just happens with me.”
‘Maybe you just need a change a view. That attitude stinks.’ Hajime thought.
XXXXX
In a matter of hours, the ferry had brought the four passengers to their destination. From there the four of them boarded a readied helicopter bearing the Foundations logo. In just less than one more hour, one of the guards they’d been traveling with announced they’d be landing. Contrary to what both of them believed, they weren’t arriving at Future Foundation’s headquarters. The helicopter’s rotors came to a slow stop as the landing skids plopped onto the ground below. Hajime and Nagito both jumped out the hangar onto the ruined grass patches below them.
“This isn’t the Future Foundation headquarters.” Nagito commented.
“How perceptive.” They were instantly met with a cold glare from a younger looking boy. A tall, sharply dressed, blonde boy with square glasses shielding his condescending eyes. He was dressed in a black business tuxedo and fancy black laceless shoes. The true Ultimate Affluent Progeny, Byakuya Togami. “Do you honestly think that you’d survive for a second at our headquarters?” He inquired emotionless. “Where are Ryunosuke and Mimura?”
The two shamefully shuffled out of the helicopter with their head hung low, refusing to meet Byakuya’s eyes. “...Right here boss.” The first guard, Mimura, responded.
“Good. We have to meet up with Makoto and Kyoko in ten. Stay here and watch my helicopter. If there’s a single scratch when I get back, I’ll dispose of you both myself.” Byakuya threatened. The two were surprised that they weren’t getting lectured for not following orders, and their faces clearly showed it. “Wipe those looks off your faces. For God’s sake, you’re supposed to be professionals.” He snapped. “Now, follow me you two.” He led them down a path away from the two guards.
“I’m really sorry about Nagito.” Hajime spoke up. “I know you said to come alone, but it just kind of happened.” He explained. “I understand if you’re upset with me.”
“And you didn’t even lecture those idiots for letting it happen.” Nagito added. “Truly, you’ve shown the kindness necessary in order to be a true pillar of hope, Mr. Togami.” He gushed.
“Will you shut up? Stop that incessant babbling, you freak.” Togami shot back. “This is about your classmate. It would’ve been ridiculous of me to believe Hajime would really come alone. I’m surprised it’s only two of you. I expected at least ten.”
“Where are we, anyway?” Hajime asked. “It looks deserted. What’s it got to do with Chiaki?”
“We’re here.” Byakuya said, stopping in his tracks. “All the answers you’re looking for are here.” Both Hajime and Nagito looked up at the scenery. They’d been here before. Many times. It was only due to the state of the world that they hadn’t recognized it sooner. They looked up at the towering buildings standing before them. It was taller than most buildings left nowadays and in much better shape than most. There was also a familiar logo plastered on the front of the building, confirming that they were indeed back at the original Hope’s Peak Academy.
“You brought us back to Hope’s Peak?” Hajime questioned. “Why?” Ever since learning how the school took advantage of him, Hajime had made a personal oath not to return. Ever. All that was left here was bad memories anyways. Or at least, that’s what he thought. But if Byakuya brought him here...
“Because you want answers.” The three turned around to find two more figures had joined them. The first being a slender, Caucasian female with long silver-purple hair, half braided, and dressed in a collared purple vest, white undershirt, and orange tie. Her stoic, purple eyes felt like they could stare straight into your soul. A talent than no doubt came in handy for the Ultimate Detective, Kyoko Kirigiri. “This is where you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
“And we’re here to help you guys out.” The second figure was a shaggy-hair brunette male of the same age dressed in a black suit and orange tie, with black dress pants. His face was recognized all over the world as the Ultimate Hope, Makoto Naegi. Makoto pulled out a small remote and clicked the only button on it causing a large creaking sound to emit from the academy. The large metal door slowly split apart. Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya wasted no time taking off for the entrance. “Come on. We’ll explain on the way.”
“Be sure to wear these at all times.” Byakuya said, handing them both masks made of plastic and rubber. “Ever since the death of Enoshima, the air inside the school has become intoxicated. Prolonged exposure, even with the masks, could end with serious side effects. The masks give us some time, but not a lot.” Hajime and Nagito both donned the masks they were given.
“Which is why, this is an in and out job.” Kyoko added. “No dillydallying. And don't do anything to implicate yourselves specifically. Future Foundation thinks it's just Makoto, Byakuya, and I here, and I shouldn't need to explain why it needs to stay that way.”
Hajime nodded and followed the three closely. Nagito waited a few moments before mirroring their movements, many yards away from the rest of them. Kyoko led them down one of the many hallways of their old school. It was weird. Hajime should’ve been able to remember the mapping of the school, but it all seemed like another life now. “So, Chiaki’s here?” Hajime asked hopefully.
“That... remains to be determined.” Byakuya answered. “What we do know, is that if Junko really is the cause of it, then there’s no other place your friend could be.” He said calmly.
“Junko was a student just like the rest of us, after all.” Kirigiri added. “She never had a secret lair, or a hideout. All her crimes were committed while she was within these walls. From the point of the tragedy to her death, she never left the academy grounds. Even if she was a criminal before coming to Hope’s Peak, she never met your friend until after she was scouted.”
“Which means logically... there’s no other place Junko could’ve stashed her.” Hajime deduced. “It makes sense, but weren’t you and the rest of your original class locked in here after the Tragedy? Did you ever see her or anyone else around?”
“No. But that doesn’t mean all is lost.” Makoto cut in. “There are levels of the school Junko had blocked off and never gave us access to. Once we beat her, there was no real reason to search them, so we just left.”
“But” Kirigiri added. “If Junko blocked them off and never lifted the restrictions, it begs the question, what’s there that she didn’t want us finding?”
“Is your friend okay?” Byakuya spoke suddenly. Hajime turned to Byakuya and then looked back to Nagito who was still keeping his distance, following silently and refusing to make eye contact with any of them. “He must be up to something with mannerisms like those.”
“Hey, Komaeda!” Makoto shouted creating a funnel around his mouth. “You okay?! Do you need us to slow down for you?!” His voice continued down the corridor into Nagito’s ears. He looked up with a very conflicted look on his face. Like he really wanted to talk, but for some reason, couldn’t.
“What is his damage?” Kyoko asked. “I had heard that he was overbearingly eccentric. I did not expect... this. Is he anxious?”
“No, he’s a weirdo. I assure you.” Hajime promised. “I’ve seen this before. Byakuya told him to shut up. He won’t say anything more until Byakuya gives him permission to.”
“Can he teach others to do that?” Byakuya asked immediately. “Could be useful in my daily life.”
“No... it’s just because of how much he respects you guys. He’ll listen to whatever you say because you’re symbols of hope. It’s an obsession. Or possibly a kink.” Hajime explained.
Byakuya scoffed. “I suppose I’d rather intimidate people into submission instead. Komaeda! You may speak again!”
A delighted smile came onto Nagito’s face, and he quickly closed the gap between him and the others. “Thank you very much, Mr. Togami. And I’m terribly sorry about ignoring you Mr. Naegi. I wanted to answer you, but scum like me has no place defying the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. I would kill myself right now, but I wouldn’t do such a despair-inducing action in front of you guys.”
“You are a strange man, Komaeda.” Kyoko commented.
“I only wish the others could be here as well. I know it’s selfish of me, but to be able to meet the Ultimate Swimming Pro, the Ultimate Clairvoyant, and the Ultimate Writing Prodigy... I might’ve actually cried.”
“Don’t.” Byakuya said immediately. “If you start crying, we leave you behind.” He threatened. Byakuya continued to lead them to the very end of the long hallway. At the end, there was a barred gate blocking off a downward spiral staircase leading to an unexplored floor. The group came to a stop in front of the gate. “This is what we’re looking for.” He stated. “According to the blueprints we found in Junko’s study, there’s a single room at the bottom of this staircase. It’s one of the only rooms left unexplored, and the only one big enough to be of any significance to our cause.”
Nagito looked up at the ceiling where the bars connected to the building. “Hey check it out.” He said pointing to the ceiling. Everyone followed his gaze to the ceiling as he continued. “The bars are welded to the ceiling.”
“There’s no track here on the floor, either.” Kyoko said as she knelt. “It’s welded here as well. This isn’t a gate. It was never even meant to be opened. More like a barrier.” She deduced. “Which means that whatever’s down there really is important.”
“But if there’s no way to open the gate, how’d Junko move in and out of the room? If there’s something important down there, surely she’d need access to it.” Makoto commented.
“There’s probably a secret passageway somewhere.” Kyoko guessed, standing back up. “One only she knew about. This barrier must just be a red herring meant to confuse us.”
“So now we have to search the entire school for a secret passageway?” Nagito asked.
“Stand back.” Kyoko ordered. As everyone else took a few steps back, Kyoko pulled out a small laser pointer from his pocket. “I just got this from the Foundation Research Lab yesterday, but they said there’s a fifteen percent chance it could explode if I try to use it.”
“Kyoko! You can’t!” Makoto snapped. “It’s too dangerous!”
“Don’t worry. The explosion will only be big enough to take out a couple fingers at most.” She said stoically. Without hesitation she activated the laser pointer and a small beam shot into the bars. She dragged the laser across the length of the barrier in the shape of a rectangle.
“What is that?” Hajime asked. “A laser?”
“Yes.” Kyoko answered. The beam came to a stop at the bottom left corner of the barrier. “The center burns at around fifty-five hundred degrees Celsius.” The laser died down and Kyoko made through the heated air and grabbed onto the bars and pulled out a single bar. She tossed the bar off to the side and grabbed the next one. She continued until there was a considerable length cut out between the top of the bars and the bottom, creating an entrance for them. “There. Watch your step.” She warned before stepping over the remainders of the bars on the floor.
Hajime quickly followed behind her without question. He didn’t notice it himself, but he was rushing so much, that he even passed Kyoko on the stairs. He came to a halt in front of a red and white door with the shape of Monokuma’s eye painted on it in red. “This must be it.” Hajime said in a hushed tone. He looked at the keyhole and paused. As the other four stopped behind him, Hajime turned and looked over his shoulder. “Kyoko, you got a hair pin?”
“Yes...” Kyoko answered. “Why?”
“Let me see it.” Hajime demanded. Kyoko faltered for a moment before removing her hairpin and handing it over to Hajime. Hajime stuck the hairpin into the lock and in just a second a loud clicking sound echoed through the staircase. Hajime shoved the door open brashly. “Say thank you to the Ultimate Escape Artist, Kebu Kaito.”
The five Ultimates stepped through the door into a much more spacious room. It wasn’t as varied in its contents as all the other rooms. There was only one type of item in the room, but it was filled to the brim with the item. Stasis tubes. Many, Many, stasis tubes. Hajime scanned the room. There had to be at least fifty of them. “What the hell?” Hajime gasped. He approached the stasis tube closest to him and scanned it closely. “It’s labeled. ‘The Ultimate VFX Editor’.” He looked into the tube and saw and tall, blonde girl dressed in the Hope’s Peak Academy uniform peacefully sleeping inside, suspended in mid-air. She was surrounded by some weird green liquid.
“A student?” Makoto asked. “What’s a student doing here?” He asked. “And an Ultimate, no less.”
“There’s another one over here!” Kyoko called from across the room. The pods were aligned in single file lines all across the length of the room. “Another Ultimate!” Kyoko looked over the panel on top of the front of the pod. “But these readings... indicate he’s dead. His pulse meter is reading at zero.” Kyoko said. She lowered her head. “We’re too late.”
“Well, this one’s alive!” Hajime reported looking back to the Ultimate VFX Editor. “Pulse rate of sixty-eight over one hundred.” He mentally thanked Mikan for her talent before moving on.
“So... some are alive, and some aren’t?” Byakuya asked out loud. “Why only some?”
“I don’t know.” Kyoko said. She got back to her feet and looked around. “But the answer wasn’t in Junko’s study, which means some records must be in this room somewhere.” She spoke. “Hajime and Nagito, I want you both to take an aisle. I want a headcount on how many of these people are still alive.” Hajime and Nagito nodded and began scanning each panel he came across. “Byakuya, contact Future Foundation. We’re going to need a bigger ride home.” The heir scoffed before pulling out his cell phone. “Makoto, let’s see if we can find any information on these pods.”
Hajime continued down the line. Dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. Alive. Dead. Dead. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed something familiar out of the corner of his eye. One of the captives... her hair was familiar. He immediately disregarded the stasis pod he was investigating and moved on to the next one. He took his place in front of the tube and scanned the character inside. A girl of around five and a half feet with long silver blonde, shoulder length hair and clear white skin. She had a small smile on her face as she bobbed up and down ever so slightly in the pod. “Chiaki...” Hajime whispered. His eyes shot open after a terrible thought crossed his mind. “Please. Please. Please.” He scanned the panel. “Don’t be dead. Don’t be dead. Don’t be dead.”
‘The Ultimate Gamer’
‘Chiaki Nanami’
‘Pulse : 75/100’