Work Text:
The trial was imminent. Hifumi and Taka, both murdered. An obvious suspect. It was a case that, at first glance, required limited investigation and little further thought. Yet there were hints, certain ambiguities in the killer’s behaviour and the circumstances of the deaths, which implied a degree of premeditation befitting a far smarter person than Yasuhiro Hagakure.
The tap of approaching heels caused him to raise his head. Celestia Ludenberg, of course. She had been quick to recover her composure, not to mention conceal the injury that had marred her face; the bruise was now hidden beneath delicate makeup.
“Why hello, Byakuya.” She stopped to observe his posture. “Do I sense an air of despondency?”
“And what could possibly cause such a feeling?” Straightening, he began to approach her. “This should be our fastest trial yet, no?”
“Indeed. The identity of the culprit couldn’t be clearer.” Her eyes sank to the floor as anger seeped into her voice. “Hiro. To think that it was at his feet that I debased myself, pleading for mercy. But it was a necessary sacrifice.”
“To save your life.” Byakuya paused before continuing. “You must have put on a very convincing performance.”
“What do you mean?”
“Making him think you were so terrified that he considered sparing you.”
“You don’t believe I was afraid?” Celeste watched him with curiosity. “If this killing game we’re in has proven anything, it’s that to die is to be defeated. And I never lose. No matter the cost.”
“Yet you haven’t shown any fear before.”
She sighed, now donning a pitying gaze. “Why, then I must apologise for disappointing you, Byakuya. Should I have cried upon hearing that we were to be imprisoned here? Was I meant to weep beside the bodies of people murdered by those they called friends?”
“No apology necessary. I merely hope you haven’t disappointed yourself by begging, Celeste. I know how you must despise weakness.”
“Adaptation is no weakness. Stubbornness, however – I would consider that a far more dangerous quality, no? To be isolated from the reality of one’s circumstances is an unfortunate distinction in a place as unforgiving as this.”
“I meant no insult. I merely thought I should caution you not to make a habit of asking for mercy.” Byakuya glanced down at the sharp point of her ring. “It doesn’t suit you.”
“Rest assured, you will never hear such words. Nor will I again find myself so vulnerable. The fault is solely mine, of course. I was foolish to disobey my own rule.”
“I still struggle to imagine you being in such a position to begin with. I would have thought you more likely to charm the masked stranger, only to turn on him the moment he relented.”
“Interesting. You believe beauty can be a bluff?”
“It can easily disguise one’s true intent.”
“And ugliness does not?” A swift laugh slipped from her lips. “It is true, we often present what we wish the world to see. But surely, even you can comprehend that sometimes, one must succumb to external influences. Such erosions are an unfortunate prerequisite for survival, and the resulting mask is no mere deception.”
“Is that what you believe has become of Hiro? He couldn’t stand being trapped here, so he let Monokuma lure him into a desperate attempt at escape?”
“I believe that no matter how far he fled, he would still find himself a prisoner of his own foolishness.”
“And of his conscience. Not one murder, but two. Even his unique brand of idiocy struggles to justify the risk.”
Celeste shook her head, appearing quite solemn. “Truly, it is a pity. Had I thought Hiro capable of such impulsiveness, I may have challenged him to a game. Perhaps then he would have served a purpose beyond failure.”
“He would have been an unworthy opponent.” His fingers brushed her cheek ever so slightly, casting light upon where her injury had been. “Does it still hurt?”
“Very little.” She made no effort to retreat from his touch. “I can only imagine that when he struck me, Hiro was still uncertain of his own capacity to kill. His confidence must have grown as his attacks continued.”
“With those ridiculous justice hammers.” Byakuya withdrew his hand. “I do wonder what could have prompted him to carry out such an odd ritual.”
“He always was a superstitious one.” Celeste smiled, her head lulling to the side. “Who are you to criticise? Your own act of interference was intended to echo Genocide Jack’s killings.”
“Something I did to mislead the investigation by casting suspicion on myself.” He met her eyes, which refused to blink. “I can hardly assign such a motive to Hiro.”
“Indeed not. The logic behind deception is certainly fascinating.” Hearing the sound of others’ footsteps approaching, she began to walk toward the familiar red door. “Would it not be preferable to postpone this discussion until the trial concludes?”
His response was preceded by several seconds of silence. “It would be a shame not to continue.”
Turning for a moment, Celeste smiled. “Then so we shall.”