A Game of Life and Death
—Hajime PoV
The tension bled across the Goro up as we stood there in mute silence. Lips pursed with worry as our eyes flickered over the crowd in contemplation. Until one voice cut through to us all.
“This is stupid.” Declared Rose as she stepped forward. “Honestly we could stay like this for hours, or we could actually get to work against this stupid game.”
Huh, I never thought she’d be the one to come up first. But with her words several others were snapped out of that strange inhuman tension as well.
“Indeed. We barely know what the parameters for this game are, depending on the specific rules there may be a second option as to how we can leave this city.” Suggest Lamprouge as he takes out his tablet before beginning to read out said rules.
“Legislation 1: All citizens must live a normal communal life in this city until the end of their lives.
2: They are free to explore the island at their own discretion. All citizens posses labs which are there for them to hone their Ultimate talents.
3: Citizens are forbidden to force open locked doors, gates and windows. Unless given permission by the mayor.
4: Violence against the mayor is strictly forbidden.
5: If one citizen murders another then they will henceforth be referred to as the Blackened.
6: If during the course of a class trial the blackened’s identity is discovered they will summarily be executed.
7: A single blackened may only kill two citizens at a time. If there are multiple blackened then the one who kills first gets priority, unless a second blackened kills the first in which case the latter inherits the priority.
8: When three or more citizens discover a body, the body discovery announcement will play and the class trial will begin following a brief investigation period.
9: All unwillingly participating citizens are strictly forbidden from leaving the hotel from 9.00pm to 6.00am. Anyone found outside it will be instantly executed.
10: Future Legislations may be added at the Mayors leisure.”
“That’s quite a lot.” Comments Kirigaya nervously. “But what did it mean by ‘unwillingly participating’?”
Several others voice their confusion as a realisation hits me. Unwilling implies that some are willing. A sickening idea takes root and I furiously try to dismiss it.
“It’s quite simple really.” Begins Midoriya as a sly grin takes hold of her features. “It means someone here is working with Monokuma to orchestrate the killing game! And that someone is one of us!”
Her excited words sink in instantly as panic once again catches hold of our hearts. For we all knew it when we first heard the Legislation. But none of us dared speak it until now, one of us.
Is a traitor. Working with Monokuma, or they may even be the mastermind behind all this. And that idea silences us all firmly.
—Later
Mindlessly I step into the luxuriously decorated high end apartment that represents my room in the Despair-tel. Honestly after that whole talk in the square Tachibana took charge and said that we may as well go to the hotel. We did so in silence, merely splitting up to our individual rooms without fuss or hassle.
The apartment, as that’s more what it is rather than a small room is an expansive chamber with a large foyer laden with a long glass window showing the expansive city below. And a sweeping carpet stretching round under sofas and chairs scattered around. The inner wall was lined with bookcases filled with all sorts of nick nacks alongside the expected books.
Lastly there was a small bathroom pushing out from the inner wall and a staircase lining the other end of the room. Heading up there I found a large expansive luxurious bed atop beside a balcony overlooking the lower section of the apartment. Looking under the staircase I found a small mini-kitchen locked away that could be pulled out at will alongside a cupboard filled with identical variants of my current attire.
Last and certainly least was a monitor propped up in the far most upper corner of the apartment. Black and white Monokuma design and with an added screen that pretty much serve as an annoyance. Tempted to break it I withheld that urge as I simply laid down in bed, unmoving atop the soft mattress.
Thoughts a whirlwind of confusion I sighed. Monokuma, the only way to leave is to kill someone, and lastly the crazy people I’m stuck here with. Most notable of whom.
Kamakura? You there?
‘Yes. I would ask what’s the matter but honestly I’d be more surprised to find you calm in this situation.’
Yeah right, who the hell would be calm in a situation like this?
‘Around half of your fellow residents. Considering how I can’t read Akechi properly at least.’
Half? They certainly didn’t seem so calm.
‘That was merely the initial shock. After the original deceleration they weren’t panicking, they immediately got to work properly. Trying to survive this game. Adaptable bunch.’
Well sure. In hindsight a few seemed to be fine after the initial killing clause being revealed. Midoriya especially, but she’s-
‘Dangerous. Extremely so.’
As mentioned. Other than that there was Lamprouge, Rose, Yagami, Rin, Kirigaya and Degurechaff. Rose and Degurechaff seem to have been in the military at some point so that makes sense, Rin and Kirigaya feel more experienced in life and death than the rest but I don’t get the last two.
‘Mostly correct. Honestly remarkable all things considered.’
What things considered?
And then he goes quiet. Asshole.
With that little matter dealt (?) with I close my eyes and drift off in an attempt to go sleep. Hopefully doing so peacefully and quickly.
—Monokuma Theatre
“In life things can go on and on. It can be confusing, complex and annoying at times.
Honestly it’s like getting a free vacation only to find you lose your car in an accident on the way to it.
I knew a guy with luck like that once.
But I couldn’t relate to his misfortune. Since I’ve never felt life’s boring and annoying nature.
I’m a bear after all.”
—Day 1: Free Time
“Ding, dong, ding, dong.” Fuzzing slightly I hear faintly as the monitor comes to life. “Good morning my admiring citizens! Nighttime is officially over! Get ready to have another bee-utiful day!”
Opening my eyes slowly I lay in bed for a moment. Exhausted from barley getting a wink of sleep last night.
I may as well go get breakfast.
Clawing my tired body out of bed I pace myself as I wander out my apartment and past the seven others on this floor, all the mens, towards the central elevator. Calling it I wait for a moment and it opens up to reveal a very cheery Midoriya waving at me.
“Oh! Morning Hajime! We’re all having breakfast together can you believe it!” Wincing at her abnormally joyous nature I simply step into the elevator which soon dings and continues its descent.
Of course I end up with the most annoying person here.
‘Most dangerous too.’ Comments Izuru dryly as I flinch back unnoticeably.
Damn it I forgot about him. Did she notice? Glancing over reveals an unchanged expression. Maybe?
‘Don’t ask me, I can’t read her either.’
Ignoring him I fall back and continue waiting until the elevators comes to a stop at the first floor. Opening up it reveals a large expansive hall filled with tables and a few circular kitchen ensembles dotted around in small chambers with counters all around.
Over in one corner I see almost everyone has gathered together, grouped together around a single long table. Coming over I settle down quietly in a free space with Midoriya taking the last spot comfortably and smugly.
Clearing his throat Akechi steps up and begins. “Well then now that everyones here let’s begin.”
Lamperouge continues on for him. Dressed in his usual odd formal attire but without his hat and large white overcoat. “First off we best discuss the elephant in the room. The traitor.” For a moment tension befalls the table, everyone nervously jittering in their seats tensely. “For now we should disregard this as a factor.”
“What? Why?” Asks Albarn furiously. Slamming her hand against the table. “They could be anyone here, it’s the greatest risk to our lives!”
“If.” Interrupts Lamperouge calmly. “If they even exist at all.” Startled she settles back down as he explains. “First things first there’s no proof such an individual exists, all we have is Monokuma’s Legislation and that could be to intentionally mislead us into becoming divided. Split apart by a single misdirection.”
“So what you’re saying is that since there is no direct proof as to there being a traitor we should disregard them as a factor for now.” Summarises Degurechaff steadily, in a measured inquisitive tone.
“Precisely.” He concludes as agreement passes across the rest of the table.
Akechi claps his hands together with a broad smile. “Great we got that sorted! Now second order of business is quite simple. From here on we must all travel in groups of four people.”
“To help minimise the chance of anyone killing someone else. As with four people the instant one kills someone the announcement would instantly play?” Concludes Rose quietly.
“Indeed. As some among our number hold considerable strength advantages compared to the rest.” The Ultimate Prince Detective glances briefly at Rose, Misaka and lastly towards Rin. Who all have this odd air about them. “It means that we’d need to be cautious since a single individual is only allowed to kill two people, two people teaming up to kill more than that would only work if one goes and kills the other which is similarly suspicious for them and also illogical when it comes to trying to escape this city. Also there is something else I would like to call out. A new Legislation has been added to the Monopad, I noticed it this morning when I woke up.”
Wide eyed we all watch as he pulls out his Monopad and turns its towards the rest of us, reading it aloud. “Legislation 10: Anyone who commits a murder under the influence of a Mind Altering ability will be considered the Blackened. Not the one who controlled them to do so.
Oddly specific isn’t it?”
“Why would that be added as a Legislation?” I murmur to myself in thought. “Unless…”
“Indeed. Unless someone explicitly asked what would happen in such a case. A mistake on their part, as it revealed the existence of such an ability to us all. However we still are at a disadvantage as to who has such an ability, nor it’s specific effects.” Concludes the Detective, already in his natural element.
“So what you’re saying is at the moment that information is useless.” Nodding the Detective affirms Potter’s words.
“For now. But I wished to have you all keep that in mind.” Closing his tablet the Detective sits back down as the conversation switches naturally back to Lamprouge.
“And then there’s the third matter to discuss. What is our plan to escape this city?”
Snorting Elric declares. “Isn’t it obvious? We just go over and bust out of here. There’s no rules against breaking down the outer wall is there?”
Frowning Tachibana points out. “Isn’t that too easy?”
Humming Kirigaya agrees. “Yeah, I feel like that’s a trick of some sort. A trap.”
“But still it’s a possibility, one we should try regardless yes?” Remarks Takaski calmly as she sips some coffee. “Oh Harry? Could you get me some more please?”
“At once, anyone else want anything?” Asks the Ultimate Maid as he stands up. A few people voice their preference of drinks or snacks and he vanishes off to the closest kitchen.
“Lastly shouldn’t we go and explore the city some more? In case there’s another way to leave it?” Notes Degurechaff.
Clapping his hands to together Akechi stands up and declares. “Well then it’s quite simple. We’ll explore all these possibilities. From what I’ve seen so far we have the hotel, a mall and the city to explore. Also we should have a group try and bust down the wall. After breakfast we’ll split up into groups who will each explore one of these possibilities. Then we’ll regroup back here by dinner. Is everyone fine with that?”
Quickly we go and get organised. Over the course of a very quickly prepared breakfast the groups were decided to be as followed.
Myself, Nagita, Yagami and Midoriya would go and explore the mall.
Rin, Takaski, Akechi and Albarn would search the city.
Misaka, Rose, Degurechaff and Elric would attempt to destroy the outer wall.
Lastly Lamprogue, Potter, Tachibana and Darkness would search the hotel.
Quickly after finishing our breakfast my group set off. Heading out we headed to the other end of the city to a large tower akin to the one that held the hotel.
It too stood along the edge of the city wall and was a brightly shining tower of a rainbow of colours. Each floor holding countless stores of various names that each of us recognised some of.
The first floor was a dull entry way with four elevators heading upwards. The first of the seven floors we could access - a lot less than the full tower - were the clothes floor, the food floor, the leisure floor, the tech floor, the sports floor, and the medicine floor.
Each one held both normal stock in seemingly endless aisles and what we referred to as the ‘lethal’ stock. For clothes it was disguises of all varieties, for leisure it was random stuff like ropes and books on various ways to murder, for tech it was guns and variously tools, for sports it was more of the same as tech, and for medicine it lacked any normal stock and consisted solely of endless rows of poisons. Millions all stacked around with various effects.
“Well I guess we’ll never run out of poison at least?” Joked Yagami to which the two sane of us returned glares. I also noticed that Nagita seemed oddly knowledgeable about poisons, he even pointed out the odd seemingly harmless thing in the ‘lethal’ section for us.
Meanwhile Midoriya. “Oh~ Strike-9, gotta love the classics.” Was Midoriya, cheerful as normal despite the horrid situation.
And if I had a hundred yen for everything me, Yagami and Nagita had to keep her from sneaking out we’d be millionaires easily by now. By then again all the stuff she grabs is the most lethal. Which really makes me wonder is she’s doing so in order for us to get rid of those ones.
Nagita voiced similar concerns to me briefly on the fourth floor. And so like clockwork now I pinched the vial of Strike-9 and put it in the Monokuma design chemical disposal bin that sealed itself electronically behind us. Best safe than sorry.
Either way we left tired, barring Midoriya, and with no possible way forward. Or so we thought, as Nagita stumbled briefly on the stairs down. Between the first and second floor and hit some random pressure point on the wall. A moment later a secret passage opened up before us.
“Ehehehe, that was…” Began Nagita confused.
“Lucky.” I finish. “Seriously lucky.”
“I wonder what we’ll find.” Comments Midoriya. Stepping through the lot of us find a second door. This time large and engraved with weird symbols all across it.
Running his hand along it Nagita hums for a bit before declaring. “It’s fully sealed, like it’s part of the wall itself.”
“Weird.” Comments Yagami as Midoriya begins clapping her hands and squealing.
“Lookie here! A hand slot!” And lo and behold a golden triangular symbol with a hand-shaped recess in the centre of it. A right hand at that. “Doesn’t Elric have a metal right arm?”
“Yeah, and he is the Ultimate Alchemist.” Adds Yagami politely.
“So this must be his lab then.” Part of me wonders what it’ll be like. But it doesn’t seem anyone but him can open it anyway.
So this with our last discovery we head back to the hotel’s cafeteria to report back.
Meeting back up there we find the hotel exploration group crowded around the same table as before. “Welcome back you four!” Waves over Potter, whose smiling ear to ear. Practically beaming at us. “You found anything useful?”
“You could say that, but we best wait until everyone else gets back. Did your team find-“ Yagami was cut off by a loud explosion that shook the entire tower.
“What was that?” Asked Lamprouge as we all immediately booked it outside. Turning round the shining glass tower that is the hotel we found an unbelievable sight.
The wall, the humongous grey wall that towered around the city had fallen. And our four demolitionists stood there in shock.
“The bloody hell is this!” Cried out Elric as the dust slowly began to clear.
Rushing towards them we also came to see the same unbelievable sight that they did. Clouds, countless clouds stretching to the horizon just past the edge of the city. No, the island.
The floating island we are all trapped on. Hundreds upon thousands of feet in the air.
‘Interesting.’
“You got it in one!” Declares Monokuma as he springs into existence. “Yup, Despair City is a floating island! With no ways on or off bar one! And that one is something I alone have access to.”
“Meaning we have to compete.” Begins Lamprogue calmly and steadily, only the slightest shaking in his hands to reveal his unnerved nature. But he wraps it up into a f sit quickly after. “Compete in this sick game of despair.”
“Yup, yup, yup-aroo!” And with that he vanished once again. Leaving us all there numb, lost in the sickening depths of despair.
—Later
Shortly later we found ourselves back in the cafeteria. Before the last of us all who sat beside us in contemplation at what they too have just saw.
“How are we meant to leave?” Murmurs Albarn numbly. “It’s not like we can just fly off…”
“I sensed a barrier too.” Adds Rin much more calmly. “Trying to pass too far would just kill you, the only exit I sensed is at the bottom of the island. A small gap none of us can reach, since the island itself passes through that point.”
“The one exit.” Remarks Misaka as she shakily takes a gulp of air. “So what do we do now?”
“Just because the most obvious solution is out the window it doesn’t mean we aren’t totally hopeless.” Begins Tachibana quietly. “There may be another way to that exit point.”
“And you’re telling us to hold out hope over that single hunch?” Asks Midoriya in an uncharacteristically dull tone. “To put all our hope on a possibility that might not even exist?”
“What other choice do we have?” She growled out in the first real show of emotion the poor Ultimate Student Council President has displayed so far.
“She’s right.” Remarks Lamprouge bluntly, eyes a bit glazed over as if he’s thinking about something slightly different to the rest of us. “Sure we exhausted one possible avenue of leaving but there are still others. Speaking of, the rest of us may as well share what we found out on our expeditions across the city.”
“True.” Replies Akechi. “Then first I’ll summarise the Outer Wall teams findings for them. The entire city of Despair City is location on a single floating island. With only a single supposed exit.”
“Over the city there are a bunch of different buildings. Most of which are locked off by black and white tape.” Adds Rin briefly. “I presume these are the Ultimate labs mentioned before. The ones unlockedare a stage filled with a bunch of costumes and real weapons, not prop ones, which we presume to be the Ultimate Actress lab.”
“Ooh! Can’t wait to see it for myself!” Cheerfully pipes up said Actress.
“And also a detective lab which Akechi gave a look over since only one person can enter it at a time. He also got a key for the place since it was his lab.” Comments Takaski.
Curious I ask. “Is that true for all Ultimate labs?”
Shaking her head she retorts. “No. Only the Ultimate Prince Detectives, at least at the moment. Monokuma suggested future labs may have similar rules but so far the onlyaccessible one of those is Akechi’s.”
“And those are Monokuma’s exact words?” Asks Lamprogue in thought. To which she nods.
“Yes he said so before all of us when we tried to all enter. Afterwards Akechi took the only key since there was several notable poisons in his lab. Like Strike-9.”
“Of course, since it’s the only place with such things that’s only logical.” He explains politely.
“Actually.” Speaks up Nagita. “The mall also has an entire floor dedicated to poisons. Though they are mostly slow acting and have noticeable effects.”
Humming in thought Akechi concludes. “So my lab holds the more specialised and deadly poisons then?”
“It seems so.” Nagita concludes.
“Then I believe I’ll keep possession of the key. That way if anyone dies of harder to notice poison I’d be a more likely suspect. Thus overall it’d be less risky for me to kill in a different way if I so wished.” This is odd. It’d make more sense to dispose of the key entirely. But for the most part nobody seems to be complaining, after all why would he risk himself like this? Still I should take note of this odd behaviour.
Shrugging off my thoughts I continue on the explanation for everyone. “The mall also held various other floors. Filled to the brim with a variety of stuff. And a lot of which are notable tools that could be used for murder.”
“Because why not?” Grumbled Albarn into her arms as she rested against the table numbly.
“Well it seems Monokuma wishes for us to kill each other. This is likely why everywhere seems to be so filled with tools to support such.” Explains Yagami. “Also on another note we found a door hidden between the first and second floor we suspect leads to Elric’s lab.”
“Really?” He loudly pipes up. Standing tall, well not tall but standing up.
“Yes, it had all these weird circle things and had this gold imprint for a right hand of some sort at its side. Really weird.” Comments Midoriya as he nods along.
“I’ll go double check this later then. Then you’ll all see what I can really do.” He concludes as odd sparks flicker around his hands for a moment before settling back down.
“You do that.” Remarks Potter distastefully as he return back from another ordered retreat to the kitchens for food. “On our end we found my lab as well. It’s just below the kitchens, there’s a trapdoor in that station over there.” Settling down his tray of dishes he points across the hall at one of the cylinders. “Also the pantry is stocked fully with more than enough food to last us decades. If not centuries if we also count the food Monokuma mentioned to be stored elsewhere.”
“Yeah in the mall there’s a floor for all sorts of food. Anything you can imagine. Fruit, veg, chips, pizza-“ Lamprogue groans at this for some reason, before going to grumble about never escaping something or other. “-and lots of other stuff too.” I add.
“I see.” He comments with a smile. “Also I’m glad to say my lab is pretty harmless. At worst is some kitchen knives and washing or cleaning chemicals like bleach. Also it’s got washing machines so I can clean any of your clothes if you wish.”
Mutters of affirmation ring across the table before he finishes. “Also there’s another floor in the Hotel that’s closed off for now, Monokuma says it’s another lab but is tight lipped about the details. He also says it has already been unlocked too.”
“So there’s another unlocked lab out there.” Mutters Midoriya lightheartedly. “That makes four we have found so far… Oh yeah you lot keep mentioning these keys and about it being unlocked! Is that true for all labs?”
“Yup!” Remarks Monokuma. “All labs have a key that can be only used by their owner, or a similar mechanism like with the Ultimate Alchemist’s lab. Potter’s is the exception since he’s the Ultimate Maid. A servants quarters aren’t exactly kept locked off to the masters are they?”
“No that makes-“ Begins Misaka before falling into a high pitched scream which is mirrored by a few others amongst the table - Midoriya’s being more of joy than fear but you get the picture. “Where the hell did you come from?”
“I’m always around! Why wouldn’t I be watching in on my favourite citizens livelihoods?” He retorts as if it’s the most obvious thing in existence.
“Yay! Creepy stalker of the year award goes to Mayor Monokuma!” Cheers Midoriya as spectral veins of anger throb on the bears forehead.
“Hey! It’s not like that!” Sulking he finishes. “It’s just so lonely… I mean I’m the only bear in the city, stuck here with sixteen people, so what else am I meant to do?”
“Oh! Oh! Oh!” Claps up Midoriya. “I got the answer!” Wild widening into the most horrific sight I, and the rest of the table have ever seen, she oh so politely and oh so horrifyingly declares. “Go kill yourself you worthless incessant bitch.”
“Huh?” Deadpans Monokuma as a shiver rings down all of our spines. Even the one behind the bear as she oh so cruelly continues.
“You heard me~ Kill yourself. I don’t care how~ Hanging, stabbing, poison, maybe even drowning.” In an eerily familiar way she chuckles, a laugh that mirrors one we’ve heard merely a few times before and yet it was way too accurate for the girl before us to have not heard it before then. “Puhuhuhu. And I’ll revel in it Monokuma, as there’s nothing more spectacular than the one thing that unites us both.
Don’t think I don’t know who you are Ju-Ju. And don’t think I don’t know what’ll happen here. As I’m going to sit back throughout this game of ours, and eventually… I’ll be the one to wrap my own hands around your ever so thin neck and feel as your life fades away with my own hands. Because Ju-Ju, that’s my love for you~”
In that one moment everyone here knew something. Everyone finally saw the green haired girl for what she truly was. Not the character we met before now, not the cheerful demeanour beneath that, and most certainly not the dull tired exhausted girl who saw the outside of the city with us.
No we all saw the monster lurking beneath. And we knew something in those moments, as her crazed eyes widened and her flush cheeks pulsed with life. She was loving every single moment of this, every heart wrenching, bloodcurdling inch of our suffering.
She was insane.
“Puhuhuhu.” The two maniacs we were trapped here with chuckled away in sync. A spectral tune of Despair ringing across us all.
“See you soon then Zu.” And with those patting words Monokuma vanished away.
‘I told you.’ Izuru stated blandly, his first word in a while.
And I knew he was right. For Izumi Midoriya wasn’t someone any of us could cross.
Even as she huffed and pouted comically, despite her prior outbreak of spontaneous insanity. “How rude, running off without a single warning. Oh well…” She turns to the rest of us frozen in our seats. “See ya’ll around then~”
Before skipping away, our minds numbly registering as our Monopads updated on their own.
——
Name: Izumi Midoriya
Talent: Ultimate Actress + Despair
——
And for the first, but most certainly not the last time we were left with newfound terror. Terror at the world of pain awaiting us all. Even as the pads updated again.
——
Legislation 11:
If Izumi Midoriya reveals the identity of the mastermind everyone will be executed instantly.
Izumi Midoriya is forbidden from leaving the hotel outside of for investigations, trials and to visit her lab when it is available.
——
“Well that’s some good news at least.” Comments Akechi, shaken still from whatever the hell that just was. As he taps up the new rule for all to see.
“How?” Hoarsely asks Albarn. Eyes bloodshot from crying. “How is any of that good?”
“We now know that Midoriya cannot be trusted. And that she cannot leave the hotel at the moment. Since her lab is currently unavailable.” He explains.
“Where does it say that?” Asks Degurechaff inquisitively. “It could be the other one in the hotel?”
“Then why would it be mentioned as an exception to the staying in the hotel rule?” Lamprouge points out. “It’d only be like that if she would need to leave the hotel to access it.”
“Also it means it’s less likely for any of us to be a traitor in case such a thing exists. But this way of it saying mastermind is curious.” Comments Rose.
“Curious how?” I ask.
“As it implies a mastermind exists. Someone behind the game. But Monokuma recently said that there are only sixteen people on the island. If that’s the case why would the mastermind’s identity be worth anything? Especially as revealing it would lead to everyone dying. It’s severe a punishment for something seemingly worthless.” She summarises.
“Are you saying?” Begins Degurechaff in shock.
“Yes, one of us here is the mastermind.” Rose concludes with absolute finality, not a shread of concern of disbelief in her conclusion. “There’s no other possibility.”
Slamming her fist against the table Misaka cries out. “That’s insane! First the whole traitor thing and now this bloody mastermind! It’s impossible for us to prove any of this bullshit!”
“But it’s a rather high possibility that there is indeed a mastermin-“ Began Akechi before she cut through again.
“I’m not hearing any of this.” Kicking out of her seat she storms out of the cafeteria. Leaving us all in silence as she does.
A silence filled with far more confusion than ever before. Kirigaya was the first to speak up. “I agree with Misaka, I’m leaving. I need to think this over.”
Shortly after his departure Takaski also departs for similar reasons. Then Darkness, who everyone has been pretty much ignoring up till now, then Rin, then Lamprogue left because he was tired from exploring. Then Nagita, Albarn and Elric also left due to not agreeing with Rose’s conclusion.
Leaving myself, Yagami, Tachibana, Akechi, Rose and Potter. As Potter served up a last line of drinks he too vanished off to his lab. Citing laundry that needs to be done but we all knew he was lying.
Thus us five were the only ones left.
“There’s a mastermind.” Eventually declares Tachibana. “Meaning they must be willing to abuse the 9th Legislation.”
“They’ll be leaving the hotel after hours then.” Declares Akechi confidently. “They’d have to if they exist. There’s be no other reason to declare the Legislation as such.”
“Then let’s stand guard, on rotation, one at a time until dawn.” Suggests Yagami. “Or well whoever among us can fight…”
“I possess some close quarter combat ability.” Admits Akechi. “Tachibana has her blades and Rose is the Ultimate Soldier. Hinata?”
Shaking my head I conclude. “I’d be useless in a fight. Or I think so at least…”
“So that’ll be me, Rose and Tachibana on rotation from 9 to 6. Making it 3 hours each.” Akechi concludes.
“I’ll take the first shift.” Declares Rose. “There’s a little alcove below the stairs I found earlier where you two can rest at night until needed.”
“With that sorted its best we begin immediately then?” With nods all around Akechi gives one last parting note. “Then we’ll be off, see you two soon.”
With that they head off purposefully. I push down the slight unease in my chest as both myself and Yagami depart as well. Back to our rooms for the night after such a tiring day.
Izuru then murmurs something, but I couldn’t make out what he said. Probably nothing important.
——Monokuma Theatre 2
“The thing about plans is that they go wrong. No matter how much you plan or how hard you try they inevitably fail.
The exception to that is the Ultimate Despair’s plans. Which are designed TO fail, rather than defined for success.
Regardless things always go wrong whenever it’s a plan in a killing game. Especially in the first chapter!
Wait what’s a chapter?”
——Day 2: Free Time
Coming to I let out another sigh as I find myself awakened by the already bothersome morning announcement. Time for breakfast I guess.
Picking up my Monopad I quickly message over to a small group set-up by us mastermind hunters.
——
Hinata: Everything good over there?
Rose: No signs of the mastermind. Wether that’s a good thing is debatable.
Akechi: Indeed. I also set up some tripwires around the the entrance. Of course I need to remove them now but we plan to do this again tomorrow. They’ll have to come out at some point.
Tachibana: Right.
Hinata: Got it, see you at breakfast.
——
Closing the app I head down to the cafeteria. Where the table is only partially filled this time. Seems yesterdays argument hasn’t inspired much confidence or camaraderie amongst us. We’re being divided, slowly but surely divided by our own prejudice.
Albarn - whose been distraught from the get go -, Misaka, Kirigaya and thankfully Midoriya aren’t here. The guarding group also isn’t here but they’re coming up soon.
As I approached the table Lamprouge grabbed me suddenly from the side. Whispering. “I’ve got something important I need to show you after breakfast, meet me at my room after eating. Bring the others who wish to do something about this mastermind of ours.”
With that he lets go and heads off into the elevator. Weird, but he must be planning something. I’ll tell the rest about this when they come on up.
Anyway I settle into a seat quietly. Some odd conversations going back and forth about random topics across the table.
“I found this really weird book in the mall.” Began Nagita as he chatted together with Takaski and Elric. “It was about these things called ghouls.”
“Never heard of them.” Remarks Elric as Takaski noticeably pauses for a moment.
“I see. Well in my world they’re very, very real. And a real threat at that.” Declares Takaski as she fingers her fish finger lightly with her fork.
“Ah!” Sensing it being a sensitive sort of topic the Ultimate Teacher changes subject. “How was your lab then Elric?”
“Haven’t actually had a chance to look it over yet. But I asked Monokuma and it is indeed the Ultimate Alchemist lab.” He comments.
“I see…” Lost for a topic Nagita pauses before exclaiming. “I think I also saw some of your books in the library Takaski, it was ‘The Black Goat’s Egg’ right?”
“That was one of my more well received works!” She notes enthusiastically. “I’m usually dealing with rather grim topics so they tend to get rather mixed reviews at times.”
Tuning out the conversation as I notice the last few people heading up to the table. The trio who had stayed up last night looking for the Mastermind.
Settling down quickly Akechi calls out. “Potter, could you get us some sandwiches please. Salad if possible.”
“It’ll be just a moment.” Replies the Ultimate Maid before getting to work as usual. Strange how quickly everyone has come to rely on him for stuff like this. But it’s his talent, so no wonder people got to relying on it. That’s just how the world is.
Regardless I finish up my meal quickly before taking out my Monopad and discreetly messaging Akechi.
Hinata: Could you get everyone together to meet in the male rooms meeting region after finishing?
Giving his affirmation and a look across the table of curiosity. Then I head over and back up to said region on the specified floor. Almost ten minutes later the trio, Yagami and unexpectedly Kirigaya all come out.
“Is he?” I begin while gesturing at Kirigaya.
“Yes, he’s agreed that we need to stop this mastermind. And quickly, before anyone dies.” Answers Yagami politely. “Now what did you want us all for?”
“I wasn’t the one who asked. Lamprouge did, well he asked for me to get everyone to meet him at his room. And no I don’t know why.”
Humming for a moment Akechi declares. “Then let’s go see what our resident Tactician wants with us then.”
And like that he goes and knocks against the appropriate door. Which then is opened up by a usual Lamprouge who gives the group a once over before welcoming us all in. “Come on in, there’s something we need to discuss.”
And thus we all step into his apartment-style room. Decorated with black stylish designs, this weird bird-like logo with a line through it stapled onto a flag hanging across the window and over the carpet draped across the floor. In the corner stood a stand were an unusual outfit stood on display.
But beyond all this, the one point that cumulated top amongst all that had happened so far was Midoriya. Hanging upside-down, suspended from the balcony above by a rope. Bound and gagged even as her smile peaked through.
As the door slowly shut behind us Lamprouge repeated once more. “We really have a lot we need to discuss.”