Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

One month before the 53rd Killing Game started commercials for the newest game had started making their rounds all around the world. 

*BZZT* 

"Greetings everyone, we know how much you loved the 52nd game of Danganronpa, as we have gotten all of your feedback about where the direction of the series should go. As of today, we will be accepting fourteen lucky students to participate in the next game! We all know Danganronpa is about murder and death and all that jazz, and of course, we wouldn't want anything bad to happen to our real content why and murders that take place is purely for show and do not happen in real life! To make this game the biggest game it's ever been the winner of the game gets a disgustingly large cash prize and an unhealthy amount of treasure! directions on how directions will be posted soon as well as the address to the audition center, we hope to see you there! 

A young boy lay on his bed watching intently at his computer screen watching the Fifty-Second Season of his favorite reality television show named Danganronpa. His room is filled with Danganronpa merchandise spanning characters from multiple seasons, games, and merchandise. This boy’s name is REDACTED but you know him as Shuichi Saihara. 

“And here you have it ladies and gentlemen! The winner of the Fifty-Second season of Danganronpa is Rantaro Amami!” The announcer said.

“I knew it!” The young boy said excitedly. “It was obvious that Rantro was going to win, I have to admit that he pulled off such a brilliant execution plan,” he said to himself. “Rantro is so lucky I can’t believe that team Dangronpa decided to experiment with an actual real-life person in a killing game! He’s so lucky!” 

"This just in Danganronpa fans, we have exciting news to share with you today! Due to positive feedback of this latest season, Team Danganronpa will be holding live auditions for the newest season Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony! Do you have what it takes? If you do, be sure to head to the audition center. The address will be posted shortly.”

The young man was excited beyond relief. It was like a dream come true. “A chance to be a part of  Danganronpa?! Yes Yes Yes!” He said, pumping his fist in the air. “I have only dreamed of being a part of the Danagronpa. What ultimate talent should I be? What should my execution be? I have always been a fan of Kyoko Kirigiri… maybe an Ultimate Detective? Oh, it doesn't matter, I’m going to be a part of the Danganronpa!”

Soon the address for the audition took place. The boy rushed out of his room and out of his house, not saying a single word to his family. 

10:00 pm

A young petite girl with red hair lies down on her bed, her heart pounding miles a minute, staring at the cash she may or may not acquired from her parents without their permission or without them noticing.

This young girl’s name is REDACTED but you know her better as Himiko Yumeno.  She had not had the best home life let alone the best parents in the world. She’d believe that she won the lottery for having the two worst parents in the world. Putting it lightly her parents were disgusted by her looks, voice, height, hobbies, and everything that made her unique. She had enough of this. She decided she was going to run away, where to exactly? She decided to move somewhere still in Japan, It didn’t matter where she just HAD to get away.

Her parents were fast asleep. She grabbed a backpack she packed nights before and opened her window ever so slowly with the window making a loud rattle noise. 

She froze and tensed up. Her heart was beating miles a minute.

It wasn't too late to back out now. She could easily go back to sleep and if her parents did end up checking in on her she could always come up with a lie like her room was stuffy and just wanted to open the window. Or maybe this whole thing was just stupid, maybe she didn’t need to run away, maybe tomorrow they’ll magically become better people overnight and start to love her again. No. Horrible people don’t magically turn good overnight, she had wished that they changed their ways time and time again, but she was done wishing. It was now or never and she decided now it was the time. 

She hoisted herself up to the window edge. With a deep breath, she jumped out the window and landed in the dirt of her front yard. She slowly tiptoed to her sidewalk looking back at her house to make sure her parents were none the wiser.  When she turned forward she sprinted down the sidewalk with all her energy, she needed to get away. The farther the better. 

Hours later she believed that she had made enough distance, and decided to hide and rest in an alleyway. 

Where would she go now exactly?. Little did she know that her answers were in the form of a flier. She headed to the audition center later that night.

Bullet Station

A scuffed up girl lays awake at a bullet train station with strong shivering winds accompanying her. Her clothes had seen better days, no SHE had seen better days in general. This girl's name is REDACTED but you know her as Maki Harukawa. She had been alone for as long as she could remember. She can’t remember her parent’s faces at all. She can’t remember if she had any childhood friends, or friends in general. Has she ever gone to school before? All she knows is that she had to look out for herself. But…where would she go? She had no money, no family, nowhere to go, until her answer came in the form of a paper floating with the wind landing in front of her worn out sneakers.

She picked up the flier, The advertisement read: Want to be famous? Want to show the world the real you, Want a disgusting amount of cash for winning? Sign up for the newest season of Danganronpa! Auditions are currently being held, Who knows you might be the one of the 16 contents!

She continued to read the flier and read the fine print and the bottom of the paper. “ Please be aware that if you are one of the contestants you will be automatically legally bound to the Danganronpa season contract. In other words you cannot sue us.”

She didn’t know anything about Danganronpa, nor did she really care what caught her attention the most was the cash prize. If she was able to win she would be able to take care of herself for the rest of her life. She’d be able to live the life that She deserves.  She knew that this was her only choice and she wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass this up.  “That money will be mine. No more having to scrounge for food, no more sleeping outside," she murmured as she walked to the audition canter. 

"The prize money will be mine."

Audition Center

13 students stand in front of a podium. Their auditions have gone off without a hitch, with each of them explaining why they deserved to be on the newest season of Danganronpa when their interviews were over and all of them were accepted right on the spot. Now all of them are waiting for directions in an auditorium. 

Soon a man walks up onto the stage, dressed in a fancy pink tuxedo, with bright pink dress pants and black business shoes to accompany fashion. The man spoke into the mike.

“Hello, all of the contestants today! You all know why you’re here to be a part of the Fifty-Third season of Danganronpa. The man lets out a hearty chuckle. As may or may not know that I’m the creator of this show, the head honcho, and all that jazz. My goal is to make this season the BEST season of this Danganronpa, so be on your A game! Remember what you’re playing for!” The man takes a remote out of his pocket and presses a button.

*Click*

The curtains behind the man started to rise and behind him was a disgustingly large pile of cash, a small mountain of treasure. 

“That’s right, all of this will be yours if you can successfully win the killing game!” “This is NOTHING compared to what I gained from all the other seasons of this stupid show.” he thought to himself.

“You all have some tough competition since last season's winner will also be participating so you better not be slacking off, remember you’ll be having millions and millions of people watching you so don’t disappoint. You 15 students are the face of Danganronpa.” He says with a small grin. 

“Now before we start let’s go over the rul- OW!” The man’s speech was cut short when he was hit with a rock by a boy with purple hair.

“We already know the rules of the damn game! Hurry up and let’s do this thing!” The purple-haired boy said.

"Yeah come on while we’re young old man!” A small brown haired boy said impatiently. 

Who the hell dressed you? The have no taste whatsoever." A girl with orange skirt replied back.

“Who are you calling old man-?! Never mind now let the games begin! Welcome to the fifty-third season of Danganronpa! He says with a twisted smile.  As soon as he finished his sentence the auditorium started to fill up with smoke.

*Thump*

*Thump*

*Thump*

All of the students were unconscious. A man in black suit walks up to the man. 

“I’m assuming everything was a success?”

“Correct. Tell the team to transport them to the disclosed location. We must take extra measures to be sure nobody interferes with this season.”

“I’m assuming officials would be up in arms about teenagers participating in a bloody battle royal game.”

“I couldn't care less about the cops shutting us down. I already paid them off so they won’t interfere with us. I am talking about the damn professor.”

“Professor?” 

“Never mind, it's none of your concern. See to it that you do your job.”

“Right. Also, I should mention that last season's winner is already waiting in the newest location. He is already in the standby position as well as the robot.”

“Excellent. Be sure that he doesn't win this season, the audience would get bored if he kept winning.”

The man nodded in response and left the building following the orders that were given to her and all of the students were transported to the disclosed location where the newest season of Danganronpa was being held.

“That idiotic professor thought he could build a robot that can bring hope into the world? Pathetic. He’s my creation now, and what better way to destroy his hope is to see his creation participate in a brutal killing game? As despair grows, so does my money in my vault.”

And this is how that fifty-third season of the hit reality killing show Danganronpa started. Laughs would be had, Many tears would be shed, truths would be revealed, and bonds would be formed and broken. Innocent lives would be lost. Out of the sixteen students, only three of them would survive. 

These three were the survivors who would go through the most hardships and the most turmoil. They were the ones who endured the most despair.

These three survivors are the keys to saving the world.

Chapter Text

Moments after the final execution

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah somehow.”

“I-I’m sort of stuck here! Someone… Help me out!”

“Ah! Himiko Careful..”

“Nyeh… Thanks. I’m saved..”

“Well, you two. We made it.” 

“Hey. How are we still alive? Why are we still alive?” The assassin asks.

“Good question. How are we still alive? The detective asks.

“Uh, guys… look..” The small mage says while pointing to the sky. 

Shuichi and Maki looked to where Himiko was pointing, what they saw was the shattered barrier. The fictional sky that was around them during their televised killing game. Past that barrier, the real world awaited them. There was nothing else for them there. Nothing to gain, nothing to lose. It was simply all over. 

“So…What do we do now?” Himiko asks with a slightly worried tone in her voice.

“We didn’t think of a plan back there. I thought that was the end of us back there. Maki says honestly.

“But in the end, we survived.”  We survived and I think we should see what the real world has in store for us. Shuichi says.

“The real world?” Tsumugi did say that the outside world was peaceful. No fighting, no wars, and no despair. Maki reminds the two.

“But that could have been a lie,” Shuichi responds.

“Nyeh? A lie?” Himiko says with another worried tone in her voice.

“Don’t worry Himiko. Everything will be fine. As long as we're together and stay strong, everything will be alright. I’m sure of it.” Shuichi says with confidence. 

“Heh. I’m pretty sure Kaito rubbed off on you after all the time we were together. That sounds just like something that moron would say.” She says smiling remembering the astronaut. 

“Heh you think so?” he responds with a chuckle.

“Come on you two. Let’s see this new world.” Maki says with a smile.

“Nyeh! Y-Yeah, let’s go see this new world! Himiko says with a small fist pump. 

“Yeah. Let’s do it.” Shuichi says confidently. 

The three survivors who have gone through so much trauma, so much despair, and had to endure six deadly trials were now free from the shackles of the killing game. With each step, the trio got closer to the edge of the cage they were imprisoned in. With each step, they were one step closer to freedom. There was nothing in their way.

If only it were that easy.

*Screech*

“G-Guys… Did you guys h-hear something?…” The mage asks with a worried tone.

“No, I didn’t hear anything,” Maki responds.

“I didn’t hear anything either. Maybe you just imagined-”

* SCREECH*

“EEEK!” The mage lets out a scared shriek.

“What the hell was that!?” Maki blurted out. 

“I don’t know but the sooner we get out of here the better! Maki Himiko let’s get out of here before- Shuichi was cut off.

* SCREECH*  *GRUMBLE*

Before they knew the academy ground started shaking violently.

“This place is collapsing! Shuichi, Himiko stay close to me, we have to get out of here NOW!” 

With an agreed nod the three dashed over to the end of the barrier but unfortunately, it was too late. Before they knew it the academy foundation completely collapsed. They were now falling to their death along with the remains of the academy.

‘SHUICHI! HIMIKO!” Maki cries out falling. 

MAKI! SHUCHI!  Himiko cries with tears falling with all the debris.

MAKI! HIMIKO! AHHHH! Shuichi cries out.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!”

In a realm far from our own.  Two beings are seen having a conversation.

“Do you think they’ll be alright?”

“I’m sure they’ll be alright. Those three stopped the killing game.  They’ll be alive.”

“Don’t you mean those four?”

“Right…sorry. Speaking of which, we should greet him.”

“That’s right! I almost forgot.  You’d be surprised they let robots in here…”

“Don’t tell him you said that though, he’ll probably give you a whole lecture on how robots can make it here in the first place.”

“True. Shall we go?”

The two beings walked away from the lake.

“Shuichi, Maki Himiko. Take care, and good luck."

In an undisclosed location. In a dark manor, a man is sitting on a throne drinking from his glass, watching a monitor."

"Hmmm.."

"Sir, the academy has been destroyed." The robot replied to the man.

"No matter, the academy is the least of my concerns. The survivors are alive?"

"I'm unsure, a fall from that height is certain death."

"Hmm. They're alive I'm sure of it." The man rose from his seat and walked out of the room. "Sir, where are you going?"

"It's none of your concern, seed to that you do you're job." The man walked out of the room. 

"Soon Danganronpa will be able to live on."

In a patch of grass, a detective is lying face down. His eyes slowly rose, “Were…am I..?”  he thought to himself. Every time he moved a muscle while trying to stand up, he was struck with anguish inside his body. Nevertheless, he perceived through the pain now standing up straight. When he turned to look around, he discovered enormous trees and pieces of destroyed debris from the fallen academy all around him. Just where the heck was he? 

But he didn’t have time for that hat he needed to find his friends.

“Maki!” “Himiko!” he called out. But there was no answer. 

He tried calling out their names another time with a bit more worry in his voice, But there was no response.

His heart started racing, going a hundred miles a minute. His mind thinks about the worst possible scenario” No. Nonono. They couldn't be dead. They just couldn't be. We promised to change the world together. If you survived and surely they could….right?” 

Shuichi shook those thoughts away and started wandering around the forest looking for his two friends. 

A twin-tailed girl emerged from a heap of debris. Her entire body was in pain, but she was able to bear it. 

“I should be dead. No one should be able to survive that. I guess that idiot’s luck rubbed off on me.” She thought to herself with a small but sincere smile. 

However, When she looked around her surroundings she saw that Shuichi and Himiko were nowhere to be found. 

“Dammit. I guess we got separated.” Maki said, biting her thumb.  “I need to be there for them in case they find themselves in any danger.” She thought to herself.  

“If I’m alive. They have to be alive as well.  They have to be. Just please be safe.” 

Taking in her surroundings she took a deep breath and started walking into the forest, searching for her two friends. Thinking to herself the same thoughts over and over again.

“They’re going to be alright, They’re going to be alright, They’re going to be alright,”

A small girl found herself in a challenging circumstance. Himiko fell and landed headfirst in a soft green bush. When the mage awoke, she was relieved to see that she had escaped with little damage, but she soon discovered that it had proven to be extremely difficult to free herself from the bush.

“Nyah!” She tried to get her head unstuck. But it was no use. 

“C-Come on you stupid bush! Don’t make me use my fire mana on you!” She threatened the non-living bush.

“N-Nyeh! Come on!” She braced herself against the bush with her two hands and began to forcefully push. However, she was eventually able to escape from her confinement. She managed to free herself landing on her rear end with swirly eyes accompanying her. 

She finally arose and dusted herself, and put her hands on her with a proud smile. 

“Ha!” That low-level bush was no match for a high-level mage like myself! “Don’t you agree Shuichi and Maki?”

There was no response.

“Shuichi? “Maki”

The mage took a look around her surroundings and it became quickly apparent that she was all alone.  

“Could they be…No, they…NO, THEY CAN’T BE!”

Anxiety started to flood the mage, she started to run back and forth desperately calling out for their names.

“SHUICHI!?” “MAKI?!”

Her eyes rapidly begin to tear up. The third trial was being brought to her memory. How she lost two of the most important persons in her life. Even though she didn't show it.

“Tenko…and Angie… It’s happening again..”

Himko fell to the ground on her knees crying. She was all alone, something she feared the most. She kept crying and crying until a thought formed in her head. 

“What would Shuichi do?  Shuichi wouldn’t give up. Maki wouldn’t give up. Tenko wouldn't give up, and I can’t give up either.”

Slowly but surely Himiko herself from the ground, wiping away her tears. “I can’t give up.” “Shuichi and Maki are strong. They're okay… I’m sure of it.”

Even though she was still a bit unsure of herself, Himiko started her search in the forest. 

Continuing their searches they all came up short, but the three of them never gave up. These three ended the killing game, they had an unspoken vow that they’d push on. They couldn’t lose hope. Shuichi was continuing to come to the forest when he heard two voices call out his name, he turned around and saw his dearest friends, standing in front of him both running towards him something you'd see in an old romantic comedy movie. 

Perhaps…running a bit too fast.

“Maki! Himi-Oof!”

Maki hugged Shuichi so hard that he practically lost all of the oxygen inside of him, while Himiko practically tackled-hugged the two and as a result, all three of them fell over on the ground. 

“Shuichi, Maki!” I-I’m so glad that you are alright! I thought you two w-were” Himiko stuttered with tears in her eyes. 

“Idiots, don’t scare me like that ever again, or else!” Maki said with tears in her eyes.

“I was so worried about you two,” Shuichi says with a smile while sniffing. “I don't know what I would have done without you two.”

All three of them shared a collective heart-filled hug smiling until Shuichi realized something that made him turn completely red in the face. 

Maki and Himiko were directly on top of him.

Then Maki realized that she was practically lying on top of Shuichi and Himiko was lying on top of her, her face turning bright red.

And lastly, Himiko realized that she was practically lying on top of her two friends turning bright red as well.

It was a very…weird, embarrassing, and yet oddly comfortable arrangement they were in. This was equally embarrassing for all who were involved. 

“Um. How about we all get up?” he suggested with his face still bright red.

“Good call.”

“Nyeh..yeah..”

The three of them rose dusting themselves off. Their anxieties all slowly faded away. But now the three of them had a problem to worry about. Just where are they? Just from the look of they weren't near any type of civilization. The forest was almost completely dark, with little to no sunlight coming through the atop of the trees.

What should we do now?” Himko asked.

“Well, all we know is that we’re in a forest. Maki stated. “I didn’t expect the academy to be out here.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Shuichi agreed. “Well, we can’t stay here. All we can do is explore.”

“Agreed. We should also be on our guard.”

“Yeah Maki-Roll is right,” Himiko replies. 

“Himiko maybe don’t call her tha-”

“Do you want to die?” Maki asks bluntly with piercing red eyes.

Too late. Maki started to walk up to Himiko. 

“Nyeh?! N-No! I-I” Hikmo says, stuttering while trying to come up with an explanation. 

“Just kidding,” Maki says with a small sincere smile and reassures her.

“Nyeh…” Himiko blew in a complete sigh of relief.

“Hmm. Do you think we’d be able to find anything useful in the debris?” he asks.

“I doubt it but there’s one way to find out,” Maki replies.

The three started looking around in the debris trying to find anything of use, unfortunately, they weren’t able to find anything of use, but Himiko was able to find something that brought back memories to the survivors. 

“Guys take a look.”

What Himiko found was a picture. A picture of Shuichi, Himiko Maki, and all their friends in the dining hall of the academy smiling. 

“K-Kaede…” 

“Kaito..”

“T-Tenko..”

“Everyone.”

The trio couldn't hold in their tears. Deep down they do anything to see their friends and lovers again.  Kaede the pianist whom Shuichi loved gave him the courage to stop the killing game, Kaito the astronaut whom Maki loved, was always there with his shining optimism and encouraged everyone around and told Maki she should open up to her friends more. Last but certainly not least was Tenko, the Neo-Aikido master who Himiko was too late to cherish her time with, she told the mage she should be more expressive with her motions. Her last words before she died were in Himiko’s place. The three friends all shared a collective cry missing their cherished lovers and friends. All they can do now is keep walking with their heads held high.

“I told that idiot I’d be strong for him and I will,” Maki states smiling.

“T-Tenko told me to be open with my emotions and feelings and I’ll continue to do that with her,” Himiko says smiling.

“I’ll continue to be strong. For Kaede, Kaito, Tenko, and the others.” Shuichi says confidently.

All three of them wipe the tears from their eyes. They were ready to face any challenges together. But all of them still hold some regrets and guilt towards their classmates. Regrets that could never go away, guilt that can never be removed. The guilt of sending five of their classmates to their deaths. Nevertheless, they had to move one.

“Come on you two, let's get out of here.  Maki says smiling. 

“Yeah let’s go,” Shuichi says, smiling.

“Hey Shuichi can you hang onto this? I want Tenko and the others with me, but I’m afraid that I’ll lose the picture, can you?”

“Of course. I’ll be sure nothing happens to it,” he says with a sincere smile. 

And so the Trio walked through the forest making sure to keep close together, given everything they had been through, who could blame them? They kept moving through the forest until they came across an opening. They continued without hesitation to walk towards the forest exit stopping right in front of the exit. The next step they took, they see the world and they were persuaded to end Danganronpa.

All three of them were ready.

“Are you guys ready?” Shuichi asks.

“More ready than I’ll ever be,” Maki responds.

“N-Nyeh I’m ready! Himiko says proudly.

“Okay. Let’s see what's out there! Shuichi says with determination in his eyes.

With a final collective deep breath they took their final steps and what they saw was breathtaking, And what they saw was an enormous grassland. A grassland with trees, flowers of all hues, mountains, running water that was crystal blue and pouring from waterfalls, and absolutely clean, pure air accompanied by a bright blue sky. 

This was the world we fought so hard to persuade. 

The three heroes that ended the bloody killing game named Danganronpa that lasted walked forward stopping at a small rocky plateau. The wind blowing in their hair felt so nice. So free. 

“We did it. We’re finally free. We did it Kaeade and Kaito.”

And so the trio started their adventure in the new world. As long as they were together nothing could stand in their way.  

This was their world.

“I wish you could see this world, Kaede and Kaito, and everyone.”

Their new adventure begins now.

Chapter Text

3 years ago. A furious man is sitting at the table, across from him lies a businessman. 

What do you mean you’re buying out my company?! The man slammed his fist down on the table.

“It's not personal, this is just the way business is done. He answers briefly. We've been keeping an eye on your recent technological developments, me and my cohorts. But we think it's time for fresh leadership at the Kamiko Corporation; it would be better under our care.”

“Under your care?!” what you're going to do—you're going to use my technology for that blasted television show, aren't you?! 

“Well, aren't you a fast learner?” he says teasingly. 

“Well yes, I do have plans to use it for the next season of Danganronpa. I have much bigger plans to use it for. ” He says with an evil smile. 

“My technology is used to help spread the world with hope, not used for some high school drama reality show.”

“Say what you want to, your words are going to fall on death’s ears.”

“You’re not gonna get away with this!” I don’t know how but I will stop you!” The man says, " balling up his fist.”

The man started to lunge at one of a group of businessmen until he was pulled away by two guards. A few seconds later, he ended up on the floor, his hands behind his back with one of the guard's boots directly on his back.

“Oh my someone’s angry. Now now that’s the way to act, Now I must say that this action should not go unpunished.”

“What are you going to do?!” The man asked angrily.

“That robot of yours. K1-BO. You’ve been doing nonstop research and tests on him for years, Correct?” 

“What do you want with Keebo?” he asked angrily.

“Keebo huh? What an ADORABLE nickname, but I do believe due to your recent outburst he should no longer be in his care.” He said with a smirk while crossing his arms.

“Leave him out of this!”

The man walked over to another man and leaned down to get on this level. “Fine if we can't have that robot, then surely your grandchildren would do nicely.”

The man's face turned pale with fear. “L-Leave Yui and Akio out of this! This is between me and you!” 

“You decided. Either the robot or your two grandchildren, it's your choice.”

After that day the Kamiko Corporation was under new management. 

After escaping from the academy, the three made their way to the outside world, to a peaceful world, with trees, waterfalls, tall rocky mountains, and flowers that were in full bloom, with a clear sky accompanying it.  All of this felt unreal, it felt artificial, but that wasn't the case.

But where the three go now, for all they knew they were out in the middle of nowhere. They needed food, water, and most importantly a shower. 

The three of them decided that they needed to get a move on and started walking along the grassy terrain.

“All of this feels so fake,” Himiko said while taking in her surroundings.

“I feel the same way, but this is all real, I don’t think Team Danganronpa would go this far to trick us,” Shuichi responded.

“So, do we have a plan? Instead of just wandering around? Maki asked.

Shuichi put on his classic thinking face and explained. “Well the first matter is finding civilization, Tsumigi said that the killing game was being televised right?”

The girls both nodded in response.

“Well when we find civilization, we would most likely have to blend in with society, then go on from there.”

“Oookay..So which way do we go?” Himko asked.

“How about we keep walking north?”

“Why north?"

“Call it my detective intuition.” He says with a smirk.

Himiko and Maki looked at Shuichi with the most dumbfounded expression. Nevertheless complied.

“If you’re wrong I’ll break your arm.” 

“If you’re wrong I’ll cast my “You’re underwear will rapidly shrink spell.”

With a small gulp, Shuichi walked along with his two friends along the grassy terrain taking in all the sights of their new world. 

2 Hours Later

The trio was still walking until they decided to rest at a small nearby lake, much to Himiko’s pleasure. Himiko collapsed on the grass resting her feet, with Shuichi following suit. 

“How are you two already tired?”

“Nyeh..We’ve been walking for hours. So tired..”

“Sorry Maki but we needed a break.” It’s been a long day for all of us, why don’t you take a rest with us?” He offered.

“Fine.”

Maki sat next to Shuichi with him being in the middle with two friends. 

“Can someone remind me of the crazy day we had?” Himiko asked, lying on the grass with her eyes shut.

“We learned that one of our friends was a psychotic mastermind, that the world was obsessed with watching teenagers kill each other, we fell from a height that we definitely should have died from, and now we're in the middle of goddamn nowhere.” Maki summarized. 

“Am I missing anything?” She asked.

“Nope, that summarizes it.” He affirmed.

“It still feels like I’m dreaming. Am I awake right now? Shuichi asked.

It was until then that Maki slugged Shuichi with her fist on his right shoulder.

*POW*

“Ow!”

“That hurt didn't it?” She asked.

“Yes!” He replied in an annoyed tone while rubbing his shoulder in pain. 

“Good, you're not dreaming then.” She replied with a small smirk.

“Nyeh, well at least we have time to rest, my feet are killing me.” The mage says "laying face up in the grass. With her eyes shut.

“Well you guys rest up, and I’ll scout ahead, the sun setting  so these areas should be safe for us to rest for the night.” Maki then lifted herself from her two friends and started to walk off from the trio.  

“Be Careful Maki Roll!”

“Be careful  Maki, okay?”

“Don’t you two know who you’re talking to?” She said with a smirk. As she continued to walk into the forest.

Shuichi then turned to Himiko, and asked “How are you holding up?”

“Nyeh.. I’m doing fine, my feet hurting but I cast my healing circle around us so we should be fine. But you and Maki-Roll might turn into doves.” She explained.

“Ah thank you for that healing circle, I’m sure it’ll work great.” He replied with a smile.

Then it hit him.

“Wait, Doves?!”

“That’s right.” She said, holding up her finger. “This spell costs about 9 mana points to use and it’s super effective for Mages.” She explained.

“Alright.” He said with a nod.

“But for non-Mage uses the side effect for receiving such a high level of mana is the small chance that the user may turn into a dove.”

Shuichi prayed to god that her spell didn’t work. At first, he thought the idea of magic was such a far stretch but now, after seeing multiple executions, his whole life was created for an audience that watched teenagers kill each other for the sake of entertainment. Magic REALLY didn’t seem too far-fetched.

But then Himiko’s expression changed. 

“But Shuichi, Is there even a point to using magic anymore?” My whole life casting spells…  My master…” it doesn’t exist. What’s the point?

Even when they were still living in the Academy for Gifted Juveniles Shuichi still thought the Mages were ridiculous. But he gave his answer.  “There is a point Himiko.” He started. “If you stop believing in your Magic, you're telling Team Danganronpa that you’re nothing more than a pawn. They never wanted us to use our talents outside of the game. So Himiko please keep believing you’re magic.  In the academy, I remember you saying you wanted to share your magic and make people smile, "Even if we’re the last ones alive, please continue to share your magic with us.”

After hearing that, Himiko's face broke down into tears. 

“Ah! Himiko I’m sor-“

“Thank you, Shuichi.”

That was a response he was not expecting.

“O-Oh you’re welcome Himiko.”

Himiko wiped the tears from her eyes and jumped up from the grass, with newfound energy. 

When their conversation wrapped up Maki came back to her group of friends, unfortunately, her efforts were in vain, Maki scouted the area but found nothing but grass and trees. When she came back to her two friends were anxiously awaiting her return. 

“Welcome back Maki, find anything?” Shuichi asked. 

“Nothing, but trees and stupid grass. Leave it to Team Danganronpa to hold this killing game in the middle of nowhere. Why would they even hold it there in the first place?”

“ I can only guess that perhaps they didn’t want any outside interference with the game. But that just raises more questions.”

“Well, you’re not gonna solve this mystery tonight. It’d be better if you got some sleep. We’ve all been up for god knows how long.”

“Good point.”

“Nyeh..Yeah so tired. Too bad there aren’t any beds.” 

“What happened to all that energy, Himiko?” Shuichi thought to himself.

“Will just have to work with what we have. Uh, What do we have?” Shuichi asked while scratching his cheek.

"...."

“S-Sorry that was a stupid question,” he says embarrassed.

“Yeah, you think?” Maki said, letting out a small titter with a smile.

“Well we don’t know how cold it’ll be at night, so our best bet would be to huddle up for warmth,” Maki explained.

And so the three laid their heads against a trunk of the tree, with the three of them attempting to blush red faces. Himiko stated that being in the middle was necessary to “maximize warmth.”  Eventually, the three fell asleep.

The next day the three rose from their well-needed sleep and continued to explore their new world. They continued to walk along the grassy path surrounded by trees and flowers. They decided for what seemed like hours until the three stopped at a small pond. Himiko resting on top of the stone, while Shuichi sitting on the grass crossing his legs. 

"How is everyone holding up?  Himiko gave a thumbs up but immediately went back to lying back down. "I'm holding up just fine," Maki said 

The three looked at the clear sky with Shuichi saying “Well at least the weather is nice and clear.”

“At least it isn’t raining,” Maki stated. 

As their conversation finished, the sun started to disappear clouds started to form in the sky, and rain started to pour.

And at this moment the three of them uttered something at the same moment.

“...Crap..”

The trio dashed over to the tallest tree that they could find and huddled under it, but unfortunately, that didn’t stop them from getting completely soaked with rain. 

"You just had to jinx it didn't you?"

"How I was supposed to know??" "The sun was just out not too long ago!" She defended.

"Well no matter what looks like we're not making any progress for a while." He sighed.  

Hours Later the rain stopped and the sky was clear, although all the survivors' clothes were completely soaked.

“We can’t just stay in these clothes or else we'll get sick,” Maki stated.

“You’re right.” Shuichi agreed. The last thing we need is one of us getting sick.”

“Yeah so. How are we going to get our clothes dry? I don’t have any fire mana to get our clothes dry.

“Simple. We’ll take off clothes and let them dry.” Maki says dryly.

“Oh. Okay,” Shuichi and Himiko said in unison aggreging with the assassin.

Then the revelation finally hit them. 

“Wait, WHAT?!” the two shouted in unison once more.

Himiko’s and Shuichi’s faces were cherry red. How were they even supposed to handle this? The two both stood there trying to find the words to say. It was Himiko who broke the silence.

“You mean…like together?”

It was Maki’s turn to turn red. What?! No!  Why would we even?! We’ll just split up and come back in an hour when our clothes finish drying! Maki spat out.

That DID make a lot more sense than just randomly, stripping down in front of your two friends, who went through hell and back on earth with you.

“Ah-Right! I’ll go!” Shuichi said speed walking away from his two friends attempting to hide his blush.

“Nyeh! I-I-I’ll go!” It was then Himiko. Who hurried off in her direction. Covering her face with her blush with her mage hat.

With the two of them gone. Maki let out a small sigh and began to strip down and let her clothes dry. 

“Those two. They're complete morons. But I care about them.” 

A small smile came across the assassin’s lips when the thought came across her mind.

Later that night, after the trio clothes dried to the best of their ability.  The sun was already set, and cool winds were around them. Once again they were all huddled for warmth, Until Himko asked a question.

“Hey…Shuichi?

“Yes Himiko?” 

Himiko hesitated but asked “What…What was Kaede like?”

“Eh?” Shuichi was not expecting a question like this out of the blue. Before we could answer he was reminded of her and how he wouldn’t be the same without her words of encouragement before the first trial.

“Himiko,” Maki said in a disapproving tone.

“S-Sorry I should have known not to ask. Just forget I said anything.”

“No, you’re fine.” He assured her. Kaede, was a wonderful woman, with a beautiful smile, and an angelic voice. Without her, I would still be afraid of pursuing the truth. I owe her so much.” He says with a somber smile.

“I know she is looking down on you smiling, Shuichi,” Maki says with a small yet sincere smile. “But. after escaping the academy. I wish I got to know them better even if their memories were just fake.” 

“Yeah...I wish I stopped keeping to myself. Then maybe…thighs would have been different.”

“Himiko…” Shuichi and Maki said.

Tears started to flow from her eyes, unable to keep them from holding back. 

“I miss Tenko! I miss Angie! I miss everyone! I want them back, all of them back! 

“S-She’s right.” Shuichi and Himiko turned to Maki whose face we’re running down with tears.

“I miss him. I..I want to see Kaito’s face again. But that’s never going to happen. What am I supposed to do without him?!" She exclaimed. 

“I’m scared to…” He said.

“Huh?”

“I guess everything is just settling in, and part of me wishes that everything would be a long dream and when we wake up, everyone will be there smiling with us.”

“Shuichi..”

“B-But I let our friends die! I sent our friends to their deaths! And for what?! Just for the audience’s entertainment!” He exclaimed with tears running down his face. 

“Shuichi...you had to if you didn’t. We would be..” 

“Dead.”

More and more tears were shed from the three survivors. Minutes passed with tears still streaming down their faces. Until Shuichi spoke up.

“I think. We’ll be okay…” 

“H-How do you know?” Himiko asks.

“We have each other. And if we’re together we can overcome any obstacle.” He explained.

“God that was so cheesy,” Maki replied.

“Yeesh, did you get that from the novels you read?” Himiko asked.

“Hey! I tried my best, and it came from the heart!” He said defensively with a small chuckle.

All three of them let out a small but well-needed hearty chuckle. Shuichi then sat upright facing his two friends and asked, So what do you say, The three of us till the end?” 

Maki was next to say, “till the end” with a smile.

Last but not least, Himiko joined in and said: "till the end.”

“Pinky promise?” The mage asked, holding up her two pinkies.

“What are you a kid?” Maki asked.

“Nyeh! Pinky promise!” Maki roll!”

“Do we have to'' Not letting her finish, Himiko took measures in her own hands and grabbed Maki’s pinky and clasped it with her own as well as Shuichi’s with the two’s blushing red. “Now it is official, we’re together till the end! I, Himko Yumeno, will stay by your side until the very end and will do my best to protect and keep you two safe.”

Next Shuichi was up, “I Shuichi Saihara will stand by you two no matter what. We’ll face every encounter together, and I will do my best to keep you two safe because you two are my friends. We’re together to the end. 

Lastly, Maki said, “I will never let you two go. I'll do my best to keep you two safe. I will never abandon you two ever.”

With that, a promise was now set in stone by three friends.  And with that, the three drifted off to well-deserved sleep. 

The next day the trio woke up with these spirits set high; they were laughing, telling jokes, and overall smiling, if an outsider had seen them they would have probably believed that they were childhood friends.  The three continue to walk through the massive open field continuing to make progress as well as taking in the sights.  They passed by multiple trees varying in size, flowers spawning multiple colors.  They must have lost count of how many times they passed the trees. But that didn’t matter as they were in such good spirits, The three even stopped at a large lake and decided to go swimming with Himiko being the most adamant.  Despite the embarrassment the three had when swimming in their undergarments (Shuichi promised to behave even though there was nothing to worry about)  The three had the time of their lives. This was the most fun they ever had. They were laughing, smiling, telling jokes, splashing each other, taking jabs at each other but it was all in good fun. 

They were generally having fun.  The three had a collective thought that they wished that moments like this lasted forever. "Ha! Hey, no fair Himiko!" Shuichi said splashing the mage back laughing. "Aw what's wrong the detective can't handle some water?" Maki said teasingly.  The detective and Mage shared a mischievous look, and with two full hands of water, splashed Maki getting her whole face wet with water.

"How did you like that Maki Roll?" Himiko asked with some smug. Her question was answered, by the assassin's face being covered with soaking wet hair covering her face, her fists balling with rage.

Maybe that was a bit too much... The two thought themselves. "Maki..Sorry if we got a little carried away."  "Y-Yeah we're sorry Maki Roll please don't be ma-"

*SPLASH*

Not being able to finish her sentence, both the Shuichi and Himiko were splashed with massive amounts of water.  Both of them had to blink a couple of times before they realized what had happened. When the two got the water out of their face they saw a Maki at both of them grinning from ear to ear. Catching on to her, the two ready for their hands full of water ready to fight.  

After what seemed like hours their battle came to an end, with all three of them exhausted and smiling. It was generally refreshing to see their friends who have gone through so much pain smile again. "If only I could see them smile like that more..." The three of them thought to themselves. With their swimming session over they dried off and continued their walk passing by trees, rivers, and waterfalls alongside rocky formations. The three of them decided to take a breather when Shuichi noticed something.  

“Guys! Look!” He said pointing. What was he pointing to exactly? It appeared to be a skyscraper in the distance. 

“A building! We’re not too far from civilization! Himiko says with enthusiasm.

“Hold on Himiko. We may be getting close to civilization, but for all we know Team Danganronpa could be waiting or something else entirely, we need to be on guard.”

“Maki’s right, we need to stay on our toes. When we get there.”

“Right, sorry for getting excited.” Himiko apologized. 

“It’s okay” Maki reassured her with a small smile.

“Now let’s go, you two. It looks like we can get there today but stay close just in case.

With an agreed nod, the two followed Maki looking for a way towards the city. With each step that they took they got closer to the city. What awaited them? How many people would be there? Would Team Danganronpa be waiting for them? When they reached the entrance to the city. They were left speechless.

A destroyed city with broken windows, shattered glass, skyscrapers, and buildings of all sizes that have been either reclaimed by nature or destroyed. Once a popular bustling city that was now forgotten. This was the city of Osaka.

Chapter Text

The three survivors stood at the entrance of the city.  All of them stood there in shock. 

“ What happened? How did this city become so damaged? It’s like a ghost town..” Shuichi muttered to himself.

“Nyeh.. I don’t know. But I would have to guess that we’re the only one in this city huh?”

“We don’t know that for sure.  Maki says sternly. Now stay close to me. We don’t know what we could be in this city waiting for us. We also need to find a place to stay, not to mention water and food.”

As soon as  Maki finished that last sentence all three of their stomachs growled collectively. All three of them remembered that they hadn’t had a proper meal ever seen the 5th trial so needless to say they were starving.  

They started their walk down the streets of the desolate city everywhere they looked vegetation consumed.

This HAS to be connected to Danganronpa! But How?! How?! Come on Shuichi! Shuichi thought to himself. 

“I can tell a lot is on your mind, Shuichi.” Maki suddenly told him.

“Heh. Am I THAT obvious?” He asks.

“Yes." The girls both said.

“Oh.”

"I don’t have to be a scientist to find out that something is wrong with you.” She replies.

“Yeah…You don’t have to face the best poker face Shuichi. Especially with thinking” Himiko says with a smirk.

“Well, how could I not?  Everything has been so bizarre up to the point. Even if my talent was just for the sake of making things more interesting for a televised audience. I have to figure this out, the mystery of this city… I know it’s connected to Danganronpa but I don’t know how it’s connected.”

“Well, you’re not gonna take it all alone. We’re gonna do this together.” Maki replies. 

“Huh?”

“Maki-Roll is right. We’re in this together No matter what!” Himiko with enthusiasm.

“Thank you two. I know we’ll figure everything out.” He says with a smile. 

“Come on you two, We need to find a place to stay. Some rest might do us some good.” She says with a smile.

The trio continues to walk along the desolate streets while striking up conversations about society. Everywhere they looked there were destroyed skyscrapers, vegetation claiming buildings big and small.  Just what happened to this city?

After walking for what seemed like an entire day to a certain age (it was 20 minutes) the trio had their sights on an apartment complex. This building was the least damaged building out of all of the other buildings so it was a match made in heaven.

“Well, any objections?”  The detective asked the two girls. 

“Nope.”

“As long as I can rest my head.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s head inside.

The group walked into the apartment complex and to no surprise, it was abandoned, surprisingly it had working power and the lights at the receptionist's desk were on. “Weird you think a destroyed city like that wouldn’t have any functioning power,” Shuichi said. “ Let’s just be grateful we have working power. If this area of the apartment complex has running power then then the rest of the complex might have power as well.” Maki replied. 

 What stood in front of them was an information desk and to the left of them were stairs leading to where all the other rooms of the apartment were.  According to the directory that Maki found, this complex had 15 floors, so three decided to investigate some of the rooms, however, most of the rooms that came that were searched were completely trashed.  

In the next apartment, Shuichi's hand reached for the knob of the apartment. The door opened to the apartment and what awaited him in the apartment was …. a small neatly made apartment? Not what he was expecting to say the least.

A small apartment, a kitchen merged into the living room, and a sliding door that leads to the balcony. A twin-sized bed was pushed to the farthest side of the room with a small low-end end table in front of the bed. In front of the table was a small TV on top of a dresser. To the left of the entrance was a small washroom with a small shower, washer, and dryer, and everything you would need to keep clean. The trio took in the sights of the apartment.  This apartment felt rather cozy for the three teenagers, and well who could blame them? They didn’t even have a place to call home; the only home they had was all fiction for the sake of creating a backstory.

This was their new home.

And so the three decided to start searching for their new home.

Maki was able to find non-perishable food in the cabinets of the kitchen, for the three of them to eat. 

“This food should last us a good while.” She stated.

Himiko searched the living room if you could call it a living room, and the closet. The search in the living room didn’t amount much to the Mage. However, the Mage was able to find Christmas lights in the closet and started to hang them up around the small apartment.

“What are you doing?” Maki asked.

“I’m hanging up some lights, we don’t know how long we’re gonna stay here, so we might as well, make this place as cozy as we can. ” She explained.

“If you say so. “

Last but not least Shuichi was tasked with investigating the bathroom. Fortunately, the shower and bathrooms had running water, this was more than they could ever ask for.

With their investigation over it was time to feast, and so the three ate like royalty! If royalty eats chips, pocky, and other junk foods as well.

“This isn’t an ideal meal, but it’ll work. If we can get our hands on actual ingredients I’ll be sure to cook.” Maki stated.

“You know how to cook Maki?” Shuichi asked cursorily.

She replied with a nod and explained. “In my memories, I remember I used to cook for all the kids in the orphanage.”

“That’s right I forgot you worked at an orphanage in you're memories,” Himiko replied.

“Yes, but I wouldn’t it be much different though.” 

“Eh? How so?” Shuichi asked.

“We’ll you and Himiko are children though. So it wouldn’t be too different from cooking for those kids.” She explained plainly,

“Nyeh?! Kids?!”  Himiko exclaimed while pouting.

“For your information Maki-Roll! I am a high-level mage, who has been alive since the dawn of time! I am not a kid!” She explained with her hands on her hips.

“Wait, if you're as old a time does that mean you’re a grandma?” Shuichi asked confused. 

“No! That’s even worse!” She exclaimed, pouting even more.

All three of them had a good collective laugh and continued to eat. For a while, they felt like normal teenagers. Just talking about whatever came to mind. 

 Later That Night

After eating their meals three took their showers with Shuichi being the last one. Fortunately for them, they were able to find Pajamas in the dresser.  Shuichi excused himself from his two friends and made his way to the bathroom to take his shower.  The hot water ran through his hair down his body. All the dirt from the debris from the fallen academy and the grasslands washed off of him. It felt so nice and then the detective's mind started to wonder. All of this still feels unreal.  I feel like we’re still being held by Team Danganronpa. But we’re not. I wish. But what do we do now? I guess we’ll figure that out in the morning. Kaede, Kaito…. Everyone. I wish I could have saved you. He thought to himself. He turned off the running water, dried himself off, got changed, and walked into the room where his two friends were waiting for him. The journey so far had been smooth...Until perhaps the most difficult challenge our heroes had yet to face... sleeping arrangements…They all stared at the twin-sized bed. 

“Soo…How are we gonna do this?” Himiko asked.

“Simple. You and Shuichi take the bed. I’ll take the floor.”

“Huh?”

“Nyeh?”

“What? Did I stutter? Maki asks glaring at them with her crimson eyes.

“N-No you didn’t But it’s just you worked hard today. I wouldn't mind if you two took the bed while I slept on the floor.” Shuichi replied.

“No way. You and Maki worked hard. I’ll sleep on the floor. It’s good for my Mana.” Himiko says while raising her finger.

“Idiots. What did I just tell you? I’m sleeping on the floor.  You two are taking the bed.” Maki threatened.

They argued for a good while, and all three brought up valid arguments (those class trials helped them develop their persuasive skills) A couple of hours ago, they had to debate for lives on who and now. They are arguing over who would sleep on the floor while the other two would sleep on the bed. If anyone else looked at it, it would seem like three teenagers arguing about who would sleep on the bed, but little would they know they have it backward.

“That’s it! We’re all sleeping on the bed and that’s final!” Himiko shouted. 

She grabs both of their hands and leads them to the bed.

“Huh-w-wait!” Shuichi and Maki exclaimed together. 

“Guys, what’s the big idea? We all trust each other right?” Himiko asks the two. 

“We do but..” Maki and Shuichi both said looking at each other and blushing furiously. Himiko rolled her eyes, a couple of hours ago we swam together in underclothes. We trust each other. right?"

"Did you have to word it like that?" He said. It's not that I don't trust you two. He stated. It's just that..." he blushed a bit. "I never slept with a girl in a bed before..." 

"That's to be expected, what girl would want to sleep in the same bed as you?" Maki said teasingly.

Ouch. 

Shaking that comment from his head, Shuichi sighed.

“Come on, let's go to bed. I trust you not to try anything funny. If you did, I'd kill you faster before you can come up with a reason.

“Yeah. I trust you two Shuichi. If he tries anything I’ll cast a spell that shrinks him to the size of an ant.” Mage explained.

With a defeated sigh from Shuichi, all three of them made their way into the bed with Maki being on the left, Shuichi being on the right, and Himiko being in the middle. 

“Good night you two,” Shuichi says with a smile.

“Good Night you guys. Maki says with a slight smile.

*Yawn.*Good night… I cast a spell that would make us sleep better nyeh..”

Shuichi never would have thought that we would be sharing a bed with a girl in life let alone two of them not to mention them being his closest friends.  Quickly all three of them fell asleep and their minds drifted away.  This was probably the best sleep they had ever gotten since the academy.  And so that’s how their first day in the new world ended.  Tomorrow they will explore the city some more. 

For now, it was time for rest.

 Meanwhile In an Undisclosed Location

A man in a garish pink suit is looking at a city, a city full of chaos and despair. Accompanying the city of despair was a dark red, cloudy sky.

“Shirokuma! Kurokuma!” The man called out, "Make yourself useful and get your robotic behinds over here this instant.” 

“Right, here boss. The grayish robotic bear made themselves present by walking through the door of the room.

“Hmm? There’s one. Where is Kurokuma?” He asked.

“Umm. That’s a good question, boss. I haven’t seen him since he said he was going to take one of his 2 legally mandated fifteen-minute breaks.” The grayish robot explained.

Getting annoyed, the man called out one more time for the robot. 

“Kurokuma! You have 2 seconds to show yourself-“

Before the man could even finish his sentence, the closet door of of room opened, upon the opening doors, several beer bottles, rolled on the ground, as well as several magazines as well and one dark robotic bear, wearing a golden chain, cigar, an eye patch and lastly a dark-grey fedora.

“WHAT  D-DO YOU *HIC* WANT?!”

“Oh dear. He’s drunk again, and his voice chip is malfunctioning again.” Shriokuma stated

“Yes. It appears so.” The man said annoyed.

ME? TIPSY? Nah NEVER. *HIC* You see. I uhh… missed a couple days of drinking and decided I needed to get caught up.” The tipsy robot explained.

“That’s not how that works. May I suggest seeking help for your drinking problem?” The robot asked.

“I DO GOT NO DRINKING PROBLEM.”

“The first step to recovery is recognizing you have a problem,” Shirokuma stated.

“Enough!” The man said fed up with his robot’s shenanigans.

“It’s time to get down to business.” He started. “Now it’s time to discuss what we’re going to do about the sudden cancellation of the 53rd Season of Danganronpa.”

“That’s right boss. The 53rd season of Danganronpa was abruptly canceled due to those 3 remaining students, as well as that robot.” Shriokuma stated.

“Yes. That sounds correct. And as you can see, he said pointing to the window, "Our fans aren’t happy.”

The two robots walked over to the window and looked outside, and saw multiple riots, flipped over cards, and people shouting multiple things:

“CONTINUE DANGANRONPA!” 

“WE NEED SEASON 53 TO FINISH!” 

“DANGANRONPA FOR LIFE!

A  man even ripped off his shirt revealing a tattoo that said “ I love Byakuya Togami.” written across his bare chest and yelled. 

“We obviously can’t let this continue. Even if these people are in our control, we need Danganronpa to continue; if Danganronpa stops, our cash flow stops.” The man explained.

“How about you just slap some merchandise of some characters on some crappy ass merchandise and call it a day?” Kurokuma asked while lighting his cigar.

“We already put our characters' faces on nearly everything. Cups, notebooks, t-shirts, pillows. You name them.” The man explained.

“Have you considered making a video game? I heard those are pretty popular and pretty easy to make, or maybe an anime? I’m sure people will eat that crap in a flash!” The robotic bear said laughing. 

“No, we need to find some way to finish the fifty-third season.”

“If I recommend something, boss. If my memory serves me correctly we hosted the killing game, In the Osaka grasslands. And the nearest city to Osaka would be Tokyo correct, perhaps we can stage an attack there, maybe that will quench their thirst for Danganronpa?” The robot recommended

"Hmm. Not a bad Idea. Hmm yes. That’s a masterful idea! I’m glad I came up with it."

The robot's sweat dropped in response “But sir, that was my idea. I believe you are “ Before Shirokuma could even finish the sentence, the man gave him an intimidating glare.

“Forget I said anything.” 

“Anyways You two. Rally up the Monokumas and the Monokubs, and get ready for an attack on the city. 

Right come now, Shirokuma, we have work that must be done.” 

“You ain’t the boss of me, but I can’t wait to see some good ol despair and destruction!

"That's the spirit buddy." Shirokuma patted the back of the robot's shoulder perhaps a bit too hard.  Kurokuma shut down momentarily, the two were slightly concerned until he was powered back on, but with a new oh-so-lovely voice.

"YEE-HAW! "LET" 'S ROUND UP THEM STRAGGLERS"

Correction, that was not an oh-so-lovely voice. Pulling out a cowboy hat and whip (seemingly out of nowhere) "We're gonna have a hog-killing time!" C'mon, Shirkouma!" Kurokuma bolted out of the room, leaving the other two speechless. 

“And Shirokuma fixes Kurkokuma’s voice chip while you're at it, it’s giving me a migraine.

Akihabara

A man is feverishly typing away at his computer. 

“Danganronpa... Danganronpa.” What are you planning Shinzo?” 

“The man kept typing away at his computer while looking at the computer feed. Until he heard something coming from the feed of the computer. “

“If I recommend something, boss. If my memory serves me correctly we hosted the killing game, I’m Osaka Grasslands. And the nearest city to Osaka would be Tokyo correct, perhaps we can stage an attack there, maybe that will quench their appetite for Danganronpa?” 

“Hmm. Not a bad Idea...Hmm yes. That’s a masterful idea! I’m glad I came up with it. “

The man shot up from his chair, “An attack?!?” He exclaimed. 

“You’re not launching an attack on this world. I owe it to Keebo and his friends.” He said, balling up his fist.

The man pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Hello Yui, Akio, it’s me. Please come over as soon as you can. It’s an emergency. It’s the thing we talked about.

“Got it, we'll be there soon.

Later

*Knock* *Knock*

“Grandfather, are you there? It's us.”

“Yeah let us in!”

The door opened revealing a middle-aged man with brown hair, and a white lab coat with multiple dark spots.

“Ah, there you two are! Did you run into any trouble while making your way over here?”

“No trouble.” The teenage boy replied.

“Would you count stepping in a puddle count as trouble?” the girl asked. 

“That…would go under the category of annoyance rather than trouble.” The man explained. 

“Ah. Right. So then, no, no trouble.”

The two teenagers walked into the small apartment and walked into the living room.

“Okay, I’m sure you know why I called you three here tonight.” The man asked. 

“Right, it’s about Danganronpa.” The boy replied. 

“Correct, more accurately it’s about Team Danganronpa. They're coming.”

“What do you mean they’re coming?” The girl asked.

The man started to explain, “Team Danganronpa more accurately their robots are coming to attack the city. I’ve been monitoring their feeds and decided to attack.”

“But why would they want to attack?” The girl asked her grandfather.

“It’s because their audience wants despair,  they want a conclusion to the 53rd season, and they want Danganronpa to continue. They believe attacking the city full of civilians will satisfy their fans.”

“Hold on.” Could they be bluffing grandfather?” The boy questioned.

“That is a possibility. But either way, we must be ready for them just in case.”

“How come we can’t call the police?” The girl asked.

“Team Danganronpa has everyone in their back pockets. It’s highly possible that they're being paid, to keep quiet. Not to mention that will cause massive hysteria. And that Team Danganronpa as well as their fans want. “You two are my only family, and I hate to ask this of you. But I need your help protecting this city and possibly the world. He asked.

“Yes!” The girl asked, raising her hand, while the boy's sweat dropped.

“Really? The man said, amazed. “You don’t want to give it a second thought?”

“Nope! EEEE!!! This is gonna be so cool!” 

“Err.. okay how about you young man?” He turned his head to the teenage boy.

“I guess, I’ll do it too. Someone needs to look after my sister.

“Great. For now, here's what we need to d-"

“Agent 1 reporting for duty!” She said doing a goofy-looking salute, at her grandfather.

“Agent 1?” The Boy asked her sister, why did you say it like it was some game this is serious-“The boy was then cut off by her hyperactive sister.

“Come on Akio! This is gonna be fun! And you’ll be Agent 2! It’s like that one game we always play except it’s real life!”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it fun...” The man muttered. "Anyways I’m glad you two are on board. Now your first task is to scout the city, if anything suspicious, and look out for the survivors as well.”

“The survivors? You mean the survivors of the last killing game?”

“Yes, that's right. They’ll be here I know.

“How do you know that for sure grandfather? How do you know that they're not dead?”

“Simple. I have hope, They’ll be here I know. But for now, start scouting the city, and look out for the survivors or anything suspicious. Here are two earpieces that we can keep in contact with, you might want to clean them off.”

“You can count on us! Grandfather!” The girl said again doing a goofy-looking salute while smiling and dashed out of the apartment causing the other two to sweat drop.

“Right, you can count on us. By the way, about Keebo. I’m sorry you couldn’t save him. I wish we could have spent more time with him.”

The man's face fell, “It’s…alright, I wish I could have saved him as well, but it is what it is. Keebo decided to sacrifice himself.” He explained. “Anyways you better catch up to your sister before she gets into trouble.”

“Right. We’re off.”

The man waved his two grandchildren goodbye and started typing away at his keyboard while monitoring the feed coming from his monitor.

I promise I’ll avenge you, Keebo, and all your friends as your father, I swear it!

Chapter Text

One year before the 53rd Killing Game

Akihabara News Center 

“The hell do you mean the company was bought out?!” the newscaster said.

“I said that the company is being bought out.” his partner said without a trace of emotion.

“Who did we even get bought out by?” he asked. She walked over to his desk, and then threw down a stack of papers, with the first paper on the stack showing a red crest.

“Oh god, don’t tell me…” He muttered.

“Yep, your eyes aren’t fooling you, bought out the Danganronpa holding corporation.” 

“Didn’t they just buy out the Kamiko cooperation not too long ago?” he questioned.

“Now that you mention it, they did just recently buy out the Kamiko Cooperation a while back.” She started.

“Yeesh, at this rate they’ll buy out every company in Japan big or small in Japan.”

 “Anyways. I looked over the papers, most of the business and networking are going to remain the same.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However..”

“However?”

“We’re not allowed to cover any type of Danganronpa media unless given permission.” She said. 

“We’re not allowed to cover Danganronpa?” He asked. “Doesn't that seem weird? Wouldn't they want us to cover anything and everything about them to give them nothing but good publicity?”  

“You do make a good point but either way, we have to abide by these new rules if we want to make ends meet.”

“You make a good point.” There has to be more to this.” He thought to himself.  Soon the two were interrupted by the cameraman, who was giving them a signal. “In two minutes! And for the love of god please stick to the script this time.”  He said somewhat annoyed. 

“No promises.” She said, with a smirk.

“God I hate working here. Anything about the news makes me sick.” He muttered. With the other two, simply shrugging his comment off.

“Before we go on air, how is the boss currently handling this news of being bought out? " he asked.

“I think he’s handling it just fine.” 

*Crash*

“GOD DAMN IT!" The man exclaimed, throwing his glass upon the wall shattering it into pieces.

"Did you hear something?" The man asked. The woman shook her head.

"It was probably the wind."

The Present

It was 9 am in the forgotten city. and three teenagers were currently still fast asleep, in one shared bed. All three of them were still asleep until Shuichi rolled off the bed onto the carpet floor.

“Ow!” He slowly rose himself off the floor and looked at his two sleeping friends.

“Heh. They’re kinda cute sleeping so peacefully. Wait what did I just say?! Now is not the time for that Saihara!”

Putting that unexpected thought aside, he decided that the other two needed to get up or else they would sleep the rest of the day away, especially Himiko.  He decided to wake up Maki first, with 2 light shakes Maki shot up from the bed and was in a fighting posting, her fist and eyes deadlocked at Shuichi, until she realized it was Shuichi. 

It WAS Shuichi.

“Oh uh. Good morning.” She said awkwardly,

“Good Morning. Um. Do you mind putting down your fists? You already punched me once.” He said.

“Uh yeah sure…anyways..” trying to move away from the awkwardness. So what’s the plan for today?” 

“I was thinking we could explore the city some more. And maybe we can find some leads to Team Danganronpa.”

Good idea. I’ll fetch our clothes out of the wash, you wake up Himiko.”

Unfortunately for the detective, waking up the Mage proved to be a much more difficult task. Fortunately, after multiple attempts, the mage woke up with her signature “Nyeh.”

The streets of the city were just as destroyed and devoid of life as usual, except for the occasional wildlife such as birds and rabbits just what happened to this city? The three survivors walked along the street until they found a massive shopping center with a massive building in the middle, with the three stopped in front of the entrance.

“Woah, I've never seen a shopping center this massive before. Well, I guess technically this is the FIRST shopping mall I’ve ever seen before.” Shuichi said.

“I guess you can say the same for all of us really,” Maki replied.

“Well we're not gonna make any progress, just standing twiddling our thumbs! Let’s go!” Himiko said enthusiastically while grabbing two of her two friends' arms and pulling them with her.

Just where did Himko get this new energy? Even though it’s been days since the killing game ended, Himiko has come a long way, from a lazy mage to a more outgoing person. The survivors explored the shopping center more and took in the many stores on display. Eventually, this led them to a clothing store where they decided to get some new clothes.

“The sooner we get out of these clothes, the better.” Maki stated.”

“Nyeh, yeah I wanna forget about the Academy as soon as possible, even though it's kinda hard…”

“Yeah… I understand where you two are coming from but I feel like we should keep them. Shuichi said.

“What? How come?” The girls both asked him.

“Well..” he started. “Even though that Academy was hell on Earth, that place also gave us the memories of our friends, these were the clothes we met them in, not to mention these uniforms shaped us into the people we are now. I think keeping these uniforms will be good for us, we can remember the good times we had in the academy, along with our friends.”

“He’s right. W-we shouldn’t throw these away, I don’t wanna throw away the memories of Tenko and the others.” Himiko said with a small smile.

“If you say so,” Maki says, 

After that exchange, The three gathered what clothing they could find, and headed into the changing room.

Maki was the first one getting dressed, Her outfit consisted of nothing too fancy, she was wearing black jeans, a dark short red shirt, with black tennis shoes.  But then a thought crossed her mind. 

Will Himiko like what I’m wearing? What am I thinking? Get a hold of yourself!

Shaking that thought away, She turned her head to the mag who was currently struggling to get her head through the hole.

*Pop* 

Ah-Ha! Got it! Well, how do I look, Maki?” She asked with a smirk while raising one eyebrow.

Without any hesitation, Maki said, “You’d look good if you didn’t put your head through the wrong hole.”

“Nyeh? What are you talking-“ Himiko then turned herself to the mirror and saw what Maki was talking about. 

“Dang it.”

“Here let me help you.” Maki then assisted the girl, and then her outfit was finally complete. Himiko's outfit is consistent with a dark red shirt, black, tattered jeans, and black boots with a picture of astronomy moons on both sides of the black boots.

“You look nice, Himiko.” She said with a small but sincere smile.

“Nyeh? Really?” She said with a small blush.

It was until Himko noticed something on Maki’s arm, well arms to be exact. What Himiko saw were multiple scars along her arms.

“Maki? Your scars, Team Danganronpa must have done that to you.  She said pointing to her multiple scars.

“You’re right. Although I didn’t pay too much attention to my scars during the Killing Game.” She explained. Who knows maybe I had these scars before I auditioned for the game, guess I’ll never know.” She said in a solemn voice.

“Maki-Roll…” Himiko said, walking up and putting her hand on her shoulder. “I know I’m not the best at comforting people like Shuichi… But, those scars make you who you are, and nyeh… I think you look good with those scars.” Himiko said.

“Himiko…thank you." She with a small blush across her face.

“You’re welcome, Maki.” She said back. 

“I didn’t know you had a way with words, you’ve probably been hanging around with Shuichi a bit  too much.” She said in a teasing tone.

“Nyeh?! What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Nothing anyways here’s a jacket, just in case it gets cold.  Maki passed Himiko and jacket, and it took her a second to realize what she passed to her.

 “Nyeh?!”

Shuichi was finishing getting changed, his outfit was a dark blue shirt, black pants, with black sneakers.

What was up with this group and wearing black? Surely they must have known that there were other colors of clothing to wear right? Nevertheless, those were the only options our heroes chose to wear. Shuichi walked out of the dressing room, where he awaited his two friends until she heard a shriek.

“Nyeh?!”

“Himko, Maki?! Are you guys alright?!” He called out.

“Yeah, we’re fine!” Maki called out.

Shuichi's heart stopped beating a mile a minute, but still, what could have gotten Himiko so worked up about it? It wasn’t until she and Himiko walked out of the dressing room that he realized what the fuss was about.

The only word Shuichi could muster out at that moment was “Oh.”

If Shuichi hadn’t known Himiko beforehand, he would have thought that she was at least 11 years old due to what she was wearing. What was she wearing exactly? A bright pink jacket, with bunny ears on top of the hood, even the sleeves of the hoodie were too big for her sleeves.

“This makes me look like a kid!” She said pouting.

“This was the only jacket that was her size,” Maki explained.

“Ah, well, I think you look nice, Himiko. I think it suits you.” He said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?? Are you calling me a kid?!”

“N-No!” He said waving his hands defensively, “You just look kinda cute in it is all.”

“Nyeh?! Well of course I am the cutest mage of all existence.” Her face was blushing as she explained. 

“Yeah, you also look really cute as well, Maki,” Shuichi said. 

“Thanks.” She said with a small blush while messing with her pigtails.

After that, The three made their way around the destroyed city, so more, passing by multiple buildings, street corners, and a massive collapsed tower, covered with vines. and a movie theater. The three made their way into the building and walked along the hallway of the destroyed movie theater. Along the way, the three of us were looking at the signs of movie posters, until two odd-looking posters caught Maki’s attention. The poster was about a skinny-looking hedgehog, with skinny blue legs and red tennis shoes resting along what appears to be a bridge. The second one was the same skinny blue hedgehog running up a building wall.

“What an ugly-looking character.” She stated.

“Eh? What’s wrong with it?” Shuichi asked while walking up to the poster.

“This character looks horrible, he looks like he came from someone’s nightmares. Not to mention his legs look too skinny.” The assassin stated.

“ I never knew you were one for character design.” He said in a joking tone.

She then crossed her arms against her breast and explained. “I don’t have to be a character designer, to know that design looks awful. I hope whoever designed this got fired.”

Shuichi's sweat dropped, and explained “Maybe a bit too harsh, who knows maybe they changed it? Maybe it was like a marketing ploy?” He suggested, trying to put a positive spin on the conversation.

“Maybe. But I feel sorry for anyone who watched that movie.”

"Ah, there you guys are.." She trailed off, looking at the poster. "What is that? Is that supposed to be a rat?" 

"It's supposed to be a hedgehog." 

"What hedgehog is the color blue?" The mage asked.

"That's a good question. Let's get a move on."

Later that day, the trio explored the desolate city some more, a breeze flew by our heroes, and the wind blew through our heroes' hair, they felt so free. It wasn’t until Maki broke the silence and asked a question.

“Hey. Do you think, wherever they are, they’re happy? Do you think they feel free like us?” Maki asked.

That was a tough question. Did the deceased of the killing game feel free? Was there even an afterlife? There may have been, in their memories, but they were fake after all. 

“I think they feel free,” Shuichi replied.

“How do you know?” Himiko asked.

“I just…have this feeling.” He said smiling while looking up at the bright blue sky. “I just have this feeling that they’re all happy, and smiling.”

“I think Kaito rubbed off on you, that’s something that moron would say.” She said with a small smile with a teasing tone.”

“Heh, You think so?” He asked while scratching his cheek.

“Hey, speaking of Kaito..” Himiko started. “If it’s okay. What was he like? I..didn’t get to know him all that well during the Killing Game.” She admitted.

“Yeah, I don’t mind.” Shuichi said, “Maki?” He asked.

“If it’s fine with me.” She said with a small smile.

And so the three survivors walked along the desolate road talking about the Ultimate Astronaut, Kaito Momomta. And of course, that led to some interesting questions.

“Wait. So Kaito failed all of the tests, he cheated his way into space training and he still became the Ultimate Astronaut?” The mage asked.

“Yep,” Maki replied.

“Well know that you say it out loud. His backstories, well..all out backstories, seem kind of ridiculous.” Shuichi pointed out.

“You do have a point, I mean, hell my backstory was that I was scouted as an assassin at the age of ten.” She explained. “And we'll tell Himiko's backstory as if it were a fairy tale

“Hey!” She said that there was some offense to that comment.

“Shuichi, you’re the only one who hasn't told us your backstory I don’t think.” 

Maki was right, Shuichi was the only one whose backstory, he didn’t tell. The only one who he told was Kaede after all. Besides that, he knew everyone else’s backstory, during his free time he had class in between class trials, motives, as well as any other shenanigans the Monokubs and Monkuma threw at them during that day.

“Ah, you’re right. Well, the backstory is interesting, to say the least. I was investigating a dangerous criminal, and we were able to catch him. But I’m the end…the victim drove the culprit’s family to suicide.” He explained, with the solemn faces on his two friends' faces. He continued. “The victim looked at me with malice in his eyes. Because of his eyes, I was scared of the truth, I was scared to pursue the truth as well. Not to mention, I was scared to look people in the eyes, so that’s why I always wore that hat.” He finished explaining himself.

“That’s some story…” Himiko said with a hint of sadness in her voice. 

“Whatever happened to your hat?” Maki asked.

“It most likely got destroyed during the final execution. But I don’t miss it at all.  I wore that hat because I was scared of the truth. But now I’ll find the truth about this city, and Team Danganronpa as a whole.” 

“Well, I’m glad you don’t wear that hat anymore. She said, “You look nice without it.” Himko muttered under her breath.

“Eh? Was that the last part of Himiko?”Shuichi asked, only catching the last part of her sentence.

“NYEH?!” Oh uhh, nothing! Nothing at all! Just talking about unequipping your hat, have you twenty-plus stay in intelligence mana!” She tried to come up with a lie while waving her arms and hands like a lunatic.

“Uh-huh. Sure.” Maki said. “Come on, let's keep going, you two.”

The three continued to walk through the city, with their walk through another building hoping to find some clues about Team Danganronpa.  The trio made their way inside an office building, and of course, just like any other building, it was completely a mess, with a good part of the wall missing with grass and vines growing inside the building. Looking around, Maki was able to find, a dusty newspaper, 

“Hey you two, take a look.” She said while holding up a newspaper. This caught her two friends' attention.

“A newspaper? What does it say?” Shuichi asked.

Maki started to read the paper. 

Osaka News Journal June 5th 20XX

Due to the recent success of having a fan participate in the second season of Danganronpa Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony will now be accepting audience members. Winners of the killing game will be awarded with a cash prize! If you have what it takes please come to the address below for auditions, better hurry, don’t miss out on your chance to be the winner of the killing game!

After Maki finished reading that paper, everyone felt sick to their stomachs, knowing that they wanted to participate in this killing game along with their friends.  However, two things caught three things caught Shuichi’s interest. 

“Hey Maki, do you mind if you hand me that paper for a second?” 

 Maki passed Shuichi that paper and started to re-read it.

“What are you doing, Shuchi?” Himiko asked.

“I’m re-reading this newspaper for any clues… Ah-ha!” he exclaimed.

“What did you find?” 

“Yeah, spill it Shuchi!”

“So first off, This paper is from the Osaka News Journal, so it's a safe assumption that this paper came from here, which means this is the city of Osaka.” He explained. 

“Nyeh, Osaka? Never heard of it” Himiko questioned. 

“It’s a major city in Japan,” Maki explained. “So I guess we’re in Japan then.” She said, concluding.

“Right.  And the tower that we passed Tsutenkaku Tower. But that still raises the question: What caused this city to be so destroyed?” Shuichi asked. “In my memories, I remember Osaksa being this beautiful place. Well I guess for all we know, the city could have always looked like this..” Shuichi said, in his trademarked thinking pose.

“Okay well, that one mystery solved..sort of..” The mage said

“Anyways, the paper mentioned the fifty-second season. And we know Rantaro was involved in it. Do you think that paper was referring to him?  Maki asked.

“Most likely.” He said. “Lastly, the paper was able to give us an address for the audition center, So I think we should investigate it. This is the only lead we have after all.” He said.

‘So where is the audition center? Himiko asked.

“The audition center is…” he started to trail off, “Oh…”

“Shuichi?” 

“Is that a good kind of Oh… Or a bad kind of Oh..?”

“Er… um.. bad kind of oh? “Guys the newspaper says that the audition center is in Akihabara.” He said. 

“And how far is Akihabara from Osaka?” The girls both asked.

“If my memories and math are right then it’s…about a four-day walk,” he muttered.

“That’s how long it's gonna take us to get there?!” Himiko said. No way! There's got to be another way!

“Calm Down Himiko,” Maki said. “I’m sure we can find a mode of transportation in the city to Akiharbra. 

“Well, there's only one way to find out.  I guess it’d be too easy just to have everything right in front of us.” Shuichi said.  It was until then Maki started to lean her back against the wall thinking.

“Maki-Roll, are you sure you should be leaning  on the wall?” Himkio questioned.

“Yeah, She’s right, are you sure you should be leaning on it.” He asked her as well.

“You two worry too much it’s everything will be fine-”

*Creek*

Before Maki could finish that sentence, the wall the Maki was leaning on started to fall over to the other side, the wall breaking into thousands of pieces, on the ground. Meanwhile, Shuichi and Himiko looked at their friend's sweat dropping at the scene that unfolded in front of them. while Maki on the other hand had a face that screamed embarrassment. 

“You were saying?” 

“S-Shut up.”

The sun had started to set, and the three started to make their way back to their new home, hoping to find some new clues tomorrow, until Shuichi spotted a bullet train. Thinking that it could still be used, the three headed to the station. 

“Do you think the bullet train still works?” Himiko asked.

“Well, there is a strong chance, that if the building we’re living at a place has power as well as running water, then this place can have power too.” 

“There's only one way to find out.”  The three started to walk to the train until Maki stopped the two girls. 

“Hold on you too.”

“Eh? What’s up?” The detective asked.

“Before we head to Akiriharba, we should be sure that we’re prepared. We don’t know what kind of danger that we could encounter.” She said.

“Nyeh.. good point.” Himiko said. 

“Ah that reminds me, Maki, I want you to teach me how to defend myself,” Shuichi said.

“Oh? And where is this coming from?” She asked while crossing her arms across her breast.

“Well ever seen we were in the grasslands, I've been meaning to ask you, but it slipped my mind till now, also. I feel like we should keep training because of Kaito.” 

Maki's face fell for a couple of seconds, being reminded of the astronaut. Her face returned to normal. “Okay, I’ll teach you how to defend yourself.”

“Really? Thank Mak-” He was then cut off by the threatening glare that gave him a chill up his spine.

“Just be warned,  I won’t take it easy on you. If you thought Kaito’s training was hard you haven't seen anything yet.”

All Shuichi could do during this moment was simply gulp. What in god’s name has he gotten himself into?

“We’ll find ourselves some clothes to train in. Hope you’re ready,” she says, smirking as she walks away from the bullet station.

He REALLY should have kept his mouth shut.  It was until Himiko laid her hand on Shuichi’s shoulder and said “Good luck Shuichi. I cast a strength-up Mana spell. You're gonna need it.” she said while walking off to catch up with Maki

What in god’s name did he get himself into?

With the sun continuing to set, Maki's training session kicked off as soon as they found the right clothes, and a nice open space to practice in, Shuichi was able to keep up for the most part with the push-ups and sit-ups. But he ultimately failed when it came to hand-on-hand combat with the result of Shuichi being thrown onto the grass with each punch and kick he threw at Maki. The next attempt ended with him being pinned down on the grass.

“Come on Mister Detective, is that all you got?” Maki said in a mocking tone.

“Oww!!” Shuichi said in pain, as Maki had pinned down to the ground and twisted his arm.

“You’re not gonna get anything stronger, by just laying there.” She stated while cracking her knuckles. 

Before he could reply they were interrupted by a certain mage wearing a pink tracksuit.

“Am I interrupting something?” She asked.

Maki then released Shuichi from her grapes and then coughed into her fist and said “No Shuichi and I have finished up our first session of the day.” 

“W-Wait? That was the first?!” He said comforting his hurt arm.

Maki and Shuichi then looked at the mage’s outfit and realized what she was about to ask.

“Himiko, do you want to train with us? He asked.

“That obvious huh? Yes, I do.” She started. “I…after Tenko's death, I wanted to find some way to honor her legacy as well as Kaito’s, and well..” She struggled to find the words but she continued nonetheless “I remember a night where you two and Kaito were training. She explained. “I don’t want to rely on just my magic anymore, I want to be strong so I can protect you guys. 

“Himiko..” Shuichi said, taking back her words. “We’d be more than happy to have you train with us, Himiko, right Maki?”

“Right.  Although I don’t know how strong you are so we’ll start easy.” 

That was until then Himiko got a bit too cocky and said “Maki-Roll what do you take me for? I’m a high-level mage in all types of classes. I can handle any workout you give me.”

It wasn't until she said that the sentence Shuichi shot at her “Why did you say that? You’re gonna regret that.” Look.

“Oh really?” She said with a smirk .” We’ll start with Push-ups. You’ll stop when I say so.”

“Heh, I got this in the cauldron pot Maki.” She said with a smirk cracking her knuckles.  Himiko proceeded to get down on the ground and got ready for her push-ups. 

“Ready? Go!”

2 Minutes later.

*Blech* 

Himiko was throwing up in a nearby trash can, with Maki and Shuichi rubbing her on the back, comforting her.

“I warned you,” Shuichi said shaking his head.

*Blech* 

“ I’m okay I’m okay.. I casted a *Blech*

“How about we take a break?" Shuichi offered.

After Himiko's ...episode was done, the three sat on a patch of grass in the park. With the two catching relieved to have a small break.  “Well, you two could have done worse.” She stated, but this is just the beginning.”

“Nyeh…” Himiko sighed while collapsing on the grass with Shuichi following suit. 

“Come on you two, we still have plenty more to do.” She stated. 

“H-How much more do we have?” Shuichi asked while also terrified of the answer that they were about to receive. 

“We’ll stop when we think you two could protect yourselves. Come on you too, break over.” Shuichi quietly sighed while Himiko voiced her complaints a bit more loudly with a louder sigh.  The three resumed their training, they started with more running, with Maki finishing her laps first, Shuichi finishing his laps not a while longer, and Himiko….attempted to finish her laps, but ultimately ended up making another detour to the trash can. ( But the important thing was that she was trying!) In the couple of hours Himiko and Shuichi we able to learn the basics of hand-to-hand combat. A few hours later the trio was finally done training with the detective and the mage’s whole body was completely sore to the bone.

“That’s enough for you to. I think you two can handle yourselves. Now it's time for you to take a shower.” She said while looking over her two friends, currently exhausted out of their minds, practically sweating buckets.  

“Yeah, a shower sounds..nice right now..” Shuichi said exhausted. 

“Nyeh.. not enough mana to use legs…Shuichi carry..me” Himiko managed to muster out.

“No way! You’re all sweaty!”

“Please gonna..pass out..”

While their childish argument continued and started to walk, Shuichi noticed something a set of stairs that were obstructed by trees that led somewhere. Just where did it lead to, only one way to find out after all. The trio walked over to a set of stairs that led to an underground door. When the three arrived at the door, Shuichi opened the door, and what their eyes laid upon was a bathhouse. Multiple baths spanning across the area, as well as shower stalls, as well as dressing stations, as well as wooden benches.

“This is not what I expected.’” Shuichi said looking at the sight in front of him.

“Well how about we bathe here, It beats going back to the apartment,” Maki suggested.

“Sounds good to me,” Himiko replied.

With that agreement out of the way, the three made their way into the bathhouse, all of them agreeing to split up, undress, and take their baths.  All three of them felt so relaxed sitting in the hot water with all the sweat and dirt washing off of their bodies with only their heads that weren’t submerged in the hot water.  When was the last time they felt so relaxed? For Himiko, maybe when she, Tenko, and Angie relaxed at the poolside in the Academy, But for Shuichi and Maki? Even they don’t know for sure. It was until then Maki turned her head to her two friends who were enjoying their separate bath both of their eyes closed with blissful smiles.

“Those two are cute looking, when they’re relaxed like this would they even-

No no no! Maki then shook those thoughts out of her head of her head not even letting herself finish that thought. What has even gotten into her scene when she left the academy?

“Hey Maki, are you alright?” Shuichi asked, turning his head to her. 

“I’m alright. Just thinking.” 

“You want to talk about it?” He asked.

Her face began to turn red, she then turned to her face to avoid meeting eye contact with him.

“No, I'm fine.” She lied.

“Ah okay. If you ever want to talk about it,  Himiko and I will be there to lend an ear.” He said with a smile. 

“Thanks, Shuichi, speaking of Himiko, how’s she holding up?” She asked. The two then looked over to the bath where the mage was soaking. “Nyeh…bliss,” She said with her eyes closed and in heaven.

“She’s just fine,” he said with a smile.

For moments the three of them wished moments like this could last forever.  When the trio were done, they all dried off and put their clothes on. Separately of course! The trio then left the bathhouse to the train station.

“Okay you two, are you ready?” Shuichi asked.

“Ready, I’ll as ever be.  Although I have to admit that It feels weird leaving this city so soon.” Maki admitted. 

“Yeah. Although I am a bit nervous. But I know this is something we have to do.” Himiko said with nervousness in her voice. 

“I know how you feel Himiko, but everything will be fine, I promise. He said, "Remember the promise we all made together.”

“Right. Maki said. We promised to keep each other safe, and we’re going to keep to that promise.” She said with a smile. 

“Of course, I remember that promise, of course, you three need a high-level mage to keep you two safe!” She said proudly while putting her hands on her hips.

The two friends' sweat dropped, at her response but a small smile formed on their lips. “And I promise to keep you two safe as well,” Shuichi said. “We’re in this together.” He said with a smile. “No matter what.” The girls both said with smiles. With a nod from our three heroes, the three continued the walk to the Bullet Station, leaving their new home behind in pursuit of the pursuit of the truth of this new world.

Osaka Bullet Train Station

The three heroes made their way to the Bullet Train Station, and their eyes laid upon a Bullet Train. A thought Shuichi. How were they exactly going to get onto the train? From the looks of the bullet train doors were shut tight, and that thought was only proven true when he tried to open the sliding doors to the bullet train. How were they going to get in? Maybe finding some kind of tool so they can pry the door open? Shuichi’s mind started to ramble off different scenarios on how to get into the bullet train until he was then interrupted by glass shattering.

*Crash*

Shuichi turned his head to his two friends. “Eh?! Maki, Himiko are you two alright…oh.” the scene that was in front of him where Maki threw a rock at the window, breaking it, with the broken window leading to the cockpit of the train. 

“Found an entrance,” she stated flatly as she jumped through the window leading into the bullet train. 

Shuichi then turned to Himiko. “ Well, I guess you can’t complain with results….” She said with a shrug. 

“That is true. Um…Did she even try to open the door? We know that the sliding door to the main cabin of the bullet train was locked but not this actual door to the cockpit.” He asked her.  She then walked up to the door and with a little bit of force she was able to get it open with relative ease.  When the two walked inside the cabin with Shuichi leading the way, they saw their friend with another face that screamed embarrassment. “Come on REALLY?! But the two decided not to press further.  Maki then coughed into her fist and asked. “So now that we're inside how do we get this thing started?

“Well, the first course of action should be finding a power source for the train.” After some careful looking, Himiko was able to find a switch that turned on the entire Bullet Train. As soon as that power flipped on, a voice over the intercom started talking.

“Authenticating……Authenticating…….. Authenticating…….”

“Welcome to the Osaka Bullet Train. Please choose the next destination you desire to take to the bullet train station this evening. 

As soon as the Intercom voice finished its sentence a holographic map appeared on the dashboard. “Nyeh!” Himiko jumped a little upon seeing the hologram.  “I've never seen anything like this before,” Maki stated. “I think the only thing that comes close to this was one of the rooms before the final trail.” He stated. “Maybe we use this hologram to choose where to go.” Shuichi then used his finger to navigate that map, after a bit of getting used to navigating the map Shuichi then was able to scroll to Akihabara and lock it in as its destination.

“ You have selected the destination Akihabara. Is that the destination you would like to go this evening?” 

A prompt appeared on the screen, with the options Yes and No. Looking at the two heroes, our three heroes nodded, and Shuichi pressed the Yes option with his finger.

“Destination has been selected, time to arrive 11:15 pm. Current time 8:05 pm. All passengers please make yourselves comfortable. The Kamiko Corporation prides our customers that ride our Bullet Trains, on nothing but the most high-class hospitality.”

As soon as the intercom finished talking, the Bullet Train started to move, picking up speed.“

Kamiko cooperation? Never heard of it.” 

“Me neither,” Maki stated. 

“I guess we should make ourselves comfortable.” He said. We have a lot of time to kill. The trio made their way to the main cabin of the train and saw that the place was spotless. With Himiko making her way to one of the seats, she immediately fell in love with it, bouncing up and down on it like a hyperactive kid.

“These seats are so soft!” She exclaimed. This might even be better than our bed in the apartment!” Maki-Roll, Shuichi, you have to sit here!” The two made their way over to the seats, and yes they were indeed soft.

“I think you two should get some rest. There was no point in trying to stay up, scenes were going to be on the train for the next couple of hours. Not to mention you two must be tired after all that training you two did.” Maki did make a good point, Shuichi’s and especially Himiko's muscles were sore.

“Ah, but you must be tired as well, right Maki?” He questioned. 

“Yeah, Shuichi is right.” She added.

“You two I’m fine, honestly you two worry too much, I’m fine, promise.” She said with a small but sincere smile.  Moments later the two heroes' eyes started to feel heavy, as they started to fall asleep.

Maki then looked to her two friends With Himiko sleeping on Maki's left side and Shuichi sleeping on her right side. She couldn't help but smile. But little did she know that she began to feel tired and her eyes started to become heavy.

Maki didn’t remember falling asleep, her eyes slowly rose open, and what she was greeted by was the moonlight coming from the windows. The lights must have gone off not long after we fell asleep, after all this it is after dark and lights usually turn off in trains after 10 pm.  Maki wanted to get up and stretch but she was then met with a force that resisted her from getting up. The force? Was the Ultimate Mage who had her arms wrapped around her torso quickly snoring. “Zzz..”

“Himiko?! What are you?” She thought to herself not wanting to wake her up.  She then felt another source of resistance. On her right side. She turned her head slightly and saw the Ultimate Detective asleep peacefully, on her shoulder. Maki’s face turned bright red. Not catch this sooner, but surprisingly we didn't fight it. But instead embraced it.

Peace.

That word. A word that Maki has never really felt before in her whole life, fake memories or during her time at the academy. Being next to these two gave her peace.

Love.

That was the next word that popped into Maki’s mind. But why did that pop into her mind? Could she? …..Perhaps that’s a question for later. For now, the trio still had a couple more hours ahead of them on the train. Before she went back to sleep, Maki put her hands on her two friends one on Himiko's head and one on Shuichi’s hand. Maki went back to sleep smiling. Making sure to keep her two friends safe. And soon, she joined our heroes for some well-deserved rest as the bullet train continued to its destination.

Chapter Text

“Monokubs.” Shirokuma called out, “Monokubs, the boss requires your assistance.” he called out but there was no response. Just where could they be? It wasn't until then that Shirokuma called them out. “YEE HAW COME ON OUT!” He yelled, but still no answer. "Must you yell so loud? I need to fix your voice chip, it's stuck on cowboy and it's giving me a migraine." The two robots kept walking down the halls of the building until they could hear laughing. Bingo.

The two robots opened the door and saw four robotic bears doing their daily activities, Montaro the red robot of the group was sitting at a table with what appeared to be a chess board with Momonosuke, a brown-yellowish robot.  Next, the robotic eyes turned to Monophaine, a bright pink robot, wearing a bikini who was currently looking at herself in the mirror, lastly, there was Monokid, a blue robot who was currently in the middle of punching a black punching bag.

“One, two, three, four?” Shirokuma counted they were missing someone, where was Monodam? The last member of the Monokubs.  “I guess that can't wait for now,” he thought to himself. 

“Attention Monokubs.” He called out, “The boss has a very important mission for us this evening.”

“ A mission?” Monophaine asked, “Let it be a peaceful mission, like helping the elderly cross the road, or perhaps picking up litter that inconsiderate teenagers throw on the ground?” She begged. 

"What are you talkin' about, you talking about, we ain’t doing no charity work!” Kurokuma said while lighting up a cigar, “The boss told us to go into the city, and cause some good old-fashioned despair!”

“Despair, ey? Monosuke said while adjusting his glasses, “Count me in, after I destroy this hasbin at chess. You have the first move, Monotaro.” Monotaro was deep in thought, the first move at chess is a crucial one after all. After more than a couple of seconds, he made his move…if you could call it a move in the first place.

“Do you have any threes?” he asked.

“We’re playing chess.” He said deadpanned.

“Oh…” he said.

A few more seconds passed.

“Yahtzee!” he exclaimed while slamming his fist down on the table.

“Do you even know how to play chess?” He asked.

“Of course I do!” He said with some offense in his voice. A few MORE seconds later “Well I fold.” He said. If this were to continue, these two robots would keep going back and forth for hours on end.

“Okay that’s enough you two, the boss asked you four to rally up the Monkumas and attack Akihabara, causing as much damage as we can,” Shriokuma stated. We have Monokuma’s already stationed in an abandoned building in Akihabara, you four have to make their way over there and wait until we give the orders to attack.

“Like I said count me in, anything better than playing with this moron,” Monosuke said walking out of the room. Shirkouama then turned to Monokid who was still punching the punching bag. “You had me at destruction!” He said laughing, "Count me the hell in!” He said while giving one more powerful punch to the punching bag he walked out of the room.

“I guess if Momonosuke and Monokid are in, then I am too,” Monophaine said following the two.

“H-Hey you guys wait for me!” Monotaro said, hurrying after his siblings.  “On the way to the city, you can tell me what chess is!”

“I guess tag along too, Daddy needs to get a couple more cigars,” Kurkouma said following the cubs.

“While you’re there I need to fix your voice chip as well,” Shirokuma muttered.

Following the robots, Shirokuma and Kurukoma walked out of the room, as soon as they left the punching bag that Monokid kept punching chain broke and fell to the ground ripping as a result with sand beads spilling all over the floor, along with the sand beads pouring out of the bag also came out a green robot, the fifth member, of Monokubs, Monodam groaning in pain.

Bullet Train

The trio was still fast asleep, as the bullet train continued to Akihabara, but soon Shuichi was the first one to awake from his well-needed slumber.  He let out a satisfying groan from a satisfying stretch.  He then looked around to confirm he and his friends were still on the Bullet Train to Akihabara. Then something caught Shuichi’s eye from the window, the view of the city

There it is, Akiriharba. The truth is getting closer. 

He then turned his head to see his two friends were still asleep, he didn’t want to wake them but he needed to.  He first started waking up Maki, however,  the detective did not learn his lesson from the other day, as soon as he nudged her a couple of times, and her reflexes kicked in, she pulled Shuichi’s right arm and brought his face in front of her piercing crimson eyes. 

“Do you want to do- Oh, Hello Shuichi.” She said, embarrassed. 

“H-Hello Maki… Um, we need to stop meeting each other like this.”

“No promises.” She said with a smirk as she let go of Shuichi’s arm.

“Anyways we’re almost to the city, I was thinking we can go over our next plan of action when we get to the city.”

She then nodded in agreement and decided to wake Himiko, although attempting to wake up Himiko, as many nudges, she gave the Mage, she didn’t wake, it was until Himiko rolled over onto the floor of the train in her sleep.

“I’m up. I’m” She said groaning with her two friends, sweet dropping at the tired mage on the floor, clearly still half asleep.  “Well…that one way to get up.” He said scratching his cheek.

In the Streets of Akihabara

“See anything yet?” 

“Nope.”

“Honestly, how does Grandfather expect us to find the survivors, " he asked. It’s not like we can just look up their pictures online.” the girl said, somewhat annoyed.  She then looked at her brother’s shoulder and saw him on his phone. “Hey, what are you doing?” She asked. 

“Looking up the survivors' pictures online.” He said simply. If we know what they look like, it will be easier to find them.” He explained. He then found pictures of the three survivors who ended the killing game on his phone. 

“Got it, that's the people we have to be on the lookout for.” 

“Those three kinda look cute together,” she admitted. 

“Hey don’t get distracted, we have to be on the lookout.” He reminded her.”

“I know…I know…” 

The two continued to walk along the streets, passing by multiple people varying in age. It was not until the girl spoke up and asked him a rather interesting question.

“Do…Do you think that Keebo is in the afterlife?” She asked him in a solemn voice with her face showing some sadness.

“That, I don’t know..” He said. “The more logical side of him didn't believe that non-living things can go into the afterlife. He walked over to her sister and put his hand on her shoulder.

“I don’t know if he is in the afterlife, but if he is, he’s looking down on us and grandfather, even though his memories were erased along with his friends maybe he got the, back and if he did,  he’s counting on us as well as his friends and grandfather, so we can’t let him down as his cousins.”

The girl started to feel better, “Thanks I needed that, also cousins come on! After all the years we knew Keebo, he was like the third sibling we never had!” She said giggling.

“You’re right, we did practically know him all our lives.” 

“Anyways thanks for the pep talk.” She lightly slapped her cheeks and said “Time to find those survivors!” She said while dashing off into the city.

Well, at least she’s feeling better. “Hey wait!” He called out trying to catch up to her.

“Still no signs of them..” The boy signed in frustration.

“Come in, Yui, and Akiko.”

“What is Grandfather?” Yui asked.

“I caught something on my radar, there is a  train coming from Osaka.”

“Osaka? Do you think it can be the survivors' grandfather?” Akiko asked.

“Possibly if they are, be sure not to scare them, be sure to come in peace and state your names. And Yui, especially you young lady, please be sure to keep your excitement in check when meeting them.

“Okay, to the train station, that's a bit ways away. If we hurry, we might be able to catch them.” Akikio said.

“Okay let’s meet up with the survivors, and I’ll be sure to not keep my excitement in check.”

“What?! No- that's the exact opposite of what I said-”

“Alright, Aikiko let’s go!” She said running off in the distance.

 The group of four robots made their way outside, to a city, with riots, flipped-over cars, people arguing and fighting with each other., or straight-up yelling for no reason. When a group of robots walked out, multiple arguments were happening, in other words, chaos and despair were all around them.

“Danganronpa Goodbye Despair is better you!"

What the hell are you on?! Trigger Happy Havoc is better!”

When this conversation was happening, a man passed by the robots screaming: “I'M ON FIRE!” I'M ON FIRE!!”, despite him not being on fire at all. Turning their robotic heads they saw a man getting mugged, the mugger took everything the man had only to get mugged by another mugger, and then it was only a matter of minutes before the mugger’s mugger was mugged by an old lady brandishing a wooden spoon on the mugger. After this unfolded, Mondamn caught up to the group of robots.

“Mondamn where were you all this time?” Monosuke asked.

“.....”

“Still silent as ever huh?” We’ll catch you up to speed. The boss said to get the Monokumas and start causing some destruction.

“But why are we doing this? Can’t we all just get along?” Monophanie asked.

“Where the fun is that?” The boss assigned us a job, and we're gonna do it right.”

“Not to mention our new boss was way better than our old boss, from that crappy season.”

“You, talking about Monokuma? Yeah he uhh ... .Wasn't the greatest, still can't believe he blew us up during the last trial.”

“But now we're back! Why are we back exactly?” Monosuke asked.

“Somethin' about being the comic relief or something.” Otherwise, let’s get this show on the road! 

“Despair will rise!”

The six robots disappeared in a smoke, heading towards Akirhabra.

“Okay here’s the plan, as soon as we reach the station, we’ll find the audition center, and see what we can find there.” 

“Sounds good. We should also keep our hoods on just in case, better to be safe than sorry.” 

“Right.” With an agreed nod from our three heroes, the bullet train started to slow down. Knowing that the three of them would reach their destination soon.

“The Bullet Train to Akirahbra will be arriving at the station soon. Please be sure to bring all your belongings  with you.” A few moments later, the train came to a complete stop.  “We have arrived at your designated destination. Thank you for choosing to ride the Osaka Bullet train, we hope to see you again soon.”  The voice over the intercom ended, and the doors leading to the outside station opened.  The three put on their hoods to avoid being seen by anyone. “You guys ready? He asked. “

“Ready.”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Alright let’s go.” He said with a determined face. Before the three survivors walked out to an unknown world, they all tightened the grip of their hands as they left the bullet train, as they took their first steps out of the train, they were hit by bright lights surrounding them. They took their steps out of the train, and saw a blooming bright city with multiple bright lights around them, the three kept walking hands entwined, and turned the corner to see people of all ages minding their own, getting ready to board other bullet trains, minding their own business, or even striking up conversations with people around them.  They were going about their everyday life. Almost like the killing game never happened.

‘What the heck…” Shuichi muttered.

“T-They’re acting normal…” Himiko uttered in confusion.

“It’s almost like the Killing game…” Maki started.

“Never happened.” He finished. The three shared a glance and decided to move head toward their destination. All of this was going to give him a headache, to say the least.  The three kept quiet exiting the station and entering the busy streets in Akihabara.  Seeing all these people walk around, in a peaceful world, having fun, laughing, smiling. This all came as to shock to him. “Do all these people know about Danganronpa? Did the killing game even show here? How many people even know about it? Can Oaksa just be a coincidence? No, it couldn't be! Think Shuchi! THINK!” 

The trio continued their walk along the sidewalk making sure not to call attention to themselves.  “Shuichi. Calm down. Take one thing at a time.” Maki stated.

“Eh? How did you know?”

“Simple, you tend to stare off into space whenever you tend to think hard.” Himiko chimed in.

“Is that how I looked like in a class trial?”

“Sorry.” He apologized and sighed.  This is just a lot. And I thought giving Osaka was giving me a headache was bad enough. It's just that these people are walking around like nothing happened like the killing game was nothing.”

“Maybe people aren’t fans of the killing game here?” Himiko questioned.

“That could be a possibility,” Maki said in her thinking pose. But will only find out until we find the building. “How far are we from the building anyway? 

“Let’s see..” Shuichi pulled out the newspaper and looked at the address from the paper. I think we should go this way.”  He said pointing to the left. Leading to another busy street.

“Detective Intuition?” The mage asked.

“Of course.” He said, scratching his cheek bashfully.

“Well’s was once right once, without you Shuichi we’d still be lost in the grasslands,” Maki admitted.

“She’s right, you know.” Himiko giggled. “You’re amazing Shuichi.” She admitted. This caused Shuichi to blush and pull his hood down to attempt to hide his blush. The three kept walking along the streets, with the three taking the sights all in.  The city was so vibrant, and beautiful. Nothing in their memories was ever this beautiful and colorful before, however unbeknownst to the detective he ran into something, the something was an opened door by a young man accompanied by his daughter.

*SLAM*

“!”

Shuichi was hit by the door, leaving an imprint of his face on the glass door, his face slid down until the door closed, and his whole face hit the floor of concrete, accompanied by swirls in the eye.

“Ah! I’m so sorry, please forgive me! Please let me help you up.” The man offered.

“Ah,  it’s okay accidents happen,” Shuichi said. 

“Hey, um forgive me if I’m intruding but you look very familiar.” He said.

“Who me?!" " Crap this is bad!” He thought to himself. What should he say? He was supposed to stay hidden out of the public and lay low for Pete’s sake! “What could he even do?”

“Well..um..” he muttered.

“Sorry! Please forgive my idiot brother.” A girl in a hood walked up to him. “He wasn't seeing where he was going.” Please forgive him. 

“Ah yes- Please forgive my umm our brother!  A petite girl in the hood said also, "He always has his head stuck in the clouds.” She chuckled awkwardly. 

“Ah no it was my fault. Anyways good day you two, and sorry again man.” The man said walking off with his daughter. 

Shuichi then sighed in relief. “ Thanks for the save you too.”

“Just be careful. Next time we won’t be so lucky.”

“Sorry.  I didn’t see that door coming. I’ll be more careful promise.” He said.

“It’s fine, but I don’t think hoods might be enough. We may need something more.”

“Something more?” Himiko chimed in. “Well, you're in luck  Maki-Roll and Shuichi. Take a look.

“Himiko…Where did you find these?”

“Behind a trash can after Shuichi got  hit with that door.” She answered plainly.”

“ I’m not wearing these,” Maki stated bluntly.

“Got any better ideas? This is the best we’re going to do without any cash.” Himiko argued with a coy smile.

“I hate it when you’re right," she muttered.” They put on what Himko found, and needless to say, they looked so.. SO stupid.

“Dang it! No sign  of them, we must have missed them!” Yui said, snapping her fingers in frustration. “Akiko, let’s call in Grandfather to see if he can track down Akiko… Akiko?” 

The energetic girl turned her head around to see that her brother was nowhere to be found.  She looked around the train station some more to see her brother collapsed on the floor, due to running across the city.

“No wonder why you always get a D in gym class.”  She muttered seeing her brother in a poor, exhausted state. She then pressed her ear on her headphones to contact her grandfather. 

“Grandfather this is Yui, we missed the survivors. We’re sorry.” She apologized.

“It’s alright dear. Just be on the lookout for them,  and be careful alright?”

“Got it. Over and out.”

She then looked over at her exhausted brother who was still sweating buckets at his unexpected workout. `Come on lazy butt, our mission is far from over, we gotta find them.” She said, Yui then patted her brother on the shoulder and rushed out of the station with the Akkio flowing suit at a much slower pace. “I-I hate…running so much.”

“Himiko I get that you wanted us to get disguises but doesn't this seem a little…ridiculous? He questioned.

“Shuichi. What about us seems ridiculous?”

Taking a look out at our heroes, they certainly were a sight to behold,  For starters Shuichi was a small purple shade, Maki, on the other hand, was wearing a giant scruffy beard that covered up most of her face, making it hard for her to see, lastly, Himiko was wearing an oversized novelty glasses accompanied with the glasses, was a giant pink nose in the center of the glasses.

“For starters. My glasses don’t even fit on my head, and I'm pretty sure my eyesight has gotten worse because of these, and Maki on the other hand looks like bigfoot. 

“Shut up Shuichi,” Maki muttered while walking down the sidewalk, while crossing her arms across her breast.

“Look on the bright side, scene we put this stuff on, nobody has even looked at us.” She stated.

Maybe because we look like we came out of the circus and nobody wants to pay us no mind.” He thought dryly to himself. They soon arrived at their destination. But something was not right, What stood in front of the trio was a two-story building that looked abandoned from the inside.

“Are you sure that this is the right place?

“Positive, this is the address the newspaper said.”

“So how are we going to get in?”

“There might be a side entrance to the building, let's check it out.” Surveying the building there didn’t seem to be any fire exits, to the building, an obvious fire hazard. “No fire exists? What kind of building doesn't  have a fire exit?” He asked himself.

“I have an idea.”

“Are you gonna break another window?” Himko asked Maki.

“Do you two have any better ideas?”

“We don’t bu-”

“Stand back.” Maki picked up a rock, and chucked it right at the window, shattering it into multiple glass shards.

“I guess that works…” He muttered

“Come on you two.” She said, jumping through the window. With an agreed nod from Shuchi and Himko, the two followed Maki into the building where the truth awaited them.

Entering the building,  the whole building’s power was off,  there wasn't a single soul in sight, desktops and computers were left open and dusty file cabinets were in the building as well. Not to mention that there was indeed a fire exit right next to the window, but instead of it being an actual fire exit, it was just painted on the wall. “Okay, let’s split up and look for some clues.” He said.

Searching the floor,  Maki checked the filing cabinets to see if there were any files, but unfortunately, there was nothing. Next, Himko checked the second floor, only to find a large empty room. Nothing. Lastly, Shuichi was checking to find anything on the computers, only to find empty folders on the desktop. 

“Dammit!” He said, slamming his fist on the desk. “How could there not be anything? They must have cleared everything to avoid being traced! Why didn’t I see this coming?!”

“Shuichi. Don’t beat yourself up over this.” The assassin said.   

“How could I not?!” I feel like I’m not getting anywhere, it’s just..every scene we escape this academy, this new world, has only been giving us more questions and no answers. And..” Tears started to fall from his eyes. “Seeing Osaka, and this Akihabara and everyone walking like the killing game never happened is…” “Shuichi.” Maki brought Shuchi back, “Calm down. You’re not going to do us any good if you start freaking out. We just hit a roadblock. Will figure this out.” He reassured her.  

“Yeah, Maki Roll is right.  A new clue is bound to appear, we just have to be patient.” Taking a deep breath, he calms himself down. “Thanks you two.” He said with a small smile. “Let’s get out of here.”Exciting the building, the trio made their way outside, to the night sky and cold air accompanied by a bustling city.

“Well, what do we know?” 

Still seeing Shuichi’s solemn face down on the fact that he wasn't able to find any clues, a light bulb appeared above Himiko's head.

“I say we have some fun!”

“Eh?”

“You two heard me. Look, I don't think it’s good for us to constantly think about Danganronpa and clues. I know you want to solve this mystery Shuichi but…I can't stand to see you upset like you were in the building. I think we should have some fun in the city.” She explained. “It was Maki who then spoke up next. “I have to agree with Himiko, there’s no point in just idly twiddling our thumbs and waiting for clues. Not to mention… I think Kaito would want us to have fun in the city if he was here.  “Heh. You’re probably right, he’d say something like. “My sidekicks deserve some fun after the training we just endured!” He said pulling off his best impression of the astronaut.

“Your impression needs some work.” Himiko chimed in. 

“Agreed.” Maki also teases the detective.  “He couldn't help but roll his eyes and smile. “Okay let’s have some fun in the city. I think I saw an arcade back the way we came.” 

“Time to have some fun! Come on Shuichi and Maki-Roll!” Himko said "Pulling tugging their hands.”

“Wait Himiko, we don't have to go that fast!” The two sweat dropped but couldn't help but smile. Tonight just for tonight, they’d act like normal teenagers. 

Later that Night

“Club Ages?” Himko asked while reading and pointing at the sign. “What kind of name is that?”

“I think it’s Club Sega.” Shiuichi then corrected her. “But then again, what’s a Sega?”

“It doesn't matter. Come on you two, Maki said.  The two followed her into the arcade, as soon as they entered the arcade was mostly empty, with a couple of kids playing a few arcade cabinets, and an older man who was currently struggling, with an UFO claw machine. Multiple machines spanning multiple genres were lined up along the wall. The arcade was mostly small, giving it a cozy atmosphere.

“Okay!” Himko clapped, "What game should we try first? Although don’t cry when you two lose to me, she said with a smirk.”

“Oh really? Shuichi said joining in.  “What makes you think you’re going to win?” 

“Let’s go do that game over there, and Maki plays the winner deal?” She said cocky attitude.

“You two are just like children.” She muttered, failing to hide her chuckle.

“Deal!”  With determination, the two made their way over to the arcade machine where their match began. The game they placed was a puzzle game where they matched four or more of the same colored blobs…of jelly beans. (apparently, they were called Puyos but Himiko called them jelly beans). The goal of the game was to create enough chains and send garbage over to your opponents. The match started strong with Shuichi creating two chains and sending small garbage over to Himko, with the mage countering with his garbage with her chain, the two went back and back with the match coming down to the wire with Himko coming out with the victor.

“Victory! Himiko shot up from the seat. “Sorry, better luck next time Shuichi!” 

“Dang so close to. Oh well.” 

“You did well for your first time playing the game Shuichi.” Maki said, “Now move over, it seems a certain Mage is getting a little too cocky.”

“Oh yeah?” Hit me with your best shot Maki-Roll!” The match was over in less than a minute, with Himiko being the winner, with Maki being a little sour, that she lost. “This game is stupid.” She said, crossing her arms.

“It’s okay Maki. He said comforting her. I’m sure you’ll do better, in another game.” However, the detective was wrong very very wrong. The trio moved to another arcade cabinet with a racing game where a cabinet awaited them, where Maki ended up in last place, they then moved into a colorful 2D-shooter game, where Maki ended up not even getting past the first screen. Her two friends were in awe of how bad she was at games. Maybe she'd be good at fighting games? Or even a UFO catcher! Or even a trading card game! They even tried a rhythm game where the controllers were. Maracas for some reason, Maki didn’t even get enough points to pass the game. I think you get the point…. Maki sucked all types of games. But she wasn't angry. Maki was smiling, even when she lost, she smiled and laughed, like normal teenagers.

“Do you not know? How much money I suck into this damn machine?!” I bet this thing is rigged!” Their laugh and good times were cut short They appeared to be in their late 60’s and were giving the employee a hard time.

“I-I assure you that the UFO machine is not rigged, sir..” The employees muttered in fear.”

“Hold on you two, I’m going to see what’s up. “ Shuchi said standing up from his seat from his friends.  “Excuse me, is something  the matter?” 

“My apologies for the sound sir, this man here is upset because he can’t win any prizes from the UFO claw machine.”

“That’s the reason? I can understand getting frustrated at games but harassing people because you can’t win is just low.”  “How about I try the machine? He offered. 

“You? I like to see you try.” The man scoffed.  A few moments later Shuichi was able to win a prize in the machine on his very first try and handed it over to the man whose mouth was open in awe. 

“Here you go. He said simply.

“H-How did you?! Forget it, at least my daughter will be happy.”

“So he was doing this for his daughter? What a nice dad.”  “I’m sure your daughter will be very grateful for your gift.” He said with a sincere smile. 

“Oh well, she’s not my daughter.” He said bashfully. 

“...what?”

“She’s not my daughter per se, but she does like to call me her “dad-”

“Okay Then!” He exclaimed getting embarrassed at the topic and turning red at the old man., his new goal was to simply get away from this..weirdo as quickly as possible.  Shuichi then sped and walked his way back to his two friends. 

“You okay Shuichi?” Maki asked, seeing his face cherry red from embarrassment.

“Did…something bad happen?” Himiko asked.

“A-Ah.. wouldn't say anything bad happened, j-just ran into an interesting individual,” he said. “Let’s go somewhere else…”

“This game of hide and seek is starting to get old,” Akiko said annoyed. “It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack.” He said while walking down the street. 

“Hmm..Maybe they’re  indoors somewhere like…an arcade?” Yui suggested.

“An arcade? Why in god’s name would they be in an arcade of all places?”

Not having an actual answer she shrugged. “Anyways we just have to keep looking.”

“Maybe they're trying to find some leads on Team Danganronpa?”

“Maybe. Who knows I just hope they're not goofing off, this is serious.”

“Akiko, the people who ended Danganronpa. I doubt they're goofing off. They’re probably finding leads about Danganronpa as we speak.”

Back with the Trio

After leaving the arcade building, the trio continued to walk along the busy streets of Akihabara talking about any topics that may have crossed their minds. Even though none of them had to say it, they mutually agreed to not talk about Danganronpa, for now, they just wanted to live in the moment. The three continued to walk along through the city until they passed by a massive building with multiple bright lights and loud music.

"Welcome to the Lucky Dice Amusement Casino!” a man in a tuxedo said standing outside the building.  He then called out to the trio, “Ah you three would like to come in and enjoy paradise? We have multiple games ranging from blackjack, slots, pachinko, and more games as well, I’m sure you two and the uhh. Your father with the beard will enjoy your stay!”

“Father? Do you want yo di-” Maki was then cut off by Himiko who covered her mouth with her hand, then looked at Shuichi.  “We’d be delighted to see the casino, we’re not from around here," she stated. 

“Well, it’s not entirely a lie.”

“Great the undertaker is that way and for the record, I am not affiliated with the casino and do not receive any profits WHATSOEVER despite what people may think.”

Ignoring the man, the trio made their way into the casino and took in the sights, where many sitting at the chairs playing multiple of games, in the center of the casino there was a massive golden dragon, with numerous golden coins surrounding the dragon. 

“Oh Yeah! It’s money-making time! The fun never stops here! Time to spend and wing big!” The lady on the microphone said while standing in front and center of the stage. “We’re practically giving cash away here, so keep rolling these slots until they roll off the machine!” (Please be sure to gamble responsibly, we are not responsible for any upset patrons who may not win or compulsive gamblers.) She muttered under the microphone.  However, he paid her no mind as they kept gambling and spending cash. As the trio walked they once again took in the sights. 

 “This was way flashier than the  Casino they had in the academy,” Shuichi said, taking in the sights.

“They had the casino at the academy?” Maki asked.

“Ah yes, they did. Although, It wasn't very useful in the whole grand of things. Although  I do remember there being some questionable items there…” He didn't continue

“Such as?”

“Ah. it’s not important.”  He said bashfully.

The two girls shared a look. At each other,  “He’s hiding something.”  They simultaneously thought.

“No, please go on Shuichi.” The mage said menacingly. 

“Yes, Shuichi. Please go on, we insist.”

His face turned red,  and seeing their faces sent a shiver down his spine, there was no way to get out of this. He then gulped and muttered. “A-A Love Key..” He said disappointedly;

The two girls' faces went from threatening to somewhat confused. “A Love Key?” He then explains the best he could without getting punched in the gut. “It’s a key… that allowed my fantasies..with one of our friends. Monokuma… gave me one during a free time event.” He explained disappointingly.

It took them a while to respond.  Both girls were lost in thought at the information that they were just given by the detective. 

Why would anyone use that key?!.. would Shuichi.. ever use that key on me? Not that I would-… WHAT AM I THINKING?!”

“Does he have a death wish? He better not use that on me. Not that I wouldn't have minded -cut that OUT Harukawa!”

“But it’s not like I used it on anyone I promise! Er..Are you two okay? You guys' faces are completely red.”

The two girls quickly shook away their thoughts and did their best to go back to a calm composure. However, this didn't last long as two women came up to Shuichi.

“Hey, it looks like we have a cutie here.” She said in a low sexy tone.

“We sure do…She said, taking in Shuichi’s features. “What’s your name handsome?” She said putting her hand on his chest of course made Shuichi turn cherry red, unable to speak clearly. 

“U-Uh..my name..my name is…” He wasn't able to finish his sentence, as the other girl came up behind him and wrapped her hands around her torso, causing him to go stiff as a board. “He’s soooo cute when he's nervous.” We found a real hottie today. Say we saw you walking around with your friends. How about you ditch them and come with us, we'll make your night VERY memorable darling.” 

“Ah..no.. Sorry but I-I promised my friends I’d be with them. '' he was able to mutter out, his face still red.” “One of the girls surveyed our two heroes, quickly concluding. “I don’t think you’re missing out sweetie.”

“Hey?! What is that supposed to mean?” Himiko said with a pang of jealousy. 

“How about you ditch these two, and come with us, darling? We can do sooooo much more than these broads can EVER do for you.”

“Broads?” Maki said in a threatening voice.

“You heard me sister. I think he deserves someone way more good-looking than you two.” One of the women said.  The other woman brought one of her hands and held it with Shuichi’s while the other one followed suit grabbing his other hand making Shuichi more uncomfortable. These girls made something twist in Maki and Himiko’s gut. Shuichi was only allowed to blush because of them! The girls both thought.

“Ah. No, thank you. They're my friends, and I wouldn't  abandon them ever.”  This caused one of the women to Shuichi's side to pout and decided to change tactics sending a look over at her friend, and the other woman hug decided to move to his backside, rubbing her chest, and his back while her friend hugged his torso once more, causing him to turn cherry red, clearly trying to get under our two heroes’ skin fuming at the sight in front of them. “I don’t even know why a stud like him would ever waste his time with you two. He can do sooo much better.” “She’s right by the way.” She started by pointing at Himko, “First off, shorty over here is way too ugly to be your girl, she and her donkey lips are not attractive at all. Wherever she came from, she got the short end of the stick in looks.” 

“B-But.But..” Himiko’s eyes were near tears, seeing that Shuichi tried to step in but then was cut off by the other girl.  “And you tall, crimson, and ugly, who can look so mean and end up with someone who looks so sweet like him?”

“I wonder if she had another boyfriend before this sweetie?”

“If she did it didn't last long, who in their right mind would love a freak like her?” Shuichi’s eyes widened at what the woman just said. If only she knew the pain Maki went through If they only knew the pain that they all went through. Enough was enough, he needed to say something.

“Enough! Don’t talk about them like that!”  The two girls both looked at him, releasing him from their tight grasp. “These girls are my friends! I like them for who they are, flaws included. We’re leaving!” Not waiting for a response from his friends, he took their hands and stormed off into the building, not carrying where he was going, he just had to get away from the two women. 

 After walking further into the building, he saw an empty hallway,  he then pulled the girls aside.

“I’m sorry, I dragged you guys off without a reason, it’s just.. I couldn't stand them hearing talk about you two, I should have stepped in sooner.”

“Just drop it Shuichi,” Maki said, looking away.

“Shuichi's, it's fine..” The mage said, giving a fake smile.

“No it’s not fine Himiko, and I’m not gonna drop either Maki!”  Those girls don’t know who you are.” he explained. “You two are some of the bravest people, I know, you two always do your best to protect and help the people you love. I’ve known you two for nearly two weeks, now and with confidence and I can say that you two are the strongest people I know.” He explained as the girls looked at him in awe. “So don’t listen to them, your flaws make you who you are and to me you two are special, even when we first met two, I always thought you two were special and admire you two.”

“Do you mean that Shuichi?” Maki asked. He nodded and reassured them. “Of course I did Maki. You and Himiko are my friends. You two are strong and amazing, so please, don’t ever forget that.”  The two girls buried their heads in Shuichi’s shoulders, with Himio showing him his trademarked smile, while Maki showed him a more subdued yet still happy smile. “Thank you.” The two girls said.  

A couple minutes later, the trio disbanded their group hug, with Himiko suggesting that they continue to have fun, as the three walked around the casino they were able to find a spare casino chip that was lying on the floor, finders keepers after all! The three decided to head to a blackjack table, with Shuichi and Maki shooting each other with nervous looks seeing how Himiko was so gung-ho about playing this game. “What’s with the nervous look you two we have our disguises on and no one is going to recognize us.” 

“We know that. Himiko. It’s just that..”

“Do you even know how to play BlackJack?” Maki asked skeptically.

“Of course I do! What do you take me for?”

The dealer dealt the first card, and with the biggest cockiest grin that she should give, she lowered her voice, and said “Hit me.”

Akihabara News Center

“Alright people we’re on for our lost show tonight, let’s get this over with so I can go home.” The cameraman said, annoyed. Currently, the newscaster is going through their stories, memorizing his lines for his last airing for the night. 

“There you are.” His partner called out. 

“Ah, there you are, better hurry and start reviewing your lines.” 

“About that, we got a new script from the boss.”  She said while slamming down a sheet of paper frustrated. 

“Oh god don’t tell me..” he groaned.

“Yep, new script, from the Danganronpa holding corporation.”  However, confusion struck the man. “Wait, why would Danganronpa Holding Corporation change our script now? Of all times, they never did this before, in every scene we were bought out by them.” 

“Your guess is as good as mine, but those are our orders from the boss.”

“Hold on, has anyone seen our new boss's face before?” 

“That’s…a good question…rumor has it, that he likes to keep his face out of the public's eye. But the studio has to cover this story or else, we’ll get in trouble with the boss. Rumors say that if we disobey we go swimming with the fish...So I've heard."

“Something about this doesn't seem right. I don’t think I’m going to go on air tonight.”  He explained. 

“If you’re not going then I’m not going either.”

“Huh?”

“You think you’re not the only one who noticed something weird?” First, we’re not allowed to cover anything  Danganronpa-related, then suddenly after last season, they want us to cover a story. So if you’re not going, then I’m not going on either.”

“Thanks. But If we’re not going on air, who will-” 

*BOOM*

“Move out the way your star has arrived!” An obnoxious woman yelled through the building after she kicked the door to the studio. If you two pansies won’t do this story, then I will. The world deserves to see beautiful reporters like myself.   The duo gave each other a quick look. “Be our guest. We don’t want any part of this.”

Back with the survivors

“Why in god’s name would you hit for another card on 21 Himiko?”

“I thought that the point of the game was to get the higher number!” 

“No. That’s not how you play.” Shuichi's sweat dropped.  

“Well, that was fun while it lasted. But I guess we should find a place to stay.” Shuichi stated. “We could head back to Osaka if we can’t find a place to stay, but then again it might be a hassle  to travel back and forth.” 

“Well, the only way to find out. There should be a place where you can lay low.” The trio continued to walk along the busy streets.  “Even though we didn’t find any clues to Danganronpa.I had fun. I wouldn't mind doing this again with you two.” Maki admitted hiding her blush.

“Aww..Do I see Maki Roll blushing?” Himiko said in a teasing tone, smiling.”

“S-Shut up.”

“Maybe we could do this again sometime, but for now we should rest, and try to find some clues tomorrow.”  The three continued to walk along the streets, passing a massive group of bystanders, who were looking up at the jumbotron that was on a massive building watching the news.  Although the trio didn't pay them any attention let alone the news. 

“Welcome to Akihabara news tonight we have news on the recent news on Danganronpa.”

They stopped walking and froze in fear.  

Recent riots have broken out due to the recent cancellation of Danganronpa.  There have been no official statements from the Danganronpa Holding Corporation or Team Danganronpa. On whether the show will continue. However, officials from the company, have stated please be on the lookout for three individuals. 

On the screen, three pictures of Shuichi, Maki, and Himiko were. Under their names stated wanted

Their hearts stopped.

“Officials have stated that three students are dangerous do not know what they're capable of, and need to be captured immediately. Police officers have been deployed and have been ordered to capture these students and return them to Team Danganronpa as soon as possible. If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of the survivors please contact your local officer. “Officers have already been dispatched in Akihabara.”

They were wanted. “We have to go NOW!” Maki hissed. Not even saying another word, she grabbed the two hands and sprinted with them.

“Maki where are we going?!” Himko asked, frightened.

“We need someplace safe! She said. 

“Osaka!” We have to go back to Osaka!” Shuichi said.

“We’ll  head back there, we know it’s safe, and we can think of a plan.” She said as she kept running. They needed escape. As they kept running they saw officers getting dispatched. They just had to keep running.  They passed by a small alleyway. 

“Hey Wait!” Someone called out to them.

They didn't stop they had to keep running.

“No..luck. I’m starting to think they’re not in this city anymore.”  Yui said.

“We searched this city top to bottom,  and still nothing,” Akiko muttered. 

“Akiko take a look.” He said pointing at the newscaster on the screen.”

 “ Recent riots have broken out due to the recent cancellation of Danganronpa.  There have been no official statements from the Danganronpa Holding Corporation or Team Danganronpa.  However, officials from the company, have stated please be on the lookout for three individuals. 

The two siblings looked at each other with unease. “This is not good.” The two looked at the screen once more. 

“Officials have stated that three students are dangerous do not know what they're capable of, and need to be captured immediately. Police officers have been deployed and have been ordered to capture these students and return them to Team Danganronpa as soon as possible. If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of the survivors please contact your local officer. “Officers have already been dispatched in Akihabara.”

“We have to find them before it’s too late!” The two rushed out the alleyway, until three figures passed them, rushing by holding hands like their life depended on it.

“Yui did you see that?!"

“I did, I think we just found them. We have to catch up to them!” She said, “Hey Wait!” She called out. The two rushed out of the alleyway hoping to catch up to our trio.

“We’re almost to the station,” Maki said not to let go of her friends, they just had to keep moving.  The three kept moving until a massive crowd, the three tried to make their way through the crowd.  “Almost there. Keep moving, keep moving.” They thought. It was until an older woman bumped into Himiko causing her to fall to the ground, her disguise and hood falling off.   Shuichi and Maki gasped in horror, rushing to their friend.  As soon as they got to their friend the whole crowd looked at them, like they saw a ghost.

“That’s one of the contents from Danganronpa!” a young boy said, pointing.

“Do they take autographs?”  A girl asked.

“Stay back, they're probably dangerous.” 

“They're from Danganronpa? I thought that was just fiction..” Someone in the crowd muttered."

"Isn't Halloween a couple of months away, mommy?  Why are these people already dressed up?

“Maybe this is some kind of street show?”

“Should we call the police?”

“If we do, maybe I’ll be on the news!”

The three heroes were stuck; they had no options.  Maki is readied her first if anyone tries to make a move. While Shuichi was guarding Himiko. The crowd just kept starting, while some of them took pictures, gave them a look,  and told them to run. The three got ready to run, until a voice called out to the crowd.

“Alright, nothing to see here, these are just uh, cosplayers!”  a young girl said, wearing a pink jacket. She said shoving our heroes. “Hey, what are you!?”

“Y-Yeah that's it, move along now crowd, my and my coworker are professionals in uhh, getting cosplayers back home. These kids were just having fun! Nothing suspicious happening here!  The two strangers ushered our heroes out of the crowd’s sight and into the alleyway. 

“ *Phew* we’re glad we found you just in time.” She said breathing a sigh of relief

Staying on guard, and pulling her knife, out at the two strangers. “State your name and what you want with us. Now” She said, sending them a glare.

“Maki!” Shuichi and Himiko called out.

“Don’t worry we're not here to hurt you, we need your help.” The boy in the green jacket said, taking off his hood.

“My brother is right, our grandfather sent us to find you three. Professor Idabashi . You might have heard of him”

“Professor Idabashi” He’s real?” Shuichi asked.

“Yes, he's is real. As real as Me, my sister, and this world.”  

“What does Keebo’s creator want with us?” Himiko asked.

“How can we know how to trust you?” Maki asked skeptically not to put down her knife. 

“Maki…I think we should trust them, after all, they did save us from the crowd.” He said.

“I know this sounds crazy but you have to believe us, he needs your help, we need your help…To save the world from despair.

Looking at the three heroes, the boy said “You three are the keys.”

“The keys? The keys to what?” he asked. 

“Saving the world.” He said. 

Chapter Text

“We’re the keys..to saving the world?” Shuichi muttered in confusion. “That's right. I know it sounds like something right out of a badly written book or manga but it’s the truth.” The young man stated, “ How are we the keys to saving the world?” Himiko asked.“ Grandfather didn’t explain much, but he did send us to find you three. Although I didn’t expect your assassin  friend to have fully grown bread.” Maki had forgotten that she had put that fake beard off, in her motion, she ripped the beard off her face, and onto the ground. 

“Oh.”“ Ah, that’s right. We should introduce ourselves, our apologies, we kinda threw all this information at you three without introducing our names.”

The young man started, "I'm Akiko, the grandson of Professor  Idabashi.”And I’m Yui Idabashi AKA: Agent 1 reporting for duty!” She saluted in a goofy pose, causing everyone to sweatdrop. “Agent 1?” Shuichi questioned.“Nevermind her. 

"Yep she's my twin, but we're opposites, I like cats, she likes dogs, she likes waterparks while I like rollercoasters." He said.

"In short HE likes all the bad boring options!" Seriously who prefers Science instead of Art?" She asked."

The three survivors stood there in bewilderment.

"Should we say something?" Himiko asked.

Deciding to get back on track, Shuchi coughed in a fist grabbing the two teens' attention. 

"Ahem"

A-Ah! Allow us to take you to the professor. He can catch you three up in everything. What do you three say?”The three heroes looked at each other, could they trust these two strangers?  “We don’t have many options, so…we’ll come with you. He said.  “But if this is a trap. You’ll be sorry.” Maki threatened.

“Sounds like a plan! But can you do me a favor? Could you please..put down the deadly knife?” Yui asked.

“No.” She responded plainly.

“Maki.”

“Fine.” 

The group made their way to the apartment avoiding the public eye, hiding behind dumpsters, and alleyways, and staying in the darkness.  The group made their way to the front door of the apartment.

“Okay, we’re here,” Akiko said, grabbing a key from his pocket, unlocking it, and making their way inside. The group walked into a small dimly lit apartment, where multiple broken mechanical pieces and oil stains were on the floor, Himiko almost tripped over mechanical pieces that were on the floor, not helping was their vision being very poor due to there being hardly any light in the apartment.“Nyah… This place seems kinda gloomy. This is where Professor Idabashi lives here? I didn’t expect this to be honest.” Himiko stated. “What were you expecting?” Akiko asked. She shrugged, “I don't know, maybe like a laboratory or something.”

“She does make a good point,” Shuichi admitted. “This place does seem gloomy.” “Maybe he’s one of those emo types.” The mage questioned.  "Would it kill him to turn on some lights? We can hardly see where we are going.” Maki said somewhat frustrated. “Grandfather! We’re here!” Yui called out.  The lights of the apartment turned on to see a middle-aged man working at his desk feverishly typing away.

“Ah kids you’re here, we’re able to find…” he noticed the survivors standing right next to his grandchildren. The three who ended the killing game stood right before him. “The survivors… you found them.” “Professor Idabashi…. Are…  are you Keebo’s creator?”  Shuichi questioned skeptically. "Yes boy, yes I am. But I suppose you want some evidence right?”

“You read our minds.”  Without any hesitation, the man dug into his coat pulled out a crumpled-up photo, and showed it to the three heroes, the picture revealed two young children, a young girl with pink hair, with a missing tooth smiling, next was a boy with green haired boy smiling as well, giving a peace sign, and in the middle of them was their robotic friend that without them, they could have never escaped the Killing Game. K1-B0 the Ultimate Robot. “Hold on, How do we know you didn’t make this picture to trick us?” Maki questioned, about to pull out her knife. “Maki, there's no way this picture could be fake, look at the edges of the photo, some of the parts are yellow, and the paper is somewhat brittle.” He explained. That answer seemed to satisfy Maki enough to lower her guard. 

“Okay, we believe you.” She said,“ Good.” The man said with a smile. “I’m sorry we couldn’t have saved him.” Himiko said solemnly.“She’s right. I wish I could have found a way to save him, If I was better I could have-“ “My boy. If my Keebo was here would he want you to blame yourself? You did your best, nothing was your fault. What happened in the past isn’t your fault. And that goes for your friends as well. All we can do as of right now is continue.” He nodded. Take in a deep sigh “You’re right.” “Ah I believe we jumped straight into the conversation, without me properly introducing myself, my name is Riko Idabashi.  It’s a pleasure to meet you three.  How about you three get settled in on the couch, we have a lot to discuss.” The trio made their way to a couch with the trio squeezing into the couch with Himiko practically, sitting in each other's laps, earning a laugh from Yui.

“Jeez you three, I knew you three were close but I didn’t know you were THAT close.” They cashed there to blush, looking away from each other. “Now’s not the time to play around.” Akiko reminds her.  “You’re sister is right, now’s time to get down to business.  Now please if you have any questions about us or Danganronpa. Please ask away, there are no bad questions." Any questions? There were so many questions to ask.  How long did the killing game last? How well-known is Danganronpa? Is there a way to find their families? All of these questions raced through our heroes' minds.  Maki was the first to ask.“ Are there any survivors like us?” 

“Come again?”

“The killing game. They used real-life contests for the show. Did any season use real people and are there survivors that survived the killing game?” The Idabashy's faces fell dark, looking down at the floor. “You three..are the only ones.” “We’re.. the only ones? Shuichi asked.  Professor Idabashi then explained: “All other killing games except the 52nd and 53rd Killing games used real-life content. Even so, the 52nd killing game only had one real-life content.”Nyah? Only one one? And that one person must have been Rantaro!” “Wait, hold on. Why would Team Danganronpa use only one real-life contest in a season?” Shuichi asked.“We…unfortunately have an answer.” Akiko said. “It was due to viewership.” “Viewership?” “Dangronpa’s viewership has been declining over the years. Because of this for the 52nd season, they chose a viewer to be in the next killing game. That was your friend Rantaro.”

That made our three heroes' guts twist and turn. 

 “After that, the 53rd Killing game was taking auditions. “We did our best to stop the killing game. We tried so hard,” Yui said solemnly. “But we were stopped at every turn. Even during the killing game, we tried to find where the game was being held and break you guys out, but we weren’t able to find it.

“Are there anything…any other questions?” The Professor said after taking a pause.

“How long has Danganronpa been going on for?” Shuichi asked, dreading the answer.

“Danganronpa has been going on for 3 years,”  Riko answered with disgust in their voice.

“Three years?” Maki asked. “Wait hold on, Danganronpa has been going on for 53 seasons?  How could a show produce that many seasons in such a short amount of time?”

“Maki-Roll is right! That makes no sense!”

Entering his trademarked thinking pose, Shuichi pondered the question and arrived at an answer. “Perhaps it’s because of Danganronpa's popularity and revenue they were able to  make more seasons in such a short amount  of time.” Shuichi deduced.

“He’s right.” Professor Idabashi stated. “It’s not unreasonable for a company to keep making popular products in a short amount of time to make a profit. But over time, the company's profit started to take a hit, as it’s expected to release the same show over and over again with the same plot beats.”

“They even started releasing these weird stupid unique digital images of apes and Monokumas to the public. For some reason..” Yui added.

The concept alone was bewildering to our three heroes. “Who in their right mind would do one of those things anyway?” The detective questioned.

“Probably some idiots,” Maki replied. “Anyway getting back to the question at hand. “I have a question,” Shuichi said. “During the final trial, we were able to communicate with the outside world. Did our message reach people?” He asked. Akikio took a deep breath and explained: “Your message did reach a couple of people, but many Team Dangnaronpa stated that your message was not a part of the script.”So it fell on death’s ears.” Shuichi said, balling up his fist in anger.“Shuichi..” Maki and Himiko said.

Moving the conversation along, Himiko spoke up and asked. “We heard on the news that riots were going on, due to the cancellation of Danganronpa.”Ah, yes. I was going to bring that up.” The professor stated. “There is something bigger happening in the background of the riots.“Such as?” “An..An attack on the city.” He said with more disgust in his voice.“WHAT?!” The survivors exclaimed.

“Allow me to explain, ever since the end of the 53rd season, I’ve been tracking Shizo, the head and creator of Dangnaronpa. He's a man corrupted by despair and money. He’ll do anything to increase his cash flow.” “Shizo” Himiko questioned. “I’ve never heard of him before.” “It’s likely we never heard of him because he was wiped from our memories.”  Shuichi deduced. “Ah wait. How do you know so much about him?  Shuichi questioned. The professor grinded his teeth at the question. “Shizo and I used to be childhood friends.” 

“What?!” The survivors all exclaimed. “Allow me to explain. Growing up Shizo and I were best friends, and both of us wanted to bring hope to the world, but… time he became more twisted and more corrupt. Soon, he became more and more about spreading despair and more and more about money.” “So wait, how did he get his hands on Keebo?” 

Taking a deep sigh he explained. “Keebo was taken from us right after the 5th season of Danganronpa. Shuizo bought out my company three years ago, the Kamkio Cooperation.“The Kamiko cooperation?” The survivors said.

‘Yes? Why have you heard of the company?” “The train we took to get from Osaka to here said it was made by the Kamiko cooperation,” Himiko said.  “Osaka? And I’m assuming the place was abandoned.” He said.  “Yes, it was.  I’m assuming we have an answer for that as well.” Maki said, crossing her arms.

“Unfortunately I don't know .. all I know is that it’s related to Shuizo and Danganronpa, but I  haven’t been able to connect the dots yet. The Kamiko Cooperation was a company I founded, our goal was to specialize in developing technology to bring hope into this world.” “So let’s get this straight this billionaire is going to attack this city?” Maki deduced. “But why? Does he know that we’re here?” Shuichi asked. “It’s very likely, he has some connections in the city via the cameras,"  Akiko said. “Can we call someone to help? Like the police?” The mage asked. 

“That would cause a massive amount of hysteria. Himiko.” Akikio said. “It’s also highly likely that the police are in Shinzo’s back pocket.” “It’s likely but all we know is that we have to stop him.  Imagine the whole world crashing down chaos raining above, riots happening left and right, and vandalization happening around every corner.  “Chaos, seriously?!” Yui asked. “Like Cats and Dogs getting along with each other, and singing classical show tunes type of chaos?” Yui questioned.  “Err….Maybe not THAT chaotic, but the point still stands! We have to stop them.” “How is that more chaotic? ” The survivors and Akikko asked themselves sweat dropping.

Professor Idabashi then turned to our three heroes. “I know, you three have just gotten out of the killing game and I know this is asking a lot out of you three, but I ask of you. Will you three help us? The survivors looked each other in the eyes. Taking a deep breath the three replied in unison: “We’ll do it.” “We said we’ll end Danganronpa, but now this goes beyond Danganronpa. If innocent people are going to get hurt because of Danganronpa, we have to stop Shizo” “Shuichi’s right! We have to stop them, it’s what Tenko and the others would have wanted.”

“I’ll be right here with you two,  it’s time for Shizo to pay for what he’s done to us, Kaito, and the others.”  The trio got up from the couch, ready for what awaited them. “Thank you three.” The professor said with a sincere smile “It’s good to have you three on board.” Akiko said with a small smile. The trio got up and were ready to protect their world and avenge their friends.

“Alright, we’re a team now!” Yui said "jumping up and down like a kid in a candy store. Yui then spat in her hand and raised it high. “Up five you guys!” Running toward our three heroes with the three of them, moving to the side, causing Yui to miss them completely. Causing her to trip and fall on the floor, earning a facepalm from her twin brother, and a sweat drop from her grandfather.

These were the heroes' new friends who would help them save the world, and they were definitely up to the task.

“So if there is gonna be an attack on the city?  How are we supposed to defend ourselves?” Himiko asked.

‘She’s right if these.” Maki agreed.  “If we're gonna go head to head with these guys, how are we going to stop them?”

“I'm glad you asked.” Professor Idabashi  said, “Follow me, kids.” Earring a shrug from the group, they followed the professor to a closet, as he opened the closet, multiple items came flying out of the closet, earring a sweat drop from the group. With a deep sigh, he started rummaging through the junk.

“You need to organize this place grandfather,” Akikio said.

“Believe me I know boy, I’ve been so busy that I let things in the apartment kind of go a bit on the wayside…Ah-ha I found them!”  After getting off the ground, he revealed to the detective two foreign objects, while the others' eyes went wide.“ What, is that professor?”“This my boy is one of three versions of hacking weapons that I created.” “A hacking gun?“Yes,  these guns should help level the playing field to our advantage. Shuichi, would you like to do the honors?”

“Me? Do the honors? Yes… Yes, I would be a professor.” Taking a deep breath, he walked to the professor taking the hacking gun, all of this felt so strange. And so surreal, but the Idabashi were telling the truth, this city and this world were in danger, and he and his friends had to rise to the occasion to stop them. Taking the dual hacking guns, he noticed that hacking guns were light. As if he was reading his mind Professor Idabashi said with a smile.

“Surprised by the weight of the gun huh? Well, mobility is key,  and well it’d be a pain lugging these things around if they were to weigh an anchor and then some.”

“Ah, that does make sense.” “Shuichi, you look so cool!” Yui said with stars in her eyes. “Nyah she’s right Shuichi.”  Himiko agreed with a smile. “Ah, thanks Yui, and Himiko.” As soon as he said that last name his cheeks turned light red.“After all these weeks of knowing you, for the first time, you look somewhat cool.” “T-Thanks Maki.” "Not that I was trying to look cool, to begin with..."

“Okay, you four times to get equipped as well. A few moments later, the four received their hacking guns as well. Maki, got a hacking weapon that was suited like a crossbow, while Himiko also got a hacking gun with a unique design. Lastly, the Akiko and Yui received their own, standard hacking guns. “All of this feels so ridiculous,” Maki said. “You have a point, Maki, trust me, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around everything that has happened tonight. But this is real.

“Nyeh, he’s right you know."

“Alright, you two… let’s go get ourselves killed. If you two die I’ll be sure to bring you back to life and kill you two myself.” “Um. I’d say that’s the spirit, but…forget it.”  Akiko said.“But now that we have the survivors with us, the rocky road would be easier now.” Yui said.  “Shuiko won’t know what hit him!” It’s Shizo.” Everyone replied deadpan. 

“OH, WHATEVER!” She shot back while blushing,  "What matters is that we’re ready to kick some butt along with our new friends. I bet they're so scared, I bet that they’ll NEVER bother us again!"

In an undisclosed location

A businessman is sitting on a throne and enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the scene of the chaotic metropolis.

“Sir,” Shirokuma said while walking into the room, “The Monokubs and Kurokuma are all standing by, waiting for your orders. Not to mention that all of the Monokus are equipped with fully functional cameras. “Good. And how about our device? Is that coming along nicely?” He asked while swirling around his drink in his cup. “The device is coming along nicely sir. The device is up to 34% and continuing as we speak. The test run we did on the population of the city at 10% worked wonderfully, they are still under our control and will continue to be your puppets. “Excellent, now how about the other  project, is it stable enough?” “The nanotechnology device is nearly stable but requires a bit more testing, soon its replication ability will be ready to use at will. “Good, now.” Shirokuma, tells the others to start their attack in ten minutes. “Yes sir, If you don’t mind me asking, what would you be doing this time?”

‘Simple. I’m going to make an appearance in the city. The people want Danganronpa, so that’s what I’m going to give them. The man walked, got up from his throne, and left the room, about to make an appearance to the world.  “I don’t get paid enough for this. Not that I get paid at all.” The robot muttered.

The man made his way outside to the chaotic city where chaos reigned supreme, currently, people were flipping over cars, throwing bricks through glass windows, and just straight up dirtying up the place, the city was so chaotic a group of teens even tied kid underwear to a flagpole. The man spoke up. “Ahem.”  As soon as the man spoke the whole city involved in chaos stopped in their tracks. “Ladies and Gentleman, How are we doing today my loving fans?”

“We want Danganronpa!” A boy shouted out.

“Continue the 53rd Season! A woman shouted out. 

“I love you Byakuya Togami!” A shirtless man shouted out. The crowd shouted and demanded more in unison “We want Danganronpa!”  “We want Danganronpa!”  “We want Danganronpa!” 

“Yes yes, believe me I know, you want Danganronpa. Today I have a special treat for you. This evening we have a special teaser for the continuation of the 53rd Season of Danganronpa!” The crowd cheered in response. “Get to your homes and turn on your television, in a matter of minutes! The action will commence!” The crowd once again cheered and rushed to their homes to watch the continuation of Danganronpa. Although, there was once a person who didn't follow the crowd. Who? The boy whose underwear was tied to the pole.” 

“Someone. Help me.” Was all he could mutter.

Back with the Heroes 

"Now before leaving, I need to teach you how to hide your weapon. The last thing we need is us getting arrested for having a weapon out in public." The rest of the group nodded. Riko gave the group a small chip and used his jacking weapon as a demonstration. He swiped the chip along his hacking gun and the gun transformed into a small light entering the chip. 

The survivors were in awe. "Impressed? Perhaps I can show three some other inventions some other time. But right now we have a job to do.

Now fully equipped and ready to fight, the survivors along with their new allies made their way outside, to the bustling city, making sure to stay away from the public's eye, our three heroes would still wanted after all.  Walking along the dark alley illuminated by dim lights in the alleyways, Himiko decided to recap everything that had happened. “Nyah, so we were asked politely to save the world for a madman.”

“All we have to do is find someone without knowing what they look like, let alone stop an attack without even knowing where it’s going to happen,” Maki added in an annoyed tone. Shuichi then signed a little bit, turning to the Professor. “Professor, do you have any idea where this attack is going to happen?” “Unfortunately I don't know what time the attack will happen, all we know is that the attack is going to happen in this city.” He replied.“Well let’s think about this, an attack would mean being in a large populated area right?” Akiko said. “That does make sense…but Akirahrba is always populated,” Yui said. “So where would most people be in Akihabara?  She asked. “Hmm..” Shuichi entered his trademarked thinking pose, it was only a matter of seconds before he answered. “Ah! Maybe Shibuya Crossing? I know it’s a bit ways away but I think that we're going to attack.”

“That’s a strong possibility.” The professor said, "Let's make our way over there.” With an agreed “Right” the survivors put their hoods on, and the group made their way to the Shibuya Crossing with the three putting their hoods on everyone else concealing their weapons.  Eventually, the group made it to the destination, with Akiko sweating buckets, he needed to get into better shape.  “Okay we made it, let’s start scoping out the area,” Shuichi said. “Oh, crud.” Akikio muttered.“ What is it?” Maki asked. “A police officer is headed towards us.” He stated. “Nyeh? Why would a police officer be heading towards us?!” She said slightly panicked.

“Well you three do have your hoods on, it’s only natural for an officer to be suspicious of a group of hooded teens, either or, this is bad. Let’s just-"Don’t worry, everyone.” Yui cut off her grandfather. “I got this, just follow my lead.”“Eh? Wait, Yu!” Shuichi whispered, but it was too late. As she was already approaching, the officer. “We’re gonna die.” Maki said.“ Have some faith, Maki.” The professor said,  "Yui has many talents, I’m sure she’ll be able to sweet talk her way out of this.” “You five? Are you kids causing trouble?” The officer asked. “Us? No, we were just enjoying the night on the town, umm.. taking surveys for a school project.”

“Oh? And what are you surveying for this project? He asked, raising an eyebrow. Yui did not think this far through, as she has a habit of doing, so she came up with the best lie possible. “Um. We’re surveying the streets to see if homeowners.. have an infestation of umm…  hippopotamuses in their homes at this time of year.” The group fell to the ground dramatically due to Yui's horrible lie. “That’s what she came up with?!” Himiko whispered in disbelief. "Why would people have a hippopotamus infestation in their homes?!” Shuichi whispered to Yui.

“I panicked alright?! Let’s see you do better!” She shot back. “What?” The officer said dumbfounded. The situation got worse when another officer walked up to Yui. “Everything okay here?”  The second officer asked."This group seems suspicious, go talk to the other kids and the old man. I’ll take the girl, she thinks she is a comedian. She and her friends are probably up to something.”  The officer forcefully grabbed Yui’s hand and pulled her away from the group. 

“H-Hey let me go!” She pleaded. “Hey! Let my granddaughter go!” “I don’t want to hurt you!” The officer said, pulling the girl away. “Well, you’re hurting me!”  She said, trying to fight back. “Let go of me! Don’t you cops have a donut shop to raid?!”

“Yui” Akikio called out, rushing towards her sister. “Yui!” The survivors called out. Were all police officers like this? The group attempted to get to Yui, but they were blocked by an officer. “Now we're gonna ask you a couple of questions, his eyes turned to survivors, and said, “Hoods off. Now. ‘The trio didn't take off their hoods.  “I won’t as again-”

*BOOM*

Multiple explosions went off in the district causing a mass panic and hysteria in the district, hundreds of people dropped their belongings and started running. The officer who was dragging Yui away stopped in his tracks, left Yui, and spoke into his walkie-talkie “This is Officer Jiro, multiple explosions have gone off in the Shibuya Crossing district. Requesting back-up. I repeat requesting backup.”The attack! It’s happening!” Shuichi exclaimed.

“Nyeh! We gotta go! “An attack?!”  The officer said? Did you damn kids and the old man start this? Is this some prank?!”“Does it look like we started this?!” Maki replied deadpan.“Yes.” he replied plainly. "The hell with this.” Maki had enough of the officer and kicked him out of the way, falling to the ground. “Come on, we got to go!” The group dashed towards, with more people running out of them, but unbeknownst to survivors they were in a rush their hoods fell off, and the officer on the ground, caught a glimpse of the hero's faces. 

“It’s them…” He said. Following the smoke from the explosions, the group followed it, leading them to the center of the street crossing, all of them stood their ground and were ready to fight.“Who’s there? show yourself!” Shuichi ordered. “Come out now or else!” Himiko threatened. “Come out now, so I can make your death quick and painless.”  Maki threatened raising her trademarked knife.

“If you say so!”

“Your wish is our command!”

“It’s time for us to shine!”

“Time for the start of this story to make an appearance!”

“...”

Those voices felt so familiar to Shuichi, Maki, and Himiko. Could it be? No?  Were they back?  “It can’t be!”  The three thought in unison. As soon as that collective thought ended five colorful figures popped out of the smoke, with bright lights, accompanied by music.

“Spotlight Monokubs!”

“I’m Montaro!” The red robotic bear said.

“I’m Monokid!” The blue robotic bear added.

“I’m Monosuke!” The yellow glass-wearing robotic bear said.

“I’m Monophanie!” The bright pink bear said.

Lastly, the robotic green said, “I’M MONODAM.”

“And with our powers united we will cause despair  to the world and around us we’re the Monokubs 2.0!” They said while posing in front of our heroes.  “Hey guys, long time no see? Did ya miss us?” The red robotic bear asked.

Chapter Text

The trio was left stunned, they were back? The robots that gave them so much trouble during the academy were back, but how?

“Hey guys long time no see! Did ya miss us? How are the kids doing?” Monotaro asked,

“Kids?” Shuchi asked.

“Yeah, the kids! You know how hard divorce is on kids, tell them Uncle Monotaro is always a phone call away.”

“Umm...Thanks?”

“Wait who are you again?” He asked. The survivors groaned, it was like they were back at the academy “Look enough, the detective said, pulling out his hacking gun, with everyone following suit. 

“Oh, I remember these three!” Monokid said, pulling a guitar seemingly out of nowhere. “These three ended the killing game! Bet you three had been getting it one like a couple of sea otters! This causes the three to blush cherry red. Nyeh?! As if!  Was all the mage could muster out. “Eh!? Why would we?! Shuichi exclaimed.

“Do you want to die?” The assassin threatened with a cherry-red face.

“Monokid, it’s not polite to make assumptions like that, what these three do in their free time is none of our business, no matter how impure that may be. Right, Monodam?” Monophaine asked.

“…”

“Enough.” Maki said, “You’re going to stop this attack and tell us where your boss is or else.” “And why should we listen to you?” Mokosuke said. “The boss man said we got a job to do, as we’re gonna do it.” “Stop this!” Professor called out, innocent people are going to get hurt. Please, it's not too late to reconsider.” “Reconsider? Nah, we’re good. Right,  Kurokuma? Kurokuma…?” Hey where did he go?"

“Kurokuma? Don’t tell me…” Shuichi muttered. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m coming don’t get your gears in a bunch…” A dark grayish robot walked past the group, holding an ice pack to his head (maybe from a hangover, or a headache most likely the former) and a black eye patch... “ Oh god, there’s another one WHY is there another one?! The trio thought to themselves didn’t know whether to be surprised, scared, or just straight-up annoyed.

“W- Who are you supposed to be? Yui asked, raising an eyebrow.”

“I’m Kurokuma!” He said throwing his ice pack away and recovering from his headache (or hangover) immediately.

“Who?” Akiko asked.

“You know Kurokuma?” He said it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Doesn’t ring a bell,” Himiko said, shrugging.

“You know from Ultra Despair Girls? 

“Ultra Despair Girls?” Shuichi asked, tilting his head to the side. 

“Aw come on! Do you dolts know anything?! I’m from Ultra Despair Girls! Third-person shooter! The highest-rated Danganronpa game of all time!

“Uhhh.. I don’t know how to tell you this but Ultra Despair Girls was our lowest rated game.” Monouske said. 

His mouth opened wide in shock. “No shot!” I’d bet it’s because of that Haji Towa that brought down the score! Believe me, I have my fair share of doing some messed up stuff but he took it to another level entirely.”

“Yeah..we uhh, don’t know what the writers were thinking with that one,” Monokid said while rubbing the back of his head. “We’d get into all the stuff he did, but we’d be raising the rating of this fic. 

“It’s important to know that here at the Danganronpa Holding Corporation as well as Team Danganronpa, does not approve of Haji Towa’s actions even though they were purely fiction.”

“Uh, Good to know.? The detective said. “Well because you morons don’t know me, I’ll give you some free merch on the house, because I’m just THAT charitable.” The dark grayish robot said. Pulling a bag out of nowhere,  he handed the group an assortment of merchandise ranging from keychains, plushies, and T-shirts all of them Shirokuma-themed. 

‘We don’t want this crap.” Maki replied, “Is it bad that I kinda like the shirt?” Yui asked sheepishly, she then earned a glare from everyone, while her grandfather sighed and sweatdropped at her comment. “What?  It's made of cotton! It’s so soft.” She defended back. “Look, we don't care about your merchandise!” Call off the attack now and tell us where he is!” Shuichi stated.

“Sorry emo boy! We have a plan and we will carry it out! Monokumas attack!” As soon as Monotaro finished his sentence, the ground started to rumble Monokumas, as multiple Monokumas appeared and surrounded our heroes.  “Shuichi!” The girls called, already having his hacking guns out, he pointed the guns at the incoming Monokumas “Wait, the professor never taught us how to use the guns! Here goes something!” His fingers made their way to the trigger of the gun, and subconsciously pulled the trigger,  the gun let out a small piercing light destroying the Monokuma. The Monokumas stopped in their tracks, as well as the Monokubs froze in place, with their jaws wide open.

“Oh my.” Monophanie said in disbelief.“He just killed Jerry.” Monosuke said. “Wait, all these Monokumas have names?” Akiko asked. “Yeah of course they're not ALL names Monokuma. Poor Jerry, had two days left before retirement. We got a list of all the names you wanna read them.” Monokid said.

“N-No. We’re good” Riko.  “Enough, Maki Said pulling out her gun with the others following suit. “You still want to mess with us?” "Give up now, and tell us where your boss is!” Himiko demanded. “No chance donkey lips!” Monokid said. “Monokids Disperse! At that moment, the Monokubs split up with them splitting up, with Monokumas running in different directions as well.“ Hey wait, Stop!” Yui called out. “Nyah?! What are we going to do?” “They split up into groups so let’s split up and track stop them!” the professor said.

“Split up? The assassin and mage eyes detective's eyes all widen. “I know it’s crazy and I know you three don’t want to leave each other's side but it’s our only option, Riko said.  The trio shot each old look of worry into each other's eyes. They didn’t want to leave each other's side, they promised to look out for each other. But reluctantly they agreed. “Okay, I’ll go with Professor Himiko you go with Yui, and Maki you go with Akikio. 

 “Alright.” “Let’s do this!” Yui said. The siblings left to confront the Monokumas, the professor, and Shuichi leaving. “Shuichi.” He turned back to see Maki with her saying “Be careful.” He nodded. Himiko  “I will you two I promise. The same goes for you two, be safe okay?” They both nodded, and the group split off to stop the Monokumas and the Monokubs. Unbeknownst to our heroes a voice went through the Monokubs intercom.

“Monokubs there has been a slight change of plans, put those three through the wringer let’s see what we’re dealing with.” 

XXX

Tokyo Bullet Station

The streets of Tokyo were chaotic, as Monokumas were vandalizing the city, breaking windows, and pretty much dirtying up the city. This of course led the citizens of the city to panic, running away, or in some instances, running around in circles, with some people saying “RUN AND PANIC RUN AND PANIC.”  Others were just standing video recording the whole event on their phones. It was apparent to Shuichi and Riko that people weren’t the best at handling dangerous situations. The two made their way back to the Bullet Station where he and his friend first arrived in. Their eyes immediately landed on Monodamn and Monophaine. “Stop this now!” This is between us, don’t drag these people into this!”

“WE HAVE A MISSION AND PLAN TO CARRY IT OUT,”  Monodam said. “MONOKUMAS. GO.”

“Ah!"

Monokumas sprung out, getting the jump on Shuichi and Riko. Taking out his hacking guns he shot two Monokuma immediately destroying them. “Shuichi!” Riko called out, “Behind you!”

A Monokuma jumped on Shuichi, “Ah!” Riko took out his own Hacking Gun,  shooting the Monokuma. Breathing a sigh of relief, he thanked the professor, “Thanks for the save.” “Don’t mention it, my boy, let’s focus on the leaders of the attack.” They both eyed the two robots. “Monodam? What do we do?” “WE FIGHT BACK.” The normally silent robot said. Monodam lunged forward the two with a punch, with the two dodging, their dodges left a bit to be desired, as after dodging the attack, they both stumbled on the floor. Not waiting for a moment for them to recover, he lunged toward Shuichi, he dodged once more via rolling, sprung up, and with a powerful kick, kicked the robot back, earring some space between them.

“It seems Maki’s training paid off!” He thought. He looked over to Riko, both of them nodded, and rushed towards them,  firing a couple of shots at the duo Monokubs, “Cover me!” He yelled, Shuichi eyed a bench in the terminal, running towards it, and jumped off of it gaining some height, he jumped with all his might, and he got a perfect shot of Monodam.  Perfect.  He pulled the trigger and shot a the robot, what he was et expecting was the Monokumas to take the bullets for Monodam, his eyes winded, Monopahine followed up this defense with an attack of her own,  Monophaine dashed under Shuichi’s  who was still in the air and punched him with an extendable arm,  “AH!”  Shuichi flew back in pain, Monodam followed up with an attack of his own with a mighty jump of his own, the robot kicked him down on the floor, Monophaine kicked the boy, with him rolling on the floor,  “Shuichi!” Riko called out, Everything went black for the detective, and he rushed over to the unconscious boy.  “Shuichi!”  “Shuchi!” There was no response.  He readied his hacking gun, to defend the boy.

In a Realm far from our own

“Awah!” The Detective shot up and woke up in a black void. “W-Where am I?” He surveyed his surroundings. It was nothing but darkness  “Himiko?  Maki?” No answer.“ Professor?” Akiko? “Yui?” No answer.  His memory was a bit hazy. He was just in Akihabara. How did he end up here? Get up. A voice ran through his head.  “Who’s there? “Allow me to show myself.” On cue, a form entirely made out of light appeared in front of Shuichi. “Wah?! Who are you? And where am I?” “My name is not important, as for where you are; your spirit and soul are in a realm far beyond your own. But you are far from dead.” He nodded.  I’ve been watching you from afar Shuichi, and you have to get up.”  “Ah- That’s right! I was in the middle of a fight with the Monokubs! The professor, I have to go back!” The figure nodded. “That’s right you must.” “But. But can I do it? Maki’s training only did so much..” He said with doubt in his voice. You overcame the killing game, and you’re still doubting yourself? Some things never change.”

“Eh?” “ You must give yourself more credit, you were doing well. But the odds quickly stacked against you. Allow me to help, this power has been inside you ever since the beginning of the game, allow me to awaken it.” Before he had any time to refuse, the figure touched his chest, and went into his body,  filling his body with a sense of warmth. The area around him started to become brighter.” Three lights are destined to end despair, you are one of those lights. Now go, and fight to save this world. Now get up and fight.  Before he could respond the entire realm was enveloped in a bright light.

“Don’t let their deaths be in vain Shuichi... I know you can do it.”

The Real World

Shuichi's eyes shot open at the sight in front of him, Riko was defending Monokumas, protecting the boy, wordlessly he arose, and walked past the professor, “Shuichi! You’re up goo-“ his words stopped in his throat, he was shocked by Shuichi’s appearance, the boy's eyes were no longer their usual gray, they were a bright red.  “Shuichi? Are you?

Not responding, Shuichi pointed his gun at a group of Monokumas and fired it, the shot piercing through a row of them. He then fired another bullet at another row of robots, the bullet piercing through all of them, and in a matter of seconds, all the Monokumas that the duo Monokubs were controlling were destroyed. Shuichi walked up to robots, hacking guns in arms ready to fire, “Monday. What do we do?” She asked sweating buckets.” “WE REGROUP AT THE CROSSING.” The two bears disappeared in a smoke cloud. 

“Shuichi! The Professor ran up to the detective. He turned around without saying a single word and looked him in the eyes. Putting his hands on the boy's shoulders he gently shook the boy. “Shuichi snap out of it!” It took a couple of shakes, Shuichi blinked and his eyes were back to normal, and he was a bit off balance. “Ugh.Professor? What happened?” 

“You tell me.” You’re the one; who destroyed all those robots.” His eyes are widened, “Me?! But all I remember was getting knocked out by the Monokubs.”

It was his turn eyes widened. “What?” “Look, we can figure that out later; those two robots are headed back to the crossing.” “O-Okay let’s go.” Two made their way back to the crossing.”

"What the hell just happened? What was all of that? Where was I? What was that thing that I saw?"

"Shuichi my boy.., if that happened to you, could that happen to your friends as well? After this is over we have to figure it out."

 Shopping Center

Akiko and Maki were in the shopping center of the Akirhabra, shooting down any Monokumas they saw. “Everyone evacuate now!” Akiko ordered as he pointed to the emergency exit, “Go through there, now!”  Maki commanded, all the stragglers in the mall followed suit. As soon as all the stragglers evacuated  Monokid showed up, “Hell yeah! Time to beat you two like a drum!” “Time to show you two why you should have left the killing game alone!”Monosuke said, ready to fight.  The two heroes readied their weapons until something no, someone distracted the group. A teenager who was blowing bubbles with bubble gum and eyes attached to their phone walked into the middle of their standoff. 

 “Do you mind?” Maki asked in an annoyed tone. The girl kept tapping away blowing bubble gum, who was probably in her fourth or fifth argument this week with her boyfriend. “Let me try.” Akiko said, “Excuse me miss, we’re currently in a middle life or death situation and you’re kinda ruining the tension.” She still kept typing away. “MOVE IT!” Maki blurred out.” “Oh my god, this girl's face is edited.” She said while texting.  “You can’t be serious.” Akiko and Maki muttered. “Even I have my patience,” Monokid said. As he lunged his fist toward the girl. Realizing this, Maki picked up the girl's bridal style and dodged the attack, putting down the girl, although the girl gave her an earful. “Thanks a lot, granny! You ruined my text!” She walked away annoyed. “The nerve of some people.. God I hate old people. Who invented them anyway?” She muttered walking away while still typing.

You’re welcome!” She yelled back.  Back to the fight at hand, Monokid threw another punch at the two, they both were able to dodge it, however, the Monokubs weren’t done yet, as Monosuke landed a clean blow to Akiko, knocking him out cold. “Akiko!” She yelled out, Monokid with a swift extendable kid knocked Maki's crossbow off her hands, and they slid across the mall floor. 

“There we go! Now it’s even.” The robot said, smirking. “Hand in Hand combat? When you’re lying in the junkyard remember you wanted this.”

She said Monokid and Maki started to trade blows, with Maki having a clear advantage. She expected the robot to be as hard as metal, but strangely that wasn't the case, but she didn’t give it much thought. She continued her attack until Monokid jumped back on the railing. “Time for a change of tactics!” he said laughing. “What are you?” The robot then jumped to where Akiko was lying unconscious, “No…He couldn’t!” The robot picked up Akiko and raised him as a shield. “I could use some extra protection!” He said laughing “You’re not going to get away with this!” She grinded her teeth  “Come on Harukawa! Give it your best shot, we know that’s what Kaito would have wanted. “Keep his name OUT of your mouth!” “What? Still a sensitive topic? I wonder what he’d think of you right now.” He said mockingly. 

 Maki was overcome with rage, she dashed toward Monokid, ready to rip it to shreds, until she stopped in her tracks as she was about to attack and held up Akiko who was still unconscious. “Akiko!”  She was frozen, she was about to attack him, taking advantage of her still state, Monosuke, punched Maki straight in the gut; she lost all air in her body sending her tumbling into the wall. “Aw? Is That all you got?!  He mocked. Maki arose, slowly looking around for her surroundings until saw an opening. She dashed toward the opening, and there was a chance to attack Monosuke and release Akiko. 

She dashed and jumped her opening, her fist and legs ready, until her...

*BAM*

 Her face met with a swift powerful punch by Monosuke. Everything went black for Maki. “Let’s get rid of the trash. Surely the boss won’t care if this one ain’t around.” The robot kicked Maki and she tumbled hitting her head on the wall. The two robots began to laugh. “ Maki…I’m sorry Akiko muttered before he lost consciousness.

Maki’s body lay on the floor unconsciously. Until a voice called out to her. 

“You think that’s how your story ends?”

“Get up. That Maki I know doesn’t give up that easily.”

“You promise you changed the world, right, and end Danganronpa?” 

“You three are the keys!”

“So get up.” Your story can’t end here! Don’t let their deaths be in vain !”

“Don’t lose hope now!” Despair can’t win!”

Maki's eyes shot open, her soul filled up with hope and power, she rose slowly, and started work walking towards the robots.  Her eyes glowed bright red, balling her fists.

“What the?! She was knocked out just a minute ago?!” “Monokumas attack!” A group of Monokumas appeared behind the two robots, however, this was no problem for Maki as in a matter of seconds the Monokumas were destroyed, her eyes were focused on the two Monokumas, She picked up her hacking crossbow and charged it ready to fire. Monokid with all his wisdom shouted, “Run!” Monosuke followed suit. Wordlessly Maki walked over to Akiko and looked down on him. “M-Maki?” He said? Slowly raising him off the ground. Looks around his surroundings. “How did you-? The Monokumas?” Your eyes….” He trailed off. 

“Maki?” He slowly put his hand on her shoulder, not knowing how she handled physical contact when it wasn’t her two friends.  She did not answer, She called her name once again, she blinked and lost her balance, “Woah careful!” Once her eyes opened, her eyes were back to normal, “S-Shuichi?” She asked weakly. “No, it’s me Akiko A-Are you alright?”  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just what the hell happened?” “I got knocked out, and when I woke up all the Monokumas were gone, and your eyes were yellow, and it took you a couple of responses for you to get back to normal.” “What?!” “Maki, wait do you not remember?” He asked. “She entered her thinking pose. “The last thing I remember was getting knocked out, and a voice called out to me.” She said. "A voice?” This situation was getting more and more bizarre “Maybe Grandfather knows what’s going on, but for now, all of the people seemed to have evacuated the mall and the Monokubs were on the run.

“Alright let’s follow them. There's no time to waste.” The two headed out of the deserted mall and followed the Monokubs track.

“Maki? If the same thing happened to you? Can it happen to Shuichi and Himiko as well?

“What the hell is wrong with me? Could the same thing happen to Shuichi and Himiko? Are they alright? No, they have to be strong. They're the strongest people I know. Please be alive so we can figure this out.

Near the Tokyo Skytree

Himiko and Yui were near the Tokyo Skytree, it was oddly quiet too quiet. Himiko was shaking in her shoes, as she never really had been away from Shuichi and Maki for so long, she had to be brave.  The two women walked along the Skytree plaza until they heard sounds of screaming. “Nyeh?! The two readied their hacking guns and multiple Monkumas, and Monosuke made a mess of the area doing petty crimes. Two Monokumas were spray painting their trademark logo on a building, while another Monokuma was knocking down a trash can only to pick it up again just to knock it down again just to (I think you get the point.)  All the while people were cowering in fear. 

“Fear not screaming, and terrified civilians don’t panic, we’ll take a stroll over to you, and save you all in no time,” Yui said in an attempt to calm the terrified civilians.

All of the Monokumas halted and stared at the two women. “Uh.. strike the words stroll, leisurely and don’t panic, we've got hostages! I should have thought this through…” “Yes, Yes you should have," Himiko muttered “ The two women readied themselves, taking the first shot Yui was able to destroy a couple of Monokumas giving the citizens a chance to escape. However, Himiko was fumbling around not being able to work the gun. “Alright missy enough playing around, you’re mine!" Monotaro said.

“Bring it on scrap heap!” Yui said. “Let’s go Kurokuma! Kurokuma?” He looked around “Uhh.. where he’d go?

The two women looked about and shrugged. “Sorry I’m late, I got caught up with something.” He said sheepishly, the women liked the robot eyes wide and saw that Kurokuma was wearing a bright pink Tokyo tourist shirt, with balloons, refrigerator magnets, and a necklace with an assortment of colorful characters on it. “The store was having a sale and I had to get some.” “Did you even pay for them?” “Of course, I did….nt” Why pay for stuff if  I’m a celebrity?” “Anyways I’ll handle this one, you take care of that one.” 

Kurokuma, charged after Himiko like a bull, a light bulb quickly appeared on the mage with her putting her leg out and tripping the robot, causing him to skid along the pavement.  The robot wasn’t down for the count  as he charged once more and Himiko barely dodged out of the way, “Woah!” She tumbled to the ground and scooted back. The robot extended his fists to capture Himiko,  The mage in a hurry scooted back into a nearby store and closed the door she needed cover. She heard whimpering and turned her head to see a young boy, who was no older than the age of seven crying. “Hey Hey it’s going to be alright, I won’t let anything happen to you.” She said in an attempt to calm down the boy. The boy didn’t say anything, only nodded, he then worked up the courage to ask her a question.“A-Are you Himiko Yumeno?” 

“Uh? No.” She lied. “Dang it.” He said, “I should have known, The real Himiko Yumeno is a lot hotter than you.”

Ouch.

*CRASH*

The door, to the, had broken revealing a robotic eye liking through the store with one eye “Here’s Johnny!” Pulling out her hacking gun she shot Kurokuma, the robot flew back in pain. “I’m getting fed up with you!” He yelled,  Kurokuma dashed forward and attempted to kick the mage with an extendable leg, with the robot's leg barely missing Himiko, as she tried to dodge his next attack she lost her footing, Kurokuma grabbed Himiko and threw to the front of the dumpster. Her back hit it with full force. “AH!” She cried out in pain, “Himiko!” Yui called out, she tried to rush toward her friend but was blocked off by Monosuke. 

Himiko slowly rose, breathing hard,  “I’m…not down yet…” She said, clutching her chest in pain. “You want more huh?” My pleasure! “ Himiko delivered a fast but not as powerful kick to the gray robot, grabbing her gun, she was able to take out some Monkumas that were gathering around her.  Kurokuma, snapped his fingers suddenly two Monokumas grabbed Himko’s arms “Nye?! Hey?! What are you?!” With all her might she tried to break free but it was no use. Kurokuma with all his might spun his fist and delivered a fierce blow to the Mages stomach. The mage lost all air in her body. Himiko flew to the wall slid down, and started to consciousness. “Himiko!” Yui yelled out. Her eyes started to close. “Shuichi…Maki..I’m sorry.”  Her vision started to become blurry tears started from her eyes, her body wasn’t able to move. “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep up, I’m sorry Tenko... Shuichi…Maki.. everyone..." She started to cry until her eyes closed as she lost consciousness.

“You came so far just to give up now?”

“You can’t abandon them!”

“They need you!”

“You need them!”

“You have to live to bring hope into this new world!”

“You can’t give up now!”

“Get up!”

“Do it for Tenko!

“Do it for Shuichi!”

“Do it for Maki!

"Do it for everyone."

“Do….it…for Tenko..” She muttered, “Do it for Shuichi! “Do it for Maki!” Her eyes shot up, her body filled and her soul filled with warmth and determination. “What's going on?  Himiko grabbed her handgun, and charged it, gritting her teeth with rage, and slammed the muzzle down, shooting the charged shot causing a shock wave and destroying all of the Monokumas. What was left was the Monotaro, Kurokuma, meanwhile, Yui was speechless; the mage was a completely different person.  “Run!” The two robotic bears said rubbing away “Himiko!” She ran toward her friend “That was awesome! How did you do that? Also, did you get new eye contact?” She asked. There was no reply. “Himiko?” She asked again. The mage's eyes winded and shook her head and her eyes turned to normal. “Maki? Shuichi?” She asked. “No  Himiko it’s me Yui!” “Yui? What happened?

“You destroyed all those robots!” She said you sent the Monokubs and that one other grayish robot packing.   “I did?! But I don’t remember!” Her eyes widened. “You don’t?! Okay. Weird.. we can figure that out later, let’s track down those robots!” “R-Right!”

The three groups all chased down the cowering Monokubs and Kurokuma was cornered.  Shuichi Maki and Himiko all shared a collective look at each other, noticing that they had gone through a tough fight but they were all glad that they made it through it alive. They and  Idabashi were pointing their hacking weapons at the robots. “We can talk this through peacefully right?” Monophaine asked. “Please don’t shoot me! Shoot Monodam instead, I’m too famous to die!” Kurokuma pleaded, getting down on his knees and sobbing.

“Tell us where your boss is and we’ll consider sparing you,” Shuichi said. “You six return immediately.” “Right boss!” “Boss? What are you-” They sprung up and laughed, Sorry but duty calls! We’ll see you six again, the boss needs us!” “Oh no you don’t! Maki raised towards the cubs, but it was no use as they disappeared in smoke.  “Hey, where did they go? Shuichi looked around. “How did they?!” Maki gasped.

“Guys look!” Himiko said pointing at the giant screen.  The group looked onto the screen and what appeared was a man wearing a black suit. All of their eyes widened at the screen.

“Citizens of Tokyo, for those who may be uncultured I am Shizo Kuzo the proud creator of Danganronpa.” “Shizo!” Riko exclaimed. “That’s the creator?!”  The survivors asked. “I have some terrifying news to share today. As you know, Monokumas, the mascot of Danganronpa, ran wild and caused millions of damage to your beautiful city. Well, tonight I’m here to show you because of this damage to the ring leaders if you will.

Three pictures showed Shuichi Maki and Himiko appearing on the screen. “These three kids who ended the 53rd Season of Danganronpa made these destructive robots and decided to cause destruction and despair just for the fun of it. But that wasn't the end of it, As he showed a picture of a desolate city. “Tonight we had just found out that these three hooligans laid waste to the once beautiful city of Osaka, now it’s nothing more than a desolate city. These three were already wanted before but now tonight with the cooperation and permission of the Tokyo police station these three individuals are on high alert and are extremely dangerous, and any information on these three is appreciated. The survivors' stomachs sank. “I ask all officers to be on high alert and to capture these students and return them to Team Danganronpa as they are property of Danganronpa. If you love your safety you will cooperate with us.

“Property?!”

“If you wish to save your world from these three please cooperate with us. Thank you. His speech ended, as the monitor turned off, and his message reached all of Japan and possibly the world. The survivors looked at each other, as well as their new friends. This was not good.

Chapter Text

In an undisclosed location cheering throughout the city full of chaos they occurred. The citizens had just witnessed the teaser for the continuation of Danganronpa. The destruction, the chaos, the despair, the chance the hope can prevail. It’s all the Danganronpa fans could ever want.

“WE WANT MORE!”

“WE WANT MORE!”

"WE WANT MORE!”

The citizens of the city chanted in unison.  Inside the massive sprawling building, the man looked down at the massive cheering crowd.“Good it seemed like it worked.  Shirokuma, did the Monokubs arrive back?” “They should be arriving momentarily.” As soon as the robot finished the Monokubs appeared from a smoke cloud. “Hey, chief. So how do we do? Five stars am I right?” Monosuke asked. “I believe we did a very good job, I just wished it was less violent.” Monophanie admitted. “If you didn't like our job, the green nimrod wasn't pulling his weight!” Monokid admitted. 

“...” Monodam remained as silent as ever while Montaro was looking up at the ceiling for some reason. “Rest assured, you bucket of bolts did something right for a change.” YAY!”The group of robots all high-fived each other, except Monotaro who kept looking up at the ceiling.“You five are excused for now. Be on sta for now.” The man ordered them off as the robots made their way out of the room. As the robots continued to walk along the hallway. “Montaro is something that matters?” Monophaine asked her sibling. “You haven't been this lost in thought ever since you thought your reflection in the mirror was your alternate evil twin. Please speak to us."

“Are you sick?” Monosuke asked.

“ Sigh... No.” He replied.

“Do you have to use the bathroom?” Monopahine asked.

“Would beating up Monodam cheer you up? ”The red robot shook his head. “It’s just…” The robots stood there in suspense  “I think…I think…. I THINK I’M IN LOVE!” He yelled out in the hallway. 

That was something they weren't expecting. “Oh Montaro, that's wonderful! May I ask who you have a crush on?” The pink robot asked. He hesitated “I-It’s that darling assassin that we saw a couple of hours ago, how her twin pigtails flow in the wind, her crimson eyes, her murderous intent towards us. She makes my heart flutter! If I have a heart that is…”

“Let me guess this straight, he’s in love with that broad that we just fought? I don’t think the boss is gonna like th-” Don’t listen to Monosuke, Montaro, That’s wonderful!” The pink robot said, clapping her hands. Come, you must tell me more!  The two robots left the hall leaving the three robots behind.

Back in his office, the man was reviewing the internal footage that was captured by the Monokubs. His attention was solely focused on the survivors. “Interesting, very interesting.” “Sir,” Shirokuma said walking into the room. “Reviewing the footage?” “Yes, take a look.” Shizo paused the screen. What appeared on the screen was Shuichi, with glowing red eyes. “Now I wonder what could have caused this.” 

“I assume you're referring to Saihara's change of eye color? Shuizo nodded, “Sir, perhaps the change of eye color is due to faulty programming of the flashback lights.” That is a possibility.”He muttered. “No matter, everything is falling into motion. Danganronpa will continue, Those hypnotized imbeciles will get what they want and my cash flow will increase. Then the world will be mine! Now excuse Shirokuma, I have a meeting with a certain old fool.” The man left the room leaving the robot to his own devices.

The group was barely able to make it back to the apartment unnoticed, all of Akihabara as well as Japan was in disarray. The three Idabashies walked into the apartment first, with the trio walking in second. They were wanted, and they were painted as criminals. “S-Shuichi M-Maki what are we going to do?” She asked with nervousness in her voice. Maki turned her head from the two without saying a word. “I’m worried about Himiko, but we’ll be okay. We won’t let anything happen to you either. The same goes for Maki as well as our new friends.” Himiko's face rose a tad bit from that speech. “Thanks Shuichi….” He was glad he was able to help, but at the same time, he was nervous, unsure about Shizo, the world,Danganronpa, and how he acted after he was unconscious. “Grandfather, what are we going to do? ”Akiko asked. “My boy. I’m not too sure…” he muttered.

“The police are after us, Shizo pinned Osaka being destroyed as well as the Monokumas. We’re stuck.” Maki said. Nobody decided to talk, and eventually, she continued. “There’s nothing we can do.” “Maki…” Himiko said. “Come on Maki! Yui said, punching the air. “We can’t just give up now!” “Yui is right, Maki. We can just give up now. We just have to put our heads together and think.” Maki turned her back to her two friends and the Idabashies.“Maki.” Shuichi said putting his hand on her shoulder there has to be something we can do. We came too far just to give up.” He continued “We promised we bring hope into this new world right? That’s the promise we made.” Himiko then walked up next to Shuichi putting her hand on her other shoulder (although she had to get her tippy toes) “Shuichi is right. I’m s-scared, and I think I’ll continue to be sacred but I don’t wanna give up for Tenko and the others. I know I’m not as strong as you or smart like Shuichi and the others, but I want to continue to fight.”

“We’re not stuck, Maki I know the odds are stacked against us but, we’ve beaten the odds before right? We can do it again, together we just have to…”  he trailed off unsure if he should say it. “ This could result in my getting decked in the mouth but it’s worth a shot for Maki!” “We just have to make the impossible possible, all we have to do is gotta make it so!”

Maki’s eyes winded at the words that came out of Shuichi’s mouth. The detective then braced himself for an incoming punch. Although the punch never came his way, instead two arms came around Shuichi and enveloped him in a hug.  The assassin's face was slightly wet with tears. Maki let out a small whisper and said “Thank you.” Shuichi then smiled, returning the hug.  Himiko took this chance to get in on the group hug. “We’re in this together you guys. No matter what. I’ll stand by you two. No matter what.” He said.

“I’ll never leave you two ever.” Maki said.

“I’ll do my best to protect you two. I promise.” Himiko said.

The three shared a collective hug, with a small smile. It was the Professor who broke the silence with a cough into his fist. “I’m sorry to break this heartwarming scene but we should plan our next course of action.” The survivors' eyes winded, realizing that they were getting sappy in front of their new friends, they slightly blushed and backed away from each other. “Yeesh…get a room you three,” Yui said teasingly. 

The survivors' faces turned bright red. “Anyways, how are you three feeling after your fights with Monokubs and Monokumas,” Riko asked. The three survivors were both hesitant to answer, but Shuichi was the first to answer. “I-I’m feeling fine. But something happened.” “What happened Shuichi?” Yui asked. He continued to explain. “I was knocked out by one of the Monokubs…and I woke up in a dark place, then. I heard a voice and I saw a figure. They were talking to me. They said I had some sort of power. And then I came to.” He finished explaining. “Wait what?!” The girls both exclaimed their eyes winded.

“Shuichi, that happened to you two?” Maki asked. “Yeah, it did.’ “The same thing happened to me!” Then the realization hit Maki and Himiko, and both of the young women both looked at each other. “Did that happen to you two Maki?” “It did..I’m assuming it happened to you too.” She nodded. “So then it’s safe to say that it happened to all of us. But why?” The detective questioned. Maki then turned to the Idabashies  and asked “Was there anything weird and strange about us when we awoke?”

“Maki when you were I saw you had glowing red eyes, and when I looked around I saw that all the Monokumas in the area were destroyed,” Akiko explained. It was then Yui’s turn. “Himiko your eyes were red too, you destroyed all the Monokumas too, you didn’t say a word. You slammed the muzzle of the hacking gun down on the ground and it sent a shock wave destroying them.” She finished explaining. Lastly, Riko was the one to talk. “Shuichi, you defeated the Monokumas with ease, you shot with one single bullet from the hacking gun, and you took out multiple rows of Monokumas. Let’s see what else…Ah, besides that it took multiple name calls for you to come out of your senses.” 

The survivors both nodded. This was very strange. “Himiko, Maki when that voice called out to you did it sound familiar? “The voice sounded kinda familiar but it didn’t ring any bells,” Himko said. “To me, it sounded somewhat familiar, but like Himiko, I can’t place my finger on it,” Maki said. “Same here..darn it.” Well, that is one more question we have to add to the books. But I have a feeling Shizo could answer for that as well.” 

“Speaking of Shizo,” Akiko said. “What are we going to do about him? He’s planning something  big.” “But what he’s planning I’m not too sure. All I know for sure is that we have to take action.” “We’ll action’s my middle name!” Yui said once again punching the air with fire in her eyes. “Come on, let's go! Let’s go!” “Woah slow your roll, Bruce Lee! We have no idea where Shizo is. Plus Shuichi, Maki, and Himiko can’t go out, remember? Unless you’re trying to get them arrested.” Akiko reminded her.“Oh right sorry.” She said sheepishly.

“Ah, but Akiko raises a good point, maybe we can track down and maybe find a lead on Shizo,” Shuichi said. “Good idea my Shuichi, let me start on the “ Before he could turn to his computer the screen started to display static. “What the?” “Grandfather, what's wrong? “The screen it’s..” before he could finish that sentence a ray of light shot to the floor, creating a hologram. Everyone is taking a step back in awe.  

“Hello, my dear friend. Long time no see.” He grinned. “Shizo!” Everyone exclaimed. “My My, I’m glad you’re doing well Riko, are those new glasses?” “First off I don’t wear glasses, two cut the small talk.” “My is that how you treat your old friend? No wonder why you have no friends.” He then turned to see the survivors, all of them clenching their fists. Himko standing behind her friends. The two subconsciously took her hands to reassure her. “Helping out fugitives, are we now? You’re a complete utter fool. You and your grandchildren must have a death wish."

“Shizo we finally meet face to face,” Shuichi said angrily. “How are my main stars doing? Well, I hope.” He smiled. “We’re NOT your stars.” Maki hissed. “You’re a coward, you know that? If you were a real man you would have come here face to face. So I can end your life myself.” “Big talk from someone who nearly lost to one of my pathetic robots. I wonder what the poor excuse of an astronaut would think of your less-than-stellar performance? He smirked. Maki grinded her teeth at the statement. “Don’t you DARE talk about Kaito like that!”

“Enough chat Richey Rich! You’re going down against the ultimate tag team, the Idabashi family, and the survivors! The hearts and hopes of the survivors are raging to serve justice!” Yui said, cracking her knuckles while her eyes were on fire once more. “I see you have made friends with my characters. Isn’t that sweet.” “We’re not your characters!” Himiko shot back. Immediately losing his calm composure he yelled “YOU ARE!”  Everyone took a step back, eyes winded with Himiko grabbing onto Shuichi and Maki’s hand like her life depended on it. 

“Ahem anyways. Riko be a friend, have these three sent back to me if you would be so kind.” “What? You’re out of your mind thinking I’m just going to hand them over, for what?! So you can put them back in that god-forsaken game? I’d already failed Keebo and the other students as well, I’m not going to fail these three!"

"That’s right. If you want our friends you’re going to have to go through us.” Akiko said. The man scoffed. “Friends? Don’t make me laugh. Are you not aware that you're taking away people's hope by stopping Danganronpa?” 

“People’s hope?” Maki said. “That’s right. People depend on the killing game, that’s their hope. “Your three purposes were created to bring hope, in other words, your raison d'etre.” “Raison d'etre?  What's does that mean Akiko? Yui asked. “Raison d'etre it means for the reason of being.” Akiko explained, “For example, yours isbeing loud and annoying.” 

“Hey!”

”Both of you. Be quiet.” Both of the twins received Maki’s signature glare, a chill running up their spines.  “S-Sorry Maki." The twins both apologized with their heads down.

“Do you now understand? Shizo asked the survivors. “That’s not what Hope is! Shuichi retorted. “We also heard that you said that our message about stopping Danganronpa was not a part of your script. “Why are you lying to these people? Answer us!” He demanded. Shizo stood silent before he answered. “ It is necessary that Danganronpa continues. And soon the whole world will succumb to it.” “We’re not interested in your crazy talk.” Maki shot back. 

“Your actions have killed all our friends in that stupid game!” Himiko's eyes started to water. “You destroyed Osaka, You endangered many innocent lives here because of your attack!” She blurted out.“What do you say for yourself?” Maki asked, her eyes full of anger.

“Once more it is necessary for Danganronpa to continue. Just know that you three will not be able to stop me. He turned to Riko and his grandchildren “If you know what’s best for you and the safety of your family it’s best you stop cooperating with them and turn them into the authorities. Unless you wish to end up like their friends.” The hologram cut out and faded out.

“Hey get back here! Don’t hide like a coward rich boy!” Yui yelled out. 

Riko's computer once turned back to normal then got a bright idea, and started typing away, until he found a source of the transmission. “Good news. I was able to find where the transmission was coming from.”  “Nice going, where is the transmission coming from?” The Professor typed some more until he was able to get exact coordinates. “The transmission is coming from Narai, Shiojiri.” He said, "It's only about an hour away from here by car.” He explained.

“Well looks like we’ll be heading to Shiojri then. If we can find and stop Shizo and get to the bottom of this we win.” Taking a deep breath he asked his two friends “Are you two ready?” They both replied with a confident nod. “Thanks for helping you three but I think we can-“Before he could finish his sentence Riko cut him off. “Out of question Shuichi, you three aren’t doing this alone. We’re helping and we’re not taking no for an answer.” 

“But.” Maki started.

Akiko nodded. “Fugitives or not we’re here to help you all the way through.” 

"Nyeh? What about?"

“We’re all in this together. You thought you were gonna leave us out like some side characters?” Yui asked, putting  her hands on her hips.” The survivors let out a small giggle and their new friends. All three of them closed their eyes and took a deep breath. This was when a battle between Hope and despair had started. This time all three of them remembered to keep each other safe and alive. They had no intention of breaking that promise. They also added a promise to keep their new friends safe as well. “Okay..let’s do it!” Shuichi said. With a confident smile. “Shizo won’t what hit them,” Maki said with a confident smile. “You have the greatest, strongest, high level, not to mention cutest mage in all the land!” There’s nothing that can stop us.  The Idashies all smiled at the survivors and nodded.

“Shizo! We will stop you avenge our friends, and save this new world, with our new friends Together! We Will be the ones that bring  peace and hope into this world!” The three heroes said in unison.

Finally, the three survivors who had gone through so much pain and turmoil put their hands on top of each other, looked at each other in eyes full of confidence, and hope, and raised their hands high, full of determination and hope “Let’s go!” The three cheered in unison. 

And so the adventure continues.

Elsewhere

In a dark room filled with a dark purple aura, Shizo walked up to a glass container and there was a small purple blob. He then looked down at the control and started pressing buttons on the control panel. The blob started to form changing shape until it molded into someone he knew all too well. He smirked looking up at the glass.

“Welcome back into this world Kaede Akamatsu. It's been too long, hasn't it? It’s for a reunion dear. 

To be continued

Chapter Text

“To all readers of “This is Our World who may been with us since day one..” Shuichi started the sentence with a smile.

“Or to all the new the new readers who may have recently found us,” Maki stated with a small yet sincere smile.

“Happy First Anniversary!” The trio exclaimed, Himiko with a big basket of confetti who wasted no time tossing the confetti around the trio and around the room. “We couldn’t have come this far without you loyal readers!” She said with a big smile.

“Can you believe it’s been one year already?” Shuichi said scratching his cheek. It seems like yesterday when we started this adventure.”

“You know the saying: “Time waits for no one. But you have point. It seems like yesterday when the three of us all fell deadly 1000ft fall. Good times. Good Times.” Maki said sipping her glass of Sparkling cider.

“I don’t know if I would call classify that as a good time Maki,” Shuichi said while sweat dropping. “But anyways we hope you all look forward to what’s in store for us next.”

“Yup! We’re not allowed to tell you guys, but we all hope it’ll all knock your socks off! If you’re wearing socks that is.” the mage said while throwing more confetti.

“Himiko do you have to keep throwing confetti everywhere? You know we’re gonna have to clean this up later.” The assassin reminded the mage. 

“Oh come on Maki Roll! This is a special occasion, Maki! You can only celebrate the first anniversary of anything once so we should have as much fun as we can right? Not to mention just look at the confetti! It’s super pretty!”

“You know sh make a good point Maki.” Shuichi said, “Something like this only happens once so let’s have lots of fun.” He smiled, not hesitating he took the assassin's hand and went to where Himiko was in the room. 

Attempting (but failing) to hide her blushing face she gave in. “Alright, you two.” She giggled. “Let’s celebrate.” Her two friends smiled. “That’s the sprint Maki Roll! Now you can start by throwing some confetti there’s a lot to go around.” As Himiko walked towards the two so they could get a share of throwing confetti Himiko tripped on her own two feet.

“Himiko! “Are you alright- UWAH!” Her two friends called out. The basket full of confetti, made contact directly with her two friends' faces.  “Ah! Shuichi Maki I’m so sorry are you two all “ her sentence trailed off. Shuichi and Maki's faves were both fully covered in pieces of multicolored confetti. Himiko tried to hide her laugh but ultimately failed.

“BWAH HAHAHAH!” You two look ridiculous!”

The two removed the confetti that was covering their eyes and shared a look at each other and both laughed.

They DID look ridiculous. The detective and assassin both shared a devious smile thinking of the same thing. They both removed some confetti from their faces and hair. “You’re right Himiko we do look ridiculous.” Shuichi in a low tone.

“But maybe you should join us!” Maki said. The two threw confetti at the Mage with her getting a face full of confetti. As soon as she realized what had happened the mage pouted, failing to hide her anger. “Not funny you two.” As soon as she finished that sentence she broke down on the floor laughing with her friends following suit.

After their laughing fit was over. Shuichi raised his glass full is sparkling cider. 

“Happy 1st anniversary you two.” He chuckled and smiled. “Whatever happens next we’ll face it together.”

“Together!” Himiko exclaimed with a bright smile.

“I’m with you two till the very end,” Maki said bright sincere smile. 

The three heroes clinked their glasses together.

“Happy Anniversary and we hope you continue to enjoy this story! Until next time!” The three heroes exclaimed with bright smiles and laughter.

Chapter Text

“The apocalypse is upon us! Women and Children to lifeboats!” A man was calling out in the streets. No one was paying him no mind, the whole city was uneasy due to the news that was revealed to them. Their lives as well as their home could be on the line after all due to the despair seeking trio of criminals who were aiming to destroy the world as they know it.

“This is Akihabara News coming at you.” The news reporter said in the microphone with her trusty camera man filming giving her his trademark disinterested look.

“Tonight we’re here to interview the people of Akihabara about what they think of the current events that have transpired tonight. If you have been living under a rock for the past couple of hours, Akirharbara was attacked by the white and black bears from the fictional television show Danganronpa. The culprits of said attack, according to officials, are Shuichi Saiahra, Maki Harukawa and Himiko Yumeno.

“You miss! She called out to a lady passing by.  “What do you think about all the damage those fugitives have done?” 

It’s honestly frightening, to see how far those fugitives would destroy everything for the sake of spreading despair, hopefully the law will catch them.”

She then called out to the teenager who was currently engrossed in a tenth texting argument with her friend this evening.  “You there distracted teen, what is there anything you want to say on the matter of tonight's events?”  The teen rolled her eyes still engrossed on her phone and gave a half hearted answer. “ I hope they get like, the guillotine or something.”

The reporter then walked over to a middle aged man.“And you, what do you…” she then trailed off,  looking at  the older man’s appearance, taking a look at him, a man who was wearing a black biker jacket,  accompanied with him wearing an eye patch. “What do you think of the recent events?” 

Instead of answering the question he leaned into her microphone and said in a threatening voice. “The apocalypse is upon us, Welcome to the apocalypse lady. I hope you like wearing leather…”

Manseibashi Police Station

At the Manseibashi Police Station there was a large angry mob, shouting numerous things at the police chief of the station.

“Catch those criminals!”

“Save us from those villains!”

“Think of the children! Won’t somebody please think of the children?!” 

“Calm down folks. I understand that tensions are high, but rest assured my and all my men on the force can and will be doing all that we can to keep the citizens of Japan safe from the fugitives.” As soon as he finished that statement, the crowd broke out into more statements.

“Yeah right! I bet all the cops inside that station are probably on their butts eating all the donuts that they can eat.” A man in the crowd said.

“I bet 10,000 yen that they can’t even catch those kids.” another citizen chimed in.

“We’re all done for, I’ll get the lifeboats. It was nice knowing you all.” 

“I better start writing my will. Is will spelled with two or three L’s? A woman asked.

“FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT GOOD AND PURE SAVE US. LOCK THE DOOR BOLT THE WINDOWS.” A man was shouting. 

At this point the crowd was rambling, it was hard for the chief, or even an outsider to follow along with any conversation that was taking place.

*Ramble  Ramble  Ramble Ramble*

Scratch that. The crown was rambling.

Taking a deep breath, the chief continued. “Rest assured that we will find these culprits and they will be put under tight security until they can be transported back into Team Danganronpa. With new advances in technologies we will capture them, mark my words.” The crowd seemed uneasy, but nevertheless took their chief words to heart.

The chief walked into the room into the police station, to see his men were indeed goofing off. Two of his men were surfing the web, three of his other men in the break room playing a kart racing game with steering wheels.

They were indeed goofing off. 

“THAT'S ENOUGH!” He yelled his voice boomed through the police station.  “ATTENTION: “Get off your lazy buts and track down those criminals!”  All the men in the station and immediately stopped goofing off and immediately saluted at their chief officer.

“S-Sir yes sir!” They all said in unison. “That’s better. We have a job to protect these people from those villains so let’s get to work. The boss is very strict that we get those teens back to him as soon as possible.  “So let’s get to work.”

“So Shiojiri, how are we exactly supposed to get there?” asked Himiko. 

“She does raise a good point, Shiojiri is a little bit a ways away, and I doubt the bullet train we took could take us there.” Shuichi pointed out.

“Don’t worry my boy, we do have a means of transportation to get there.” The professor reassured the detective.

“Don’t tell me we're going to end up taking a bus there.” Maki said jokingly.

“Of course not, Maki. I have a car parked on the streets in the city.” That’s how we're gonna get to Shorijo.” He explained.

“Good idea grandfather.”Aikio said. “Honestly you’d have to be pretty dumb to seriously think taking a bus to Shiojir would be the best course of action.”

“R-Right of course!’ Yui said, while putting back her wallet hastily.  “Anyways. We’d better start moving.” With an agreed nod from the survivors putting their hoods on and the Idashies the group made their way out of the apartment complex and towards the outskirts of the city. As soon as the group made their way out to the street the streets were filled with packing citizens.  “Stay close to me, you two.” Maki said sternly. 

“Right.”

“Okay. 

The two other survivors compiled, furthering this Maki held on the other two hands with a firm yet soft grip.  “Maki hands are so soft…” Shuichi and Himiko both thought. The two shot each other a look, and immediately shook that thought from there heads blushing, now wasn't the time to think about THAT! They had a world to save. 

“It’s a bit of a walk, but when you get to the car, you three can properly rest for a bit until we get to Shiojri.” Akikio explained.

“Why did you park so far away? Himiko asked.”

“Parking in Akihabara is an absolute nightmare.” He said simply.

“Fair enough.” Shuichi said.  The group kept walking along the sidewalk. As they continued to walk the crowd kept getting busier and busier. “Why do there have to be so many people?” Himiko said, getting more anxious. 

“We just have to keep following the Professor.” Maki said. “We’re not going to lose sight of him, Yui, or Akiko. We just have to keep walking.” As the trio kept walking the sea of people kept getting larger and larger. They unfortunately lost sight of the trio.  Now the trio were in the middle of the sea of people.

“Nyeh! We lost them!” 

“Great talk about a set back.” Maki muttered.

“Let’s call them via our ear pieces. They most know the city by heart. They can tell us where we are.” Shuichi reasoned.  Turning on his ear piece, which he thankfully didn't drop after the fight with the Monokubs, He radioed the professor. 

“Professor. Come in.” 

“Shuichi? What happened? Are you three alright?”

“We are. We got separated from the crowd of people, we need you to give us directions.”

“Of course, check your surroundings, what  do you see around you, anything that stands out?” Taking a brief look at his surroundings he noticed a billboard.

“Yes, I see billboard, it says-”

“HEY YOU STOP! YOU DIDN'T PAY FOR THAT!”

“Huh?”

“Nyeh?”

“Eh?”

Before he could reply to the professor, a hooded thief with their group of friends with a bag of stolen merchandise crashed into Shuichi with both of their hoods flying off, both of them tumbling onto the pavement of the road.

“Ah!”

“!”

The girls both rushed to Shuichi’s side. “Are you alright??” Himiko asked. “Y-Yeah I’m fine, just a bit dizzy.”  Before Maki could ask if he could stand, her stomach sank, when she looked at Shuichi.

His hood was off. 

“Shuichi put your hood back on now!” She hissed at him.  Before he could even process what Maki had said to him the hooligan stood up and walked over to the trio. “Look what you made me do! You made me drop all my-” his sentence trailed off when he saw Shuichi, right before him. “You’re… You're.” he said pointing and you two must be…

Shuichi’s eyes widened in fear with the girls following suit.  The members of the thiefs walked behind the girls and yanked their hoods off. 

“Hey!” 

“It’s the survivors!” The group of thieves called out, and just like that it felt like the whole entire world stopped. The massive sea of bustling people stopped dead in their tracks, some even pulling out their phones, all traffic that was once moving stopped. All eyes were on them

“Uh..meow?” Himiko said, smiling nervously. 

Shuichi stood up slowly, and all three backed up to each other, backs against backs.  A young boy with glasses ran up to Maki Harukawa. “Are you Maki Harukawa the Ultimate Assassin?”

“Um, yes?”

“Can you say the line?!” The  boy asked. 

“The line?” 

“Yeah! You know the line!”

She had absolutely no idea what this kid was talking about.  “Come on. Say the line "Maki!

“What line are you talking about? Do you want to die?” She threatened.

“YOU SAID IT!” The boy said happily. He then started imitating Maki with his own imitation of Maki which left a lot to be desired.

“I do NOT sound like that!” Maki said offended.

“You kinda do.” Himiko admitted.

“I do not. Shuichi?” She asked for a second opinion.

“Er….Well. Kinda?” He said scratching the back of his head. 

“After this is over I’m killing you both.” It was about time they got back on track.

“Well this was surely fun but we have to get going. We’re just um cosplayers that’s it. Reality dedicated cosplayers…”  He felt sick to his stomach saying that sentence.

“Y-Yeah cosplayers! Really good ones!” Himiko added. “I just dyed my hair red, my natural color is black. And this “Shuichi” here is just a fellow classmate of ours, he is super dedicated to his craft, he looks like the real thing!”  Right? “Maki?” Himiko elbowed Maki.

“Yes. Were  SUPER dedicated to the craft, We spent hours trying to make him look like the actual Shuichi. Underall the make-up and eyeliner he’s actually really ugly. She added.

“U-Ugly?”

Ouch.

 Before they could make their escape with a plan, the two police officers walked up to the crowd.

“Now what’s going on here?” Their eyes then winded on the main centers of attention. 

“Seems like we got ourselves a couple of fugitives.” The man said, smirking. 

“Take another step and you can say goodbye to your life.” Maki threatened.  

“Or what?” He said, smirking evilly.  “As far as I know you three are dangerous criminals that enjoy hurting citizens. Your attack on the city caused quite the fuss.”

“That’s wrong!” We’re trying to save the people of Japan, as well as the rest of this world! We weren't the ones who started that attack!” Shuichi shot back.

“He’s right! If it wasn't for us, this whole city would have been destroyed like Osaka!” the mage said.

“If you know what’s good for you and if you value your life. You’ll let us go.” Maki threatened.

The officer did nothing but scoff at the trio. “Why should I even listen to you three? All I hear is nonsense, boys, cuff them.” Three officers walked up the trio, with handcuffs.

“Don’t you dare touch them!” Shuichi shouted. 

“Maki, Shuichi!’

“Let them go! Right now!” 

“Put them into the squad car, and then we drive them to the station.”

“Yes sir!” The officers led Shuichi and Maki with both of them trying to  to fight back but it was no use the were escorted  into the squad car , with Himiko following suit slowly. Before she could get in she accidently missed the step into the car and bumped into the officers side.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I missed the step.” She explained dryly. 

“Well DON”T miss the step this time.” he shot back, quickly growing tired of the self proclaimed mage antics.

Himiko made her way into the squad car, with the doors closed and the squad car drove off with some of the passersby recording the whole event.

“You three do have quite the bounty amount on you.” The officer said while his partner was driving. 

“Not to mention, the boss man said we’ll get paid the big bucks if we deliver you three to the station alive.” the chief’s partner said, while driving.

“ Well whatever they’re paying you it’s not worth it!” Shuichi tried to reason with the officers. “Listen, we're the good guys in all of this, please just trust us.” The officers paid the boy no mind, as they kept speeding along the streets of Akihabara.

“It’s no use  Shuichi, they're not gonna listen.” 

“Damn it!” He said, stopping his foot. “Maki what are we going to do?” 

“We just have to figure out how to get these cuffs off. The duo looked around the van only to come up with nothing. All they found was a confiscated skateboard.

Maki’s eyes landed on Himiko. Who had her whole body turned away from the duo.

“Himiko? Now’s not the time to be crying. We have to figure out something-“

*CLICK*

Himiko’s handcuffs fell to the ground. Both of their friends' eyes winded.  “Nyeh! There we go.”

“Himiko!? How did you-?” The two asked simultaneously. “A mage never reveals their secrets.”

“Wait, when you bumped into that officer that was when you were able to snatch the keys off of them right?” Shuichi concluded.

She nodded with a grin. Be quiet and stay still.”  Himiko made her way over to her two friends unlocking their cuffs.

“Okay, so what’s the next plan?” Maki whispered. 

“We don’t want to hurt them but we need to get out here and get back to the others.” The three like ahead while keeping their heads down. And saw a gate that was keeping them and officers separated in the van.

“Himiko pass me those keys.” As instructed Himiko passed the keys to Maki and unlocked the gate. Luck was on their side; the officers paid them no mind. 

“Maki-Roll? What are you doing??”  “If we’re gonna get out of here we’re gonna have to fight them.”

“B-But”

“Himiko.” Shuichi said. “I know you don’t want to fight them. I don’t either. But we have no choice.”

“We’re not going to kill them. We’re just going to disarm them and get out of here.” She explained.

“But what if we’re not strong enough to take them on?” Maki rolled her eyes with a small smile. “Himiko, these two are nothing but pushovers," she explained. “I’m pretty sure this idiot right here can take them by himself.”

“Idiot?” The detective said  somewhat in a hurt tone.

“Okay are you two ready?” They both nodded. 

“On the count of three.”

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

The door was kicked open by a certain detective.

“Come on this way!”  The trio climbed their way to the top of the trunk.

“Stop, what do you think you’re doing?! Get those kids now!” The officer commanded. 

“Okay. So…What do we do now?!” Himiko shouted.

Shuichi looked around on top of the roof. Think Shuichi, Think!” His eyes darted around and landed on an upright panel of the police cruiser that was sticking up.

Bingo

“Maki, Himiko! Give me and let’s lift that metal panel up off the van!” Both of the girls rushed over and helped him lift up the panel. With enough force the metal panel came off. “Okay, we got the stinkin panel off WHAT NOW?” Himiko shouted.

Maki's eyes winded and what Shuichi was thinking off.  “Shuichi you can’t be serious.”

“Do you have another idea?” He asked while Smirking. Maki didn’t have a reply; she just looked at the detective and smirked back. “Ridiculous just like that idiot.” “Guess I learned from the best.” He chuckled. 

“Enough talk. Let’s go! Maki stated.  “Nyeh? But wait How are we going to escape?”

“You’ll see.” Maki picked Himiko up by the arms causing the former to blush. “All Right! Let’s go!” The three jumped off the van.

“Shuichi!”

“Right!”  Shuichi threw down the metal panel and the three landed on the panel and now we're moving down the street on a metal panel.  The police van finally stopped and the officers got out of the van, their eyes winded at the scene. 

“Attention all officers that three captives have broken containment and are now there on a…Skateboard?” They're currently headed down Main Street!” DO NOT LET THEM GET AWAY”

Meanwhile with the trio.

“Hahahahah!” Himiko shouted in glee. “This is great!”  Himiko cheered on. “Well I’m glad one of us was having fun.” The two both thought.  The scene was baffling to anyone who was watching them. The detective and assassin were both sharing the metal panel side to side, with the self proclaimed mage sitting on top of the Assassin's shoulders. 

It was certainly a sight to behold. However despite it being a very interesting sight, the trio (more so Shuichi and Maki) had no idea how to work something like this. But with quicking with the two of them they were able to make it work, with the mage barking in order to keep them on balance.

“Nyeh to the right! No to the other right!” 

“Would YOU like to be the one steering this!?” Maki shot back.  As they continued downhill the board kept getting faster and faster picking up more and more speed. 

“Well at least we’re getting away-” Shuichi's eyes winded at what was ahead of them.

“Oh crap.”

“What’s the matter?” The assassin's eyes looked forward. “Oh crap.”

“Nyeh? Why are you guys saying that-” Lastly the mage eyes look forward at the sight that was in front of them. Ashe finally understood. 

“Oh crap.” The sight in front of them was something even the detective didn’t plan on. An elderly woman was slowly walking across the street, the same street, the same survivors were heading down. 

*SCREEEECCCHHHHHHHH*

Screeching the board to halt the survivors due to the speed that they were going from shot off the board, flying over the old lady, landing and tumbling on the pavement. The old lady was oblivious to this and kept shuffling forward. 

“Owwww..” The survivors all groaned in pain aching. “I’m starting to hate this new world.” Himiko said

“Come on Himiko,” Maki said, pulling Himiko up by the arm.” 

“Let’s go, we have to keep moving.” Shuichi said.  “Let’s keep heading down the street, the faster the better.”  The three started to pick up the pace with Himiko wincing in pain when she put any pressure on her ankle.

“Himiko, is there something wrong?” 

“N-No. I’m fine.” She said, trying to muster a smile. Her two friends obviously knew better and something was up.  “Your ankle is hurting, isn't?” he came to the conclusion.

“How did yo-” I had a feeling. He chuckled, "Here let me carry you.” He offered.  “Without refusing the mage piggybacked onto the detectives back. 

“So soft…”  The detective's face went cherry red. “Himiko.. I..I heard that.”

“Nyeh?! Oh. Whoops.”

“Enough flirting you two let’s keep moving.” Maki joked.

“WERE NOT FLIRTING!” They both shouted, blushing red. 

“Hey you three kids stop!” A police officer shouted. The trio turned around and saw a swarm of  police officers.”

“Run!” The trio bolted away from the officers with them on their tracks. All there of their hearts were beating fast. Shuichi’s eyes were darting all over a place looking for an place to escape the officers. 

“Maki! Shuichi! To the left!” Himiko shouted.  The two eyes both landed to an alleyway, the group ran into the alleyway with Maki following heading in first, with Shuichi and Maki closely following. 

“Maki! Take Himiko and keep running!” Shuichi said. “Nyeh?! What about you Shuichi?!”

“We’re not leaving you!” 

“Don’t worry you’re not ,just keep moving!” he turned to the girls, “Don’t worry I’ll be fine.” he smiled.

The girls both nodded, and ran along. Shuichi then faced the officers who were making there way in the alleyway. The detectives eyes the layed on the stack of wooden crates, Taking out his his hacking gun he shot the wooden crates. 

*BAM* 

All the wooden crates fell down blocking the entrance to the alleyway. “Get those kids now! Cut them off at the end of the alleyway!” an officer yelled.

Shuichi then ran back to the his friends, “Shuichi  you’re alright!” Himiko said smiled. 

“Glad to see you’re not dead.” Maki said with a small smile. “Thanks you two, now, his eyes landed on a run down door.” 

The detective opened the door, to the abandoned building. “Come on this way!”  

“Why shouldn't we keep going straight?” 

“The police are going to cut us off there! Let’s lay low and hide here for a while!”  Not arguing, the trio made their way into the abandoned building.

“Won’t they find this place?” Himiko questioned? 

“I doubt it, but we should take this time to rest.”  Our heroes were exhausted putting their hands on their knees, painting.  The trio tried radioing the professor but it was no use, all they could do was to keep moving forward.

After some well needed rest.

The sun had set long ago and it was nighttime in the city if Japan was still quiet with police officers still on patrol for the survivors.

“They have to be around here somewhere, keep searching!”

“Yes sir!”

The survivors were hiding in the alleyway, waiting for their time to move. The trio started to move only to be caught in the spotlight.

*FLASH* 

“!”

“STOP YOU THREE!” an officer shouted. Numerous officers  circled our heroes. “This is getting old real fast.” They muttered.  The chief of police walked up to the three heroes. “You three have caused ruckus. Battery and assault against the police force, property damage, the list goes on and on.”

“Please just listen! We’re the good guys in this!” Himiko pleaded. “We're trying to save the world!”

“She’s right! Whatever Shuizo is paying you it’s not worth it. If you just leave him be and continue to turn a blind eye, there’s no telling what he can do.” Maki explained.

“So please, just let us go.”

“Sounds like nothing but nonsense to me.” The chief of police said, crossing his arms. We’re doing what the boss tells us to do and we’re going to do it. 

“Wait. Your boss is Shuizo?!” Shuichi exclaimed.

“Enough talk.” he then snapped his fingers. “Boys cuff them and this time,  there will be no way for you to escape like last time, and there will be no way for you two to escape.”

*HONK* HONK*

“WHAT?! THE?!”

All of the police officers dove out of the way of the black sedan.  The driver seat rolled down their window to reveal a young woman smiling cheekily. “Your taxis here!” 

“YU?!” The survivors exclaimed.  “Come on! Get in! Akkio shouted!. The door to the car opened, and the trio dove in, piling on top of each other and the car didn’t start. Why wasn't it starting?!

“Yu?! Why aren’t you going?! Her twin brother asked.

“Ummm.. seatbelts?” her eyebrows raised. 

“JUST DRIVE!” All of them shouted. Slamming her foot down on the pedal the car drove off into the night, leaving all the officers behind in the dust.

LATER

“Sorry it took so long to find you three.” Akkio said. “Something was jamming our signals.”  “Better late than never.” Himiko said.

“How did you find us anyway?” Shuichi asked.  Akiko then explained. “Your headpieces have tracking devices on them. So we were able to find you.”

“Ah I see. But where is the professor?” 

“Right here my boy.”  The professor's voice came on  through all of the heroes' headpieces. “ I’ll be on the lookout montering  making sure nobody get;s the leg up on you kids.   I trust that you three have still have your hacking devices? ” The trio all said yes. “Good now even though I;ll be monting you five from here, I'll still be on your guard at all times.”

“We will promise.” Shuichi said.

“Grandfather, we got this in the bag. All we’re doing is saving the world from a rich mastermind. Leave it to us.”

“I… like that confidence Yu. Still it wouldn;t hurt to be safe.  Shiojiri is a couple hours a way by car so you’ll have some time to recover.”

“Okay. Got it.” Maki said.

“Nyeh. Yu I didn’t know you had a license.” 

“Oh, she doesn't  Himiko.” Akkio said. 

“Then why is she driving?” She asked. “Do you have a license?” 

“Um..Well-I.”

“No he doesn;t have a license either, not even a permit.” Yu said cutting off her brother from speaking.’

“You don’t have one either.” He shot back.  The survivors in the backseat all sweatdropped.

“Look, the travel time to  Shiojri is about 3 hours? With my driving we’ll get there in 50 minutes flat!” Yu said with her eyes full of fire.

“I’m having seconds thoughts about Yu driving.” Maki muttered. 

“Same here.” Added Himiko.

“Maybe I should drive?” Asked Shuichi.

“I’m driving!” It’s my car after all!” Yu stated.

The professor then sighed through the headset. “Yu please be careful while driving.”

“Of course grandfather! We’ll get to Shiojri while running every red light!” 

“Wait N-”

“Wait N-” 

*VVVVVRRRRRRRR*

Yu slammed her foot on the gas pedal and the car sped off into the night on their way to Shiojiri.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile in the disclosed location

“Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate Pianist, it's time for a reunion,” Shuizo said.

“A reunion?” She raised her eyebrow

“Yes. A reunion with your dear friend the Ultimate Detective Shuichi Saihara.” He said with an evil smirk.”

Kaede's eyes winded at the name. An evil grin formed on her face. “Shuichi Saihara.” 

Shuizo nodded and explained,  “Yes, that detective during the killing game.” Shizo then brought up a map on a holographic monitor. He then pointed to a specific location at Shiojiri. “I want you to go here with a group of Monokumas and lede Shuichi and this ragtag alliance to this specific point, and after that capture him.”

“Understood.” She nodded. 

“Good, you are dismissed.” Kaede nodded and then left the room smiling to herself. “Shuichi, I hope you’re ready for a reunion.”

“Excellent, everything's coming together.” Shuizo turned around and sat in his luxurious chair until he saw Shurokuma shivering in fear, too scared to say anything.

“Hmm? If you have something to say then speak up.”

“T-That girl… Akamatsu was it?” 

He nodded.

“In the killing game, she was nice, optimistic, and bubbly… but now she has a whole new personality.”

“That Kaede you just saw was a clone of the original with altered personality, and combat strength that I created using nanotechnology, something that idiot professor was reaching and developing at a point in time. He put so much time and effort into this. Why let it go to waste?”

“I guess,” he said, scratching his head.

Shizo sat back down on his chair, “Now Kurokuma, how is the development of the mind control device coming along?”

“The device is coming along smoothly, it’s at 65% and counting. The device should be ready for completion by tomorrow night.”

“Excellent.”

“Boss, do you recon that this device will be enough to take over the dang planet?” Shizo then rolled his eyes and had the robot's question. 

“Yes, I Reckon I will.” He then slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. “Kurokuma, where is your new voice chip?! 

As soon as he finished that sentence Shirokuma came into the room holding a new voice chip. “Don’t worry boss, I have a new voice chip right here!” Shirokuma made their way over to Kurokuma, opened their back compartment, and started to install the new voice chip.

“They are good as new!”

“Good, I don’t think I could have lasted another minute with that annoying voice.”

“YARRRG!”

He spoke too soon. Startled by a sudden voice, Shizo jumped from his seat and landed on the ground with his drink spilling all over the top of his head.

“Don’t worry boss I’m sure Capn Kaeade will find and stop those landlubbers! Now if you excuse me, boss, I’m off to assist Kaede to stop the fiends! Those kids have a date with Davy Jones Locker! '' Kurokuma rushed out the door to catch up with Kaeade, leaving the two in bewilderment.

“....I think that’s the wrong chip,” Shirokuma stated obviously.

“Really? Are you sure he normally speaks in pirate?” He asked, annoyed.

“Well on the bright side at least it's much more exotic now!"

“Just go find that stupid robot and FIX THAT CHIP!” he stomped his foot.  The robot hurried out of the room.

“Soon as there will be no need for the robotic dimwits anymore, as soon as my mind control device is complete the world will be in my hands and Dangrnaopa will continue forever!

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” *cough* *cough*  *HACK*

In a realm far beyond our own a group is looking at the dangerous situation unfolding.

“This is not good.” The young man muttered. 

“That’s the understatement of the year, and things are going to get rough from here.” The blonde hair girl stated.

“There has to be something we can do!” An energized girl said.

“I don’t think we can do anything.” Another young man said: “You three did all that you could to help them when those Monokumas attacked.  All we can do is wait.”

“Those three better not screw things up and wuss out!”  A vulgar girl started causing everyone to sweatdrop. Those three have to live to tell my story about how I the most marvelous, most beautiful woman in the world changed their lives for the better!" 

“I...I don't think you did any of that."

“Anyways getting back to things though the odds may be stacked against them I do not doubt that they’ll be able to prevail. I request that next time you decide to lend a hand to those two I join as well.” The proper young woman asked.

“I do as well, although I am interested in those three. Just how did those three get those powers?

“I believe I can explain.”  The group turned around to see two figures walking up to them, one young woman and one young man  (if you can really call him a man). The whole group looked at the young woman with a glare.

“What are YOU doing here?”

“Look I-”

“After all the trouble you put us through? Get lost.”

“Please I-”

“QUICK KICK HER IN THE SHIN BEFORE SHE KILLS US!” The young man yelled.

“Throw the book at her!” Someone added.

“Just listen!” She pleaded.

The young “man” stepped in front of the young woman and pleaded. “Please just let her talk!”

“Why should we?” The girl said crossing her arms, we saw she had repetition for lying. 

The girl's face fell. “I know you all hate me, but please. Just hear me out.”  The group then looked at the young man, and he nodded.

“Okay, we’ll listen." They said irritated tone.

She sighed in relief. "Okay, it all started like this.."

In the mountain regions of Shiojiri, a black sedan comes to a screening halt.

“Hello, Shiojiri! Yui exclaimed. “We’re here you guys! How did I do? Please, nothing less than five stars.” She said with a grin.  “Uh, guys?”  Taking one look at our heroes they definitely seen better days.  “Akkio was flipped upside down,  Himiko's face was green and partly in a paper bag, Shuichi had swirled in his eyes,  and lastly Maki had her head out the window.

“Yui you’re not a great driver,” Shuichi said.

“I second that,” Maki added. 

“I third that,” Himiko added with her face still in the paper bag. 

“I fourth that,” Akiko said, still upside down. 

“Whatever, but look on the bright side we’re here!” Yu got out of the car, taking in the fresh air, and stretching, with the former four stumbling out of the car still dizzy and somewhat still car sick from Yu’s driving.

As soon as Shuichi got his bearings his eyes then landed on the sight before him. A lush green forest with a bright blue sky.

“It’s beautiful.” He said in awe.

“I know right?” Maki said. “He would have loved this.” She said with a bit of sadness in her voice.

“I know he would.” He said with a small smile. 

“Kids? Come in Kids?”

“Hello, Grandfather, we made Shiojiri somehow in one piece,” Akiko said.

“No thanks to Yu’s driving,” Himiko said.

“Hey!”

“Despite Yu’s…..interesting driving aside, I’m glad that you five made it. Shiojiri is located up ahead.  Take the bride across and it should lead you to the town.” Akiko eye’s winded “A-A bridge?”

“Nyeh, well we better get a move on.”

The group left the car and started to make their way to the town. Eventually, they made their way to the wooden bridge. However, taking one look at the bridge it has seen better days. It was dirty, some of the rope looked like it looked like it was on its last legs. 

“Well, this is it. This bridge has probably seen better days.” The detective stated. 

“Oh really?” Himiko chuckled. “What gave it away?” 

“I guess it is that obvious huh?” He said scratching his cheek. 

“Well, we should get a move on. The sooner we find Shizo the sooner we can stop this and get some answers.”

“Right, but we have to make sure to move slowly and carefully across the bridge.” The group nodded. “Okay follow my lead,” Shuichi said.

Shuichi was the first one to step onto the wood panel of the bridge, with Himiko following then, Maki, then Yu. 

“Akiko, are you doing okay?” Himiko asked.

“Hey. Akiko.”

“Bro?”

The group turned around to see that Akiko did not follow them on the bridge. In fact, he was still on the ground that led them to the bridge. Akiko was sweating buckets and his face was pale white as he looked like he’d just seen a ghost.

“Akiko? Yui is he alright? He looks like he’d seen a ghost.” Shuichi asked. Yu rolled her eyes at her twin brother. “Oh for the love of… Akiko! Get your butt over here right now!”  “I-I-I'm fine. I’m just gonna stay here… This is more of a four-person team."

The four teens' sweat dropped.  “Yui what’s wrong with Akiko?” The mage asked. 

Yui rolled her eyes and explained: “Akiko is afraid of heights. He’s always been like this scene when we were kids.” She explained.

“Akiko you’re not wiggling your way out of this!” Yu made her way over to Akiko and grabbed him by the ear.  “Hey let my ear go, it's attached you know!” 

“It’s not gonna be attached for much longer if you hold us up any longer,” Yu said, somewhat annoyed. The siblings made their way to the trio. With the trio sweat dropping once more.

“They really are siblings…”  The three shared a collective thought. “Alright now that we’re ALL here. Let’s get moving shall we?” Yu said.

“Alright let’s keep moving forward.” Shuichi said. “Just one foot forward at a time, nice and slow, nice and slow, nice and-”

*SNAP*

*SNAP*

Everyone halted in their tracks and saw exactly where the sound came from. They turned their heads to see the ropes keeping the bridge up both snapped.

“Guys…” Himiko said.

“Yeah?” Akiko replied.

“Did the ropes just?” 

“Yes. Yes, they did.” Maki said in bewilderment

“So are we gonna?” Yu asked.

“I think so,” Shuichi said.

“....”

“...”

“....”

“...”

“...”

“WE’RE FALLING!”

“WOOOOAHHH!”

“AHHHHHHHH!!!”

The bridge snapped and our heroes fell to the forest below them.

To be Continued 

Chapter Text

Maki eyes slowly opened after the fall. She put her hand to her head and groaned in pain. “My head….” She said. Maki the raises he head to see where she fell from. “The bridge. I remember now irl snapped when we where walking on it.”
As soon as she finished saying that, Maki then heard a sound.

“Nyeh…..” 

She new the sound from anywhere. “Himiko? She then turned her head to see the self proclaimed mage, landed right next to her laying in her back.

“Himiko! Are you okay?” 

“Nyeh…I’m okay.” She said giving a lazy thumbs up. “Luckily we landed on something soft.”

Maki eyebrows raised. “Soft?” She then layer her hand on next to her. It was indeed soft. Weird, she thought. But there wasn’t time for that. They had to find Shuchi and the twins!

“Come in Himiko, we have to find Shuichi and the others.”

“Nyeh! You’re right. Let’s go!”

“Hey guys!” Maki and Himiko both turned to see Akiko and Yu running towards them.

“Glad to see you to are well.” Akiko said shrike he winced in pain.

“Good too see to.” Maki said.

“Akiko er, what happened to you?” Himko asked in concern. 

Taking one good look at Alkiko his face was covered in small bite marks.

“Akiko landed face first into a ant hill.” Yu said “It’s actually a pretty funny story.” 

“No. No it’s not.” He said plainly.”

“Well I’m glad that  you’re alright. Now we just have to find Shuichi.” Maki said.

“Yeah I wonder we’re he landed.” Himiko said in her traditional thinking pose. 

As Yui was about to answer her eyes landed on something that gave the detective location away.” And she started to snicker.

“What’s so funny Yui?” The mage asked.

“Shuichi…MAY be closer than you think.” She giggled like a kid.

“May be closer than you think?” The girls said simultaneously.

The duo looked down to see a familiar ahoge in front of them. Shuchi was laying face down and his two friends were sitting on top of him.

“SHUICHI!” The girls exclaimed.

“Hey.” He said groaning in pain. “We should seriously stop meeting up like this,”

“Shuichi!” The girls eyes both winded. Once again they realized there both on Shuichi. They both shot up and helped him up.

“Are you okay?” The mage asked.

“Yeah. Never better.” He said chuckling. 

As soon as they helped up Shuichi, Maki eyes then shot a glare at Yui which made her gulp.

“Let’s get a move on before someone ends up with a broken leg.” She said in a threatening tone.

Maki was right. They needed to get a move on. “So which was is Shorji?” Akiko asked.

“Let’s see. Well..,” Shuchi then looked up to the to see where they fell through.
“We should head in the direction of the bridge. If we follow it we should eventually make it to the town.”

“Okay then. Alright let’s go!” Yui said pumping her fists.

The group then headed off into the forest to towards the town.

“Are you in position?” 

“Yes sir.”

“Question sir?”

“What is it?”

“Why did this idiot have to tag along?”

“YARRRG I AINT NO IDIOT TOGETHER WERE GONNA PLUNG THOSE SURVIVORS OF THERE BOOTY.”

“No. You’re an idiot.”

“Just don’t mind him. He’s just there for capturing purposes.”

“Now we already have Monokumas lined up and ready to attack the town. Summon them now and order them to attack the head to the church.

“Yes sir.”

The group continued there walk, along the forest striking up any conversations that occurred.  Until they reached the entrance of the city. 

It was quiet to quiet. There wasn’t a soul in sight.

“This is Shorji right?” Yui asked.

“I expected this place to be filled with people. But no one here’s.” Maki said.

“It’s like Osaka, this has to be Shizo’s doing.” Shuichi deduced. 

“Osaka? Wasn’t that place a ghost town when you three got out of the academy?” Akiko asked.

“It was but Osaka was destroyed this place looks like completely fine.” The mage said.

“So where did all the people go?” Yui asked in the thinking pose. 

“We’ll find out what happen to the people when we find Shizo. That’s one more  question he’ll answer for when we find him.”

“She’s right.” The detective said.  “We’re not going to get anywhere by just standing around. Let’s go.” 

With a nod from everyone the group made there way into the ghost town of the city.”

The group made there way into the village. Keeping there guards up the group surveyed there surroundings. There were open doors to houses, open windows. Everyone one was gone. Everyone accept one person that was.

“Took you three long enough.”

Himiko jumped up and clung onto Shuchi and Maki shoulder causing the two blush lightly. 

“Who’s there? Show yourself!” The detective demanded.

“Up here detective boy!” The group turned there heads to an nearby rooftop, where a hooded figure stood there. That had to be Shizo! 

“Shizo! We finally found you!” Maki exclaimed. 

“It’s over, give yourself up and stop whatever your planning!” Himiko demanded.

“My why ever would I do that? We’re just getting to the good part.”  Shizo snapped there fingers as soon Monokumas appeared all over our heroes. Follow me if you want to find the truth!”

Shuizo jumped off the roof and ran to the back of the city, leaving our heroes with the Monokumas. 

“Stop you coward!” Shuichi yelled out.”

“We have to track him down! Akiko said.

“Right! But we have these Monokumas!” Maki said firing her hacking gun at the group of robots .

“We’re gonna lose sight of him at this point!” Himiko pointed out.

 The group kept furring there bullets taking out Monokumas until Akiko got a bright idea.

“You three go and track him down. Yui and I will hold them off here!”

“We not gonna leave you two behind!” Shuichi said.

“We’ll be fine you three just go!” Yui said with a smile. We’ll be alright. 

“Yui… Akiko…” Himiko said.

“Just stay safe you two.” Maki said.

Akiko shot a path for our heroes to escape to. “Go you to!” With a silent nod from our heroes the three escaped the battle to track down the mastermind leaving their two friends behind.

Akihabara 

“Will be fine grandfather! Those three are tracking down Shizo!” Akiko said through his headphones.

“But-“

“Will be fine Grandfather! Just keep an eye on those three!” Yui said.

The professor sighed. “Alright just stay safe you two.”

“We will! Don’t wor-“ Yui message was cut off.

“We’ll aren’t you being oh so lovely to your grandchildren.” The professor’s monitor was hacked once more showing a man in fancy chair swirling his drink. 

“Long time no see Idabashi.” Shizo said.

“You! What are you doing here?!” The professor asked.

“I just thought I check in on my dear friend. All this fate of the world stuff and worrying about the well being of your grandchildren and survivors can’t be well for your health.”

“You’re not going to get away from this. They will stop you, and we’ll put an you plans.”

“My aren’t we confident this evening?” My plans have been going swimmingly, all from the comfort from my throne room in my throne room.”

The professor eyes winded.

“W-What did you just say?” 

“Hmm? Did I stutter?”

“You’re doing this all from your throne room? You should be in Shorji!” 

“You’d honestly think I’d go to that backwater place? Please, I’m way to beautiful to go to a place like that. I’m having one of my underlings doing the heavy lifting for me.”

“WHAT?!”

“That’s right I’m afraid those idiotic survivors are waking in right into my trap in the Church I’ll be nice and let you warn them.” He said with a smirk. 

“See you again soon Idabashi. Let’s do this again some time.” The video called ended. The Professor felt sick to his stomach. He had to warn them. He had to warn them now.

Following the footprints of nodded figure they stopped in front of the entrance church.

“The footprints end here.” Maki said.

“Yeah. You guys ready.”

 Himiko nodded. “I am but I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Everything is going to be fine.” Shuichi reassured the mage. 

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you two.” The assassin said with a smile. 

Taking a deep breath Himiko nooded once more and gently slapped her cheeks. “Nyeh! Okay let’s go!”

Pulling out there hacking guns they made there way into the building.  When the trio walked in the was abandoned dusty dark building. 

*S-Shuuuichi! Ma-ki! H-Himko!* 

“Professor” Himiko asked?

“G……NOW…..RAP!

…..SET UP…. RUN!”

“What’s he going on about?” Maki asked mildly annoyed.

Something about his message felt off Shuichi though to himself. The realization hit the detective.

“Guys we have to leave now it’s a trap!” Before he could grab his two friends arms and make a break for the exit.

*SLAM*

A metal door shut our heroes in. “I was to late realize it was trap! Dang it!” Shuichi thought as he chastised himself. 

“It appears our detective is getting rusty.”  Shizo jumped from behind the organ.

“Shizo!” The survivors exclaimed.

“It’s over no more running around.” The assassin threatened.

“Give yourself up and come with us!” Himiko said.

“Danganronpa is over and anything else you’re planning as well.” Shuichi added.

“Tsk Tsk Tsk. I’m not Shizo. My my dear Shuichj I thought you have figured it out by now.”

“What we you taking about?”

“I’m not Shizo I’m- the hooded figure removed there hood and three survivors were stunned beyond belief.

What stood in front of them was the second victim of the Killing game Kaeade Akamatsu. 

“Long time no see my dear Shuichi. We have so much catching up to do.”

Chapter Text

“K-KAEDE?!?” The survivors exclaimed. A million thoughts ran through each of their heads. 

She was alive?! But how? If she was alive then could it mean Kaito and Tenko and the rest were alive? 

“Kaede? You’re alive? But how?” Shuichi muttered out.  

“But the execution we saw when we were back in the academy. There was no way it could have been fake right?” Maki asked.

“If you’re alive then Tenko and the others could be right?” Himiko asked with hope in her voice.

Meanwhile all Kaeade stayed quiet.

“Kaede, it’s, it’s so good to see you again!” Shuichi cried out with tears in his voice. He couldn’t believe the girl that he loved, which he thought he did, was standing in front of him. She was alive. 

But there were so many questions. He didn’t care though.  She was there.

“It’s so good to see you again Shuichi, Maki. And Himiko. She approached the group. All of them were too stunned to move.

The Ultimate Pianist walked up to the detective with her beautiful smile.  “There’s so much I wanted to tell you while we were at the academy.”

“Like wha-“

A voice ran through Shuchi’s mind.

“Shuchi! Look out!”

*POW*

Kaede punched Shuichi so hard he was sent flying across the room.  

“SHUICHI!” The girls cried out. The detective hit the wall of the room. The girl's eyes darted back at Kaede.  Himiko rushed towards Shuichi while Maki's eyes were locked on the Ultimate Pianist.

“Shuichi! Wake up!” The mage pleaded. With the help of Himiko Shuchi slowly but surely rose.

“I wanted to tell that sham detective that he’s nothing more than a failure.”  She said while twirling her hair.

Something was wrong.

“W-What?” Kaede what do you mean?”

“You could have saved them and me but you let those trials continue.” She stated. If you were smart enough though you could have saved everyone, you weren’t smart enough to figure out the mastermind's true identity until the very end, not to mention  you were too slow to figure that this was all a trap.”

“Nyeh? A trap?”

“Of course. You are property of Danganronpa  and I’ll be returning you then Shizo.” Shuichi felt sick to his stomach.

“Enough!” Maki exclaimed. “We're not going anywhere. Kaede or not we’re not going back.” She threatened.

“My big talk for Harukawa. Tell me how that bumbling astronaut doing? He must be so proud of you.”

Maki eyes shot open. With all her might she rushed down to Kaede. Maki was struck, she pulled out her knife but before he could thrust her knife.

Kaeade caught her hand. “Tsk. Tsk.” She said, wiggling her finger. “My were so in a rush to finish things. We have all day to settle things.” Kaeade kicked Maki in the stomach, sending her flying to the back of the room like Shuichi.

“MAKI!” Shuichi and Himiko screamed out. They rushed over two  of their friends and helped her up.

“Kaede please stop this!” The Mage pleaded.  “This isn’t you! You’d  never hurt a fly!”

“Oh Himiko. You can never be more wrong. But you were never the brightest in the group anyway.”

“Nyeh?!”

“Always too lazy to do anything, Always saying “It’s such a pain…” “She snickered. “I’ll be sure to show you what pain really is.”

Kaeade lunged at Himiko ready to strike. However Himiko felt something on her shoulder. She felt like she was pushed. She was indeed pushed by Shuichi.

Kaeade punched the detective once more, making him lose all air in his lungs.

“Look at the detective, throwing himself in front of the little magician to protect her.”

“A-Are you okay Himiko?” He asked with a pained smile.

“I’m fine but! What about you and Maki?!”

“We’re fine.” Maki said, grabbing her shoulder in pain. “As long as you two are fine I’m fine.” She finished her sentence with a smile. 

“Same here.” Shuichi lifted himself off the ground.  He then turned his head to Kaeade.

“Whoever you are, you're NOT Kaede and we’re going to get some answers from you.”

“Oh really? And how do you expect to do that?” The imposter said while crossing her arms.

“Because the three of us are going to stop you.” Himiko said determined. “How dare you say those things about Shuichi and  bring up Kaito to Maki! I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for him! He saved me and Maki Roll! And I know Kaito would be proud of her as well!”

“Himiko..” her two friends muttered in awe.

“I know Tenko would be proud of you as well.” Maki said. The three shared a small smile and turned their heads back to the threat at hand.

“How beautiful that speech was.” The imposter said mockingly.  “But enough talk I’m afraid I must get going.” We’re not done here! Shuichi stated.

“What’s wrong, scared you’re gonna lose against us?”

“As if. I have places where I can't keep the boss waiting. HIT IT!”

“!?”

The building started to fill up with smoke.

*Cough* *Cough* *Hack* What's happening?  The mage asked? 

“Just stay close!” Maki exclaimed.

“Uwah! I can’t see a thing!”

*CRASH*

“Grab them!”

“Himiko Maki!”

“Shuichi!”

*COUGH* *COUGH*

“Shuichi Maki! Himiko!”

Those voices, it sounded like the twins! 

“Yui! Akiko!” Himiko called out.

“Those twins showing up at the worst time possible. Just grab one of them and go Monokumas!”

“Hold on, we're coming!” Yui said. “There in here!”

The twins fired their hacking guns at the window of the temple building breaking in. As soon as the twins hopped through the window the smoke started to dissipate. 

“There you three are!  Are you guys alright?” Akiko asked.

“Yeah we could be better. It…was a trap.” Shuichi muttered.

“Nyeh we ran into an old friend..” Himiko muttered/

Before Yui could ask another question she noticed something was wrong.

“Shuichi….Himiko…w-were’s Maki?” She asked with a nervous voice.

“M-Maki?” The two muttered out. The two turned to each other and looked behind them in a panic. 

“Maki? Maki!” Shuichi yelled out.

“Maki! Maki-Roll!” Himiko cried out.

The two ran past the twins and made their way outside to the building, maybe Maki already made her way outside! But the town was empty.  The duo turned their heads 

“M-Maki…Maki…” Shuichi said quietly. Himiko fell to the ground crying. With Shuichi following suit, his fist full of anger and his eyes full of tears.

“MAKI!” He cried out. 

Maki Harukawa was gone. 

Chapter Text

The ride back to the Idaish residence  was quiet. The twins were not only concerned for the safety of Maki, they were also concerned  for Shuichi and Himiko. There faces full of despair, there eyes dried out from crying, the two friends who had escaped the dreaded televised game couldn't dare to utter a word let alone look at each other.

“How could I not see it was a trap?! Shuichi you idiot! You promised to keep her and Himiko safe!”

“I…couldn't do anything. It should have been me… not Maki. Yumeno you worthless piece of garbage!”

The group made their way back to the Idashi residence.

“Kids, come in, come in.” The group walked in, with the professor's eyes landing on Himiko and Shuichi, noticing the despair and grayness in their eyes. 

“Shuichi, Himiko look, my grandchildren have already caught me up on what happened, I know it hurts. But you two can't mope around like this. We still have to stop Shizo.”

“Grandfather is right! You can’t let despair win! Come on, pick yourselves up!” Yui said, trying to raise her two friends' spirits.

“Yui please…” Shuichi muttered.

“Come on Shuichi!” Yui then put her hand on the detective's shoulder. “Now is not the time to be all mopey dopey! Come on, we'll figure something out!

“Sis..” Akiko said,

“H-How can I?” Shuichi muttered before the waterworks broke out.

“Shuichi?”

“HOW CAN I YUI?!” Shuichi screamed out with tears running down his face, balling his fist in anger.

“I wasn't smart enough to figure out it was a trap. I wasn't strong enough to save Maki!  The three of us promised to protect each other!”

“Kaito must hate me.” He spat out.

“Shuichi K-Kaito would never hate you, I know it.” Himiko said, reassuring his friend.

“It feels like we lost more than just Maki,”Shuichi said.

“It feels like it…..” He stared

“We lost a part of ourselves.” Himiko finished Both ultimates and put their hands over their hearts.

“Oh my what a beautiful display of emotions!”

That voice!

“Shizo!” The  Idabashi’s excalimed

Shizo appeared as a hologram once more through the professor's computer monitor, smug grin and all.

“What do you want?” Akiko asked.

“I just wanted to see how my two star characters are doing!” Surely there isn’t a rule against that.”

“They’re NOT your characters!”

“My It seems like you're missing Miss Harukawa. Wherever could she be?”  He teased. Shuichi and Himiko's eyes shot open.

“Where’s Maki?!” The two survivors demanded. 

“Miss Harukawa is taking a nice long nap. Perhaps you would like to see.” The holographic image then shifted over to an image that made everyone's hearts sink.

Maki was laying face down on the ground motionless.

“MAKI! Shuichi and Himiko exclaimed. “Maki! Maki! MAKI!”  The two minds were racing, their hearts racing. Yui had her hand over her mouth while Akiko clenched his fists.

“Shizo! You not only put an end to innocent lives with that blasted killing game, you also endangered innocent lives, and kidnapped Harukawa! How far are you willing to go with this?!” The professor roared demanding an answer.

“If you must know. I’m going to go all the way with this. However I’m a busy man and time is money. I’ll be expecting those two real soon. The red carpet will be rolled for you two so please be on time.”

As soon as Shizo finished his sentence. The transmission cut out. 

“Maki…”  Shuichi muttered. The detective was balling his fists,he held his head down in shame.

“Shuichi?” Himiko looked up at her friend

“Akiko, we have to do something. Grandfather! Can’t you track his signal or something??” Yui asked. 

“One step ahead of you. “ The professor was frantically typing away at his keyboard trying to find Shizo’s location.” 

“Come on….come on….Come on….Got it!” We have a location!”  Shuichi, Himiko take a look!”

However Shuichi and Himiko didn’t move. Himiko ;ooked over at Shuichi didn’t break eye contact with Shuichi.

“He’s hurting.” 

“I was too slow, I wasn't smart enough, let her get captured, What would Kaito think? I BROKE OUR PROMISE!” he thought to himself

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly, before he ran out of the room.

“Shuichi!” The twins exclaimed.

“Shuichi! Where is that boy going?”

“Come on Yui, let’s g-” “Before Akiko could finish his sentence he was interrupted by the Ultimate Mage.

“You two stay. I’ll go get Shuichi.” She said.

“But-”

“Let her go, kids.” The professor said, “She knows what she’s doing.” The professor shot Himiko with a small smile. The mage gave a smile and nod in return and went to go get Shuichi.

“Shuichi, where could he have gone?” She said it herself.  She turned the corner to see the balcony sliding door open and the ultimate detective looking out towards the city.

Himiko walked up slowly to Shuichi.  She didn’t know if she had the right words to say, she could possibly make things even worse. But she had to try.

“Hey.”

Shuichi didn’t reply. He just kept looking out towards the nighttime bustling city.

 “You feel guilty about Maki. Don’t you?” 

“How could I not?” He said with anger in his voice and tears full of anger and regret. “I should have seen the trap coming.. Even though my talent is fake..I should have seen it coming! I broke the promise I made to her. I promise to keep you two safe. And I couldn’t…”  He said.

“No Shuichi, I broke a promise to.”  “I said I would have kept you and her safe as well, and now she’s captured.

“But Shuichi. You can’t blame yourself!” She exclaimed. “And I can’t stand seeing you like this!”

Himiko put her hand on her chest, closed her eyes, took a deep breath and said  “The Shuichi I know wouldn’t run away from this!  He would face it head on like…like ... .Like the class trials! I-I know you’re still thinking about the first trial.”

“I..I should have..”  Shuichi was cut off.

“Nyeh! Enough of that! There was no way you could have known it was trap Shuichi! Just like what happened back in the town!”

His eyes winded.

Himiko biting her lips. Unsure of what she was going to say next would help. But she came this far. The mage walked up to Shuichi, grabbed his shoulder and spun around. Shuichi was surprised at how strong the mage could be when she was furious.

“Nyeh Shuichi think! What would all our friends think? What would Kaeade think if she saw you like this? What would Kaito think if he saw running away?” What would Tenko and the others think if they saw you turning you back on the promise you made during the last trial?!”

A realization struck Shuichi. He remembered.

“We will end Danganronpa with our own hands!” 

“Himko…” he muttered.

Himiko was panting, hoping her words got through to him. Suddenly Shuichi brought Himiko into a hug.

“Thank you. Thank you Himiko.”He said quietly. Himiko didn’t reply back. She gave her friend a smile.

“They wouldn’t want me to run away. They would want me to face this head on and save her.”

 “Everything is going to be okay Himko.. I’m gonna save her. So we can all be together again.” 

“No you’re not dummy.” She said while her face was in his chest.” 

“Eh?” 

“We’re gonna save her. Me and you both. I said I wasn’t gonna let anyone hurt you, remember?” 

That’s right, how could he forget, it was the promise that they made after all. A promise to look out for each other, anything they face they’ll do it together. 

“Heh, how could I forget? We’re in this together no matter what. I promise I’d keep you safe If Maki and the others were here they wouldn’t want to see us in despair. They want us to hold our heads high.” 

Shuichi then held his pinky, to Himko, catching on. She gave her own pinky to him. “We’re in this together. No matter what.” He smiled at her “No matter. What.”She smiled back. “We’re gonna save her, and stop Danganronpa. And save the world.” 

A new promise was formed between the two heroes. They will save Maki, and save the world together. “Come on Himiko, let's get ready.” With their hands entwined together with bashful smiles the two left the balcony, and beware downstairs, preparing the fight that was awaiting them. As long as they were together, they could accomplish anything. They would save Maki and the three of them would be together again.

XXX

“There you two are!” Yui said enthusiastically.

“We were getting worried.” Akiko said

“You bet!” Yui said looking at the two survivors, taking a look at the detective was looking a lot better.  But she also noticed something that she had to point out.

“I have a feeling everything worked out well. Plus I see you two are holding hands like a couple!”

The duo turned faces blushing red like a tomato.

“I-I-I…” Shuichi stammered

“Nyeh..um..er….” The mage also stammered.

“Yui now's not the time to tease these two, after everything they’ve been through.” The 

the professor reminded her granddaughter.

“Now’s time to get down to business. I was able to pinpoint Shizo exact location. He is located in the heart of Nagoya.”

“Shizo said he’s expecting you two. This is most definitely a trap.” Akiko said.

“We’re going.” The duo both said.

“We know. But we’re willing to take that chance.”  Shuichi said.

“We owe it to our friends.” Himiko said. The duo looked at each other and nodded and smiled confidently. 

The professor nodded. “That’s the answer I was looking for.  I can’t put my finger on it, but you two are giving off a different feeling.”

The duo who continued to hold hands tilted their heads to the side in confusion. “A different feeling?” Shuichi asked.

“You two are giving off a different vibe! Like a feeling that everything is going to be alright in the end.” Yui said while Akikio nodded. “Even I have to admit that you two are giving off a different sort of vibe.”

The two had to admit they were feeling a bit different. It felt like they had their friends all by their sides rooting for them.

“You can do it Shuichi!”

“Go get them Himiko!”

“You two losers better not lose!”

“It feels like they're all with us….”

“Professor. We’re ready, Shuichi said.

“It’s now or never.” Himiko said, nodding.

“Alright we’re ready! Let’s go!” Yui said, cracking her knuckles. While the hand holding duo exchanged looks 

“Yui. I think you should stay behind…” Himiko said.

“B-But-”

“Yui. I know I want to help, we appreciate it but this is our fight. “ Shuichi explained. “You, Akiko, and the Professor have already done so much. Not to mention Shizo won’t be happy if anyone else but Himiko and I show up. For all we know he could spring another trap if anyone else was to interfere.”

“Grrr…Alright! Fine! But if you need help just say the word and we’ll come running!”

“We will. Promise.”  Shuichi said with a smile..

“Alright. Shuichi, Himiko we’ll be in touch via our headsets. Take the car and be careful.”

“Right.”

“Okay you will do what we can from here. Give that Shizo peace of my  mind.” Akiko said smiling.

“We will. See you guys later.” Himiko said.

“We’ll come back. All three of us, promise.” The duo walked out of the apartment, took the elevator down to the car that was parked on top of the curb( Yui’s parking needed a lot of work) and got in.

“Himiko.” 

“Nyeh? What is Shuichi?”

“Thank you for your help back there.” He said with a smile. She returned the smile back.

 “It was the least I could do. And I guess I learned how to cheer people up and say the right thing from the best.” She said bashfully rubbing behind her back.

“Heh. Right. Ready?”

“Ready.”

The duo both took a deep breath and readied themselves for what awaited them. One thing for sure is that they encounter anything and everything head on together. Shuichi put the key in the ignition and started the car and sped off into the distance.

“We're coming Maki!”