Chapter Text
09/05 - 06:20
"Hajime?" A short groan splits echoes through the room as Kazuichi shifts on the floor. The blanket Fuyuhiko had carefully slung over him now rumpled on the floor, "Did I fall asleep?"
Both Hajime and Fuyuhiko had been sat together at the desk after Sonia woke up and was guided to her room to rest properly. Both of them waiting for the time to tick by bit by bit. Despite all the chatter and the fact he had a blanket tossed over him, Kazuichi had stayed sound asleep. He must have been sleeping for over twelve hours by now. Fuyuhiko had managed to slip off for a nap and had still returned before Kazuichi had woken up.
"Yeah. We gave you a blanket but we didn't want to move you." Fuyuhiko nods softly towards the blanket strewn on the floor.
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
Kazuichi tries to stand up as he speaks. His hair is still rumpled and disheveled, and there are red marks on his cheek detailing where his head was pressed against his arm. Somehow he looks more tired now than he did last night before he fell asleep.
"You looked like you needed it. Fuyuhiko already woke me up in time to be there for Mahiru." Hajime shrugs casually.
"So Mahiru is already awake? It all went well?" Kazuichi drifts over towards the chamber that used to house Mahiru. As if double checking, he peers in cautiously. Examining the interior diligently just in case Hajime is lying or something.
Fuyuhiko looks over at him, waiting. His lips are completely sealed. Typical…
"Yes. She's eaten and drank and is now in her room. She seemed okay, just weak like the others."
"That's good…" Kazuichi sighs deeply, finally allowing himself to smile. Shoulder slumping bit by bit.
"We're just waiting for Peko to wake up now." Fuyuhiko hums softly, still constantly looking back at where Peko is laying. He's surprised the boy isn't literally staring at the clock counting down.
"Are you excited?" Kazuichi shuffles over to join them, leaning against the desk like Fuyuhiko. Staring him down with the slightest crook on his lips.
"I -" A bright red flush covers Fuyuhiko’s cheeks, "I just want to see her alive. She deserves to be here…" Fuyuhiko does his best to turn away from them both but there is no where to hide. Not when they’re all this close together.
It's hard to say anything else. What do you say to that? He can remember Peko’s last moments now and it's impossible to disagree. Even with the others' discussion about Nagito yesterday it's hard to argue any of them could deserve to keep laying here like this. Not the 'victims' nor the 'killers' of the game. Or perhaps he is just the privileged one to be able to see things that way.
"She does. They all do." Hajime nods encouragingly as he speaks.
"Well, either we all do or none of us do…" Kazuichi chuckles awkwardly, but his tone doesn't quite match the words.
"Well that's fucking cheery."
"Hey, I'm just speaking the truth."
Hajime pauses, tapping his fingers against his leg unconsciously. Chewing on the inside of his lip subconsciously. The truth. The truth…
"Maybe. But we're here so we might as well make the most of it." Hajime sighs and leans back in his chair. It's too early in the day for this kind of discussion…shouldn't they at least wait until after they have eaten something?
Kazuichi relaxes leaning against the desk, "Sure."
As if running from the offhand comment, they begin mindlessly chatting once again. He's not even really listening as Kazuichi mutters about events long passed but it's good enough background noise. It's not like it's for his sake anyway.
He doubts Fuyuhiko is paying attention either. Although he occasionally mutters responses, his head only ever turned towards the screen. Every inch of his body is tensed and ready to leap into action.
As the time draws nearer and nearer even Kazuichi’s soft chatter dies down. He’s not sure how long they sit like this, eyes glued to the screen and hearts beating in their chests. Even with the growing tension pushing down on them all they still practically fall out of their seats as soon as Alter Ego sends them the signal.
And yet even as Kazuichi and Hajime run over to Peko's side, Fuyuhiko stays across the room just like with last time. When it came to Peko he really though things would be different but apparently not.
"You press the button." Kazuichi rapid fires the words out as he scampers to the other side of the chamber until they surround Peko. Hajime swears he can see Kazuichi's leg wobbling even as he stumbles along, his leg mostly hidden by the chamber itself.
Not wanting to argue given their limited time he slides into position. Looking down at the chamber as he examines Peko’s pale face. She’s always been still and cool but not like this… Now of all times he can only seem to see her awkward, crappy smile painted on her face.
Just like a few hours before, his hand hovers over the button anxiously. He tightens his jaw, gritting his teeth as hard as possible. Fuyuhiko is still visible stood by the computer but he blocks the boy out to focus solely on the situation in front of him. They can deal with Fuyuhiko later. Right now they just need to sort out Peko and everything else will sort itself out…right?
Not wasting a second, he slams down on the button as soon as the countdown ends. It's eerily similar to Mahiru as Peko’s body bows and arches under the current. As everything kicks back into gear he can see her take her first gulping breath in. Eyes snapping open in the blink of an eye.
It's only as Hajime and Kazuichi pull off her head gear that Fuyuhiko finally runs over to join them. As she sits up, bent over and catching her breath, Fuyuhiko holds a gentle hand to her back. Moving as subtly as he can, Hajime grabs Kazuichi's upper arm and pulls him back. Kazuichi loses his footing for a moment, stumbling, but with Hajime’s grip on him he manages to hold steady as they give Peko and Fuyuhiko as much space as they can.
"Come on, let's leave them." Hajime leans forward and whispers into Kazuichi's ear.
"But -" Kazuichi turns to object, pointing towards Peko but his hand falls almost immediately.
Fuyuhiko's tentative hand is brushing aside her hair, checking her entire body for the invisible sword wounds that are no longer there. It doesn’t matter how much he has seen her sitting in that chamber, he still needs to check even now. The way they're staring at one another makes him want to turn and flee the room. With every passing second it gets harder and harder to breathe. In Peko and Fuyuhiko’s minds they probably already have. He can hear them speaking quietly to one another and takes everything he has to avoid listening in.
Clearing his throat to draw their attention, he calls out to Peko and Fuyuhiko one last time, "We're going to go rest and take a break before we need to be here for Hiyoko." He casually points to the door behind them, "Can you help Peko while we're taking a break?"
"Uh…yeah." Fuyuhiko narrows his eyed but doesn't object.
"Come on then."
With his hand still gripping Kazuichi's arm, he drags the boy out of the room and closes the door behind them. This time Kazuichi walks close to him, matching Hajime’s every step.
As soon as the door is fully closed, they both lean back against the wall and breathe a deep breath. They can still hear Peko and Fuyuhiko in the room beyond but they're soft and muffled now.
Four down and six to go…he does the calculation in his head. So close and yet so far.
"She seemed fine, right?" Kazuichi bounces against the wall. Voice shaking ever so slightly, "They're both happy."
"Why wouldn't they be?" Hajime shrugs his shoulders softly. No one could argue any differently.
"Yeah…" Kazuichi pushes off the wall to move forward.
Together they shift away from the room, giving Peko and Fuyuhiko as much space as possible. Even just being in the corridor is too much. However, as soon as they step into the living area a familiar person is stood in the middle of the room.
"Kazuichi, I -Hajime. Is everything okay?" Byakuya's voice cuts through the moment. Making both of them stop in their tracks as they look Byakuya up and down as if their vision is somehow going to change or something.
Their weight is resting on his walker as they carefully shuffle over into the kitchen. There's a bright uncharacteristic smile on their face. Well, uncharacteristic for the person he remembers in the Neo World Program anyway. Similar to Nagito, he rarely saw Byakuya before all this began. There was never a reason to.
"Yeah, we just wanted to give Fuyuhiko and Peko space…" Kazuichi coughs unsubtly, wiggling his eyebrows as if more needed to be said. Hajime has to stop himself from sighing at walking away at that very moment.
"So Mahiru and Peko are both already…alive…again? I missed them both…" Byakuya’s lips twist ever so slightly. Eyes darkening as they begin to look down at their feet.
"I haven't seen Mahiru either. I think she's still resting in her room for now." Kazuichi leans forward slightly, and if trying to stare through the walls to check on her but of course it does nothing to help him see.
"She needed it." Hajime mutters softly, thinking back to how she had been the night before. Rest is what she needs right now, he just hopes she’s getting it.
As much as he might want to soothe his own thoughts by checking on her and Teruteru, for now they just need to leave things be. When they have more time and energy they can go around and check in on everyone… At least Byakuya is looking far more energetic if nothing else.
"I'd think so…" Byakuya twists around as much as the walker will allow so they can look back at the rooms. After a small pause when they clears their throat.
"There's no use in worrying about everyone. Come on, let's actually rest for a bit." Hajime pushes out the words. But even as he says it, his feet are already drifting towards the kitchen. Leading him ahead without looking back at the others he'd left behind.
However, much to his surprise, before he can reach the table Byakuya cuts him off, "I was actually hoping to see one of you."
"You wanted to see one of us?" Kazuichi mutters, confused. Narrowing his eyes ever so slightly as he begins to side eye Hajime.
At the same time, Hajime twists around and shuffles slightly to the side to perch carefully on the edge of the table. It cuts into the tops of his thighs but he stays there anyway. Surveying the situation in front of him as he braces himself for whatever is going to be thrown his way.
"What is it? Do you need something?"
"No, nothing like that. I was just wondering if someone could show me around the building. I know the five of you have been here the longest so you might be able to help...only if you’re not busy though."
"Sure, we can. Right, Hajime?" Kazuichi closes the distance between them without a moments hesitation. Jabbing him in the side with his elbow. The slightest smile on his face as he does so as if he’s proud of himself or something.
In spite of everything, he supposes it’s not exactly the worst thing he could be doing. They do need to do something to kill time before Hiyoko wakes up and it’s not like there is anything better to do. Having just gone to sleep between Teruteru and Mahiru he doesn’t direly need to go to bed at this point.
So, hopping off the table he begins nodding his head along, "Yeah, we can walk around with you." Vibrations shudder up his legs at the sudden contact but he walks it off. Biting his tongue as both him and Kazuichi hurry over to Byakuya’s side once more.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Byakuya nods firmly and flashes them a soft rounded smiles.
They surround Byakuya on either side before starting to move. They’re still heavily leaning on the walker, every step heavy and slow with the extra effort. He'd almost forgotten how clunky it was moving with those things.
While Hajime tries to keep focused forward as they travel, he can feel Kazuichi's twitchy gaze always moving about. Never settling on one spot for long. After an uncomfortably long time, he finally spits out what he wants to say.
"Are you sure you're okay walking with that? You can lean on us if it's easier."
They'd barely even gotten to then next room and he's already worrying about that. With the way he’s acting you would think the five of them hadn't been walking on the damn things just a few days ago. If anything, Byakuya almost looks more stable than they did somehow… Already moving with a surprising ease.
"Sonia said it was good to keep walking with it. It should help me recover quicker." Byakuya crinkles their eyes and forces a soft chuckle but their hands only grip the walker tighter. "Unless I'm moving too slow for you?"
"No! I just remember how it was and it -" Kazuichi stumbles over his words as he shotguns them out before stopping all together, "You know what, don't worry."
To avoid putting his foot any further down his throat, Kazuichi zips his mouth shut leaving Hajime to handle all the conversation side of things. As reliable as ever.
It turns out Hope’s Peak must never have had an Ultimate Tour Guide in all their years of operation. He does his best to make this place sound at all interesting but you can’t pull compliments out of nothing. Empty offices and dull looking medical rooms aren’t the height of entertainment. It’s lucky Naegi gave him the key card because it’s just about the only redeeming feature.
“This stairway takes us all the way through the building from the ground floor to the roof.” He explains as they all shuffle through the door to examine the massive stairwell.
Kazuichi is just as wide eyed as Byakuya as he leans forward over the railing to stare up and down the flights curiously. It’s not like they had been unaware of the buildings height, they had come in after all, but seeing it like this is a whole different story.
“I forgot how much of the building we still haven’t seen.” Kazuichi mumbles in awe.
When they’re so wrapped up in sorting out their plan its like everything else just disappears. How could the rest of the building matter when they’re still down by six people? And yet he looks over at Byakuya, their eyes sparkling as they stares directly up.
“Would you like to go upstairs and look at the roof?” He offers tentatively.
In their state with a walker can they even get up there? It had been a decent few flights when he last went up after all. Byakuya must be able to tell but that does nothing to dissuade their steely expression. After everything Byakuya went through who is he to deny them? He might be somewhat swayed by his own desire to see the actual sky and breathe in fresh air once again too.
Walking in a line with Hajime in front of Byakuya and Kazuichi behind him they make their way up the stairs gradually. While they have to take it one step at a time, it could be worse. In someways he kind of likes the slower pace. There’s something…calming about just being here. Hearing Byakuya softly breathing behind him sends a warming hum through him. Even when they don’t talk, their presence is unavoidable.
When they finally reach the top of the stairs Hajime skips ahead, pulling the door free and holding it open to allow the cool wind to rush in. Even before they’ve stepped outside, the wind begins rustling through all of their hair. Humming around them soothingly.
Kazuichi lightly punches his arm as he passes by to fully embrace the open air, “I can’t believe you never told me about this place.”
He takes a large gulp of air as if he’s trying to take in a lifetime supply. As they make their way to the edge he closes his eyes, enjoying the feeling of cool air rushing through his now short hair. Soothing chill wrapping around him like a thick blanket.
God, this is so much nicer than last time.
“I forgot the sky looks like this…” Kazuichi mutters under his breath as he rest his chin on the railing.
Where there had once been crystal blue skies, all that is left is ember red. After spending so long in the program it had gotten too easy to forget about the reality in front of them. At this point he wonders if they will ever get to see a sky like that again…
“It’s easy to forget when we’re all locked away.” He whispers into the wind. At this point he’s not even sure if he’s talking to Kazuichi or not.
Maybe part of them just doesn’t want to remember. It’s easier to live peacefully when they can focus on their memories of the Neo World Program. Sometimes it really does just feel like all their lives before this were nothing but nightmares. When you don’t need to look at the consequences of your actions it’s surprisingly easy.
Kazuichi doesn’t reply, he just hums quietly and shifts a step or two closer to Byakuya. Even as he moves closer he leaves a good three meters between them, not daring to push the boundaries. Byakuya looks like they couldn’t care less about whatever they are doing though. There’s only one thing he’s keeping an eye on.
“Jabberwock island.” His voice vibrates deeply as he speaks, “How can it both look exactly the same and completely different.”
That’s the million dollar question. As usual the program is almost certainly to blame. Who knew human psychology could be so fascinating? Okay maybe fascinating isn’t the right word but the feeling still stands.
“Everything is so screwed up with our heads now.” Kazuichi grumbles as he lays his head down on his arm. Letting out a long weighty sigh.
“They were always messed up.” Byakuya mutters wistfully, still locking his eyes with the distant islands hanging on the horizon.
An hour passes and then another, but Hajime makes no move to hurry them up. It’s not like they need to rush straight down - isn’t it better to spend their waiting time up here instead. After a while he takes a seat on the floor of the roof, swinging his legs out over the edge once more. The breeze is stronger now than it had been last time he was up here, his legs are knocked into the side of the roof over and over but he doesn’t bother moving them. Instead he presses his head against the railing until the cold metal stings his very bones.
The others might be looking for them but he’ll deal with that when it comes to it. Right now the rest of the world might as well not exist. They’ve earned this little moment even if it is nothing more than a little one.
“Which island do you think was which?” Kazuichi mumbles, dropping himself down on one side of Hajime as Byakuya takes the other side. All three of them pressed side by side. Only just stopping short of actually touching as they try to lean forwards to look past the edge of the building.
“That one over there would have been the first island. And that one would have been the second.” Byakuya points at each one with ease and with such confidence that it takes him a few seconds to even realise that Byakuya had never gotten to see anything beyond their first island and the central one.
“How do you even know this stuff? I never questioned it in the program but it’s hard not to be curious.” Kazuichi puffs out his cheeks, pressing his entire face against the bars.
However Byakuya just shrugs nonchalantly, “I always liked the idea of Jabberwock island growing up. And it was the kind of place Togami would know so I had to research it.”
It’s easy to forget he’s anything but Byakuya when you see him like this. That is the power of an ultimate he supposes. Everyone always calls Nagito’s ability a superpower but he thinks he might be more jealous of Byakuya’s. Then again he says that like he doesn’t have the talent himself…sometimes it’s easy to forget all about that side of his life. To lose himself in this moment here and now.
“You know in all the years of being friends with you I never actually asked what your real name was. It wasn’t in the files from Hope’s Peak that we found in the library and you never did tell us.”
“I never had a name, at least not one that I remembered.” Byakuya says it completely casually as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
The curious part of him wants to probe further. It wants to drag all the questions out until there’s no mystery left but there’s no point in that. For once this isn’t a secret someone is keeping from them. This is their entire existence. Instead he holds his tongue and focuses out at the ocean.
“Really, never? What do you want us to call you then?”
“I -” They scrunch they eyes as tightly as possible, “I’m not sure. Byakuya works fine for now though. I think I prefer that to Ryota.”
Ryota…the name brings a face to his mind. He’d not met the boy many times - their paths diverged pretty early when everything went to shit. He doesn’t think that even Junko kept tabs on the reclusive boy. Just another existance that faded into nothing. Once he had fullfilled his role there was no other point to him.
It makes sense he would have once been a part of this class given his age but he’d never once seen him with any of them. He hadn’t appeared in any of Sonia’s stories either - at least not as anything other than Byakuya’s identity at the time. Nothing more than a ghost in the grand scheme of things.
“Byakuya it is then.” He purses his lip and nods in acknowledgement. Who is he to deny their choice of name? It’s probably better than the alternative of just calling them Imposter for the rest of time.
“Thanks, we should probably head back now then right. I didn’t mean to take too much of you time.” Byakuya coughs awkwardly as they pull themselves back upright. As soon as they’re upright they turns so both him and Kazuichi can see nothing except their back.
Hajime does his best to pretend he doesn’t notice the way Byakuya’s arm comes up to brush their face. Shielding it further still and yet it somehow is the most revealing movement of all.
Nevertheless they both follow suit, brushing themselves down as they regain their footing. Forcing themselves to stand against the harsh wall of wind once more.
“Nah, it’s fine. It was nice getting out of that room for a change.” Kazuichi waves it off with ease.
“Yeah, it was a favour to us really.”
Byakuya turns around slowly their eyes narrowed but their expression is soft, “Are you sure?”
The words seem foreign coming from Byakuya’s mouth of all places. It’s not like they’ve been maintaining the ‘Byakuya’ persona since they woke up but it hits him more than ever in this moment. In the back of his mind he wonders if this is the first time he’s ever truly met them.
“We wouldn’t lie to you dude!” They both try to convince them but nothing they say has any effect on their expression. All words completely bounce off of their cool exterior.
“Well thanks anyway.”
As they begin leaving the roof he looks over his shoulder one last time at deep red sky that now hovers above them. But then the door seals behind them and they’re locked inside once again.
Kazuichi hums wistfully as they begin the long trek down, “It’ll be nice to come back here as a whole group when were all awake.”
“Yeah, that’ll be nice…” He tries to force himself to smile.
After seeing how the Mahiru and Fuyuhiko interaction went who knows if they’ll ever do something as a group together again. Their little group might be broken beyond repair but he doesn’t dare say that to Kazuichi.
Even if he doesn’t believe it will ever happen, he’s happy just listening to Kazuichi and Byakuya’s plans for activities as they slowly make the trek down. Who knows, maybe he’ll be wrong. Maybe.
~~~
09/05 - 08:50
After parting ways with Byakuya they settle back down in front of the chambers again. They still have hours to wait and there’s no one around as far as the eye can see. Fuyuhiko must still be with Peko and Sonia is off in her room somewhere as Akane takes over watching the others.
“Is there anything else we need to do before Hiyoko wakes up?” Kazuichi hums, meandering around the room.
“No, we should be all good.”
“Well do you want to have a go with these?” He holds up a small pack of card, waving them about in front of Hajime playfully.
“Where did you even get those?” Of all the things he thought he would see here this wasn’t one of them. He supposes even future foundation members need entertainment sometimes.
“I found it in one of the draws in the common room. It was covered in dust so I doubt Naegi and the others even knew it was there.”
Without wasting a second, the sit cross legged on the floor facing each other. As Kazuichi pulls the cards out Hajime holds his hand out silently until Kazuichi hands the cards over. With the casual flick of his wrist he begins reshuffling the cards. Kazuichi stares in amazement at the ease with which he handles the cards.
“Dude, is there anything you can’t do?” He could list a million things but he figures Kazuichi is meaning it more metaphorically.
He flicks the cards from hand to hand, enjoying the way the flutter about gracefully, “What do you want to play?”
“Hmmm…I actually don’t really know any card games.” Kazuichi scratches the back of his neck and looks away. He’s not sure why but he always got the vibe that Kazuichi would be the sort of person who would love games like these.
“Well I can teach you some if you’d like. There’s just two of us so that rules out quite a few games but we could place gin rummy.” He shrugs nonchalantly, dealing them each a hand.
It’s not like he’s ever actually played card games - it turns out effectively bringing about the apocalypse doesn’t leave much time for games. Nevertheless that doesn’t discount the rules that still float about in his head. He can’t help but wonder where he even learned the rules in the first place. Was it an ultimate talent or was this something he did before all of this? Before Izuru…
“Sure, sounds good.”
The game isn’t exactly intuitive for Kazuichi but he’s smiling the entire time anyway. That’s probably the only thing that matters anyway - even if he does have to explain the same rules over and over.
Even as they’re playing he finds himself peeking over at the clock constantly as if that’s somehow going to make time speed up. On paper it sounds so easy to just wait around for things to happen but all these breaks are chipping away at him. It’s like they’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
It’s only been three days since Naegi and the others left and they haven’t heard anything back yet. He assumes that’s probably a good thing but it doesn’t put him any more at ease. The awareness of time passing by beginning to niggle at the edges of his mind.
“Akane, what are you doing here?”
Kazuichi’s voice pulls him out of his own head. Blinking rapidly he scans to room only to see Akane leaning against the frame of the doorway. Her hair has finally been pulled back into a messy bun on the top of her head and her eyes are lined with bags but her sharp teeth glisten as she grins.
“What am I not allowed here?” She pushes off the frame and stalks towards them. Her hands are neatly tucked away in her pockets.
“No, it’s fine,” He shoves Kazuichi’s arm, “We just thought you were meant to be watching the others.”
“That’s borin’ besides, no ones around they’re all in their rooms.”
He can’t blame her really. Everything has been dead quiet beyond this room. Given the situation he doesn’t blame anyone for taking time to themselves, it doesn’t make the for the most lively place though. Maybe that will just come with time though… Hopefully.
“It’s fine, Hiyoko should be waking up soon anyway.” He jabs behind him at the chamber nearest the door where Hiyoko is still locked away.
Taking that as enough of an invitation she drops herself down beside them both and leans around to examine Hajme’s cards. “What are you two up to then?” She pokes at cards tentatively.
“I found some cards so we’re just passing time.” Kazuichi reaches forward and fans out his cards to show the selection to a wide eyed Akane. Normally he’d be worried about her giving things away but this is Akane they’re talking about.
“Let me join! I always sucked at card but it’ll be fun with you dudes!”
Fun is certainly one word for it. Suddenly Kazuichi looks like a quick study. He’s starting to understand what people mean when they say they want to pull their hair out. Pulling nails would probably be less painful than trying to deal with Akane and Kazuichi simultaneously. It’s a relief when he finally catches sight of Alter Ego’s signal once again.
Without wasting a second he throws his cards down and runs over to the chamber, “Hiyoko is ready now!”
As he yells, he points Akane and Kazuichi towards the computer to be ready for the count down. They both scramble to their feet, barely making it in time to give him the signal.
However unlike the last few times as Hiyoko’s eyes flutter open she lurches forward, gasping for air frantically. Her entire body heaving, hands rapidly scratching at her face. After weeks of remaining in the machine, her nails have grown sharp. Each one leaving long red streaks all the way down her face but that doesn’t stop her from continuing to attack her face relentlessly.
“Hiyoko!” He darts forward, tightly gripping both wrists in a single hand. Without a second thought he forcibly drags her hands away from her face until there is no way she can keep attacking herself, “Hiyoko, its okay. You’re okay now.”
The words do nothing though. In fact her breathing only gets shallower and shallower before they start stuttering uncomfortably. As he pulls her headpiece off her bloodshot eyes well up with thick tears. Her hands still buck chaotically against his grip but she doesn’t stand a chance.
“Hiyoko it’s okay, just breath in!” Akane crouches down to her level as she tries to speak over the sound of Hiyoko’s gargled breaths.
As expected it does nothing to quell the other girls panic. Her chest is rising and falling with the speed of a hummingbird. Is she even breathing? He can practically hear her heart beat thundering from here.
Unsure of what else to do, he reaches into the chamber and scoops her up into his arms until he can lift her out. She’s not as small as the image of her that is still in his mind but she isn’t exactly big. Trying to be as gentle as possible he pulls her tightly to his chest, keeping a one hand on the top of her head the same way he had seen Mahiru do it in the past when Hiyoko was upset. His other hand refuses to release her wrists. Normally giving her space would be best but he’s almost certain she would instantly start clawing herself again.
“Akane, grab the blanket!” He shouts at the top of his lungs at Akane as he cradles Hiyoko even closer. Everywhere his skin touches hers burns and her entire body is practically vibrating, “Kazuichi, go and get Mahiru! We need her here as soon as possible.”
He barks the orders with ease and, much to his relief, the others instantly jump into motion. They both vanish from view but he doesn’t let his focus drift from Hiyoko for even a second. Within seconds Akane is draping a blanket over Hiyoko, cocooning the girl as best she can.
“It’s okay Hiyoko. It’s all over. You’re safe and alive now. Mahiru is here and she’ll look after you.” He tries his best to speak to her, looking into her eyes. Praying she is listening, “I know you’re panicking but try to copy my breaths.”
He over exaggerates every breath and slowly Hiyoko begins mimicking him. The breaths are still shallow and flimsy but at least it’s some progress. The slower her breathing gets the more she leans into him, her pale, sticky head resting against his arm as her eyes flutter closed. For a moment he thinks she’s going to pass out but instead -
“Jesus christ!” Akane flinches back as Hiyoko twists her head to the side and throws up all over the floor. Without solid food in her stomach it must be mostly bile. The smell alone makes his stomach churn but he holds strong.
“Can you get her some water or something?” He keeps his voice as low as he can but thankfully Akane still hears him as she runs off to grab something.
Hiyoko is shaking in his arms once again but this time it is slower and more deliberate. As he looks down at her face he sees fat tears rolling down her cheeks. Small flecks of vomit are still clinging to her but she only sobs harder. Her entire face is twisted and screwed up.
“I promise you’ll be okay.” He whispers into her hair but he has no idea if she can even hear him. She just keeps shaking, her tears spilling all over his t-shirt.
He hold her like that until three figures come running into the room. One of them slides across the floor, completely unbothered by the pool of vomit around them, and pries Hiyoko out of his grip. Mahiru pulls the shaking girl into her arms and places herself directly into Hiyoko’s line of sight.
“Hiyoko, you’re okay now. I’m here with you.”
Hiyoko’s crackly voice finally rings out, “M-Mahiru?” It’s hardly the nicest sound but he finds himself clinging to every syllable. Finally taking in a long breath.
“Yeah, it’s me.” Mahiru gently smooths down the girls hair and brushes tears off of her cheeks.
“I-I-I saw…I-I s-saw your d-dead body-y.” Each word splutters out awkwardly but he’s just relieved she can speak at all.
Being as subtle as he can he slides away from the pair, giving them as much space as possible. However he doubts they would notice him moving even if he ran off.
“I know but I’m okay now. Hajime fixed us both.”
“F-Fixed…I t-thought I l-lost you.” Hiyoko finally sits up somewhat. Her spindly arms are thrown around Mahiru’s neck as the other girl cradles her close.
Mahiru slips a hand under Hiyoko’s legs and places the other on her lower back so she can gently lift the girl. Cradling her more like a baby than anything else. He instinctively wants to rush forward and help but he pulls himself back. He’s probably gotten more involved than he should have already. Besides, despite how much taller Hiyoko is now, Mahiru is still just about able to support the girls weight. Her legs wobble somewhat as they’re still recovering but there’s no other sign that she’s even carrying anything at all. He has no idea if it’s the adrenaline that has her moving without the walker but she makes it look easy.
“I’m not leaving you now, okay?” Mahiru tries to gently readjust her hold on Hiyoko without dropping the poor trembling girl, “I’ll take her back to my room for now. I think she just needs to calm down a little.”
'Calm down' is one way to say it...
Nevertheless they all step back and give Mahiru a clear path across the hall. Akane is left waiting by the doorway, glass of water still in hand.
As he looks down he notices his hand is trembling. Tears and vomit stain him but he doesn’t dare move. It’s like his body doesn’t want to respond to him anymore. The smell of everything is overwhelming him, smothering his mind and making his head spin uncomfortably.
“Iz- Hajime? Hajime? You good?” Kazuichi’s hand tentatively reaches forward, poking his arm.
Shaking his head clear he looks down at himself, “Hmm? Yeah, I’m okay. We should clean this up.”
None of them are exactly enthusiastic about the idea but they work together to find a mop and tackle the mess Hiyoko has left behind. He pretends he doesn’t notice the way Kazuichi gags with every sweep. He can’t say he blames him either. Even just looking at the stuff is making him a little light headed, let alone thinking about the smell.
It’s a relief when they finally have it mostly cleaned up. He suspects they might need to just throw out the mop at this point though. He’s certainly not touching the damn thing again.
“Hajime, I think you need to go clean yourself up.” Kazuichi clears his throat and nods at the mess still coating Hajime.
His shirt is still slightly damp, tears and sweat sticking the material to his skin uncomfortably. Every strand still reeks, the vomit has well and truly seeped into the fabric by now. He wants to be able to argue back but Kazuichi is right. He really really needs a shower.
“Yeah…I’ll wash myself up. Just keep an eye on this place while I’m gone. I’ll hurry back.”
Akane and Kazuichi give him an encouraging thumbs up, still plugging their noses up by pinching their noses. They’re always so supportive…
As soon as he gets back to his room he rips off his clothes and banishes them to the corner of the room. Sure, they could both be easily washed but he’s certainly not going to be the one to wash them. He’s had more than enough of that smell to last him a life time.
He seals himself up in the shower, letting himself soak in the scalding hot water. Bit by bit he lets the water burn away all the mess and smells. Cleansing himself. He scrubs and scrubs and scrubs until no trace of the earlier encounter remains and then he sits down on the shower floor, letting the water cascade over his head. God he needs rest.
~~~
09/05 - 20:10
Everyone else has long gone by now leaving him all alone in the room to wait for Ibuki to finally awaken. Akane had practically passed out before heading off to bed and Kazuichi had excused himself without explaining where he was going. Part of him had considered trying to find Sonia but he probably shouldn’t bother her. Not when she’s finally resting. Instead he settles down with a book, legs up on the desk in front of the computer.
However as the time ticks by still no one arrives. No matter how long he waits Kazuichi never reappears. Where the hell could he have gone? It’s not like there are many places to go in this building - unless he’s gone through the locked door to examine other parts of the building. Even when the time for Alter Ego’s signal is upon them he’s no where to be seen.
Without anyone else to rely on he grabs the computer screen and twists it to the side so the screen faces the chambers in the room around him. This way he will still be able to see the countdown even if no one else shows up.
Taking the reins himself, he situates himself in front of Ibuki’s chamber, hand ready over the button as he looks at the screen diligently. He waits in empty silence hearing his own heartbeat in his ears.
Images of Hiyoko earlier flash before his mind. The others had all been relatively fine when they woke up but not Hiyoko. What if Ibuki is in the same state? They had Mahiru to help with Hiyoko but who could help if Ibuki was in such a state? He has no idea who they would even call out for that.
Unfortunately he has no time to even consider it any further. As he stands there the screen lights up and he jumps into action. There is no time for him to think he only needs to act. They can deal with anything Ibuki throws at them they just need her awake and alive.
Without wasting any more thoughts he slams his hand down on the button and watches Ibuki buckle under the stress. In a split second her eyes flutter open as she comes back to consciousness.
“W-Whats going on?” Ibuki mumbles blearily as her head moves about awkwardly within the machine. She strains her neck ever so slightly as she tries to peer out over the edge.
“You’re going to be a little confused but for now just focus on getting to your feet. Do you want help?” He holds a hand out towards her.
“Thanks.” She takes his hand and he pulls her upright. They link their arms together as he takes on her weight. Hobbling together, they manage to pull her free. One arm is still linked with his while the other grips onto the edge of the chamber. She sways against him, her feet slipping against the ground. Even as she flounders about she giggles to herself.
“W-Woah, this is so weird.” She keeps giggling like a school girl. As she walks forward she places one foot directly in front of the other as if she’s walking a tightrope. “How long was I in there?” The hand that had been resting on the chamber now flies up to press against her temple.
“We were all in there a few weeks, the entire time we were in the Neo World Program.” He answers cautiously, trying to feel out what state Ibuki is in. The last thing they need is to have another situation like Hiyoko.
“Neo World Program…” Ibuki winces as she curls her hands into tight fists, “Oh yeah…so that wasn’t a nightmare…” Hearing Ibuki without her characteristic energy feels foreign and wrong. Given the situation though perhaps it would be stranger for her to still be her normal self.
“Unfortunately not…”
“I see…I died then…Ha, that’s so weird!” Ibuki forces a chuckle as her legs wobble underneath her. Her smile is shallow and broken - never quite reaching her eyes.
He jumps back, his arm tightening around Ibuki’s, “Wait are you okay?”
Ibuki frowns anxiously before she notices it, her hand shifting to wipe below her nose. Thick blood is dripping down from her nose over the ridge of her lip. She does her best to wipe it away but that just leaves a pink smear across her cheek. More blood instantly takes its place making the whole attempt pointless.
“Aaaah! This is super uber bad right?!” Ibuki starts breathing faster and faster, her hand soaked through with blood.
“No! No, it’ll be fine.” He gives her a gentle squeeze and pulls more of her weight onto him. “We just need to get you cleaned up. Your body has been through a large amount of stress.”
It takes longer than he would like for them to stumble over to the kitchen. As soon as they reach it he slides her onto a chair and runs off to grab her some tissues. Handing them over to her she pinches her nose and tilts her head upwards. Almost instantaneously it turns bright pink and small droplets begin dripping down.
“Here, take some more.” He shovels some more tissues into her hand and takes all her old bloody ones to the bin.
They sit there for a while constantly replenishing her tissues for a few minutes until the flow of blood finally dies down somewhat. Both of them are surrounded by a sea of blood, drops smeared across the table, their clothes and her own face. Normally it wouldn’t be too worrying for someone to have a nose bleed but given how long she’s effectively been comatose it’s not the most promising sign.
“Ibuki doesn’t know why she has a nosebleed. Ibuki doesn’t think she was that excited.” Ibuki mumbles nervously as she does her best to wipe up some of the drying blood.
“Well since its stopped now it’s probably fine, I’ll grab you some food though. That might help you feel a little better.”
Dinner has probably long since come and gone by this point but it’s not like there is anything that says they have to stick to a specific schedule. Ibuki doesn’t say anything but he takes her silence as her agreeing and begins moving about the kitchen, scrounging up some food. Even though it’s just the two of them he decides to make a large batch after all the kitchen has been suspiciously silent for the last few hours. He wouldn’t be surprised if everyone has been avoiding eating.
Not wanting to make anything too heavy he whips up a batch of ramen and slides a steaming bowl in front of Ibuki. Only when the food is right in front of her does she fully dispose of all of her tissues so she can properly take a bite.
Although she’s grinning brightly, blood is still smeared all across her making for a surprisingly horrific scene. Part of him wants to grab a wet cloth and clean her up like she’s a toddler but it’s probably more important that she eats than that she looks presentable.
“Hopefully it’s not too hot.” He mumbles as he pours out another bowl for himself and takes a seat at the table beside her.
“It’s bombastic! I never knew Hajime was such a good cook!” Ibuki manages to squeeze out the words between heaping spoons of food. Ramen broth spills all around the table but he can’t bring himself to care about that right now.
“Well, it’s a bit of a new development.”
How are you even supposed to explain the Izuru situation to people? He assumes she’s at least somewhat aware of who he is - or was - but sometimes he can’t tell for sure with Ibuki.
For a while they eat quietly, nothing but the sounds of Ibuki messily scarfing down food to keep them company. However after a few minutes when the bowls start looking a little emptier she leans back in her chair, eyeing up Hajime cautiously.
“So…you woke Ibuki up from that computer game right?” She spins her chopsticks around in the bowl as she speaks.
“Basically. Because you…died in there it was a little more complicated but you effectively woke up.”
“Ibuki remembers how horrible it was seeing Teruteru, Byakuya, Mahiru and Peko dying. And…” Ibuki swallows hard, closing her eyes for a moment, “And Ibuki remembers what happened Hiyoko. What about the others?”
He supposes it makes sense that she would be aware of what happened to Hiyoko, she had been present at the murder after all. Maybe part of him just hoped that she had been too out of it to truly pick up on anything that happened. Of course life could never be that easy though. Ibuki had to remember every second of what happened just like all the others.
“We already woke all of those guys up. They’re all healthy and alive again. After you died…Mikan got executed for your murder. And then we lost Gundham, Nekomaru and Nagito.” He leaves out Chiaki all together. Unlike him, she should be fully aware of what this all means for Chiaki. If she remembers everything from before then they already know what happened to her.
“I see…but the rest of you were all okay though?” She perks up ever so slightly, even now trying to find a slight silver lining amongst the fog and mud.
“Yes, the rest of us made it out. I don’t know how okay any of us really are but we didn’t have to go through what you guys did.”
Ibuki drops her chopsticks and frowns, “Where are the others now then? Ibuki thinks it’s kinda sad eating on our lonesome. Didn’t you make food for everyone?”
“Yeah, they’re all in their rooms now though. The only one that’s left is Byakuya.” And Mahiru but he isn’t sure if that really counts. Would she have left of her own free will if Hiyoko hadn’t been in pain?
Out of nowhere Ibuki suddenly pushes out from her chair and tries to stand. Unsurprisingly it isn’t quite as gallant or elegant as Ibuki might be imagining. As if there’s nothing but ice beneath her feet she instantly begins slipping. She’s only held upright by the firm grip that she holds on the table.
“Woah, be careful. I know you’re strong but your muscles are still weak at the moment.” He dives forward as fast as he can and slips his arm through hers once again.
“Whoops, Ibuki probably should have thought that through before getting up.” She chuckles nervously but leans into him for support. He really should get her walker sooner rather than later.
“What are you even trying to do?”
“Everyone should get food. They definitely won’t come out of they don’t know food is here.” She hardens her expression resolutely.
He wants to tell her there’s no point and that she’s getting her hopes up for nothing but he refrains. Who knows, they got Akane to come out when they were beginning to think it was impossible so maybe it will work?
Still moving about together they knock on each door in turn, yelling out promises of food. No one opens the door but that isn't enough for Ibuki to drop her smile.
“Ibuki can’t wait until everyone is together again.” Ibuki mumbles as she plays with her food.
Everyone, huh? He wonders whether she would be including Mikan in that. Knowing Ibuki she probably would despite everything. But even if she is happy to have Mikan around not everyone else will feel the same way about their own situations. Her dreams are just that.
“Yeah? What do you want to do when everyone is together?”
“Hmmmm…we should have a big concert! We never got to finish the Fuyuhiko recovery party after all.”
The recovery party… After everything that happened that evening he almost forgot about it all together.
“That would be -” He starts to speak but Ibuki stares right past him, her eyes sparkling.
“Sonia!” She throws her arms up and waves the other girl over. Grin toothy as her entire expression lights up brilliantly.
“I did not realise you had awoken Ibuki! I would have woken up if I had known!”
Sonia immediately wraps Ibuki up in a hug, burying her face in Ibuki's long hair. Ibuki grips the back of Sonia's shirt tightly as she screws her eyes shut. Neither one of them is willing to make the first move to part.
They’re so wrapped up in each other they don’t even notice as Byakuya hangs around the corner, not quite daring to take a proper step in. From their hidden away spot they watch the entire exchange between Ibuki and Sonia.
“Shall I pour you both some bowls?” He looks between Byakuya and Sonia as he moves over towards the kitchen.
“Oh, yes please.”
Everyone takes a seat at the table as he brings the steaming bowls over. Even though Ibuki has already finished most of her food she stays at the table, holding her head with her hands.
“You should have seen the theme park island! We traveled on a roller coaster which was amazing.” Sonia coos between bites of food. Her hands whoosh about as if she’s trying to follow the path of the roller coaster from memory.
“A theme park?! Oh mannn! I can’t believe Ibuki missed out on the fun!” Ibuki pouts and curls her fists into her hair.
It makes him wonder if there are even still roller coasters and theme parks out there in the world or have they all already been lost to time? If there are still some out there perhaps they can finally take Ibuki and the others out to one when they leave this place.
“It seems things got much stranger after I…left.” Byakuya coughs into their hand casually, half choking on their own words or perhaps its the noodles.
“Stranger is one way to put it.” Hajime scoffs under his breath, too quietly for the others to hear.
“It was strange and scary but there were good moments too.” Sonia maintains a firm and cheery smile.
Normally the idea of finding any good moments in that place would be crazy but given the world they’ve come from he can’t say he disagrees. Especially now they are able to bring back their lost friends. After everything they have done in reality maybe there were moments in the Neo World that were better than what they could feel in the real world.
“Yeah, totally! It was really scary when people were dying but when we were sending off Mahiru and having fireworks on the beach and when we had the party for Fuyuhiko it was uber fun! Kinda makes me sad that we aren’t classmates anymore.”
“Yes, I am afraid our days of studying together are long gone. Perhaps we can all stick together though, even after all this.”
It’s a warm and gentle thought but he’s pretty sure they all - even Ibuki - understand it’s not going to happen. Nevertheless they all leave the table with hope in their hearts and that’s all they can ask for.