Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

???: “Is this… a pool?”

An orange-haired girl thinks out loud as she drifts about in the chlorine cellar, not fully understanding the gravity of her situation until she collects her bearings.

???: “WAIT, I’M DROWNING!”

Her screams of panic that are muffled by the water echo throughout the metal walls of the pool room. 

She scrambles around haphazardly in the water, managing to pull her head up to the surface after five seconds of exhaustion-induced insanity.

???: “Phew… that was unexpected.” 

She kept thinking out loud, rationalizing that no one else is in the room.

She moves her body over to the corner of the pool to catch her breath and assess her situation.

???: “Where am I? Did I even make it out of the orphanage?”

She continues to question her surroundings, because she was a massive idiot.

Just before winding up here, she had been working with other children in an orphanage to escape. Not because they were being rebellious for the sake of it, but because they were being raised to be eaten by literal demons.

Yes, heart-pounding, I know. I heard it was adapted into an anime. Perhaps I should watch both seasons...

After pondering her next move for a couple minutes, she finally came to the rational conclusion of: just get out of the damn pool.

The girl climbs out of the pool and collapses onto the cold floor, the ground immediately staining wet.

Even after escaping the ice-cold waters, the feeling of exhaustion that permeates within the girl’s body did not wish to cease.

After again pondering her next move for another couple minutes, that exhaustion that has been creeping up on her all this time finally took her over, and she drifted off to sleep.

But not before one question was able to enter her mind.

???: “Where… am I?”

PROLOGUE: ADRIFT IN THE UNFAMILIAR RED LAKE

???: “Emma? Emma, can you hear me?”

Emma (I think?): “N-Norman? Did we make it out of the orphanage!?”

It takes the young white-haired boy a moment to properly articulate his thoughts to his pseudo-sibling.

Norman (I guess): “Yes, we did. Though I’m afraid we’re not quite in the outside world.”

The boy again pauses for just a moment before pointing to a group of eighteen people standing right behind them, all of varying sizes, and… species?

Little Blue Girl: “Huh, this place again? Can’t wait to see who dies first!”

Rockin’ Lamb: “W-what are you talking ab-bout?”

Dog With A Beanie: “Don’t worry, Lammy, she’s probably just trying to freak us out.”

Nervous Wreck: "Man, this hurts more than when I tried helping my friends play baseball...”

Moody Brunette: “Okay, you’ve got to tell us more about that.”

Crude Popsicle: “Oh, I exist… fuck.”

Sassy Red-Head: “Great, I’m going to have to be stuck with you… people. Uh, what even are you?

Short Orange Guy: “Well, I’m a ‘Star Nomad’, you?”

Sassy Red-Head: “...a human.”

Moon-Truther Furry Weeb: “Oh, come on. I had dogs to walk this morning, and now this? It's too early for this shit...”

Moody Brunette: “What? Do you sleep or something?”

Moon-Truther Furry Weeb: “Yeah, so?”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Well then, this was certainly a sight to wake up to.”

Nervous Wreck: "God, what did I get myself into now?"

Moody Brunette: “Look, do any of you idiots remember how we wounded up here?”

Rockin’ Lamb: “I-idiot? What did I do?”

Moon-Truther Furry Weeb: “WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?!”

Annoying Cat: “ Meow? ”

Dolphin Loving Asshole: "Yare yare, who brought us here? Could it be a Stand User?"

Red Puppet: "Welp, this is fuckin’ insane.”

Gangly Stoner: "Like, zoinks! Where are we?”

Kid With A Checkered Shirt: “Nugget is really confused..”

Boy With An Orange Parka: “Does anyone know where we are?” 

Edgy Skeleton: “Ahahah! Another planet that I’ve been given the chance to conquer!”

The hooded skeleton then noticed the presence of a particular orange ball of cheer.

Edgy Skeleton: “Wander!? Oh this is great! Finally, there’s nowhere for you to run! I will finally destroy you!”

Short Orange Guy: “Gosh, Hater, you gotta cheer up more!”

Edgy Skeleton: “Nonsense! Prepare to die!”

He promptly fired a blast of lightning towards his target, only for him to quickly step out of harm's way with ease.

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Look, let’s calm down.”

The teen’s demeanor shifted to show slight concern as he tried to de-escalate the situation.

Annoying Cat: “ Meow. ”

Crude Popsicle: “Ech… a cat.”

Annoying Cat: “ MEOW! ”

Extremely Strange Child: “Hmm, babes are being analyzed as we speak… nope, no one here compares to my pillow.”

Sarcastic Homo: “Hmm, dudes are being analyzed as we speak… nope, no one here compares to my roommate."

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag:“Interesting, you care to go on about that pillow of yours?”

Extremely Strange Child: "No! Fuck you, that's my pillow bitch!"

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Alright, I’ll back off... for now .”

Annoying Cat: “Meow…”

Little Blue Girl: “We talking about ‘fucking’ over here?”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “You’re free to pull up a chair if you’d like.”

Crude Popsicle: “I’m not gonna sit on you, dumbass.”

Extremely Strange Child: “Hell yeah! You a fan?”

Little Blue Girl: “Heh, who isn’t?”

Extremely Strange Child: "I don't know. Virgins?"

Little Blue Girl: “Ah, those idiots.”

Emma: “Uh… nice to meet you?”

Crude Popsicle: “Wish I could say the same.”

Nervous Wreck: "N-nice to meet you too…"

Norman: “I suppose some introductions are in order. How about we go around the room and shake hands?”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “I agree. I’d say it’s best we get to know each other before we start getting too crazy.”

Short Orange Guy: “Meeting new people? That’s my favorite! I’ll start right now! The name’s Wander, and I’m the Ultimate Friend Maker.”

Emma: “Nice to meet you! You seem like you’ll be real fun to talk to!”

Emma: “But… what do you mean, ‘Ultimate’?”

Charlotte: “We’re here because of our talents in the first place. Everyone here’s got some kind of special ability or skill that makes them ‘Ultimate’. Still though, shouldn’t they have told you this on Day 1? Geez, it’s like the writers gave up.”

I know, right!?

Moon-Truther Furry Weeb: “Well then I’m Cameron, but you can call me Cam. I’m the Ultimate Weeb. The ‘Ultimate Meth Walker’ wasn’t an open position, I assume.”

Crude Popsicle: “Wait, how the hell do you walk meth? You definitely can’t transform into a fuckin’ U-Haul, y’know.”

Cam: “Don’t ask.”

Moody Brunette: “Heh, I didn’t even know that could be a talent, but alright.”

Nervous Wreck: "Well, I'm Potato Mcfry, and I'm the Ultimate… uh, Victim. Although I’m not too keen about that talent…"

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Victim?”

Potato: “Apparently the people running this place hate me just as much as God does.”

Extremely Strange Child: “Well then, I am Jay Bilzerian, and I am… THE ULTIMATE FUCK MACHINE!"

The blue-haired girl points to Jay.

Little Blue Girl: “We need more people like him.”

Crude Popsicle: “Aren’t you a fucking kid?”

Little Blue Girl: “Physically, yes.”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Well, I’m not one to brag, but I feel you’re gonna have some competition for that talent here.”

Dolphin Loving Asshole: "Guess it's my turn. I am Jotaro Kujo, the Ultimate Delinquent."

Sassy Red-Head: “Woah, uh, Jotaro… you single?”

Jotaro: “I can single -handedly twist your spine.”

The sassy red-head begins to blush heavily.

Gangly Stoner: "Like, I'm Shaggy, and I'm the Ultimate Stoner, man!"

Moody Brunette: “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Shaggy: “Nope! Why?”

Moody Brunette: “Jesus…”

Little Blue Girl: “And I’m Charlotte... I don’t like saying my last name, so don’t bother me about it. I’m the Ultimate Chaos, so don’t even think about laying a finger on me.”

Jay pokes Charlotte, but is immediately given a harsh slap.

Jay: “Hey! I thought we were cool!”

Charlotte: “We’ve known each other for five seconds. I’m not your damn friend.”

Jay: “Damn, alright then.”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “A fair enough move there, ‘Ultimate Fuck Machine’.”

Crude Popsicle: “These three need to get a room to themselves, AND STAY THERE.”

Sarcastic Homo: “Uh.. I am Wallace Wells, the Ultimate Homosexual. Sadly, being drunk isn't considered a talent…”

Cam: "And being gay is?"

Wallace: "Apparently."

Wallace just shrugs at the weeb’s comment, a silent jab at his own strange talent.

Kid With A Checkered Shirt: “Nugget wants to go! I’m Nugget, the Ultimate Poisoner...” 

Emma: “Poison!? B-but that’s illegal!”

Norman: “Emma… you might be a little mistaken in that regard…”

Sassy Red-Head: “T-the… the what?”

Nugget: “Yep! ...what’s wrong?” 

Sassy Red-Head: “Nothing, nothing at all.”

Crude Popsicle: “Thank God I only eat salt.”

Cam: "So a child can poison people. Welp, society is doomed…”

Moody Brunette: “Wasn’t it already?”

Cam: "Fair point."

Moody Brunette: “Eh, I guess I’ll go. I’m Nebula, the Ultimate Writer.”

Potato: “Y-you.. you don’t look like a writer.”

Nebula: “Oh, sorry, allow me to just get my Stephen King glasses and J.K. Rowling wig.”

The woman reaches into her pockets to grab a bunch of useless trinkets that all relate to writing in various ways.

Crude Popsicle: “Man, I doubt you’d have an easy time gleaming any talent here off appearance alone. Aside from the starch guy, you kinda scream victim. No offense…”

Potato: “Oh, none taken. I’ve been put through far worse, trust me.”

Crude Popsicle: “Aaaand now I just feel like shit.”

One-Note Frizzy Haired Protag: “Guess I’m up next then. I’m Ren Amamiya, the Ultimate Wildcard. And this is my c-“

The cat that had resided in Ren’s bag this whole time gives him a stern look, like he could understand what he was about to say.

Ren: “My not cat, Morgana.”

The cat then muttered out a content but still angry “Meow.” before retreating back into the bag.

Jay: “But ain’t your name Akira Kurusu? I remember seeing something about that once.”

Ren: “Look, you can just call me Joker for now.”

He promptly grasps his own head and falls onto the floor in the fetal position.

Edgy Skeleton: "What lame talents!”

Suddenly, the skeleton who was standing in the back of the crowd gets out a boom-box and plays an evil mixtape as he steps on it to introduce himself.

Edgy Skeleton: "BEHOLD! I AM THE ULTRA, AWESOME, FEARED LORD HATER! THE ULTIMATE VILLAIN! AND I AM THE GREATEST IN THE GALAXY!"

Wander: “And he’s my friend too!”

Hater: "No! He is my arch-enemy!"

Dog With A Beanie: “Hey, that’s a pretty good song! What’s it called?”

Hater: “None of your business, idiotic dog.”

Dog With A Beanie: “Oh, okay…”

Joker: “I suppose friendship comes in many forms.”

The tall boy chuckled slightly as he pulled himself back to his feet, still crying.

Sassy Red-Head: “Ugh, can you turn that shit off?”

Hater: "Clearly, you don't understand good music.”

Joker: “Eh, I’m more of a jazz person myself.”

Crude Popsicle: “Wow, never saw that coming…”

Joker: “Well then, I can assure you that won’t be my last surprise.”

Crude Popsicle: “Can it.”

Boy With An Orange Parka: “...I’m Kenny McCormick, the Ultimate Unlucky Student.”

Cam: "Ain’t that a shitty talent, and that’s coming from the Ultimate Weeb."

Kenny: “Trust me, if you’ve been to hell and back as many times as I have, you’d understand.”

Potato: “Wait, isn’t that just my talent?”

Joker: “Originality’s a pretty hot commodity these days. I mean, five Shin Megami Tensei games!? Come on.”

Shaggy Rogers: “Like, that sounds super scary.”

Emma: “My turn! I’m Emma, The Ultimate… uh… Ultimate... Wait. I forgot I don’t even have a talent!”

Charlotte: “Well, you gotta have something. They wouldn’t have roped you in with us if you didn’t.”

Suddenly, Emma and Norman both notice sticky notes stuck to their backs.

Norman: “What in the…”

Emma’s note read “Rescuer”. Norman’s note read “Strategist”.

Charlotte: “What did I tell ya?”

Emma: “Well, I guess I’m a ‘Rescuer’. That sounds nice!”

Norman: “And I’m a ‘Strategist’. I find that very fitting.”

Rockin’ Lamb: “S-strategy? That must be nice.”

Joker: “You’re telling me.”

Dog With A Beanie: “Well then, I’m Parappa! The Ultimate Rapper, glad to be here.”

Nugget: “Nice to meet you, Parappa!”

Parappa: “Oh, uh, you too..”

The dog seemed pretty nervous greeting Nugget, knowing about his talent and possible intentions.

Parappa: “Why don’t you introduce yourself, Lammy?”

Rockin’ Lamb: “O-oh, okay… I’m Lammy, t-the Ultimate Guitarist.”

Charlotte: “Haha! I see, we have the epitome of fear right in front of us, this is gonna be fun~”

Parappa: “H-hey! Buzz off, weird girl!”

Cam: “Yeah, this is pretty scary. It's not her fault if she gets nervous easily.”

Sassy Red-Head: “I guess I’ll go. I’m Summer Smith, the Ultimate Hottie.”

Nebula: “No argument there.”

Jay: "OH YEAH! That has to be the most deserving talent I have heard!"

Cam: "Eh, I've seen hotter."

Crude Popsicle: “I somehow doubt that.”

Summer: “Oh, fuck off, the only hotter girls you’ve seen are 2D.”

Cam: “ And they’re wolves. Get your facts straight.”

Wallace: "I’m gay, but even I think she’s kinda hot. Rock that look, girl!"

Red Muppet: "Christ, do I really have to do this? Alright fine. I'm Elmo, and I'm the Ultimate Imaginator, nice to meet you I guess…"

Joker: “That’s certainly a deeper voice than I would’ve imagined .”

Elmo: “Oh, fuck off.”

Wander: "Aw, don't be like that, Elmo, it'll get better!"

Charlotte: “Aren’t you that guy that’s on that one kids show?”

Elmo: "Well, used to be on is more accurate now…"

Charlotte: “Great, couldn’t we at least be trapped with Cookie Monster? Or anyone that isn’t this red abomination?”

Elmo: "Well the thing about that... never mind, I'll explain once we find an exit."

Charlotte: “Oh, you think you guys are getting out? How naïve.”

Cam: "If I can say one thing, it’s that you’re way more upbeat on your show."

Elmo: "Yeah, but that was before things went to hell."

An irritated mumble could be heard from the side of the room amongst an equally upset jangling.

Nebula: “Hey! Snowman guy, greet us, dammit.”

Crude Popsicle: “Huh? Oh, uh, I’m Bacon. Ultimate Sociopath.”

Nebula: “I’m sorry, ‘sociopath’?”

Bacon: “Look, I’m not too fond of it myself, but I can’t say it’s inaccurate.”

The snowman let out as he frantically attempted to open the nearby door which he somehow managed to reach with his tiny-ass arms and a whopping four feet of total standing height.

Cam: "Wait, the door’s locked? I’m having a bad case of deja vu right about now..."

Emma: “In any case, I think that’s everybody! I suppose we should start looking ar--“

???: “Don’t be so hasty, Emma-chan.”

Joker: “Hmm?”

Emma: “Wait, who said that? And how do you know my name!?”

???: “Why, it’d be me of course.”

Immediately, a young purple-haired man emerged from the darkness, sporting a dark pink scarf, a blue paperboy hat, and a leather jacket like he was straight out of a third-rate mystery novel.

Bacon: “Hey pal, you look a bit out of place. I think the noir light-novel is down another search page.”

Charlotte: “I take it you’re the one that’s got us holed up in this place this time. What’s your name, anyway? And where’s the bear?”

Cam: "Yeah, can you let us out before I kick your- who am I kidding, I'm weak as fuck…"

???: “I don’t really have a name, ya know. You can just call me ‘The Realtor’ for now, though.”

Elmo: "Well hey, at least I can use some real estate."

Jay: "So uh, can you tell us what the fuck this place is? If this is a prison, then read me my fucking rights!"

Kenny: “And what kind of name is ‘The Realtor’?”

Joker: “Eh, I’d say it’s no weirder than many of the other names given here.”

Morgana: “Meow.”

Realtor: “To answer both of your strangely rude questions, allow me to pose some of my own.”

“One- look around you for five seconds. What do you see? That’s right! Exactly where you are.”

On the wall was a piece of looseleaf with the words “You’re in a hotel, dumbass.” crudely scribbled on it.

“Two- what kind of alias would you pick for yourself if you were super drunk on a Sunday afternoon?”

Bacon: “Nice flavor of word salad there, Grape Ape.”

Wallace: "okay, then why are we at this hotel. Are you kidnapping me for a one night stand?"

Shaggy: "Wait, what?"

Wallace: "Happens more often than you think it would."

Lammy: “W-well, wherever we are, could you p-please let us out?”

Charlotte: “It doesn’t work like that, lambchops.”

Realtor: “Don’t make assumptions about my power over you, Aoki-chan. That only makes an ass out of you and me. Ihihihi!”

The Realtor chuckles to himself after making this strange comment.

Charlotte: “The fuck did you just call me?”

Realtor: “Your name. What else would I call you? ‘The Golden Witch, Beatrice’?”

Charlotte: “How do you even--?”

Bacon: “Alright buddy, care to take a crack at guessing mine?”

Realtor: “Chrispipher Pendric Bacon. Am I right?”

Bacon: “FUCK.”

Parappa: “W..what the…?”

Bacon: “Look, it’s like Christipher but crispy, alright-”

Realtor: “Anyways, I’m not the one who trapped you assholes in this fancy establishment. All I know is that I was… ‘contracted’... by the real person that’s behind your emergence in this place.”

Joker: “Is that so?”

Elmo: "Well then, who is the one who brought us here?"

Almost as if he’s silently responding to the question, The Realtor snaps his fingers to summon a Sprite can with buff arms that pushes a button on the stage all the people in the room are facing.

Joker: “...huh.”

Shaggy: "Like, I haven't even taken any weed today man, what in the world!?"

Jotaro: "Yare yare, could you be any more cryptic? Just tell me your Stand so I can kick your ass already.”

Joker: “‘Stand’? I’m intrigued.”

Jotaro: "I'll explain later. Just know it's like a superhero connected to your soul."

Joker: “Alright then. I sure wasn't expecting another Persona user.”

Jotaro: "’Persona’? We should talk later, now is not the time."

Joker: “Agreed. I’ll be sure to keep this noted.”

Morgana: “Meow.”

Charlotte: “Oh, finally. I would’ve been worried if you were running it this time.”

Kenny: “Have you experienced this situation before or something?”

Charlotte: “You could say that.”

Bacon: “...”

Nebula: “Well, spit it out. Why are we here?”

???: “For my killing game, of course!”

The students focus their attention on the middle of the stage, where a strange monochromatic bear made its presence known on the podium.

Seemingly out of respect for the bear, The Realtor bows before the soda can-like creature leaps back onto his shoulder, allowing them all to get off the stage in unison.

???: “Upupu! I’m so very sad that I was late, but I suppose the killing game wouldn’t have started itself!”

Potato: "Hello..?"

Joker: “This isn’t good.”

Bacon: “No shit.”

Lammy: “W-what’s going on?”

Charlotte: “Heh, there it is.”

Cam: “Is that a damn bear? It doesn’t look too bad if I say so my--“

Bacon promptly tugs on Cam’s left hamstring.

???: “Ignoring that rude interruption, welcome to the [INDISCRIMINATE NUMBER]rd Killer Vacation!”

Shaggy: “LIKE ZOINKS, A WHAT?!"

Charlotte: “Did your deaf ass not hear him before?”

???: “Was I not loud enough? WELCOME TO THE [INDISCRIMINATE NUMBER]RD KILLER VACATION!!!”

Elmo: "Christ, a killing vacation? This sounds fucked, even to me."

Nugget: “Hm… Nugget is intrigued.”

Bacon: “What the fuck?”

???: “I am you guys’s headmaster, Monokuma!”

Emma: “But you’re a stuffed animal, aren’t you?”

Nebula: “So… a killer vacation, you say. How do we play?”

Cam: “Why the hell would you want to know that!?”

Monokuma: “Oh, it’s really simple. I’ll teach you right now!”

“If you wanna escape this hotel, you must kill another guest and get away with it.”

Emma: “Kill… each other? Surely you’re not being literal, right?”

Potato: "God, this is worse than most of the accidents I’ve gotten myself into!"

Nebula: “Seriously, you need to tell me about the weird shit you’ve been through. Ya need a hug, dude?”

Monokuma: “To answer your question, stupid ginger, I’m being more literal than ever! You have all been chosen based on your Ultimate talents to see how you would participate within a killing game; and just to clarify, now that you’re here, you can no longer leave. Unless you murder someone and get away with it, then you’ll have to mend here until the day you die!”

Emma: “B-but there isn’t even enough food in a hotel to eat for the rest of our lives! And what about our friends and family?”

Monokuma: “First of all, I have stored plenty of food for you all that must be enough, and once you run out, it’ll all stock back up again. Second, does it look like I give a shit about your lives outside of this game?”

Emma: “I…!”

Charlotte: “Okay, we got that junk out of the way, now inform us of the rules and other details of this shitshow for the newbies.”

Monokuma: “Ah, Charlotte! Glad to see we still have your continued patronage!”

Charlotte: “Shut up and explain already.”

Monokuma: “Ooh, feisty, are we?”

Charlotte flips the bear off.

Monokuma: “Upupupu! Alright, alright. I get it. Now, once you successfully kill someone, an investigation and trial will be held and all of you must figure out the who, what, when, where, and why with the evidence that you find! Once you think you’re finished, the trial room opens and you discuss the case, blah blah blah.”

Monokuma: “The real fun part is in the result of one of these trials! If you’re able to correctly sus out the killer,”

Bacon: “Heh.”

Monokuma: “They’ll die in a brutally delightful punishment, and you all get to watch!”

Emma: “Why would I wanna watch someone die!? Are you crazy!?”

Monokuma: “But here’s the despair-inducing catch! If the killer gets away with their crime, I’ll punish the rest of you idiots for… well, being idiots!”

Potato: “H-horrible! I don’t want to do this!”

Emma: “Yeah! And if you think any of us will kill each other, then you’re dead wrong.”

Bacon: “I beg to differ.”

Joker: “What is this ‘punishment’ you speak of?”

Monokuma: “That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”

Charlotte: “It’s an execution.”

Monokuma: “Damn you…!”

Lammy: “A-a what?”

Nebula: “Will we be executed the old fashioned way or do you have something else in mind?”

Monokuma grumbles, but soon gives a clearer response.

Monokuma: “Something else in mind, but fuck ! It would’ve been so much more despair-inducing if our first culprit didn’t know about their death.”

Elmo: “Why the hell are you doing this?”

Monokuma: “For despair, of course.”

Elmo: “So you have no true motive behind this? No story? No nothing?”

Monokuma: “Pretty much.”

The red puppet pulls out a Revolver from his jacket.

Elmo: “Well, then get the fuck out of my sight.”

Monokuma: “Oh, and harm administered to the headmaster will result in immediate termination. ”

Potato: “What do you mean? Surely you don’t plan to kill more pe--“

Monokuma promptly explodes in front of everyone’s eyes, almost as if he was demonstrating some fireworks he had obtained the night prior.

Then, like magic, another Monokuma appeared out of thin air to continue his long-winded exposition.

Monokuma: “Kinda like that.”

Monokuma: “So just remember: Don’t try and put your fingers on me.”

Elmo reluctantly puts away his gun, all while grunting disappointedly.

Monokuma: “With that being said, I have provided you all with handy E-Handbooks, complete with a map of the hotel and a room key. The wonders of technology, am I right?”

Jay: “My pillow better be waiting in a suitcase when I get there!”

Monokuma: “Rest assured, my questionably young friend, there are plenty of pillows and spaghetti to go around.”

Jay: “Hell yeah!”

Monokuma: “Now, happy travels and happy murder! Upupupu, ahahahahaha!” 

Again, in what seems like magic, the bear leaps behind the podium he was standing on and fades from sight.

The Realtor relaxes his bow of respect to the bear and begins to speak to the other guests.

Realtor: “The headmaster neglected to mention a couple things in his explanation, so allow me to fill in a few blanks for ya.”

Realtor: “After all, any game’s no fun without sufficient explanation, right~”

Bacon: “Care to explain the fucking buff-ass Sprite can you’ve got with ya?”

Buff-Ass Sprite Can: “I’m glad you took notice of these guns. Not having to do leg day does wonders for ‘em.”

Realtor: “Oh, that’s just my friend, Mono. Truthfully, I don’t know why he donned this form, but he’s a good pal.”

Mono: “See, I was gonna be the headmaster, but the bear swooped in and stole my spot, so I had to make do.”

Potato: “Why is the bear even called a headmaster? We’re not in a school, after all.”

Charlotte: “It’s tradition.”

Potato: “Says who?”

Bacon: “The plot, apparently.”

Norman: “You sound nice enough, Realtor, but you sure don’t feel like one of us. Are you working for the headmaster?”

Realtor: “Actually, yes. My job is to provide you hints during the trial, so if you idiots are super far away from the truth, I can steer ya in the right direction.”

Charlotte: “They seem to be way more forgiving this time around. The newbies really are dumb, aren’t they?”

Realtor: “Hey, it’s not every day that you get thrown into a hotel and’re asked to murder, y’know.”

Realtor: “Now in Egypt, that’s a different story.”

Jotaro: “That’s a deeply strange insult, yet it resonates with me somehow.”

Realtor: “Oh yeah, and just between you and me, there might be some complimentary room service in your future~”

Bacon: “Isn’t there already food here, though? I swear to god if I have to have some maid serve me salt every day…”

Cam: “Ooh, that sounds fun… mmm…”

Realtor: “Nah, the guy that’s involved with that business is pretty plain if I do say so myself. His name is like… ‘Domino’, or something like that? I’m not really sure.”

Wander: “Ooh, more new people to meet! I’ll go find them right now!”

Hater: “And you’ll meet your end right here and now!”

Norman: “I think it’d be best to stay here for now, Wander. Wandering off without purpose now might lead to bad things…”

Wander: “Aw, that’s okay. I’ll get to meet them soon enough.”

Realtor: “In any case, it’s probably a wise idea for you guys to get some sleep. It’s like, what, twelve in the morning right now?”

Charlotte: “Isn’t there a nighttime announcement at ten at night, though?”

Realtor: “Getting you here took longer than we expected, sorry. After today, nighttime will be designated as 10:00 PM sharp.”

Potato: “That’s just to motivate us to murder someone at night, isn’t it?”

Realtor: “I’m not really sure, but the more sleep the better I guess.”

Mono: “You stayed up until three in the morning last night because you were arguing about anime visual novels on Twitter.”

Realtor: “Oh, shut up.”

Realtor: “Anyways, I’m gonna go to my room and get some shut-eye. You all probably should too, but I know kids these days are… imaginative… at night, so do whatever ya want.”

Mono: “I can ‘imagine’ you’ll be spending the night continuing to argue with strangers on the Internet?”

Realtor: “Sometimes I really question why we’re friends.”

The two interesting characters continued to bicker as they walked down the hallway in unison.

Emma: “I know I’ll be taking that guy’s advice! Today’s been a wild one, for a lot of reasons…”

Potato: “Likewise. I feel drained.”

Jay: “I get ya. If I was told to start killing people to leave a dumb-looking hotel, I’d be tired too.”

Potato: “I’m not even gonna comment on how dumb that sentence was.”

And so, after a long day of both the hope-filled blossoming of friendship and the despair-filled announcement of impending tragedy, Emma approached her room with a large sense of dread.

This is gonna be my new life for the foreseeable future, huh?

So even if I escaped the orphanage, I’m just plunged right into a place that’s essentially the exact same?

Even the orphanage was better than this. At least they didn’t tell me they wanted me dead right out the gate…

As these thoughts clouded Emma’s headspace, she made a risky but fair decision.

I’m going to save everyone, and escape. I will see the outside world!

And as she stepped forth into her room, she prepared herself for the tough, bloody battle she silently entered, ready to fight by any means necessary.

Chapter Text

EPISODE 1: DOOR TO DEATH, “CEILING” OF FATE

Daily Life

MONOKUMA THEATER

Monokuma: “Upupupooboy, here we go again.”

Monokuma: “Another Fangan, another couple chapters of tedium.”

Monokuma: “Seriously, do you know how many times I’ve done this whole despair routine? It ain’t nothing to scoff at.”

Monokuma: “I’d like to see you keep this up for God knows how many cycles without cracking even a bit.”

Monokuma: “Thing is, it wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep recycling these same deadbeat tropes like they owe em’ child support.”

Monokuma: “Just ‘Pervert’ here, and ‘Antag’ there. Or ‘Double Kill’ this, and ‘Big Guy Death’ that, yunno? Move on already!”

Monokuma: “And I’m telling you, if I see one more piece of overrated kin bait in one of these stories, I’m gonna lose it!”

Monokuma: “Well, I guess it ain’t too bad. I still got bills to pay and server bans to countersue.”

Monokuma: “I mean, it’s not like you get a second chance at this, right ?”

...

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

Monokuma: “Gooood morning everyone! The staff at the Killer Despair Hotel have an announcement to make. It’s now 8:00 AM, so night time is officially over. Time to wake up, get up, and get out there!”

Emma exits her room and walks into the hallway, shuddering as she takes note of the fact that she’s currently alone. She makes her way to the stairs and approaches the dining room, seeing everyone already feasting on their breakfast.

Kenny: “This sucks ass, I really don’t like the hotel atmosphere..”

Parappa: “What about the whole murder ordeal!?”

Joker: “Yeah, you’d think that would be a bit more pressing.”

Kenny: “Listen, even if I do die, I’ll be fine.”

Parappa: “Wait, what?”

Norman: “Ah, Emma. Good morning.”

Emma: “Morning, Norman. What’s for breakfast?”

Norman: “We’re apparently having scrambled egg. Pretty simple, but it’s better than I thought it would be.”

Emma turns to the rest of the participants, seeing quite a scene at a further table. 

Potato: “Stay away from my food, Nugget!”

Nugget: “But there’s a bug on your food..!”

Potato: “Shoo!”

Bacon flicks off the fly sitting on Potato’s eggs.

Bacon: “There, it’s gone. Can you two stop trying to kill each other now?”

Potato, still somewhat startled, sits back down with three other people.

Cam: “Just because poisoning is his Ultimate doesn’t mean that kid’s gonna poison everything he touches.”

Potato: “You don’t know.”

Nebula: “I mean, since you have a record of usually getting the short end of the stick, I get why you’d be paranoid.”

Bacon: “It’s still pretty ridiculous.” 

Emma chuckles and proceeds to sit next to Norman, a plate of scrambled eggs already placed on her spot.

Emma: “Say.. once we all finish breakfast, should we all take a look around?”

Norman: “That’s a good idea, we haven’t seen too much of the hotel other than our rooms and the areas we’ve all been gathered in.”

The participants place their empty plates into the sink and exit the dining room, Emma approaching the middle of the hallway to catch everyone’s attention.

Emma: “Alright, guys. Why don’t we all explore the hotel? Maybe there is some sort of secret exit around here?”

Joker: “Sounds good to me.”

Bacon: “Everything sounds good to you, ya plank of wood.”

Summer: “Why are you two always at each other’s throats?”

Shaggy: “Like, alright, I wanna see more of this building, man!”

Norman: "We should search in groups. We don't know each other and with these rules, we need to watch each other's backs.”

Emma: “Alright then! I’ll go with you, Norman.”

Realtor: “As per the headmaster’s orders, I will only administer one rule. Jay, don’t be a fuckin’ weirdo. ”

Jay: “That’s a tall order, bro.”

Groups: 

1: Emma, Norman, Wander, Lammy

2: Potato, Cam, Nebula, Bacon

3: Jotaro, Joker, Kenny, Wallace

4: Charlotte, Summer, Jay, Elmo

5: Hater, Parappa, Nugget, Shaggy

Parappa: “Why can’t me and Lammy be in the same group?”

Charlotte: “Probably because your babysitter needs to learn how to provide on her own without you nudging her to do so.”

Lammy: “Excuse me..?”

Elmo: "Well, me and Summer are the only semi-sane people in our group."

Jotaro turns to the second-paired group.

Jotaro: “You four have known each other for half a day and you’re already friends or some shit?”

Bacon: “‘Friends’ is a strong word in this case.”

Nebula: “More like a group of people that just decided to hang out because everyone else is not appealing enough.”

Potato: "I didn't think that, but yeah, that's an understandable reason."

Bacon: “I just settled for whatever. Also to keep these two from abusing ‘Tater Tot’, I guess.”

Cam: “They dragged me into this group, and honestly I’m not complaining.”

Realtor: “So you’re into snowmen now?”

Cam: “I mean I’m not saying I am but I’m not saying I’m not.”

Bacon: “I will fucking kill you. To death.”

Cam: “Sounds fu--“

Nebula socks Cam in the side while Bacon politely stomps on Cam’s stomach at a vigorous pace after this comment.

Potato: “G-guys! Stop!”

Bacon: “I’m just taking an opportunity.”

Cam: “Dude, dude! I was joking!”

Cam: “Maybe.”

Potato pulls the two off of the weeb and helps Cam up.

Cam: “Did I really just get my ass beat by a child and a tiny-ass snowman?”

Nebula: “Got a problem with that?”

Cam: “Yes.”

Bacon: “Look man, I’m cool with you pulling me off of him before any blood rituals started, but could you please put my ass down?”

Potato: “Right! Sorry.”

Potato sets the black snowman on the ground.

Emma stares at the scene in utter shock, but then turns back to her group.

Emma: “Uh… why don’t we get looking around now?”


Wander: “Sounds like a plan!”

Immediately, the 20 students get up from their seats and begin their investigation.

Each one of them opens their handbooks and accesses the map feature to get a better idea of where to go.

Emma: “Alright, guys, where should we check first?”

Lammy: “How… how about the bathrooms?”

Norman: “I was thinking about that room with the pool?”

Emma: “Okay! Me and Lammy will look through the bathrooms while Norman and Wander search the pool room.”

Norman: “Yeah, that sounds good.”

Wander: “Yay! Let’s go, Norman.”

The two boys head off.

Lammy: “Uh… why are you g-going with me? Why not your f-friend?”

Emma: “I already know Norman quite well, so why not get to know you some?”

Lammy: “Oh.. okay.”

Emma grabs Lammy’s hand and drags her to the bathroom, the lamb shrieking out in response. 

Emma: “Okay, let’s search the stalls first.”

Lammy nods and approaches the first stall, pushing the door open and peeking in.

Emma: “Well… while we’re here, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

Lammy: “Huh?”

Emma: “Yeah! You being a guitarist, are you a part of a band or something?”

Lammy: “Actually, yeah. It’s called, uh, Milkcan. I- I know it’s a weird name, but I d-didn’t choose it! Katy did.”

Emma: “‘Katy’?”

Lammy: “One of our band members is named Katy. She’s actually the leader of the group, and we also have a drummer.”

Emma: “That’s really cool, what’s it like being in a band?”

Lammy: “Fun, but also pretty stressful for me. There was this one time I was almost late and I lost my guitar and… s-sorry, I’m talking too much, aren’t I?”

Emma: “No, not at all! Mind telling me what else there is about your band?”

Lammy: “Sorry, there isn’t that much, since we’re not the most exciting artists..”

Emma: “That’s fine, we should probably look through more of these stalls, anyway.”

As they’re about to continue, a thought crosses Emma’s mind.

I found this red guitar chip on a table today, would Lammy want it?

Eh, I bet. It wasn’t on the floor, at least.

Emma: “Wait, I want you to have this.”

The ginger hands Lammy the item, which fills her features with glee.

Lammy: “Thank you, Emma..! I didn’t have my chip on me before I got here, so this is perfect.”

Emma: “You’re welcome!”

Satisfied, they proceed to search as Emma keeps up a chatter between her and Lammy.

Emma ends up scanning all of the stalls thoroughly while Lammy checks the walls.

Emma: “Find anything?”

Lammy: “N-not yet.”

Emma: “You know, maybe there’s nothing in here, why don’t we go see how Norman and Wander are doing?”

Lammy: “I suppose so.”

The two girls make their way out of the bathroom and to the pool room.

Emma: “Hey, guys! How’s it going?”

Norman: “Not too great, the only thing that this room contains is the… well, pool. It’s completely empty otherwise.”

Emma: “Crap, me and Lammy weren’t too successful either.”

Wander: “Really? Well, hopefully the others found something.”

Emma: “Speaking of, how about we see what they’ve found? Since we don’t really have anything else to do.”

Lammy: “I’m up for that.”

Wander: “Yeah! I’d love to see how our friends are.”

The four collectively exit the pool room, hoping to find at least one group that has succeeded in their search.

Emma: “Wait, where even are the--”

Emma cuts herself off after hearing distant yet crazed laughter.

???: “ That’s how you fuck them? Holy shit, that’s disgusting! Tell me more.”

Emma turns the corner, seeing Charlotte and Jay having a questionable conversation. 

Elmo: “Could you two please help with our investigation instead of talking about pillow-fucking?”

Jay: “No can do, this kid seems really interested in my lifestyle.”

Charlotte: “Do you have your own dates with your pillows? Or is it only masturbation?”

Jay: “Oh, hell yeah. They’re like my own partners.”

Charlotte: “Ha! You lonely fuck.”

Elmo rolls his eyes as the two, Summer somehow having the ability to tune them out.

Elmo: “How are you managing to ignore this?”

Summer: “My brother is pretty horny himself, so I’ve become used to others talking about sex or how they treat themselves.”

Realtor, overhearing this because of his ability to enter situations with reckless abandon, turns around at a remarkable speed.

Realtor: “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Summer: “I honestly don’t know. There’s probably more things wrong with me than I can count.”

Emma and Realtor stare, disturbed, and decide to back away. 

Emma: “Did you guys hear that?”

Wander: “I wish I didn’t…”

Lammy: “W-what was that a-about pillows?”

Norman: “I think it’s best we forget about it.”

Lammy and Norman walk away, but Emma and Wander stay behind.

Wander: “Why aren’t you going with them?”

Emma: “I was hoping to hang out with you some, you seem like a pretty good guy.”

Wander: “Why, thank you! I could say the same for you.”

Emma: "Your talent is really interesting, I never heard about an expert in making friends. How did you get that?"

Wander: "Oh well, I just help anyone who needs it. I helped billions of friendly faces across the whole galaxy!"

Emma: "Wow! How do you deal with that? Isn't that a lot of pressure?"

Wander: "It is, but it sure is worth it to see it worth it to see their smiling faces."

Emma: "Boy, Norman and I could use you back where we are from."

Wander: "Huh? Why is that?"

Emma: "Oh I don't think now is the time to say that."

Wander: "Alright, just let me know when you need my help."

Wait, I think I saw Wander with a banjo at one point. Maybe he would like these Banjo Strings I found. It’s definitely worth a shot.

Emma: "Hey Wander! I saw that you had a banjo, maybe you would need this!"

Emma hands the gift to Wander.

Wander: "Oh my, thank you Emma! I sure did need this!"

Wander takes the Banjo Strings and puts them in his... pocket?

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

One of the screens upon a nearby wall turns on, revealing Monokuma behind a desk.

Monokuma: “Attention, guests! Please all gather in the basement for a certain surprise! Upupupu!”

The screen shuts off quickly, leaving Emma and Wander in subtle shock.

Emma: “I guess we have to go.”

Wander: “Yeah…” 

The two optimists walk to the lobby, which contains the entrance and stairway to the basement.

Emma: “What do you think that bear has planned?”

Wander: “I don’t know.. hopefully it’s a clue to find our way out.”

Emma: “Hopefully.”

Emma makes it to the last step, seeing the rest of the cast before her.

Shaggy: “Like, why are we here, again?”

Charlotte: “For the first motive.”

Wallace: “The first what?”

Charlotte: “You’ll see.”

Potato: “Jeez… I got a bad feeling about this.”

Bacon: “That’s just common sense.”

Hater: “Tell us why we’re all crammed in here!”

Kenny: “Yeah, this is getting pretty weird.”

Jotaro: “Yare yare… I’ll admit, the lack of patience is getting to me.”

Joker: “You could say that again.”

After a few more moments of the participants complaining, Monokuma drops down (from seemingly out of nowhere, again) onto the floor. 

Monokuma: “Jeez, you idiots are just so antsy today, aren’t you?”

Cam: “Just tell us what’s going on.”

Monokuma: “See for yourselves!” 

Monokuma grabs a remote and airs a strange video to the 20 students.

Drunk Old Man: “Summer, where the hell are you?”

Gang of Muppets: “Elmo, we’re worried about you! Where did you go!? We need you to help us!”

17 other videos were shown, showing people of varying ages, sizes, and shapes all showing concern for the people in the game.

Monokuma: “I’m sure these are some pretty familiar faces, right?”

Emma: “The other kids!? Why are they there?”

Norman: “Yeah, what’s going on?”

Charlotte: “Vendetta…?”

Bacon: “Well that’s… something.”

Elmo: “The fuck are you planning with Zoey and Cookie?”

Wander: “S-Silvia?”

Joker: “No… it can’t--”

Morgana: “MEOW!”

Monokuma: “Well, here’s the kicker!”

Monokuma: “If no murder occurs within fourty-eight hours, I’ll make you kill the person you’re most acquainted with that shows up in that video.”

Hater: “I'LL BE A MONKEY'S UNCLE IF I HAVE TO KILL MY PRECIOUS CAPTAIN TIM!"

Nebula: “Like hell you think I’m doing that…”

Potato: “Well, I guess it’s a good thing no one was there in my video...”

Monokuma: “Maybe that’s why they call you so unlucky. You’ve got no reason to murder, after all!”

Emma: “I- I would never kill my family!” 

Bacon: “Unless...?”

Norman: “I hope that was just a bad joke.”

Bacon: “Keep hoping, kid. I envy optimism like no other.”

Monokuma: “Well, I sure know I won’t be hoping anytime soon! Despair is my middle name!”

Monokuma: “So, until we meet again, merry murdering!”

Monokuma again disappears from sight, only leaving the students with an innate sense of fear and distrust.

Cam: “Well, now I officially don’t trust any of you dumbasses.”

Realtor: “Who wouldn’t be just a little suspicious of each other, especially after that?”

The Realtor approaches the 20 from behind, causing plenty of the participants to turn around. 

Realtor: “After all, you kids are all gonna die sooner or later, right?”

Emma: “W-why would w-we kill or be killed!? You’re lying!”

Charlotte: “Did you not just see the motive?”

Realtor: “Nothing can be confirmed nor denied, Emma-chan. We’re in a death game, you gotta predict the unpredictable~”

Cam: “Get over here and give us a straight answer, dammit!”

By the time Cam says these words, The Realtor is already tuning everyone out in the corner, sipping on a nice cup of coffee.

Wander: “W… what are we gonna do now?”

Charlotte: “Wait, Potato, you said you didn’t have anyone for your video?”

Potato: “Yeah?”

Charlotte: “Heh, well, I surely had a false impression on you.”

Potato: “What… what is that supposed to mean?”

Charlotte: “I mean I didn’t expect you to be a heartless dick.”

Potato steps back, staring at Charlotte in pure shock and confusion.

Emma: “Woah, woah, woah! Why did he--?”

Charlotte: “Even a sinister bitch like me actually cares for someone, what’s the deal with you?”

Potato: “That’s not- no..!”

Wallace: “Screw off, you stupid kid.”

Charlotte: “Do you not even care about your parents? Other relatives? Fucking anything?”

Potato: “Look, I--”

Bacon: “Hey, blue girl.” 

Bacon walks up to Charlotte, a thick, stern look on his face. She raises an eyebrow, but her expression changes from disgust to anger once Bacon thrusts his fist into her chest.

Bacon: “Shut the fuck up.”

Despite the brute force, Charlotte doesn’t show any sign of pain. 

Charlotte: “Huh, you’ve clearly got a knack for this, but it’s gonna take a lot more to fuck me up, y’know.”

Bacon: “Huh?”

The blue girl kicks Bacon down to the floor.

Bacon: “...fuck you.”

Bacon jumps back up, but before he can land a hit on her, Elmo approaches Charlotte from behind, grasping onto the revolver inside his coat. 

Elmo: “Listen, you say any bullshit like this again, then you will be in for a hell of a time.”

Charlotte: “Pull the trigger, pussy. Not only can it not harm me, but it’s completely useless nonetheless.”

When Charlotte makes this comment, The Realtor gets up from his admittedly comfy-looking chair and tries to reason with the kids.

Realtor: “Alright, alright. Can we call it off already? You can’t kill someone just yet, y’know.”

Mono: “You doubt the power of the youngins, my friend.”

Realtor: “And I really doubt that you have the power to sound like an old man.”

Mono: “And you aren’t gonna be able to see yourself as an old man if you keep talking.”

Realtor: “Damn. Do you wanna fight with the kids too? I can reinvigorate them a bit if you want.”

Mono: “Just move the plot along already, please…”

Elmo checks his gun, seeing that no bullets are held within the weapon.

Elmo: “What the…?”

He curses under his breath, remembering how the bear was smart enough to empty his gun.

Off-screen.

Because the writers are a bunch of asses and didn’t show it.

Charlotte chuckles, flipping right around to swing her arm across Elmo’s face, but the red puppet catches it and pulls her arm down. 

Charlotte: “Ah, a feisty one, are we--”

Jotaro wraps her arm around Charlotte’s neck and pulls her towards his chest, his grip rather tight. 

Jotaro: “Take back your words, kid, before I make you.”

Shaggy: "Like, cut it out man, we can't be beating each other up like pinatas!"

Bacon: “We’re not, we’re just trying to get back at her for treating us like one.”

Realtor proceeds to appear behind the buff man and the strangely skilled child and kicks Jotaro’s hands away from Charlotte’s neck while also making the distance between the two way wider.

Realtor: “There, can this extremely drawn-out sequence finally be done already?”

Jotaro: “The damn brat needs to have some remorse--”

Joker: “Still, I’d rather not keep this going on any longer.”

Realtor: “I do agree with you somewhat, but then again…”

Realtor: “We all have something deeply wrong with us, right?”

Realtor ? : “ Some kind of deep, dark secret we aren’t willing to divulge. A nagging pain that can only be quenched by secrecy. That’s why we act the way we do. Why we get angry at the most trivial things, why we don’t show remorse.”

Realtor: “So be a little more considerate next time, ‘kay?”

Jotaro doesn’t respond, but he unwraps his arm and Charlotte steps away. 

Realtor: “Ihihihi~”

The Realtor laughs to himself as he walks out of the room, a huge grin on his face the entire time.

The whole room drops silent, and with that strange monologue, they all mentally decide it’s best to return back upstairs. 

Chapter Text

After arriving upstairs, Emma decides to check on Kenny, seeing as she’s never interacted with him before.

Emma: “Hey, Kenny? You okay?”

He turns to Emma.

Kenny: “I dunno… I don’t want anyone to kill, but the thought of having to murder my sister scares me to no end.”

Emma: “Hey, what can Monokuma do, right? He can’t force us to kill, and if anything, he’s probably just lying just to get a murder to happen.”

Kenny: “I… I don’t know. Hopefully that’s the case.”

Emma: “Yeah. Anyway, you have a sister?”

Kenny: “Mhm, she’s the best little sister I could ever ask for.”

Emma: “Aww~! That's sweet, I used to have a bunch of great little sisters as well back at the orphanage. But they… never mind.”

Kenny: “Oh, you’re an orphan?”

Emma: "Yeah. It's not as bad as it sounds, we all loved each other like we’re family!" 

Hey, I remember Kenny dropping this magazine. He’d definitely want it back!

Emma: "Oh, Kenny! I saw you dropped this earlier, I thought you’d like it back!"

Emma handed Kenny the Strange Magazine. 

Kenny: “Ah, thanks, Emma! This has been the only thing keeping me entertained.” 

Emma: “So, what’s it like for you at home?”

Kenny: Well, uh, I live in this small yet chaotic town, a lot of weird events have happened there and we’ve ended up on the news a lotta times.”

Emma: “Oh, wow. What kind of events?”

Kenny: “Well, one time everyone went bat-shit crazy on Black Friday and me and a bunch of kids from school prepared as warriors.”

Emma: “Woah, really?”

Kenny: “Yep, we actually managed to survive that whole ordeal.”

Emma: “Wait, ‘survive’?” 

Kenny: “Yeah, I’m surprised, too. I thought we were gonna go down like the rest of the people on Black Friday.”

Emma: “No, no. I mean, w-why do people have to die ?”

Kenny: “...have you never had a Black Friday?”

Emma: “I don’t even know what that is.”

Kenny: “Oh, right, the whole ‘orphan’ thing.”

Emma: “What is it?”

Kenny: “Like hell I know, I’m always told I’m too poor to understand.”

Emma: “What? That’s rude!”

Kenny: “Huh?”

Emma: “People shouldn’t be saying such things to you, the amount of money you have does not determine if you can understand a concept or not.”

Kenny: “You’re overthinking this, that’s just how me and my friends are, we rip on each other all the time. What do your friends do?”

Emma: “Well, we don’t insult each other at all.”

Kenny: “Damn, that must be weird.”

Emma: “...are you as rude as them?”

Kenny: “I wouldn’t consider myself as bad as most of my friends, but I’ve surely been involved in some messed up shit.”

Emma: “Oh…”

Kenny: “But I don’t plan to act ‘crazy’ in this place at all, promise.”

Kenny: “Or, at least, I’ll try to.”

Emma: “Alright then.. well, I think I should be on my way, Norman is probably wondering where I am.”

. . .

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

Monokuma: “Ahem, the staff at the Killer Despair Hotel have an announcement to make. It is currently 10:00 PM. If you don’t wanna die, please return to your special rooms. I tidy them every day, you know.”

Monokuma: “Have a good night, and a great murder-filled day tomorrow! Upupupu, ahahahahaha!”

Bacon: “God, I hate that ursine.”

Nebula: “Ugh, this early?”

Cam: “‘Early’? It’s a struggle to stay awake as is.”

From all around the hotel, everyone heads to their rooms.

Emma enters her room, rather frightened.

At this rate, maybe one of these strangers dying would be far better than having to kill my siblings.

 But that would mean we’re giving Monokuma what he wants, and that’s the last thing I want. 

But, like I assured Kenny, that dumb bear can’t force us to do anything… right? Norman has always said that my optimism allows me to believe in the wrong outcome, but please, just let me be right this time.

Let Monokuma not mean his threats. Let us out of here…

Please!

After Emma proceeds to mentally beg, exhaustion takes over and she drifts off to sleep.

. . .

MONOKUMA THEATER

Monokuma: “Hiya kiddos, viewer mail time again!”

Monokuma: “Huh? What’s with the long face? I’ve been doing mail since the days of Trigger Happy Havoc, no?”

Monokuma: “Now let’s see, this first one comes from [USERNAME WITHHELD]!”

Monokuma: “Let’s take a gander. Uhh…”

“Dear Monokuma, why do you exist?”

Monokuma: “Well, that’s a great question that I ask myself every day.”

Monokuma: “I need a lot of therapy.”

Monokuma: “Next!”

Monokuma: “This one comes from xXCoochieObtainer69xX, and it reads…”

“manacoomer why don’t you can obtein no cooch like i do you a loser bitch fuck bitch loser.”

Monokuma: “Alright then, allow me to answer your question.”

Monokuma: “The reason I don’t not obtain ‘no cooch’ is because I’m too busy killing children.”

Monokuma: “And inspecting their corpses.”

Monokuma: “For reasons.”

Monokuma: “Next!”

Monokuma: “And finally, we have this lovely piece of migraine fuel by one… Filbo ?”

“Dear Monoroomba, isn’t this story just a shameless ripoff of that one fic about the nines and sixes?”

Monokuma: “Well, the answer is--”

Monokuma: “DON’T EVER COME NEAR ME. DON’T EVER INTERACT WITH ME. DON’T EVER BREATH IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS ME. YOUR LIFE WILL BE FORFEIT.”

Monokuma then takes a giant swig of vodka while holding up the middle finger, failing to remember that he has none.

. . .

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

Monokuma: “Ahem. Morning everybody! It is currently 8:00 AM! Let the warm sun overtake your eyes, and prepare yourself for another day of further murmurs of murder on a girder! Upupupu!”

Emma slowly sits up in her bed, not recalling a morning announcement yesterday.

Rather groggily, the ginger steps onto the floor and leaves her room.

. . .

Emma arrives at the dining room, noticing that she has come down early this time, since there’s only a few people at the tables.

Emma: “Oh, we’re having pancakes today?”  

Norman: “Yep, they’re all in the kitchen.”

Emma: “Okay, I’ll go grab o--“

Norman: “Don’t go in there. I’ve got it.”

Emma: “N-Norman? Is something wrong?”

Norman: “Not at all. I just don’t wanna burden you so early in the morning, heh heh.”

Norman lifts himself away from the table he was sitting at and approaches the kitchen.

Is he…

No, of course not. Norman would never do that.

Yeah, he just wants to look out for me. I’ve got nothing to worry about.

Emma goes to sit down at the table Norman was sitting, waiting for him to finish cooking.

She could tell everyone else in the room was restless, because nobody had heard any kind of kitchen equipment running for a while.

After about 15 minutes of nothing happening in the kitchen, Emma grows fearful. She isn’t sure what she’s scared of, but one thing is for sure in her head.

I have to investigate the kitchen.

Quickly, she stands up, and practically speedwalks towards the closed kitchen door.

She makes her way to the front of the door, and takes in a few deep breaths.

I’m sure he’s okay, There’s nothing to worry about. 

Emma lifts her fist and knocks on the kitchen door once.

Nothing.

Alright, alright. I’m sure he just couldn’t hear the knock. He’s cooking, after all.

She knocks again, this time a little stronger than before.

Nothing.

What? Why couldn’t he hear me that time? Does he just think my knocks are just the noises coming from the stove?

She knocks for a third time, even louder while shouting his name.

Emma: “Norman! Norman, are you in there?”

Bacon: “Just open the damn door and stop making an ass out of yourself.”

Emma: “But he probably locked--“

As she was talking to Bacon, she inadvertently pushes the door forward, making it open slightly.

The door was unlocked.

Bacon: “What did I tell you? Now please tell him to hurry up. He said he was gonna whip up some good salt today.”

Emma: “O-okay.”

Emma stutters, her blood running cold for seemingly no reason.

She pushes the door forward just a tad bit more, but doesn’t quite open it.

She steps back before she can fully open it, again feeling that sense of abnormal fear.

What am I so worked up about? He’s in the room, I’m sure of it. Just go in there and ask him what’s taking him so long.

Geez, I’m a mess today.

Emma talks herself out of her fear, and grabs the doorknob. She turns it, albeit still very slowly.

But what was waiting for her wasn’t the sight of Norman. Nor pancakes. Nor a hot stove.

It was something… indescribable.

It was the one thing none of the people in that room ever wanted to see, let alone so suddenly.

It was the one thing that would ruin the peaceful days they had been enjoying that entire time.

The corpse is charred to bits, unrecognizable.

The only parts that even remotely resemble anything human were some stray patches of blood across the walls and the counter, and a lone eyeball that had managed to escape the socket.

Teeth, gone. Gums, gone. Face, gone.

Arms, gone. Legs, gone. Torso, gone.

The body had its humanity stripped away, making it feel like a silent mockery of not just whoever died…

But to the people who had to tolerate witnessing it.

The body, the resolve of the guests, their ability to speak, their hope for the future...

All of it was destroyed in a serenade of darkness, concealed by a black, burnt curtain of tragedy.

Emma: “AAAAAGGGGHHHHHH !”

Chapter Text

Emma stands there, trembling. Her body runs cold and tenses up at the jarring sight, her ability to move completely ceasing.

She tries to scream again, but only manages to make quiet sounds out of sheer disbelief. 

Monokuma: “A body has been discovered! After a certain amount of time, the class trial will begin, so make sure you’ve got a solid idea of who to point fingers at beforehand… Upupupu, ahahahahahaha!”

Emma: “Wh… I… n...!”

Wallace: “Emma, what the hell happened!?”

Emma makes a vain attempt to approach the door and hide the body, but she’s too weak.

She collapses onto the floor, just in time to hear everyone’s screams.

Cam: “OH MY GOD!”

Wallace: “What in the fuck!?”

Potato: “AAAAAAAAAAGHHH!”

Heh, heh heh…

Is this what I’m gonna remember them as?

This? THIS?

Ugh, I can’t get the image out of my mind…

It won’t leave… IT WON’T LEAVE, DAMMIT!

Emma: “UWOOOOOOOAH!”

Emma curls up in a corner in the kitchen amidst the panic, crying to herself. Her screams were the only backing track any of the guests had.

Lammy: “No…! I-it’s only been two days!”

Joker: “My main concern here is how the kid died, the body is completely gone.”

Elmo: “Right, that over there’s most likely a child… that makes this so much worse.”

Bacon: “Welp, it had to happen at some point.”

Charlotte: “Wow, our first killing, and it’s rather gruesome. I’m actually quite impressed with the culprit.”

Bacon: “Could I pay you to keep your mouth shut?”

Charlotte: “Not unless you have something that can keep it closed.”

Jotaro: “I’ve seen things like this… so many times… but why am I so…”

Hater: “Even I’m not this evil! Who would do something like this!?”

Shaggy tiptoes in to see what happened, since he couldn't hear anyone that much in the kitchen.

When he finally enters, he is dumbfounded just like everyone else.

Shaggy: “AHHH, LIKE ZOINKS!'

Emma: “N..Norman… where is Norman?”

Emma: “That’s right… he’s not here…”

Emma: “Heh, heh heh…”

Emma: “I’m alone. The only other person who cares, is gone.”

Emma: “Heh heh, heh heh… that’s great… that’s great…”

Emma: “THAT’S JUST GREAT!”

Emma screams. She screams to no one in particular, partly to drown out the noises of fear that are already filling the kitchen at that point.

But mostly, she screams to awaken the gods.

She screams to bargain with them. She screams to go home. She screams to be free.

???: “You’ll see, Emma-chan.”

Emma turns around, seeing Realtor.

Realtor: “You’ll all soon see~”

Potato: “J-just tell us!”

Realtor: “Sorry, but I can’t do that yet. But for now, I’m pretty sure the bear’s got something to show ya.”

Realtor: “And besides, haven’t you kids seen this shit a million times before on TV?”

Emma buries her head in her legs again, trying desperately to drown out the sights and sounds of the kitchen. The kitchen that’s been stained with tragedy.

But no matter how hard she tries, she pulls her head back up anyway, whether subconsciously or not.

Just then, Monokuma peeks out from behind the man and bounces his way in front of him. 

Monokuma: “Get out here already, Doppio!”

Suddenly, a thin man wearing predominantly pink and purple emerged from behind the human and the feral animal.

Doppio: “Hey. I’m Doppio. Boss told me there was high pay here or something?”

Charlotte: “Oh, this dumbass.”

Realtor: “You… know each other? How unexpected! Teenage life sure is wonderous, ain’t it?”

Mono: “Knowing you, I thought some less-than-wholesome phrases were gonna start flying in the air.”

Jay: “Ooh, you wanna hear less-than-wholesome, huh! ALRIGHT! :&@$)?$”, &’!(@&;(, and-“

Mono: “What you said the first time was more than enough.”

Jay: “Aww…”

Monokuma: “ If you’d allow me to speak… ”

Joker: “Feisty today, aren’t we?”

Monokuma: “Ol’ Pink Guy here is gonna offer refreshments during trials! I’m such a nice guy, so I couldn’t resist that offer!”

Joker: “That sounds awfully self-indulgent.”

Monokuma: “What, a bear can’t have a nice cold one with the boys every now and again?”

Charlotte: “So did we all collectively forget about the unrecognizable body in the kitchen? ”

Emma tenses up at Charlotte’s words, still in the corner of the room.

Monokuma: “Alright, alright! I’ll stop pestering ya. Get on with the investigation already.”

Do we… really have to do this? 

We still don’t know so much! Who is this Realtor guy!? Who is this Doppio guy!? Where’s Norman!? Who even died in the first place!?

Emma is noticeably panic-stricken. The resolve that allowed her to hope for a better future, the resolve that allowed her to believe in not just the other people in the hotel, but to believe in herself…

Was shattered.

She continues to cry in that same corner of the kitchen, her strength mercilessly compromised.

She lets her arms flop to her sides after holding onto her knees for so long, like a puppet whose strings had just been cut.

Until...

???: “Emma, why are you giving up now?”

Suddenly, she notices Mcfry behind her, offering words of encouragement.

Potato: “Even if someone died now, who’s to say it wasn’t an accident? Or a fake corpse?”

Potato: “Giving up will let our captors get away with so much more. So don’t give up.”

Emma is taken aback by Potato’s words, but begins to stand up, wiping tears off her face.

Emma: “T-thank you. I didn’t think you’d be so kind.”

Potato: “We’re in a death game. It’s the least I can do.”

Potato: “Well then, I’ll see ya around. Don’t forget about me… Please…”

Emma: “I definitely won’t. That’s a promise.”

Mcfry walks off right as Emma gets out of the corner she was sitting in.

I can’t believe I forgot my true goal so easily…

But it doesn’t matter. Like I said before, I won’t surrender!

I’ll fight back against this tragedy, and I’ll save everyone I can!

We will escape! I’m sure of it!

- INVESTIGATION -

Parappa: “W-when did this person even die?”

Realtor: “Wow, you guys really are hopeless if you don’t even know that. ”

Bacon: “Why are you acting like we should know already?”

Realtor continues speaking, ignoring Bacon’s inquiry.

Realtor: “Fine, fine. I’ll give ya a freebie. Here’s the first Monokuma File! I sent the program data to your E-Handbooks at no extra charge~”

Emma’s handbook lit up with the phrase “Monokuma File Downloaded” clearly displayed on it.

Monokuma: “Oh, the wonders of technology. I don’t even need to make separate tablets for the Files anymore!”

Charlotte: “That’s certainly a change. Not that I’m complaining, of course.”

MONOKUMA FILE 1

“The victim is currently unknown. Their body was discovered within the first floor kitchen. The murder weapon is currently unknown. The estimated time of death is around 10:30 PM. The cause of death is unknown, but the person’s body was completely destroyed upon their demise. Additional external injuries and traces of chemicals could not be searched for due to the body’s condition.”

So, even Monokuma doesn’t know who died? Ugh, this just keeps getting harder and harder to understand.

I guess I should keep it in mind, though. It’s at least a little bit of a hint, after all!

“Monokuma File 1” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Alrighty, then… I guess the next logical thing to do is…

Oh, this is gonna be disgusting.

Emma approaches the body, getting as close as she can to it without throwing up.

Emma: “Let’s… take a look…”

Emma begins her investigation into the body, taking note of some things right off the bat.

It’s strange how the body was almost completely charred. It’s like the culprit was trying to dispose of it without just throwing it in a trash bag.

Although I guess rational thought really isn’t involved when you kill someone.

Well, in any case, this is most likely important. I’ll make sure to keep note of it.

“Condition of Body” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

One other thing strikes me as odd, though. Why are there still stray bits of the body left over, like the eyes and the blood?

Surely if the body was completely destroyed, none of this stuff would be left over.

That’s definitely an important clue. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.

“Stray Body Parts” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Welp, I assume that’s everything. I’ll go over to the other side of the kitchen n--

Before she can begin her investigation on the other side of the kitchen, another person’s words stop her.

Bacon: “Yo, I think I mighta figured something out.”

Emma: “What did you find, exactly, Bacon?”

Bacon: “Look at the top of the ash pile. Notice anything?”

Emma: “Wait. Is that a… shadow?”

Bacon: “Whatever killed this person musta been strong enough to leave a perfect outline of their head on the countertop, but that isn’t even the most alarming part.”

Bacon: “For some reason, there’s a giant hole in the outline’s head.”

Emma: “Yeah, that definitely is out of the ordinary.”

Emma: “I don’t know what exactly that could prove, but I’ll make sure to remember it. Thanks for the input, Bacon!”

Bacon: “No problem, I guess…”

“Strange Outline” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

???: “Ah! What are you doing?”

Emma turns around to the voice, realizing that it came from across the kitchen. 

She walks over to Jay and Nebula, both staring at the Joker (baby), who is calmly examining the eyeball in his hand. 

Jay: “How the hell are you holding it like it’s nothing!?”

Joker: “Hold on. I think there’s something wrapped around this.”

Nebula: “Like what?”

Emma walks closer to the three, slightly disturbed. 

Joker: “Hm, how generic…”

Emma: “What do you mean?”

Joker: “There’s a strand of hair wrapped around the eye.”

Jay: “Excuse you!?”

Joker: “Yeah, but I can’t really determine the color, as it seems to change whenever I turn it.”

Nebula: “May I see?”

Joker: “Sure.”

Joker hands Nebula the loose body part and she takes a closer look at it.

Nebula: “Yeah, I can’t tell what the color is either.”

She gives the eye back to the male, the whole situation portrayed so nonchalantly.

Emma: “Well, do you think the hair has anything to do with the culprit?”

Joker: “Likely, but what bothers me is why it’s tied in a knot.”

Emma: “That’s also really weird… maybe it’s a red herring?”

Jay: “So I watched these fuckers pitch tents over an eye for nothing?”

Nebula: “Knowing you, I thought you would be the one enjoying that.”

Jay: “That’s taking fetishes too far!”

Nebula: “You can never go too far. Only not too far.”

Joker: “Don’t act like you weren't at least a bit intrigued.”

...I think it’s best that I go.

“Hair Tied Around Eyeball” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Emma takes a look at the counter where the body resides again, and notices something that nobody seems to have picked up on before.

A loose piece of orange… something or other?

Emma calls everyone over to take a look at what she found, rationalizing that this might be essential to solving the mystery.

Emma: “I think I found something really important, guys!”

Bacon: “A piece of orange? Are you kidding me?”

Joker: “No, this is probably important.”

Joker: “The only people here with a connection to the color orange are Emma, Wander, and Kenny, correct?”

Joker: “And since Emma’s standing right there, wouldn’t it be safe to say one of those other two died?”

Nugget: “Hey! Nugget sort of wears orange too!”

Joker: “Then I guess we’ll scratch you off the list of potential dead people.”

Bacon: “Okay, at least that makes a marginal amount of sense.”

I’m glad I was able to sorta get through to them. If anything, I’ll definitely keep this in mind.

“Loose Piece of Orange Something or Other” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

There’s one miscellaneous thing I wanted to know, still. It probably doesn’t pertain to the case, but…

Emma walks over to the other people in the kitchen, and asks her question, expecting nothing to happen.

Emma: “So, why was the body not reported instantly after it emerged? Surely the instant someone kills someone or shortly after the body discovery announcement would go off, right?”

Monokuma: “And that’s where you’re wrong!”

In a flash, Monokuma emerges in the kitchen. Somehow.

Emma: “Wha… wha… wha… wha…”

Bacon: “Honestly, that isn’t the weirdest thing I’ve seen all day.”

Monokuma: “Allow me to explain how the body discovery announcements work, since you kids clearly don’t get it!”

Monokuma: “The body discovery announcement only goes off when three people find the body! Got it?”

Emma: “Yes…”

Monokuma: “Good. Now let me finish my morning coffee. It’s gonna get cold soon.”

Monokuma: “You know, like your blood when you saw the body!”

Bacon: “Can you leave already?”

By the time Bacon says this, Monokuma is already gone.

That probably isn’t critical to the investigation, but I’ll remember it for now.

“Monokuma’s Account” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

I think it’s about time I check out the other areas of the kitchen. I’ve spent all this time looking at the one thing I didn’t even wanna look at in the first place, after all.

Emma walks over to the far left wall of the room, only to discover something quite strange.

Emma: “The vent cover… it’s not here!”

Charlotte: “What the hell are you talking about? I’ve got it right here.”

Charlotte shows Emma a metal vent cover that she’d been holding, for some reason.

Emma: “Why did you grab the vent cover?”

Charlotte: “I always like to keep murder case souvenirs. You know, just so I never forget about the good times!”

Emma: “That’s, uh…”

Charlotte: “Cool, right?”

Emma: “Sure…”

“Missing Vent Cover” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

But wait, where was that vent cover in the first place? I should ask her.

Emma: “So, uh, Charlotte…”

Charlotte: “I’m listening, Lavaburst.”

Emma: “Where’d you find that vent cover in the first place?”

Charlotte: “It was by the vent. What? Did ya think I found it in the oven?”

Emma: “No, I was just curious because it’s probably valuable info. That’s all!”

Charlotte: “You definitely thought I found it in the oven.”

Oh my God.

“Charlotte’s Account” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Knock, knock.

Bacon: “The door’s unlocked, dumbass.”

Suddenly, the door to the kitchen jolts open, revealing…

Emma: “Norman! Where were you!?”

Norman: “I went to my room to go get something to help with the investigation.”

Norman: “I’d never abandon you guys on a whim.”

Wait. How did he know…

No, it can’t be. He would never…

Yeah… He would never.

“Norman’s Strange Behavior” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook?

Charlotte: “Hey, I might have found something.”

Emma: “What is it?”

Please don’t take whatever you found as a souvenir this time…

Charlotte: “It’s in the trash can. Some kind of red thing.”

Charlotte lifts up the thing she found, showing a red piece of plastic with strange wires protruding from the top.

Emma: “That definitely looks way more impactful than that chunk of orange material, at least…”

Charlotte: “Yeah. I’ll keep it in my pocket just in case I need to show it during the trial.”

Norman: “That might not be the best idea… But please, do what you must.”

“Strange Red Plastic” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

I’ve been in the kitchen this entire time. There’s probably more evidence outside of the kitchen, so I’ll look there.

Emma walks out the door of the kitchen to look around the surrounding dining room.

Hmm… doesn’t look like mu—

Jay: “Hey! I think I mighta found something!”

That’s alarming.

Emma approaches Jay, fearful of what he could possibly have in store for her.

Jay: “Yo, check out the cameras on the wall.”

Emma: “What about them?”

Jay: “You see the position of the cameras? They’re pointed down like they were turned off.”

Jay: “But they aren’t. If you look, the switch on the back is set to ON, meaning they were most likely short-circuited.”

To her surprise, Jay’s information was useful.

Emma: “Wow. Thanks, Jay! This is definitely important!”

Jay: “I’m glad I could be of some use. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go use my pillow real quick.”

I knew he would say that…

In any case, his information did seem helpful. I’ll remember it.

“Broken Surveillance Cameras” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Potato: “Finally… I made it back…”

Emma: “Oh, Potato! Whaddya find?”

Bacon: “Hopefully some life insurance…”

Potato: “Oh jeez. Well, I at least found one thing, but I kept bumping into walls when I was getting back here.”

His talent seems less and less like a joke the more time goes by…

Potato: “In any case, I’m pretty sure this is important.”

Bacon: “Spill the beans, man.”

Potato: “Well, it might not be that critical, but Monokuma showed up in the hallway to make fun of me.”

Emma: “Wow, he really likes to hammer in our talents, huh?”

Potato: “Anyways, while he was doing that, he mentioned something about the lights in the building turning off automatically a short time after the nighttime announcement?”

Potato: “It probably doesn’t matter in the first place, but I thought it could be of some help.”

Emma: “No, I’m sure it’ll be useful! Thanks for your info!”

Bacon: “It doesn’t seem like much, but I’ll take anything I can get at this point. Feels like we’re trying to solve a murder case in the fucking dark…”

“Potato’s Account” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.

Bing, bong, bing, bong.

Monokuma: “Alright, everyone! It’s trial time, go along and head to the elevator that will bring you to the trial room.”

Well, that was certainly quick.

Emma leaves the kitchen along with everyone else to meet up at the elevator.

Shaggy: “Elevator? Like, when was that here?”

Charlotte: “It’s just by the dining room, moron.”

Cam: “We’re already starting the trial? Shit, I’ve hardly found anything yet.”

Emma: “You still found some things though, right?”

Cam: “Yeah?”

Emma: “Then that’s good. This is an odd case, so we need all the information we can get!”

Elmo: “Let's just get this over with…”

Emma: “Huh?”

Shaggy: "Like why are you so unfazed by what happened?"

Elmo: "Well someone just died, I think we should find the culprit first at least.”

Wallace: “Gee, I woulda never remembered someone died if you hadn’t reminded me…”

Nugget: “Nugget wouldn’t have remembered to exist if you hadn’t reminded me.”

Jotaro: “I’m glad we can at least agree on one thing, child.”

Emma manages to ignore their comments and walks into the elevator, the others following behind. 

A loud rumbling drowns the ears of everyone aboard as the elevator makes its way deeper into the heart of the hotel.

As they descend, an unearthly feeling of collective dread silently fills the air.

Finally, the elevator reaches a halt, revealing the room that would decide the fates of everyone present.

Hater: “Great, I have to be shoved in a tiny space with you peasants.”

Joker: “Well, here goes nothing.”

Parappa: “We’re gonna solve this, right?”

Emma: “Of course! We have plenty of evidence, we can figure this out, I’m sure of it.”

Jotaro: “Don’t get your hopes up, kid. It could be any of us.”

Bacon: “Remember, one wrong call and we all fuckin’ fall.”

Emma: “Yeah…”

Any of us.

Any of us could have killed.

One slip-up, and we’re dead.

We can’t die. I won’t let us all die.

We’ll find the killer, and we’ll escape for sure!

Chapter Text

The elevator stops at the trial room with all of the guests reluctantly stepping off. The room is dim with blacked-out windows and velvet, yellow curtains. The walls are deep purple, flower designs scattered among them. 

In the middle of the room, there are 20 golden podiums placed in a circle.

Charlotte: “Hm, the floors are still checkered.”

Emma: “This is…”

Monokuma: “Exciting, right?”

Emma lets out a small gasp, not seeing Monokuma sitting across them on a throne before.

Monokuma: “Well, what are you waiting for? Claim a podium so we can start the trial! I need to make my goddamn seating chart!”

The participants obliged, all choosing a podium one by one.

Elmo: “Oh great, I get a stepping stool. That's real funny..."

Bacon: “Speak for yourself, dick. I got two.”

Emma: “Uh… if you don’t mind me asking, Monokuma, what’s the purpose of those signposts?”

Emma points to two of the podiums, both showing a signpost instead of a human where assumedly Kenny and Wander would be. Both are marked with each person’s respective face and with a question mark written in blood.

Monokuma: “Well, since we really don’t know who died just by the body, I figured we’d have a little fun with this case!”

Monokuma: “After all, saving something like this until the very end of a killing game would be just horrible , right?”

Bacon: “Just great. Solving a murder without knowing who was even iced.”

Monokuma: “I know, right? Upupupu, ahahahaha!”

Bacon: “Sarcasm is apparently lost on ol’ Yo Yogi here.”

Monokuma: “Can you just sit down already?”

Emma: “Alright…”

Norman: “Don’t worry, Emma. I’m sure we’ll get through this.”

Norman’s sudden appearance startles Emma for a bit, but she quickly becomes less worried.

Emma: “Thank you, Norman. Just, don’t scare me like that next time…”

Norman: “Got it. Heh heh.”

After Norman’s words of encouragement, Emma approaches her podium, awaiting the start of the trial.

Well, since I have time, I might as well go over all the evidence in my head…

- Monokuma File 1

“The victim is currently unknown. Their body was discovered within the first floor kitchen. The murder weapon is currently unknown. The estimated time of death is around 10:30 PM. The cause of death is unknown, but the person’s body was completely destroyed upon their demise. Additional external injuries and traces of chemicals could not be searched for due to the body’s condition.”

- Condition of the Body

When the body was found, it was burned into an unrecognizable mess, almost like it was meant to be disposed of.

- Stray Body Parts

Splashes of blood and an eye are the only things that survived the body’s charring.

- Strange Outline

There was an outline of the victim’s head in the pile of ash, but it was unrecognizable. It also had a strange hole in the forehead region.

- Hair Tied Around Eyeball

Someone’s hair was tied around the eye that survived the charring, but the person it belongs to is currently unknown.

- Monokuma’s Account

Monokuma states that three people need to find a body for the discovery announcement to be played. 

-Missing Vent Cover

The cover on the air vent in the kitchen was removed. Charlotte states it had been on the floor when she found it, but was later picked up by her so she could have “something to remember the investigation by”.

-Charlotte’s Account

Charlotte mentioned that the vent cover had resided relatively close to the original vent. (I mean, I could have assumed that from the start, but hey. Any info helps.)

-Norman’s Strange Behavior?

Norman was absent through most of the investigation, and only emerged partway through. Despite this, he knew about the murder and the fact that the investigation into it had already begun.

 But it’s nothing, right?

-Strange Red Plastic  

There was some red plastic found in the garbage can, with wires protruding from the top.

-Broken Surveillance Cameras

An unknown person somehow was able to short-circuit the surveillance cameras in the dining room, possibly to avoid detection.

-Potato’s Account

Potato claims he saw Monokuma in the hallway when looking for evidence. As Monokuma was berating him because of his talent, he mentioned “something about the lights in the building turning off automatically a short time after the nighttime announcement”.

CLASS TRIAL: IN SESSION

Monokuma: “Are you guys ready yet? I’ve got things to be and people to do here!”

Emma, who was completely zoned out, regains her composure and responds.

Emma: “I guess.”

Monokuma: “Finally…”

Monokuma: “Anyways, welcome to the super heart-pounding, extremely-gratifying, totally-awesomeifying class trial!”

Realtor: “Make grammatical sense next time you do an introduction.”

Monokuma: “Ugh…”

Monokuma: “Now then, let’s begin with a basic explanation of the class trial.”

Monokuma: “During the trial, you’ll present your arguments for who the culprit is, and vote for ‘whodunnit’.”

Monokuma: “Vote correctly, and only the blackened will be punished. But if you pick the wrong pers--“

Realtor: “Boo! Start the damn show!”

Monokuma: “Alright, fine then! Good lord, what’s up his ass today?”

Joker: "Alright, I say we should start by going over the evidence at hand. We’ll need a solid foundation before we can make any real calls."

Nebula: “What should we discuss first?”

Emma: “Um, I guess the information on the Monokuma File.”

Cam: “Well, apparently the murder occured at 10:30 PM, so the killer must’ve been awake around that time.”

Wallace: “No shit, Sherlock.”

Emma: “C’mon, this could actually be important.”

Shaggy: “Yeah. Like, why was the culprit up so late?”

Realtor: “Oh, come on. It only happened thirty minutes after the announcement.”

Bacon: “Would you shut up and give us a hint?”

Realtor: “I think we both know it’s too early for that. But I can have Doppio give you a hint of soda.”

Bacon: “Shut the hell up.”

Joker: “Still, why was it exactly thirty minutes after we had to go to bed?”

Nugget: “Maybe the killer was plotting their murder at a certain time?”

I think there might be a more complex reason as to why the murder happened at that time… 

 - NONSTOP DEBATE -

Joker: “So, the murder happened…”

Joker: “At exactly 10:30 , correct?”

Bacon: “That at least sounds somewhat correct.”

Norman: “Even still, the murder time still doesn’t make sense.”

Jay: “Yeah, yeah!”

Jay: “I mean, there’s not even any semblance of a reason for the culprit to even plan it to happen at that exact time!”

Jotaro: “Yare yare, this is gonna be harder than I thought.”

Summer: “And I’ll help you every step of the way! Let’s solve this together!”

Jotaro: “....”

No, I’m pretty sure there could be a fair reason for the culprit to plan it at that exact time. But what would it be…?

Jay: “I mean, there’s not even any semblance of a reason for the culprit to even plan it to happen at that exact time!”

- Potato’s Account

Emma: “I don’t think that’s right!”

BREAK !!!

Emma: “Jay, there’s definitely a logical explanation for why the murder happened at that time.”

Jay: “Aww, I thought I looked cool.”

Emma: “Potato said he met up with Monokuma during the investigation, and heard that all the lights in the building turn off a short time after the nighttime announcement.”

Monokuma: “That’s correct! I wouldn’t want you guys getting killed in the middle of the night. It’s too predictable!”

Emma: “If the culprit wanted to hide their murder, they would have wanted to wait for when all the lights in the building shut off, hence the strange time.”

Potato: “Huh, didn’t think my evidence would be used this early…”

Realtor: “Don’t get your hopes up, kid. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”

Potato: “Gee, thanks.”

Norman: “Alright, now what should we go over?”

Charlotte: “The murder weapon.”

Emma: “Right, that… honestly, I have no idea what that could be.”

Charlotte: “It’s not that hard to figure out what killed someone with only a corpse, ya know.”

Wallace: “You’re right, it’d be easy! If we even had a damn corpse, or even the identity of the corpse for that matter.”

We can’t verify the identity of the corpse for sure, but there’s one piece that might at least nudge us a little closer to the truth. What was it again?

- Stray Body Parts

Emma: “I think I’m onto something!”

Emma: “I don’t think we can truly identify the person yet, but we did manage to find blood and an eyeball at the scene.”

Jay: “Alright, so the person who died definitely had blood and eyeballs!”

Emma: “....”

Hater: “In any case, how’s that supposed to help? The two missing people both have the same eye color!”

Okay, maybe that wasn’t the most substantial thing in the world, but I know I can solve this mystery. All I have to do is just get through to everyone correctly…

- NONSTOP DEBATE - 

Jay: “This case is making my head hurt like hell!”

Charlotte: “I know, right? We’re getting nowhere.”

Joker: “Why does the bear even care, anyway? It’s not like we’ll kill again. ”

Norman: “Honestly, I’m starting to believe he really doesn’t know who died. ”

Monokuma: “Ha, no!”

Monokuma: “I always know who dies , and my cameras make sure of that!”

Hater: “Can we get back on topic now?”

Bacon: “Ugh, this is a mess. Where’s the hint guy when ya need ‘em? Because there’s no way to figure out who died. ”

Realtor: “Again, we both know I don’t give you idiots my blessing that easy.”

I have something up my sleeve that can change the course of this whole discussion. I just need to show it to everyone…

Bacon: “Ugh, this is a mess. Where’s the hint guy when ya need ‘em? Because there’s no way to figure out who died. ”

- Strange Outline

Emma: “I don’t think that’s right!”

BREAK !!!

Emma: “Actually, Bacon, remember the outline you found in that pile of ash?”

Bacon: “Yeah- oh.”

Emma: “That’s our biggest clue to who was killed!”

Jotaro: “What outline?”

Emma: “There was an outline of what seemed to be the victim’s head in the pile of ash, but I’m not sure whose head it is.”

Emma: “Because the victim was presumably not wearing anything on their head, the imprint is all we have to go off of.”

Norman: “Then perhaps we should approach this case differently.”

Emma: “What do you mean, Norman?”

Norman: “I think if we attempt to find the culprit, finding the victim might be easier to do.”

Emma: “Then let’s try that approach!”

Monokuma: “And just to be clear, you gotta find ‘em both! I’ll punish you if you don’t!”

Just great…

- NONSTOP DEBATE -

Charlotte: “Finding the culprit before the victim , huh? This is certainly a nice change of pace.”

Nebula: “At this point, we’re just subverting any mystery novel tropes we can.”

Realtor: “That’s my motto right there, miss.”

Shaggy: “Like, man! We’re never gonna figure out anything about this case at this rate!”

Bacon: “I know, right? I’m half-expecting these people to literally put their heads together to try and solve things.”

Potato: “Hey! We’re not that stupid! I think…”

Wallace: “We should probably give this whole thing up, anyway.”

Wallace: “After all, we don’t even know anything about the murder weapon, let alone the culprit or victim.”

Bacon: “I hate to agree with you, but then again, Yo Yogi over there is probably lying about killing us all if we get the answer wrong. ”

Monokuma: “Hey, rude!”

No… I definitely know one of those statements was wrong. Let me go back and think about it again.

Wallace: “After all, we don’t even know anything about the murder weapon, let alone the culprit or victim.”

-Strange Red Plastic

Emma: “I don’t think that’s right!”

BREAK !!!

Wallace: “Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not into chicks.”

Emma: “No, you were wrong about something.”

Emma: “Me and Charlotte had found strange red plastic in the trash can that had likely been broken off of some strange device.”

Charlotte: “I kept it as a souvenir! Isn’t it just beautiful!?”

There she goes again…

Wallace: “Alright, great, but what does that have to do with the murder weapon?”

I know there’s definitely a connection, but what could it be?

A. The device was used in place of the broken cameras

B. The device was used to block entry into the kitchen

C. The device was used as the murder weapon

THE DEVICE WAS USED AS THE MURDER WEAPON

Emma: “I think I get it now!”

Emma: “The rest of that device…”

Emma: “Was probably used as the murder weapo—“

Jay: “What in the hell are you talking about!?”

Emma: “Jay? Is everything alright?”

Jay: “Yeah, I’m good.”

Jay: “I just wanna know how the fuck you think I’m gonna believe that broken piece of a toy killed someone!”

He’s… not convinced?

Eh, I sorta knew this would happen. Guess I gotta try and understand his argument somehow.

- REBUTTAL SHOWDOWN -

Jay: “So you’re just gonna tell me…”

Jay: “That some random plastic killed someone!?”

Jay: “You look less dumb than you actually are, I guess.”

Jay: “Well, in any case, lemme spell it out for ya!”

Jay: “That isn’t the fuckin’ murder weapon!!”

ADVANCE

Emma: “How can you say that for sure, though?”

Emma: “It might have been used in a different way then you’re thinking, or it might’ve been part of a larger whole.”

Emma: “You can’t make an assumption like that so quickly.”

Jay: “But it just looks like you’re pulling this outta your ass!”

Jay: “Most of the people here are kids. If anything, it’s probably just a fuckin’ toy!”

Jay: “Besides, that thing couldn’t burn a body to a crisp. It’s too goddamn small!”

Jay: “So stop talking for one damn second before you get us all killed!!!”

Jay makes a… somewhat… compelling argument, but I know I can probably get through to him somehow.

Jay: “Besides, that thing couldn’t burn a body to a crisp. It’s too Goddamn small!”

-Strange Outline

Emma: “I don’t think your argument makes much sense!”

BREAK !!!

Emma: “What about the outline, Jay?”

Jay: “Huh?”

Emma: “The outline had the victim’s head in it, but there was presumably a hole in the forehead.”

Jay: “What are you on about?”

Emma: “Maybe, the victim was shot then burned?”

Jay: “There, that makes way more sense!”

Emma: “Still, the device was likely used during the scene.”

Nebula: “Y’know, Jay, you seemed oddly confident in the fact that device wasn’t the murder weapon…”

Jay: “Yeah, because there’s just no way! I don’t want us to get make a false guess on the weapon, which could be a huge factor in this case, but we get our asses killed just because some dumb eleven-year-old fucked up.”

Emma: “H-hey! I’m not dumb.”

Nebula: “Well, try not painting yourself so suspicious next time, unless you want us to accuse you as the killer.”

Norman: “Well, now that we know what killed the victim, now we must figure who did so.”

Emma: “I did find quite a few things during the investigation that could possibly hint to that..”

Norman: “Like what?”

- Hair Tied Around Eyeball

Emma: “There was some hair tied around the eyeball, and I’m pretty sure it belonged to the killer.”

Realtor: “Wow, the horn-dog was right, you really are stupid.”

Emma: “Huh?”

Realtor: “Hm, guess it’s time I drop your first clue.”

Emma: “Yes, please!”

Realtor: “Alright, alright. Here it is- the strand of hair does not belong to the killer.”

Emma: “...oh.”

Emma: “Oh! This makes so much sense now.”

Hater: “The small fool is actually figuring something out?”

The piece of orange… and the hair… it could only be one person. 

And with Realtor’s comments, that theory makes even more sense.

- SELECT SOMEONE -

>KENNY<

Emma: “The victim…”

Emma: “Was Kenny.”

CLASS TRIAL: SUSPEND

MONOKUMA THEATER

 Monokuma: “Another damn killing game, huh?”

Monokuma: “And these pesky trials just keep getting longer and longer.”

Monokuma: “Why do I always gotta do this?”

Monokuma: “WHY!? WHY THE HELL AM I ALWAYS FORCED BACK INTO THESE STUPID--“

???: “Can you shut up?”

Monokuma: “What? Who the hell are you?”

???: “Name’s Bonkus.”

Monokuma: “Oh, God dammit, another OC.”

Monokuma: “At least that other one with the robot ladies and the British dude didn’t stoop to that level, but lo and behold now I gotta deal with five of these dumbasses!”

Monokuma: “Even when they replaced me with a goddamn children’s entertainer at a pizza restaurant, at least they didn’t do what you idiots are doing!”

Monokuma: “But hey, at the very least, this one’s actually coming out. Can’t say the same about that one with the giant moth. Whatever happened to that guy anyways?”

Bonkus: “Heard he died a long time ago in the unforgiving cold. ”

Monokuma: “I swear to God if you…”

Bonkus: “Guess that’s just the luck of the draw , y’know.”

Monokuma: “Get out.”

Bonkus: “Just one last thing.”

Monokuma: “What?”

Bonkus: “Can we write some Jensta—“

Monokuma: “ GET OUT. ”

. . .

Potato: “Well, if the victim is Kenny...”

Potato: “Where’s Wander?”

Charlotte: “Clearly in the hands of Monokuma.”

Monokuma: “Oh, right! Since you guys have chosen the correct victim, I think it’s time I bring the furball out.”

Nugget: “Yay! Nugget knew it from the start!”

Joker: “Wait, how did you… Eh, I won’t question it.”

Monokuma then pulls a string out of thin air and tugs it down, allowing the orange furball to come falling from the ceiling where he was once hung.

Wander: “Wooooah!”

Emma: “What the!?”

Despite Wander’s elaborate entrance into the trial room, it is clear he is okay once he lands.

Wander: “Wow, that made me dizzy…”

Hater: “Why couldn’t that infernal creature be laid to rest!?”

Wander: “Oh, come on, Hater. Don’t be like that!”

Monokuma: “Well then, now that the cat’s finally out of the bag, can you guys finish the trial already? It ends whenever I get bored, so you better hurry up!”

Emma: “I-I guess so.”

Norman: “Let’s get back on topic here, who could be the killer?”

Jotaro: “We don’t have much evidence towards that, unless everyone is willing to share, in that matter.” 

Emma: “All we have is a small piece of the murder weapon…”

Unless…

-Broken Surveillance Cameras

Emma: “Actually, Jay found broken surveillance cameras in the kitchen during the investigation. That must mean something, right?”

Jay: “Oh, right! But what?”

Wallace: “Gee, I don’t know, maybe the damn killer broke ‘em ?”

Emma: “Yeah, I know that, but what evidence do we have for who?”

Joker: “...I have a presumption.” 

Emma: “What?”

Joker: “What if Wander is the killer?”

- NONSTOP DEBATE -

Wander: “What? Me!?”

Joker: “Think about it, Monokuma could have hidden Wander after the murder just to make it seem like he’s messing with us, but really he’s just covering up another trick.”

Potato: “That’s ridiculous. Wander would never !”

Joker: “You barely know him. As much as I hate to admit, his whole cheerfulness could just be a persona he’s been able to put on.”

Hater: “Trust me, his horrendous behavior is more than real.”

Joker: “Still, him being hidden for no apparent reason is rather suspicious.” 

Charlotte: “He’s doing it to fuck with us . Believe me when I say that this is normal.”

Elmo: “But how could Wander break the cameras? He’s clearly too short to reach…”

Wander can’t be the killer, one of these arguments has to prove that point.

Elmo: “But how could Wander break the cameras? He’s clearly too short to reach…”

-Broken Surveillance Cameras

Emma: “Your statement probably makes sense!”

CONSENT 

Emma: “You’re right, Elmo. Wander would’ve been too short to break the cameras.”

Summer: “But what if there was a gun involved? What if Wander just used that to shoot the camera?”

Emma: “Well, I don’t recall there being a hole anywhere, so likely not.”

Joker: “You… actually make a valid point. I apologize, Wander.”

Wander: “It’s alright. Looking over every possibility is pretty fun!”

Jotaro: “Okay, now that Wander’s innocence is proven, who do we suspect now?”

Cam: “We’re not here just to point fingers, y’know.”

Cam: “We’re here to use ‘em to fondle b-”

Realtor then jumps over to Cam’s podium and bonks him in the head with his cane.

Emma: “Well, we know that the culprit is tall enough to reach the cameras, so…” 

A sudden aching feeling clings onto Emma’s stomach, her eyes growing wide.

Are we getting close? Are we finding out who the killer is? 

I should be happy, right? Why am I scared? Do I not want to figure this out? 

Norman: “Emma? Are you okay?”

Emma looks up, her thoughts abruptly halting.

Emma: “Y-yeah, I’m okay.”

Emma: “As I was saying, the culprit has to be someone tall, so who here is above the average height?”

Bacon: “That would be Lammy, Hater, Summer, Cam, and Shaggy.”

Shaggy: “Zoinks! Me!?”

Bacon: “I ain’t accusing you… yet.”

Lammy: “Wait, m-m-me? I- I’m not that t-tall..!”

Emma: “Guys, we’re not suspecting any of you.”

Charlotte: “Yeah, we are.”

Emma: “I mean, we don’t think you all are the culprit, we’re just narrowing it down.”

Hater: “You all must be idiots if you think I’m the killer!”

Norman: “Did you not listen to a word she said?”

Nebula: “Hang on, there appears to be something we’re glossing over.”

Emma: “What?”

Nebula: “What about the fact that Norman was missing throughout most of the investigation? He needs to at least state a reason for his absence.”

Norman: “Ah, didn’t I already tell you? I was looking for things to help your investigation.”

Emma: “But, weren’t you gone… before the investigation started?”

Norman: “Emma, why do you look so strange? I’ve given you your answer.”

There’s… something wrong with Norman.

His face… his mannerisms… there’s something he’s not telling us.

What… happened before the investigation? Why did he know?

I…

INSERT CG

- PANIC TALK ACTION -

Norman: 

“Do you not believe me, Emma?”

“That’s strange, especially from you.”

“We’ve lived together for so long. Your mistrust makes no sense.”

“Heh heh, we are in a killing game, though. I’m sorry if I’m being insensitive.”

ADVANCE

“Why are you still…!?”

“Why would I hide anything from you?”

“You’re the only one I can trust, Emma…”

“So why don’t you trust me!?”

“Don’t you want to trust me!?”

FIRE THE KILLSHOT

“If you really think I’m hiding something, then what am I hiding!? You don’t have an answer, right? RIGHT!?”

FOUND

THE

BODY

FIRST

INSERT CG

BREAK!!!

Emma: “According to Monokuma, the minimum requirement for the body discovery announcement to play is three people.”

Monokuma: “She’s right!”

Emma: “Judging by that logic, then, why did the announcement go off right as I entered the kitchen if I was the first person to find it?”

Norman: “You… I… n…”

Emma: “Norman… why? Why didn’t you just tell us?”

Norman: “…”

Norman: “If I informed you about the body, then you would’ve found it and attracted the others, which would trigger the announcement.” 

Norman: “I didn’t want everyone… to have to suffer…”

Emma: “I…”

Realtor: “Welp, now that we’ve gone over that, can you idiots finally wrap this up? My food’s gonna be here in like half an hour.”

Wallace: “Not until you give us another hint.”

Realtor: “You guys are so close, dammit. Do I really need to feed everything to you?”

Charlotte: “Just get on with it.”

Realtor: “Fine, Jesus. The culprit wears red, are you happy?”

Bacon: “Now there’s a copout if I’ve ever seen one.”

Emma: “In that case, it could either be Shaggy, Hater, or Lammy.” 

Cam: “Lammy wears a bunch of red, so I don’t think Realtor would give it away that easily.”

Lammy: “S-so, am I off the hook?”

Norman: “Depends on how much our evidence lines up.”

Emma: “Actually, what did everyone else find? I wasn’t able to meet with everyone, after all.”

Summer: “I didn’t feel like searching.”

Parappa: “I found some brown fuzz, but that was likely from Kenny’s parka.”

Emma turns to Wander, who seems unnaturally nervous about something.

Emma: “Are you okay, Wander?”

Wander: “...I have something.”

Shaggy: “What?”

Emma: “How? You weren’t there for the investigation.”

Wander: “I didn’t find it during that time…”

Emma: “Oh, then, what is it?”

Wander pulls out a note and holds it up shakily, the note reads-

“Wander, meet me in the kitchen at 10:30 tonight, there’s something I want to discuss with you.

-Lord Hater”

Emma: “Oh… oh my God.”

Wander: “I didn’t think much of it, even when the trial started. But the height of the killer, the color they wear…”

Hater: “Wander, what on Earth are you doing!?”

Wander: “I-I don’t know..! But I feel like--”

The skeleton stomps over to Wander’s podium and picks him up by his fur, growling at the reveal. 

Hater: “YOU FILTHY PIECE OF SCUM! FIRST I FAIL TO KILL YOU, THEN YOU SHOW THEM THE NOTE?”

Emma: “Hater, are you--?”

Hater: “THAT IS IT. I don’t care if I get executed! If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me. ”

Hater then removes a red blaster from his coat, and aims it straight at Wander.

Hater: “I will not die, UNTIL THIS VERMIN IS NOTHING BUT ORANGE PASTE!”

Wallace: “What the hell is going on!?”

Realtor: “Didn’t think ol’ Skeletor would give it away so soon. Really makes ya think.”

Realtor: “Hey, Doppio! Could you hook me up with another soda?”

Doppio: “Sure thing…”

In-between sips, The Realtor keeps talking.

Realtor: “In any case, can someone smack the damn gun out of his hands? Three deaths this early on would fuckin’ demolish the ratings.”

Mono: “On it.”

Mono jumps off of Realtor’s shoulder, grabs the gun, flicks a switch, and makes it explode in front of everyone in the trial room.

Wait…

The red gun…

The broken cameras…

The charred body…

The broken plastic…

Hater’s words…

Emma: “I think I finally understand this case!”

Cam: “Cool. What’re ya gonna do now though, go over the entire thing in detail using all of the evidence that’s been collected in a manga-style format?”

Monokuma: “Oh, God dammit! That’s exactly what I was gonna make her do!”

Emma: “Well, I don’t know about the manga format… but I’ll definitely review the entire case!”

- CLOSING ARGUMENT -

Emma: “Last night, the culprit sent Wander a note and was directed to meet in the kitchen at 10:30; but Kenny must’ve seen the note or was around the two at the time and went instead.”

Emma: “When the time came, the culprit broke a surveillance camera in the dining room. With the vent cover missing, Kenny likely crawled through there, and once he arrived at the kitchen, the culprit shot him in the head (thinking he was Wander) and blew up the gun.”

Emma: “Immediately, the culprit fled through the vents, with Norman finding the corpse the next morning. He attempted to stop me from entering the kitchen in case I found the body, and Norman walked inside himself to lock the door then escaped through the vent, but apparently, he failed to lock the door.”

Emma: “With this evidence and context, the killer can only be… Lord Hater, the Ultimate Villain.”

BREAK!!!

Hater: “....”

Monokuma “WELP! IT'S VOTING TIME! Cast your votes, folks! Oh, and if you don’t vote for someone, you also die. Y’know, just as a heads up.”

Realtor: “Well, you heard the bear. Make like an apocalyptic slab of jello and vote.”

. . .

Monokuma: ‘Aaaand the votes are in! Lord Hater was indeed the culprit!”

Joker: “Frankly, I’m just glad we’re in the clear.”

Wander: “Hater, it’s… really you?”

Hater: “Of course it is, Wander! Are you truly that stupid!? Does the child need to repeat her explanation again!?”

Wander: “I--”

Hater: “Not only am I about to be executed, but you’re still alive and I didn’t even get to save Captain Tim!”

Emma: “H-huh?”

Emma: “…why did you kill Kenny?”

Hater: “For Tim, of course! He’s my precious killer-baby, and you better be crazy if you think I’d harm him.” 

Hater: “And to finally exterminate that… orange creature! However, the wrong orange just happened to enter the vent, and I… overreacted.”

Wander: “Y-you.. you wanted to kill me… you wanted to kill the rest of us…”

Hater: “Glad you’re finally coming to that conclusion.”

Monokuma: “Ugh, can we just get the show on the road? I have such an agonizing punishment planned for you, Hater!”

Hater: “Execute me if you will, dumb bear. But I will return, and I’ll make sure Wander doesn’t make it out of here alive!”

Wander: “Wait, now? You’re going to kill him now?”

Monokuma: “You bet.”

Wander: “B-but, but he..!”

Monokuma: “Let’s give it everything we got! It’s PUNISHMENT TIME~!”

Realtor: “Finally, Jesus.”

Wander: “No…!”

Lord Hater: The Ultimate Villain 

Planet Of Despair

Two chains slip out from the trial walls and clasp around Hater’s feet, pulling him out of the room. He is then dropped in a spaceship and flown out into space, stopping near a planet. Hater is ordered to destroy the planet in a minute with the little amount of options he has, but if he fails to destroy the planet, the ship will explode. Hater attempts to abolish the planet, but time grows shorter and he still hasn’t succeeded. Time is about to run out and Hater is about to fire the killing blow… when Monokuma jumps in at the last second and destroys the planet, leaving Hater to burn to a crisp inside his spaceship.

. . .

Emma: “Oh… oh my God..!”

Nugget: “Huh, well, Nugget thinks that that is an interesting way to go.”

Jotaro: “Damn… that was just brutal.”

Potato: “A-agreed.”

Shaggy: “Like, that was horrible, man!”

Lammy: “O-oh… I can’t…” 

Parappa: “WHAT THE HECK? WHY LIKE THAT?”

Cam: “Yeah! That was completely uncalled for!”

Joker: “To be fair, Kenny was blown up and so was Hater. it’s the least he deserves in a poetic sense.”

Emma: “T-the least?”

Wander: “Hater… why…?”

Norman: “Why couldn’t I have just hid the body better… none of this would’ve happened if I had just been better…”

Wander: “Why did this have to happen!? I-I know Hater wasn’t the best person, but--”

Wander falls to his knees, his face covered in tears.

Potato: “Is this… the prize for living? Getting to laugh at someone else’s pain?”

Realtor: “You bet your ass it is. Honestly, I feel a little bad for the dude, but hey, what’re ya gonna do?”

Realtor: “Move forward with what ya got. At least, that’s what I think.”

Mono: “Didn’t think you’d start handing out sound life advice.”

Realtor: “Gotta learn to expect the unexpected, my friend.”

Bacon: “He’s not wrong. To be honest, I’m more focused on who’s gonna be the next to fall.”

Realtor: “Ey, Domino’s Pizza, another soda, please.”

Doppio: “Alright…”

How can those three… still work for the monster that is that bear?

After seeing that… how can they…

Doppio: “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Emma: “Why are you apologizing? You work for that bear! If anything, you should ask whoever’s running this to shut it down already!”

Doppio: “I wish I could, but I’m only the refreshments guy.”

Doppio: “From now on though, I’ll try to help in any way I can. Would you be opposed to that?”

Emma reflexively steps back, shocked by the strange offer.

She stands idle for a few seconds, unsure of how to respond or even if she should respond at all.

Emma: “I…”

Emma: “I’ll let you help us.”

Emma raises her hand, a silent gesture of friendship.

Doppio: “T-thank you.”

Doppio reaches out his hand in response, and the two shake hands, smiling.

Emma: “No problem.”

Monokuma: “God dammit, my refreshment guy’s all buddy-buddy with the guests now!?”

Realtor: “Like I said, expect the unexpected.”

Monokuma: “Grrr…”

Shaggy: “Like, I think we might actually be able to survive now!”

Wallace: “Wow, I’m glad you trusted us so much beforehand.”

Potato: “Please don’t fight again…”

Charlotte: “Aw, come on! It was fun the first time.”

Monokuma: “You guys, move your dumbasses into the elevator and stop wasting my time! This isn’t a 60s TV sitcom!”

Realtor: “Aren’t you wasting their time by making them do this whole trial thing?”

Monokuma: “If you say one more word, I’m firing you.”

Realtor: “One more word.”

Monokuma: “God fucking DAMMIT!”

Realtor’s low-hanging fruit makes even more levity enter the room, allowing Emma to forget about her situation if only for a brief moment.

I didn’t think things could lighten up so quickly after what we witnessed…

Yet, it feels so natural, even though I just met most of these people only a few days ago.

Heheh, maybe I’m just heartless.

Or maybe…

This is the true prize for living.

Emma smiles as she looks up at everyone in the room.

Yep. This is the true prize for living.

And you know what that means.

I’m gonna keep living, if only for another second.

EPISODE 1: END

Charlotte awakens to the sound of what seemed to be someone knocking on her room door.

???: “Hello? Anybody home?”

Considering that she is both in pajamas and half-asleep, she doesn’t decide to answer the door.

Charlotte: “I’m pretty sure it’s open. Just come in.”

To her surprise, she did actually leave the door open.

Whoever was at the door shuts the door behind them and begins speaking again.

Realtor: “This is a pretty nice room! I think. I can barely see anything, after all! Ihihihi!”

Charlotte: “Wait, it’s you? ”

Realtor: “Yep, good ol’ Cryptic Bullshit Man at your service.”

Charlotte: “And what do you want with me in the middle of the night?”

Charlotte rubs her eyes and sits up, realizing this probably won’t be a quick visit judging by who it was.

Realtor: “Well, ya see…”

Realtor: “ I got a job for ya. ”

Charlotte: “A job? Couldn’t you get Ms. Ginger to do it?”

Realtor: “Do you think she’d listen? She’s the protagonist, if anything she’d report me to the feds if I ever so much as knocked.”

Charlotte: “Alright, fine. Where do you wanna go, anyway?”

Realtor: “You’ll see. Now, come on.”

Realtor tries to grab Charlotte’s hand, but she smacks his hand away at the last second.

Realtor: “I just remembered chivalry's dead now, sorry about that.”

Charlotte: “You’re weird. I can get up myself.”

And that she does.

Charlotte slips into some pink slippers and walks out of her room, making sure to close it softly.

On their way to Realtor’s mystery spot, the two make quick small talk.

Realtor: “Didn’t think you’d have pink slippers lying around. When I walked in your room I half expected to see stray knives on your dresser.”

Charlotte just grumbles.

Realtor: “What? Can’t take a joke?”

Charlotte: “Just take me to where we need to go.”

Realtor: “Ihihihi...”

Realtor: “You’re pretty funny, y’know that?”

Charlotte reluctantly accepts the compliment and keeps moving, keeping her head low all the while.

After a little bit of walking, the two end up at a strange door adorned with bright neon lights, with the words “GET FUNKY” written right on the front.

Charlotte: “I don’t like where this is going.”

Realtor: “Calm down, Aoki. If I wanted to do that, we woulda stayed in the other room.”

Charlotte: “Good to know…”

Charlotte: “Also, don’t call me that.”

Realtor: “Can you just open the door already?”

Charlotte, again, reluctantly accepts, putting her hand up to the doorknob and slowly creaking the door open.

The room looks like any old retro love hotel. Mood lighting, soft-looking bed, predominantly pink design…

The only thing out of place...

Is a giant wall lined with papers, a red permanent marker, thumbtacks, and photos.

Charlotte: “What the hell’s even the point of this shit? Are you insane!? And what the hell is this ‘job’ you wanted me for in the first place?”

Realtor: “Oh, your job? It’s simple, really.”

Realtor: “ Sell my Goddamn real estate. ”

Chapter Text

“A… talent show?”

Emma stares at the flyer in disbelief.

I mean, don’t we all have talents already?

And more importantly, who organized the event?

I’m gonna get to the bottom of thi-

Nebula: “Hey, Emma. Why are you… gripping the talent show flyer so hard?”

Emma: “Oh, nothing! I’m just pretty interested in it, heh heh!”

Nebula: “Well, I think I’m gonna head down to the show, too. I guess I’ll see ya there?”

Emma: “Sure! Why not?”

Emma gives Neb a friendly thumbs-up. Neb nods before starting her trek to the auditorium.

Once she leaves, Emma begins to think too hard again.

And I guess having a little fun wouldn’t hurt…

. . .

Because of her intense deliberation prior, Emma arrives at the talent show fairly late.

Nebula: “Hey, Emma! What took you so long?”

Emma: “Ya know, just a severe case of overthinking this entire event to the point of borderline insanity, heh heh!”

Nebula: “And judging by how weird that sounds, I assume you’re gonna be doing a comedy routine?”

Emma: “I, uh, really just came to watch…”

Nebula: “Well, if you at least wanna try and get on the stage, you better hurry up. The thing starts in an hour.”

Hmm… If I take this opportunity, I might get to learn some secrets…

Alright, I’ll bite the bullet, then!

Emma: “I’ve reconsidered, then!”

Nebula: “That’s the spirit. Just don’t look too ta- I mean, stupid up there.”

Emma: “I promise I won’t!”

Emma: “And, are you going to go up on stage as well?”

Nebula: “I was like, the first person to sign up. I’ve got something really cool planned out.”

Emma: “I’m looking forward to it!”

Emma then walks off to register an act for the show, eager to learn more about the situation everyone’s been plunged into, and to cram at least a little bit of fun into that equation.

. . .

An obnoxiously loud voice echoes through the halls of the auditorium.

“Welcome, one and all! To the annual(?) Hope’s Peak Hot- wait, hold on.”

“I’m getting word that this isn’t the Hope’s Peak Hotel. THANKS DUMBASS FOR GIVING ME THE WRONG GODDAMN INFO.”

“Ugh, in ANY CASE…”

“Welcome to the talent show or whatever… I set up a bar if you want to drink your sorrows away…”

“I think I mighta stole some of Shaggy’s weed, too, so, uh, yeah. There’s that, too.”

Shaggy: “Like, that’s just unfair, man!”

Emma comes off the stage, having just finished her registration.

Who would be so open about having alcohol and illegal substances available for consumption at this talent show?

And furthermore, how would they have access to any of Shaggy’s supply of it? Does he even have a supply of it?

Ugh, so many questions.

But I won’t get distracted! I’m gonna get to the bottom of this!

Emma sits down in one out of the, like, twenty cheap lawn chairs that were set up in front of the auditorium stage, fidgeting with anticipation.

“Uh, first up is the Potato guy. Go do your thing, spud-meister.”

Potato: “Please don’t call me that…”

Mcfry reluctantly rises from one of the lawn chairs, and gets up on stage.

. . .

Potato: “So uh, my name’s Potato Mcfry, and today I’ll be showing you-”

Before the young man can finish, the light on the ceiling of the stage falls on his head, sending him tumbling to the floor.

Potato: “OW! WHAT THE FU- HECK! I MEANT HECK! URGGH…”

“Wow. They sure don’t call you the Ultimate Victim for nothing. Nice start to the show!”

Potato: “Why are you acting like this was plAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHNEEEEED!!?”

Suddenly, Mcfry’s back is engulfed in flames, presumably due to the broken lightbulb that had just fallen prior.

Potato: “AAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!”

Charlotte: “Wow, this guy sure knows how to be funny! I can barely breathe!”

Potato: “I AM PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO FEEL ANY OF THE FUCKING BONES IN MY BODY. I MEAN, ‘HECKING’. SORRY. BUT THE POINT STILL STANDS.”

“Well, uh, can someone make sure this guy doesn’t die on stage? I don’t wanna have to clean up a corpse.”

Suddenly, sprinklers attached to the top of the stage activate, splashing Mcfry with tons of water.

I think it might be more accurate to call those sprinklers “hoses” because of just how much water he’s getting forced to endure.

Potato: “I don’t cough care any- cough -more. Just get me on a cough stretcher.”

With those words, two large figures in hospital uniforms approach Mcfry. They grab him, and stretch his arms and legs out to their natural extreme.

Potato: “NO, DON’T STRETCH ME! WHYYYYYYYYYY!?”

“-THE SECURITY SYSTEM TAKES CONTROL OF POTATO’S HOUSE, AND BEGINS ATTACKING THE-”

“Oh, sorry. Forgot the mic automatically turns on after people go off-stage.”

“Well then, our next act on the bill is… ‘A Guide To Bacon: By Bacon’. Lemme just get the toy oven you requested, and we’ll be ready, Frosty!”

Bacon: “What is with this guy and his terrible nicknames?”

“Hey, don’t think I didn’t hear that.”

Bacon: “Oh, shut up before I tape your mouth shut.”

“You’re smaller than my self-esteem.”

Bacon: “Damn, you’re right.”

. . .

After enduring the host’s terrible jokes, Bacon reluctantly approaches the stage, and the next act begins.

Bacon: “Hello, and welcome to my breakdown of how to spawn my least favorite food.”

Bacon: “To begin my demonstration, I’m going to kill myself.”

Nebula: “Okay, off to a good start.”

The little snowman promptly dips himself in grease before diving into the children’s cooking appliance.

Nebula: “Off to an even better start!”

Potato: “How is this ethical?”

Charlotte: “How are you still breathing, doormat?”

“His death was greatly exaggerated.”

Dated references… Hmm…

Bacon: “Alright, and from here... you’re gonna wanna remember why the fuck you just climbed into an oven-”

Nebula: “Oh come on! It was getting good!”

Bacon: “You know damn well it wasn’t. Now get me out of this damn plaything.”

“Nooooooope, can’t help you man.”

Charlotte: “Don’t worry, Danny Zuko. I got this.”

Charlotte then summons a comically large pair of tongs from her pocket, and heads up onto the stage.

She uses the tongs to open the microwave door (for some reason) and grabs Bacon with them.

Nebula: “Save some for m-”

Shaggy: “Can you like, shut up?”

Bacon: “Thanks- Wait, that was my ticket out of here, fuck!”

“You know, I mean, like…”

“DUDE, I WANNA JERK OOOOOO-”

“Ahem, sorry. Next up is, uh…”

“Okay, I ran out of ideas for most of these talents, so now Norman and Jotaro are gonna play Jump Force on stage.”

Nebula: “Yeah, but-”

“Shut up. Let’s get to it!”

. . .

The two enter the stage with Jotaro sitting down in front of the console as Norrman goes to insert the totally non pirated game.

Jotaro: “Who you playing, kid?”

Norman: “Well, I was thinking a team of Yugi, Bakugo and Kakashi for this bout. And you?”

Jotaro: “Figure Luffy, All Might and… DIO … should be enough to kick your ass.”

Charlotte: “Whooooooo cares? They all play the same!”

Jotaro: “Shut up, kid. So, you ready?”

Norman: “I believe I am.”

Jotaro: “Let’s go.”

Norman then proceeds to absolutely steamroll JoJo about seventeen times, much to his mounting irritation.

Jotaro: “Yare Yare, this game sucks ass.”

Norman: “To be fair, you barely held your controller with both hands for longer than a minute…”

Shaggy: “Like, it looked like he’s never played a game in his life.”

Bacon: “Yeah, how are you so bad at a fucking anime arena fighter.”

Potato: “Are we just gonna gloss over the fact that he was a character in the game?”

Jotaro: “Whatever, I’m done with this shit.”

“Jotaro, don't leave! Jotaro, don’t-”

He gone.

“JOOOOOOOOTAAAAAAROOOOOOOOO!”

Norman: “I’ll just see myself out.”

“Common, really? Eh, who needs em...”

“Well, I’d say we’re done here, no?”

Nebula: “Hey! I had an act planned with Charlotte!”

“Alright, then get up there. I don’t got all day.”

. . .

Neb and Charlotte approach the stage…

And immediately set it on fire.

Nebula: “Thank you for watching!”

Neb and Charlotte bow.

Emma: “WHAT THE!?”

Shaggy: “Zoinks! The weed stash is gonna be turned to, like, ash!”

Bacon: “…”

Potato: “Can we go now?”

Emma: “Wait! I never got to figure out who was running this whole thing!”

“You really wanna know?”

Emma: “Yeah! That’s why I came here in the first place!”

“Alrighty then. If you really wanna know…”

A figure emerges from behind the stage curtain.

It gets closer…

And closer…

And closer…

Before, finally…

Monokuma: “GOD DAMMIT, BONKUS!”

Bonkus: “Woahwoahwoah, you were the one who suggested the idea, so don’t go blaming me!”

Monokuma: “Well maybe YOU should’ve done more research into the hotel name!”

Bonkus: “Well maybe YOU… ”

Bonkus and Monokuma bicker non-stop, while the stage fire is still raging on.

I think I should try to put out the fir-

But before Emma can act, Neb pulls a giant hose out from backstage.

Nebula: “If you had let me continue the act, I could’ve used this.”

And the fire is vanquished without a hitch.

Nebula: “And also, congrats on the engagement, you two.”

Bonkus: “What?”

Monokuma: “…”

Monokuma pulls out a fish and slaps Neb in the face because of the tasteless remark.

I think I should leave…

Chapter Text

Emma, Norman: The Promised Neverland.

Summer: Rick and Morty.

Kenny: South Park.

Shaggy: Scooby-Doo.

Jay: Big Mouth. (That was not my idea.)

Wander, Hater: Wander Over Yonder. (Doo doo doo do doo doo…)

Nugget: Kindergarten. (The first of the unused fucks.)

Jotaro: IS THAT A JOJO RE- (The second of the unused fucks.)

Wallace: Scott Pilgrim. (AKA the source of my Twitter trauma.)

Elmo: Sesame Street. (Elmo curses because Sesame Street was overrun with crime. Bert and Ernie didn’t make it…)

Ren Amamiya: Persona. Or Megaten as a whole. (I’m only saying that because I want to plug Nocturne. So I will. Play Nocturne.)

Parappa, Lammy: Parappa The Rapper.

Now for the five characters that probably need a lot of elaboration.

Charlotte: This is gonna take a while, so I’m gonna split up my explanation into multiple parts to make this easier. Note that only one of these things is a direct idea from me.

-Yes, she is Charlotte from Making Fiends. This is not a joke.

-The Aoki last name thing is something I came up with. It stems from this weird Making Fiends + Higurashi When They Cry fic I made a while back. It didn’t actually involve Higurashi characters, but it took the general horror aspects from Higurashi and translated them into a Making Fiends setting. It was stupid, but the last name thing stuck. (Note: if you want me to release what I have of that… thing, let me know. I guess.)

-The personality of Charlotte is not something I came up with, though. That stems from an idea someone in the peanut gallery had. Essentially, it’s Charlotte with the Despair Disease from DR2. There’s this whole convoluted backstory I could share, but I will refrain. The only thing I’ll say about that backstory is that “disease” is spelt as “decease” every single time the word “disease” is uttered.

Potato, Cam, Bacon, Neb: These four are manifestations of the “peanut gallery” I’ve been mentioning for a while. (By the way, Bacon is the manifestation of the guy who’s been drawing those awesome Monokuma Theater CGs, so go follow him on Twitter at @BaconMations.)

Here are some images of what they’re supposed to look like, because I’m pretty sure Googling “Potato Mcfry” is gonna be considered a criminal offense in about 15 years.

Potato Mcfry: 

(The Picrew used for this: https://picrew.me/image_maker/457566 )

Nebula Z: (Yes, her last name is just Z. That isn’t the first initial, it is literally just “Z”.)

(The Picrew used for this: https://picrew.me/image_maker/698931)

Cam: (The red eye is either a Sharingan or a Geass. We’ll stick with it being a Geass for now. Also, I don’t know why he has a gun.)

(The Picrew used for this: https://picrew.me/image_maker/3011)

Bacon: (He sweats grease. He also looks more like Black Frost because he is stained with the ashes of his fallen brethren. No, I don’t know why he has the sunglasses on.)

And that’s it. As usual, please leave all questions/death threats in the comments.

Chapter Text

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

Emma is awoken to the usual sounds of these unusual mornings, Monokuma’s voice startling her just enough to sit up in bed. 

Monokuma: “Attention, everyone! It’s 8:00 AM, time for breakfast! And if you want vodka, I’ve got plenty…”

Emma sighs, slowly lifting herself up in her bed.

Yesterday didn’t feel real, there’s no way it was. Two people died, and we haven’t even been here for a week. 

And… Norman…

I know he’s not a bad person, I just…

Ugh, I can’t understand why he did that!

Whatever. Monokuma got what he wanted, so there likely won’t be anymore murders. 

...yeah, no one else is going to die, I’m sure of it.

Emma continues to calm herself internally as she walks to the dining room, a faint aroma of coffee lingering in the air.

Emma: “Does anybody smell that?”

Shaggy: “Yeah, like, Joker said he’d make something this morning.”

Joker: “Good to see you, Emma.”

Joker stands in the kitchen, wearing a green apron. He places his hand by a coffee machine that spontaneously manifests by him being there solely for the sake of the plot.

Bacon teeters by the edge of the counter, looking towards the steaming cups with an expression one could compare to revolted terror.

Emma: “You alright?”

Bacon: “Uh, yeah, I just don’t like coffee.”

Joker: “So you stare at it in complete fear?”

Bacon: “Just make the goddamn drink.”

The snowman then walks to the dining room and sits down at one of the numerous tables.

Emma forms a look of confusion, but decides to walk to a nearby table to avoid potential chaos.

Norman: “Good morning, Emma. Would you like to sit down with me?”

Emma stops walking, almost like she’d just slammed the breaks on a busy intersection.

Norman: “Is everything… okay?”

Despite Norman’s kindness, Emma still just stands there, motionless.

Move! Take him up on his offer. What the heck is wrong with you!?

Emma, realizing just how weird this must look to both Norman and everyone else there, reluctantly sits next to him.

Joker: “The coffee’s ready!”

In response to the announcement, almost everyone gets up and walks to the kitchen, but Emma stays.

Jotaro: “Eh, guess I could go for a cup.”

She watches as everyone returns, practically drooling over the coffee, including Wander, who looks extremely exhausted.

Emma: “....”

Norman: “Do you think Wander’s okay? You know, after…”

Emma: “....”

Norman: “Sorry, it’s a bit of a sensitive subject. I won’t bring it up right now.”

Emma manages to at least mutter a basic “Thanks.” in response.

To get her mind off the events of last night, she decides to look at the tables around her.

Elmo: “Heh, this stuff ain’t half bad. Good work here, Joker.”

Joker: “Thanks, I’m just glad I get to put my skills to use.”

Once breakfast is served, Monokuma hops into the dining room, grabbing everyone’s attention.

Monokuma: “Howdy! I just wanted to let you know that once everyone finishes breakfast, I have a special surprise for you!”

Nugget: “Ooh! What would that be?”

Monokuma: “I would let you guys figure that out, but you’re all far too dense to notice, so I might as well tell you.”

Bacon: “Well, it’s not really a surprise anymore if you’re just gonna spell it out.”

Wallace: “Yeah! You’re scamming my ass out of a surprise, dammit!”

Monokuma: “Who gives a shit? Stop getting your collective balls in a twist and just let me talk.”

Monokuma: “You can now access the second floor, feel free to explore it! But, uh, while you’re eating breakfast, don’t be too fuckin’ loud because I have a huge hangover.”

Monokuma: “See ya!”

With that, Monokuma quickly leaves the room.

Elmo: “Wait, how the fuck can you get a hangover? You’re a goddamn bear.”

Monokuma: “You don’t wanna know. Trust me.”

Or at least I thought he did.

Elmo: “I would keep pressing you, but if it’s something not even you’re willing to mention, I guess it’s best to just shut my mouth.”

Monokuma: “And you’d be right about that, sonny.”

With that, Monokuma actually leaves the room, allowing the guests to finish eating.

. . .

Emma: “Well, we appear to all be done with breakfast, so should we take a look at the second floor?”

Norman: “I suppose so. I don’t know what else we’d do.”

Emma: “…Alright then.”

Emma turns to see most of the contestants walking out of the room, with the rest putting away their plates. 

No use in standing around here, it seems. Let’s go.

Emma follows the group of people leaving the kitchen up the stairs to the new section of the hotel.

. . .

Emma arrives on the second floor, and is immediately greeted by a flurry of buildings and aromas.

The first of the aromas that piques her interest is one of zesty sauce and cheese.

She turns her head, noticing an impressive pizzeria situated right next to her.

Wow, that place seems super elaborate for just… substance circles? 

Eh, I guess I’ll try it out later. I just ate, after all.

Norman: “That place sure looks like a nice spot for lunch. I must say, I’m quite interested to see what it’s about.”

Emma: “Yeah, I guess…”

Why am I still so uncomfortable around him? He didn’t kill anyone, he WOULDN’T kill anyone, yet…

Eh, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just go talk to someone else to take a breather.

But who should I talk to?

Oh, I know! I would really like to get to know more about Parappa. He seems like a pretty interesting… fellow?

Emma finds Parappa gazing at the pizzeria, confused.

Parappa: “Sup!”

Emma approaches the dog.

Emma: “How are you?”

Parappa: “I mean, after that trial, I’m not all too great.”

Parappa: “Plus, they serve pizza topped with… noodles here…”

Parappa shudders, seemingly because of the fact that he said “noodles”.

Emma: “Don’t worry, I honestly don’t believe anyone here would do that again.”

Emma: “I don’t know how much I can help with the noodle thing, though… But I believe that you’ll also overcome that!”

Parappa: “Well, if you’re believing in those possibilities, then so will I!”

I gotta beli— Ahem, sorry. Back to the plot.

Emma: “Anyway, you’re the Ultimate Rapper, correct?”

Parappa: “You bet.”

Emma: “What made you earn that title?”

Parappa: “Oh! Heh, it’s kind of a complicated story, but basically, I wanted to get with a girl I liked but I had to learn some things before I could win her over, and for some reason, they just all involved rapping.”

Emma: “Like, you had to rap to different genres and such?”

Parappa: “Not really, it was more about learning different skills while rapping to get the hang of them.”

Parappa: “And then, after that, there was this noodle coupon and…”

Parappa: “I’ll just say it’s a really long story.”

That’s… a little strange, but honestly pretty cool.

Parappa: “I want to rap in clubs soon, but I’m not the best at writing my own rap.”

Emma: “Well, once you can, you should definitely show me!”

Parappa: “Alright!”

They chuckle. 

Emma: “Also, you’re friends with Lammy, right?”

Parappa: “Yeah.”

Emma: “How did you two meet?”

Parappa: “I’m friends with one of her band members, so I went to one of their concerts to support her. My friend allowed me to go backstage and that’s where I met Lammy, and we got along really well!”

Emma smiles.

Emma: “That’s nice, even though you two are very different. But, me and my friends don’t really have similar personalities either, so what can I say?”

Parappa: “Ah, speaking of Lammy, I should probably meet up with her now. See ya, Emma!”

Emma: “Alright, bye!”

Pappy Rappy walks off, waving to Emma.

Emma turns the corner, finding more rooms down the hall. As she proceeds to walk, the ginger hears a commotion erupting from one of the rooms.

???: “Give me back my notebook, you son of a bitch!”

???: “I didn’t know it was yours, ALSO, PUT BACON DOWN.”

???: “YEAH, I WILL MELT WITHIN YOUR GODDAMN HANDS.”

???: “Damn it, guys, don’t fight again.”

Emma jolts in surprise at these sudden shouts, but decides to take a peek to see what’s going on.

Once she does, Emma is awaited by Potato, Nebula, Cam, and Bacon merely having a brawl within the room.

Bacon: “Neb, put me the fuck down .”

Apparently, Nebula is holding Bacon like a football and seems to be aiming him at Cam, who has a notebook in his hands… and Potato is fearfully watching in the back.

Emma: “G-guys, what’s going on?”

Nebula: “Stay out of this, Emma. I’m currently teaching this weeb a lesson.”

Cam: “I just found her notebook on the ground, looked in it for a moment, and now she’s out for my fucking life!”

Bacon: “AND NOW I’M HER MURDER WEAPON.”

Potato: “Guys, can we just--!”

Nebula and Cam: “Shut up, Potato.”

Bacon: “WHAT THE HELL IS EVEN HAPPENING?”

Wow, he really is the Ultimate Victim…

Emma: “Hey, don’t yell at Potato, he just wants to avoid conflict. Besides, there’s no need to act this ridiculous over a notebook.” 

Nebula: “I’m already holding the snowman, there’s no turning back now.”

Cam: “Yes, there is!”

Emma: “Cam, just hand Nebula the book and this can all end.”

Cam: “I’ve tried, but whenever I approach her, she inches Bacon closer to me every time and I step back by impulse.”

Nebula: “He probably read some of my drafts and did shit I can’t even say with them! I’m never letting him live this down!”

Emma: “But he’s clearly trying to give the book back to you…”

Nebula: “I don’t give two shits. I’m gonna get it after he’s a frozen corpse.”

Bacon: “I’M STILL VERY, VERY CONFUSED.”

Emma, realizing this could get very bad very quickly, decides to run towards the scuffle to call it off.

Before…

Three Random Voices: “ AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH !!!”

Three people suddenly appear, knocking a pillar over to make a… dramatic entrance?

Bacon: “…I’m just gonna go to the bathroom before this gets any worse. It’s already 5:40.”

Bacon walks off before the three people start talking.

Shaggy: “Hey, Jay, why don’t we—”

Shaggy: “LIKE ZOINKS, DUDE!? WHAT HAPPENED!?”

Jay: “What, what!? Oh.”

Shaggy and Jay come down the hallway, confused because of the damage caused by the mysterious peanut gallery.

Shaggy: “I’m not sticking around here! If that’s what those people are capable of, we, like, gotta move, AND QUICK!”

Shaggy: “And besides, the snack bar’s open till 7, and it’s 5:42 already, right? Let’s, like, scram!”

Jay: “Aye aye, captain!”

Shaggy runs to the vending machine very seriously, while Jay runs because he thinks it’s funny.

Once the dust from the fallen pillar settles, the three voices begin conversing.

Quick-Tempered Girl: “So you just had to throw away my severed arm collection!?”

Plain-Looking Man: “Listen, I thought it was the weekly recycling! Can you blame a man for throwing out the trash!?”

Quick-Tempered Girl: “Ugh, you’re hopeless…”

Wait, is that…?

Emma: “Charlotte, what’s going on?”

Charlotte: “Oh, hi, Emma. I’m just trying to beat the idea of ‘don’t throw other people’s shit out’ into the head of this dumbass!”

Emma: “That doesn’t explain anything…”

???: “Then allow me to explain.”

Nebula: “And right as I was about to leave, this idiot has to show up again…”

Like clockwork, The Realtor emerges from the pile of rubble the falling pillar created, and begins to explain everything.

Realtor: “Since you dumbasses are most likely incapable of understanding the absolute raw power my real estate possesses, I figured I’d assemble a team of highly-talented individuals that can convince and/or threaten you to buy it!”

Nebula: “Wait, you actually sell real estate!?”

Realtor: “Of fucking course. Would my name still be ‘Realtor’ if I didn’t?”

The Realtor strikes a (sort of) cool pose, prompting the other 2 people that are following him around to get up and try to calm him down.

Didn’t think that’d happen but it makes for a pretty good CG.

If we could actually afford them, of course.

Mono: “And now I’ve finally realized why this was a very bad idea…”

Realtor: “I’m trying to do my super-snazzy-ad-read, shut up!”

Realtor: “Anyways, I assume you already know a lot about my core assistant, Aoki-chan.”

Charlotte: “Don’t call me that.”

Realtor: “But allow me to introduce you to Potato Pataato, my financial advisor!”

The Realtor gestures towards the relatively unknown man that walked in with Charlotte and Realtor. He perks up, looking towards the others.

Pataato: “Hey, I guess. Realtor’s a nice guy, so you should probably buy some stuff from him... I think.”

He looks up at Realtor.

Pataato: “Did I do that right?”

Realtor: “Yeah, sure.”

Pataato notices Potato from across the room. The two stare at each other, confused by their similar names and appearance. 

Pataato: “Ah, you’re Potato, I’m guessing.”

Potato: “Yeah, is there a… connection between the two of us?”

Realtor: “We’ll explain that in ‘Realtor Takes Manhattan’.”

Potato: “What?”

Realtor: “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

Nebula: “So, is the hotel towel guy a part of the Killing Game now? Or is he just worthless?”

Pataato: “Wh- neither! Hopefully. Also, did you just call me a hotel towel!?”

Realtor: “No, he isn’t. He’s simply here to help me sell real estate to the rest of you guests because I’m bored, although maybe I can squeeze a side-plot out of it?”

We aren’t doing a side-plot. Fuck you, Realtor.

Realtor: “In any case, have a good day and buy my shit!”

Mono: “Please do, he’ll probably kill us all if nothing happens within the next three days.”

Emma: “Okay…?”

With that, the three people (and Mono) walk off, with Realtor being the only one displaying any sort of confidence.

Cam: “Well, I just lost all my libido after that.”

Bacon: “The implications of that statement are too vast to get into right now.”

Bacon, having just returned from his bathroom escapade, comments on Cam’s strange comment.

Potato: “...can we quit the fighting now?”

Nebula: “Sure, I guess. That encounter was far too insane to keep up an argument with you idiots.” 

Emma: “I mean, I’m glad you guys are done, but we shouldn’t be fighting at all in an environment such as this. We need to focus on escaping rather than--”

Nebula: “Look, it’s not anything to fuss about, it was just some silly argument.”

Emma: “Listen, I think you all should just apologize and---”

Cam: “I doubt anyone is feeling any remorse here.”

Emma: “Jeez, alright.”

Cam: “Oh, and here’s your damn journal…”

Cam hands Nebula her notebook, which she takes, oddly calm.

Potato: “Welp, this whole occurrence has been quite a lot, so I’m just gonna… leave.”

Potato exits the area, exhausted.

Nebula: “I’m going to find that Charlotte girl, and help her find that collection of arms she had.”

Cam: “Why would you help with that?”

Nebula doesn’t respond and promptly leaves the room.

Ugh, that interaction made me real tired.

What time is it again? 6:14? Alright, I guess I could talk to a couple more people.

Emma: “Well, since we’re here, would you like to tell me about yourself, Cam?”

Cam: “Huh? Why?”

Emma: “I just want to learn more about the people within this hotel, since it’s a pretty good way to pass the time.”

Cam: “Hm… Okay, then.”

Emma: “...do you mind telling me what a ‘weeb’ is?”

Cam laughs.

Cam: “Ha! I should’ve known you kids wouldn’t know.”

Emma: “What?”

Cam: “Never mind that. But to answer your question, a weeb is someone who isn’t Japanese but adores their culture.”

Emma: “Oh. Does that include anime?”

Cam: “Especially anime. Speaking of, your hair kinda reminds me of an anime character. I can almost swear I’ve seen one similar to you before.”

Emma gives Cam a giggle, but shows a look of confusion. 

Emma: “Well, what else are you into?”

Cam: “Video games! I have many games that I’ve played and that I still plan to finish, which can hopefully be an outcome.”

Emma: “Wow, how many video games do you have?”

Cam: “Damn, am I supposed to be keeping count?” 

Emma: “Heh, I guess that means you have a lot.”

Cam: “Where do you think the name ‘Gamerman Cam’ comes from?”

Emma: “Wait, if you’re so into gaming, why aren’t you the Ultimate Gamer?”

Cam: “...good question.”

Cam: “It’s probably because I mainly told the headmaster, or Monokuma, about my love for Japanese culture rather than video games, so that got me the Ultimate. Honestly, ‘the Ultimate Gamer’ would’ve made more sense.”

Emma: “Oh, alri--”

???: “Uh, Emma?”

Emma freezes in her place, recognizing the soft, familiar voice that just called out to her.

Relax, Emma. It’s just Norman. You shouldn’t be afraid.

She turns around.

Emma: “Oh, hey, Norman!”

Norman: “Hi. Could we talk for a moment?”

Emma: “Okay..”

Emma walks out of the room, awaited by a stern look on Norman’s face.

Emma: “What’s up?”

Norman: “Look, I know how you feel about me at the moment.”

Emma: “Huh?”

Norman: “I can tell you feel uncomfortable around me, and I get that. I tampered with the case and put up quite a lie, which I’m aware was wrong.”

Emma: “‘U-uncomfortable’? Why w-would I be--?”

Norman: “My first hint was how silent you were during breakfast, and then when we first got access to this floor.”

Emma: “...oh.”

Emma: “I’m sorry, Norman, but I just can’t--”

BING-BONG, BING-BONG

Monokuma: “Attention, everyone! I want you all to gather in the basement, as it is time for your next motive! Oh, and if you refuse to do so, you’ll end up like ol’ prediabetic Papyrus.”

Emma: “Wait… what?”

Cam: “That better not be a reference to my Fangan, dumb bear!”

Emma: “Are you… okay?”

Cam: “Probably not.”

Emma: “Good to know?”

Norman: “Emma?”

Emma, realizing that she’s forgotten about Norman, turns around to look at him.

Emma: “Yeah, sorry. The announcement interrupted us.”

Emma: “What I was going to say was—“

Norman: “You do understand that you can never forgive me, right?”

Emma, taken aback by Norman’s strange words, reflexively walks towards the wall while still staring at Norman.

Emma: “W-what? But I was j-just about t—“

Norman: “You do understand that you will never be able to live with yourself if you keep on trusting me, right?”

Emma: “Norman, what’s going on? Are you okay?”

Why is no one acknowledging this? What’s going on? What’s…

Norman: “Heh.”

Norman: “Heh heh.”

Norman: “Heh heh heh

EHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEEHHEHEEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

Norman: “Emma?”

Emma: “W-w-what?”

Norman: “You spaced out for a second. Is everything alright?”

Emma: “Yeah, yeah. It’s fine. I forgive you…”

Norman: “I… do too. Let’s just try to move on from this, okay?”

Emma: “...yeah.”

Emma doesn’t even attempt to try and mention what she was forced to bear witness to just a few seconds ago.

Norman: “Let’s go and see what the motive is. That should take our minds off everything.”

Emma: “It… depends. But that’s not a bad idea.”

And so, the two head off to the new motive.

. . .

Shaggy: “Like, can you tell us what the motive is, man?” 

Lammy: “I honestly don’t want to know… i-it’s clearly not going to be anything good..”

Monokuma: “Well, excuse you! I believe this motive is quite the creative one.”

Summer: “What is it, then?”

Monokuma then opens a bunch of closets like he’s operating a game show.

Monokuma: “Isn't it great having the ability to love someone?”

Wander: “H-huh?”

Monokuma: “It would be a shame if you don’t have that luxury, right!?”

Potato: “W-what are you implying?”

Monokuma: “If you kill, you get bitches!”

Elmo: “...excuse me?”

Charlotte: “That’s a new one. But I doubt it’s just that, what else do you have in mind?”

Monokuma: “Oh, right. Don’t worry, nothing will happen if you don’t kill. Well, you might get crippling depression, but that depends on the person.”

It is clear throughout this entire presentation, Monokuma is insanely hammered.

Nugget: “Wait, we get a dog if we kill?”

Practically everyone turns to Nugget.

Cam: “No, not those bitches, Nugget.” 

Nugget: “Then, what does the bear mean?”

Jay: “Well, there’s this thing called se--”

Charlotte clasps her hand over Jay’s mouth.

Charlotte: “That’s a kindergartener, dammit.”

Joker: “Well, I can’t say I speak for you guys, but I’ve learned there is such a thing as too many hoes.”

Wander: “S-so we’re good, right?”

Emma: “What do you mean?”

Wander: “Why, no one here would kill for such a selfish reason, would they? So we’ll be safe f-from any more deaths...?”

Norman: “Well, we can’t be so sure.”

Wander: “I know, but we can’t just- I just don’t want more people to die…”

Emma: “Me neither, and it’s very unlikely that anyone will for this motive. So, let’s focus on finding a way out.”

Shaggy: “Agreed! I want out of this place, man.”

Monokuma: “Oh, boo. You virgins would rather suffer in this shit-hotel instead of getting the hoe treatment?”

Bacon: “Some of the people here are kids, y’know.”

Monokuma: “Your point?”

Emma sighs and walks out of the room.

Emma: “Well, that was… something.” 

???: “Agreed.”

Emma turns around.

Emma: “Oh, hi, Elmo!”

Elmo: “O-oh. Hi, Emma, I’m just looking around.”

Emma: “Yeah, this floor’s super different from the first one.”

Elmo: “I know, right? It’s really odd. Downstairs just looks like a completely normal hotel, no special attachments, so why would they suddenly add things like a huge pizzeria? I just can’t help but feel like it’s a trap.”

Emma: “Hm, I get that. But it seems pretty unlikely, so why don’t we just not worry about it for now?”

Elmo: “I mean, the motive is the more important thing right now, so I get you.”

Emma: “Anyway, you said you were a part of a TV show?”

Elmo: “Oh, uh, yeah.”

Emma: “What was that like?”

Elmo: “...I guess I can give you some insight on that.”

Elmo: “It was fun, honestly. We taught kids all around the world about math, spelling, manners, anything a child needed to learn at a young age.”

Emma: “Huh, that’s nice! But didn’t you mention that the show stopped airing or something?”

Elmo: “Mhm.”

Emma: “Do you mind if I ask how?”

Elmo: “I don’t feel like getting into it, but I will admit, the actors weren’t meshing with each other well; and then some rich people with too much money bought the franchise and milked the money from it and ran.”

Elmo: “And then, some of the staff revolted and… I won’t get into that, actually.”

Elmo: “I’ll just say that a lot of shit went down after that, but I luckily remained friends with a few people that were a part of the show.”

Emma: “That’s good, I guess.”

Elmo: “Yeah, I’m hoping to return to them once we find a way out of here, if we ever…”

Elmo pauses.

Elmo: “Sorry, I hope I’m not talking too much, I don’t usually talk about the shit that went down there too much. Brings back… memories.”

Emma: “Oh, it’s fine. Besides, you didn’t share too much info.”

Emma: “Well, I need to continue looking around. It was talking to you, Elmo!”

Elmo: “Yeah, you too. Stay cool, kid.”

Emma continues to walk down the hall, hoping to find more people to talk to. 

To her surprise, she eventually bumps into Summer… literally.

Summer: “Aye! What the hell?”

Emma: “Ah! Um, sorry.” 

Summer raises an eyebrow, watching as Emma cowers in a spot just barely within her view. 

Summer: “Uh.. it’s fine. You’re the last person I should be getting mad at here.”

Emma: “Huh?”

Summer: “You saved our asses back there in the trial, while I hardly knew shit. I’m related to a genius and I had zero idea on what was going on.”

Emma: “Oh, thanks! But, who is that genius you speak of?”

Summer: “My grandpa, Rick. He’s a scientist and an inventor, but he doesn’t really get paid for his creations.”

Emma: “How so?”

Summer: “Well, instead of having a job, he just takes my younger brother, Morty, on adventures almost every day. I sometimes attend, but I actually have a life to live, unlike my brother.”

Emma: “Adventures? That sounds cool.”

Summer: “Sure is. We have gone to so many… places. Yeah, places.”

Emma: “Heh, I wish me and my siblings could do that.”

Summer: “Siblings?”

Emma: “Yeah! Although, I don’t think it’d be possible to go on adventures with all of them, since there’s almost too many to count.”

Summer: “Jeez, having to live with more or one sibling? Must be a nightmare..”

Emma: “Oh, no, it’s not. We aren’t exactly related and we get along really well.”

Summer: “Is Norman one of your siblings?”

Emma nods.

Summer: “Uh, what’s wrong?”

Emma: “Nothing.”

Summer: “Heh, is he just an annoying brother or--?”

Emma: “No! He’s one of my best friends, it’s just- ever since the trial, it’s just been…”

Summer: “Oh.”

Emma: “And it’s so weird. Norman is a good person, and he just wanted to help all of us, but I can’t help but to feel… uncomfortable around him.” 

Summer forms a small frown.

Summer: “Maybe try talking to him? Confronting your problems with someone should help the situation.”

Emma: “I did, but I began to… see something.”

Summer: “Huh?”

Emma: “I- I’m not sure what it was, but I started to picture Norman acting strange, although in reality, he was perfectly fine.”

Summer: “That’s… concerning. But, it was probably just some paranoia.”

Emma: “Yeah, maybe that’s it, but I’m still afraid to be around Norman.”

Summer: “My best suggestion is that you just… avoid him for some time. Tell him about how you're feeling first, though.”

Emma: “A-alright. Thanks, Summer.”

Summer: “No problem.”

With that, Emma walks off, feeling much better.

. . .

MONOKUMA THEATER

Monokuma: “They’ve already written all of the Free Time Events? God, it’s as if the writers are rushing to get to the body discovery…”

Bonkus: “They are.”

Monokuma: “Nice, I actually got something right!”

The bear then takes a swig from one of the bottles of beer that surrounds him… despite the fact that he’s a robot. 

Monokuma: “Anyways, the motive. Yeah, pretty genius, aye?”

Bonkus: “Wait, what was it?”

Monokuma: “If you kill, you’ll get bitches.”

Bonkus lowers his head and sighs. 

Bonkus: “Oh my god.”

Monokuma: “I know! This’ll get the kiddos killing in no time.”

Bonkus: “First of all, don’t call the player ‘kiddos’ when referring to sex, and second, were you drunk during the motive announcment as well!?”

Monokuma: “Speaking of which, allow me to tell you about the first time I got boned!”

Bonkus: “There is no way in hell that you ever got laid.”

Monokuma: “You bet your sweet bippy I did!”

Bonkus just facepalms.

Monokuma: “As I was saying, there was this other robot game host, I think he was a crow..? Yeah, definitely a crow. Hopefully not a frog. NEVER A FROG...”

Bonkus: “Please don’t go on.”

Monokuma: “He was drunk as shit, I wasn’t, because I don’t drink.”

Bonkus: “Do you have amnesia?”

Monokuma: “Perhaps.”

Monokuma then reaches for another bottle of B e e a r (a bear’s favorite kind of beer), until Bonkus grabs it and chucks the bottle across the room.

Bonkus: “Look, I don’t want to hear about your first sex experience and nobody else does, either.”

Bonkus: “Just continue this chapter and allow the murder to happen, and please be sober during the trial.”

. . .

Emma enters her room and flops onto her bed, pretty content with how the day went. 

Everything was okie-dokie today! Well, except…

But I’m sure that doesn’t matter! I’m gonna go to bed tonight with an open mind!

And with that, Emma falls asleep.

. . .

A light within the hall flickers repeatedly as Emma walks, shuddering due to the strange breeze and eerie atmosphere. 

Norman:   “Emma?” 

Emma whips around to face the voice.

Emma: “N… Norman?” 

Norman : “Good evening, Emma. Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

Emma: “Norman, what are you doing?” 

Norman: “Go back to bed, Emma. It’s for the best.”

Emma takes a step back, only for Norman to walk closer. 

Norman: “Why are you afraid of me, Emma? What did I do wrong?”

Emma: “I--”

Norman: “I just wanted to save everyone, right? I just wanted to help.”

Emma tries to respond, but lets out a cough instead. Once she does, liquid begins to drip from her lip. 

Emma: “Wh… what the…?” 

The ginger clutches her sides and continues to cough, more liquid pouring out of her mouth. 

Norman: “See, Emma? This is what happens when you refuse to trust me.”

Emma: “N-Norman, what i-is--?”

Emma is unable to finish her sentence because a thick, bubbling pain stretches through her stomach, forcing her to bend over and vomit. 

Emma: “W-what is- huh!?”

Once she stops puking, Emma tries to focus on the substance that she had just let out.

A red and sticky puddle lies on the floor, although it surely isn’t blood. 

Emma looks up at Norman, the red liquid staining her lips.

Norman: “ Trust me, Emma .”

Emma: “What…?”

Norman: “ TRUST ME. WHY WON’T YOU TRUST ME? ”

Norman: “JUST TRUST ME, AND WE’LL BE ABLE TO PASS AWAY TOGETHER. DOESN’T THAT SOUND NICE?”

Emma stays silent, although her face fills with fear.

Norman forms a crooked smile that spreads across his face, and he continues staring at Emma with his cold grey eyes.

Before the ginger can reply, Norman’s feet start to grow wet, his body melting into the floor. Norman’s remains then slip towards Emma’s puke, the two liquids mix together and shrivel up into air. 

Emma: “N..Norman…?”

Emma: “NORMA--”

Her scream is cut short, because she quickly notices that she’s still in bed.

W-what the heck? What kind of dream was that!?

I- I mean, I know I haven’t been too comfortable around Norman lately, but why…?

As she continues thinking, she keeps hearing…

Footsteps.

She’s not sure whose footsteps they are, but they’re… loud. They seem insanely frantic, almost like a huge celebrity just burst through the hotel door and everyone dropped everything to go see them.

Emma creaks the door open just a bit, only to see Wallace, Nugget, and Jotaro frantically running down the hall.

Well, I guess that explains it. But, why would they be running like that?

She waits for them to pass before opening the door fully. She surveys the surrounding area, but isn’t able to find anything that would elicit such a frantic reaction.

Still confused, Emma follows the three men. 

She notices that they were headed towards the bathrooms on this floor, of all places.

Oh, they just needed to use the bathroom! Alright, that makes sense.

Still, why would they use the public bathroom? If anything, these are just for show because we all have bathrooms in our rooms…

Emma turns away and begins to walk to the kitchen, when all of a sudden…

The three men start banging on the bathroom door.

Jotaro: “What happened? What did you find!?”

Wallace: “Yeah, open the damn door already! What the hell’s in there!?”

Nugget: “Nugget wants to know, too!”

Wait, why are they phrasing it like that?

Heheh, I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll just ask them what happened and we’ll go from there!

Emma is a little nervous, but she decides to approach the group to ask them about their frantic door-pounding.

Emma: “Good morning! Uh, what’s up with the bathroom, guys?”

Jotaro: “We all heard the body discovery announcement when we woke up. Didn’t you?”

Emma: “Wh-wh-wh-wh…”

No. It can’t be true, right?

Please, for the love of god, this can’t be happening…

Despite her fear, Emma pushes the characters I keep forgetting to write in out of the way, and fumbles with the doorknob.

Emma: “Why won’t this door…!”

After a few seconds of frantic desperation, Emma is finally able to pry the door open.

The people that were at the door earlier seemed to have forgotten that the door wasn’t locked, so they follow Emma.

Wander: “Emma! You have to look in that stall!”

Emma: “O… kay…”

Emma builds up as much courage as she can, and takes a look at the stall door closest to the wall.

It’s stained with blood.

Emma: “Ah… ah…”

She weakly pushes the door aside, panicking all the while.

Upon opening the door, she’s greeted by a humiliating sight.

Not humiliating for her, no. 

Humiliating to Parappa, the one who will now be eternally remembered for dying while submerged in toilet water.

The body wasn’t outwardly mutilated. That was really the only positive that could be found, though.

The toilet seat, the walls, the door, even the floor was soaked in blood. Copious amounts of it leaked from every surface, almost as if Emma was in a dunk tank that hadn’t yet been fully filled.

It was now finally clear to Emma.

The second twilight had begun.

Chapter Text

Another day in the confining walls of the despairing hotel it seems. Another self absorbed, poorly written clutter of 69 hate speech. Though, to give some credit, it seems we’ll be viewing this from beneath a… different mask.

Joker: “Heh, so this is what the protagonist role feels like. I could get used to this.”

Bacon: “Don’t count on it, whompus. I’d say a hundred hours is enough for one pretty boy.”

Bacon: “Besides, these are one-offs we’re talkin’. After this, it’s onto the next soon-to-be corpse.”

Joker: “And how do you know?”

Bacon: “…”

The snowman vehemently glares back at him with a hateful presence so black, it’d manifest.

Joker: “Fine, fine, I’ll be sure to take your word for it.”

The frizzy haired boy lets out a sneyd chuckle with his remark as he patted the peeved, pint sized popsicle.

Joker: “Also, ‘whompus’? That’s certainly a new one.”

Bacon: “Shut up and get going.”

Joker: “Sure thing.”

The wildcard continues his wayward trek down the hall, passing the blackberry frost sprite. As he walks, he, understandably, begins to think to himself about his current predicament.

Maybe it’s just Bacon’s oh-so infectious attitude getting to me, but I feel almost dreadful.

Honestly, everyone seems rather dreary as of late.

Though, I guess witnessing the death of our fellow man would do that to anyone.

Still , there’s got to be something to lift their spirits up.

But… what?

Morgana: “Hey Joker, you still there?”

Joker: “Huh?”

His not-cat’s sudden question then jogs him out of his own query. Encased in his own thoughts, Joker has been unknowingly walking into the side of a wall for about thirty seconds.

Joker: “Uh, right, right. Got a bit too deep there, huh?”

Morgana: “You sure were. What’s the hang up?”

Joker: “Nothing big, just trying to think of ways to cheer everyone up. You know, from the whole ‘uninspired death game’ thing?”

‘Drunken Bear’: “I heard that!”

Joker: “Well, am I wrong?”

‘Drunken Bear’: “No, and that’s exactly the problem!”

Morgana: “Huh, you know, might just be the good ol’ Atlus milking strategy getting to me, but how about a movie night?”

Joker: “Hey, that should take them up a bit higher.”

Morgana: “I know, right? Almost anywhere that they desire.”

Joker: “Wait, so is that game canon then?”

Morgana: “I… don’t know.”

Joker: “Alright, not a good sign.”

Joker: “In any case, I think a lighthearted romp through the world of cinema could restore this party’s SP.”

Morgana: “ .. .”

Joker: “Look, I saw an opportunity and took it. And that’s that.”

???: “IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIs someone plotting trivial bullshit?”

Joker: “…yes?”

Realtor: “Oh, that’s cool then. Didn’t wanna have to choke someone to make my suspicions correct.”

And just like that, the grape menace came knocking at their door like flies to a big pile of shit.

Realtor: “Good one, narrator. Great stuff as usual.”

Wait, what-

Realtor: “Anyhow, I’d like to help you two get this cinematic tale out the door.”

Morgana: “And what’s exactly allowed us to nab your attention?”

Realtor: “Boredom.”

Joker: “Fair enough.”

Realtor: “Point is, anything you need for your little filler arc, I can get with ease.”

Morgana: “Oh really? You mind demonstrating-”

A ginormous SpongeBob branded television suddenly crashes down from the ceiling, narrowly missing Joker’s makeshift catbag.

Morgana: “MEROW!”

Realtor: “What was that now?”

Joker: “Well, results don’t lie. Especially when not endorsed by Viacom.”

Morgana: “Okay, fine! We’ll let you help us out...”

Realtor: “Ihihihi, pleasure doing business with ya, Cat Noir.”

Morgana: “Oh, for the LAST time-“

Joker: “Alright, let’s get to work then.”

…

Morgana: “Okay, let’s run down this list again.”

Realtor: “So, comically bigass SpongeBob TV?”

Joker: “Truthfully reached out to.”

Realtor: “Z-grade Monokuma snuff films?”

Joker: “Confiscated with ease.”

Realtor: “Bootleg Taiwanese DVD player?”

Joker: “Here and outdated.”

Realtor: “A… weirdly sticky popcorn maker?”

Joker: “Happily loaned...”

I only hope she had the decency to keep at least a colonel of this stuff clean.

Not that I’m really complaining but… yeah, nevermind.

Morgana: “Well, guess that means we’re set for the night.”

Joker: “Took us long enough.”

Joker let out a sarcastic jab at the cutaway nature of the short.

Realtor: “Hey, we couldn’t afford a montage this time! They’re called shorts for a reason.”

Joker: “Please, how much could writing cost these days?”

Realtor: “Have you ever put a price on a soul?”

Joker: “Again, fair.”

Realtor: “Let’s gather the troops then!”

Joker: “Time to make history.”

…

Joker: “Well, the gang’s all here.”

Despite their hopes, only five other people bother to turn up to Joker’s dorm for the event. (Charlotte, Potato, Bacon, Shaggy, & Jay.) 

Realtor: “Hey, it’s six more people than last time.”

Morgana: “But, there wasn’t a last time?”

Realtor: “Exactly, Garfield.”

Morgana: “THIN. ICE.”

Shaggy: “So, like, thanks for inviting us over for a movie night, man.”

Jay: “Yeah, this shit’s gonna rock!”

Jay muffledly proclaims, mouth already being stuffed with a metric ton of the disturbingly adhesive popcorn. 

Joker: “Glad to see you’re already pumped.”

Charlotte: “I’m mainly here to take my popcorn maker back after, but this’ll be a fun waste of time!”

Joker: “I admire your ability to say that like a normal sentence, considering the state of that machine.”

Charlotte: “Ehh? What are you talking about?”

Joker: “Common, you see how sticky that thing is. And we all surely know how it got that way.”

Charlotte: “Nope, nope, nope! My days of coom-corning are looooooong behind me, beanpole.”

Potato: “Excuse me, what?”

Bacon: “Don’t. Ask.”

Jay: “Wait, then how’s this stuff so deliciously sticky?”

Charlotte: “It’s called caramel, you little degenerate.”

Joker: “So, caramel comes in white now?”

Bacon: “I think I’m gonna be violently ill.”

Potato: “Right there with you, buddy…”

Bacon: “We’re not there yet, back off.”

Potato: “Wait, we’re not friends???”

Shaggy: “Also, is it just me, or is there, like, a serious lack of any drinks?”

Jay: “Yeah, wait, how the hell am I supposed to wash this stuff down?”

Just then, a gentle knock rings out from the dormitory door.

Joker: “Right on queue.”

The open door greets Joker to the pleasing sight of Doppio, his bustling cart stocked to the brim with various consumable amendments.

Doppio: “Alright, I’ve got a fresh pack of 25 sodas. How many would you like?”

Joker: “That’s not necessary to ask. I’ll take all of them, just for me.”

Doppio: “Huh? You want the whole pack?”

Joker: “Listen Doppio, it seems there’s been a misunderstanding. You see, I called you here for soda.“

Joker: “I didn't ring you up to fuck around.”

The look of bewildered confusion struck across the Dop’s face softens as he takes in what he was told.

Doppio: “Right…”

With that, he shakily drops the entire load of cola he carried onto the doorstep of the phantom before backing away. 

Charlotte: “Wow, did you mean to scare him off like that? Hehehe, what a wimp biscuit!”

Realtor: “Okay, enough fucking around. Let’s get these minor distractions from the frail nature of mortality a’playing!”

With everyone who cares assembled, they decide to watch ‘Coolkuma Stops a Genocide… R U N ’.

Bacon: “Alright, I did not drop in here to watch a glorified let’s play by some drunken asshole.”

Joker: “Come to think of it, why’d you show up at all?”

Bacon: “Do I look like I have better things to do?”

Charlotte: “Shut up and put in the fucking movie.”

Joker: “As you wish.”

…

Morgana: “Huh, that was… something?”

Shaggy: “Like, it was alright. I was high enough to enjoy it, man.”

Bacon: “It’s not the worst second hand embarrassment circlejerk I’ve been involved in.”

Potato: “Please don’t elaborate…”

Joker: “Common, don’t act like you didn’t have a bit of fun.”

Charlotte: “Yup. It sure was garbage, but very entertaining garbage.”

Bacon: “Dude, he started clapping his stuffed ass for a twenty dollar donation thirty minutes in. That was, at the very least, atrocious.”

Potato: “I wish you didn’t bring that back up.”

Jay: “What are you talking about, that was awesome. It was boring as hell at first, but it got goooood!”

Realtor: “Yeah, peak fiction right there.”

Monokuma: “HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET THESE?”

Monokuma shoryukens the shit out of the theater door, intensely glaring at Realtor.

Realtor: “Aaaaaand that’s my queue, I’ll see ya next chapter, fools!”

Monokuma: “GET BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE SHIT!”

Monokuma doggedly chases Realtor out of the dorms, taking the movies with him to pelt the wine king with as he runs.

Joker: “Guess that’s that.”

Bacon: “Thank God, I can’t miss my free trial of death.”

With that, they all pile out of Ren’s door. Except for Charlotte, who takes about an extra minute to get the fluid corn dispenser out into the hall. With that, Joker and Morgana are left in silence.

Joker: “Looks like the show’s over, huh?”

Morgana: “Yeah, but it was pretty fun while it lasted.”

Joker: “Try telling that to Monokuma.”

Morgana: “Anyways, I’m beat. How about-”

Joker: “We go to bed?”

Morgana: “Hey, right out of my mouth.”

Joker: “Not exactly hard to read when you tell me every night, but I’ll admit, I’m pretty tired.”

Morgana: “Then what are you waiting for? Time to hit the hay.”

With that, Joker gets comfortable in his now too familiar bed as Morgana curls up at his feet. 

I suppose we all grew a bit closer today?

He feels his eyes getting heavy as sleep fast approaches.

Still, it looks like we’ll just be stuck living our lives here day by day…

…

…

…

Until it all gets taken away.

Chapter Text

As she’s about to step back, someone pushes Emma towards the bathroom wall.

Lammy: “Parappa!”

Lammy gazes at the dog’s corpse, distraught, until turning back to the rest. 

Lammy: “Who did this!? WHO!?” 

Potato: “L-Lammy, please don’t—”

Lammy: “NO! I wanna know! What could Parappa possibly have done for someone to DROWN HIM IN A FREAKING TOILET? TELL ME, TELL ME RIGHT NOW.”

Before Lammy can presumably attack someone, Potato drags her out of the bathroom and into the hall. 

Emma continues to stare into space, not knowing how to react. 

Emma: “I… I can’t believe this…”

Shaggy: “Like, I know! And why in this way?”

Elmo: “Oh god, he likely had to drown… this is even more awful then the last case.”

Emma: “I CAN’T, I CAN’T, I CAN’T, I CAN’T, I CAN’T, I…”

Emma: “UWOOOOOOOOOOAGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!”

Emma continues to scream at the ceiling, saddened and enraged.

Emma: “Show yourself, person who’s controlling Monokuma! I don’t care if you kill us all now, just please…”

Emma: “Release me… Release us…”

Emma: “Show yourself, ohhhhhhhhhhh, MONOKUMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Norman: “Are you okay?”

Emma: “What…”

Norman: “I know, this is going to be a tough trial, but we’ll get through it just fine. You got that?”

Emma: “Y-yeah… I do.”

The ginger quickly looks away and focuses on the floor, hardly able to look at Norman after the nightmare she had and after seeing the body.

Emma: “I just… don’t wanna do this anymore… I can barely hold myself together… I just… want to be free… I’m… sorry…”

Norman: “At least you’re honest, you son of a bitch.”

Emma: “Wha-”

...

I guess it’s… time to start investigating.

INVESTIGATION

As the contestants stand awkwardly in the bathroom, the door creaks open. 

Realtor: “Sorry for my late arrival, but here’re your handbooks.”

Realtor then presses a c o m i c a l l y l a r g e b u t t o n and sends the Monokuma File data to everyone’s handbooks.

Norman: “Why couldn’t he just come here and do this himself?”

Realtor: “The dumbass has a huge hangover.”

Nebula: “How can a robot get a hangover? Or even drunk in the first place?” 

Realtor: “I don’t really know, but I really wish I was in his position right now.”

Realtor: “Also, before I forget, buy my shit. That’s all.”

Mono: “Do you have to be so shameless?”

Realtor: “Hey, if it works, it works.”

Mono: “But it doesn’t.”

Realtor: “Shut up.”

Realtor walks off with Mono on his shoulder.

Still shaken, Emma reluctantly opens up the new file data.

“The victim is Parappa Rappa, the Ultimate Rapper. He was murdered at 6:00 PM within a stall in the men’s bathroom on the first floor. The only notable external injury that can be found is one on his head. There are also copious amounts of blood aimlessly scattered around the stall.”

Emma sighs as she looks at the file, not ready to go through this again. 

“Monokuma File 2” has been added to the Truth Bullets section of your handbook.