Danganronpa: Sub.Mel

Documentation: Driven Exploration (Prologue, Part 8)

The group had split into two and as Haru's group had gone right, the others, naturally, went left. Leading them was Amari. Kanna would normally be in front, of course, but he lagged behind, sure to keep his eyes on Yukari. It seemed that he really meant what he said, more than I would ever expect from any student. But perhaps the Super High School Level Perfection is inclined toward that nature.

Amari looked back at the others before slowly opening the door, the breeze from the change in air pressure washing over her. She pressed forward, the expanse of the room opening to her.

Though it was more furnished than the previous room, it still felt cold. What else could one expect from an underground shelter? The center of the room housed a large circular table and dotted around it were sixteen chairs. Though it was much smaller than the room the other group explored, it shared a commonality in having another room to the back.

"So, it would seem as though the intricacy of this plot may be deeper than we imagined," Yudai narrowed his eyes, stepping past Amari. He walked toward the table, aware of Ami following closely behind. They both made their way around the table, though Ami lightly tapped each chair as she did, as if counting.

"Yeah. That's the feeling I get, too. Whatever we've been caught up in, none of us are here by accident," Ami turned to look at Yudai, though just what she could see through her bangs was questionable.

"Well, I say. This does seem to be a good space to hold meetings, don't you think? In fact, I'd say that's its intended purpose," Yamato said, his voice reverberating and bouncing off the stone walls, "Almost like we've been informed already of a supposed 'Meeting Room'."

"Man, oh man. I can't wait to get set up here!" Excitement edged Nori's voice as he set a large poster on the table. Curious, Mei craned her neck to see what it was, but confusion shone in her red eyes as she realised that she had no idea what any of it was for.

"Now, I know you said you were going to watch me, Kanna, and I know I said the equivalent of 'Do what you'd like' but, ah, hm," Yukari brought a finger to her chin, "Isn't this a bit excessive? Surely you wish to do an examination of your own. There are six others here. If you all were to lose track of me..."

"I get what you're saying, but... Well, you aren't trustworthy in the slightest," Kanna shook his head, "No normal person can procure a bat from thin air. Not even me."

"Well, of course not. Who'd think that? What a foolish thought!" Yukari chuckled, "Procuring a bat from thin air... Hoho..."

"It's a waste of time to talk to her," Ami cut through Yukari's soft laughter, "And it's likely a waste of time to keep tabs on her. I don't doubt that she has the means to kill, but I also don't think she has the motive to kill."

"That's true..." Kanna lowered his head, "Even if she were the one behind this... That'd go against the purpose of having us do the work."

"Ah, so am I finally in the clear? Wonderful!" Yukari clapped her hands together. "Your vigilance makes me wonder how far I can press your talent, love. You do seem to be the very embodiment of it, don't you think?"

"Is that a compliment? From you, I can't tell," He sighed, realising that the question was futile as, surely, Yukari had no intention of clearing anything up, no matter how small. The psychoanalyst lived for the confusion that sprang from the seeds she sowed.

"If this whole thing is so perfectly planned, what need do we have of this room?" Amari placed a hand on the table, "Are we meant to hold regular meetings? And for what?"

"I am unsure as to the function of such a room as a 'meeting room'," Mei folded her arms, "Do you meet new people in it?"

"No, it's... Hm. The purpose is to meet with people you probably already know to talk together, usually about work," Ami chose her words carefully, but even as she did, she wasn't sure just how much Mei would understand.