Y/N POV: "This is creepy... Hard to see, too." Shuichi said. I suppose he wasn't wrong the room did look rather creepy, but that doesn't mean that it was a bad thing. "It seems like something that would appear in an occult manga. There's a tragic feeling here." Tsumugi said. I turned my attention to the candles as they were the only thing that was lighting up the room and there were so very few of them. "There no windows here... It get pitch black if candles go out." Gonta pointed out. "Ah, please don't put them out... I don't really like the dark." Tsumugi sweat dropped. "I can't imagine many people do..." Shuichi said. As I walked around the room I could tell that the floorboards weren't very stable. "Oh... This floorboard got no nails in it." Gonta said. "A-Ah, is that right?" I questioned. "Yeah. Floorboard just resting on top of crosspiece." Gonta pointed out. "I suppose it's not just my imagination." Shuichi said, looking a little uneasy. "But each floorboard is thick and they got no gaps between them, so it look okay... Gonta not worry about falling through floor all of a sudden." Gonta said. "But, it's pretty dark here... It's a little hard to see where we're stepping. And in the corner, there's a hole in the floor, so it might not be good to go over there." Tsumugi said. Other then a few details there was nothing of importance in the room. "It doesn't look like there's anything important here... Just an empty room." Shuichi said. "Oh! This not only empty room. You see three same-looking doors in the hall, right? All those rooms empty, just like this one. And they only got candles for light too." Gonta pointed out. "Ah, so there are three of them." Shuichi said. "Anyway, we no gotta worry. No reason we ever need to use empty room like this." Gonta sweat dropped. "True..." Shuichi said. "...I-I don't know, I could potentially use this, it just needs a little...design change." I said. "Then...can we leave soon? The darkness and this shaky floor are making me nervous. It's only a matter of time before the shutters burst open and a newspaper gets blown in." Tsumugi sweat dropped. "But...there are no windows, though." Shuichi said.
I followed Shuichi out of the dark room to go find something more interesting. It's an odd choice for Monokuma to put three empty rooms with no immediate purpose, I could turn them into something more presentable if I work hard enough though. Shuichi and I walked to a door which had a rather colorful look to it, a rather different design to what the entire floor looked like. When Shuichi tried to open the door the door handle stopped halfway through. "Huh? It's locked?" Shuichi questioned. I turned my head to look at Kokichi who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "Yup, seems like it. I guess we can't go in." Kokichi said. "But why is it locked? The other Ultimate Labs weren't locked..." Shuichi pointed out. "Oh, by the way...this lab has some kinda rear entrance at the end of the hallway... But that was locked, too." Kokichi said. "If both doors are locked, how are we going to get inside?" Shuichi questioned. "Nee-heehee... Don't give up just yet. Cuz I have a secret techn-" But before Kokichi could finish talking we heard the metallic click of a lock opening...and the door slowly opened with Angie coming out. "Yahaaah! Can I help you?" Angie questioned as she waved her arm in the air. "A-Angie...you were in here?" I asked the artist... "I feel weird chatting out here, so let's all go inside already, okay?" Kokichi said. He truly is pushy. "Come in, come in! Please come in!" Angie yelled as she politely let us inside anyway. Inside the Ultimate Lab there was a bunch of various art and carving tools laying around on the ground and on tables, most notably there was black paint that was splattered everywhere. "But why does this lab have locks...?" Shuichi asked the artist. "Atua has spoken... He says this classroom was probably made for me." Angie answered. "What does that mean?" Shuichi asked.
"Rise and shine ursine-!" The Monokubs yelled in unison as they appeared in the lab.
"I will answer that! With my sexy, beautiful voice!" Monophanie yelled. "Wait a second! We said I was gonna answer that question!" Monotaro question. "No, we didn't. Is your memory getting even worse, Monotaro?" Monophanie questioned. "You promised! Cuz I don't remember you not promising!" Monotaro argued. "That doesn't make any sense!" Monophanie yelled. "So what!? Just lemme do it! If you don't... I'll stick my hand up my butt, then shove it in your mouth and rattle your molars around!" Monotaro threatened. "Kyaaaa! That's unsanitary!" Monophanie screamed. They both looked towards Monodam who was giving them a rather intimidating look. "Oh! W-Wait, Monodam! We...weren't fighting! We were just messing around. Y'know, cuz we're friends..." Monotaro sweat dropped. "IT'S-FINE...AS-LONG-AS-YOU'RE-GETTING-ALONG." Monodam said. "So, what's up with the key?" Kokichi questioned. "Oh, yes... Angie's the kind of girl who can't focus on her art unless she's alone." Monophanie answered. "I must shut out all people and noises so that I can be one with the great Atua. Nyahahaha! Atua is much too shy to be one with me in front of people! So any room where I'm gonna make art needs at have a key, but... I'm surprised the Monokubs knew that." Angie admitted.
"...Huh!?" Monotaro yelled. "And these are all of my favorite art supplies and sculpting tools, too... How did you know?" Angie questioned the Monokubs. "O-Oh, that reminds me. In my Ultimate Lab, there were books in there on a certain bookshelf that only my sister knew I liked. C-Could you also explain to me how you knew that I liked them?" I asked. "U-Ummm... What should I say? I'm...not a good improviser." Monotaro stammered out. "C-Calm down...I'm even worse." Monophanie sweat dropped. "WE-KNOW...EVERYTHING-ABOUT-YOU-BASTARDS. BECAUSE-WE-WANT-TO-BE-YOUR-FRIENDS." Monodam admitted.
"But I don't wanna be friends with you. I'm only interested in Monokuma. I don't wanna get friendly with knock-off products." Kokichi said as he looked down at the ground sadly. "WHY...WOULD-YOU-SAY-THAT? WHY...DO-YOU-HATE-ME? I-WONT-FORGIVE-ANYONE-WHO-REFUSES-TO-GET-ALONG-WITH-ME!" Monodam yelled. "N-Now now, Monodam... We haven't given them the key to this room, have we? Okayyyy, here it is. But there's only one key, so don't lose it." Monophanie said. "It'd be bad if you lost it. You wouldn't be able to lock the door or open it from the outside." Monotaro pointed out. "...LET-ME-SEE-THAT-KEY." Monodam said as he swiped the key from Monophanie and lifted it to his mouth... "...NOM." Monodam said as he proceeded to put the key in his mouth. "Ah! He ate it!" Monophanie yelled. "...GULP." Monodam said as he swallowed the key. "Ah! He swallowed it!" Monotaro yelled. "BEEP...BEEP...BEEEEEEEEEEP..." Monodam beeped. "Ah! He's flatlining!" Monophanie yelled in shock. "What are you doing? If you swallow that key, you'll definitely choke on it." Monotaro pointed out. "SOMEONE-MIGHT-USE-THIS-KEY...FOR-MURDER. BECAUSE-KEYS...ARE-MYSTERIOUS. IF-SOMETHING-BAD-HAPPENS, IT-WOULD-BE-TOO-LATE...I-WANT...EVERYONE-TO-GET-ALONG." Monodam said. "Oh, Monodam...you're so reckless." Monotaro said. "Let's carry Monodam away for now. We'll carry him like a kind boss taking care of a drunk employee." Monophanie said.
"So long! Bear-Well!" The Monokubs yelled in unison as they disappeared out of the lab.
"So does that mean we can't get the key? What the hell...?" Kokichi mumbled angrily. "But I'm only gonna lock this door when I'm inside working, so... I don't care if I can't open or close the door from the outside." Angie said. "Oh, I guess that's fine then... By the way, those guys said they know everything about us, right? That's probably why this labs fits Angie's tastes so well... So does that mean...this school was specially made for us?" Kokichi questioned. "Monokuma had claimed that before...but is that really possible? This giant complex was built just for the seventeen of us?" Shuichi sweat dropped. "It's a miraculous mystery that only Atua knows. But it doesn't matter. As long as it's comfortable, I'm fine. If our lives here become more enriched, then there's even less reason to leave this place." Angie pointed out. "Ah-haha, that's truuue." Kokichi agreed. I looked around more the Ultimate lab, my eyes looking at the several containers in the corner of the lab. "Ohhh, this is wax for was sculptures." Angie said. "Ah, wax sculptures, huh? You can make those, Angie?" Shuichi questioned. "Unlike wood or stone, was has a soft texture for sculpting. Oh, but Atua is the one who's gonna be doing the sculpting." Angie said. "Ah, I see." Shuichi sweat dropped. "But, it seems like people have been making wax sculptures for a long time. In ancient times, death masks used to be made from wax." Angie said. I'm sure they only started getting popular around the 1700 time period.
"The door is super crappy... I'm guessing this is the rear entrance. See? It's got a sliding lock just slapped on here." Kokichi said. "Ah, right, and the door that we used..." Shuichi trailed off. "Yeah, that door has a knob and a cylinder lock." Kokichi finished. "The same classroom had two different kinds of locks for the doors. That's mildly infuriating." Shuichi said. "No, no. It's perfect that they're not the same. Symmetry is a western beauty ideal. They like symmetry and the golden radio and such... But I think asymmetry and partition functions are more beautiful." Angie admitted. "Well, I don't really get it, but...I suppose that makes sense." Shuichi sweat dropped. I followed Shuichi out of Angie's lab, assumingly so we can find the next Flashback Light, I would be lying however if I said that I wasn't nervous about what the Flashback Light would show us. I just- need to know that she's okay. I can't believe that humanity is destroyed. She is the strongest person I know, she would never be killed by some bear who's motive is to bring despair, she would never.
Once Shuichi and I closed the door behind us a certain bear showed up. "Aaugh!!!" Shuichi yelled. Monokuma didn't react to Shuichi as he just gave us both a blank look. "Wh-What are you doing here?" I questioned the bear. Who just starred at us in silence before disappearing down the hallway. "...I suppose he wants us to follow him. What could be down there?" Shuichi questioned. I followed Shuichi down the hall that was only lit my red lights, a few seconds of walking and I turned my head to look at a giant scroll that was blank after a few more seconds of walking down the hall and turning to the right we saw Monokuma who was looking at us back and fourth and at the picture on the wall. "...Hm? This picture? Huh?" Shuichi mumbled. Now that I'm looking at this from a clear point of view it looks like a pane of glass. "Perhaps..." Shuichi mumbled as he pulled out the Golden Hammer. "Alright, it's worth a try." Shuichi said as he pulled the hammer back and threw it at the glass pane as hard as he could, shattering the glass and opening up a new area of the floor. "Just as I thought...there's a hidden passageway here." Shuichi said. The bald Monokuma left straight after. Oddly enough, I think that really helped out. Though...looking at the passageway a bit more clearly it looks more like a factory. "This is...eerie in a different way." Shuichi said. "I-I suppose, I think it looks nice though." I admitted as I followed Shuichi inside of the room. On the other end of the room was a door that opened without resisting. On the other side was a room which had a giant machine in the center of it.
"Rise and shine, ursine-!" The Monokubs yelled in unison.
"IF-YOU'VE-COME-THIS-FAR...THAT-MEANS-YOU-SOLVED-THE-PAINTING-PUZZLE...EXCELLENT...TEAMWORK. THAT-PUZZLE-WAS-TOO-DIFFICULT-FOR-ONE-PERSON-TO-SOLVE. I'M-SURE...THEY-GOT-ALONG-AND-SOLVED-IT-TOGETHER." Monodam said. But, Shuichi was the one who threw the hammer. Is it really okay for me to take part of the credit? "L-Let's just play along... We'll put ourselves in danger if we defy him." Monophanie sweat dropped. "It's true what they say-the serious ones are the scariest when they finally snap." Monotaro said. "I'M-CERTAIN-IT'S-NOT-POSSIBLE...BUT-DID-THAT-OUTDATED-PIECE-OF-JUNK-HELP-YOU-AT-ALL?" Monodam said. Neither Shuichi nor I responded. "Oh, yes... We should explain this room. So this is the computer room." Monophanie said. Well, that much would make sense.
"But this computer isn't just some ordinary computer. This computer you're lookin' at is, like...super amazing. If I remember correctly...it's so amazing, you can even use it to create a new world!" Monotaro yelled. "A 'new world'?" Shuichi sweat dropped. "Yeah, a new world! You can use this to create a new world! Wait, were we supposed to tell them that? I've already forgotten the plan." Monotaro said. "You totally said way too much." Monophanie said. "Wahhhh! I knew it!" Monotaro yelled. "You're so forgetful, Monotaro! You gotta try to remember what you can and can't say!" Monophanie scolded. "S-Sorry..." Monotaro apologized. "...WHY-DIDN'T-YOU-HELP-HIM-MONOPHANIE?" Monodam questioned. "Huh?" Monophanie hummed in response. "WHEN-YOU-REALIZED-HE-WAS-SAYING-TOO-MUCH, YOU-COULD'VE-HELPED-HIM, RIGHT? SO-WHY-DIDN'T-YOU? YOU'RE-FRIENDS, RIGHT? SO-WHY-DIDN'T-YOU-HELP-HIM?" Monodam asked Monophanie who was shaking in fear. "Uh, um...well...um." Monophanie stammered out. "IF-YOU-CAN'T-GET-ALONG...YOU-WILL-BE-PUNISHED. YOU-TOO, MONOTARO. FRIENDS-SHARE-EVERYTHING...EVEN-PUNISHMENTS." Monodam said. "What!? backfire!?" Monotaro yelled.
"So long! Bear-Well!" The Monokubs yelled as they left the room.
What did they mean by that this computer could create a new world? "I'm not good with computers...I don't think I'd understand it no matter how much I investigate." Shuichi admitted. "...I-I only know the basics of this kind of stuff, I was never really introduced to much technology when I was younger." I said. When did I even look at my first electronic? I never had a phone or a computer of my own, He always told me that it would ruin my knowledge and focus on school. But then again He was the one telling me that so I don't know how much of that I can trust.
I looked at Shuichi who had ran up to a treasure chest and opened it eagerly. "Y/N, I found it... The Flashback Light." Shuichi said as he brought out the Flashback Light into my view. I felt nervous upon looking at it, now that I think about it...I don't think I'm ready to remember everything, I don't think I'm ready to look at the outside world, what if it's in chaos? But...I need to know if she's okay. My thinking got interrupted my Kokichi running into the room with a notable smile on his face. "Oh! You found the Flashback Light! Wooow! You guys are pretty dependable, despite those lame faces of yours! I respect that." Kokichi said. "...R-Right." I mumbled. I don't think that Shuichi has a dumb face, it's better then mine at least, Kokichi is probably just saying that to get under our skin again. "I'll get to the others. You lot just bring that to the dining hall. Welp, off I go! See yaaaaaaaa!" Kokichi yelled as he ran out of the room, waving goodbye. I'm assuming that was mostly for Shuichi, there's no way he would wave to me.
I took a closer look at the giant green computer in the middle of the room. "This machine can make a new world... What could that mean? I guess...I have no choice but to leave it be for now." Shuichi said. I hesitantly put my hand on the surface of the computer, everything looked big, even the wires that connected themselves on the computer. I don't want to keep everyone waiting, though I'm sure they will be more interested in the Flashback Light to realize that I'm not there...I might as well go, I don't want to inconvenience them in anyway possible, I want to be helpful. Shuichi and I walked to the dining hall with no words being exchanged. I opened the doors to the dining hall for Shuichi and followed in after him.
"Shuichi, Y/N! Is it true that you've found another Flashback Light!?" Kiibo yelled. "Yes, it's true." Shuichi said. "Wait, so Kokichi wasn't lying! I'm stunned! Startled! Shocked!" Tenko yelled. "See? I told you I wasn't lying. Good thing too, cuz I don't want my pants on fire." Kokichi grinned. "I want to start talking about what we're going to do, but Kaito isn't here yet..." Tsumugi said. "Maki's not here either!" Angie pointed out. "Oh, Maki's not coming. I didn't invite her." Kokichi admitted. "Huh? You didn't invite her?" Shuichi sweat dropped. "Forget about that killer. Hey Miu, Kee-boy, did you guys see that computer room on the 4th floor?" Kokichi asked the duo. I felt embarrassed upon hearing their names, the memories of what Shuichi and I saw coming back to me. "Computer room, you say? Go onnnn..." Miu said as her curiosity was peaked. "Y-Yeah, there was a big computer on the 4th floor. C-Could you take a look later? I assume that you and Kiibo would know something about it, right?" I questioned the duo. "I'm sorry. I'm not very computer savvy." Kiibo sweat dropped. "O-Oh... Is that so...? That's...unexpected." Tsumugi stammered out. "I have been meaning to ask, but... Kiibo, what is your talent, exactly?" Kiyo asked the robot. "Well...I can do all sorts of things. Oh yes! I'm pretty good at one-man comedy shows, if I do say so myself!" Kiibo yelled. I held back a chuckle when I heard that. It's rather humorous to hear people try to explain their worth or importance when they should already know that they are important without needing to explaining it.
"Kee-boy's existence is the only Ultimate thing about him. Other than that, he's got no talent. "I just told you I'm good at one-man comedy shows!" Kiibo yelled at Kokichi. "I- pft- th-think that counts...?" I questioned. It feels weird chuckling, It's been a while since I did that vocally. "I don't really get it, but we just need to check out this computer room, right? But I'm not gonna come just for some computer. It's gonna take way more than that!" Miu yelled. "Ah, well... The Monokubs did say it was amazing..." Shuichi said. "Hey! Thanks for waiting!" Kaito yelled as he walked into the dining hall with Maki in tow. It's surprising to see her here, but I guess It's a rather nice surprise...I wonder what Kaito had to do for Maki to come here, Maki would never have showed up by herself.
"K-Kaito! And..." Shuichi trailed off. "M-Maki!? Why is Maki with you!?" Tenko yelled in surprise. "Well, this is about the Flashback Light, so everyone should be here, yeah?" Kaito questioned. "But...when you say 'everyone' do you truly need to include a professional killer?" Kiyo questioned. "K-Kiyo!" I yelled. I care about Korekiyo a lot but I'm sure that there could've been better times to bring that up. "...I'm leaving." Maki said as she turned her back to leave. "Wait, hold on a sec." Kaito said as he gripped Maki's arm, preventing her from leaving. "Kaito, didn't you say you wanted to take down her mask or whatever?" Kokichi questioned. "Yeah, I'm gonna take down her mask as a murderer." Kaito grinned. "...What?" Shuichi mumbled in confusion. "I just can't believe a girl like her is capable of killing people in cold blood.." Kaito said. Maki is harsh at times but I wouldn't say that she would just kill people for the thrill of it. She doesn't seem like that type of person. "Um... Is it true? Are you really the Ultimate Assassin, Maki? Have you...killed anyone before?" Kiibo questioned the girl.
"...Yes." Maki admitted. That much was obvious. "Why...you hide that?" Gonta sweat dropped. "Pfft! Isn't it obvious!? It's so she could kill us all before we figured out her identity!" Miu yelled. "You're wrong... It's because I knew you guys would react this way." Maki said. "...What?" Shuichi sweat dropped. "When people learn my Ultimate talent, they get the same fear in their eyes that you all have... Eventually...that fear will turn into hate. And then someone will try to kill me because their afraid I'll kill them first." Maki explained. "That's not-" Shuichi stammered out. "When someone learns my real identity, they try to kill me. It happens every time. Always." Maki said. "...A-Always?" Shuichi questioned. "Hmm... You've lived a pretty sad life, Maki. Oh...poor, poor Maki. I feel so sorry for you. I think I'm about to cry... Because of everything you've been through, human life has no value to you now, is that it!?" Kokichi yelled. "She's an assassin, not some murderous fiend! Even if she did kill someone, that doesn't mean she thinks it's okay to-" "Hey, can you let go of me now?" Maki asked Kaito who had still yet to let go of her arm. "Hm? O-Oh..." Kaito sweat dropped as he let go of Maki's arm. "I knew you wouldn't believe me... That's why I kept it a secret...and tried to avoid you guys as much as I could. But someone who doesn't know how to mind his business kept dragging me to places." Maki said, directing her glance to Kaito. "Huh? Are you talking about me?" Kaito asked the girl. "However, I'll say this... I have no intention of killing any of you...unless one of you tries to kill me first. Having said that...you probably wont believe me anyway. So...you guys mind your business, I'll mind mine, and we'll all agree to avoid each other. Please...just pretend I'm not even here." Maki said and just as she opened the door to leave the dining hall I felt myself want to tell her that she was going to be okay, even if she will ignore me in the end.
"H-Hey, Maki?" I spoke. I saw Maki hesitantly turn her back to look at me, her red eyes piercing themselves into my own. "I-I think...I can understand. Though I cannot say people have tried to kill me but I have had many, many people hate me before, and...maybe even a bit more then hate. S-So much so that I hid my own gender so I wouldn't receive the same treatment, but...I think you'll get better. I don't think your Ultimate title means anything in this killing game we all just want to live just like you. Y-You're only human...okay?" I told the assassin, Maki only looked at me for a few seconds before mumbling a simple 'whatever' and left the dining hall. I sighed but not in defeat, it will take a while but one cannot just feel like their worthy of having friends or even a good social life in an instant. I'm happy that I'm able to have Kiyo as my friend otherwise I would most likely wouldn't have wanted to talk to anyone here.
"Maki..." Shuichi mumbled sadly. Though...until Maki gets more comfortable she will most likely be alone, and being alone isn't fun for anyone. "Geez, Kaito. What were you thinking? Are you trying to turn us against each other? I think I speak for everyone when I say, we're all disappointed in you! Right guys!?" Kokichi yelled. "N-No... I wouldn't say that, but..." Tsumugi trailed off. "Shall we finally get started? We've all gathered here for the Flashback Light, yes?" Kiyo questioned. "M-Mhm, we should be looking at the contents of the Flashback Light." I said. "Right, of course! We might be able to remember something new!" Tenko yelled. "Like the true purpose of the Ultimate Hunt..." Himiko said. "Well...we don't know for sure if it's got anything to do with why we're trapped here..." Shuichi pointed out. "Don't give me that wishy-washy bullshit! Of course it's got something to do with why!" Miu yelled at the detective. "Hey, instead of arguing, it'd be way faster to just use it, y'know?" Kokichi questioned. "Yeah... Gonta worry, but we gotta do it." Gonta agreed. "But but, no matter what we remember, you can't think about wanting to leave this place. If you think like that... We'll just be repeating ourselves." Angie pointed out. "I-I know that! And we can't go around repeating ourselves!" Tenko yelled at Angie as she pointed he index finger at her. "Then let's give it a try. Shuichi, go for it." Kiibo said. "Umm, I'm a little nervous... I'm sort of...just plain nauseous." Tsumugi said.
And as everyone, including myself looked at Shuichi I heard him flick the Flashback Light on. And at that very moment, once again... The world...warped. I felt information being pushed into my head as my vision went white, but somewhere in that whiteness, a scene began to play. A scene that made me feel sick to my stomach.
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