//------------------------------// // Mortal Peril, Mortal Ignorance - Daily Life 3 // Story: Danganronpa vP: Harmony of Despair // by witegrlninja //------------------------------// *ding dong, bing bong* I reflexively buried my face beneath the covers as Monokuma's morning announcement played. The sudden brightness of an instant sunrise was sufficiently muddled, allowing me to wake up a little more comfortably. I braced myself for the chill of leaving my bed, hopped out and headed off to breakfast. Breakfast was mostly uneventful. The only conversation that really took place was that of Pinkie Pie asking everypony what their favorite foods and desserts were. I offered to help, but she cheerfully waved me off and insisted that she already had plenty. Rarity also smiled and told me that with Trixie's help, decorations would take no time at all. And so, after putting my dishes away I left the cafeteria, wondering what to do until 6pm. I wandered around the school, finding nothing that particularly interested me. I eventually went outside, hoping for the closest thing I could get to fresh air. A shadow passed over me suddenly, and I saw Lightning Dust flying around aimlessly as I looked up. Hmm... maybe I could convince those two to attend the party? It'd sure make Pinkie happy. "Hey! Lightning!" I called out. "'Sup?" she replied, not even looking my way but waving a hoof in response. ...Er... now what? We're not exactly friends... we don't even know each other all that well... "Um... wanna... hang out?" I smiled sheepishly. Lightning stopped in her tracks and hovered in place. "What? Why the fuck you wanna hang out with me?" she finally turned to face me, eyebrows raised. I winced at her harshness. Think, Twilight, think! "Well... um... no reason. Just... because?" Sigh... There were a few moments of uncomfortable silence until Lightning finally shrugged. "Eh... alright. Not like there's anything better to do here." ~~~ Lightning and I made awkward small talk with each other for a while. ~~~ "Ugh..." "What's wrong?" I asked. "The fuck do you think? I wanna get out of here! I wanna go fly around and buzz by other ponies to my heart's content!" "Oh, right..." I laughed nervously. "But... isn't flying so close to other ponies dangerous? What if you ran into them on accident?" "Then you just dust yourself off and take off again before the other pony ever knows what hit 'em! Not my fault if they're a fuckin' klutz!" Well... it's still your fault if they're hurt. "And besides, if they do get pissed off, then the adrenaline really kicks in! If they're not worth my time, then I'll take off like a shot! But if they look like they pack a punch, then hell yea, fight's on! And nothin' beats winning a good fight! Especially if it's a stallion that can't handle losing to a mare...Then I'll take 'em to the closest bar, get them a few rounds on me, and it's all fuckin' good. No better way to get to know a pony, I think... that was basically how I found my Washouts." I... that's how you make friends?! "I see... I heard you guys did all kinds of dangerous stunts!" I tried to segue into a less-violent topic. "Hell yea! Nothin' gets your heart pumpin' like givin' death the middle wing feather!" Lightning rubbed her chin. "...That Pegasus foal that hangs around Rainbow all the time, getting me caught on that rocket meant for her... at first I was pissed, but then I realized I'd never felt the wind rush through my mane so fuckin' fast before... I was hooked! Now all my stunts involve rockets! Multiple rockets! Even the tame ones!" ...How tame can a stunt be if it involves that many rockets?! "Agh! Just talkin' about it makes me wanna strap a couple to myself and fly! I bet I could even beat that weeny Rainbow Crash at her Sonic Rain-Poo speeds! Then she'll have to admit I'm better than her!" My eyebrow raised. "Why do you hate Rainbow so much?" I asked rather pointedly. "I mean, thinking back to that Wonderbolts Academy, you getting kicked out was entirely your fault." "How can you not?!" Lightning scowled. "Look at her, thinking she's so great. 'Ooh, she pulled off a Sonic Rainboom! She's the only pony alive who can do one!' Pfah! So what?! If it weren't for her, I'd be in the Wonderbolts' A-team right now, not her!" "...You did almost kill me with that tornado. And my friends," I glared. Lightning flinched, like she'd been hit with a sudden realization. "Huh? That was you? ...Naaah, you're an Alicorn, that wouldn't have phased you at all." "I didn't ascend until after that. I used to be a Unicorn." "Oh. Shit. Well, sorry 'bout that, I guess," Lightning coughed, rolling her eyes. "Well... nopony was hurt, so don't worry about it," I grumbled. "Cool. I'd buy you a drink, but there ain't any booze around here... seriously, what kind of fuckin' asshole foalnaps a buncha ponies and doesn't even provide some beer to help pass the time?! That should really be the least of your worries, right now... We talked a little more. I learned quite a bit about Lightning Dust, in that she was an insatiable adrenaline junkie. Thinking about the whole conversation, I imagined that perhaps her misguided hate for Rainbow Dash was because she had been kicked out of an institution that would've provided her with all the thrills she could ever ask for. I resolved that if we ever spoke again, I should research topics that involved high speed, violence and alcohol first. As our conversation drew to a close, I mentioned the dinner party and how it'd be highly appreciated if she attended. At first, she groaned and rolled her eyes, but after a little wheedling she finally relented. Satisfied, we went our separate ways. ~ There was still a good amount of time before the party. Since I had been successful at getting Lightning to attend after all, why not Fleur? Although, I don't think she'd have very much fun, or be all that pleasant... But, I suppose I would be remiss as the Princess of Friendship if I didn't at least try. It wasn't hard to find the Ultimate Supermodel. Fleur was in the Spa, lounging in the hot spring pool. A towel was wrapped around her mane, and she idly levitated crudités and petit fours from a silver tray into her mouth while sipping from a large glass of ice water with cucumber and lemon slices and herbs in it. At first her expression soured as she heard me walk inside, but her face softened into demure excitement almost immediately. "Oh, Princess Twilight Sparkle! How lovely of you to join me," Fleur spoke sweetly, although through clenched teeth. "To what do I owe this... delightful interruption?" A shiver traveled down my spine as I carefully chose my words. "Even a Princess wishes to get away from the rabble, sometimes." "Indeed, they can be quite bothersome, no?" Her voice and posture relaxed somewhat. "Ponies like us deserve some nice quiet time to themselves, to be pampered and troubled not by the ills of the world." "Yes, exactly..." I trailed off as I wracked my brain in an effort to appear hoity-toity, but Fleur seemed not to notice my shortcomings. "Ah, how wonderful it is to find a pony who knows how I feel! Come! Let us gossip." ~~~ I listened as Fleur began to ramble on about the various ponies she knew and worked with, mostly in very negative and self-important terms. Any time I tried to comment on something, she would simply talk over me... ~~~ "Oh, Princess, whatever shall I do? The longer I languish within this foul prison, the more ponies in the world forget about my beauty!" "I... honestly wish I knew," I sighed. "Everything I worked so hard for... and this happens to me?! I mean, seriously! What the hell did I do to deserve this?!" ...I probably shouldn't answer that. "Ugh, if I stay in here any longer, I'll have to work my way back up the totem pole... and a top model like myself is far too sublime to stoop to that level again! The long hours, the shit pay, the lack of recognition... the lecherous old stallions I had to... escort." "...Escort?" I asked, although I didn't really want an answer. "To get to the top, you must do some terrible things..." Fleur sighed, her eyes dark. "...Things no proper lady should ever submit themselves to. But they promised me photoshoots, catwalks, fame and fortune... in truth, if I wanted to reach the top of the nobility... I couldn't refuse." "Oh..." I had no real reply to this knowledge. Fleur had apparently been through some pretty horrible things... things that would scar any pony deep down. Rarity had told me of a couple of times it had happened to her, but she was easily able to defend herself and rebuff their corrupt advances. But that was Rarity; owner of her own fashion empire, not the one who only modeled the clothes, hired on by third parties. Perhaps it was no wonder she was so... unfriendly. "But what about you?" Fleur's face molded into a devious smirk. "I wonder... just how many stallions did it take for you to get where you are?" "Um, none," I grimaced as my ears flattened. Fleur giggled smugly. "C'mon, I know you didn't get to start up a school about one of the most trivial subjects in Equestria without making a few... connections. What a ridiculous idea..." I felt my face growing hot, which only goaded Fleur on more. "Especially after that Chancellor Neighsay rightfully closed it down, and then it suddenly opened back up... I bet I know what else opened right up for that to happen!" "You're completely wrong!" I spat, disgusted. "Heehee... oh, don't be so prude, it happens to all of us!" she laughed as she levitated me a petit four. She then proceeded to call me a whore while winking. ...I take it back. The dinner party would be better off without her starting drama. ~ By the time I returned to my room, it was almost 5:30pm. I spent some time freshening up a little, then left for the cafeteria a full fifteen minutes early. Even from my doorway, I could smell the enticing aromas of various dishes being finished. I heard the clattering of dishes and Pinkie's cheerful instructions as I entered the cafeteria. The tables had all been decorated with white tablecloths bordered with purple satin ribbons and flower arrangements surrounding an eternally-burning sparkler, enchanted to never burn anything or catch anypony on fire. The walls were covered in red, yellow and blue streamers, with bunches of balloons here and there. At the main table sat Celestia, making conversation with Trixie, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Discord. Coloratura had found a karaoke machine in the warehouse and was busy setting it up in one corner with Bulk's help. Lightning Dust and Nurse Redheart were sitting by themselves a table or two over from the rest, simply watching quietly. "Hello, Twilight," Celestia smiled as I sat down at the table beside her. "How has your day been?" "Alright, I guess," I answered as my eyes scanned the room. I wasn't at all surprised that Fleur wasn't present, but somepony else wasn't here, either. "Where's Princess Luna?" "She said she had a working theory on finding a weakness in the barrier." A hint of a smile crept onto Celestia's lips, but quickly faded. "She'll come, but perhaps not until later on. Either way, I'll be sure to save a plate for her." Oh? Maybe we'll be able to leave soon! ...No, don't get ahead of yourself, Twilight. You know better than anypony that a working theory often leads nowhere... Delighted at the news nonetheless, we made small talk until 6pm on the dot, when... "Alright, everypony! Let's get this dinner party started!" Pinkie shouted happily. The kitchen doors burst open and Pinkie pranced into the cafeteria, balancing a tray full of hayburgers on her head. Applejack followed her, balancing a platter of roasted fruits and vegetables, and Flam was the last to exit the kitchen, holding all the other dishes in the green-apple aura of his magic. When all had been placed on the main table, there was a large pot of stew, fried grains, bread rolls, salads, even a huge punchbowl filled with a sugary, light pink liquid. "And that's not even counting what's for dessert!" the Ultimate Party Planner beamed. It was no secret that Pinkie's baked goods were legendary all over Equestria. At the sight of all the food, even Lightning and Redheart left their lonely seats and sat down at the table. "Bon appétit!" she grinned, kissing her hoof and flicking it in the air. Flam made it his mission to personally dish out food and drink with all the infamous charm he was known for, firstly to every mare at the table. I admit, I couldn't help but blush as he poured me a glass full of punch with a sly wink. Even Applejack wasn't fully immune to his gentle-stalliony allure, and stallions are usually the very last thing on her mind. Soon, all our troubles were forgotten as we gorged ourselves. Pinkie and her helpers had given it their all when it came to making the food as perfect as possible. No senses were spared: the dishes arranged and plated into works of art, the delicious sizzles filling the air along with the various scents, the textures and crunchiness, the sweet, salty, sour, savory and bitter flavors - all danced and mingled and swirled amongst each other perfectly. It was culinary heaven... and that was only the first course. The cafeteria was abuzz with lighthearted conversation as Pinkie and Flam brought out the desserts, and that's when the party really started. Besides a towering Mascarpone Marzipan Meringue cake covered in enchanted fondant effigies of everypony in the school (even a strangely tame and playful Monokuma, whose head was immediately bitten off by Lightning), there were fruit pies, fruit tarts, cookies, cupcakes, donuts and candies. Coloratura walked over and turned on the karaoke machine, dragging Trixie with her to sing a duet. While the former sang with all the grace and beauty one would expect from an Ultimate Pop Idol, Trixie shouted more than she sang, eliciting cheers and laughter. During all this, I was grabbing myself a slice of cake and some cookies when something caught the corner of my eye. It was there for only a moment, but distinguishable enough that I quickly realized what - or who - it was. "Luna?" I trotted over towards the doorway and looked in the direction I'd seen the azure blur move. I just barely caught a glimpse of Luna's nebulous tail round the corner around Discord's room further down. I wonder where she's going? "Twilight! Come sing with meeee!" I heard Rarity slur. As curious as I was about Luna, and however much I wished to remind her of the dinner party, I shrugged it off and joined Rarity at the karaoke machine. Maybe she'll be back after freshening up in her room first... or maybe she needs something from her room for her theory? Oh, well... I'm sure it's fine. Celestia's saved her a huge plate of food, anyway. ~ Before I knew it, 9pm was almost upon us. After Lightning and Bulk's surprisingly-rousing finale, we agreed it was best to get everything put away and spend the rest of the hour before Nighttime relaxing. We all worked together to put the leftovers away in the fridge and clean the room before finally going our separate ways. As I turned to leave the kitchen, I noticed Celestia making herself a tray with a teapot, two cups and two slices of leftover cake. "Ah, Twilight," she spoke gently. "It has been so very long since I have been able to attend a party like that. It was really quite fun!" I smiled warmly; I knew all too well that the vast majority of "parties" Celestia had ever gone to were stuffy affairs drowned in proper etiquette. "I'm glad, Princess," I replied. "It's just too bad Luna never made it, I'm sure she would've enjoyed herself as well." "As am I," Celestia sighed. "But I'm sure it was only because she's trying her hardest to help us escape. Perhaps her theory is bearing fruit?" "That would be nice." Although I didn't want to get ahead of myself, I couldn't help but feel a dim light of hope glowing slowly brighter within me. "If you have the time, would you come to my room?" asked Celestia. "I would have discussed the matter with you at the party, but I felt it wasn't the right time nor place... besides, it has been a while since the last time we talked, just the two of us." My heart leapt into my throat! I always so enjoyed talking with Celestia, whether it was as a student to her mentor or as equals. It wasn't uncommon back in the old days for our conversations to last long into the night. "Oh, Twilight? Could you help us with the garbage?" Before I could answer, however, I heard Trixie yelling for me from the cafeteria. Peeking my head out, I saw her and Rarity levitating one large trash bag each, with a third one still on the floor. "Sure, Princess! Just let me help with the trash first, then I'll be right there!" "Of course," Celestia chuckled as she levitated her tea tray and the overloaded plate of food meant for Luna. "I'll see you in a few minutes, then." She and I went our separate ways as I trotted back into the cafeteria and levitated the third trash bag in my magic. Rarity, Trixie and I then made our way to the garbage room. Inside the dark room, I found some bins dedicated to different kinds of recycling that were already somewhat filled, and at the far end of the room was the incinerator. One-by-one, we each dropped a bag of trash inside and activated the machine, watching the bag drop inside and the spaces between the grating turn a vibrant orange in response. There was a pipe connected to it that must've channeled the smoke outside, as there wasn't much of an odor. "And that's that. Thank you for your help, darling," Rarity smiled. Trixie nodded. "No problem!" I replied. We then left the room; with Rarity and Trixie leaving for their own rooms, while I took the stairs and made my way towards Celestia's room. I just barely saw Lightning enter her room and quickly wished her good night, earning a short response before the door shut. I walked past the comically-large plate of food Celestia had set by Luna's door, about two-thirds of it obscured by a silver cloche on top with the rest sticking out. I saw Rainbow as she flew up from the floor below and into her room; we bid each other goodnight before she disappeared inside. I smelled something strange as I rounded the corner before passing by Fleur's room. It was slightly sweet and savory, much like the roasted fruits and vegetables from earlier. I was pretty full, however, so the thought of even more food made me slightly nauseous. Perhaps Celestia decided she wanted one more serving before bed? She often did that when I was her student, and it wasn't like anypony could tell her no. Finally I reached Celestia's room. Politely, I rang the doorbell and waited for her to open the door. ... Nothing happened. I rang the doorbell again, perhaps she had been in the bathroom. ... Again, nothing. I tried knocking this time. "Princess? I'm here." Oh, wait... soundproof doors, duh. I grabbed the doorknob in my magic and turned it, finding it unlocked. "Princess?" I called out as I otherwise quietly entered the room. Celestia's room was rather regally decorated, with one particularly lavish red velvet chaise lounge, a spare set of her regalia on the desk, and a dawn-colored canopy above her bed, with matching curtains that billowed in the open window's breeze. And the floor- At first I couldn't comprehend what I was seeing. But the second I finally did, my breath died in my throat. Something laid on the floor in Celestia's room. A figure, bloody, burned and blackened. Its legs stuck at odd angles into the air as it lay on its back, covered in ash and gore. Its entire barrel was totally mangled, as if a monster had grabbed it in the middle and tore it in half with its bare claws. Charred, ripped intestines spilled out of its belly as blood and bile pooled and coagulated in the carpet underneath it. The singed flesh and fat around the gaping tear extended from the bottom of the figure's throat all the way down to its inner left hindleg, smoking and melted. The face was melted down to the bone in some places, the remaining body parts fused and twisted into such agony it was unrecognizable; the mane had been scorched off. But its wings were mostly intact, white feathers scattering like ashes in the draft of the open door. I looked more closely at the hindleg, and saw not only the tail, but also the Cutie Mark underneath the blood. I realized what that sweet, savory scent I had smelled truly was. I screamed. Princess Celestia, the Ultimate Diplomat, lay dead before my very eyes.