//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: (Ab)Normal Days - Part 2 // Story: Super Dangan RonPonya: Set Sail for Despair Isles // by Serenade-Stereo //------------------------------// Everyone had their eyes on Techno. Bud really had said something about him yesterday after the investigation. Was he really acting up, he didn't notice himself change? What exactly was so off about him? Not to mention that right after he starts acting differently he has a weird dream in the might of him and someone that is allegedly his brother...where's the connection? "Well then..." Quick frowned. "Shouldn't we talk about what we found out when we investigated Third Island yesterday?" Bright nodded and stood up. "Yes, most certainly...who would like to explain their findings first...?" She scanned the room. "How about Paint and Memory...? You seemed to be everywhere at once during the investigation period." "Yes, we got around..." Paint responded. "I took note of anything I deemed worthy..." Everyone paused, looking at her. "...oh, did you want to know what I noted?" "Uuuurrr..." Aqua groaned. "Yes! For Celestia sake, how freaking dumb are you?!" Paint ignored the comment and started to recall the details of Third Island. "What seemed least important, but noteworthy all the less...was that hospital..." "Oh yeah! That place was, like, completely deserted!" Quick nodded. "Indeed not only that though, there was a serious lack of medical equipment left in its storage. That's extremely worrying, isn't it? What if something happens? Somebody could get an infection and we could do nothing to stop it." "Monokuma must have hidden it somewhere. That's the explanation that makes the most sense, right?" Rip asked. "I mean...if he wants us to die, taking away all medical equipment would be the best method to do so." "Rip's probably right." Toxic affirmed. "We shouldn't put it past Monokuma to do something like that. If he's hidden somewhere on the island though, we might stumble on it at some point..." "Possibly though, don't you think that's kinda unlikely, honey?" Clip asked. "Monokuma would have taken precautions so we wouldn't find it...if he did take it away, that is..." Paint tapped her chin with her pencil. "There could have been nothing there to begin with. The whole feel of Third Island was off, was it not?" "Y-yeah, seriously creepy..." Quick nodded. "So, I suppose you have something to say about one of the other buildings?" Bright leered. "Duh! The freaking organ-storage unit thing-y!" "O-organ storage...?" Pure gasped. "A-Aqua and I never found anything like that in our investigation!" "It must have been in that really creepy run-down house then. That was the only place Pure and I haven't seen yet..." Aqua explained. "So it's an organ storage unit?" "Okay, first...how can you mot be grossed out by saying that?" Toxic bit his lip. "And second...it's not an organ storage unit or whatever the fuck you said it was. It's an old torture house that might be from medieval times..." "Yes, it has quite the variety of equipment...an eyeball scooper, rusty nails, an iron maiden and...one that'd used on boys only..." Bright giggled ominously. "What do you mean one for bo-..." Quick cringed as he realised what she meant. "O-oh..." "Yes...rather unpleasant for you." "Just gives them a reason not to double-cross the girls..." Aqua smirked. "Though, that isn't the biggest part of the torture house. In the basement, there's a cryogenic freezer that has the bodies of the deceased stored inside of it..." "T-the bodies...s-so...Swift's down there..." Pure mumbled. "Discovering that Monokuma was storing the bodies had begged the question: what is he planning to do with them?" Bright eyes shifted into a state of discomfort. "There would be no reason for him to keep them around anymore so what's the use?" "Maybe just so he can remind us of who we've essentially sacrificed since we came here..." Memory suggests. "I mean...isn't it weird that Monomi can only defeat Monobeasts just as we finish class trials. Either Monokuma is powering them down on purpose so we can basically get a 'reward' as such for passing the class trial." "Or...?" Clip pressed. "Monomi and Monokuma really are in cahoots...and Monomi 'defeats' them only when Monokuma tells her too...for the same reason..." "Both are plausible suggestions, Memory...but I believe Monomi just has bad timing with this. Even if she can seemingly regenerate, there must be a limit to it at some point..." "..." Memory sighed. "That's just like you, Bright...you always have to be right..." "It is in my name..." Bright's glasses flashed as she gave a cocky smirk. "But what do you expect from me? I don't expect you to think I'd sit by and not give my opinion on something that's basically in my lane." "In your lane?" Rip raised an eyebrow. "Theories, naturally..." Bright shrugged. "So when I started trying to solve someone's emotional or mental issues, you can step in and give me your opinion Mr Lapse...stay in your lane for our sakes..." "...heh..." Memory smiled. "By the way...could I bring something up? Slightly off topic from the island?" "What is it? Is it really important or just one of these mindless rambles?" Aqua asked. "Oh, it's about what Enterna was saying right before she was executed...you know, when she took her eyepatch off and scanned everyone in the room?" "Yeah..." Enterna reached for her eye-patch, sliding it off and letting it fall to the floor. She blinked a few times, revealing the swirling half-blue, half-green eye. "Most of you are very positively natured...urh!" She paled, stopping at Memory and Toxic. "Y-you two..." "Enterna?" Quick's eyes widened. "What's wrong? What do you see?" "Weeeeeeellllll!" Monokuma interrupted. "I think that's more than enough time to get to know her!" "W-wait! You can't interrupt me now!" Enterna panicked. "I've prepared a veeeeeery special punishment for the 'Super Middle School Level Gardener', Clover Penny! In her place though...will be the 'Super Middle School Level Luckster', Enterna!" "Okay, okay really quickly then! The ones with the fake personas are-" "Let's get this underway!" "It's Toxic and-" "Iiiiiiiiiiit's PUNISHMENT TIME!!!" "We all heard Enterna, right? She clearly said that Toxic was hiding his true personality from the rest of us...now. I don't why the rest you haven't brought this up yet. It does seem very important since he's still alive and all..." "Grk! Y-you....bastard..." Toxic gritted his teeth. "We can't believe what that girl said! She could have hated me and wanted to get back at me!" "Why would Enterna hate you, Toxic? Had you done something to her in the past? Do you two have some sort of connection?" Paint raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "W-wait! Enterna said 'you two', so who the fuck was the other person she was talking about?!" "Maybe we'll never know..." Memory shrugged. "But with a reaction like that...it's almost as if you admitted it just now..." "Hey...what the hell is all this? I've got nothing to hide and even if I did...why the hell would be my fucking personality?! Who would feel the need to hide something like that?! Last I checked...nobody in this society gives a crap about personality. Everything is based on looks." "That's not gonna be you defence for this, is it?" Pure asked. "Actually. Didn't you say that you and Toxic had met each other once before?" Bud recalled. "Y-you remembered that?! Whatever! It doesn't concern any of you right now so...y'know, leave it at that..." "Pure, you can't just keep that to yourself..." "M-maybe it's for the better." Techno interjected. "She must have a good reason for keeping it to herself..." Paint paused before letting out a small scoff. "Techno...you're far too nice..." Paint stood for a moment. "Let's talk about something for a moment...and I expect everyone to answer honestly...have any of you asked Monokuma about the organisation that took us here?" "Huh...?" Quick seemed caught off guard. "Why are you asking?" "Just need to know...because I have and he seemed unusually cooperative with the information on them..." "What do you mean...? Who is it?" Bright fixed her glasses. "They call themselves 'Hope Restoration Inc.' they help the new generation of kids understand the differences between hope and despair and try to put them on the right pathway into the future. They conducted a variety of harmless tests and experiments to give them hope and not despair and it seems we just got unlucky. This one seemed to be hijacked by Monokuma and whoever he's working for." "So it's like...Monokuma's like an enemy of Hope Restoration Inc.?" Rip clarified. "Then us being forced into this was completely by chance...?" Paint paused. "Oh...did I say it was by chance...? I didn't mean to..." She apologised. S-she's back to this weird act again?! Techno gave a disgruntled expression. "I don't really think it was by chance...I mean...there must have been thousands, maybe millions of other experiments that Hope Restoration were conducting. So why did Monokuma choose us...? What was the real purpose?" "Maybe it's because we were asked to join Hope's Peak Academy?" Laser suggested. "If they're teaching about Hope and Despair for the new generation then the Super Middle School Levels would probably be their top priority!" "Maybe they were also the ones that put forward the idea for the Super Middle School Level programme..." Techno added. "Like they had some ulterior motive for it..." "We're dwelling a bit too much on that right now though, aren't we?" Memory shoved the topic aside. "For now...let's just disband for the day, what do you guys think?" "You seem rather rushed to end this. Any particular reason?" Clip folded his arms. "Not really. I really just want to have a more thorough investigation of that torture house on Third Island...it's defiantly worth a second round of investigation. Techno, do you want to-" "Techno has plans, sorry to burst your bubble..." Clip interrupted. "Hmm...oh well...anyone? Laser?" "Oh! Alright! I can tell you all about the time I broke my wrist!" Memory's eyebrow twitched. "Hehe...f-fun..." Techno walked slowly through the bushes of the Jabberwock Park. It was good he wasn't technically damaging the environment...unless he had stepped on a flower then Monomi would have had a fit. He emerged out to find Clip sitting by the statue with Rip sat adjacent to him. "Alright then. Let's hear it, Clip...what is so important that you needed to tell us?" Techno asked as the two stood up. "Look, before I say anything...you guys promise to at least give me a little credit cause I will have my reasons for what I think..." Clip looked more concerned than anyone had been since they arrived. "Well of course! We're your friends, Clip! We'll listen to whatever you have to say." Rip nodded. "So what's bothering you...?" "You must have noticed how hostile I've been towards Memory lately, right?" "I was wondering about that for a while now..." Techno put his hand in his pockets. "Well, during the investigation for Swift's murder, I heard him talking as he was walking to the library calling us 'fucking idiots' and before he kicked the door in, he called Techno a 'dweeb'...kinda childish...though earlier yesterday, Paint told me during their investigation that Memory really took his time at the torture house...along with Enterna saying there were two people hiding who they really are on the inside...I think Memory's been lying to us." "You think...Memory's been faking his kindness?" Rip quaked at the idea. "Why would he do that? There's nothing to gain from doing that!" "I know it sounds insane but you guys need to believe me on this. Memory is dangerous and if we get too close he'll just stab us in the back. Literally." "My, my...what a spacious imagination you've got, Clip Brunette..." Memory's voice sounded as he appeared at the entrance of the park. "I mean I guess you like to gossip but this is just cruel, don't you think?" "Shut up and drop the act!" Clip yelled "I already know that you're acting up! You met here with me after the class trial!" "Did I?" Memory faked a confused frown. "I don't remember doing anything after the class trial. Well, apart from going to my cabin to reflect on what happened...it is still sad what happened to Swift and Enterna, don't you think?" "I said shut up!" "I really pity you, Clip...I mean. This is obviously just an attempt to get Techno away from me so you can get closer to me." "How dare you! Yes, I like Techno, but that isn't what this is about! The issue is you!" "You probably brought Rip along since it would disguise the idea of this meeting being all about that. Am I wrong? I mean...this does seem like it now, doesn't it. Techno?" Memory smiled at the inventor who had been staring at the ground upon his arrival. "...Rip...?" He looked up. "Y-yeah...?" Rip stuttered. "Who do you believe? Because, frankly, I don't know who's telling the truth. Both would have reasons for making their stories up..." "You honestly think I would make all this up just because I like you...?" Clip gasped with offence. "Well what do you expect?!" Techno snapped. "Since I came here, all you ever did was hit on me and let's face it. It's all been in vain because you clearly don't get it, Clip. I'm. Not. GAY! Why can't you force that into your thick skull?!" "...Then go to Memory..." Clip folded his arms. "You clearly seem to trust him but when he's no longer around to support you...you'll crumble without someone to help you. Don't bother crying to anyone about wither cause it'll be all your fault..." "T-Techy..." Rip murmured. "I have to stand by Clip...I don't think he's lying...so I really apologise to you and to Memory just in case Clip made a mistake." "Alright then." Memory nodded. "Don't fret, Rip...it's not your fault that he's manipulating you." "Hypocrite..." Clip spat. "You'll be exposed soon enough, I guarantee it..." "You should just stop..." Memory frowned. "You're just putting a lot of stress on me, Techno, Rip and yourself. Try relaxing, the day's almost over. In fact..." *Ding dong, bing bong!* "Ahem! This is an announcement from Hope's Peak Academy's vacation team...it's ten at night you bastards! Time to get some rest for the day cause I want you all to report to Jabberwock Park first thing in the morning!" Techno sat on his bed, distraught about the events at Jabberwock Park with the three. I thought all three were my friends...and now one of them is lying. Well, Rip is okay...is she? Who the hell do I believe now? This is impossible to figure out. Ugh...I just wish I knew who was true to everyone... He shook his head as he changed into his pyjamas and slipping into bed. I wonder if I'll have one of those weird dreams again...maybe but it doesn't mean anything, does it...? Day 3 *Ding dong, bing bong!* "Alright you bastards, it's seven in the morning! It's time you got up! Remember, Jabberwock Park today, head over right away for your new incentive!" "Shit..." Techno groaned rolling out of his bed. "Does he need to give us another motive so soon...? What's the point in trying to kill each other...? The point. The point. There is no point, is there...?" Techno walked out the cabin only seeing grey skies as if he was dreaming. "What's...what's going on...?" He felt a sudden push, falling forward. "Whoa! Try to watch yourself man!" That was Quick's voice. "You seemed really out of it for a second there. Something up?" "Uh...n-no, I'm fine. Did you get a new hearing aid yet?" Quick said a nod. "Good. Try not to break this one so easily again..." "I will, have a little faith in me dude! I'm trying my best to be helpful to everyone but I can't do much when I keep breaking my hearing aids..." "Well that isn't your fault, is it?" "Nah, I suppose not...hey! I'll meet you there alright? Sooner we get this over with the better..." Quick gave a small salute before jogging off. "...he's a nice guy..." Techno smiled. "Alrighty! Now that everyone's here, let's get on with the show!" Monokuma yelled out as the last person, Paint, arrived. "So I guess you already know that this your next motive so at least that's already covered. Now we get to talk about exactly what it is!" "Good. Let's get this over with quickly because I don't want my time wasted with something like this." Aqua hurried Monokuma. "Yeah, yeah toots! I got it! So, I know you all had a rather special discussion of the torture house on Third Island yesterday, did you not?" "So the torture house is connected to this motive you've got for us then?" Bright seemed interested all of a sudden. "You betcha! You see...the motive is something you actually have to find yourself. The secret of the torture house is your motive this time...I wonder, who will dare to brave the torture house and grab the secrets within?" "Wait...that's it? That's all we get?" Pure raised an eyebrow. "Usually you're so much more in depth than that..." "Oh yeah...well I guess I could give you a hint for it: 'Some secrets are found out only after death but some secrets are never found out until long after your time'...there! That should do!" "Wait, what?!" Clip seemed annoyed. "What the hell does that even mean?!" "Have fun! Happy hunting!" Monokuma vanished with the vague explanation left with the group. "Hmm..." Bright hummed. "Seems as if Monokuma wants us to work out what exactly it is that's so worth killing over..." "Not that anyone would want to go in there. That place is seriously creepy..." Laser commented. "I'll go..." Clip spoke up. "I'll go in there..." "W-w-what?!" Laser spluttered. "I'm gonna go in there and find out the secret. Not because I want to kill someone, but because it might be able to expose the Devil among us..." "So you know about that as well then?" Bright asked. "Wait...you know about Memory as well?" Clip combed his head back rather impressed. "I thought I was the only one." "What are you talking about? Memory is the Devil among us?" Bright folded her arms. "Are you sure...?" "Honestly Clip." Memory sighed. "Bringing up your childish feud with me in front of the entire group is just dumb..." "I said stop with the nice guy act! I know you're faking it! If this new motive has anything connected to who you really are then I'll never rest until I've found out what it is!" Why the hell is he so assured on this? Is he really telling the truth or is he just that desperate? Techno turned to walk off. Though it wasn't like he was able to get far before he started to feel a sudden dizziness overcome him. He started to fumbled, going forward before his legs gave out completely. Everything went black. Techno eyes flew open to the sight of an unfamiliar room. Pitch black and dank...like a prison cell. Was this another dream...? "Hey, kid." A voice came from his right. A shadowy figure was sitting on the bed in the room, the only detail was his trench coat that was shredded at the bottom. "Why did you decide to stay overnight...?" "Cause this is where I belong..." Techno seemed to reply without thought. As if he wasn't in control of his speech. "After everything myself and my classmates have done...this is truly where I belong." "No it ain't." He growled. "Psychopaths and murders are supposed to put in here..." "Then I'll fit in just perfectly, won't I? The only reason I'm getting out is because they want to use my inventor abilities for their own personal gain." "Even if that was true, they're the ones that paid for you to continue your education for the year you were stuck in here...you have to at least repay them for once...start with one small thing and build on it. That's how I got out of jail...thanks to the Beacons of Hope." "Ha!" Techno laughed. "Funny..." "I'm serious, kid...if you don't get your act together soon then there's no chance of recovery for you." "...feh...maybe you're right. Though I doubt you'll be right about this in the long run...thanks anyway though." "No problem...you should feel lucky you weren't exterminated along with everyone else. Lucky your entire class wasn't..." Day ??? "...to...!" A voice echoed. "C'mon....now!" "...shake him!" "That might make...worsen!" "Urrr..." Techno sat up groggily, he was surrounded by Rip, Bud, Toxic and Bright. "W...what day is it...?" "You were unconscious for two days." Bud explained. "You feel to the ground in the park...Clip and Quick then carried you to the hospital...and then Monokuma told us you were waking up." "T-two...days...?" Techno paused before sitting up in a panic. "What's happened since then?! Nobody died, right?!" The four exchanged glances. "N-no way...who was it?!" "We don't know yet." Bright fixed her glasses. "We were the hospital team that stayed to treat you in your condition...we just heard the Corpse Discovery Announcement a few seconds ago so we'll need to hurry over..." "Hurry over where...?" "To the torture house..." Toxic replied. "That's where Monokuma told us to head to..." "The torture house." Techno seemed ready to break down. Things had already been bad but if someone had been found in there of all places...what was waiting for them upon arrival. "We need to hurry. As we speak, Monokuma will be counting down to the class trial..." Bright informed them. "We need to move..." The five ran out of the hospital, sprinting to the torture house, Paint was in view, investigating the exterior. "Ah..." She looked at them with her emotionless face and her monotone voice still hard to listen to. "So Techno has woken up...well then, go ahead and see for yourself. Maybe you'll be a little bit shocked of the results..." "S-shocked...?" Techno gulped walking up to the door, staring at the doorknob. Bright, Toxic, Paint, Bud and Rip are all alive...so who's dead...? And with one breath, the truth had been shown to him all too fast. Strapped into a newly placed chair inside the room over by the shelf of organs. Was the Super Middle School Level Fashion Designer, Aqua Black, she had her head hung low and she had visible bruises and stab wounds on her...though she wasn't the only body. Hung on the wall by chains was another new body. The body of the Super Middle School Level Hairdresser, Clip Brunette. The bones of his arms were protruding from his elbows very slightly and blood was dripping down his legs which were missing half of his leather pants along with his socks and shoes. "T-t-two...?" Techno stumbled. "Someone killed two...?"