Chapter Text
“....”
“........”
“.......Huh?”
Kaede groggily blinked open her eyes, and slowly took in the sights around her. She was in a large room, lined with items. Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, first aid kits, a broom. Some sort of storage space, if she placed a bet on it.
Kaede: (“But why would I be here? It doesn’t make too much sense.”)
However, before Kaede was able to think too much about it, a voice sounded out behind her. She was startled and jumped in place.
???: “So, you finally decided to wake up?”
Kaede looked over her shoulder and noticed someone leaning in the doorway. A detail that she had easily missed in her confusion.
However, the girl's outfit wasn’t one that should have been easily missed. A long overcoat covered her upper arms, which exposed her shoulders and top in a sensuous way. Her long hair was up in a pair of eccentric ponytails, with two magic eight balls holding them in place. However, the oddest fashion choice was the eyepatch, which covered one of her eyes completely. Her fashion sense leaned into an aesthetic present in many ‘goth’ subcultures.
Kaede: “Who’s asking?”
The girl raised an eyebrow and tilted her shoulders playfully.
???: “That’s for me to know, and you to figure out. Unless you want to tell me who you are?”
Kaede considered that for a moment, and weighed the pros and cons. On one hand, giving up her name in exchange for the girl's may be beneficial in the long term. Doubly so, with her disorientation. However, it was also true that she may not hold up the deal. It wasn’t best to show your entire hand in one go.
Kaede: (“Could I consider my name as my entire hand?”)
As she pulled herself from the floor, Kaede made her decision.
Kaede: “It’s Kaede Akamatsu.”
The girl considered this for a moment, before her face contorted with mock disappointment.
???: “Aw, no ultimate? That’s soooo boring.”
Kaede: (“The attitude of this girl!”)
Kaede spluttered and waved both of her arms in an undignified manner.
Kaede: “You never said that was part of the trade!”
???: “Oh, so you do have one! What a relief. ”
Kaede continued to splutter indignantly, as she tried to find a proper comeback. Unfortunately, she had been outwitted, and with a tactic she regularly employed!
???: “Anyway, while you’re having a hissy fit; Name’s Junko Enoshima, Ultimate Clairvoyant. Charmed, I’m sure.”
Kaede: (“Ultimate Clairvoyant? I wouldn’t really consider that a talent. ‘Psychics’ are notorious scam artists, with their own tricky mumbo jumbo. Yet, it probably isn’t a good time to bring that up.”)
Junko: “ Anyway , do you know something about this hunk of junk we’re stuck on?”
Kaede: (“Hunk of junk...?”)
Kaede: “What do you mean by that?”
Junko rolled her eye and pointed over her shoulder.
Outside, there was a small hallway, which led in two different directions. Beyond that, there was a massive, curved wall. Large glass panes were stuck in different sections of the hall, acting as windows. This showed nothing but an endless, blue sky, sprinkled with the occasional cloud.
Kaede quickly rushed over to the windows and looked out to the world below. Unfortunately, this revealed nothing but the aforementioned sky. No ground, no birds. Just clouds, and an endless blue.
Junko: “What, you just noticed? Even without the windows, the ground is literally vibrating, numbnuts.”
Junko was right, as Kaede noticed the subtle rumble that permeated through the ship. Not enough to dominate her senses, but enough that she definitely should’ve noticed it.
Kaede: (“You didn’t need to call me numbnuts, though!”)
Kaede: “This shouldn’t be possible. How are we on a plane?”
Junko rolled her shoulders and gave a carefree smirk.
Junko: “Sure it is! Just stuff us full of drugs, drag us on, get a pilot...Presto, we’re on a plane! Though I’m pretty damn sure this is actually a blimp.”
Kaede: “Does the distinction matter? Either way, we’re in the sky! Shouldn’t you be worried about that? Even a bit?”
Junko tilted her head and shrugged.
Junko: “Not really. But, hey. If you’re so damn worried about this, maybe you should try looking around? Else, you’ll be a useless sitting duck!”
Kaede’s expression turned stony, as irritation bled onto her face. The callous way this girl talked, and the insults she tossed around grating on Kaede’s skin. However, Junko wasn’t exactly wrong. Exploration meant information, and information meant better decision making.
Kaede: “That’s exactly what I’m going to do! Are you planning to do the same?”
The blonde's expression twisted up, in an exaggerated look of thought.
Junko: “Well, I guess there isn’t anything better to do, then come with. Maybe I’ll get to figure out that Ultimate of yours! You do have one, right?”
Kaede: (“That isn’t what I meant by that! She’s doing this on purpose now, isn’t she?”)
Kaede: “Of course I do! I just...why do you want to know so badly?”
Junko: “It's only fair, obviously. I already told you mine, and I know your Ultimate isn’t that important. Unless you’re trying to hide something, like some sort of sneak?”
Kaede knew she was trying to get at her, by using backhanded and reused tricks. By implying that Kaede was the suspicious one, she was trying to make Kaede seem worse than she was. Luckily, Kaede knew what she was trying! Unfortunately, that didn’t make the tactic ineffective. She sighed.
So, Kaede began to stomp in a random direction. Junko followed after her with leisurely steps, and a gaze fixated on Kaede’s face.
Kaede: “Alright, you win. I’m the Ultimate Gambler.”
________________
Kaede and Junko walked for a while, even if said walk proved uneventful. There was practically nothing to look at, unless studying metal walls was your hobby. However, they eventually rounded a corner, and two distinctive voices rang out.
???: “Yep, we’re definitely on a blimp. I can tell ya that much.”
???: “W-What? Do you want a medal or something?”
???: “Hey! My deductive reasoning is super important. So yeah, I would like that medal!”
Kaede looked back at Junko and motioned towards the hallway in question. She silently asked if they should interrupt their conversation. However, Junko didn’t look to care. She simply rolled her visible eye and strutted into their view. Kaede, not one to back down, followed her.
Two people stood before them. A taller man with dreadlocked hair, who was tracing a window frame, and a girl with long braids, which winded down her back. They were both dressed in an unusual manner. The dreadlocked man wore a sloppily adjusted detectives coat, while the shorter girl wore a frilly maid ensemble, which covered everything below the neck, besides her hands.
Kaede: (“And I thought some of my outfits were eccentric.”)
At their entrance, both parties turned to stare at them. The guy was decently relaxed, yet not to the degree that Junko was. The girl, however, was the polar opposite. You may as well have told her she was on trial.
Junko: “Hey! Crazy day we’re having, am I right? Unless either of you are behind this. Then it’s a predictable day! But who’s really considering that, hmm?”
Kaede: (“Is she trying to make a bad first impression?”) “I’m sorry about her. Are you guys exploring, as well?”
The maid bit her thumb and backed away from Junko’s enthusiasm. Next to her, the detective shrugged.
???: “Well, what else are you gonna do when you wake up in the sky? Figure it out, then get the hell out!”
The maid girl rolled her eyes at his phrasing.
???: “Did y-you forget to i-include screaming like a banshee in there?”
???: “That was a completely logical reaction, and you know it!”
Junko: “Oh, what a brave detective! Do you scream when you catch a murderer, too?”
The man yelped indignantly, while the maid girl raised a hand to her mouth. She looked to be suppressing a smile.
???: “Ugh! Who even are you, if you think you know logic so well?”
Kaede: (“This is going nowhere...”) “I’m Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate Gambler. This is Junko Enoshima-”
Junko: “And I’m the Ultimate Clairvoyant! I’m sure you’re just charmed to meet me.”
Kaede: (“Who does she think she is, a celebrity?”) “So, who are you guys?”
The maid girl came forward and did a low courtesy. And, despite her appearance, Kaede was a bit taken aback. The girl’s attitude was clear as day, and yet she bowed.
???: “Toko Fukawa, the Ultimate Maid. I-If you need anything, just tell me.”
The male bobbed his head at that, before performing a parody of Toko’s bow. Toko’s expression gained a sharp edge, and she released a huff.
???: “And I’m Yasuhiro Hagakure, the Ultimate Detective. But just call me Hiro. It's easier, y’know?”
Kaede nodded and turned back to Junko. While they were talking, Junko’s eye had been roving over them. She stared at their faces, paid attention to their outfits. And, as Kaede placed her full attention on her, she looked unimpressed. Bored, even. Her eye began to inch down the hallway, a prime indicator that she wanted to leave.
Kaede: (“How is she already bored? We’ve been talking for two minutes!”) “So, have you guys found anything important yet?”
Hiro shrugged and gestured to the area around them.
Hiro: “Nothing much, no. Just sky, windows, metal, the like. I’ll keep you updated while I work, if ya want?”
Kaede shook her head, and her eyes flicked back to the direction of Junko’s gaze. While Kaede herself wasn’t bored, nor was she insistently hyperactive, they did have a lot of ground to cover. A lot more hallway to walk down. More places to search. More things to do.
With this unintentional agreement, Kaede’s shoulders sagged.
Kaede: “No, I‘m fine. It’ll probably be better if we split up to search. You just do...your detective thing, I guess?” (“Detective thing? Why did I phrase that like a question?”)
Junko: “Yeah, these guys seem like a total bore to me. I’m losing brain cells just listening to them!”
Kaede glared in Junko’s direction. However, before she was able to dwell on Junko’s comment, her ears picked up on a sound from down the hall.
???: “Hey, get off! This could be considered assault!”
Like a shark smelling blood, Junko’s expression lit up with interest. She began to bound down the hall, with or without Kaede. More out of worry than curiosity, Kaede followed. She called out,
Kaede: “Sorry! We’ll catch up with you guys later.”
Unperturbed at being left behind, Hiro waved and nodded. He turned back to his inspection of the window, Toko stood behind him. They seemed glad at the delegation of the task, and frankly, Kaede couldn’t complain.
________________
Once entering the room, which she quickly deduced was a cafeteria, two things became evident. Or, more aptly, two people. A short, robotic girl was inspecting a marginally taller boy, as she stared suspiciously at him. The boy's face was beet red, and he bashfully ran a hand through his hair. Discomfort radiated off him.
???: “I told you not to hug me like that! You almost gave me a heart attack.”
???: “Sorry, Hajime. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. I was surprised. Did you shrink?”
Hajime: “O-Of course not! People don’t shrink!”
???: “Oh. I just thought...I guess you’re slouching, then. You need to stop doing that.”
Hajime: “I’m not slouching, either! I assure you, my size is completely normal.”
Junko: “Sorry to interrupt ya little snuggle session, but I gotta ask. Are you a robot?”
Kaede had a similar question in mind. While the boy was normal, the girl was robotic. Her outfit didn’t even exist, besides the cotton hoodie covering her shoulders. Her eyes even glowed bright, fluorescent pink.
The boy stuttered out denials, before realizing the question wasn’t directed at him. While he flushed in embarrassment, the girl easily accepted the term.
???: “Yep. I’m Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Robot.”
Junko was rather intrigued by that, and immediately jumped into her personal space. While Chiaki didn’t look particularly happy about it, she didn’t make much of an effort to scoot away.
Junko: “Oh, that’s not something I’ve seen before! You’re instantly more interesting, than a good half the population. Y’know, even if your talent is your existence. You think they’d reward your creator instead, huh?”
Chiaki pouted, yet didn’t seem very miffed by the comment.
Chiaki: “Don’t be rude. My AI learnt from scratch. I had to work just as hard as you guys to get here.”
Kaede: (“Is AI development really that different from human development? While Junko shouldn’t be saying that, I... No! Don’t be rude!”) “Actually, I kinda agree. Having you around will definitely help us out a lot! You could even rocket punch some doors, or something!”
Before Chiaki could respond, Hajime interrupted. His brow was furrowed, as if her comment had bothered him somehow.
Hajime: “While I may not be a robot, isn’t it wrong to assume such a thing? I doubt she enjoys such questions, or the implication behind them.”
Chiaki: “Don’t worry Hajime, it’s fine. You know I don’t mind those comments.”
Hajime turned his stare on her, along with his negativity. Just as Kaede’s comment had bothered him, something about Chiaki’s comment had done the same.
Junko: “You’re no fun. If you’re going to act all ‘protective’ over her honor, at least try and be interesting! Who are you, stick in the mud?”
The brown-haired boy crossed his arms and stepped away from Chiaki. She sent him a confused, hurt look in return.
Hajime: “If you so dearly need to know, I’m Hajime Hinata. The Ultimate...Fanfic Creator.”
A flush crept up the boy's face, and his statement was spoken more like a question than a fact. Neither Junko nor Kaede noticed, for completely different reasons.
Junko: “Hahahahaha! Fanfic Creator? What, do you write shitty cartoon porn for a living? That’s so stupid!”
Kaede: (“Does she really have to insult his talent? While it may be a bit out there, it can’t be that bad!”) “Oh! I didn’t expect that. Um...maybe I can read some of your stuff, sometime?” (“I hope it isn’t anything inappropriate.”)
His face was bright red as he tugged at his red tie. Chiaki stared intently at this point of contact. However, she soon turned back to them and drew attention away from the elephant in the room.
Chiaki: “I almost forgot. Did you guys see anything on the way here? We haven’t searched yet.”
Kaede: “Besides the aircraft, airplane, blimp thing? Not really.” (“Unless the closet is important.”)
Junko: “So, unless one of you weirdos tossed us in a broom closet, you’ll have to continue talking to me later.”
They both stared at her, unimpressed.
Chiaki: “I guess we can split up and search. I’ll stay with Hajime, while you continue looking.”
Hajime grumbled and crossed his arms. However, he didn’t voice his refusal.
Kaede: “Alright!” (“Alright? With Junko here, you should try making a better impression.”) “Y’know, this reminds me of a saying. ‘Divide and conquer!’ So, let's divide and conquer this!”
Junko’s gaze gained an unimpressed edge, as her eye snapped to Kaede’s face. Kaede tried not to shift and move, under that pointed expression.
Junko: “Wow, is that your motivational attempt? It’s even faker than my dye job!”
Kaede froze up. She wasn’t able to keep herself from shifting.
Kaede: (“It wasn’t fake! A-And it wouldn’t sound so ham fisted, if Junko wasn’t being so rude!”) “Are we not supposed to be motivated? I’m trying to cheer everyone on, so we can figure this out!”
Junko rolled her eye and turned towards the doorway.
Junko: “It’s boring. Maybe they don’t want to be motivated, huh? Not everyone wants to be cheered on, by some insistently perky blonde.”
And with that, Junko headed out into the hall. Her cheeks aflame with embarrassment and anger, Kaede followed after.
Kaede: (“This son of a-!”)
________________
Kaede soon caught up to Junko, but not before Junko found their next target. A tall, limber girl, who sported an overall dress. Underneath the overalls was a vibrant sweater, with a heart cut out near the chest. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a poofy ponytail, which fell to her back. However, this isn’t the main thing Kaede noticed.
Kaede: (“Is she stuffing DVDs down her bra?!”)
Indeed, she was. She was digging through the ship's media room and pulling out tons of DVDs. All of them movies that only a five-year-old would willingly watch.
Junko: “Damn, tits. Are DVDs the new tissues?”
At the voice, the girl jumped. This sent the glasses on her face askew.
???: “T-Tits?!”
Junko: “Yeah, though they’re still smaller than mine. You’re gonna need more DVDs.”
Kaede: (“I really don’t think they are...no, that isn’t important!”)
Frantic denials fell past the girl's lips, before she roughly shoved a finger forward. Her cheeks were bright red.
???: “Y-Yeah? Says the fucking clown with an eyepatch. Even if they were bigger, which t-they aren’t, at least I ain’t a goddamn freakshow!”
Kaede: “Is this really the biggest issue?”
Junko ignored her and laughed in the girl's face.
Junko: “Yeah? Says the girl who stuffs her bra with DVDs. At least I’m not that desperate.”
The girl looked at the DVD she was holding, and haphazardly fumbled it into a nearby bin.
???: “Hey! I’ll have you know this is the good shit, no-balls!”
Junko brushed past her and picked up said DVD.
Junko: “The Barney the Dinosaur Christmas Special? Unless these boxes hide your ‘secret’ porno stash, you’re a one hell of a lunatic.”
Kaede: (“It’s not that I disagree, but...”) “That doesn’t matter right now. Who are you?”
The girl's eyes drifted to the side, and she tried to adjust her lumpy bra. Unfortunately, this knocked a DVD down her skirt and onto the floor. With this defeat, the girl firmly placed her hands on her hips, and acted as proud as she could.
???: “Name’s Miu Iruma, Ultimate Child Caregiver. If you pop out a baby or two, hand the little tit muncher to me. Got that?”
Kaede: (“For some reason, I highly doubt that.”) “Ultimate Child Caregiver? Doesn’t your outfit seem a bit...inappropriate, for the job title?”
Miu glared and crossed her arms defensively.
Miu: “Hey! Don’t tell me how to do my fucking job, royal flush! What would someone dressed like a goddamn playing card know about childcare?”
Kaede: (“Better than someone stuffing Barney the Dinosaur down her bra.”)
Junko: “Wow. If they let you become the Ultimate Child Caregiver, I guess Hopes Peaks standards are way lower than they let on. And I thought that ‘detective’ was bad.”
Miu’s confidence wavered, as she reached up to tug at her ponytail.
Miu: “Shut the fuck up, both of you-! Like either of your damn talents could beat my skills in child rearing. Hell, I bet no one wants to have your babies!”
Kaede: (“That’s it-!”) “Okay, okay. Have you found anything besides DVDs?”
Miu looked to the side, her face sullen.
Miu: “N-No. But it isn’t like I was supposed to! What, am I gonna do all the detective work for you?”
Kaede couldn’t help but roll her eyes, at the lackluster reply. The single mindedness, the defensive nature. Poisonous vile built in the back of her throat. The want to point out how lazy she was being. Yet, her mind couldn’t help but flash back to Junko’s comment.
Kaede: (“Don’t be rude. This isn’t a gambling ring, or a Yakuza headquarters! Motivation!”) “No, but don’t you want to figure out why you’re here? You wouldn’t be doing it for me. You’d be doing it yourself!”
After this comment, a deafening silence rang out. Miu’s eyes were wide and flicked with thought. Junko, on the other hand, had a blank expression. She stared at Kaede, and if Kaede paid more attention, she looked...disappointed? Yet, this expression left as soon as it came, and Junko turned back to Miu.
Junko: “If you want to be so useless, I’ll get out of your overstuffed bra. Alright?”
With a turn of her heel, Junko walked out of the room. This left Kaede, Miu, and an awkward silence. Yet, Kaede couldn’t help but watch the doorway. Her eyes lingered on it.
Kaede: (“Is she mad? Is this about her earlier comment? Motivation isn’t a bad thing!”) “...I’m sorry about her. I’ll see you later?”
Her tone a bit uncertain, Kaede exited out into the hall. The clink of Junko’s heels told Kaede that she had gone in Toko and Hiro’s direction. However, Kaede didn‘t follow after. There was still more hallway, and more places to explore.
Kaede: (“Besides, Junko can handle herself. She probably thinks I’m ‘boring’, too.”)
With this, Kaede went in the opposite direction. The sound of Junko’s heels fading, in place of Kaede’s own steps.
________________
Kaede continued down the airship's hallway, and inevitably reached another impasse. She either went to the left, or she continued through an open doorway. However, the din of conversation convinced her of the latter, and she stepped inside.
As she entered the room, she noted the source of the noise. Three boys were stood near a stage, at the back of the room. Two lithe and skinny, and one tall and bulky.
???: “Don’t worry, we’ll be okay . We are students from Hopes Peak Academy, after all. We’ll display a shining light upon any problem we may face!”
???: “For fucks sake. Please. Stop. Talking.”
???: “No, no. He’s got a point. If we combine our total manpower, we’ll have more than enough strength to take out whoever’s behind this!”
Kaede approached the group and took note of their appearances. The boy was over six feet tall and corded with heavy muscle. Playful brown hair framed his youthful, boyish face. In comparison, the other two were tiny and shriveled. A ginger haired boy with rigged posture, and a sandy blond with glasses. A bit of wiry muscle covered the blonde's frame, partially hidden by bright pink scrubs.
Kaede: (“Wow! That might be the largest guy I’ve ever seen, and that’s no easy feat.”)
The well-muscled boy froze, as Kaede got closer. He turned around and settled himself into a deep stance. Yet, after looking her over, his body relaxed. He pulled himself upright.
???: “Oh! Hello, miss. Sorry for jumping atcha' like that.”
Kaede: (“Huh! How polite.”) “It’s fine! I get it, considering the situation and all.”
The boy smiled at her and rubbed the back of his neck.
???: “Yeah. ‘Guess it must be pretty scary. Especially if you don’t have anyone with you.”
Kaede: (“Well...”) “I guess you’re right. Being alone would’ve made waking up here worse.” (“Depending on who you’re stuck with.”)
Before the muscled boy could respond, the ginger interrupted their conversation.
???: “Don’t worry, though. With all our hard work combined, we’ll have this issue solved in no time! That’s my promise as the Ultimate Moral Compass.”
The boy proceeded to salute, bending down at a ninety-degree angle. However, in the middle of his salute, the third boy piped up with a sneer.
???: “Who says we’re working together?”
???: “Well, we need to help everyone else stuck on this ship! It’s our duty as wielders of strength.”
Kaede: (“Wielders of strength? He’s the only one with a lot of muscle. Is it a metaphorical thing?”) “Well, before we do anything. Who are you guys?”
The brown-haired boy jumped, before a smile tugged at his cheeks. He flexed his bicep.
???: Chihiro Fujisaki, Ultimate Martial Artist. Nice to meetcha, little lady.”
Kaede: (“Little lady? I’m not that short.”)
The ginger-haired boy immediately picked up where Chihiro left off.
???: “And I’m Nagito Komaeda, the Ultimate Moral Compass.”
Everyone turned to look in the blonde man's direction. His sneer only intensified, and he crossed his arms.
???: “Byakuya.”
Kaede: (“Just Byakuya?”) “Do you have a family name?”
Byakuya glared at her, as if gauging her stupidity.
Byakuya: “That factoid isn’t relevant to this conversation.”
Chihiro: “No, but it’s rude. For all we know, you could be behind this! We can’t trust you, if you don’t even give up a family name.”
Nagito: “Now, now. We shouldn’t be accusing any of our new classmates.”
This response annoyed Byakuya, as he stepped closer. He pointed a finger in Nagito’s face.
Byakuya: “Like I’d ever be classmates with such imbeciles. A mere plankton would score higher on an IQ test, then either of you.”
Nagito, however, was completely unfazed. He shrugged.
Nagito: “Bullying your new classmates, Byakuya? Once we get out of here, I’ll have to administer a detention slip.”
Kaede watched this entire thing go down, like a particularly interesting ping pong match. Unfortunately, ping pong matches weren’t the name of the game.
Kaede: (“I should probably interrupt.”) “Don’t we have to leave for you to administer a detention slip?”
Chihiro: “She’s right! It’d be good to find the pilot first, before beating each other up over future stuff.”
Kaede: (“I’m not really sure we’re prepared to do that, quite yet.”) “Yep! Though I should go find everyone else, before we think about finding the pilot.”
Oddly enough, Chihiro blanched. A worried expression twisted across his face, and his hands kneaded together.
Chihiro: “Are you sure that’s safe? What if you get hurt, or someone jumps you?”
Kaede: (“I guess the worry is nice, but...”) “I’m just looking for the rest of the group. It isn’t rocket science, or anything. I can handle it.”
He didn’t look to agree with the sentiment, yet he didn’t complain any further.
Chihiro: “If you say so. Holler if something happens, alright?”
Kaede nodded and turned towards the doorway. Her eyes took another once over of the space, and she noticed its similarities to a gymnasium, though a small one. Odd, considering where they were.
She couldn’t help but mull this over, as she exited. Down the hall she went, until she reached a staircase. She blinked. And, with nothing else to investigate, she ascended the stairs.
________________
As she walked along the upper hallway, she noticed a few things. First, the upper floor had the same ‘O’ shape, that the bottom floor did. Four turns. A bunch of rooms sat in the middle of this loop, and a bathroom lined the right wall. Oddly enough, each door had an additional face decal, along with a small buzzer.
Kaede: (“Weird. It kinda reminds me of a dormitory.”)
Due to her investigation, Kaede didn’t hear the loud stomping from behind.
???: “Hey, you! Do you know who’s behind this?”
Kaede flinched at the sound and whipped her head around. This revealed her pursuers. A short red head wearing a facial mask, and a tall, well-dressed boy in a suit. The boy fidget behind her, his expression nervous.
???: “You can’t go around yelling at people, Mahiru!”
Mahiru: “At least that’s more productive, than trying to befriend everyone. Do you realize what’s going on?”
???: “Of-of course!”
Mahiru: “Then be a man and help me out, okay? Geez.”
Kaede: (“While I can agree with the boy's sentiment, I can’t fully disagree with the girl, either.”) “I could ask you two the same question.”
The girl scoffed, and crossed her arms against her chest.
Mahiru: “Well, why would I ask you if I already knew who it was?”
Kaede: (“She does have a fair point.”) “Hmm...oh! What if you’re trying to keep up appearances? Then, you could play the ‘I asked you’ card! It’d make you less suspicious.”
Pink crept out from underneath Mahiru’s mask, and she spluttered indignantly. Her eyes were alight with surprise.
Mahiru: “You weren’t supposed to answer the question like that!”
???: “Then...why did you ask the question?”
The boy proceeded to interrupt their debate, as genuine confusion leaked off his tone. He didn’t look to understand their discussion.
Mahiru: “I was trying to intimidate her into slipping. Shouldn’t you be aware of that?”
???: “N-Not really. I’m not good at that kind of thing.”
Mahiru: “But aren’t you the Ultimate Yakuza?”
Kaede perked up and leaned forward to inspect the boy. She studied his outfit for any markings and checked over his face. The neat ponytail he wore. However, despite Kaede’s previous dealings with the Yakuza, she didn’t recognize him.
Kaede: (“That’s a bit concerning.”) “Oh! I don’t recognize you. Do you mind jogging my memory a bit?”
Mahiru gave her a confused look, that lingered on her frilly outfit.
???: “I-I'm Gonta Gokuhara, the Ultimate Yakuza, like Mahiru said. Heir to the Gokuhara clan, technically.”
Kaede: (“That clan? I’ve dealt with them a lot before. They’re really big!”) “Wow! I didn’t know the Gokuhara clan had such a young son! You must be pretty impressive.” (“Wait...did he say technically?”)
Gonta blushed, embarrassed. Kaede’s wonder obviously got to him.
Gonta: “They don’t talk about me a lot.”
Before Kaede could question that, Mahiru cocked her head to the side.
Mahiru: “Huh. I wouldn’t expect someone as frilly as you to be so comfortable with the Yakuza.”
Kaede stared down at her long skirt, her red and black color scheme. Then, her eyes lingered on Mahiru’s leather jacket and facial mask.
Kaede: (“Being frilly has nothing to do with Yakuza connections. Besides, doesn’t she see the playing cards?”) “Well, judging by your outfit, you have ties yourself. Who are you?”
A displeased, unimpressed snort escaped Mahiru’s mouth. She placed her hands on her hips.
Mahiru: “If you can’t tell by the outfit, you’re more out of the loop than you think. I’m Mahiru Koizumi, Ultimate Bike Gang Leader.”
With this admission, Kaede repeatedly blinked. Her expression turned sheepish.
Kaede: (“How did that escape my notice? I haven’t interacted with many gangs, but she certainly isn’t small time.”) “Oh! Sorry, you're right. I didn’t realize.”
Mahiru stared at her for a moment, before she rolled her eyes.
Mahiru: “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter right now. Have you found anything useful?”
Kaede: “Not yet. Though I haven’t had time to search the entire ship.”
From behind Mahiru, Gonta perked up.
Gonta: “Why don’t we all go together? More people mean more opportunities to figure out why we’re here, right?”
With the slightest tilt of her head, Mahiru considered the preposition. She nodded in approval.
Mahiru: “Sounds like as good a plan as any. Which way are you headed?”
Kaede blinked, looking back and forth between the two. Did they just decide for her?
Kaede: (“No, no. This is a good thing! They both seem manageable, and searching together is a good idea.”) “Well, I haven’t finished exploring the hallway. We could continue that?”
Gonta: “We haven’t gone that way either, so it’s probably a good idea.”
With their approval, Mahiru began to march forward. She looked over her shoulder and raised a brow.
Mahiru: “Then what are you guys waiting for? We don’t have time to dilly dally, y’know?”
And with that, the three of them walked down the last portion of the hallway. Mahiru in front, with a nervous Gonta and a neutral Kaede following behind.
________________
As they continued down the long, circular hallway, a few things became apparent to them. The ship was, for one, even larger than they originally thought. While the hallway wasn’t the largest, it sprouted out into numerous other rooms. Primarily bedrooms. However, most of the rooms were inaccessible. One was called a ‘sky garden’, while another was called ‘laboratory.’
Kaede: (“How did they build something like this?”)
Mahiru: “Wow. The construction on this thing must’ve taken ages. Is it even possible?”
Gonta: “Uh, maybe? My family has something like this, but it’s a lot smaller. Easier to hide.”
Kaede: (“Yeah...and with how big this is, I doubt it could be hidden.”) “Do you think whoever's flying this stole it?”
Mahiru sighed, raising her hand to her chin as if to think.
Mahiru: “I’m not sure. My vehicular knowledge doesn’t really go past motorcycles.”
Kaede nodded, and let the mystery hang in the air. She redirected her attention to a massive door, at one end of the hallway. A close mirror to the gymnasium door. Curious, Kaede pulled it open.
This let a small group of voices hit her ears, as they bounced off the metal walls. The sound escaped into the hallway once the door was open, despite the lack of sound before then.
Kaede: (“That’s weird. I would’ve expected to hear something.”)
She quickly shook off this thought. The room in front of her grabbed all her attention. In one corner sat a machine gun, which hung next to a large doorway. This doorway was covered in locks, all deadbolts. They lacked key slots. Kaede couldn’t keep her expression neutral at the sight. Her eyes widened.
Yet, that wasn’t the only thing to catch her attention. A group of five were talking amongst themselves. They wore extravagant fashions, from ballroom gowns to brand name jackets. And, in the middle of all of this, was Junko.
Kaede: (“I guess that’s where she went to.”)
Junko: “Oh, look who's slowpoke legs found me. Having fun with your new buddies, huh? They like you?”
Junko mocked, as she strutted over. The girl that she had been talking to tsked.
Kaede: (“Does she even care? Probably not.”) “I wasn’t trying to find you. If you didn’t want to investigate with me, then you made yourself perfectly clear.”
Junko's lips lifted into a sarcastic smile. She fluttered her eyelashes.
Junko: “Is this your first breakup? Do you need some ice cream, tissues, and sitcom reruns? I’m so00 sorry, but we’re all out.”
As Kaede released an indignant huff, Mahiru’s brow furrowed. She sent a look in Junko’s direction.
Mahiru: “You guys met before?”
Junko: “Obviously. She was trying to get goody-goody with some of the ‘residents’, so I ditched her. You her new flame? Her rebound? Her partner?”
A lilt hung off Junko’s words, as she leaned forward. Mahiru’s cheeks grew red.
Mahiru: “No! I met her ten minutes ago, and it isn’t t-that important! What’s it to you, huh?”
With a playful tilt of her shoulders, Junko blew a raspberry.
Junko: “Drama! Action! I’ve been in situations way worse than this, so what’s the big deal? I’m allowed to ask for the details of your love life! Hand them over, dyke.”
She made a grabby motion with her hands. However, this was swiftly interrupted.
???: “If you were to use even a modicum of intellect, you and your oversized breasts may realize this isn’t the situation for such imbecilic behavior.”
The voice came from behind, and two girls walked forward. One with massive drills, while the other had short, blonde hair. The blonde gave them a curious look.
???: “While I don’t agree with the wording, yes. This may not be the best place to tease each other.”
Mahiru blinked and turned to look at them. Pink crept out from underneath her mask.
Mahiru: “It wasn’t a mutual thing! Who even are you?”
The girl with the drills straightened up and did a slight curtsey. She smiled demurely.
???: “Like I introduced to the busty girl, I’m Celestia Ludenberg, The Ultimate Supreme Leader. However, you may refer to me as Celeste.”
The second girl brushed a part of her bob from her face and smiled warmly. Her hands were folded in front of her pantsuit.
???: “And I’m Sonia Sato, the Ultimate Anthropologist. It’s nice to meet all of you, despite the situation.”
Gonta tilted his head and gave Celeste a confused look.
Gonta: “Supreme leader of what? I-I don’t think I’ve heard of you.”
Celeste's eyebrow twitched, before her expression wiped clean.
Celeste: “Well, of course you haven’t. My organization is so secret that not even the most influential of Yakuza organizations can recognize it. I am the Ultimate Supreme Leader, after all.”
Kaede: (“That sounds unrealistic. How big can something be, if the Gokuhara clan hasn’t heard of it?”) “Well, it’s nice to meet you both. Have you guys found anything yet?”
Junko: “Nope! Just metal, rooms, and a bunch of wackos. Look at them argue!”
As Junko’s eyes snapped behind her, Kaede became aware of the other ongoing conversation. This was between a short, bulbous boy and a well-dressed woman, arguing near the back of the room.
Sonia: “They’ve been arguing for the last ten minutes. We haven’t tried to interfere, yet.”
A divisive noise left Mahiru’s mask, before she walked forward.
Mahiru: “Well, they’re really heated about something. We should check it out.”
And with that, Mahiru approached them. After a moment of consideration, both Gonta and Kaede followed her. The din of conversation became clearer, and they were able to listen in.
???: “My fashion sense is not particularly unique. It’s expected for someone with my title to wear such extravagant things. Yes?”
???: “Yes, yes! I get that, but I don’t get why. Why do you insist on wearing something so unmasculine like? There’s even a tent. A tent! It hasn’t been hemmed!”
Kaede: (“A tent? Unmasculine?”)
A noise of surprise escaped Mahiru, and Kaede pinpointed what had surprised her. Her eyes drew to the well dressed women, in her flowing gown. While inspecting the gown, she noticed how the front draped over her. Certain curves missing. Then, as she looked at the woman's facial mask...it hit her. The cheekbones were too sharp, the nose angled. This wasn’t a woman.
Kaede: (“That’s a guy?!”)
Shocked into a stupor, Kaede watched Mahiru’s expression change. The redhead marched forward.
Mahiru: “What’s going on here?!”
The guys stopped talking at this interruption. The bulbous one surprised, while the other raised an eyebrow.
???: “Kehehehe. You speak as if we’ve offended you. We were simply partaking in a discussion, as he asked about my dress. Nothing unusual.”
Mahiru raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips.
Mahiru: “And is this really the time to be talking about fashion? Not that I’d expect anything else, from someone in that getup.”
Kaede: (“Should she really be saying that? It looks a bit weird, but...”)
???: “Does my dress harm you, in some way? That’s a very close-minded way to look at it.”
As Mahiru glared at the male, Gonta wrung his hands.
Gonta: “He has a p-point. We shouldn’t be focusing on stuff like that.”
The red head's eyes hardened, before she sent Gonta a sharp look. However, after a moment of dissecting his expression, her face fell. She crossed her arms.
Mahiru: “Fine. As long as he pulls his own weight, I can tolerate it.”
A huff left said male's mask. Yet, he said no more. So, the short, bulbous boy attempted to relieve the silence.
???: “W-Well, it’d be best if we started introductions. I’ll gladly go first, if you mind to listen.”
Twirling around, the boy flaunted his leather jacket.
???: “I’m Teruteru Hanamaru, the Ultimate Fashionista. How wonderful it is to meet three such gorgeous people today, despite the unexpected location.”
The taller man proceeded to courtesy, with an elegance rivaling Toko’s own.
???: “And I am Korekiyo Shinguji, the Ultimate Princess. Pleased to meet you, despite any possible differences.”
Kaede nodded, and repeatedly tapped her chin. The newest introductions triggered a thought.
Kaede: (“Is that everyone? I’m not sure if there’s anywhere else to check.”) “Well, it’s nice to meet you too, even if the timing could be a bit better.”
Teruteru: “Oh, definitely. First, I’d thought this was because of me! However, once seeing all the wonderful people in this room, I wasn’t sure this wasn’t because of me, but either way, something’s going on here. Good or bad, I couldn’t tell you.”
He rambled on, as beads of sweat dripped down his brow. He wiped them off.
Kaede: (“At least he seems to be taking this seriously. Kinda.”) “Then that’s what we need to figure out-”
Suddenly, a loud noise invaded the room. This led several of them to jump, startled by the sound.
???: “Testing, testing! Oh, there we go!”
Kaede blinked and looked around the room. However, there were no visuals to go with the audio. It was left up to her imagination.
Kaede: (“Huh?”)
???: “Hiya, everyone! Sorry for the little interruption, but this is very important!”
???: “See, you guys seem very confused. And, well, as the good captain of this blimp, I simply must provide. Don’t I?”
???: “Soooo, if you guys' are hankering for an explanation, which I know you’re so craving, meet me down in the gymnasium within the next ten minutes!”
???: “So, you better not be tardy, or your future might not be so...bright.”
A chill went up Kaede’s spine, at the obvious implication in those words.
???: “I hope to see you there! Sayonara-!”
The message then clicked out, these ominous words floating above their heads. They were left to stare at the ceiling, and wonder.
END.
16 students remaining.