you forgot to switch your feelings on

It was over. 

It was hard for Viktor to process, but it was finally over. With the death of Seiichi Shimizu, they would be allowed to go free. As Seiichi and the other survivors had talked, Viktor had just watched. He knew his words would somehow only make the matter worse, so he had elected not to speak whatsoever. He didn’t even flinch as Seiichi blew himself up. It’s funny what the executions could desensitize a person to, after all. 

He followed without a word as the code was put in, and again as they left. He was still trying to process the whole thing, to be honest. The other seven… they’d all been through so much, yet Viktor couldn’t say he felt particularly attached to most of them. It was unfortunate, but what could you do? Especially considering that he had fucked up big time. 

Freedom…. it was in the palm of his hands, but yet did he really deserve this? After everything, why was it him who got to leave? 

As they left, and Hitomi and Yoichi described the situation to them all, Viktor listened intently. The world was going to hell, and the killer carnival had started it all. Super High School Level Despair… Viktor still thought that the whole concept was stupid. Chaos and anarchy, for what seemed to be the sake of chaos and anarchy…? Viktor couldn’t wrap his head around it. 

And then came the big-money question. Would Viktor join them in defeating despair, or go home to parents that may or may not even be alive? As much as the second option appealed to him, he wasn’t sure if he could. With the position he was in, it simply made more sense for him to aid in the defeat of SHSL Despair. And besides, this was his chance to do something right to make up for… whatever it was he did back then. 

“……" 

As he contemplated his actions, he thought back to the people he had gotten close to throughout the course of the killing game. Nariko Hariko, who he hadn’t expected to get close to, and who was unfairly taken. Hatsuna Hitsukawa, who had killed two people, and who Viktor had grown a bit attached to. And Goro Nakada, a fellow survivor, and one who had elected to aid in the fight. What would they want him to do?  He felt like he was living not just for himself anymore, but rather for the people who died in the game, and for his parents in the off chance he would never see them again. 

After a while, the boy spoke - soft as ever, but firm in his words. 

"I’ll join you. There’s too much at risk for me to do nothing." 

After all, they always said home is where your heart is. And as long as Viktor had something to devote himself to, that would be his home. He brought his hand to his chest, tearing up a bit. He murmured something under his breath in English.

<Mom, dad - Nariko, Hatsuna. I’m going to make you all proud. I won’t blow this chance to redeem myself. I promise.> 

And with that, he fell silent. 

He didn’t know what the future would bring, but he knew one thing for certain. He couldn’t blow this chance, he’d never forgive himself if he did. And besides… 

Is there a way to speed up swing rides?

Admittedly, this was an odd question to state, especially when said ride had been accessible since the very start of this ridiculous mutual killing game. However, one could argue that because of the sheer monotony of this place, one was forced to seek out enjoyment through other means. Think outside the box. Etcetera.

Either way, there she sat, riding the swing’s ride with the most bored look that she could muster up. However, she wasn’t sitting correctly - she was king of sitting sideways, one leg over the arm support while the other went underneath it, dangling with the wind.

For a moment, she entertained the thought of simply standing up and riding it like this - but then again, would it change anything? The ride would still go rather slowly, so… there wasn’t much of a point, was there? And standing up meant to muster forth energy - energy that she wasn’t willing to give up for something that didn’t promise much enjoyment.

Thus, the girl sat there defeated - before a thought popped up in her mind.

… What if she asked the robotocist to fuck around with the mechanics? He already managed to crack open a jammed locker and with such a talent, this shouldn’t prove to be much of a hassle, right?

And Haruka turned out to be quiet lucky, because as the ride ended, she saw Viktor from afar. Getting off the ride, she approached the other with a slow step, lifting one hand up for a greeting.

“Yo, Mov. Question, can you fuck around with the swing’s ride so it can go faster or nah?”

As he entered the area, he heard the swings in motion. Very briefly, he thought about the time he had to serve as a ride operator for Goro and Manami. That felt like a thousand years ago, causing Viktor to wonder exactly how long they’ve been in this damn park. He had lost count of every long, repetitive cycle.

Hearing the slackliner get his attention (even if ‘Mov’ was the one shortening of his name he was not used to by this point), he stopped his wandering. She wanted him to do what? 

He supposed he was really only one who would be able to even attempt it, so it made sense that she asked him. 

The evening progressed, and as everyone searched the sky grew darker. Bed time drew closer and tiredness had long beyond crept in. After the past few days, even something as awful as a trial was starting to look like relief to some. And Bijou arrived to pay that relief.

The loudspeaker crackles to life, and Bijous voice sang to the masses.

“Alright, sleepyheads! It’s about that time again! Meet me in the courtroom, uhuhu~!”

You all looked to each other, both dreading and awaiting the end to this long drawn out week. You all make your way to the familiar courtroom, taking your places. The air was grim once again, but this was something you all doubted would ever change.

It’s been days since you’ve been able to sleep. In an exhausted haze, it’s hard to tell just how many of these sleepless 24 hours you’ve endured, but you know that it’s too many. Slowly but surely, every last one of you can feel the horrible realization that you can’t possibly go on like this sinking in – some more than others.

When will this end?

Your answer arrives. While most are simply out and about doing things, others of you have found the body of a classmate in the kitchen – that’s what Bijou’s announcement over the loudspeaker tells you.

The first three to arrive – the ones assumed to trigger Bijou’s announcement – are Nariko, Yuu, and Yuuya. The rest of you have to step around them to get a look at what waits for you in the kitchen.

[ ♪ ♪ ♪ ]

A few minutes after the execution, Bijou climbed on top of Seiichi’s empty podium. She squeaked loudly, waving her arms back and forth to get the students’ attention.

“Good news everyone! I’ve unlocked a new area for you to explore, uhuhu! Anyways, have fun. Bye-bye!”

With that, Bijou disappeared.

One by one, you all take your places at your respective podiums.

Someone here killed Okamoto-sensei – but who? Was it a friend of yours? Was it your roommate? Or was it you? No matter who the culprit is, it’s important that you get justice for Fumito Okamoto.

If you don’t, the life of an innocent student is at stake.

Good luck.

After a few hours of investigation, the loudspeaker crackles to life once more.

“Attention, students~! Please meet me by the West Gate, uhuhu!”

It’s not difficult to imagine why Bijou wants to see you all. The time for investigating is up, and now you’re supposed to figure out the identity of Okamoto-sensei’s killer.

When you all gather by the West Gate, you can see that the large metal gate blocking off access to another area of the park has been unlocked. You can now venture into a small, almost bare stretch of cracked concrete. The only decoration is a ring of wooden podiums, each engraved with a name.

Okamoto-sensei didn’t seem to be taking Bijou’s announcement very well. Still, it was his job to reassure the students, and it was a job he took seriously, despite the situation and his own obvious fear.

“Alright kids, uh… don’t panic! Murder is a crime, and nobody wants to commit a crime, right?”

His wavering voice did little to put you at ease. If anything, it sounded like Okamoto-sensei was still trying to convince himself that things would be fine. 

“I’m going to try getting a hold of the other teachers! Just… STAY CALM!!”

With that, he rushed off, leaving you to your own devices.

“Finally, to celebrate the start of our new lives together, I’ve decided to give you each a little present! Check it out–”

Bijou held up a box of what looked like student identification cards, shaking the box vigorously as she spoke.

“These are electronic student IDs! They’re very important, so try not to lose them. They have many uses beyond simple identification, though~! You can use them to take pictures or text your fellow classmates. They come preloaded with a list of contacts, so you don’t have to worry about working up the courage to ask a cute classmate for their contact info, uhuhu!”

It wasn’t a particularly funny joke, at least in your opinion, but Bijou apparently found it hysterical. She laughed loudly at her own joke as she passed out the student identification cards, giving one to each student.

“If you turn on your ID, you’ll see a list of rules! Don’t break them – breaking the rules is forbidden, and you wouldn’t like my punishments, uhuhu.”

The hamster grinned darkly, and you knew that this wasn’t another joke. Whatever punishments Bijou had in store, they would be terrible.

As you finished checking out your IDs, Bijou finally concluded her little speech.

“Well then, it looks like our little event is over. See you! Try to enjoy your new life!”

With that, she turned and waddled back into the ticket booth from which she came. When you followed after her, though, she was nowhere to be found.

“If you get away with murder three times, you will be allowed to leave Zetsubou Carnival.”

[ ♪ ♪ ♪ ]

Murder? You couldn’t have heard that right.

“Yep! It’s simple, really. Only a student who kills can leave. It’s almost funny, the worst, most horrible actions you could ever commit leads to the best outcome for you suckers!”

While you tried to process this information, Bijou continued to speak. As she did so, she grinned and clapped her paws together. As if she hadn’t been talking about senseless murder only a few moments before.

Bijou coughed as if clearing her throat, before beginning her speech.

“I’d like to welcome Hope’s Peak’s freshman class to Zetsubou Carnival! You lovely children represent the hope of the next generation. Yes, even you, Hanasaki-chan ♡”

The hamster giggled behind both of her paws. After a few moments, she stopped, but offered the Reserve Course Student an exaggerated wink as she continued.

“Anyways, in order to protect and grow your miraculous hope… from now on, this will be your home! Forever! Or at least until the end of your miserable lives, uhuhu~”

[ ♪ ♪ ♪ ]

What had been cute giggles before was now hysterical laughter, practically bending the tiny hamster in half as she cracked up.

“There’s no need for you to concern yourself with the outside world. Heck, as far as you’re concerned, there isn’t an outside world! Do you know what that means? It means it doesn’t matter how much you scream or cry. No one is coming to save you.”

Bijou looked like she was done, but before she could leave, an expression of sudden recognition lit up her face. She waved one plush paw back and forth in the air, squeaking.

Eventually, all of you gathered by the park entrance, like the voice specified. Almost as soon as the last person arrived, the voice called out again. Except this time, it wasn’t over the loudspeaker. 

“Everyone’s here? Good! Let’s get this super special, extremely excellent event started!”

A pink patchwork hamster appeared from inside the ticket booth, bowing and blowing kisses to you and the rest of your classmates. It looked like a plush toy, if toys could walk and talk.

It fixed all of you with a bright smile, before waving its paws and chirping a greeting.

“Hi~! It’s nice to finally meet you ♡ I’m Bijou, your chaperone for the rest of this fantastic little field trip!”

Bijou posed dramatically, and then continued.

It’s been about a day since you woke up inside this abandoned theme park. While some of you have been more active in this new environment than others, on the whole your time here has been uneventful. There’s nothing fun about an empty theme park, devoid of staff to run the games and without access to any rides that weren’t meant for children.

Just as your nerves began to calm, and boredom set in, that’s when it happened.

[ ♪ ♪ ♪ ]

“Testing~ testing~ one two three! This is an announcement from your chaperone!”

With a burst of feedback, a shrill, squeaky voice spoke over the loudspeaker. It was entirely unfamiliar, with an unnameable quality that gave you the subtle impression that the speaker was not quite human.

Another thing that didn’t make sense was the implication that the speaker was your chaperone. That title belonged to Okamoto-sensei, didn’t it?

“Hi hi! Attention all park-goers. We have a very important event starting in just a few minutes. Please make your way to the park entrance as soon as possible ☆”

“Speak up,” Yuu commanded, “Don’t allow my presence intimidate you so much. You’ll never get anything done with that attitude.” He produced a small, closed folding fan from his sleeve and pointed it into Viktor’s chest as he studied him closely (he would have liked to held it under his chin, but alas, Viktor was far too tall). 

“Asi… Asim-ov…” Yuu attempted to replicate Viktor’s pronunciation of his name, but couldn’t quite catch it correctly, “W-whatever, there’s no need to address underlings by their full name.” He delivered a light jab into Viktor’s chest with his fan to hide his embarrassment. 

“I’ll think of a suitable name for you in due time. Tell me more about these machines you create, then.” 

He was confused as to why Yuu thought that he intimidated him. All he had done was talk quietly? And, he would have done that otherwise, he didn’t like to raise his voice unless he absolutely had to. It hurt his ears to talk loudly for long periods of time and if he slipped up in his Japanese, it’d be less noticeable. 

He felt like people not being able to pronounce his last name was going to be an ongoing thing. Which made sense, he supposed. After all, he’d been dealing with it for most of his life. He’s suddenly glad he hadn’t gone with introducing himself with his full name, patrynomic and all. After all, he barely used it himself, why would anyone else need to. 

“Just Viktor’s fine if you really can’t say Asimov, you know. Asking me to talk about what I build’s pretty vague. I make a lot of them. Like, I’ve made robots for winning races and competitions, but I’ve also found new ways to innovate industrial robots and the like.” 

With eighteen other people held captive with him, Yuu would certainly find no shortage of attendants. Of course, some stood out more than others- for better or for worse- but it was important that he learn as much as possible about each one while he could. Though he’d much rather accomplish this by simply observing them, a kimono and zōri were not at all built for stealth. Proper introductions it was, then. 

“Perhaps my captor has a sense of humor,” Yuu said rather flatly. He was aware the question wasn’t directed to him, but he doubted he’d find much other opportunity for conversation with the boy. He was much taller, but his sleep-deprived expression and posture posed a bit of optimism for proper obedience. 

“Yuu Sakuramiya. Super High School Level Amezaiku Artist. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” 

“Introduce yourself.” Yuu hardly gave him to respond before he barked his first order. 

Oh great, Viktor said that out loud. Although people are the last thing he wanted to deal with right now, someone had responded to his (admittedly pretty dumb) question (that absolutely no one had the answer for). Which meant it was time for Viktor’s favorite thing, conversations with people he has never met before in his life! Oh boy! 

He took a glance at the other boy, his first thoughts being something along the lines of that is a lot of pink. He had no idea what amezaiku was, but he decided not to ask right away. When he replied, it was just as quiet as his question about the carnival. Maybe he just isn’t a loud person.

Goro quickly whipped his hands out of his pockets and waved them in a finger gun motion at Viktor. Perhaps this was his bizarre way of saying hello.

“Asimov…?” Goro rolled the letters around on his tongue, trying to get the pronunciation right. “I think I’ll call you Asi-chi, it’ll be easier.” He clicked his tongue in his cheek before spinning on his heel a little and glancing around.

“I’ll agree with you, it is pretty strange. One minute we’re in Hope’s Peak and the next we’re at a theme park? It doesn’t make sense but ah…”

He trailed off, forcing his hands back into his pockets. He started walking under the carnival gate with a nod of his head as a way to insinuate to Viktor to come with.

“… There’s nothing to worry about surely. We shouldn’t make such a big deal out of a problem that hasn’t even shown it’s face. We’ll be fine little dude.”

Goro grinned, hoping his optimism on the situation would help ease the nerves of those around him.

“So what is it you do eh? You got into Hope’s Peak so you must be good at something.”

Viktor only recognized that motion as a greeting because of his classmates back home. He gave a small wave in reply. 

“Asi-chi’s fine, I guess.” 

He figured that he couldn’t really stop him anyways, but. 

“I guess you’re right. It’s probably some sort of prank or something.”

He tucked his arms into his pockets, following after Goro. He wasn’t letting his guard entirely down, however Goro’s optimism wasn’t lost even on the exhausted boy. 

After his brief grilling of the teacher, Goro had turned to face the gates of Zetsubou Carnival. With a deep breath he puffed out his chest before releasing and let his belly pop out again. He shoved his hands lazily into his pockets and started to absentmindedly follow one of his classmates around. 

“You know, you should see it as a blessing in disguise.” He gently placed a hand on the others shoulder from behind. “Carnivals are supposed to be fun.”

Goro briefly removed his hand from Viktor’s shoulder and used it to poke his sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose. He grinned, hands back in his pockets like the cool guy he was.

“Yo, the name’s Nakada Goro. What do you call yourself bud?”

Viktor flinched at the unexpected contact and voice. Oh yeah, there were other people here. He probably should have expected something like this happening. Trying to quickly regain his composure, he turned around. 

“I guess you’re right. You’ve got to admit though, this is pretty weird.”

He ran a hand through his hair, a bit of a comforting motion for him. Oh fuck, introductions. He tried to straighten up from his slight slouch, before speaking.

“Asimov. Viktor. It’s...nice to meet you, Nakada.”