#chfive

OO5 . pretty cookies — previous | masterlist | next

( tw: knives, stabbing )

The time in between executions never got any easier, but knowing that yet again, an innocent party would be killed, it definitely felt worse than all the times before. It was a shame, going from quite the win streak to being wrong twice in a row…

Luckily, there wasn’t much more time to dwell on it, as Takaku is suddenly dragged away. Just like those before them, they were being sent to death because of your decision in this twisted game. 

As the monitor turns on, the first thing that catches your eye is Takaku, their bright and colourful appearance clashing with what seemed to be a wheel behind them. They seem to be strapped in by their arms and legs, unable to move anything but their neck. As for the wheel, it seems like something out of a circus act, without any sort of symbols or words that hold any meaning. 

And then, without any sort of warning, the wheel begins to spin, as if an unseen force were pushing it. The wheel spins at a dizzying pace, moving faster and faster until Takaku is nothing more than a blur. 

When the first knife hits the wheel, it narrowly misses its target, but whoever is throwing them doesn’t seem to want to give up as another dagger follows behind it. Soon, there are dozens of knives littering the wheel, and you can’t seem to tell if any of them have hit their mark or not. 

And then it all comes to a stop. 

The wheel finally halts, revealing that your suspicions were correct and that they had remained untouched. Knives and daggers surround their form, inches away from causing any physical harm. However, despite the fact that the projectiles have since ceased, the jester remained in their restraints without any sign of being able to escape. 

Moments pass by without any change, and you wonder for a moment if something unexpected will happen, just as it had in the past. Anticipation fills you, in a way, though it comes in the form of something at the bottom of your stomach. Everything is building up, staring at the jester as you wait...and wait...and--

Your only warning was the look of horror on Takaku’s face before all you could hear was the wet sound of piercing flesh, dozens more knives flying directly at their still body. 

As usual, the feed cuts during the impact shot, but when it returns, you are left with the image of the floor with Takaku’s feet dangling lifelessly, blood pooling beneath them.

Right now, Orpheus could absolutely go for a cup of coffee.

With Atsuko’s laboratory being part of the new area that ought to be explored, he had every reason to enter said place to begin with. From his first impression, it was a cozy shop that one could get comfortable in - something that they desperately needed after yesterday’s shenanigans.

Therefore, he wasn’t exactly surprised to see the place being occupied by someone else already.

On the other hand though, the atmosphere was immediately awkward as soon as Orpheus realized who it was that he ran into. After all, given his accusiations - that he couldn’t exactly withdraw as of now -, he wouldn’t be surprised if Kimiko wouldn’t want to talk to him.

(Not to mention that she probably suspected him of doing the deed as well, huh--)

Despite that, it would be rude of him to not greet her, at least. Just because their situation got more complicated, didn’t mean that they had to forego pleasantries and the likes, yes?

Therefore, he gave the resident magical girl a careful smile as he bowed - more deeply than usually, that is. Maybe, someone still felt guilty for making her cry like this.

                                                                  CHAPTER FIVE END.

( tw: blood )

When things register again, you can smell the strong scent of fresh blood in the air.

“Please-- don’t...don’t hurt them…”

Monomi doesn’t manage to stay standing for very long, lurching and losing her balance as she collapses onto the ground. She glances back to the theme park actress, now clearly shoved from the spot where she would have been shot, and all of you, a smile on her face; it’s hard to tell whether she’s forcing it or if it’s truly genuine, but it’s a morbid contrast with the bright red stain blooming against the space beneath her collarbones.

“Minami! Minami…!!”

The male chaperone cries, all signs of vibrant life coming back into him as the impact of the last few seconds hits him. He’s on his feet in a flash, moving faster than he ever has in front of you. He reaches his companion’s side, falling down to his knees, the fear visibly gripping him as he trembles before her body.

“Don’t look so sad… I liked seeing that grin of yours...”

Turning to look at Monokuma, the same smile on her face, she manages to pull herself up and weakly move a hand to caress his cheek. Though she normally spoke in a lifeless monotone, her still quiet voice holds a mixture of emotions-- it was hard to make out just how she was feeling.

“Then again...you always were a crybaby…”

“Minami… Nnn… No… You can’t… We’re not supposed to… hic… n-not yet...”

Despite her earlier show, Monomi’s strength is drained of her at last and she falls forward against Monokuma.

Heedless of everything else, Monokuma collects the still breathing body of Monomi, pulling her into a bridal carry. The sweetness or fantasy of such a move is long dead when one sees the utter desperation in the male’s face, how horrified his wide eyes look staring at her, and he’s dashing towards the elevator with her. He’s jabbing the elevator button impatiently to open up as if it’ll make it open faster, though in all honesty it’s barely a second of waiting time.

His impatience is even worse when he’s in the elevator, kicking up his foot against whatever button it looks like their destination is to be. He turns his head up towards a corner of the lift, yelling at the top of his lungs as the doors begin to close in on him.

“Suwabe-kun! You… Y-You better-- Pl-Please wake up Toujo-san!! Pl--!!!”

Monomi returns the card back to the deck and it is at this point her companion Monokuma draws from it, repeating the process that’s been done before just now in the flesh as opposed to by being separated by a screen.

There once was a fool.

Most would kill for the life The Wheel of Fortune was born into.

Never worrying about the necessities.

Parents who pushed for success.

The perfect life to make something of yourself.

And that was the only life they knew.

They were a child their parents could be proud of.

Intelligent.

Ahead of everyone at such a young age.

But pride doesn’t win you acceptance.

Their interests lied in a subject their parents didn’t approve of.

Regardless of accomplishments, they weren’t good enough.

But, that was okay.

They didn’t mind.

That was just how things were.

...But what if there was more to life than just what they were told?

What if they weren’t who they thought they were?

And soon, everything they knew was being challenge.

Growing to despise the fate they chose for them.

Realizing that society only cared about how useful people became.

They hatched a plan.

One that would get back at everyone.

But especially their parents.

All it took was a few lies.

No matter how big they were.

Their parents agreed to send them to a prestigious school in America.

One they said had scouted them.

But it had all been a lie.

Faked.

They were given permission to attend a performance art school.

And though they learned quite a bit for that year.

Things weren’t perfect upon their return home.

Enrolled in the school of their parents’ dreams, they couldn’t keep up.

Their grades slipped.

But it didn’t matter in the end.

Not when they had smiling peers, laughing at their jokes.

A fool for all to ridicule. 

They treasured the spotlight.

Over time, they grew more and more rebellious.

Confident to a fault.

To the point where they announced they’d be running off for the night to perform.

It was a success.

They defied fate.

And perhaps, because of them, others would follow along and do the same.

But...what if it were all for nothing?

The Wheel of Fortune continues to spin.

Without any sign of where it may land.

The arcana is the means by which all is revealed...

It was early in the morning, but not too early. Early enough that they’d had time to chug a cup of coffee, but not early enough for the majority of the class to be up and active. Early enough for Takaku to hop on a train and go take a wander to the fabric area in anticipation of departing for what they assumed would be their own lab later on down the line. Why would they need it? … Oh, you know. Clown things. Mysterious chaotic acts.

What they find instead of an empty workstation is a very, very tired looking pianist. Surrounded by material, fabric flowers, the whole lot of it - and very clearly either asleep or taking a moment to rest. The jester appeared to consider this for a moment, and while perhaps they were very briefly tempted to make a ruckus to get her up and at ‘em, a second, smaller idea came to mind that seemed a whole lot more appropriate. There was plenty of fabric around, and it didn’t seem like this was the most comfortable place to sleep. While it wasn’t as if they could control the jingling, they COULD control a length of fabric.

That, then, was why as carefully as they could as to not rudely awaken the piano lady, they crept to the wall of fabric and kind of just… shoved their hands in to find the softest one they could. Takaku sure didn’t know enough about fabric to know what it was, but they figured it’d do. Snip, snip, and voila! A blanket, if you considered a sizable waste of fabric to be a blanket. Regardless, they draped it over their head in a way that meant they were carrying it Legend of Zelda style above their head with the fabric still dragging on the floor behind them a little bit. It almost looked a little ominous when they sidestepped out, adjusting their hold on the fabric and…

Though you expect the television screens to show something, they break the pattern. Instead, both of your chaperones remain at their end of the trial room. Despite this difference of them being there in person, there is a deck of cards shared between them and Monomi pulls out one of the cards, showing it all to you in its reversed fashion.

She speaks aloud at this point, lilting tone carrying her through:

There once was a troubled prince.

Since birth, The Emperor’s throne had been built on lies.

A King on his deathbed.

And a Queen desperate to save her lineage.

He was said to be a miracle.

But, those close to the royal family knew better.

And, eventually, he would know the truth as well.

Regardless, he was brought up as the heir to the throne.

Really, they had no other option.

So he grew up to become a leader everyone would be proud of.

But the royal life was lonely.

He didn’t get to do things like other kids could.

Though his mother tried her best to keep him from being sheltered.

She couldn’t fill every need he had.

Every hole left there by loneliness.

The Emperor’s first friend was a boy his age.

The son of the captain of the guard.

A man who served those before him.

A boy who was meant to serve him.

And though it took some time.

They found that they didn’t have to be serious with each other.

They could just be themselves.

And were as close as close could be.

And soon, even closer than that.

Friendship evolves into love.

Star crossed lovers.

A relationship kept secret, fearing that the future would not allow them to be together.

It weighed him down.

Depression.

Uselessness.

He had to do something before it consumed him.

He knew that much.

It was on a whim, without much rhyme or reason.

The head ambassador was to attend the U.N. summit.

And The Emperor asked to follow along.

He was fascinated.

It was then that he realized that this was his chance to prove himself.

He was more than just an heir.

He was more than just his birthright.

He would be worthy.

Training under the current ambassador, The Emperor soon took his position once it was time for him to retire.

And this, of course, brought challenges along with it.

Few took him seriously.

Whether for his age or his country.

One solid agreement was all it took.

One good proposition.

An economic boom worldwide.

Including Japan.

He was a media sensation.

But that wasn’t what was most important.

The invitation arrived, and he accepted.

It was going to help him reach his goal.

But, he couldn’t help but think about his lie.

That The Emperor was less prince and more pauper than he let on.

The arcana is the means by which all is revealed…