#gardengram

Suzume: What an odd place. Hah, freezing too.

Warden Thorn: So… You’re the first prisoner here.

Suzume: …Uh, prisoner? This is a… prison?

Thorn: It should’ve been obvious by now.

*Heavy footsteps approach the door behind Warden Thorn. The door opens to reveal Warden Rose, a dark-skinned man looking to be in his mid-fifties. He readjusts his glasses before shutting the door behind him.*

Rose: Ah, my apologies for being late, Thorn.

Thorn: It’s Warden Thorn to you. And you as well.

Suzume: What are you talking about?

Thorn: Cut the crap!

*Thorn slams her hand down on the table in front of her. Suzume’s eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t give much of a reaction.*

Thorn: You think you can act tough and try to hide what you really are?

Rose: Warden Thorn… Please. Let me handle this issue.

*Warden Thorn gives a slight growl before stepping back from the table. Warden Rose sits down in front of Suzume, holding a clipboard and a small black pen.*

Rose: Prisoner 01: Suzume Daimon. Is that correct?

Suzume: …Yes. 

Rose: So… My name is Warden Rose, but for personal reasons, I’d prefer if you’d call me Mr. Ichinose.

Suzume: Ichi…nose. Is that your real name?

Rose: Indeed, it is. Now, back to the topic at hand… I assume you’re not sure why you’re here. In that case, let me explain. You are in Milgram. As your wardens, we are going to judge your sins. Whatever you say here will not affect the final judgement. Our final judgement will be based on the song Milgram produces from your memories. That is what we will be judging. Do you understand this?

Suzume: So, it doesn’t matter what I say?

Rose: No, whether you lie or refuse to disclose information is entirely up to you.

Thorn: But if you have something to hide, then it just shows you’re guilty about something…

Suzume: Then why should I speak at all?

Thorn: Huh? Are you backtalking me?

Suzume: …Huh?

Rose: Nevermind that, Suzume. Let’s begin with your… interrogation. How’s life in Milgram so far?

Suzume: Fine.

Rose: I see… So, you’re getting along with all the prisoners.

Suzume: Sure.

Rose: Are there any in particular you’re getting along with?

Suzume: Mmm… I guess… Akuji is fine. Yuki and Kenji try and… comfort me. I appreciate it. It’s nice.

Rose: Ah, that’s wonderful! Bonding is good for someone your age. And the young prisoners, Shinji and Hayato, how are you getting along with them?

Suzume: Shinji’s fine… He’s a little angry though. And Hayato… He doesn’t seem very interested in talking to me.

Rose: Ah. Well, at least you’re getting along well. Now, there’s a few other things we should talk about.

Suzume: Go on.

Rose: I noticed you seem very… stiff in the footage we’ve seen.

Suzume: Footage?

Rose: Ah, yes. We’ve been watching you a bit. Is there anything we can do? Maybe… medication perhaps?

Suzume: No… No medication. I don’t… That’s gonna make me an addict.

Thorn: An addict? Heh… That’s rich.

Rose: Are you worried… about that?

*Suzume shakes her head.*

Rose: What are you worried about then?

*Suzume bites her lip before looking up at Rose, her eyes glazed over.*

Suzume: …How old am I?

Rose: Hm?

Suzume: When- When you look at me, how old am I?

Rose: You’re a teenager, aren’t you? Someone like Thorn’s age, am I right?

Thorn: Gh-! Warden Rose, I think that’s enough!

Suzume: You’re like me, Warden?

Thorn: I’m nothing like you!

*Warden Thorn’s hand slams down on the table once again, Suzume doesn’t react at all. Warden Thorn, in a rage, gets closer and grabs Suzume by the collar of her restraints.*

Thorn: You think it’s funny to mock someone who holds your fate in their hands? Have more respect for us, dammit!

*Suzume says nothing, her body is limp and weak. She doesn’t bother to even glance at the Warden.*

Rose: Thorn, that’s enough! I think she understands your point!

Thorn: You could die! Because of your murder, because you’re a killer! Just like everyone else in this prison. 

*Suddenly bells ring and the sound of machines chugging in the background.*

Thorn: …Dammit, I wasted time. Sorry, Warden Rose.

Rose: We’ll… We’ll do better next time. I’m sure of it.

*Warden Thorn’s grip is released from Suzume, and like a rag doll, she slumps down into her chair.*

Thorn: It’s about time we see what you’re truly hiding from us.

Rose: …Don’t take this personally, Suzume. It’s our job.

Suzume: …or..

Rose: …?

Suzume: Sorry. I’m sorry.

Rose: …I’m sorry too.

*Warden Thorn scoffs, walking over next to Warden Rose.*

[Verse 1]

[Prisoner 01: Suzume Daimon]

"Under," there’s no point in existing now

One way or another you’ll sink and drown

[Prisoner 02: Akuji Reishin]

"Under," all that I wanted was your love

The things I create are never enough.

FUTURE

[Prisoner 03: Ichigo Wakabayashi]

"Under," I’m gonna be the next big star

I’m way above you so don’t even start.

[Prisoner 04: Hayato Tenma]

"Under," the voice I listened to only lies

Although they filled me up, I feel hollow inside

[Chorus]

Dissect and pry the thoughts of how it began

Search for mistakes before it comes to an end

Discovering secrets, building your judgement

What do we really know?

The line between “okay” and “hate” are blurred

though, it’s best that you should look beyond your ego

When they’ve sang their sins,

Can you determine if they’re all innocent?

[Verse 2]

[Prisoner 05: Mitsuru Hayakawa]

"Under," don’t think of what you can’t perceive

Get up and fight, give me your best scream

[Prisoner 06: Shinji Miura]

"Under," you can’t win if you don’t do your best

There can’t be competition, get rid of the rid of the rest

[Prisoner 07: Yuki Koyanagi]

"Under," the person I became isn’t me

A fractured puzzle, I’m missing a piece

[Prisoner 08: Kojiro Ashikaga]

"Under," What kind of role will I play today?,

The actor can’t stop, if his life’s the stage

[Chorus]

Dissect and pry the thoughts of how it began

Search for mistakes before it comes to an end

Discovering secrets, building your judgements

What do we really know?

The line between “okay” and “hate” are blurred

though, it’s best that you should look beyond your ego

When they’ve sang their sins,

Can you determine if they’re all innocent?

[Bridge]

[Prisoner 09: Takara Amano]

"Under," there’s reason for believing

Thou who follow me and pray will be saved 

[Prisoner 10: Kenji Yamamoto]

"Under," how can I keep on living?

Losing the love I so desperately craved

With aching hands and painful accusations

Painting over the things we thought were hidden

Smile for the people, smile for the people

And please enjoy the show

[Chorus]

Dissect and pry the thoughts of how it began

Search for mistakes before it comes to an end

Discovering secrets, building your judgements

What do we really know?

The line between “okay” and “hate” are blurred

though, it’s best that you should look beyond your ego

When they’ve sang their sins,

Can you determine if they’re all innocent?

[Outro]