It's a new day at Hope's Peak Academy... (Where your character in this Intense Meta-plot is already dead.) Yeah, I just figured I'd take the usually figurative "ghosting" the protagonist we usually do and make it more literal. Despite what Daemon Spearmeister claimed near the end of the post, I must say. "You and I are the same, in the way that we each have our own style that we won't change. Yours if full of evil and mine is not, there is no way I can lose!"
Warning: This is an LP of a game that contains blood, intense violence,
strong language, and suggestive (read "sexual") themes. If any of those
things offend you, don't click on the link below.
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'*Ding dong, bing bong*'
*Yawn* ...Oh, it's Monokuma on the screen again...
Monkuma: Good morning, everyone! It is now 7 a.m. and nighttime is officially over! Time to rise and shine! Get ready to greet another beee-yutiful day!
*Yawn* Well, hearing you first thing in the morning isn't helping matters...
'CHAPTER 01 MORNING'
Makoto Naegi: Apparently, it's morning... But thanks to the total lack of windows, there's no way to know for sure. Anyway...what should I do now?
Well, Ogami-san suggested looking around again... Oh! Maybe we can find more coins!
Makoto Naegi: ...Maybe I should go find Sayaka, and we can figure out where to go from here together. She did say she's my assistant now. Okay, it's decided! I'm gonna head to her room!
All right, first mission of the day! "Find Sayaka Maizono"!
Makoto Naegi: With a newfound determination, I left my room.
*takes out map* According to this, Maizono-san's room should be next door to Naegi's... Hey! Ishimaru-kun, what's up?
Kiyotaka Ishimaru: Good morning, Makoto!
Makoto Naegi: G-Good morning...
Kiyotaka Ishimaru: Yes, morning greetings are quite a delight! Such an energizing way to start the day!
Speaking of "energizing", I think I could do with a glass of orange juice... (Dude, you're dead, technically it'd be Naegi-kun who'd be drinking that orange juice.) But, if I feel any pain he is, maybe I can also taste what he's tasting? (Point.)
Kiyotaka Ishimaru: Now then, let's make sure we both do our very best throughout the day!
Makoto Naegi: S-Sure... I wonder if he's always like this...
I wouldn't be surprised if he is... Nope, that's Kirigiri-san's room... Going to check the door on the other side... Well, Ishimaru-kun's room is across the hall from Kirigiri-san's, Owada's room is across the hall from Naegi-kun's... *gulp* ...and... There's Maizono-san's room!
Makoto Naegi: There's a doorbell next to the door. I guess I should use that.
'*Ding dong*'
([sarcasm] Avon calling! [/sarcasm]) (...) And...Akurei's left Niyagi speechless.
Makoto Naegi: ...
Sayaka Maizono: Hello...?
Makoto Naegi: Good morning, Sayaka.
Good morning, Maizono-san.
Sayaka Maizono: Oh, Makoto! Perfect timing!
Makoto Naegi: Huh...?
Sayaka Maizono: Listen, I have a [favor] to ask...
Time to ask what that "favor" is...
'Re: Action'
-[favor]-
Makoto Naegi: A favor...?
Sayaka Maizono: I was just getting ready to head out. If it's okay, would you like to come with me? Maybe we could talk...
Makoto: Yeah, sure. Where are you headed?
Sayaka Maizono: Oh...umm... I've been thinking that...there might be something around here I could use for self-defense.
Makoto Naegi: Self-defense...?
Sayaka Maizono: Well, I mean...whoever's keeping us here could show up and attack us any time. You never know...
Makoto Naegi: Whoever trapped us here...
That would most likely be Monokuma.
Makoto Naegi: Whoever presented us with rules for murdering each other... Whoever put us in this insane position... She's right--we never know when they might attack.
Sayaka Maizono: So I just...want to be able to protect myself no matter what happens.
Makoto Naegi: A weapon to protect herself...
Hey, Akurei, didn't you point out a sword in that display case near the gym? (Yeah... Oh, I see what you're getting at!)
Makoto Naegi: Well...now that I think about it, that display case in the gym entryway had a bunch of stuff. Maybe...
We could pick up that sword!
Sayaka Maizono: Oh, the gym? That sword? Okay, let's go!
Makoto Naegi: A-Again...?
What.
Sayaka Maizono: Like I said, I'm psychic.
What?
Sayaka Maizono: Come on, I'm just kidding! Seriously, I just have amazing intuition.
What!? With an intuition that good, you might as well be psychic!
Makoto Naegi: Am I really so easy to predict?
("Signs point to 'yes'.") Wait, are you quoting a magic eight-ball?
Makoto Naegi: Anyway, we should head to the gym.
'For anyone who just haaates walking around the school, we've got some good news!'
Or, more like, if you're feeling particularly lazy...
'You can now teleport using the "Map" section of the Handbook Menu.'
I think it's more like, "I'm willingly putting my consciousness in stasis 'till Naegi-kun gets there on the slow path"...
'It's as simple as opening the Map Menu and choosing where you want to go! However, you can only teleport to hallways and marked waypoints. Plus, you can't teleport to places you haven't been, or places that are blocked off. And depending on certain story moments, there will be times when you won't be able to teleport at all. Finally, try not to teleport inside any walls. There's a chance you could get lost. Forever.'
If we're assuming this is actual teleportation, that's precisely why you should only teleport to places you've been to before. Because, otherwise, you could end up stuck in a wall you didn't even know was there.
'Well then...good luck, and have fun!'
Okay and heading toward the gym and... Hey! Asahina-san, good morning!
Aoi Asahina: Well look who it is! 'Sup guys?
The ceiling.
Makoto Naegi: What are you up to?
Aoi Asahina: We're picking up where we left off yesterday. I'm really hopin' we find something today! If we do, I'll be sure to let everyone know ASAP!
(Good luck with that.) Mornin' Ogami-san!
Sakura Ogami: We have to find some way out of here, no matter what.
Sayaka Maizono: And that's why you went with Hina and Toko?
Sakura Ogami: Well, Hina's the one that invited Toko. I have trouble talking to people directly...
I can see why. Not that it's in any way fair...
Makoto Naegi: Ah, understandable.
(Well, she mentioned Toko, why don't you say "Good morning" to her as well?) Because I think Fukawa-san will find some way to insult Naegi-kun or someone else in the area in the process. (Do it!) Fine! Whatever! Morning!
Makoto Naegi: Toko together with those other two... Quite a combination.
Toko Fukawa: ...What do you w-want? You l-look like you have s-something to say...
I know you can't hear me, but, I was just saying "Good Morning".
Makoto Naegi: Oh, no. I was thinking that you three make a pretty unique team.
Oh dear... (She's going to take the term "unique" in the worst possible manner, isn't she?)
Toko Fukawa: L-Let me make this perfectly c-clear! Me hanging out w-with two people who have muscles where th-ther brains should be is not by ch-choice!
Aoi Asahina: Wow, that was super mean!
What she said!
Aoi Asahina: Yesterday you were complaining how nobody invited you! That's the only reason I asked you to come with us!
Toko Fukawa: I never a-asked you to d-do that!
*facepalm* When you complain about nobody inviting you to something, that's usually taken as an indirect way of asking people to invite you to things more often... (...Now I'm surprised you actually realized that.)
Toko Fukawa: S-Stop trying to drag me farther into y-your meat dimension!
So...Are you trying to escape to Cyberspace instead? (*facepalm* And I thought we made some progress...)
Aoi Asahina: Jeez, I can't believe she just ran off! You think we should go after her?
Sakura Ogami: We shouldn't pressure her any further.
Indeed, I think she communicated quite clearly that she wants to be left alone. Dang, Fukawa-san just keeps sending mixed signals...
Aoi Asahina: Oh yeah, good point...
Makoto Naegi: They're like water and oil, anyway. It'd be weird if they *did* get along.
Moving on, and... Here's the entrance to the gym! Now that we're here... (Pick up that sword already!) That's exactly what I was going to do!
Makoto Naegi: Is this...a sword? Oh, no, I think it's just a replica.
Well, that's better than it just being a model... (Get out! But not before contributing to the reference jar!) (Well, it was either that or a Code Lyoko reference.) (How?) "Replikas". (Oh, right, that...)
Makoto Naegi: Still, it's pretty impressive. It's completely covered in a gold coating.
(Most likely gold flake, as in "it's going to flake off if you touch it".)
Makoto Naegi: But... Jeez! I barely touched it and I got that gold stuff all over my hands.
(Told ya.)
Sayaka Maizono: Wow, you're right. Your hands are totally gold!
"Your sister's mind has been bought and sold; now everypony thinks your made of gold!" (Really!? That's the only reason to reference a My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fan song?)
Sayaka Maizono: Even just for self-defense, I think it's a little...
Makoto Naegi: Well, it's still better than nothing, I guess.
Sayaka Maizono: You should take it with you! It might help liven up your room a little.
Makoto Naegi: You think so?
Well... Actually, I think swords are cool... *blush*
Sayaka Maizono: But I guess you'd better be careful taking it back. You should wrap it in newspaper or something.
Makoto Naegi: And just like that, it's been decided...
We're getting a sword in Naegi-kun's room!
Sayaka Maizono: I don't see anything I could really use for self-defense...
Makoto Naegi: H-Hey, don't worry about it! It's not like you need it right away, right? Plus, if anything *were* to happen... When the time comes...I'll protect you.
(Ah, Naegi-kun, you shouldn't make promises you can't keep...) Akurei, are you trying to tell Naegi and I something? (Nope, nothing at all.) [sarcasm] Right... [/sarcasm]
Sayaka Maizono: You'll...protect me? Thank you for saying that... If I've got you on my side, I guess I don't need a weapon after all!
Actually...A tool of some kind, preferably non-lethal, for self-defense would be for the best. I mean, it'd be really bad if you try to defend yourself with a lethal weapon only for your attacker to steal the aforementioned weapon and use it against you...
Makoto Naegi: Sayaka giggled as she said that. That mysterious smile... I can tell it comes from the heart. It makes me feel at ease... When I look at her, I honestly feel like I can do anything.
Sayaka Maizono: Okay, we can stop looking for a weapon, then. But as long as we're here, let's hang out a bit more.
Well... (You're actually going to look for coins, right?) How did you know? Let's see... What about that helmet in the display case?
Makoto Naegi: It's a helmet of some sort. Why is something like that on display?
And... Yes! We have two bronze coins now! Now what about that plaque to the right of where the sword used to be...
Makoto Naegi: A plaque... I guess it's to commemorate some kind of championship.
And... Nothing. What about that gold statue?
Makoto Naegi: It's...a gold statue of Buddha. Why is something like that on display?
Does that result in a coin? ...Nope. (What about those statues that vaguely look like Gyroids?) Actually, I think those are Haniwa... *gulp* Those things are found in graves and are pretty much soul jars... Point is, I'd rather not get trapped in one of those.
Makoto Naegi: Some terra-cotta clay figures... They don't look like the kind of thing you'd put in a high school gym.
Yeah... I swear, Daemon must be trolling me... Well, at least I found another coin. Can we check out any of the trophies up there?
Makoto Naegi: There's all kinds of stuff on the shelves up above.
Nope, let's see if we can find some coins elsewhere in the room. Can I shoot that... Nope, instead I got...
Makoto Naegi: A surveillance camera... The cameras can see us even here.
Can we inspect a TV without getting a headache?
Matoko Naegi: This is one of the monitors Monokuma appears on. Right now, it's just showing the school crest. I don't even wanna think about when he might show up on that thing next... Urgh...
...*hand on forehead* Nope, still getting headaches around those things. But at least we got a bronze coin for our troubles! (You know, if Makoto and you get headaches from inspecting those TV screens, maybe... Just maybe... YOU SHOULDN'T BE DOING THAT!) Well, talking to Maizono-san seems to be a much better option.
Sayaka Maizono: Umm...
What is it?
Sayaka Maizono: ...I know I said I wanted to talk to you, but now that we're here...I don't really know what to talk about. And I was the one who invited you to come with me, too. Sorry...
No worries, people forget stuff all the time.
Makoto Naegi: It's okay. I mean, if there's nothing to talk about, then we can just not talk, right?
Sayaka Maizono: Huh?
Makoto Naegi: You don't have to force yourself to talk. We can just, I dunno...stare off into space or whatever.
Sayaka Maizono: Stare off into space...?
Makoto Naegi: Oh, but you're probably super bored! Just standing around doing nothing...
(Well, I'm bored, that's for sure.)
Sayaka Maizono: No, it's not that it's boring. It's just... I've never really done it before. I don't have a lot of time to just...do nothing.
Makoto Naegi: I-I guess that makes sense. You're not a normal high school student like me. You've got tons of stuff to do every day.
Sayaka Maizono: ...Hey, um...this is kinda out of nowhere, but... Makoto, do you have a [dream]?
Where there's a question, there's usually an answer!
'Re: Action'
-[dream]-
Makoto Naegi: Well...what about you, Sayaka? What's your dream? I'd love to hear...
Sayaka Maizono: I... My dream is... I've always wanted to be a star, as long as I can remember. I grew up without a mother, you know... And my dad worked really late every night. I was always home alone...
Aww... (That sucks...) I know...
Sayaka Maizono: I was just a kid, ya know? So I was really lonely. But that all changed when I saw a pop star on TV for the first time. She was so pretty, like a princess. And she could sing, and dance... But more than anything else, there was her smile. Looking at her smile, I could feel my loneliness melting away. I decided that's what I wanted to be someday. I wanted to give that kind of encouragement to others.
That's... That's... Wow, impressive. Awesome even!
Sayaka Maizono: Eventually, that became my dream.
Makoto Naegi: That's so amazing, though. You were able to actually fulfill your lifelong dream.
(All though I doubt that even Naegi-kun's "lifelong dream" would be to get a part-time job at the Sizzler.)
Makoto Naegi: Honestly, it's really incredible.
I'm not so sure, after Maizono-san started telling us her life story, a ominous creepy music has been heard...
Sayaka Maizono: ...I did whatever it took to reach that dream. I meant it. Even some things that...weren't so pleasant.
Makoto Naegi: Huh...?
Sayaka Maizono: I honestly believed that as long as you kept chasing your dreams, someday they had to come true. But to do that, you can't take your eyes off of your dream, not even for a second. Even if sometimes it's a bad dream... Whether you're awake, whether you're asleep...
What a minute, did your manager or someone else... "do things" to you?
Sayaka Maizono: To make your dream a reality, you have to keep your gaze fixed on it no matter what. In that world, if you lose focus for even a split second, you get left behind. You have to keep on swimming against the current, without even taking time to breathe... That's the kind of world my dream lives in.
Makoto Naegi: I-Is it really that tough? Is it not fun at all?
Sayaka Maizono: Oh no, don't get the wrong idea. It's super fun! But...that's exactly what scares me.
Makoto Naegi: Huh...?
Sayaka Maizono: I enjoy every single day I wake up and get to do what I do. Everyone in our group is amazing. We're rivals in a way, but they all mean so much to me. We've been performing together since we were young, so they're all like family to me.
Ah, I see... When your biological family sucks, your friends become your family.
Sayaka Maizono: Without them, I would have given up on my dream a long time ago. To work together, and fulfill our dreams together, has brought me so much happiness... But that's the thing that scares me the most.
...So, let me get this straight... What you're afraid of is that, if you lose everything you care about, you might lose the will to live? Or something like that?
Sayaka Maizono: If the world gets tired of us, then what happens? What happens to us? Then the dream dies, those wonderful days come to an end, and everyone goes their separate ways...
Makoto Naegi: S-Sayaka... She's trembling... She must be terrified. She worked so hard, sacrificed so much, to get where she is. She must be terrified of losing it.
Exactly.
Sayaka Maizono: So that's the reason I decided to come to Hope's Peak.
Makoto Naegi: Huh? What do you mean?
Sayaka Maizono: Well...they say that if you graduate from here, success is basically guaranteed. Which means I could keep on performing with my best friends, for ever and ever. At least, that's what I thought. I really did believe that, but...now we're trapped here, with no way out. They're probably waiting for me... While I'm in here, the world out there is forgetting about me. Minute by minute, we're all disappearing.
I...I...I don't want to disappear either...
Sayaka Maizono: But still...
Makoto Naegi: Sayaka...?
Sayaka Maizono: I can't afford to be stuck in here!
Woah! Naegi-kun, I hate to admit it, but I think we just might need that sword now...
Makoto Naegi: That was the first time I heard her cry out from deep within herself. She sounds...desperate.
Which sounds like... ("Despair"...l) (I know, I know...)
Makoto Naegi: But I can understand why she'd feel that way. Trapped here this way, the dream she put so much effort into is on the verge of disappearing forever. And that isn't something that can be fixed with a few kind words. The weight she's carrying... I can't even imagine it.
Sayaka Maizono: Ah--I'm sorry, I didn't mean to complain... I kinda killed the mood, huh?
Makoto Naegi: No, not at all.
Sayaka Maizono: I'm really sorry...
Makoto Naegi: ...Um, Sayaka...Actually, are you hungry? Before we head back, why don't we go to the dining hall and get some food?
Sayaka Maizono: ...So... You want me to make us something to eat? I might not look like it, but I'm actually a pretty good cook!
Makoto Naegi: Wow, really? What's your specialty?
Sayaka Maizono: Chili oil.
What!? I'm going to taste what the first through eight circles of Hell must feel like!
Makoto Naegi: You mean the condiment!?
Sayaka Maizono: Hahaha. Just kidding!
Makoto Naegi: She burst out laughing.
We might have been trolled, but at least the oppressive atmosphere has gone away.
Makoto Naegi: Her earlier mood disappeared, replaced by the bright simile I'd quickly grown used to. But how'd it happen so fast? It was almost like a mask, like some kind of neutral expression.
Maybe she's more of a Stepford Smiler than we thought...
Makoto Naegi: Anyway, we headed to the dining hall to get something to eat...before returning to our rooms.
Later, in Naegi-kun's room...
Makoto Naegi: The only thing in my room is...a fake sword covered in gold. All it does is make me feel that much more uncomfortable. Anyway, there's still plenty of time left in the day. I really don't feel like just sitting here. Maybe I'll take a look around...
'You're about to have your first experience with Free Time. Would you like to hear more?'
-Not at all!-
-Absolutely!-
Why not, I mean, we were being told about all kinds of other concepts, why not this one as well?
'As you live out your school life here, you will be given free time at certain points. During your free time, you can spend time with your fellow classmates to deepen your friendships. You can also give them presents, which can potentially give them an even better impression of you! You can get these presents from the MonoMono Machine in the school store. Come by early and often! At certain points, you'll witness intimate events, and new info will be added to each person's report card. These events can also open up new skills, which will prove useful as everything plays out.'
I sure hope so...
'We strongly encourage you to
develop and deepen as many friendships as you can! Also keep in mind
that when you talk with a classmate, time will pass... When you're finished, you will automatically return to your room. After a certain amount of time passes, your free time will come to an end and the story will progress.'
Okay, got it.
'If you'd prefer not to engage in free time, you can always choose to simply go to sleep to skip it. We wouldn't recommend this approach, but if you absolutely MUST press forward with the story, then... Anyway, why don't you try it out by spending some time with Miss Sayaka Maizono? She's the ideal partner to begin with, don't you think?'
(And... We're being set up for a player punch...) Okay, you do know something! (Nope, I'm just messing with you. Because... I'm such a troll!)
'Free Time'
Well, I do want to see if we can find some coins in the bathroom...
Makoto Naegi: This door doesn't quite fit in the doorframe. I'll have to make sure and remember the trick to opening it.
Yeah, lift the door up as you turn the handle, got it! ...We don't get to see the inside of the bathroom. Well, let's get going, shall we?
'Leave the area?'
-Yes-
-No-
Of course we will. Now where's this school store? And... I found the laundramat, and Fujisaki-san. Later, I still need to find that store...
'Leave the area?'
-Yes-
-No-
Let's see here... There's a door covered with "Keep out" tape and... Kirigiri-san's nearby. Well, now that I think about it, it's probably in the actual school rather than the dorms. *Looks at map* Maybe it's this room with the Yen-ish symbol on it... *finds door and looks up* Ah, right "STORE" we're here! First, I'm going to check all the strange objects here in the store, to find as many coins as possible; of course!
Makoto Naegi: Yup, this is definitely the school store. But it has kind of a Japanese/Western blend. It seems more like a cluttered antique store...
Yes! We has another coin! Now what about this off to the left?
Makoto Naegi: A vending machine... I guess this must be the school store, then.
([sarcasm] No! You think? I couldn't tell. [/sarcasm]) Another TV screen... (Another unnecessary headache...)
Makoto Naegi: This is one of the monitors Monokuma appears on. Right now, it's just showing the school crest. I don't even wanna think about when he might show up on that thing next... Urgh!
(Well, are you done giving Makoto and yourself headaches?) Yeah... Time to check out that capsule machine...
Makoto Naegi: What's this...?
Like I said, it looks like a capsule machine.
Makoto Naegi: Oh! Maybe if I turn the knob, a prize will come out!
'Would you like to try your hand against the almighty MonoMono Machine!?'
-Give it a shot-
-Not right now-
-Learn more about it-
"Try your hand against"... That sounds like Celestia's specialty, I think it would be best to learn just what kind of mess I'm getting Naegi-kun into...
'During your stay here at Hope's Peak Academy, you'll find coins scattered throughout the school. These Monocoins are treasures valued by kings and thieves alike!'
Sounds like Monokuma, and Daemon by association, must have an ego the size of which would rival that of Seto Kaiba...
'You can use the Handbook Menu to see how many Monocoins you currently have.'
Yes, I quite noticed that.
'And if you put the coins in this machine here, there's a chance you could win a prize! The more coins you use, the better chance you have of getting something new.'
(Looks like we'd better save soon, 'cause we'll be save scumming this game to heaven and back!)
'Check the Presents section of the Handbook Menu to review your prizes.'
Alrighty then...
'Would you like to try your hand against the almighty MonoMono Machine!?'
-Give it a shot-
-Not right now-
-Learn more about it-
(Not right now, we've got to save first. THEN we'll give it a shot!)
Makoto Naegi: Maybe next time...
Fine, I'll take your advice. "Saving" and...done! Now we'll give this thing a spin!
Makoto Naegi: What's this...? Oh! Maybe if I turn the knob, a prize will come out!
'Would you like to try your hand against the almighty MonoMono Machine!?'
-Give it a shot-
-Not right now-
-Learn more about it-
(Why not, we've got nothing to lose. And if we do lose, we'll just go back in time 'till we win!)
Makoto Naegi: Alright, let's give it a shot.
Okay, so far I have five coins. What will happen if I offer one coin? And... Yes! We've got something! (Now we've got to save again.) Right, right... *one save and return trip later...* Looks like the "Repeat %" is still there... Well, let's try one coin again! *3 more of repeats of this later...*
Makoto Naegi: I should probably get going...
Indeed, but we've got some interesting presents out of the machine. (Like... What?) Let's see here... Civet Coffee, Rose Hip Tea, an Overflowing Lunch Box, Berserker Armor... (Hey! This just looks like black-colored metal armor! This has to be a bearskin shirt!) Moving on. I also got a Moon Rock as well. I'm not sure about most of the gifts but I think the Rose Hip Tea is just perfect for Celestia and Supernova's likely to like that Moon Rock! Also, I think that the School Crest we got earlier would suit Ishimaru-kun. Anyway, time to find Maizono-san!
'Leave the area?'
-Yes-
-No-
*while returning to the dorms, noticed the sign* "Despair Hotel" [sarcasm] Ha-ha, very funny, Monokuma... [/sarcasm] *one fruitless search of Hope's Peak Academy later...* Maybe I should do the sensible thing and check her room...
Makoto Naegi: I guess I should press the doorbell...
'*Ding dong*'
Sayaka Maizono: You know, Makoto... I'm so anxious. I really am afraid...
Makoto Naegi: Hmm... Should I talk to Sayaka for a while?
-Spend some time with Sayaka-
-Go see who else is around-
*shrug* Why not?
Sayaka Maizono: Are you going to...try and cheer me up? Sorry for making you take time out of your day like this...
Ah, don't worry about it.
Makoto Naegi: I did my best to comfort Sayaka...
Hopefully it went well.
Makoto Naegi: Sayaka and I grew a little closer today.
'Would you like to give Sayaka a present?'
-Yes, definitely-
-Not really, no-
Let's see... Maybe the... No, sorry, I've got nothing... And the creepy music's back.
Sayaka Maizono Umm, Makoto? Do you think you could make time for the two of us to talk?
Makoto Naegi: Wh-What's wrong? Why are you being so formal?
(Because you didn't give her a gift!) Come on! None of the present options we had would've suited her at best, or could be taken as an insult at worst!
Sayaka Maizono: W-Well, it's just... I guess that was kind of formal, but...it's just because I know I can count on you.
Makoto Naegi: ...Huh?
Sayaka Maizono: Having you by my side really makes me feel a lot better. If you weren't here with me, I just don't know what I'd do. I'd be lost... I hate that we had to meet again under such awful conditions, but...I'm relieved you're with me.
Aww...
Makoto Naegi: Sayaka... Standing here face to face and hearing her say that... It's nice, but...kind of embarrassing at the same time. I...know how you feel. You being here is what saved me...
Sayaka Maizono: R-Really? Ehehe. Thank you for the flattery.
Makoto Naegi: That smile... That mysterious smile that softens my heart...
(So that it'll break sooner, easier...) Akurei! (Well, you're hearing the ominous music as much as I am!)
Makoto Naegi: I really wasn't flattering her. That smile saved me.
Sayaka Maizono: But it's kind of strange, you know? I never thought I'd get a chance to really talk to you like this. All through middle school, you never talked to me. In fact, you never even looked at me.
(This... Is really strange... Who's supposed to be the popular one here?)
Makoto Naegi: It's because you were like a celebrity. I couldn't just go around staring at you...Wait, how do you know I never looked at you?
I think that'd be obvious, because she was looking at you.
Sayaka Maizono: Because I looked at you all the time...
Called it!
Makoto Naegi: ...Huh?
Kind of reminds me of Joey and Lina.
Sayaka Maizono: I was always looking for an opprotunity to talk to you.
Makoto Naegi: You...wanted to talk to me?
Sayaka Maizono: But since I always had so many people around me, we ended up graduating without saying a word. That was one of my biggest regrets.
Makoto Naegi: But...why me?
Sayaka Maizono: Do you remember during our first year of junior high, that huge bird wandered into the school pond?
Makoto Naegi: Actually, now that I think about it...I do sorta remember something like that...
Sayaka Maizono: It was like out of a fairy tale. The turtle once every million years, that bird once every thousand...
Makoto Naegi: A huge bird wandered into the school pond during our first year of junior high... I think it might have been...
-Heron-
-Crane-
-Sparrow-
Well, the sparrow can't be it, that's a small bird. The turtle and a certian bird are known symbols of fertility and long life. As a matter of fact, it's interesting that Maizono-san mentioned the number "thousand" with that bird. Because it's said that if you fold one-thousand origami models of that same bird, you're granted a wish. (And that bird is...?) The crane!
Makoto Naegi: It was a crane! It just walked right into the pond.
Sayaka Maizono: That's right! That's what it was. It was so big, the teacher had no idea what to do. But you led it into the forest behind the school. You helped it find its way out.
Makoto Naegi: Well, only cuz I was already in charge of taking care of the animals at school. They made me do it...
(Well... Some truths don't have to be told...)
Sayaka Maizono: I should have said thank you then, but...is it okay if I do it now?
Makoto Naegi: Thank me...?
Sayaka Maizono: I'm that crane, you see. I've come to return the favor. Here, let me make you a cloak...
Whoa! That just reminded me of this story about a serial thief/murderer who once spared the life of a ladybug, but later, a woman he took as his wife turned out to be that ladybug reincarnated... (Seriously!?) Yeah, but latter that horrible man turns his life around to the point of practically being a saint... Just remembering that story is moving me to shed liquid pride...
Sayaka Maizono: Ehehe. Just kidding!
Makoto Naegi: Y-Yeah, I kinda figured...
Sayaka Maizono: Honestly though, I was so impressed... That's why I always wanted to talk to you, even just once. I never imagined this would be hou I got my chance...
Makoto Naegi: Yeah. If we'd met again at a train station somewhere downtown, that'd make for a nice dramatic reunion.
But, "Fate has been cruel and order unkind..."
Makoto Naegi: But instead, it's this weird school.
Sayaka Maizono: Maybe, but still... I'm sure you'll help me find my way out, just like that crane. You'll save me.
(*facepalm*)
Sayaka Maizono: It's just intuition, I know, but I still believe it.
Makoto Naegi: I'm going to save her...?
That's what I hope... (If hopes were paper cranes, we'd already have enough to wish everyone out of here. But, nope. Those paper cranes don't exist.)
Makoto Naegi: I'll do my best, I promise that. I'll make sure it's more than just intuition. If there's anything I can do, I'm going to do it...!
Sayaka Maizono: I believe in you. Besides, my intuition always turns out to be right.
...Again, how does that NOT qualify you as psychic?
Sayaka Maizono: Cuz I'm psychic.
See.
Sayaka Maizono: Ehehe. Kidding, kidding!
[sarcasm] Right... [/sarcasm] Maybe I should've done that... (Wait! What did you say?) Huh? ...Did I say something weird? (Yeah, and I quote "Maybe I should've done that...") Huh... Even I'm not sure why I said that...
Makoto Naegi: She laughed out loud as she said it. The closer we get, the stronger that smile of hers makes me. ...I was glad to feel that way.
Yeah, and I'm happy you feel that way.
'Sayaka's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with her. You just unlocked the skill Melodious Voice! Give yourself a pat on the back. You've earned it!'
Makoto Naegi: Once we were all done, I headed back to my room for a little while...
'*Ding dong, bing bong*'
Something tells me that sounds going to fill me with dread from now on...
Monokuma: Mm, ahem, this is a school announcement. It is now 10 p.m. As such, it is officially nighttime. Soon the doors to the dining hall will be locked, and entry at that point is strictly prohibited.
Now that I think about it, the dining hall's most likely locked at night so that the fridge can be restocked without interruption.
Monokuma: Okay then...sweet dreams, everyone! Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite...
Makoto Naegi: Today's already come to an end... But I swear...tomorrow I'm going to find some kind of clue! I swear!
(Hey! It's not polite to swear!) That's not what Naegi-kun meant... (Besides, this game's rated M, Naegi-kun and the rest can swear as much as they want!) Anyway, good night...
Makoto Naegi: As my eyelids began to slide closed...the conversation I'd had with Sayaka that morning began to replay. In a way, it's almost frustrating... Even if I understand where her desperation is coming from, I can't share in it. The pressure she's under is way different from anything a normal high schooler like me goes through.
Yeah, you two are from completely different worlds...
Makoto Naegi: She didn't just stumble into this school the way I did. So I can't say I feel things the way she does. Compared to her...no, compared to everyone else here...there's no doubt I just don't match up. I guess that might explain my own frustration.
"All the people that I see I will never understand..."
Makoto Naegi: ...Who did I just hear...?
'Monokuma Theatre'
Monokuma: Ahem, so...I'm sure that you've noticed the killing game has begun, but...there's still room for a little laughter.
Because, I mean, it's not like ANY kind of real despair was inflicted upon ANYONE this time! Unless you count Shimohi quoting that Touhou song, but I don't...
Monokuma: It seems our newest students, already so filled with despair, still have some hope of escape! Puhuhu... So when will it begin?
I know I'm supposed to be possessing him, but what despair? Because I'm not seeing it... HEY! YOU KIDS! KILL SOMEONE ALREADY!
Monokuma: When will their hope begin to die? Is it time yet? Is it time!? Heartpounding excitement!
----------------------------
Well, we have some more hints about my character's nature in this universe. Maybe the big mystery surrounding my character will be solved soon... (But first, before you move on to the next day, you have to balance the jar.)
Monty Python Reference Jar
Akurei: $32
Shimohi: $19
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