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lore-a-lie · 6 years

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Chapter 3, Act 4: The Phantom in their Paradise

Daily Life

Kaede woke the next morning with little thought of Monokuma’s odd behavior the night before. It wasn’t like any motives had been put in her room as far as she could tell. He could have just been acting strange for any number of reasons with what had been going on lately, so it was nothing worth lingering on for now.

Ryoma’s odd behavior as she saw him on the way to the dining hall was harder for her to brush aside.

He refused to so much as glance her way and his face was so red he could have had an actual fever. Trying to check in with him quickly proved fruitless as he just picked up his pace, but Kaede couldn’t understand why he’d be avoiding her now. It’s not like they parted on bad terms after training or anything, right?

At least he didn’t have any issues with Kaito at breakfast, but that hardly narrowed things down. Beyond hopefully ruling out him getting sick, considering that “mutating virus” talk before. Or if he does think he’s coming down with something he might be assuming Kaito already had it, who knows.

Out of respect for his apparent desire to keep his distance she sat between Tenko and Tsumugi after getting breakfast this time, since Kokichi was too close to Gonta and by extension Kiyo for comfort.

It was actually odd to see these two here without Angie, as she was the only person missing right now. But neither of the other girls seemed worried so she may have warned them she would be late. Might as well just focus on eating and worry later, if at all.

Considering what Angie did have to show for her tardiness worrying may have still been warranted. She came in bouncing as brightly as ever with her alola’s and hello’s, but her hands and jacket still had a lot of unsettlingly bright pink paint on them that rubbed Kaede wrong for reasons she couldn’t place. (Maybe they’re just too similar to Kibo’s current colors? It’s not like I don’t like pink normally. Hmm.)

Art stuff normally went over her head, and “Atua” is hardly any better, so Kaede honestly wasn’t paying too much attention to what she, Tenko, Tsumugi, and Tenko’s pigeon were discussing. (Especially since of the three the bird’s the one least likely to lose me or tick me off. Sorry John, but you’re not worth it.)

Not until the effigies from before came back up.

“Sooo, Angie has a question for everybody: Hypothetically if Atua made a series of wax sculptures for everyone who’s died so far where might it be a good place to set them all up?”

“... Tell me you’re kidding me Angie.” Kaito blanched at the news.

“Hypothetically I could be!”

“Jesus Christ on a cracker you actually did make more of those wax things didn’t you?”

“I don’t care where you put him Ryoma, his faith has no say here," Angie replied looking rather annoyed (or as annoyed as Angie'd ever show) that any god other of her own was brought up even as a swear. "Soooo?”

“That depends. “Hypothetically” how many does “He” have to find homes for?” Ryoma asked to further humor her, resting his shaking head in his hand.

“... Everyone? So...” Angie began counting her fingers for a moment before continuing. “11? Unless bears only count as half-a-person. But only because they’re bears Kibo!” She quickly added with some frantic hand waving to avoid any accusations of “robophobia” on her part, and her attempt to keep his feelings in mind seemed to make him happy. Or as happy as anyone could be with something so morbid.

“Why on earth would you include our tormentors too? Human losses are one thing, but them?” Kaito objected, looking particularly panicked.

“Aww, but Monophanie was nice. And Atua knows Monodam tried to be good. So it felt mean to leave anyone else out!”

“Oh, oh can I have Himiko?! Or Rantaro if Kaede’s not calling him.” (WHY WOULD I KOKICHI?!)

“... Whhhhy do you want the statue of a dead person Kokichi?” Tsumugi asked with a fair amount of suspicion in her tone.

“Reasons!”

“Why on earth would we ever let you have a tribute to Himiko?!” Tenko shouted, shoving the table a bit as she stood to confront him.

“Because I’m less likely to be a creeper towards her than you are for starters.”

“And you’d be keeping them where?” Angie asked, cutting off any argument the upset Tenko wanted to make. Her eyes started shining with unshed tears with his brutal reminder of how poorly she kept coming across. But she didn’t let any fall or give as much as a sniffle as she focused on John instead, who nuzzled her.

“In my room, duh. They won’t melt honest! Not so sure about not getting dinged up, but hey it'd be better than nothin'.”

“Should I be accusing you of hoarding right now or of protesting too much when you were so quick to consider me a necrophile yesterday?” Kiyo sniped with a glare, causing the trickster to pale.

“... Oh shit, you actually heard that. Whoooooops. Y'know what, nevermind Kaede can keep them!”

“I never said I wanted either of them, why would I?!” Kaede quickly objected.

“You’re so mean Kaede, does that mean you only want the bears to finish your doll collection?!” Kokichi huffed, causing Kaito and Ryoma to snicker some while others like Gonta were left looking very confused.

“I don’t want any of these things, stop putting weird words in my mouth! Can’t we just put them in their original labs or something?!”

“Forgive me if I’m mistaken but if their realism is what makes them “creepy” wouldn’t separating them make it worse? And where would Rantaro and the cubs even go?” Kiyo pointed out.

“We can just put them in Kirumi’s lab or Tsumugi’s then. Probably Kirumi’s since it’s more out of the way and replacing the figures she’d “serve” would be easy enough right?” Ryoma suggested.

“Why even suggest my lab then?!” Tsumugi asked, just as uncomfortable as Kaede was at being dragged into this discussion.

“Space mostly, I mean no one would want these things in Kiyo’s lab right?”

“Only if you understand I would move them myself periodically just to see how you all react to them.” Kiyo teased.

Angie wasn’t amused by the idea of Kiyo messing with her artworks however and responded the most civil and mature way she knew how: by reaching into her coat’s pockets and tossing salt at his face.

“May the power of salt compel you!”

Kiyo however refused to be compelled. It did seem to make him salty in a different sense though with how his eye started twitching. “... That isn’t how this works. At all. First, I know for a fact no salt we have in this place has been purified, and I highly doubt any of your dubious “credentials” could be used to change that. They wouldn’t be able to so much as slow a spirit, much less banish one. Second I doubt any here have the impurities supposedly needed to induce a change within a person’s soul.”

“May the power of Atua compel you!”

“I am genuinely more inclined to listen to the table salt if those are my options.”

“... May the power of Tenko compel you-”

“I swear I won’t touch your statues Angie, no need to go so far.” Kiyo conceded, proving he did have a shred of self-preservation left after all.

“Can I “compel” him anyway?” (Boy we get off topic easily.)

“Tenko no.” Kaede said with a long-suffering sigh.

“Tenko yes!” Angie cheered, as if trying to start a “wave” with her arms as she beamed.

“Your vote doesn’t count Angie! And neither does Kokichi’s.” Kaito said while batting at Kokichi who was primed to throw his own two cents in too. Making both complain, though Angie's was indecipherable to them.

“Awwww but who wouldn’t want to see that?”

“I’d like to not risk executing Tenko today thanks.” Kaede deadpanned back at the brat.

“Have more faith in Kiyo’s durability than that!” Angie tried, in their language again rather than her random ramblings, swaying from side to side.

“No, that sounds like the right amount of faith to me. I’m a killer, not a fighter. I only bested Kirumi because she was surprised and blinded at the time, I’d heard the sort of “tasks” she had done before.”

“Gonta not sure that sort of thing Kiyo should be admitting to.”

“I thought your supervision was as much for my safety as it was for everyone else’s. Were you lying to me?” Kiyo asked with an exaggeratedly shocked expression at Gonta's "betrayal".

“No, but still sound bad.” Gonta said, giving Kiyo his best scowl. Or tried to, but only really managed a cute pout, since he was lacking the sort of terrifying aura he could get when he was really mad.

Tsumugi looked thoughtful again as she spoke more to the ceiling than her classmates after a thought occurred to her. “... Actually if Kiyo acts up, and he really is “possessed” like they say they are, I have one of those cleansing air fresheners that’s supposed to have holy water in it which might help.”

“ You wouldn’t DARE. ” (... Yeah, not many would "dare" when you get like this. Living is kinda nice and all. But why not do it anyway? It’d serve him right and get rid of one of the perpetrators. No! That’s too risky.)

“OHH, OHH, PICK ME! PICK ME! I WOULD! I WOULD!” (I get where you're coming from but please stop making yourself a target Kokichi! If she’s gone and his “limits” go with her, he might actually kill you.)

“H-hey come on Kokichi I’m the one she keeps singling out! If she’s offering it I should have it, not you.” Kaito argued.

“Please, there’s no need to get like this! We don’t have to fight amongst each other. Perhaps we could continue our trip to the virtual world? Or help Angie move her figures?” Kibo interrupted, hoping to stop any fighting he could.

“Or we could try getting rid of Monokuma so we don’t need to deal with this anymore,” Kaito offered. When he saw the series of blank faces look back at him he clarified what he had in mind.

“I’m serious. There’s only one Exisal now, and we know where the mastermind would need to go if they want to make more Monokumas. I mean I don’t think we have any reason to doubt Shuichi was right about the secret of that hidden room behind the bookshelf, he was the Ultimate Detective. So if we can break him when he’s outside the Exisal, and keep eyes on everyone so whoever the mastermind is can’t run off to replace him in case there was another entrance there, we’d be safe right? Either we could break the Exisal too, or maybe one of us can pilot it if we can find where they go when they’re inactive.”

Should I tell him about the grenades? The mastermind may not know I have them, and with them destroying Monokuma and the Exisal could be possible! This could make a good trap for them too.

Before Kaede could decide, Kibo objected. “And what happens if we misjudge things?! What will happen if Monokuma comes back, or if there are already two Monokumas, the one we see and one in the black Exisal? Could we even beat one normal Exisal, much less one that could be even more advanced?”

“I-I agree. I don’t want to risk losing anyone else if we can help it! With one plainly obvious exception.”

After giving Tsumugi an exasperated scowl at her obvious jab Kiyo joined in on this new scrum too. “I hate to disappoint but I’m not one of those suited to such a task. But going on the offensive could be to our benefit, as dangerous as it would be. There aren’t any motives to distract, and it could well narrow down who our mastermind could be. Provided such an attempt doesn’t get us all killed of course.”

“And that being a possible outcome at all is proof we shouldn’t do that yet! Not until we don’t have any options left, like if the kill or be killed style motive comes back so there wouldn’t be anything left to lose. Aren’t you all typically in favor of thinking the “motives” could help find an escape as well, or solve the mastermind question on it’s own? And what if the outside isn’t as safe for us as this place still is?” Angie brought up.

“But a pre-emptive strike could be enough to help us find out how to get out of here before a motive can turn us against each other again!” Tenko began, before she reconsidered her stance. “But… Even if we are immune, the world outside could be worse. I-I mean… I’m not sure I’m okay with doing something so dangerous only to find out everyone’s… gone.”

“Even if the truths we could find may be worse isn’t that worth the risk? At least then we’d know. What happened to the world, any of our friends and families, all of it. Then we could move forward.” Ryoma said, trying to sway her, but with no real success.

“And that’s assuming all that end of the world sorta stuff was true in the first place. We won’t know until we can get out, riiight?” Kokichi suggested, but it was hard to tell if he was doing more harm than good.

“But… Gonta think it safer to act like it is, right? Prepare for worst so good news is better. Gonta no want to risk leaving friends in danger if there chance fighting not be best plan.”

“So we’re basically deadlocked again? Let’s just think on it then. I mean it’s definitely not a bad idea, just a risky one. So let’s just let Kibo continue his tour for now, okay?” (And I’ll think about if now’s the time for Miu’s last gift to us to come into play. It might take two of the bombs to take out that new Exisal after all.)

Kaito wasn’t exactly pleased with the idea, probably for multiple reasons despite enjoying the virtual world for the most part, but no one complained in the end. Particularly not Kibo, who nearly ran up the stairs in his excitement to show off the rest of his hard work to everyone.

The logging in process went by more smoothly than the time before, though Kibo still entered it last to ensure no one had any problems. Well “last” if you weren’t counting Shinguji, which was easy to do.

As he promised before she did have her own avatar this time, but chest aside it wasn’t too different from her brother’s still. It was more like she just had Kibo mirror Kiyo’s sprite and take off his hat so she could use the ornament in her hair like she had supposedly done during the Ultimate talent show. The mask and bandages were also gone in her case, but Kiyo’s wraps were also changed into striped gloves that mimicked them for “safety reasons”.

Kaede hadn’t been the one to ask, so she assumed either Kiyo brought it up or Kibo realized the dangers himself when he was changing Shinguji’s avatar settings. (Or making her settings, whichever works best. Still, I need to stop being so forgetful, that could've been dangerous! Jeez, so many things to juggle.)

Still, despite how… unwholesome the siblings’ relationship was, the two chose to keep things mostly tame. Kiyo more so than his sister, who was clearly enjoying everyone’s discomfort including his own. Which was appreciated by everyone to various extents, particularly those who enjoyed this world.

Kibo still led the way to the bridge while Kaito, Angie, and Tenko trailed close behind. Kaito got quickly sidetracked when he caught sight of a sign near the river that said this place was “Mirai Hills”, and pointed out how “Future Hills” didn’t make too much sense which suited a game world’s location.

The bridge over the river was narrow and didn’t have any type of visible safety rails, so just like the doorways everyone had to go one at a time, but it felt sturdy under their feet. It made sense, with the unbreakable object rule, but was still comforting with how strong the current was under them.

But when they got to the other side there was nothing there, despite Kibo looking as proud as a peacock.

“And here we are! The looping point.”

“... Gonta no understand.”

“O-oh… Hmm, maybe it’d be best to see it for yourselves first. So just follow me, I promise it’s harmless!”

Despite his words when he crossed the point where the world seemed to end he disappeared. Kaito was the first to try to follow, but Kaede could tell he was worried that Kibo made a mistake with the program. Angie pushed Tenko through the rift next, while Kokichi went after them. Gonta insisted Tsumugi go next and that the Shinguji siblings go before he did, leaving Kaede and Ryoma alone.

“S-so, you want to go next or should I?”

“Which would be easier for you?”

“Hey, I’m not scared! … Much. And what’s your excuse Edgelord McEdgyson?”

“Just letting the lady go first Sweetheart.”

“S-sweetheart?” (What? Why is that nickname making me blush like this? It’s just a generic thing, and I teased him first so it’s not that out of line. Jeez, my heart’s still pounding, but it’s not from fear anymore.)

Whatever the reason could be Ryoma looked just as surprised he called her that, sporting a fierce blush of his own. But she didn’t see it for long, since she looked away to hide how red her face felt. And she’d completely forgotten how fast Ryoma could be when he wanted to, looking back to where he was only to see air. (Hey, no fair! So much for ladies first. Not sure I can really blame him escaping the awkward, but still!)

With no choice left Kaede made herself walk through the rift in the world, and met with the weirdest sensation when she did. She knew she’d only taken two steps to get through but it felt like she was moving more than that, despite not being able to move much less see or hear. Like she was sleep walking.

And suddenly she felt awake again, and saw her friends near the church somehow. “Huh?”

“And that’s the map loading point everyone! Only physical objects and people can pass through, which causes some sensory delay. Neat, right?!”

“Well thank you Kibo, I’m impressed.” Korekiyo claimed, making Kibo excited to go on before continuing. “Every time I think I can’t despise this place more you find a way to prove I was terribly mistaken.” (Oh come on, no need to be so mean about it! Why get Kibo's hopes up like that before crushing them you jerk?!)

As Kibo's eager expression sunk like stone Shinguji took the first chance to tease her little brother.“Only because you’re one of the few people who could manage to get cabin fever while outdoors, my dear Korekiyo. Though I think I enjoy hearing your internal screaming more than seeing it like this.”

“When it’s this artificial what’s the difference between this and being inside? It can’t be called “nature” when it’s made so unnaturally yes?”

“Hmmm, I see. Angie mostly agrees but she doesn’t mind it! Much less humid that the real outside is. Sometimes artificial stuff is better, like strawberries or cherry candies!” Angie chimed, nudging Kibo a bit in an attempt to help cheer him back up.

“Gonta not sure how we got here though… ”

Kibo looked ready to answer that, eager to salvage what confidence he could, before Kiyo interrupted with a blinking exclamation mark floating above him. “Do you have a handkerchief Gonta? Monogrammed or not, either will work.”

Gonta checked his pockets and pulled out the desired scrap of fabric, which Kiyo then made a basic loop out of.

“See where the right side now reaches the left? Think of that brief moment of disconnect as our avatars jumping over that small gap. Does this make sense to you?”

“Oh, Gonta understand! Gonta couldn’t see because Mini-Gonta closed his eyes because he got scared when he jumped to other side. Poor Mini-Gonta, Gonta no want to make him scared again.”

“... If that’s how it makes sense to you then I’m glad to be of service.” Kiyo said, giving Kibo a smug look as he did. The poor ‘bot did look rather deflated, much like Kiyo did when his avatar lesson failed before. (Sorry Kibo, It looks like Kiyo doesn’t want to lose his teaching job to anyone… Maybe because with how he is it would be better for everyone if he didn’t try teaching for real later. Unless it’d be at an all boys school?)

“Well now that we’re here we can look inside the chapel at least! Though it’s kinda messy compared to the mansion. I think it’s leftovers from a Christmas or New Year’s event, but it’s all completely safe! All the streamers are gone now, and anything else that could be used as a rope is too short to hurt anyone.”

“Well that’s a shame, ropes can be so much fun to play with.” Shinguji complained as she toyed a bit with her own long locks as she gave her brother a look.

“S-sister!” Kiyo practically hissed, not that Tenko noticed with how she brightened at the change for a far more innocent conversation starter.

“Oh you do cat’s cradle too Shinguji? Master would have me play it when I got too hyper as a kid!”

“Hmm, Hmm~ I don’t think that’s what she’s talking about.” Angie interuppted, giving the sblings quick suspicious glances before locking eyes with her friend again hoping she'd get the message.

“... Ohhhhhh. Nevermind then.”

“I’m not too sure you’d like “playing” with us anyway." Shinguji shrugged, before giving Kaede a once-over. "Miss Akamatsu on the other hand could work.”

“WHAT?!”

“Sister that’s enough, please.” Kiyo definitely didn't beg.

“Fine, fine. Still disappointing, but it’s not like I could do much sewing in here so it’s hardly a loss.”

“May Atua reach out to you both and cleanse your souls of their impurities for your redemption, Amen.”

“Unlikely, Miss Yonaga. If your God wasn't dead before I'm confident he is by now with this group of idiots.”

"Sister, that's not what Nietzsche meant by "we killed him" and you know it."

“I don’t know, maybe something holy could make you a bit less like the just plain creepy stringy haired girls you see in horror movies.” Tsumugi quietly offered.

“My sister is not an onryō! Not all spirits are malevolent ones, death just… changed her a little.” Kiyo said ever on the defensive where she was concerned.

“I’d say it was more like time and illness changed me, but indeed. My mind is still human, thank you.”

“Well of course you’d claim something like that, but what human being would ever want to kill 100 people for company?!” Tsumugi snapped with a surprising anger behind her.

“One whose ill body lead to an ill soul and mind, which my brother has been working to amend for me. What sort of cosplayer would claim to be allergic to dressing up as someone who existed?!” The specter spat back.

“What?!” (Oh god not this again. I don’t suppose we could just go inside without them?)

“How on earth is the act of dressing up in costumes for personal enjoyment as expressions of their passions made invalid simply because they choose to embody the characteristics of the deceased?”

“But that isn’t cosplay anymore-” Tsumugi tried to counter, but there was no stopping the tirade now.

“How is it NOT cosplay?! Your “anime” already HAS characters based on genuine historical figures, so what makes this so different? I had more than ample time on my hands when I was ill to see enough of that drivel to know this for an absolute fact.” Shinguji scoffed as everyone not named Tsumugi tried to put as much distance between the two girls as possible.

The fact this included an exhausted looking Kiyo brought a smug look to Kokichi's face, which the taller boy didn't hesitate to smack him for.

“Because those people did actually exist, it’s not bringing a fictional character to life like cosplay does! AND YOU TAKE THAT BACK!”

“Then tell the Fate series to give Alexander of Macedonia back first because even they knew how badly they messed him up! And apologize for what they did to Gilgamesh of Mesopotamia while they’re at it.”

“T-that’s completely different, those changes are what makes them fictional characters! And you can’t prove that other person existed at all-”

“Are you so sure about that? Because I’m fairly certain we could at least narrow down what he likely looked like, like having a beard for starters. Not to mention how they missed the point of his epic poem.”

Seeing familiar territory Kiyo did feel comfortable enough speaking up. “What exactly makes it so different anyway? These historical figures were invoked in the work itself as expressions of “love” for this subject yes? What of the cultures where dressing up as those that are gone are a key aspect of their beliefs regarding keeping their memories, histories, or stories alive?”

“Kiyo, don’t encourage them. We didn’t pass on a chance for an epic Maki vs. Tenko smackdown to watch a nerd rage debate between our fangirl and your geeky dead sister.” Kokichi said, bringing Kiyo's position more to his sister's attention which got her brother a glare for his "betrayal" of not siding with her stronger.

Shrinking into the group best he could the anthropologist made the smarter call. “Fine, as you wish. But I’m also not going to be the one to stop them should things get out of hand.”

The benefit from the interruption of the yelling match was it gave Kibo a chance to try and help diffuse thing. “Umm, Miss Shinguji? I understand if you think Tsumugi’s argument is disrespectful, but it does appear to be a genuine condition, regardless of if it may be coming from her state of mind more than anything. Could we just go inside please? I’d rather not log you out to give you time to cool off and join up with us.”

“ Fine .” Shinguji said, but the glowing red vein markings that appeared on her head told a different story.

Kibo wasn’t kidding when he said the inside was a mess. Some stacks of full boxes looked like they could easily crush a person if they fell on them, but he did try to make that unlikely by stacking them so the largest where along the wall behind several smaller stacks or placed directly on the pews.

He probably put the “lightest” of the big boxes on top too, with the heaviest on the ground like he did with the pews. I wonder if he had to do this in-game or in the programming.

“Hey wait, Kibo, aren’t those fireworks?! You said all the dangerous stuff was gone!” Tenko panicked.

“... You do realize explosives can’t work if the canister can’t break right?" Kibo asked looking rather insulted that she'd think he'd overlook something like that. "Besides, even if you lit the wick the fire wouldn’t be able to catch onto it. … Assuming fire can work here at all, I can’t remember if I allowed them to do that in the kitchen. Since food not working makes cooking unnecessary anyway.”

“Then why keep something that’s plain useless at all? They’re just teasing us like this.”

“If you think I should get rid of them just ask me about it outside, okay? I just focused on your safety.”

“Actual outside, the school’s “outside”, or the “outside” inside this machine?” Kiyo deadpanned.

“Can it Kiyo, we all know what he means.” Kaito scolded, but when he tied to give Kiyo a pat on his back Shinguji interrupted him by clinging to her brother like she was a vicious koala. Or just a normal koala, if Kaede remembered right. Either way Kaito backed off in record time and everyone tried to ignore them.

As Kaede went to get a closer look at the stained glass window she noticed a familiar looking shape to her left. “Kibo you didn’t tell me they had an organ in here! Ooooh I wonder if it works~”

“Are they that similar to pianos? If I knew that I would have said something sooner, sorry!”

“It’s fine! Is everyone okay with me playing it right now? It’s been awhile since I tried one.”

Upon hearing no real objections Kaede began to play, giving the others some background music while they looked through some of the supply boxes to see if there were any books or games of note here.

Or most of them did anyway. Angie and Kokichi were instead teasing Shinguji with alternate nicknames for her to use, ranging from trying to make her “Kiyo” and Kiyo into "Kork”, which nearly got Gonta to intervene for Kokichi’s safety, to Angie making Shinguji some variant of “Kore” which wasn’t much better.

Kiyo mostly ignored them (minus the "'cause he needs to put a cork in it" incident) and encouraged his sister to do the same, but when some were enough to get him to chuckle under his breath his sister would glare at him until he apologized. (That’s not a good sign. My sister and I tease each other all the time, and we’ve seen Shinguji do the same to him so what gives? Even... “romantic” partners are allowed to do that much, with limits, right? This feels way too one-sided.)

As if in petty revenge for her brother’s “transgression” it sounded like Shinguji started going around, flirting with the girls and what not. Sounded like only because Kaede still preferred focusing on finding simple tunes to play to pass the time. But for whatever reason Kiyo seemed more content than jealous from what Kaede wasn't able to tune out. He was probably the only one who was, as even Tenko seemed uncomfortable despite mostly enjoying her attention.

Which was all well and good until Shinguji made her way to the organ and rested against it to talk to her.

“You have a twin, don’t you, Miss Akamatsu?”

“Yeah, just a little bit younger than me. Why?”

“Have you heard of the old Japanese myth that if star crossed lovers commit suicide they are reborn as twins? I wonder if that’s meant to be a blessing or a curse, keeping them together with a new taboo.”

“If you’re still here I’m not sure if reincarnation is really possible. Wouldn’t you have lost “friends” by now if it was?” Kaede responded, trying to stay as calm as she could.

“You’re no fun. But know my earlier offer still stands, since you’re the only girl who’s shown him enough positive attention I doubt my Korekiyo would object to us “sharing” you, with or without this simulation. It’s been awhile since we played that game with anyone.” (WHAT?! HELL NO! EW. NOT. HAPPENING.)

Before Kaede could recover from her internal screaming to answer, Angie started praying for their souls again and Kibo pulled a cell phone out of his pocket and said “Sister Shinguji” into it. (Like a nun? Weird.)

And in a blink of light Shinguji was gone.

“ANGIE’S PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED, PRAISE BE TO ATUA!”

“No they haven’t, that was just me. I wanted the portable phone to be a surprise. It’s just like a landline.” Kibo explained.

Not that said explanation helped set Angie straight any. “Kibo has become a blessed divine instrument of Atua!”

“... I don’t think I am. Since I denounced Him and all.”

“ WHAT DID YOU DO ? ”

To say Korekiyo was livid was an understatement, but if Shinguji’s resemblance to the likes of Medusa was uncanny his wouldn’t be too far from it either. And all of his rage was targeted at Kibo, who was too shocked to do much of anything as Korekiyo lifted him by his collar. (I guess weights were also made equal. Should we let him vent, like Kaito often does, or stop him right now? Would it look bad if I freeze him right now? Should I let another girl do it instead?)

“We already discussed the way the two of you work Kiyo, there’s nothing for you to worried about! Please calm down!”

“How could I possibly be calm when you took my sister from me?! " He snarled. "How do you know she’ll behave the same as I do, when it’s my body out there?! I can’t afford to lose her again! Do you have any idea what I went through when I lost her the first time?!”

Korekiyo still wouldn’t put him down as he shook him, ready to lash out at anyone who tried to intervene as he ranted. But he hadn’t actually tried to hurt Kibo yet, which was a small blessing.

But with his focus bouncing wildly between Kibo and the others and his hair in such disarray he didn’t notice the small girl sneaking up behind him. Not until Angie popped up beside him and poked his nose with a little spoken “boop”. Like she was trying to imitate pressing a button, which wasn’t too far off.

She kept her finger there as Kaito and Gonta forced Korekiyo’s fingers let go, which wasn’t as hard as it initially looked. Tenko already proved that while the avatars couldn’t move others moving them was easy.

With Kibo safely tucked behind Gonta and Tsumugi comforting him, Angie finally pranced her way back to Tenko and waited to see if this calmed Korekiyo down at all.

Which it didn’t seem to at all when he regained control of himself, but as panicked as he still was he restrained himself to glaring accusingly at everyone else around them. But with the way he was on the brink of tears they didn’t have the same sort of impact as he seemed to hope they would have had.

He wasn’t settled by any of his own attempts to try to rationalize his anger either, most notably pointing out Kibo had no issue with Miu getting away with far more indecent humor than his sister did. Even if that may not be for long, as like Miu she also had problems with socializing due to a lack of proper practice.

It wasn’t until Shinguji came through the church’s doors that he became anything like his usual self again, immediately taking her into a hug with enough force to spin her in the air, before placing her behind him.

While she petted his hair in a way that could appear comforting at a glance, and he clearly took it as such with how he leaned his head into it, nothing about her came across as the least bit concerned. It was more like she was annoyed by Kibo’s stunt more than anything, despite seeing how much it terrified him.

But there was one thing that puzzled her that she needed an answer to. “Idabashi, had I misheard during our little mishap just now or did you address me as “Sister Shinguji” for your portable phone?”

“... Well no one else was giving me something to work with so I wasn’t sure what else I could call you. Without upsetting anyone I mean. Do you need me to change it again?”

“No, not at all. It’s fitting to have a parody of a nun’s title in a false place of worship in a way, no?”

“Sooo, would that make Kiyo your “priest” then?” Tsumugi asked.

“... Tell me you aren’t suggesting that you think nuns, women who have pledged their body and soul to the God they essentially have married, are ever allowed to have sex, much less that their male counterparts can in most practices? And heaven forbid either try with each other,” Korekiyo warily stated.

“Oh, so they’re not like our shrine maidens then Kiyo?” Tsumugi asked again, a bit more confused.

“... My apologies sister, I now know EXACTLY the sort of thing you were complaining about in regards to how disconnected to reality she truly is.”

“H-hey, you could just answer me directly!” (Did you really need to ask for a lesson Tsumugi?!)

“In brief: Anime and manga for any Christian or Catholic practices are often terribly mistaken for working like our own Miko and whatnot, since Japanese creators rarely have a true understanding of how they work or their significance to their believers. Even some Japanese Christians may have an entirely different method of performing their religious ceremonies, since they were separated by most “official” leaders for so long after the religion was once made taboo on our shores.”

“Also yes, some sects may allow their higher ups marriage or sex, but they often value their “virtue” of chastity too much to be particularly common. What need does a “Father” or “Mother” have for biological children when they have so many lambs they need to raise the best they can for their “God”?”

“Okay, okay~ But can you two not do shared lessons? Atua believes one of you is more than enough.” Angie said to try and shut the two up, again annoyed at another religion getting more "attention" than her own.

“In my defense I did say I intended it to be a short one. I have no say on if my sister wants to expand on anything for the sake of clarity.” Korekiyo said with a shrug as his sister quietly giggled behind her hand.

“Just because he has more knowledge of this sort of thing than I do, I also like showing off when I can.”

“Still, Angie makes a point. If you two do this outside things might get a bit too confusing and distract us from what you’re trying to tell us about. So maybe keep it to a minimum at least please?”

“Only if we can finally leave now, Kibo. There isn’t anything left to show us, yes?” Korekiyo asked.

“Right, that’s fine with me since I also showed you the cell phone item. If anyone wants to come back later, like to keep Kiyo and Shinguji in here while they’re normally being watched, just ask me okay?”

With two means of logging out the process went a lot faster than last time, and adjusting to the Shinguji problem was made simpler too. It hardly mattered who left when anymore, as long as Gonta went before those two so they wouldn’t try anything stupid, but few actually thought that either would right now.

This time Korekiyo still had control when they all got out, but for whatever reason Tenko kept looking at him funny. Like she was scanning him for weapons and confused why she kept coming up empty.

“Is there something the matter Tenko? Are you disappointed to not see my sister anymore? I’d more than understand if that’s the case.”

“W-what?! No! It’s just… something’s not right here.” She said with a mild blush. (News flash Tenko: Nothing has EVER been right. Not in school, not on the general campus, not in the killing game idea, and not even in Kibo’s program!)

“And how exactly does that involve me specifically? If it’s another attack on my sister I advise against it.”

Tenko looked disgusted, ashamed, and appalled by what she thought would answer things. “Tenko might need you to kinda sort of need you to take off your jacket again and pad you down. But only the jacket, got it?! It just looks like it’s on the thick side so it’d be harder to find anything than if it was just the shirt under it!”

“Kibo, are you sure everyone’s wires were matched correctly before we went in? Because I thought I just heard our dear Tenko ask one of her hated menaces to disrobe of her own volition. How scandalous,” Korekiyo teased.

“Well I thought I heard the serial killer with an incister try calling someone else “scandalous” so we might need to check his wires too,” Kokichi joked back, which soured any good mood Korekiyo may have been getting back before.

“Hey, I’m being serious! This is could be important!” Tenko tried to argue despite her embarrassment, and Korekiyo relented with an eye-roll and a shrug as he stood up with his arms outstretched. It seemed like he was already very used to these procedures, which considering his appearance and time traveling he likely was. Either between rightly concerned local police, airport or border security, or a bit of all three types.

As she tried to mimic a pat down, as if from memory of how they were meant to be done, it was clear she was using more force than she needed to as he’d almost flinch with each hit. She was still red as Himiko’s hair but her embarrassment was soon replaced with resolve and some confusion as she avoided looking at his face as she worked. But for whatever reason she kept focusing on his button down’s chest and back.

“I must say, out of everything I expected to be subjected to today being groped by you wasn’t one of them.”

“H-HEY, I AM NOT! I-it’s just a pat down thing!”

“Your areas of focus say otherwise, I’m very well versed in both forms of “attention” I assure you.”

To say she retreated as if touching him would burn her would be an understatement, much to Gonta’s relief due to how “improper” this all was. Everyone else was just confused. But Tenko wasn’t done just yet as she pointed at him accusingly. “Fine, I need you to switch with Shinguji for a bit!”

“If that’ll be enough to put my jacket back on and end this charade, very well.” He replied, very tired of whatever Tenko was trying to do. But as the mask came off her previous observation was made obvious.

“I KNEW IT! Tenko knows a titty when she sees one! Er, wait-” Tenko realized her mistake too late as her friends already began to snicker. Particularly Kokichi, who just had to embarrass her even more.

“Don’t worry we’ll definitely believe you about that~”

“T-THAT’S NOT WHAT I MEANT! DON’T TAKE THAT OUT OF CONTEXT!”

“Is it really that much better in context?” Ryoma deadpanned with a smirk.

“Nope~ too late. I have never wished I had a recording device more than right now,” Kokichi continued.

“Well we do actually." Kibo happily informed him. "I’ve always had a recording function! I can use the playback if you like?”

“NOOOOOO-”

“YEEEEEEEEEEES!”

Kibo took a moment to prove his claim, though it was oddly old technology compared to the rest of him. Kaede really tried to ignore that and what the metal tape recording did to the sound quality while Kokichi’s grinning face lit up almost as much as Tenko’s fell and turned red.

“Nee-heehee~ Kiiiiiiiiiiibo, have I told you today how much I looooove you?~ <3”

“...No. And I will give you a copy if you agree to never say anything like that to me ever again.”

“DEAL! No lying or take backsies either, pinkie promise!” If Kokichi was any more of a dog he could have probably worked as a fan with how fast his tail would have been wagging as he held out his little finger.

“I’ll pass on that thanks.”

“And you people wonder why I hate men?! How dare you, Kibo, you traitor! You’re just another one of those miserable piles of secrets, just like him!” Tenko wailed and pointed at Kibo accusingly.

“Hey, no one would blame you for hating this guy Tenko, just stop dragging the rest of us into it!” Kaito objected, who finally managed to stop laughing.

“Where exactly am I falling with this? I am being judged based on my brother’s sex or my own? And why are you all acting like this is some sort of shock? He already told you this can happen with our condition.”

“Gaaaah, why did you need to ask Tenko these questions?! I don’t like the images that puts in my head!” (NO ONE DOES! GOD WHY MUST THEY BE LIKE THIS?!)

“Can you just… change back or something now? Because Fem!Kiyo’s weird enough to look at even without your… You. I don’t even know if this means I’ve lost as a woman or not with how weird this all is.” Tsumugi asked, but Keade couldn’t tell if she was more frustrated or depressed by everything going on.

“Kukukuku~ Oh my, does your rudeness truly know no bounds? I must say I’m quite hurt, Miss Shirogane. Honestly, I have no idea how He can still think of the rest of you so highly with how you insist on treating us both.”

“Hey, you monsters have no right to judge us! Though... I guess you aren’t technically a degenerate male. But I’m still not trusting you with anything either as you aren’t much better. And that wasn’t the point!”

Tenko got a hold of herself enough to finish explaining her odd behaviors. “The point was this means you can’t just be some delusion right?! Bodies can’t just do… this. The same thing happened at the party, Miu told me she noticed too so I wasn’t just seeing things! Kiyo’s not binding or anything so this really did just happen... Whatever that means. Beyond being physical proof the supernatural exists I guess?”

“If you wanted to know if they were real you could have just asked-”

“NO! NOT YOU, NOT YOURS.” (Wow, this might be the closest Tenko ever gets to rejecting another girl. But is it progress or just her survival instincts finally kicking in?)

“Maybe it could still be a type of delusion if we were already in some sort of virtual simulation? Wouldn’t that be a wild plot twist! Not sure if that explains the cameras though, those still definitely exist.” Kokichi offered, still doing little to explain things one way or the other.

“Why would we have access to a system like that if we’re already in one?!” Kibo was quick to shoot back.

“For the mindfuckery of it all? Pretty sure that could score it some extra meta cred or something.”

“That would explain how my dear Korekiyo’s able to eat and drink through his masks too, wouldn’t it?”

“Huh~ Are you saying you don’t know how that works either?” Angie couldn’t help but ask.

“Not at all, I’ve never needed to try it. Just like how he doesn’t need to know how to repair our clothing. But He’s always been good at little tricks like sleight of hand or knowing how to keep things out of sight.”

“Sooo how do you not smear the lipstick under there? You both have to know that one right?” Tsumugi started to inquire. Fitting with how important details like that could be to her work.

“Please, you can talk makeup with her later. Would you please just switch back for now?” Kaede sighed.

“Well as you’ve asked me so politely Miss Akamatsu, fine.” She replied, lifting the mask back across the bridge of their nose. And just like that what little of a chest Korekiyo’s body did develop under the white fabric was gone too.

“I do hope everyone’s most satisfied with this little demonstration now. I would very much like to put my jacket back on if you don’t mind.”

“For the record Kiyo: Fuck your sister and everything she represents okay?” (Kaito why are you trying to piss him off?! I know Shinguji scares you but please don’t! Korekiyo wouldn’t really kill you for this right?)

But as clear as the rage was that crossed Korekiyo’s visible features, he soon took a breath and calmed back down. He almost looked hurt before trying to make himself appear less offended and more lighthearted.

“I thought none of you approved of me doing that?” (GAAAH, can we please just forget that’s a thing?! Too gross to think about. And disturbing, on many levels. At least they can’t really do… That, anymore? RIGHT???)

“GODDAMNIT KIYO!”

“Nee-heehee~ Come on you practically walked right into that one Kaito.”

“MOVING ON. Angie you still need help with moving your sculptures right? Let’s go do that.” Kaede said.

“Oh! Yes, yes that’s a divine idea! But Kiyo can’t help. He’s done enough to Maki and Kirumi.”

“I never did anything to Maki and you know that!”

“Except keep quiet about what Kirumi was planning and helped get her killed as a result.” Ryoma coldly stated, taking Kiyo off guard. But despite looking like he wanted to object to that accusation, he didn’t.

Instead Kokichi decided to mess with him some more. “Hey Gonta, you said only good people like bugs right? So maybe showing Kiyo how great alllll your bug friends are will help make him a better person!”

“I don’t dislike bugs in the first place, within reason, due to their cultural significance to many peoples-”

“You confessed to eating them Kiyo, that counts!” Kokichi argued with a shit eating grin on his face.

“Just because you’re willing to eat something, that doesn’t mean you hate the creature killed to make it.”

“... Tell me you’ve never eaten a dog.” Kaito blanched again.

“Define “dog”, and then ask yourself if you really want me to answer that question.”

“Gonta’s forest family big brother ate dog sometimes. But he always kinda mean. Insisted on Gonta getting hands on hunting practice by starting with a bunny he caught. Kiyo remind Gonta of him a lot.”

“... I’m not sure if I should be offering you my gratitude or apologies. However, the point remains that I don’t dislike bugs so-”

“So you shouldn’t mind meeting all of the bugs in Gonta’s lab at all!” Kokichi brightly chimed in, much to the horror that spread across Kiyo’s face.

He hid it before Gonta saw him though, and was all smiles as he replied under the entomologist's watchful gaze despite the frozen venom in his tone. “ You first Kokichi. ”

“That great idea! Gonta take both friends to meet and greet insect friends!”

Gonta didn’t give them much time to react beyond the mutual look of horror found on both of their faces as he practically carried them to his lab. Or literally carried them in Kokichi’s case, who found himself nearly tucked under one arm as the other dragged Kiyo along with them.

The remaining students gave a moment of silence for the two unlucky bastards, but certainly weren’t going to do anything that could risk them sharing their fate. Even if the silence given was more of the stunned variety than a truly respectful one. At least, up until Angie put her hands together and started praying.

“May Atua have mercy on their souls, and should the worst come to pass may He take them under His protection in the great hereafter despite their lack of faith or points. Except maybe Kiyo. May He just not return Kiyo to his sister or something, like have Him give Himiko or Rantaro company instead. Amen!”

“How dare you try to curse Himiko like that, I trusted you!” Tenko wailed, only to have Angie halfheartedly waving her off in some attempt to shush and “soothe” her. Which went as well as expected.

“But they got along, he never actually hurt her, and she was such an innocent girl it may help clean his soul! Maybe. Hopefully. It felt more mean to single Rantaro out. Since blackened like Shuichi and Miu might not help him as much there, assuming he could get along with either of them in the afterlife.”

“Then why not just let him rot where he belongs?!” (Yeah, I’m with Tenko this time.)

“... Angie hopes Tenko isn’t suggesting that his sister can honestly make it to the better place.”

“Not to mention with how fucked up he is being anywhere without his sister could be “Hell” on it’s own.” Ryoma joined in. (NOPE. Get back on topic please!)

“Alright already you guys, let’s stop talking like this okay? Is anyone going to be helping Angie and I carry her memorials to Kirumi’s lab or not?”

“Tenko will!”

“I.. Think I’ll pass. I’ll be out training in the normal spot if you want to meet up later, Kaede.”

“And I’ll go with him to make sure he either actually trains or doesn’t sprain anything else. Like his head,” Ryoma snarked while following Kaito away, who began to bicker with him.

“Hmmm, Kibo, would you like me to try and make you a uniform like your avatar had? And I can throw in a matching hat or some cover up to hide your joints if you’ll keep me some company while I work!”

“Oh! Thank you, that’s very nice of you to offer, Tsumugi. Perhaps after I’m done re-calibrating the avatars to everyone’s desires before I forget anything.”

“Good idea, and I can hang out in there so you’re not as alone until you’re done!”

With all those plans set aside the rest of the bustling students made their ways out the door, aside from Kibo and Tsumugi. Kaede idly wondered why Kaito felt the need to tell her where they’d be, since everyone still preferred to have their monopads on them, but assumed he said it as some sort of comforting habit.

As hard as moving Shuichi’s statue may be for her, she was going to do this. Her friends need her to act with confidence, so she needed to face her regrets and mistakes head on in any way she thought of. Her best was what they needed, so she was going to make sure she kept giving them that however she could.

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