Danganronpa: ocem

Chapter 4 Part 6

At the food court, everyone looked excited. Everyone except for Rachel.

Rachel: Guys do I really have to do this?

Randi: Yea you pulled the straw.

Rachel: But was it fair??? I mean my ultimate-

Chloe: Look, I don't think anything bad will happen so just go for it. If you sense danger, just run.

Rachel: If I die it's your fault.

Yu Xuan: Hey, where's Sophie?

Ashton: I don't know, maybe she's just busy. 

Chloe: Wait, before we go to the Mastermind room, we need to use the flashback light.

Hanako: Didn't Sumana have it? 

Chloe: Actually I have it in my bag. I took it earlier since I knew she wouldn't be able to come.

Chloe took the flashback light from her bag.

Rachel: How the hell did that fit in your bag???

Chloe: Don't ask any more questions, let's begin.

And with that, Chloe pointed the flashback light at us and herself and turned it on.

I found myself in a small cell, with yellow and mildewed concrete walls. The bars of the cell were dented and scratched, as if someone had tried so desperately to escape, but failed. And upon turning around, I saw a metal bench, and a girl on the floor next to it.

Maki Harukawa.

She was wearing a baggy hospital-like gown, slumped on the ground. She looked tired and unmotivated, as if all the determination that we had previously sent her possess had been removed from her completely. Looking out of the cell, I saw a hallway. A long one. On the opposite side was a row of metal doors, a key card reader next to all of them. I couldn't see what was down the hallway on my side, but I'd assume it was more cells. 

And then there were foot steps coming from down the hallway, the sounds of shoes against the cold metal floor echoeing through the whole place. Behind me, I saw Maki perk up immediately and focused on the sounds, listening for anything the people walking by might be saying.

Then a voice came, it was a woman's voice, but one that I couldn't recognise. 

 ???: I thank you for coming, Professor Idabashi. Team Danganronpa is glad to have you back on the project and we appreciate your willingness to participate after the incident with your... Creation K1-B0 a year ago.

Then came the voice of an old man, who I assumed was Professor Idabashi.

Professor Idabashi: I urge you to cut the act.

The two finally came into view. The woman was tall, curvy and had long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. She had soft pink eyes and although I felt as if I had seen her before, the almost cruel expression she wore told me otherwise. 

Next to her stood Professor Idabashi, a middle aged man with glasses, messy black hair and a kind face. His expression was quite stern, but it was obvious that this was directed towards the woman accompanying him. Both wore long white lab coats and the woman held a black clipboard.

Professor Idabashi: I believe you have called me here in order to help you with something. Is that correct?

The woman smiled, but her eyes were void of any kindness. 

???: I have yet to introduce myself. Please allow me to. I am Kaori Akamatsu, Head of the Trials and Investigations Department. But I will cut to the chase, we have called you here today, Professor, as one of our highest paying partners has pulled out of the scheme and we no longer have the proper funds for our required mechanisms. 

Professor Idabashi: And how is that to do with me?

Kaori Akamatsu: Do you happen to remember our previous... Recruiting strategies? Well after you left, our team decided to take on a whole new one. It includes many... Underhand tactics, but that's besides the point. You see, two of our clients have recently pulled out of the recruiting plan and left two of our valuable participants in less than favorable conditions. 

Professor Idabashi: Hm. And what would you like me to do with this information?

Kaori Akamatsu: would you like a replacement for K1-B0?

Professor Idabashi: What?

Kaori Akamatsu: Ah yes, you'll need to sign a couple of contracts, but that will be of no problem. Of course we won't leave them all to you, Professor, we'll handle much of the work and all you need to do is be there to assist. 

Professor Idabashi: Kaori I-

Kaori Akamatsu: There is no need to be worried, Professor Idabashi. Team Danganronpa is working very closely with our long time sponsor, the Office of Community Execution and Management, to provide excellent conditions for everybody involved.

Kaori began walking down the hallway even further, flipping the pages of the papers on her clipboard.

Kaori Akamatsu: I'll have the paperwork printed at once and we can begin the process. I'm sure the pulled out clients will be very grateful of you, professor-

The professor finally broke his composed character and tagged Kaori on the shoulder, panicked.

Professor Idabashi: Wait! Kaori! 

Kaori Akamatsu: What is it? Do you not want to help out innocent people, professor?

Professor Idabashi: No. You said that there were two clients who pulled out. How about the other participant? 

Kaori Akamatsu: I guess we'll just have to put them down. 

Professor Idabashi: What??? You can't do that, can't you find more clients?!

Kaori Akamatsu: Unfortunately, no one would be willing to do such a thing in such short notice. But don't worry, it will be quick and painless, and we will just get you to make us a little something to replace it.

Professor Idabashi: Is there nothing you can do? Like leave it somewhere?

Kaori Akamatsu: Professor, we are what people call an underground corporation, that is not one of our options unless we all want to get imprisonment for life. 

Professor Idabashi: A- Are you sure? Is there nothing I can do to help?

Kaori Akamatsu: No, you've got your hands full at the moment. But once again do not worry, it will be dealt with utmost care and we will give them a quick one. I promise you. 

But no one expected Maki, who had been listening to the conversation this whole time, to stand up, fist clenched and determined. 

Maki: I'll help.