Starting Over

I. Waking

It's been 3 weeks since Danganronpa ended. 3 weeks since Shuichi had put an end to the game. Ironic since he's the only one yet to wake up. Maki thinks to herself as her and Kaito head to the detectives hospital room.

The doctors said everything looked normal and that they didn't know why he hadn't woken up yet. The simulation had ended and he should've woken up around the same time as Maki and Himiko did. Their best guess was that Shuichi had slipped into some sort of coma as a result of mental or emotional trauma from the game. Maki really didn't know what to think of it.

"Ah, looks like we're here," Kaito sighed as he looked at the plaque on the door reading 'Saihara'.

"Well, here goes.." Maki grimaced inwardly as she slid the door open and walked through, Kaito close behind her.

She slid the door shut as Kaito walked to Shuichi's bedside. Looking at him laying almost lifeless was too much even for Maki. His pale skin was even paler than it had been in the game. He seemed to have lost a lot of weight even though he had been getting the necessary nutrients and fluids through IV's the whole time. She didn't doubt that his ribs were visible now, even without looking under his shirt. His dark blue hair hung loosely around him, almost reaching his shoulders now, much longer than in-game. But what stood out the most in this sickly vision was the pained expression on his face, sweat trailing down his forehead.

Maki's eyes widened. "Shuichi?" she tried asking, grasping his hand in hers, trying to keep calm. "It's Maki, can you hear me?!"

Kaito placed a reassuring hand on Maki's shoulder. "Sidekick hey! It's me and Maki roll! Come on wake up!"

Shuichi let out a groan as his face twisted into one of agony. The heart monitor started beeping as Shuichi's heart rate increased in a panic. He kept his eyes screwed shut as tears fell down his face. Maki barely registered doctors and nurses forcing her and Kaito out of the room to make sure their friend was okay.

The pair stood outside his door for what seemed like hours. Maki stared at the door in disbelief. Was Shuichi really awake or had that been a fluke?

"Hey," Kaito said, taking her hand in his with a gentle squeeze. "He's strong, you know that. He'll get through this and we'll be there to greet him with a smile." He gave his own sort of sad smile. "Shuichi will be okay."

Although it sounded like he was comforting himself more than anything, Maki nodded, a soft smile on her face. She needed to be strong for them both.

"Are you guys just gonna stand there being lovey dovey or are you gonna see Shumai?" a voice spoke from behind them.

They let go of each other's hands as they turned to see Kokichi behind them, a curious expression resting on his face.

Maki sighed. "We were just in there but I..." she paused, biting her thumb nail. "I think he woke up a bit before we went in and freaked out when he heard our voices, Kaito's especially."

Kokichi's eyes widened slightly before returning to a slight frown. "He probably thought he was in a horrible dream."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Kaito asked, slightly offended.

"Think about it stupid." Kokichi scoffed. "He doesn't know that it was just a simulation...He doesn't know we're all still alive. So hearing your stupid voice right after he woke up, he probably thought it was some kind of sick dream."

"Hey!" Kaito complained.

"He's right though," Maki sighed. "He's probably scared out of his mind right now. Hopefully he calms down enough for the doctors to explain the situation."

"I doubt that's gonna happen anytime soon." Kokichi said, looking behind the couple and towards the door.

Maki turned slightly when she heard shouting in Shuichi's room.

"What the-" Kaito started but was cut off as Shuichi opened the door to his room, looking around with wide fear-filled eyes.

His eyes locked on Maki as he took her hand and starting running, dragging her behind him.

"Shuichi what are you doing?" Maki asked, trying to stay calm.

Shuichi looked back at her. "We have to get out...! We..we have to find Himiko and get out of here..!"

Maki stopped in her tracks, Shuichi pulled to a stop with her. "Shuichi you need to calm down and listen to what i have to say."

Shuichi seemed hesitant but stayed silent and let Maki continue: "That game...it was a simulation. You know like, virtual reality? That's all it was. The game is over and...everyone's still alive."

Shuichi shook his head furiously. "No no no...! I..! They really died...! I sent half of them to their deaths..!"

"Shuichi..." Kokichi's voice came from behind Maki. "We're alive, it was all just a stupid VR game. Look at me. And hey the stupid idiot Kaito is here too."

Shuichi stayed silent, eyes wide in fear. Maki glanced at Kokichi who had an uncharacteristically soft smile on his face. This would normally be where Kokichi would pull his signature 'it's a lie!' catchphrase but it never came. Instead, he walked towards Shuichi and gently pulled him into a hug, arms wrapping around the taller boy carefully as if he was fragile.

With that, Shuichi broke down into sobs as he burrowed his face into Kokichi's shoulder.

"You're really here..." he choked out. "You...you didn't die...I...I'm so sorry."

"Hey why are you apologizing Shuichi..?" Kokichi asked with a puzzled expression.

Shuichi pulled away from the hug to stare at the supreme leader with tear filled eyes.

"I-I just...what i said after the fourth trial..."

"Don't worry about that." Kokichi said softly. "It's understandable that you said it and i decided not to take it to heart a long time ago you know? For what it's worth, I forgive you."

Shuichi pulled away from the hug and gripped Kokichi's shoulders with shaky hands. "I don't deserve yours...or anyone's forgiveness..Please don't—"

But Shuichi was cut off by a sharp sting in his neck. A doctor had injected him with an anesthetic. In mere seconds, Shuichi's eyes rolled back and he passed out slumped against said doctor.

"Don't worry," they said, "Once he comes to again we'll explain everything so we know he completely understands what happens. I'll let you know when he's up for visitors."

And with that, the doctor carried the detective back to his room with the assistance of his nurse. Kokichi stood there dumbfounded.

"Hey," Maki spoke up, "Are you okay—?"

But the only reply she got from the Supreme Leader were silent sobs he tried so desperately to hold in.