Despairful Music

Interrogation

"What if one of us is working with Mikukuma?"

"What?" I ask her.

"What if one of us is working with her? Maybe even multiple. Maybe Mikukuma is the one helping them. Like a mastermind behind everything."

"It makes sense,'' Kanade agrees, "And if someone really is behind it, it could be with them and if we ask we're likely to be a target for the killings. It's probably better to keep this revelation a secret just in case. We should try to gather clues by innocent questions anyone would ask. It's still a risk but better that we take the chance."

"Makes sense," I agree with them, "Though it really is hard to think that one of us could be behind this. By the way, those people laying on the ground, who are they? I've never met them and I was so deep in thought I didn't exactly listen when they said their names."

"Ah, that's the band Leo/need, Saki, Ichika, Shiho, and Honami," Kanade replies.

"Wait, band? The room we woke up in was full of instruments and stars, right? And Leo is a constellation or something right?" I state.

"Ah! You're right!" Kanade's eyes widen, "Do you think there are rooms related to us other groups too? If there aren't, it sure makes them suspicious. Though maybe that's what Mikukuma wants us to think."

"Now, wait. I just posed a theory. You guys are taking this as fact. There is also the possibility there is someone behind this and it's even in the area," Mafuyu reminds us.

"Ah, right. We got carried away. Anyway, how about we ask MORE MORE JUMP! first since they seem the most calm," I suggest.

"Sure," Kanade responds and walks toward them. Mafuyu and I follow.

"Hey guys!" I greet them.

"Ah, hi," Shizuku replies nervously.

"We just wanted to ask if you guys know anything about this place or the situation we're in."

"Oh, no, we wonder just as much as you do. All I know is that Airi certainly didn't react well. We're all trying to stay strong for her," Shizuku tells us.

"Ah, that's okay! Please let us know if you find out anything! No matter how small, any evidence helps," I inform her.

Shizuku nods. I decide that we should talk to Toya and Akito next. They're pretty smart from what I know and seem calmer than anyone else.

The two are talking to each other just barely louder than a whisper, but they're so caught up in conversation they don't see us. Just as we approach, we overhear Akito ask, "Sekai?"

"Ah, so you two figured it out as well," Kanade says when we get to them.

Akito jumps into the air and turns to look at her, "WHAT THE HELL?!" Kanade just stares at him. "And I don't know what you're talking about, we don't know anything," he huffs.

"We heard you say Sekai. You obviously know," Mafuyu states.

"WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!" Akito screams.

Toya lets out a small laugh, "So you guys know about Sekai too?"

"Yeah, I'm assuming you two also have a Sekai seeing as you know about them," I state.

"WHERE DO YOU GUYS KEEP COMING FROM?! HOW MANY MORE ARE THERE?!"

"Yes, we share one with An and Kohane. You 3 have one with Ena I'm assuming," Toya ponders.

I nod. We thought perhaps this Sekai belongs to Leo/need. We'll ask them when they..." I stare at them still crying on the floor, "...Pull themselves together."

"Oh? What makes you think that?" Toya pushes.

"We woke up in a room full of stars and instruments."

"Can we see this room?"

"Maybe when we finish asking people if they know anything. While we're on the topic, do you guys have any more information to trade for what we told you?"

"Hm, I guess that is only fair. I suppose we can spare some information having to do with where we woke up as well," Toya says, "We woke up, along with Tsukasa, in a room full of about 50 inactive Mikukumas. My guess is that Mikukuma is easily damaged so she needs replacements. I thought that perhaps if we destroyed Mikukuma 50 times we could leave. Though the rules said," Toya pulls out his monopad, "'Rule #8: Violence toward Mikukuma is strictly prohibited' and I don't want to figure out what that punishment is so I'd prefer to come up with a different plan."

"Really? Well thank you Toya! I'll come get you later and show you the room if you haven't found it by then. Maybe you'll show me your room too?"

"Of course. Glad to help," Toya replies, then goes to help Akito out of his state of shock.

"Well that was valuable information," Kanade says smiling.

"Let's ask Wonderlands x Showtime next," Mafuyu adds, "They seem like they're doing better.

I agree and we walk over to them. Rui is the main one I want to talk to here. Maybe Nene too if she's calm enough.

"Ah, welcome, Mizuki and friends," Rui greets happily.

Kanade waves and Mafuyu just stares at him.

"Hi! We wanted to know if you have any ideas about this place."

"Hmm, and what if I do. What do I get?" Rui asks.

"Maybe we'll give information depending on how valuable yours is," I reply.

"Hmm, okay. What would you like to know?"

"What about the room you woke up in? Or perhaps you know something about a Sekai."

"Ah, so you've figured it out as well. Yes I know that this place is likely a Sekai. As for the room I woke up in, there wasn't much interesting. I woke up with Nene and Emu in a pretty empty room, however, while we were wandering around we found a room full of supplies that could perhaps be used for some sort of invention if you desire it. I'm always open," Rui replies.

"Thank you. That is pretty useful to know. As for what we know, we think this Sekai has some sort of connection to Leo/need."

"Hmm, I thought about that since spear instruments and maps were the first thing we saw in that closet. Thank you for helping me confirm my suspicion."

"We plan to talk to them next, if you'd like to come along."

"As tempting as that offer is. I'd like to stay with my partners to make sure they're okay. Go on ahead. Please tell me anything new you find out."

"Will do!"

I turn around to look at Kanade and Mafuyu.

"Well, guess it's time to talk to Leo/need. Come on, let's go."