The Loveliest of Lies (Oumota)

Nothing else matters

 I have fixed the layout of the trial notes. So sorry for not checking it earlier! Thought the format had been saved like ao3

--------

"Momota..." Miu trailed off, leaning against the door.

Kaito gave her an encouraging smile. "Iruma, you can tell me everything. I'll defend you in the trial. I know you didn't murder Gonta, or Kiibo."

"..."

"When we searched the computer lab, we discovered your notes, the bat, everything."

"I didn't make that mess, or leave that bat there." She whispered.

"I know. Someone- the blackened is trying to frame you." He said.

"..."

"Please, Iruma. We don't have a lot of time. The trial is imminent."

She chewed her bottom lip. "Okay. I'll explain everything. The cube in the centre of the computer lab is a *very* advanced computer. But it's- was completely blank."

"What do you mean?" He frowned.

"It had nothing installed on it. No data, or code, or any programs. We can probably thank Monokuma for that."

"But you were able to utilise it."

"Yes. I was fiddling around with it- this is on the day we discovered the room, before the motive- and I was able to figure out how to install certain programs on it. Chiefly, a VR program. I was planning on only using it to run simulations, with myself as the subject. But after the motive...I realised I could use it to commit a murder. It would take too long to explain the specifics, but basically, I was going to persuade all of you to plug in, and then kill one of you in the simulation."

"I don't understand- "

"If someone dies in virtual reality, their brain gets fried. They would be dead in real life."

He swallowed. "Ah. That sounds pretty horrible."

"It was all for Kiibo. So, I could escape with him." She sniffed.

"You loved him."

"Love." She snapped. "His memory chip is still intact. He's still alive."

If Monokuma gives him back. Which I don't think is going to happen. He thought. "Iruma, answer me honestly, would you have really killed one of us? You...you just don't strike me as a murderer."

"Yes." She murmured. "I...I don't hate any of you. It's just...Kiibo is..."

"He's everything to you. You care about him more than all of our lives combined."

I can't understand that sort of devotion. To love one person above all others...to be willing to kill for them...

He thought about Kokichi. Specifically, something Kokichi had said about Miu.

"You also wanted to escape so that you could save the world with your inventions." He accused her.

She flinched. "The world needs my genius. I can save Japan from the disaster that Tojo warned us about- "

"That's the pathetic excuse Tojo herself used. It's what Shuichi died for- some vague fucking "greater good." He retorted angrily.

"Momota...I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean..." She shook her head.

He balled his hands into fists. He'd just realised something...something terrifying.

"Who was your target?"