Dangan Ronpa:return to Despair Academy

Concert Crew

Aya was the only one at the Dining Hall.It made sense that not everyone would be there,as the Monokuma Announcement hadn't aired yet.She had her elbows on the table and was holding her head in her hands,her black hair blocking her face from sight.

"Hey."I waved at her from where I stood,but I doubt she saw me do it."What are you doing here this early?"

"I was thinking about Fumiko."She didn't move from her original position.

I sat down next to Aya at the long table."So...what were you thinking about per say?"I tried to say in a not nosy way.

Wow there is no subtle way to do that.

"I've been thinking about her motive compared to Shoichi's."She didn't seem to notice,or care,about me prying into her business.

"Well,Shoichi killed because he wanted to help his brother."

"And Fumiko killed because she wanted to see Junko again."Aya continued."But they both did it for the same ultimate goal...to escape this school.That was just what set them over the edge."

"And that seems strange to you?"

"What's strange to me is how easily they gave up."

"Huh?"I blinked in confusion.

"Igao has bluffed his way into a victory every trial.With Fumiko he got her to give herself away by using me as leverage."Aya bit her lip."With Shoichi it was the promise of saving his brother."

"Maybe he is the Ultimate Attorney or Lawyer or something."He is incredibly intelligent,and he's good at keeping his cool.I'll have to ask him about it.

"If that was it then it'd be fine.But he investigates the crime scenes like a pro,like he knows what he's doing...And that worries me."Aya got a grim look on her face.

I couldn't bear to tell her she was correct.That a lawyer or whatever else would have very little knowledge of crime scene investigation and probably wouldn't be able to keep their composure around a corpse.

I'm starting to dread the upcoming talk.

Suddenly a crackling sound came from the PA system.It was the Monokuma announcement.Me and Aya paid very little attention to it as we sat there not looking or speaking to each other.

The first to arrive was Kimiko(unsurprisingly)joined by Akihiro and Yoichi.Next was Tomoko and Takumi.Tomoko and Takumi gave me small waves as they got to their seats across from me.A while after them came Yoshio and Minako.I made it a point to not look at Minako at all.She must have gotten the message because she sat at the very end of the table.Igao entered next,looking alone and mysterious as always.Moments later Maiko danced into the room with a ruffled looking Satoru.

"What's up with you?"Yoichi asked,pointing at his unkept hair and messy sweater vest.

"Maiko gave him a wake up call!"Maiko raised her hand for no reason whatsoever.

"Unnecessarily I may add.There was no reason for you to jump on my bed with me still in it."Satoru grumbled as he took his seat.

"That's what you get for leaving your door unlocked!You should be thanking Maiko for reminding you of such an important habit to take up!"Maiko crossed her arms and was suddenly indignant.

"Yeah Satoru be grateful."Yoshio cooed sarcastically at Satoru.He obviously hadn't forgotten the clarinet incident.

"By the way how is your clarinet coming along?"I asked Tomoko,who was glaring at Yoshio,a funny sight considering their height difference and Tomoko's meekness.

She got a shining look in her eyes and said,without a stutter I may add,"Pretty good actually.The reed was totaled but I had a few extras with me.Some of the keys aren't on yet but I have all the screws together,so it's just a matter of time.As for the cork,it got cracked in a few places,but if I can find a sealer in the storage room I should be able to make a decent repair."

"Sounds great!I've been wanting to hear the Ultimate Clarinetist play ever since I met you!"Minako cried from her place at the table.

Tomoko flushed red."Oh y-you wouldn't want t-to do s-something so boring a-as listen to a c-concert,p-performed by m-me no less!"

"C'mon!It sounds awesome!And I know zip about music!"Yoichi smiled at Tomoko warmly.

"I listen to classical music all the time at exhibits."Takumi patted Tomoko in the shoulder."But listening to an Ultimate play should be incredible!"

"Maiko wants to go to a concert!Maiko wants to wave her hands in the air like she just don't care!"Maiko started swaying in her seat,a look of ecstasy in her eyes.

We all gaped at Maiko in surprise.Even Tomoko.After everything that Maiko had done to Tomoko we didn't think she would be so supportive...in her own weird way.

"R-really Maiko?"Tomoko looked like she didn't believe her eyes.But when Maiko nodded,her pink ponytail swinging wildly,she broke into a grin."O-okay then!I'll d-do it!"

A few cheers broke out over the table.

"Well a concert would be fun."Kimiko nodded,a sweet smile splayed on her lips."It would require the proper planning,but I have no problem offering my assistance."

"'Assistance'?"Tomoko parroted.

"Of course.As I have no knowledge of how to set up for a concert I will need your instruction.Tell me what to do and I will comply."

"Me too!"I offered.

"Yeah tell us what to do mon capitain!"Minako did a salute at Tomoko.

Tomoko no longer looked eager,probably at the idea of bossing others around."Oh I-I-I couldn't!"

"You're going to need the proper muscle.I'm in too!"Yoshio offered,copying Minako's salute.

This only made Tomoko more flustered as more of us began saluting her and volunteering and calling her captain.

If only things could stay like this.But if the pattern is right then we will be faced with another corpse soon.

TOMOKO DOESNT BELIEVE SHES WORTH THE TROUBLE,SHES ALWAYS HAD THAT PROBLEM

"The hell?!?!"I screamed at the sound of the voice.

Everyone fell silent at my outburst.I had abruptly stood up blocking my ears with my hands.Igao was staring at me with great interest.

I felt my face burn and immediately sat down."So uh,are we going to explore the new floor later?"

Man why does that keep happening?!What is that thing?What does it know about Tomoko or any of us?

"Yes I believe that is what we were going to discuss."Kimiko stood up,every definition of seriousness written across her face."As there are only twelve of us left I think it would be best if you joined us this time Igao."She looked at him pointedly.

Igao met her gaze with one of disinterest."I won't disrupt a plan that will guarantee all of our safety.That would be pointless and foolish.I have no problem with that."Kimiko's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline."What?Surprised?"

"N-No no!"Kimiko assured him,but I caught a faint sense of sheepishness that indicated that he had been right."So this time I will be going with Maiko and Takumi.Shizuko Igao and Satoru will go together,as will Minako Akihiro and Aya.The last group will be Yoichi Yoshio and Tomoko.I expect no problems to arise like this."

"But didn't you say you wanted one of us to watch over our resident acrobat?"Akihiro asked.

"I should think I can take care of her."Kimiko planted her hands on her hips and looked at Maiko with confidence and ease.

I think Maiko could give you a run for your money.

A/N:Sorry it's shorter I wanted to include the entire investigation in one chapter.

Don't forget to comment who Shizuko should bond with in the next 'Free time'.Thanks for reading!