Danganronpa: Digital Daze

Chapter 16: Unexpected Meetings

Chihiro and I both alternated glances between the screen, Monorakun, and each other. Monorakun didn't move an inch, at least not yet.

I finally spoke up to Chihiro. "I...I think we should answer them."

Chihiro silently nodded, clearly nervous, and responded in the chat.

Chihiro Fujisaki: Who are you?

After about a 30 to 45 second pause, we received a response.

未来: Who I am, what I am, is no concern of yours, Ultimate Programmer. Nor is it yours, Ultimate Tailor, who I know is watching over your shoulder.

We looked at each other in shock, but then I remembered that Monorakun was still in the room. Of course this...未来 person...knew I was here.

未来: Now, give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you, Ultimate Programmer, for hacking into your E-Handbook.

We both froze in shock, looking at each other. What do we say to this? What CAN we say to this?

Chihiro started typing.

Chihiro Fujisaki: If you kill me, you'll have to have to have an Investigation and Class Trial, per your rules. When the others find out you killed me, they'll make you explain why, and your game will be ruined."

A pause. Did Chihiro go too far? Monorakun's eye started glowing red for several moments, then went dim again.

未来: Very well. I won't kill you then, Chihiro. But on the same token, I can't have you going around, telling everyone that you hacked your E-Handbook, either. It seems we're at an impasse, then.

Chihiro looks over at me. "I'm sorry I got you into this mess with me. What should we do now?"

I start thinking. My only conclusion is that a deal of some sort needs to be struck.

"I think we need to make a deal with...whoever this is," I answered.

Chihiro thought for several long moments. Then her eyes lit up, and she started typing.

Chihiro Fujisaki: Maybe we could make a deal of some sort?

We waited. What would this mysterious person say?

We wouldn't have to wait long.

未来: A deal, you say? This sounds interesting. State your terms, and I'll consider it."

Chihiro and I looked at each other. "Wait, this is actually working?" I blurted out loud.

Chihiro looked at me, worry in her eyes. "What...what should we ask for? I mean, I don't want Monorakun to kill either of us, and I know we can't tell anyone about this. But...Can we get something more?"

I think for a moment. "Maybe we could get information from them? Like...maybe a question a night?"

Chihiro's eyes lit up. "Maybe, yeah! I mean, it couldn't hurt, could it? I mean, they could always make a counteroffer, right?"

I shrug. "I hope so."

Chihiro starts typing again.

Chihiro Fujisaki: Ok, how about we make a deal. Bera and I will agree not to tell anyone about me talking to you. In return, you have to promise not to kill either of us with Monorakun. Also, if possible, we would like to be able to ask you one question per night, if that is ok?

We waited, holding our breaths. How would they respond?

未来: I accept the terms on the first part. As for the second request, I have one condition. I am only required to respond to questions with "Yes", "No", "Maybe", or "Irrelevant". I also agree not to lie to you with my responses. Also, at 7am tomorrow, there will be a new rule forbidding anyone from tampering with their E-Handbooks. My claim will be due to the Computer Room, but we know the real reason, don't we? And what will happen if that rule is broken?