Frenzy (REBOOT) (Pokémon Danganronpa)

Chapter 45: Denial

THIRD PERSON

"How is it?" A voice called out to a jackal grazing past the steel cage walls.

"As expected, many tunnels in sporadic directions." Leon perked up to watch the Braixen approach him. "Must you have walked the entire half-mile here?"

"It was no bother." Sammy crossed her arms and leaned her head against the canine's shoulder. "I'm a bit worried about our execution."

"I will continue to observe, you still have yet to tell everyone about the plan."

"Yeah, I'm aware. I'm doing it in rotations to not cause suspicion." The Braixen reassured and found a frown tug at her lips. "Still, only knowing one exit is rough."

"Is that not enough?" Leon raised a concerned brow.

"Not really. The 'exit' I know of is actually the entrance, and it's extremely secure. Knowing Sam, there's layers and layers of security measures to trap us." She turned to the Lucario with a similarly worried look. "That's why I need you to try and locate the other ones."

"Hmm...if there are other ones, they would be past the initial cage walls. The tough steel exterior hinders my range significantly, so I may only analyze the aura directly below us." Leon stopped to lean his back against the cold metal wall. "You must go back, however, as I do not want Sam connecting the return of my aura to you."

"Understood...please tell me if you find anything." Sammy offered him a nod of affirmation before pivoting to walk away. She took a sudden halt, her head turning to stare at the jackal. "Leon?"

"Hm?"

"Uhh...thank you. I knew I made the right choice with you." Sammy felt a smile take over her expression. Leon didn't hesitate to smile back, feeling his face slightly warming from her words.

"It is my pleasure."

...

For the next hour, Sammy gathered at the fountain while Rayne stayed in the mansion to call certain people to meet with Sammy there. Their conversations each lasted about 20 minutes, which was more than enough time to describe the situation and objective. While they couldn't fully trust they went unheard, the execution would still have to be perfect nonetheless.

While a few were skeptical of the probabilities, they agreed that action had to be taken or else they would spend the rest of their lives kidnapped. It would still take a while for absolutely everyone to be briefed, so they figured it would be fine to spend some more time in the living room. For all they knew, this would be the last time they could do this.

"Why is everyone being called?" Loki peeked out from the couch she was lying on.

"You'll know in due time, for now just be patient." The Manectric huffed and curled up on the ground to wait for Sherwood—who was called—to return.

"Yeah, but she's calling us one at a time." The Zoroark turned to grin cheekily at Rayne. "It's a little ableist to think I can get there on my own."

"I'll carry you there." Rayne playfully rolled her eyes and took a deep breath.

"The hell's the point of this anyway?" Laker crossed his arms in protest. "Can't she just say it here?"

Rayne only shot a warning glare at the weasel, who seemed to take the hint and quiet down immediately. After a frustrated sigh, Laker shook his head. "I hate this place."

"We are to follow Rayne's orders." Leon uttered from the other side of the room. "To be successful we must be organized."

"Plus..!" Grace popped out of Loki's fluffy hair to raise a paw. "A few of us are briefed already, so this shouldn't take long!"