Frenzy (REBOOT) (Pokémon Danganronpa)

Chapter 49: Acceptance

THIRD PERSON

Panting and labored breathing was all the confined space in the walls knew, and it wouldn't take long for the two Pokemon inside to register what had just happened.

"G-Grace, you..." Vince stammered and ignored the aching feeling in his arms to cup a webbed hand on the Sylveon's cheek.

"I know..." Grace chuckled lightly, wrapping one of her ribbon-like feelers around his wrist. "Never thought I'd evolve..."

The Greninja only let his body loose and slumped into the wall. "Congrats...and thank you...I'm guessing that's the only reason why we survived?"

"I couldn't have done it without you, either." Grace nodded in reassurance.

"Grace, Vince! Are you okay!?" A clearer Loki could be heard from somewhere in the space they were in. "I can see a small entryway here!"

"This is gonna be quite the explanation." Grace exhaled lightly while staring at her paws.

Recuperating after their separation wasn't easy, and everyone had to announce individual things that happened. When Vince and Grace returned—specifically through a narrow space that only opened because they held back a wall—all eyes were focused on Grace. Obviously, her evolution was something shocking to everyone, but they had an escape to find. They would have to stomach their words and continue regrouping.

Once Leon returned, he was a mess of tears. After he explained his situation the emotions became contagious, the realization that Sherwood had essentially sacrificed himself for the greater good settling in all too heavy. Once again, they unfortunately didn't have the time to mourn.

The last hurdle preventing them from continuing was now present.

"Where's Laker?" Rayne immediately uttered the moment she realized. "He was also separated, correct?"

"Yeah, except we didn't see his side of the wall move at all." Loki frowned and turned to the wall that had separated him. "He tried a similar move to Vince."

"Unfortunate...but we also cannot afford to stay." Leon heaved a long sigh. "The gas is soon to begin filling in this area."

"Sam said he could try for the exit himself, maybe he did that?" Zantai reasoned.

Rayne wasn't humoring the thought, though. She was still frowning in contemplation, her eyes glued to the ground. "I'm not sure where we'd find him. It's dangerous to split off, as we experienced."

"We can't guarantee which wall will move." Loki turned to stare at the Manectric with a soft look. "I promise you, we'll find him...but for now we have to avoid this poison gas."

"Right." Rayne nodded and continued forward, letting Sammy guide them.

Eventually, Sam would return to the intercom.

"C-Continue...and when you reach a turn make sure you take a right." Her voice was strained as if she had just finished coughing for a while. "Sammy, I'm sorry...after you take this turn you might be alone."

"Alone?" Sammy froze after she uttered those words to herself. "Sam? What the hell is going on over there?"

"I can't h-hear you...but you must—" Sam's voice trailed off before she entered a violent coughing fit. "From now on you have to follow a faint black mark trailing the walls, it will lead you to the exit."

An audible click was heard, signifying that the older Braixen had cut off her communication with the rest of the group. Everyone stared silently at Sammy, her composure clearly seconds away from breaking.