Danganronpa: Song Of Despair

Chapter 6: Kazuki's Task

"Wait." The assassin spoke before we could leave the building. "We should be more organized with this, so I'll give you each a job if that's fine with everyone." Jikkō said with an air of authority. Everyone nodded, and she continued.

"Katashi, investigate the hospital. Willow, double check the arcade and investigate the restaurant across the street. Mai, no one has really been to the amusement park yet, so you better check there. I'll do this street." Jikkō then looked to me. "Kazuki... I have a special job for you, if you're willing to do it."

"Alright, what is it?" I asked, slightly confused.

Jikkō stepped closer to me, waving the others off. Once they were gone, she spoke to me in a hushed voice. "Talk to Michio, and get any information out of him that you can."

"W-what?" I responded, quietly as well. "I can't even stand to be near him, how can I...."

"I know it'll be hard, but you were the one closest to him. If anyone can get him to let something slip, it's you." Jikkō reasoned.

Hesitantly, I nodded. "Fine... I'll do it."

Before she had a chance to respond, I heard someone approaching from behind. I quickly turned around to see Michio, but he was only looking at Jikkō.

"Hey Jikkō, I heard you broke the rules." The blond spoke dangerously, walking towards Jikkō. She stepped back, but he didn't stop, and soon she was backed up against the wall. "You didn't think I'd just let you go unpunished, did you?"

Without thinking, I quickly spoke up. "Michio, technically you broke the rules too at the last class trial."

The mastermind turned to me, his scary expression melting away. "Oh, are you going to punish me, Kazuki?" He said with a wink. I tried my best to ignore that comment.

"...I need to talk to you." I said hesitantly.

Michio smirked. "Finally warming up, are you? That's fine with me, but first..." He looked back to where Jikkō was previously standing, but she was gone. I hadn't even noticed her leave, but I was glad to have been able to buy time for her escape.

"Never take your eyes off an assassin..." Michio muttered to himself, before meeting my gaze. "Oh well, I guess there's no need to wait. Let's talk."

"Right..." I could already tell I was going to regret this.

I sat down on one of the chairs in the room, and Michio sat across from me. There was a moment of silence before I spoke up, asking the first question to enter my mind.

"What did you do to Satchiko?"

Michio chuckled. "C'mon Kazuki, I thought you were smarter than that. I'm not gonna just tell you, that would ruin all the fun!"

I let out a small sigh. It was what I expected, but it was still disappointing. "Fine then... why'd you start this killing game? I don't see how it would benefit you...."

"I already said, for despair. The feeling of despair... excites me." Michio said with a grin. "The perfect way to make use of my stupid hometown."

"Hometown?" I asked.

"Yes, my hometown. I went to school with Mai as a kid, but I wasn't too worried about her recognizing me, with the size of her brain." He rolled his eyes. He really doesn't seem to like Mai... he always was particularly mean to her.

"But... is that all your motive was? Despair?"

"Of course!" Michio said, "Watching the people I cared for the most killing each other off and suffering, what could be more full of despair!" I cringed as he started to drool a bit. "Especially your despair, Kazuki! The look on your face during Momo's execution... I almost couldn't control myself!"

I so desperately wanted to just get up and leave, but I forced myself to stay put, instead just looking away. "One more question... were you always like this?"

Michio took longer to respond to that. "Hmm... nope, this is all her fault. I still can't decide if I love her or hate her for it."

"Who are you talking about?" I questioned.

Michio shook his head. "Ah, I've already said too much. Sorry Kazuki, our talk's over." He stood up, ruffled my hair, and walked away.

Well, at least I learned something.