Danganronpa - 8J

Class trial - 1

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We all entered the large hall. The floor was made from black and white diamond tiles and in the very centre of the room lay a large circle of podium-type benches, a large chair that a judge would often sit at was behind them, a big red button placed on the side of it - as well as what appeared to be a classic slot machine.

Monokuma was sat in the large chair.

"Welcome, welcome everyone to the Class Trial! Please stand at the bench marked with your name and I will explain what you have to do!" He called, placing a paw on the side of the chair.

We all filed in and stood where we were supposed to be, but there seemed to be 17 benches. I thought there were 16 of us? "Hey Monokuma, there are 17 benches here, aren't there only 16 of us?" I queried, it seemed strange that there was one extra.

"Oh! It just means that the courtroom can accommodate up to 17 people." He replied.

Something inside of me told me he was lying.

As well as the extra bench, right next to me sat an empty bench. Well, I wouldn't call it empty. It had a picture of Sophie before she had died on a pillar, smiling. Black ribbons draped over it. But contrary to what appeared to be a respectful memorial to the girl, there was a large pink cross stretching over her face.

"What's with the cross over Sophie's face as well? Sure, I get the memorial, but why the cross?" Grace asked, raising an eyebrow when she noticed the same thing I had.

"The little memorial is just for respect, but the cross means she's dead, silly! I wasn't going to waste my time putting a halo on her picture, was I? I'm a very busy bear you know!" He chimed, explaining. The way he put it was rude, it was as if he was glad someone had died - which, I'm sure, he was.

"Now, let me give you a simple explanation of what happens in Class Trials! You guys' votes determine the trial's outcome. Find the true murderer, and only the murder gets punished. But make the wrong accusation.. and everyone gets punished, leaving your deceiver to graduate, freeeeee and cleaaaaar!"

"Also, the way that everything is written will change for the author's convenience." He finished. Not sure what that means, is he helping Gaby in a Class Trial? Never mind, maybe he's just messing with us.

Alyssa: "I'd like to ask this first, is one of us really the culprit?"

Monokuma: "You betcha."

Gaby: "We could save a lot of time if the culprit just admitted it was them. Step forward, whoever you are!"

Rachel: "If they went through the trouble of killing someone I'm sure they wouldn't just reveal themself willingly, don't be daft!"

Izzy: "Could this wait you two? We need to solve a murder here."

Monokuma: " To begin with, how about you get a summary of what went down, go on, get a move on!"

Alyssa: **We really need to solve this correctly, everyone's lives are at stake. This isn't something we can get wrong.**

...

Beth: "Sophie Haswell was murdered!"

Maya: "We know, Beth, we don't need reminding."