Our Hope

Chapter 10

I thought about that night while I sat in front of Future Foundation's co-director, Kyosuke Munakata, who pulled me from my thoughts when he dropped a massive file onto the desk in front of me. "Karen Billotte, former leader of Branch 14," He paused, easing into the executives' chair behind the desk, "what is your connection to the 78th class of Hope's Peak?"

I raised my eyebrows, sucking on the inside of my cheek. "Sir, I met the six former students when I located them. I watched the events from the flat screens all over the city and in our facility," I finished explaining, crossing my legs, and tightly intertwining my hands.

The chief didn't seem interested in my response as he leaned over the desk. "What about Byakuya Togami?" Munakata's eyes were daggers.

My jaw clenched, "Get to the point as to why I'm here, Munakata," I said, giving a cold grin. "You're cutting into my morning routine with Togami".

"You should know why. I'm revoking Naegi's position as Division leader".

I huffed a sigh. Thinking this meeting was meant to be significant, I felt led astray and disappointed. "This is about your suspicions," I rested a hand against my forehead. "You're acting above yourself, sir. The group made the right call to allow Fukawa-".

Munakata stood up, the sudden motion stopped my words. "Their decision didn't follow protocol". Tense air engulfed the office. Ready to move on, Munakata pulled a manila folder from a desk drawer, pressing it to the desktop under his hand. "The suspicion you mentioned earlier is the reason you're here, Billotte," he said, pushing the folder to me. "Reclaim your position as the Branch 14 leader and divulge any information that the group has shared with you," Munakata placed a pen on top of the folder, "and you'll be clear of suspicion".

Staring at the folder briefly, I snatched the pen and opened the cover. Paper after paper I scribbled signatures and meaningless reassurances. On the last signature line, I wrote 'Kyoko Kirigiri' and closed the folder with a smile, pushing it back to Munakata.

A surge of relief hit me when I spotted Togami waiting for me in the dining hall. The room was mostly empty as breakfast was nearing the end. Sitting across from him, Togami pushed a cup of coffee towards me. "Thank you," I beamed, taking in the fresh aroma of French roast. After the first sip, looming guilt began to settle in my chest. "Have you seen Kirigiri?"

Togami set his book down, "What could you need from her?"

"Her word, actually. I filed some paperwork under her name," I didn't dare meet his eyes.

"Is that why the director wanted to see you?" Togami's eyes narrowed, "What happened?"

I scanned the room, leaning forward, "Munakata wanted me to betray the division. He's removing Makoto as Division 14's leader and wanted me to accept the position back," I paused.

"What do you mean by 'betray'?" His features sharpened.

"He wanted me to give all the information I've discussed with you and the others," I bit my tongue, "This was his ploy to remove his suspicions of me and my involvement with the 78th class". We both sat back into our chairs; I watched Byakuya as he thought about this information. When he finally turned to me, he was grinning.

"You appointed Kirigiri as your refusal," his laughter was in disbelief.

"Appointed me to what?" I froze from hearing her voice; Byakuya's grin and laughter seized to exist. I hesitated to face Kyoko.

After explaining the situation once more, I held my breath for a reaction. Kyoko was silent, a gloved hand nestled in front of her mouth. "I amend your dedication. Thank you for thinking of me in this situation," Her grin eased my worries.

Blaring buzzing echoed through my ears, jolting me awake. Even with closed eyes, I could bring my fist down on my alarm. My hand froze on a hanger when a knock came from the door. "Who is it?" My voice was rough. I couldn't understand the cluster of voices from beyond the door. Swinging it open, I was greeted by Togami, Naegi, and Kirigiri.

"Did you just get out of bed?" Naegi glanced over my appearance.

"Yes. I was about to take a shower," I rubbed the side of my face.

"We need to talk," Byakuya said, handing me a travel mug of coffee.

Chugging several sips of coffee, I waved them in. Kirigiri began to speak, but Togami stopped her. "Let the caffeine sink in first. She needs to be fully coherent". Togami and Kirigiri shared equally displeased expressions. With that, I waved Kyoko on to keep talking.

"Toko and Komaru will be coming back today. The Towa situation is under Future Foundation's control now".

I nearly spit coffee out trying to talk. "That's great! I'm glad they're safe," I gave a warm smile to Makoto, "I knew your sister could do it. Well, with Toko's help of course". I was taken aback to not see a smile in response. "What happened?"

"Makoto met with one of the Remnants of Despair," Byakuya spoke slowly. His words rang with static in my ears. Before I realized it, Kyoko had caught the mug that slipped from my unconscious grip. "He was on a recruit mission but found Izuru Kamakura," Togami's hands wrapped around my shoulders. Gently, I was pushed to lean against my desk.

Even in death, Junko managed to manipulate her puppets. Memories flashed through my mind. I shut my eyes, opened them to look at the faces surrounding me, and shut them again. "I need to tell you something important. This information cannot leave this room," I turned away from Byakuya, pressing my hands onto my desk. "Before the Tragedy, I...was best friends with Junko," Once I released those words, I turned to find horrified expressions on everyone's faces.