[ What if ] Ishimaru died before Mondo

Chapter 1

"A body has been discovered!"

...

Kiyotaka Ishimaru was last seen at dinner the night before. Less than 12 hours ago, Taka was present and sharing his time with Mondo, Fujisaki and a few laughs along with Makoto, Asahina, Sakura and even Hagakure. The night itself was not different from the previous ones but a lot has changed since the beginning of the killing game. After the incident in the sauna, one could argue that strong improvements were blooming in Kiyotaka's character - he was allowing himself to open more to others...

Well, don't let yourself be fooled! He remained the same strict hall monitor figure with high morals that we all care and love... still, his facial expressions once stiff had now soften to cute smiles and pure enjoyment when in the company of equals. The reason, you may ask? I believe the main reason was the acceptance and trust offered by Mondo that awaken him to a reality of friendship which he has never experienced before. Other reasons (however improbable), may include conveying the trust from others and study their behaviors to conduct an investigation in order to discover disguised dark feelings that could be the root to an eminent threat, a potential killer... However, only Ishimaru could tell you the answer to your doubts. I am not in a position to answer on his behalf but I do believe his intentions were the most pure and honest.

Even after 3 nights in the presence of a fun, relaxed Ishimaru, it was still strange to comprehend his personality changes although, he couldn't forget to declare his favorite line whenever rules were bent. "Hey! That behavior is not welcome in a school environment!" To see him getting along easily with everyone left a feeling of unease. He could become more susceptible to a possible murder if his mind was set in trusting everyone. Kyoko even warned him of the same...

10 p.m. quickly arrived and the bedtime announcement played in the background. Immediately, Kiyotaka excused himself and wished everyone a good night's sleep. But before he and everyone else decided to leave the dining hall, Kyoko asked all to meet her in the bath house.

Once everyone was present, she began speaking "Does anyone hold a clue to where Alter Ego might be?" The silence amongst everyone indicated a round NO.

Alter Ego is an artificial intelligence program created by Chihiro. After the first trial, two floors were open to explore the school. In their research, they found a broken computer in the library on the second floor. Thinking of a way of communication with the outside world and recovery of any missing and important files that could be the key to the mastermind's planned plot, Kyoko asked Chihiro to attempt to solve the problem in secrecy of the person behind the cameras. But Alter Ego was a problem by itself. Besides having to hide the computer in a bath house locker (where security cameras can't reach), it was easily accessible by a potential mole and Hifumi, who has fallen in love with Alter Ego. "She is the first girl that ever got interested in what I had to say. She kept begging for more and more..." Kyoko was worried that the mastermind would unveil their cover and so their secret weapon. In order to protect the plan, she banished Hifumi from using the computer and set an alarm that would scream whenever it caught him nearby.

4 days ago, Alter Ego went missing and Hifumi didn't handle the news very well. He entered a vicious cycle where he presented a highly depressed façade only to hide a rather aggressive conscious caused by a grim heart. Ishimaru didn't swallow Hifumi's innocence in the predicament at hand and continued to accuse him and stalk him to uncover the thief.

"I've told you!" Hifumi screamed "I have nothing to do with the disappearance of my beloved!! Remember! I couldn't have got near her!!"

"Your statements cannot stand as proof in the attendance of a court. You are the- uh- MY prime suspect! That allegation alone won't exculpate you from the crime you've committed! As vengeance towards Kirigiri, after taking away your benefits with Alter Ego, you stole it!... somehow... And hid it, afterwards!"

"I never kidnapped my princess!" He replied, furious. "You have no right to keep harassing me, Mr. Ishimaru!" The forehead furrowed and Hifumi's eyes displayed a mixed show of anger as his gaze targeted Ishimaru alongside a wolfish single laugh.

"That's enough!" Sakura's voice echoed in the room and silence befell.

"Thank you." Kyoko added. "Let's not discuss this further. We will gather again tomorrow."

All agreed to the suggestion and left the area. As the only 2 remain students, Mondo stared at Ishimaru and hastily placed his arm around Ishimaru's neck, startling him.

"Ah- c'mon bro, it's still early! Stay with me longer!"

"We made a promise to our fellow colleagues to return to our rooms when the clocked reached 10 p.m." Ishimaru freed himself from Mondo's embrace and reached for the exit "I suggest you to follow the rules, kyoudai. "

"ehhhh- ya're no fun!" Mondo replied faintly annoyed at Ishimaru's perseverance before walking after him.

Ishimaru cracked a soft smile and returned to his room.