(DISCONTINUED! REWRITE IS OUT NOW) Down the Rabbit Hole {Danganronpa}

Chapter 15 ~ Secrets After Secrets

Shuichi stared at Rantaro, thinking about his question. He remembered how panic Kokichi got when they heard Kaito. And now knowing how dangerous this world really was, there was probably a good reason. He hadn’t really given Kaito any thought since that day.

“No,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Why? What is he in this world?”

Rantaro laughed a bit, as if Shuichi just told a funny joke, before answering. “Well I wouldn’t wanna spoil the surprise. You’ll just have to find him to find out.”

“Okay. Then where could I find him?”

“No where,” a voice yelled, catching everyone’s attention. Kokichi limped towards the table, glaring at Ranaro. “Because you are not going to look for him!”

“Kokichi wait,” Mikan shouted, running to him.”I-I wasn’t done!”

“Don’t care. We’re leaving.” Kokichi grabbed Shuichi’s hand, trying to drag him out of there.

Shuichi followed with little fight, shouting, “K-Kokichi!”

Kokichi led him away, mumbling something Shuichi couldn’t hear. The two walked out of the mansion in silence. Shuichi wasn’t sure what surprised him more. Kaede letting him leave or Kokichi seeming to have healed fast. Though there were probably bandages hidden under his now clean outfit, Kokichi showed no signs of pain, moving around as if nothing had happened.

It wasn’t until they were in the woods did Shuichi realize he didn’t know where they were going. Though he trusted Kokichi enough not to freak out, he was still a little on edge. Even if Kokichi wouldn’t hurt him, others might if they were to stumble upon them.

“Where are we going,” Shuichi asked, looking around as if he could distinguish the trees and bushes.

“Well, let’s just say I’m not welcomed at the castle for a while,” Kokichi said. “So, I thought maybe now was the time to visit an old place.” He gave a small, sad smile.

“And old place?”

“Oh! I meant old for me. You wouldn’t know it…” Kokichi went silent. Shuichi debated on asking more but decided against it.

Kokichi led him down a path he’d never seen before, humming a tune. The path was narrow, having to go between mountains and slide down hills. Despite the many twist and turns, Kokichi seemed to know the way like the back of his hand. With each step, Shuichi got excited, interested in where they were going. After about three minutes, Kokichi finally stopped, opening a door in a tree. Shuichi was hesitant before going through it, Kokichi going in after.

They found themselves in a small, clean house. No one was there but them. Shuichi wandered around the room, confused as to why they were here. Kokichi just sat on the bed, watching him carefully.

“What is this place,” Shuichi asked.

“A house,” Kokichi said, smiling.

“I know that. I mean… who lives here? Why are we even here?”

Kokichi was silent for a second. “Let’s just say, were safe here. And leave it at that for now.” His smile faded.

Shuichi sighed. “I wish you’d answer my questions for once.” He turned his back to Kokichi, picking some things up and analyzing them.

Kokichi stared at Shuichi, having mixed emotions. “Shuichi… come here.” Shuichi didn’t move or respond. “Please.”

When Shuichi still didn’t move, Kokichi growled, standing up and grabbing Shuichi’s arm, dragging him onto the bed. Shuichi yelped, staring up at him in fear and confusion.

“Stop ignoring me! I know I never answer your questions, but I really can’t tell you this! I… I just don’t want to talk about it… I’m sorry, okay!?” Kokichi started to tear up a bit.

“K-Kokichi,” Shuichi whispered, reaching out to him.

Kokichi forced a smile. “I’m fine! I-It was obviously a lie.” Tears started streaming down his face.

“No. That was a lie.” Shuichi slowly pulled Kokichi into a hug. Kokichi didn’t deny it, nor push him away. “I’ll… I’ll drop it for now.”

“Good.” Kokichi’s voice was barely heardable.

They stayed like that for a couple minutes before Shuichi tried to move away. Kokichi continued to cling to him, however, pushing Shuichi more on the bed.

“Can we please just stay like this for a couple more seconds,” Kokichi mumbled, burying his face in Shuichi chest.

Shuichi gave him a confused look before sighing. “I guess.”

Seconds passed and Kokichi never moved, having fallen asleep. Shuichi stared at the ceiling, not sure what to do. The longer he laid there, the more tired he felt, soon falling asleep as well.

…

Maki paced back and forth, waiting. Two copses lay in the middle of her room, creating a stench. She wanted to remove them but knew she couldn’t. Not if she wanted to catch him. She was the only one who knew of his secret job and how to summon him. Peko and Fuyuhiko had failed her. So now, she needed help from someone else. She had wished to avoid this, refusing to acknowledge him when he’s like this. But she didn’t have a choice.

Her door soon creaked open, a tall guy in a cloak walking in. The two stared at each other, Maki glaring.

“You look stupid,” she spat.

“Hey,” the person yelled. “She said I looked cool.”

“I don’t know who she is but either she has a bad fashion sense or lied.” She crossed her arms. “Anyways, we’re not here to talk.”

“Oh I know! Got to collect Peko and Fuyuhiko’s clocks then get going.” The person walked toward the corpses, suddenly being stopped by a sword.

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Get that sword out of my face! No need for violence. What do you want?”

“The clock of Kokichi Ouma.”

The person smirked. “You should’ve asked sooner. Though you know you won't be aloud to keep it, right?”

Maki growled. "Yes. But I still want it, even if for only a moment."

They collected the clocks before heading towards the door.

“Oh and Kaito,” Maki said, stopping him.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t kill the outsider.”

He nodded, walking out.

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