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

Chapter 23 ~ Let's Get Down To Buisiness

Kaito led Shuichi down a hallway towards the back of the castle, both carrying their swords. To Shuichi's surprise, no one passed them a second glance. The two were easily able to navigate outside, where a couple other assassins were training. Everyone seemed completely focused in their fight, stopping for nothing. One girl just barely dodged a sword to her arm, yet didn't seem the least bit fazed as she continued on. Shuichi wondered just how far this training would go. He wasn't about to lose an arm, right?

The two continued to walk till they were just on the edge of leaving the castle's territory. This was to make sure they didn't accidently interrupt the other assassins. Kaito had a feeling this would in no way be easy, considering Shuichi would probably rather run than fight. So they were going to be needing all the space they can get. Shuichi took a long look around at their surroundings, mapping out where he could and couldn't go. Aside from some trees and the assassins not too far from them, it didn't seem like much would be in his way.

While Shuichi looked around, Kaito took a second to think of where to start. There were plenty of lessons to choose from but so little time. He would need to start with the basics then quickly move on to the important stuff. Assuming they even got that far.

"Okay," Kaito said quite loudly, trying to get Shuichi's attention. When Shuichi didn't turn to look at him, he raised his sword. "Lesson one."

He charged at Shuichi, preparing to stab the sword in his shoulder. He barely missed as Shuichi turned to see at the last minute, immediately moving out of the way. Shuichi gave a frightened and puzzled look.

Kaito grinned in response. "Always stay alert! Enemies are around every corner."

"Y-You could've actually stabbed me," Shuichi complained.

Kaito shrugged. "Anyone here could have. If were going to train, we have to think of this as if it was a normal battle."

"But isn't that a little too much? I'm just starting out here."

Kaito sighed in annoyance, finding Shuichi's complaints annoying. This was how everyone else learned and he shouldn't have to treat Shuichi any different. But if he was going to earn Shuichi's friendship, he was going to have to change his tactics a bit.

"Fine," Kaito mumbled. "Let's just start with simply blocking."

...

Kokichi walked in circles around a tree, awaiting for someone to show up. Tsumugi had assured him that Shuichi was safe for now but shouldn't be left with Kaito for too long. While she refused to reveal Kaito's motives, she did explain where they had been headed. Kokichi couldn't say he was all that surprised but found it extremely worrisome. Had Maki sent Kaito to retrieve Shuichi after killing him? It would make sense, since he had interrupted their last conversation. But did that mean Shuichi was in possible danger? Would Maki kill Shuichi as well out of anger? She was known for having a bad temper. Though, Tsumugi hadn't mentioned Maki at all. This was starting to cause Kokichi a massive headache.

After circling around the tree for the hundredth time, a puff of smoke appeared in front of him, Himiko emerging from it.

"Ta da," Himik said in a tired voice, yawning afterwards.

"Finally," Kokichi complained. "What took you so long?"

"I was taking a nap." She had an annoyed tone as if it should've been obvious.

"Like an actual nap or-?"

"Yes! I had a long night."

Kokichi smirked. "Tenko keeping you up all night?"

Himiko knew exactly what Kokichi implying, her face turning a light shade of red as she moved her hat down to hide it. Her cat tail moved in annoyance. "Shut up! You know that's not what I meant."

He giggled before turning back to serious, remembering the mission. "Okay well I need you to help saving Shuichi again."

She rolled her eyes. "Again?"

"Kaito took him!"

"I only helped you last time because I owed you." She sat down by the tree, having no interest in Kokichi's situation. "Why can't you save him yourself?"

He kneeled down in front of her. "Because he's in the castle and I'm kind of wanted by Maki right now." His expression went dark with a wide grin. "But you could get in just fine with Tenko. Unless... something happened to her."

She narrowed her eyes, reaching for something in her pocket. "What are you saying?"

Kokichi let out a small chuckle as he stood. "Oh nothing. I'd just need a human shield if I were to go in there and it would have to be whoever was guarding the front. Hmm... who guards the front again?"

Himiko immediately stood up, aiming a gun at his head. Despite this, Kokichi didn't even flinch, keeping the same grin on his face. He didn't even answer her question, leaving them in silence for about a minute. They stared into each other's eyes, waiting for the other to give in. But neither moved, standing their ground. Another minute went by of the same thing before Himiko began to lower her weapon, looking to the ground.

"So you understand," Kokichi asked, putting his hands behind his head.

"I hate you," She mumbled, putting her gun away.

"Aw! I love you too Himiko!" He said it in an overly sweet, mocking voice. "How about after this I could owe you something?"

She scoffed but nodded her head, turning away to begin her mission. "One day, Kokichi. One day." That was the last thing she said before walking off.

Kokichi felt no regrets in this, not caring if Himiko hated him. It wasn't like she could avoid him. He knew that for a fact. Ever since Himiko revealed her secret to him, he always knew he had the upper hand. And he would make sure to repay her with something that would keep her coming back. It was almost too easy to deal with her, much to Kokichi's liking. He had her wrapped around his finger was more then Tenko ever would.