Beta Memories One-Shots (Completed)

Beta! Nanami2: Parallel

@ChiakiScarlet requested this unique pairing: Chiaki from Danganronpa 2 and Chiaki from Danganronpa 3. I have never heard of this before, but hey! Try something new every day, right? I do hope you enjoy the story otherwise.
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Let us begin...

The pixelated words faded onto the screen as Chiaki Nanami warmed up her fingers. The 8-bit music started up and immediately her lightning fast reflexes went to work.

'Dodge enemy fire, collect coins, don't get distracted...' She thought to herself as she tried to beat the level. Her thumbs ached from the harsh button mashing, her eyes stung from the bright lights, but she didn't care.

"NO!" She cries as her avatar died and the game over music played. Sighing, she rubbed her eyes out of exhaustion. This was one of the hardest games she had ever played and all she wanted was to beat the first level.

"You know what the problem is, right?" A soft voice spoke from behind her. Chiaki turned to a surprising sight: herself but with longer hair and a dark hoodie.

"Huh...what?" She cried. Was she hallucinating? How could there be another her?

"You're way out of focus." The other Chiaki explained. "Your hands were shaking and your whole body looked like it was twitching."

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Oh...I'm sorry. This must be very confusing for you, huh? I'm you from another timeline. Since we are both named Chiaki, how about you call me Beta?"

"Why is that?" Chiaki One asked before realizing what she said earlier. "Hold on. Another timeline?"

"Yes." Beta Chiaki replied. "It's a very long story." However, as she said that, her voice began to distort. It was like she was flickering out of existence. "Oh no. I haven't much time left...but don't worry. I'll explain everything later." Just like that, Beta Chiaki vanished.

"I really need to get some sleep." Chiaki One mumbled to herself as she closed her game and walked home. That night, she couldn't help but think about her other self. 'Alternative timeline? Is that even possible?'
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The next day, she did something that no one thought she would do: going to the library and read. She could've have used the internet, but she remembered a book that contained something useful.

The musty stench of old literature filled the air which was filled with dead silence. She got nervous as she tried to walk on the oak floor, hoping not to make a squeak. No one seemed to notice as they were busy with their reading. She reached the front desk and got the librarian's attention.

"I am looking for a book about alternative timelines. I believe it was written by a C. Fujisaki?" Chiaki asked in a quiet tone.

The librarian nodded and led her down to the science section. Skimming her bony finger down the spines, she found and pulled the book down off the shelf.

"Be careful now. Some of the pages are a little old, so they may rip off on you." She advised. Chiaki thanked her before taking a nearby seat at a empty table.

Carefully flipping the fragile pages, she skimmed the text looking for what she needed. Soon, she found the pages. Everything she witnessed yesterday matched to a T. It is so scary to know that she was visited by her alternative self, but one question remained: why?

Closing the book, her mind began to hurt. It was a crazy feeling: a mix of confusion and realization. It made sense, but it didn't at the same time. All she wanted to do was lay down and hope she could calm down.

Leaving the library, she made her way home. Chiaki started to get sick in her stomach so she decided to grab a bite to eat. Ordering a hot chocolate and a sandwich, she sat down at a warm table.

Biting into the sandwich, she felt herself at ease. 'I don't even know if she will ever come back...if it did happen.' She doubted herself, despite the evidence. Why would her alternate self come and see her anyways?

As she returned home, she noticed that she had received an email on her computer. Opening her browser, she noticed it was sent by...Beta Chiaki. She clicked on the email and began to read:

"Dear other me,

I am sorry that I couldn't get into contact sooner. Unfortunately, I cannot meet you face to face anymore. I have so much to say to you about your future and where it is headed. However, I was given some good advice. If I did tell you, I would destroy both our timelines. It sounds weird, but I had a feeling you already know (C. Fujisaki book).

As a final request of sorts, I ask a favour. No matter what happens in your world, never give up on hope. Don't ever back down even when it all seems doomed. Trust me when I say that there is always a silver lining. Everything will turn out okay...I just know.

I should go...but please do remember what I said. Keep on practicing on that game, though. Your focus was way off.

Sincerely yours,
Beta Chiaki."
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Wiping the tears from her eyes, she finally felt the weight of the world off her shoulders. I she was at peace. Yes, there was so many unanswered questions, but it was probably better that way. She didn't want the world to blow up or anything.

Noticing her handheld game, she took her own advice and turned it on.

Let us begin...

The pixelated words flashed onto the screen and at that moment, she could feel a familiar presence beside her. It was like if it was guiding her hands. As the music started, she felt in sync with the presence as they both mashed the buttons. She felt unstoppable as her eyes followed every moment. In the end, she managed to not only beat the level but get the high score.

'Thanks...me'. She thought, looking out the window with a grin on her face.
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The End