Truth, Perjury, and Sacrifice

Failure?

"You...want to broadcast...the last two killing games." Makoto blinked rapidly, looking to the others for an understanding of the request. Hajime and the others stood in solidarity. "You're on board with this?"

"Yes. It was one of the first requests she had when she announced this plan," Sonia said.

"So, tell me if I'm understanding this correctly," Kyoko folded her arms. "You want to publicly announce their return, with all of us in attendance, by broadcasting two more killing games as the testimony of their innocence?"

"I'll explain the events in detail. The speech will be broadcasted with appropriate captioning, as well," Karen said.

"I won't attend," Toko said. She glanced at the hesitant grimaces on everyone's faces, "I can't be the only one. This is social suicide, Karen. If any one of us participates, we'd be putting our reputations on the line."

"I know I'm asking a lot. But this wouldn't be the first time we put ourselves on the line for someone."

"I think you're asking too much. Because now it isn't just your reputation. His name is attached to you," Toko pointed at Byakuya. "Don't you think it's time to start thinking about the person who stood by you even when you left him for three months?"

"Fukawa, hold on a second." Makoto attempted to interject.

"No! She has no clue what happened for the past three months!"

"And neither do you!" Byakuya said. "Fukawa, I understand your argument. However, none of us truly understand what has taken place in the past three months. Furthermore, Karen needs our support to ensure a high probability of success."

"I understand if you do not want to be there, Toko. I won't hold a grudge against any those who oppose. I've sprung this on all of you and I would have discussed it with you if I had been able to contact you." Karen said.

"Are you sure you want to broadcast what took place during Makoto's trial?" Sakura asked.

"Faces will be blurred and no audio will be played. I'll do my best to respect the victims," Karen glanced back at the others. She contemplated for several nights if broadcasting Nanami's execution was just or not. "I apologize in advance. I know this will be painful for all of us."

"What about what happened in Towa City?" Komaru spoke up.

"Do you...want me to include that footage?" Karen thought about the kids who survived. Although they had murdered their parents and caused mass homicide and terror, she couldn't help but feel pity for them.

Komaru shook her head. "No, but I want them to speak if that's okay. Since Nagito technically saved Toki and me."

"No one is going to trust what they say, Komaru," Toko said.

"But it doesn't mean we shouldn't try!" Komaru bolted from her seat. "Junko used them. She manipulated children of abuse. How can anyone look at them and not trust what they say?"

"They might have an excuse. But we don't, Komaru," Karen said.

"We?" Komaru turned around.

Karen nodded, "My recent past has been hidden from the public. I was her best friend, a traitor, and...eventually a drug addict. But the last thing they know of me is my betrayal." Her gaze blurred, focusing on the corner of the carpet. Karen stood from her chair. "I think we've discussed this long enough for one night."

"Wait!" Toko grabbed Karen's wrist. "We didn't decide on anything."

"I very well understood that you will have no involvement with this." Karen glanced around the group. "Am I understanding the consensus correctly?" Hina, Hiro, and Makoto averted their gaze. Sakura, Kyoko, and Byakuya met Karen's disappointment with blank expressions. "I'd say the vote is unanimous, Fukawa. Take care on your way home, everyone." Karen gently pulled herself from Toko's grip and retreated upstairs.

"So...what happens now?" Hina asked.

"This discussion isn't over. Let's reconvene later in the week," Byakuya said.

"Really? You're seriously considering this?" Kyoko grimaced. "Byakuya, Toko has a point. If this plan doesn't work, we are risking the trust we've established."

"Let's not forget about the group that has formed due to the Academy's re-opening."

"There's a group against Hope's Peak?" Hajime asked.

Byakuya nodded, "I've received notice of warning from an anonymous group. Their motive seems to revolve around the revival of Hope's Peak, so be cautious," he said to Kyoko and Makoto.