Who We Were Before

Alive?

Shuichi stood as tall as he could, facing the broken wall surrounding the Ultimate Academy. His legs threatened to give out from under him, Maki holding him up to keep him from collapsing to the ground. It wasn't until he saw the light of the world beyond the dome that he really began to realize what had happened. Tsumugi was gone for good, her sick and twisted games would bother the world no more.

The killing game.

The unspoken words sent shivers down Shuichi's spine. It had only been a couple weeks since they were all trapped in the Ultimate Academy, forced to battle for their lives and execute their own friends. 16 had entered, and now only 3 would leave.

Shuichi glanced down at his companions. They had come a long way together. As morbid as it seemed, defeating Tsumugi had brought them closer. He could even have sworn that Maki gave him a small smile, though pointing such a thing out would most likely get him killed before he could even escape the academy.

"Team Danganronpa better provide free therapy sessions when we get out of here."

Shuichi and Himiko laughed at Maki's remark, nodding their agreement as they all took each other's hand (even Maki surprisingly).

Shuichi suddenly couldn't will himself to move, his feet planted firmly on the ground as he started shaking.

I have to do this. For everyone we lost along the way, for all that crap we went through, and for her

For Kaede.

I made it Kaede. We escaped. Me, Himiko and Maki. We did it. We avenged you and all the others.

We did it.

And so, hand in hand, the ultimate assassin, the ultimate detective, and the ultimate mage made their way towards the broken wall. The barrier that separated them from the world they had left behind. They had no idea what was waiting for them on the other side, but they had each other, they had the memories of everyone they had lost along the way.

And that was enough.

——————

The first thing Shuichi noticed when he opened his eyes were the bright lights shining above him. Through the blinding light he could vaguely make out bright white walls, various pieces of medical equipment, and could feel an IV in place in his arm. He was too weak to move his head but could tell that he definitely wasn't in his normal clothes, the scratchy cloth touching his body was evidence enough of that. No ultimate detective skills needed there.

He wasn't sure how long it was until the door opened, a tall man in a doctor's coat illuminated by the bright lights.

"Ahh Mr. Saihara. You're finally awake. Well I suppose I should introduce myself. The name is Dr. Kimura I'm one of the head doctors here at Team Danganronpa. You seem to be in good health due to the nature of your survival in the game, so as long as your vitals stay steady until tomorrow morning, you'll be free to go to your room. Most of the others have returned to their homes by now, we do have top notch medical staff after all. We plan to keep you here in the facility until Himiko, and Maki wake up then you 3 will be attending a brief meeting to help you get situated with your new life. In the meantime we've set aside rooms for each one of you that contain the belongings your old selves brought with them, as well as some basic documents such as your birth certificate, phone numbers for therapists, and directions to your home. You got all that kiddo?"

It was official. Shuichi Saihara had died. Or gone crazy. All he knew was that this guy was off his rocker.

"Wha-"

"Oh of course, nobody's briefed you have they? Oh well I suppose I should explain then huh? Well obviously you know about Team Danganronpa correct?"