Hope Beating in Despair's Silence: Part 5

(Monokuma Theatre: No.1)

In any normal school, Mr. Monokuma would be a kind teacher. But when I think about what's coming up...I'm just so full of pride and joy. Our ceremony earlier today was absolutely splendid. Thank you all very much. Remember that you're all students of Hope's Peak Academy, and strive to refine your ideals. I swear to you, I will send you all off into a new tomorrow!

*Ding dong, bing bong*

"Huh?! What the?!" I exclaimed, bolting upwards from my sleep as I heard the alarm go off. Looking at the monitor, Monokuma showed up on screen.

Good morning, everyone! It is now 7 a.m. and nighttime is officially over! Time to rise and shine! Get ready to greet another beee-yutiful day!

I slept until 7? I guess this stuff had exhausted me more than I thought...

Once the screen turned off, I got changed and headed out the door pretty quickly to see if Monokuma was right about "sending us off on a new tomorrow". Honestly, it was creepy how my dreams were invaded by that bear until the rest of my night was darkness. I could've stayed in my room to try out the DDR machine for a quick warm up, but-

"Good morning, Rizumu!"

"Agh!" I cried out, holding my ears after nearly jumping out of my skin when I heard Kiyotaka greeting me loudly, "Buzzkill! Ya nearly killed me there, ya uptight idiot! Urgh...now my ears are ringing."

"I-I'm sorry! Please forgive my sudden outburst! Motivational greetings for the new day are vital in making sure to put in our best effort!" Kiyotaka apologized, even going far as to bow in front of me.

"I know...I'm just not use to unexpected shoutin'. Is that everyone out?" I asked him.

"Hmm...I haven't seen Makoto and Sayaka leave their rooms yet." Kiyotaka answered.

"Great! Ya got two other peeps left for ya pep talk. I'm gonna start lookin' before ya do that though. Later, Buzzkill!"

I dashed off to find a group to look around, even hearing The Ultimate Moral Compass yell at me to not run in the halls but he didn't come after me either due to my quick feet or Makoto getting out of his room. Getting myself out of Despair hotel made me make my way out into the first floor and I can see that a few places were open to me. The one that caught my eye was the "School Store". Opening the doors, I was greeted with a bunch of stuff in front of me both Japanese and Western! It reminded me of like a street market or an arcade gift shop.

"Hi~! Rizumu!"

Junko also happened to be looking around in the gift shop and she greeted me with a wide smile.

"Waddup, Frecks! Are ya lookin' for somethin' to entertain yourself?" I guessed.

Junko nodded. "Yeah! If I'm gonna walk all around this boring place, I need at least something to satisfy me. I saw that the store didn't have tape over anymore, so I went in!"

"Damn look at all this stuff! I wonder if..." I muttered out, searching both pockets of my hoodie jacket and pants. Feeling a handful of something I took them out to see some coins, but they were bronze and had the face of Monokuma.

"Huh...Doesn't even look like what I scraped up from my first time I hit the streets without a home." I responded, "What the hell are these things?"

"I dunno...Maybe you should try it out on that machine over there! You might actually get something worth your time!" Junko suggested.

Taking her advice I slipped in a monocoin after a "5,6,7 and Bam!" and twisted the knob 2 times. What came out of it next was a capsule, which I caught the moment it fell out. Popping it open I got...

Sonic Cup-a-Noodle: Instant noodles. Fill it with boiling water and it's ready in 3 seconds. Of course, it also goes bad in like 30...

"Well, I was thinkin' of gettin' something to eat. This is pretty rad!" I exclaimed, "Lemme try again!"

While I was having a few more tries at the monomachine putting in one coin for each try, Makoto came in with Sayaka. But I could still hear their conversations as I continued.

"Hey there, Ma~ko~to~! Ohh, is it just the two of you now? Are you on a da~~te?" Junko questioned, teasingly.

"Wh-What?!" Makoto exclaimed, becoming a little flustered.

"Damn, Makoto! I never woulda guessed, but you're a total player, huh? Hey, Rizumu! It looks like you have got some competition!"

"I heard that!" I called back to Junko's response while twisting the knob of the machine.

"No, no, it's nothing like that. I'm his assistant!" Sayaka explained, with her signature smile at the last sentence.

"Huh? His assistant? What is that, like some new kinda roleplay thing? Well, whatever. What you're into is your business. I won't judge! Anyway if you don't mind..." Junko replied, walking out the door.

"See ya later, Frecks!" I called out to her and finally looking at Makoto and Sayaka.

"I know she's kiddin', but all I did is give a nickname or say I'd protect them from Tedbot's wrath. Also guys can have gals as friends, but I ain't stoppin' ships from sailing." I clarified, "Anyway, Lucky, Bluebird what brings ya here?"

"Oh, well...Sayaka and I are looking for something that can be used as self-defence. And...what is that you were messing with while we were talking with Junko?" Makoto asked, pointing to the mono machine.

"Oh that? It's just a machine that gives out stuff when you place those coins in. I figured I try and get somethin' fun and get somethin' to help us!" I answered.

"That sounds great! Um...Do you have anything that's for self defence?" Sayaka asked.

Popping open the capsules I thoroughly checked each one to see if there was anything for them, but...Although I got some cool stuff, there was nothing for self defence. The last Item I got was an everlasting bracelet, which actually intrigued me for some time as if it was familiar to me. Good thing Makoto and Sayaka's presence snapped me out of it.

"Nah, nothin' worth it. Sorry, peeps," I apologized, "Besides I don't like havin' to resort to this kinda thing. Yeah, streets are tough, but dance offs are the only physical confronts I say are on."

"Oh, its okay, Rizumu. Thank you for offering!" Sayaka thanked.

"Ah, no prob, Bluebird. I'd offer ya and Bluebird some coins to play, but savin' up what I have and spendin' wise for myself is a thing for me. Good luck with ya search! You too, Lucky!" I supported, before heading out to look for a group to go around, since Makoto and Sayaka seem fine by themselves, Sakura, Aoi and Toko were together the last time I checked, Hifumi and Celestia aren't going to take part, Yasuhiro is still not taking things seriously, not sure where Junko is now, Taka's probably looking by himself somewhere and I don't care about what Byakuya's doing.

Besides, I just prefer being with two or more people, not wantin' to go duo or solo....

As I was thinking where to go next, I heard a foot making constant contact with metal coming from the main hall. Looking into it, I discovered two peeps there and that happened to be Leon with Mondo, who was trying to kick down the door.

"Hey, Pomp! Blaze! How's it hangin'!" I greeted to them, instantly making my way over to them.

"Blaze? Haha, now that's a new one! What's up, Rizumu?" Leon asked.

"The sky's up there, peep! Or right now, it's the ceiling!" I joked.

The two of them took a second to process what I said, which also stopped Mondo from kicking the door. After that small pause all three of us began laughing at the joke.

"Bahahaha! That's a good one, dude!" Mondo complimented, even giving me a high five.

"Alright, what the hell's goin' on here?" I asked, lookin' at the metal hatch.

"We're trying to find a way out. I figured I'd give it another shot." Mondo explained.

"You're doin' what ya did before again? Giantess was with ya before and with ya both, it didn't leave a dent!" I referenced, "At this point, whatcha doin' is like talkin' to a brick wall."

"...Fuckin' hell! There's gotta be a way to bust this shit open!" Mondo shouted, getting really frustrated at this point.

"Here, Lemmie have a look at what we're dealin' with..." I said, as I looked at my surroundings to see 3 pairs of cameras as well as two pairs of turrets.

"Wow...whoever kept us in here gotta know more than a thing or two on tech commands... Since he ain't here to control it all with their bare hands...I'm guessin' even the hatch can only open with a push of a button." I guessed.

"Man, Rizumu. How could you that kind of stuff? All this tech stuff just leaves my head in a spin." Leon asked.

"Ha! Says the baseball star who wants to go punk!" I retorted with a smirk, "it's cool, peep. There's more to tech than tunin' a metal guitar. I took part time jobs at clubs, arcades, venues, ya know the drill. They were impressed with my moves so they gave me a bunch of tips!"

"Hey, you think you can help me out with that stuff? I gotta find the right kind of people if I'm gonna be a musician!" he offered me.

"I doubt I'd be much help for ya there, Blaze. Bluebird on the other hand can help ya out! But not right now, she's with Lucky." I answered, "...As his assistant."

"Assistant? Damn, out of all of us I didn't know he was a kinky son of a bitch!" Mondo joked.

"Well if the waves carry it onward, I ain't stoppin' it." I replied with a shrug, "Anyway, I'm gonna go grab some breakfast. You peeps comin' with? Maybe mornin' grub will get ya brains in gear or lift ya spirits!"

"Hey! My brain's already been in gear since we got stuck here! But...I guess having some breakfast with ya will get my mind of this stupid hatch." Leon agreed.

"Well...I ain't got nothin' better to do. I'm down with that!" added Mondo.

Putting aside escaping for now, I headed to the dining hall with Leon and Mondo and we sat down together. We actually had a pretty good time as we shared some food and drink that I got from the machine at the school store. Leon shared me his favourite music and punk bands, and I in return gave my songs and offered to be a dancer if he ever had a song made when he got a band together. Mondo and I talked about the times we had with our own groups. Even though it did nothing to get us out I enjoyed the time we had at breakfast. It was sometime at that point Makoto and Sayaka entered as well.

"Yo Makoto! What's that weird shit on your hands?" Mondo questioned, instantly noticing the difference on the Ultimate Lucky Students palms.

"Whoa! They're glowin'! Kinks are one thing, but I didn't know hands could work like magic!" I laughed, with Leon and Mondo joining in.

"I-It's not like that! I just got gold paint on my hands when I barely touched that sword in the gym entryway." Makoto explained, blushing a little bit with Sayaka sharing her own blush, but giggled a little at the joke.

"I was kiddin', Lucky! Make sure you wash your hands in the sink." I responded.

"Hey, Sayaka. You gotta minute?" Leon asked, "I need your help with something."

"Oh, okay. Can you tell me after breakfast? I'm making breakfast for me and Makoto." Sayaka replied.

"Yeah, I got time." Leon accepted, "I mean it's not like I have anything else better to do other than chasing my dream."

"Your dream...?" Sayaka questioned, curiously.

"Yeah! To become a musician!" Leon exclaimed, "You can sense my aura, right? The strongest vocals of the century right here! God, I feel so cool getting to say that in front of a national celebrity..."

"Dreams..." Sayaka repeated that word as she began to daydream a little.

"...Earth to Bluebird?" I called out to her, bringing her back to reality.

"Oh, sorry, Rizumu. I spaced out a moment there. Makoto, let's go to the kitchen. You need to wash that gold paint off your hands, right?" Sayaka mentioned as she and Makoto went into the kitchen.

"Well, sounds like ya got a chance of gettin' that dream, Leon." I said to him.

After we finished up for breakfast we reluctantly split up to look around the school. Well I was the reluctant one. I now found myself to be just myself yet again. I guess I could find two more peeps that are together. Then again...I never did check out my room properly for myself. Heading back to my room, I instantly looked at the DDR set the moment I stepped inside. Hoping that it'll work, I instantly went onto the dance board with the blue and pink arrows. Surprisingly on the first step it actually turned on. And it didn't seem to need any currency. Heh...Even before I knew it, when I chose the song I danced to, I actually found myself thinking back to that day I began this beat...

***************************************************************************************************************
It was just beginning to turn to night as I made my way back to my family's house with all of my school stuff. Once again...It was just my feet that had to trace the path back home since no car came to pick me up. I had more or less got to the streets where it was popular for meetups, which I passed by often, but never had enough time in case the door got locked. But since I got out of after school class early, I could finally walk on my own two feet instead of going on my tiptoes. A certain arcade actually caught me eye. Honestly, its been a while since I've been in one. My dad used to take me there a long time ago. Heading inside I saw that it was quite mostly crowded with most of the games being occupied, people laughing, cheering, groaning in defeat yet still in high spirits even if they lost to a game. I couldn't help but smile yet internally sulk at how much everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. And they weren't even my class. Both literally when it came to my school and-

Suddenly, my ears sensed the source of the intense music and I looked over to see a group of people playing Dance Dance Revolution. It was the most crowded and there were already two people playing the game. But it still got me to come over and watch. When I got there, I realized while there were mostly guys playing and most girls were spectating. When I showed up to watch, I was instantly pointed out for still wearing my school shirt and skirt.

"Hey, girl! Why are you still wearing that? It's been hours!" a guy spoke to me. Yeah...a guy! Damnit! Why couldn't it be a girl! I don't know how to talk to guys! Well, its only a question.

"Yeah, it...really has. But I've got enough time to take a small break while I walk home." I said, while looking around the place.

"Listen, babe. I don't think this is your kind of break. Unless you got the feet quick enough to kill the beats. If not, I bet I can give you the break you need."  he replied with a smirk, while making eye contact at my chest.

I may have had a blush, but his expectations of me got me angry than embarrassed.

"You doubt me and think of one thing only? If that's what men are like now then allow me to prove you wrong. Name the song." I challenged.

"Whoa, girl! Hang on...!" another guy spoke as if to either stop me from making a mistake or even he doubted me.

"Don't mean to stop what you're doing, but he's one of the top 10 champions! Maybe you should...take it slow?" one of the girl spectators suggested.

Already making my way over to the dance pad on the second side, I turned towards the bar and faced her and the crowd that began to surround me.

"Thanks for your concern...But I'm through with going slow." I answered, before looking at my challenger, "So...are you going to name your song, or back down?"

"...Alright. But if you lose, don't go crying to me. I prefer you screaming with my name on your lips." he teased, climbing up on the first dance pad and choosing a song. Just to be even more cocky, he picked a harder difficulty.

When the music began to play, the beat was faster than what I listened to in class, but the same pace I privately listened to at home, so I managed to keep up with him. Eventually it extended to why it was classed as hard mode. I was starting to lose myself. Even with the beat and tempo music, I could hear the laughter, the doubts and comments about my bar going down. But during that build up to the bass drop...something within me broke free. The shouting...the mean laughing...the humiliation...everything combined of negativity that hindered me was flung aside in my mind and before I even knew it, I was dancing better than he was. I didn't even need to use the bar anymore! Soon enough everyone one was cheering me on, with a few of the boys looking bewildered that a newcomer, who was a girl, wearing only most of her school was killing this beat better than the one who tried to hit on her!

When the song ended, I ended up winning as well as entering the high score board and everyone in the arcade who went to watch us began cheering me. I was sweating at the end of the song, but it was such a rush that I never got from anywhere before. During the heat of the moment I turned to the loser and made a comeback.

"Looks like I got the break I deserved. But it looks like your pride has just been crushed by my feet!"

The whole crowed went "OHHHHH!" as the guy that challenged me just growled and...began walking away. I...just couldn't help but feel my heart tighten in guilt, but the crowd blocked my way before I could even move to reach him. Did I ruin another life...again? But I didn't give in to the guilt as everyone around me  complimented on my moves and asked how I beaten him, where did I came from, who I was...etc.

"My name...? I'm called-"

I was about to ask, but then I remembered I had to be home soon or my mother...she would literally pin me! Grabbing my stuff, I instantly made my way out to the arcade's exit, but I was stopped by even the manager himself so he could let the group that was originally crowded by the DDR Machine speak to me.

"Hey, Um...Whoever you are. You wanna hang with us next time? We wanna see ya dance again. Because we're honest on that being wicked cool!" a different guy, who looked to be my age at the time offered.

"My first try of something different, and you want to see more of what I can do? I have much to lean than what it seems to you. So...I will be back for more." I answered, resuming back to a little mellow state, but still looking brighter than I had in years as I touched my heart, "Also...I'm not ready to say my name. But you can just refer to me as "B" for now."

After waving goodbye, I hurried out of the arcade, hoping to get back to my family home soon.

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Opening my eyes after the final beat I danced to for the day, I took in a deep breath that was enough as I could with my bindings wrapped around me. I must've been in here for a long while. Taking a shower again, I decided to take a shower, put on my pyjamas and change my bindings before taking my own dirty washing to the laundry room. Opening the door, I stuffed my washing in one of the machines and closed the door. To pass the time I lied down on one of the benches with my headphones still in my ears and played some music while I was getting a drink from the machine as a passed the time.

Unexpectedly, I was greeted by a familiar adorable face of Chihiro, who entered my vision. Not wanting to ignore the little bunny, I removed my headphones to greet...her.

"Hey, Chibi! How are ya doin?!" I asked, still hearing the music from my headphones, but since they were off I could hear her.

"I'm fine. Um...Sorry for disturbing you." Chihiro apologized, thinking she interrupted me.

"Don't sweat it, peep!" I reassured her, while getting up "I was just passing time while my laundry's getting done."

With that response, Chihiro sighed in relief with a cute smile.

"Oh, good. You just seemed to be enjoying yourself, but you got really frantic with your moves, so I couldn't help but worry about you." she explained.

...Damnit, the kid's adorable. Why does she remind me of my little sis before-

No...No, I can't think of that right now! Ever!

"Rizumu? Are you feeling alright...?" I received an ask from Chihiro, noticng my pained expression and grabbing my neck scar.

"Yeah...It's a long story. I'm not comfortable about talkin' about it." I explained.

"Oh...I'm sorry. Should we talk about something else?" she suggested.

Honestly, even though I prefer two or more people to talk to, I found myself actually having a fine conversation with Chihiro. There were a few awkward pauses here and there but other than that, we actually had a fun time. We even had a go at one of the things I got from the MonoMonoMachine. The Pretty Hungry Caterpillar. But after we had a laugh...

*Ding dong, bing bong*

Silencing ourselves, me and Chihiro looked up at the monitor to see Monokuma yet again.

Mm, ahem, this is a school announcement. It is now 10 p.m. As such, it is officially "nighttime". Soon, the doors to the dining hall will be locked, and entry at that point is strictly prohibited. Okay, then...sweet dreams, everyone! Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite...

The monitor then turned itself off and now everything was silent once more. Luckily, my laundry had been finished and I proceeded to drag it out of the washer/dryer, folding it up as well.

"Well...It looks like we have to stay in our rooms until morning." said Chihiro.

"Yeah, but I don't wanna. I know its to keep us safe, but why the hell did Gothlita come up with it! I'd prefer it to be Buzzkill's idea!" I growled in frustration.

"Are you still mad about what Celeste said to you yesterday? Or is it something else you don't want to talk about?" Chihiro questioned.

"I sighed to calm myself down and turned my head to The Ultimate Programmer, "Kinda both," I admitted,"It's just...I gotta grudge against upper class, so her making a rule to me ain't pretty to me..." I explained lightly, while another pause of silence followed, "...You want me to give you a piggyback?"

"Huh?" Chihiro responded in confusion.

"I mean...C'mon! Let's go back to our dorms together!" I corrected, or rather changed the subject.

Since it was next door, we didn't have long to walk to our rooms. I couldn't believe I blurted that out. I mean Chihiro looks small enough to be a child who would like that sort of thing, but...she is a teen like I am. When Chihiro got to her room, I said goodbye to her for the day before heading to mine.

"Hey, Rizumu?" Chihiro called out to me, making me turn around, "I understand if there's something hard for you to talk about. But...If you ever need someone when you're ready, we'll be here to help you."

"...Yeah. We're all still a team in this. And no matter where we stand, we gotta support each other to get through this." I agreed, getting a smile back on my face again, "Thanks, Chibi! I'll see ya in the mornin'!"

Waving the little programmer goodbye, I returned to my room for the night. Compared to yesterday, I felt like this day was much better. We we're still trapped inside by Monokuma and had no luck again in finding out what's going on outside, but I got to spend time with others without all the killing stuff going on.

Maybe things will start looking up to the point of us all being able to bond with each other and work together without hesitation and reluctance. As considered students of Hope's Peak Academy, we can only hope.