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Chapter 2-1

Deviation Actions

Published: Jun 5, 2018

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Literature Text

Chapter 2: Trickling Hopes Fade Away

...

It’s a weird feeling, watching someone who you had once considered a friend die.

Well, a “weird feeling” is an understatement.

Memories of the deafening crack that followed Lex’s death… The blinding fire…

It was all…

… No.

Maybe it was all just a dream.

Slowly, Sky opens his eyes to the bright light of his room. He notices his fist is tightly clenched, and when he opens it, Akako’s bracelet springs out.

Sky: …

It wasn't a dream.

Sky: I held onto this all night…?

Sky: … Huh. Weird. And also kinda creepy.

He places the bracelet on top of his drawer, and then there’s a knock on his door. For a moment, he thinks it’s Lex and winces.

Krystal: (through door) Hey! Sky! You doing ok?

Sky: Huh? (blinks and relaxes) Oh… Yeah, I’m good right now. (he goes to open his door) Something wrong?

Krystal: Nothing much, just wanted to make sure you were ok. Everyone else started meeting again for breakfast, so that’s pretty neat.

Sky: Oh. Cool. Guess I should join everyone.

Krystal: Great! Glad you’re doing well.

The two walk to the kitchen. It’s unnaturally silent and solemn, with the sole exception of Chase, who continues grinning.

Tatyana: What exactly is your problem? (to Chase)

Chase: I feel like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders! Lex is dead, and I don’t have to deal with him ever again! Isn’t that great?

Miren: But he’s also dead, and treating Lex as if he were just an obstacle in your life is inhumane.

Chase: And I believe he’s dead, so it doesn’t fucking matter. I can breathe easy here!

Miren: … If that’s what you choose to incorrectly believe. (he takes a sip of his coffee)

Oku: This does pose a question of how we’re going to deal with the aftermath of last night.

Sky: We could move on and forget about it.

Towa: But Laura…

Oku: (loudly, so Laura can hear) What about Laura?

Laura: … (visibly winces)

Laura sits by herself in the corner, hoping to not be noticed. She’s slouched over, unlike her usual self, and it’s clear she didn’t get very much sleep last night.

Tatyana: Right. She’s still here. She really should have been executed. But she got lucky and got away with killing someone. (she audibly sighs) What is it with these stupid rules? Monokuma should be happy with a double execution.

Laura: I-

Chizaki: Perhaps we should be softer on her and more supportive so she can recover?

Tatyana: She killed someone and got no punishment for it. At least in the real world, you get arrested, but she doesn’t even get that here. Why should we even give her the time of day?

Chizaki: (frowns) Because she’s still human.

Laura: …

Chizaki: (turns to Laura) Don’t listen to her.

Miriam: … (she quickly glances at Laura, glances, and turns away)

Noah: … (looks around) Where’s Vincent?

Krystal: He’s not here? Huh. He isn’t.

Oku: He wasn’t exactly feeling the best yesterday.

Towa: He broke down.

Sky: … Is this the part where I suggest that I go check on him?

Chizaki: It would be helpful, yes.

Sky: I(shrugs) Then I’ll go check on him. (he quickly leaves without eating and heads to Vincent’s room)

Sky: (sighs) Guess I’ll hope for the best. (knocks on door) Vincent? It’s me, Sky. I’m perfectly harmless.

Vincent: … Please leave me alone.

Sky: Could you at least open the door? Don’t make me serenade you out of here with an annoyingly catchy tune.

Vincent: I’M FINE! Just- Leave me alone, ok?!

Sky: (shrugs) Alright. (he heads back)

…

Rita: So how’s Vincent?

Sky: He’s not dead, at least.

Chizaki: You didn’t check on him?

Sky: (shrugs for like, the eighth time that hour) He said he wanted to be left alone, so I left him alone. But he responded.

Miren: But what if he does something drastic in his room?

Tatyana: No one would want to enter his room.

Miren: It wouldn’t have to be something inflicted onto others.

Lee: You don’t mean…?

Miriam: … (shifts her eyes at Laura again quickly)

Miren: We could give him support. That’s what people need the most in times like these.

Sky: (rolls eyes) Or you could leave him alone, like he said.

Chase: Man, what’s up with you? Ever since LEX died, you seem really grumpy. (he says Lex with obnoxiously loud emphasis)

Sky: (grits teeth) Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.

Chase: No, no! I get it! Must be tough to find out someone you trusted is actually a murderer and lied to you and your classmates about being a murderer, I totally get ya on that.

Sky: I told you. Nothing. Is. Wrong. So stop talking.

Chase: Well clearly something is. Were you really that affected by Lex that much? (he says this out of cruelty rather than curiosity)

Miren: (sighs) This again. (gestures to Karen) May I sit here?

Karen: (looks up) Huh? Sure. Whatever. Just don’t bother me. (she goes back to writing)

Krystal: Duuuude. Chill. What’s your problem?

Chase: I’m just being honest, y’know. At least you know I”M an asshole. Why try to change and pretend you’re something you aren’t?

Tanner: Common courtesy, perhaps?

Chase: This isn’t the time for “common courtesy”, it’s a fucking killing game. We can’t trust each other here or we’ll get killed. Might as well act the part. (he sticks his tongue out)

Tanner: How childish.

Rita: Maybe if we ignore him he’ll go away…?

Chase: Go away? I’m not going away anytime soon, sweetheart.

Rita: … Ew.

Tatyana: Yes, but by your own logic, we could just kill you off. We could sacrifice you and no one would cry over your death.

Chase: Love how the first thing you suggest is killing every time we have a problem. Totally makes you not suspicious whenever someone dies.

Tatyana: Well, as you said, it’s a killing game. No point in trusting one another, I assume? Not that I ever did in the first place.

Chase: Ouch. Well, regardless of what you think, I know I’m in the right. Who cares about lies and pretending? Might as well just be the asshole you’re supposed to be in this killing game.

Noah: It would be less… Insufferable on our part… Um, just saying.

Chase: Well, I’m here all day. And there’s nothing you can do about it.

Sky: Actually, there is. I’m gonna go check on Vincent again and avoid you. (waves fingers) Byyyye.

Chizaki: But you didn’t eat anything!

Sky: Not hungry.

Miriam: (quickly stands up) I’ll go with ya! Y’know, make sure no one tries to pull anything! So you’re safe!

Sky: Eh. Sure.

Miriam runs up to Sky and the two leave the kitchen. They hear Chase call after them “COWARD”, and then a loud thud and Chase’s screams of pain quickly follow

Miriam: Heh. That’s funny.

Sky: … (says nothing in response)

Miriam: Ouch, ok, tough crowd. Hopefully Vincent laughs. And preferably doesn’t kill me too.

Sky: Yeah. (he knocks on Vincent’s door again) Hey. It’s me, Sky, again.

Miriam: And me! Miriam!

Vincent: Again?

Sky: Yes, again. Still not here to kill you, but I’m not leaving either. So open up.

Vincent: And why should I listen to what you say?

Sky: Because I don’t want you doing anything drastic.

Vincent: So you’re- You’re just gonna monitor me like I’m some kinda baby?!

Sky: (increasingly irritated) Yes, actually! Because we don’t need another death on our hands because someone couldn’t keep a knife in their pants!

Miriam: Haha! Good one! (quietly) … what does that mean

Sky: So this is serious. Besides, I don’t want to spend any more time around fucking Chase of all people, so open up already!

Vincent: …

Sky: …

This would be more tense if they were staring at each other, and not at a door.

Miriam: (quietly) Are you ok?

Sky: (sharply) I’m FINE.

Vincent: … Fine. (there’s a click, and Vincent opens his door. It looks like he didn’t sleep all that great, because his hair’s a mess and there’s a large scowl on his face, uncharacteristic of the Vincent they knew before)

Sky: Thank you. Now if you excuse me- (he and Miriam enter his room)

Vincent: (slams the door behind him) So what did you want?

Sky: Nothing, really. Just wanted to make sure you were ok.

Vincent: Well I am, obviously. If that was it, then you can go.

Sky: (flatly) Hell to the no, honey bun.

Miriam: Well… We’re friends here, ya know! No need to be hostile. And there’s always that convenient window out there to jump out if things go south, but I’m sure we won’t get to that point! Let’s just relax! (she laughs nervously)

Vincent: The situation doesn’t exactly call for that. I tried relaxing, but clearly even relaxing is too fucking much for this killing game!

Sky: Tell me about it. It’s way too stressful, and it’s barely been a week.

Vincent: I really don’t want to have to witness another execution… Bodies, I’m fine with. I’m a forensic scientist, whatever. I deal with them all the time. But watching them get killed right in front of my eyes… (he shuts his eyes tightly and graps at his hair) AGH, I DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT! All the screaming…
The arguing… And the fire… It just… All..

Sky: The fire… The sound of those walls crashing...

Vincent: I-It was s-so much… (tears begin to well up in his eyes) I-I don’t want to go through that again…

Sky: … (his expression softens a little)

Miriam: Now I feel really awkward…

Sky: You were the one who- (he stops) Yeah. (he turns to Vincent) I don’t want you doing anything drastic… Because I don’t want to go through yesterday again either. We’re on the same boat here. … You’re not alone.

Vincent: I just… (he sniffs a little and wipes away his tears) I should be the responsible and serious one when it comes to death, but I couldn’t even keep my cool for one day and… Look at me now. (he sniffs some more)

Sky: It’s ok, it’s ok. (he pats Vincent’s shoulder) People just died. And you had to watch. It's ok. You’re not alone. You have people ready to support you. Chizaki, Krystal, even me. And that’s just the three of us.

Miriam: What about me? I care!

Sky: (ignores Miriam) You don’t have to be composed all the time. We’re in a killing game, for fuck’s sake, things are gonna get stressful. But we can’t have you screaming every time this happens either, or else we’re all gonna get really concerned. Again, we’re CONCERNED for you and that you might do something dangerous. So I’m just gonna nip that at the bud right now and give you the support you need before you try to pull anything.

Vincent: E-Eh? I wasn’t-

Sky: Yes you were. I’m not stupid. You could use half of the things in your room to harm yourself. You could break the mirror and use the glass shards to- (he shudders) I’ll stop.

Vincent: Please.

Miriam: You’ve certainly taken a 180, Sky.

Sky: (frowns) You do 180s every 5 minutes, Miriam. I’m just trying to help so we don’t have another fucking death and class trial on our hands.

Vincent: (blows nose) Um… Thanks, anyways.

Sky: No problem.

Vincent: I think I still need some time to myself… But I wouldn’t mind spending so more time with you. You have a calming fee to yourself. Besides, I haven’t eaten today yet, and, uh… I probably should.

Sky: I skipped breakfast anyways, so that’s convenient.

Miriam: And I’m always hungry for seconds!

Sky: Uh-huh.

Miriam: At least acknowledge me a little more!

Sky: Breakfast should be over by now, so most people should’ve already left, so you don't have to worry about being questioned.

Vincent: That’s good at least. I really don’t want people to make everything a big deal about me.

Sky: I get that, but remember, you’re not alone. Gimme a hug. (he pulls Vincent into a big hug)

Vincent: … (quietly) Thanks.

Sky: (Internally) This went a lot smoother than I expected it to… Glad Vincent wasn’t completely lost.

Miriam: Don’t I get a hug too?

Sky: (his expression hardens again) No.

Miriam: Ouch. What was the point of me tagging along anyways then?

Sky: Good question.

Vincent: … Let’s grab some food.

Sky: Yeah.

Sky: (Internally) God dammit I really hope no one’s in the kitchen that’ll just make things really awkward they better all be gone-

Everyone is gone. Except Chase.

Sky: (Internally) God dammit.

Sky: You know on second thought I’m not hungry. Let’s go back. (he sharply turns around)

Vincent: Eh?

Chase: (eyes light up) Oh? There you are! So good to see you two! Who knew hooking up with someone else would be the way to rebound from your first dead boyfriend.

Sky: … (side-eyes him)

Miriam: Hey! Leave them alone! Don’t go sticking your nose into other people’s business?

Chase: (blinks innocently) What? But then… (fake pouts) How am I gonna trust you guys if I don’t know what’s going?

Sky: (grumbles) Maybe shutting your stupid fucking mouth for once would help.

Vincent: (sighs) I just-

Miriam: Hey, Sky skipped breakfast cuz of ya and Vincent hasn’t eaten all day! Give ‘em a break and just let them eat in peace! Scram!

Chase: Aw, how cute, they’ve got a little bodyguard. But you do have a point, it’s rude to intrude. (he shrugs) Guess that means you gotta go too, Miriam. Making out is some grown up kid stuff, y’know!

Miriam: You’re no younger than I am! We’re all in the same class, except we don’t want you here!

Vincent: (clenches fists) We are NOT-

Sky: (puts his arm over Vincent’s chest) Chill. Deep breaths.

Vincent: … (shaking)

Sky: Y’know what? Fuck this. I’m not even hungry. Let’s just go to Lee’s shop and grab some snacks or something. At least there’s a healthy lack of gaping assholes there. (he briskly heads off from the kitchen)

Miriam: … (glares at Chase and turns to follow Sky and Vincent)

Chase: (grins even more) I’m here all day! Can’t get rid of me that easily.

…

Sky: (groans) God, I’m sorry about that, Vincent. I know the last thing you needed right now was more of… That.

Vincent: (takes a deep breath) … It’s fine. Thanks for holding me back back then.

Miriam: And you’re welcome for sticking up for you two! What would’ve you done without me?

Sky: Uh-huh.

Miriam: Geez, it’s so obvious that you like Vincent way more than me. What’s your deal?

Sky: It’s not really my deal, but what YOU did, Miriam. But for the sake of everyone’s sanity here, I’ll leave things unsaid. (he quickly glares and Miriam then turns back to Vincent)

Miriam: … Wow. I just exposed the truth, didn’t I?

Sky says nothing to that.

Vincent: … You don’t gotta baby me, you know. I’m not stupid.

Sky: I know you aren’t, I’m just trying to look out for you.

Vincent: Eh, but still. I know what you were referring to about Miriam. So, uh, you can say it if you want. Don’t wanna be a burden or anything.

Sky: (Internally) Then maybe- You know what, I’ll address Miriam first.

Sky: (pointed tone) Miriam, don’t you think there was a better way to address what Laura did?

Miriam: … Like what?

Sky: Maybe not calling her out after we just watched someone we thought we cared about die? Just a suggestion.

Miriam: Huh? Ohhh, yeah, you’re totally right. Sorry. I should’ve been more mindful of that, like you said.

Sky: … I’m going to doubt that you meant what you just said.

Miriam: Well, people had to know, right? And now we know who killed Akako!

Sky: Right, because that was totally worth the scene you caused and everyone it affected.

Vincent: … How did you know?

Miriam: I really didn’t. I guessed and assumed it was Laura. It couldn’t have been anyone else but her, because it wasn’t me.

Vincent: Huh. Well, I didn’t really appreciate what you did. I don't think anyone did at all. It was an incredibly stressful moment that I couldn’t handle properly at the time, and it could’ve easily been avoided.

Miriam: … (looks down) Oh. Sorry.

Sky: Whatever. We’re here now. (the three enter the shop, and a ding echoes through the store)

Lee: (eyes light up) Yo! Welcome to Snickerdoodle’s snack shack. You bring the snickers, we bring the snacks. (she scans the unhappy faces of the three) … Or we just bring the snacks. Cool. We do have a deal on surfboards today, because I’m getting sick of looking at those things! Use it to whack someone in the head or somethin’.

Sky: Could you not?

Lee: … Oh. Sorry. My bad.

Sky: It’s fine, I’m just here to grab some snacks. Vincent hasn’t eaten today, and I skipped breakfast.

Lee: Oh! Then I can get you whatever you need, on the house! I can make a deal for you. (she winks)

Sky: Sure. Thanks.

Lee: Not even a grin?

Sky: (sighs) I’m really not in the mood right now.

Lee: Dude, you ok? Something wrong?

Sky: There’s a lot wrong right now, Lee.

Lee: I mean, I’m here for you, you know.

Sky: Are you really though? Or are you just gonna die like everyone else here?

Lee: (blinks) Uh… Excusez-moi?

Sky: Lemme guess, you’ll suck up to me like everyone else here because you think I’m pretty and hot and drop hints that you’d want to go out, only to just go and kill someone all over again and put me through HELL!

Lee: Wait, what?! Sky, do you need to-

Sky: NO! I don’t need anything from you! ANY OF YOU! God, fuck this. Just get whatever you want, Vincent, I really am not in the mood for anyone to be sucking up to me in this type of situation, MIRIAM.

Miriam: …! (she visibly recoils)

Sky angrily storms out of the store, leaving the others behind. Vincent watches Sky leave, only to leave himself. Neither grabbed anything to eat.

Lee: (left alone) … Was is it something I said?

Sky immediately heads back to the hotel and into his room, locking the door behind him. It wasn’t even noon and Sky was in no mood to even leave his room anymore.

Sky: … (he collapses onto his bed and stares at the ceiling) …

Sky: …

Sky: I was probably being harsh on everyone, yeah.

Sky: I wanted to help but…

He sighs.

Sky: ... God dammit. Stupid fucking...

He rolls over on his side and lays there, quietly, as the rest of the day passes.

As he lay there, he remembered what it was like to truly be alone.

…

When Sky opens his eyes again, his room is still bright. But when he looks at the clock, it reads 2:30 AM.

Sky: … Holy. I was asleep for this long?

His stomach grumbles.

Sky: … Fuck. I didn’t eat anything all day.

Lazily, he decides to get up and head to the kitchen. The rest of the hotel was dark, so it took a bit to make his way to the kitchen. … Only for it to be blocked off.

Sky: … Huh? This wall wasn’t here before…

Sky: I could go to Lee’s shop instead… But ugh, it’s so far away. Besides, I’m pretty sure she locks it when she leaves.

Sky: …

Sky: (sighs half-heartedly) Back to bed I go.

He stared at the ceiling for a while. He didn’t know why the kitchen was blocked off, which kept him up for a bit. That, and he had trouble falling back asleep after sleeping for so long.

But slowly, he did.