Dangan Equinox

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Nanakuma File #3

Name:  Nozomi Uchida

Time of Death: 8:02PM

Time of Discovery: 9:20PM

Location: Hedge Maze

Cause of Death: Blunt Force Trauma

Nana Notes: Oh deary me… It seems someone really wanted to save Fukuyo-san! I can admire the altruism, but… at the end of the day, murder is murder.

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Sickening Silence || Chapter Three

Though it feels like millennia had passed since Yukie first fell ill, it had only been less than 24 hours. Since the discovery, she was transported back to her room, gaining occasional visitors from time to time. It is now nighttime, everyone wary yet hopeful. Unfortunately, though, it is only a matter of time until this peace passes.

And it appears the time is now.

MASATAKU and YOSUKE have been roaming the maze for quite some time, trying to find their way to the center. Fruitless, they make their way back to the entrance where they find a truly horrible thing. Calling for help, they attract the attention of JUNICHI. It is then that Nanakuma’s voice calls out.

“This should not be a surprise to all of you. A body has been found at the entrance of the Hedge Maze-- do make your way over there as swiftly as possible!”

When the students rush over there, they find…

The body of Nozomi Uchida, SHSL Vocalist.

[ Thank you to Pider and Gwyn for the art this chapter! ]

“Ah, truly how unfortunate… Well, you all don’t need instruction, do you? The trial is in twenty four hours, as always. Good luck!”

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Temptations || Chapter 3

Only two days have passed since the motive began. While some have chosen to brave the paranoia, others have been adamant about avoiding all food. However, when the bell chimes throughout Ke’ano, the first thought that may pop into the students’ minds are: already? “Good afternoon, my children! There is a happening in the kitchen that you all may be interested in… make haste if so!” What could this be?

On the floor of the kitchen, the students find…

Yukie Fukuyo, SHSL Team Manager…

Dead…?

No, for her chest rises and falls ever so slightly with a breath. On the counter beside her, a pink smoothie.

“Silly Fukuyo-san!” Nanakuma says, popping up on the counter. “Even if you liquify a fruit, it is still food, is it not? I thought she of all people would be smarter than this… Ah, well.”

“As you can see, she is not quite dead yet. I can make arrangements to have her brought to her room… but I’m afraid she has little time left.”

“Ah, well. Have a great day, everyone!”

[danganequinox-blog]

Adam and Eve || Chapter 3 Motive

The Summer Sommelier has ended; after dispersing, the leftover food had been cleaned up and everyone had gone to bed. The full stomachs and dreams of butlers satisfied the night, and no one could be prepared for the morning bell.

“Lovely children!” Nanakuma calls all too familiarly. “It is that time once again. Please come to the rooftop to receive the next motive!”

And so, fearful, the students gather on the rooftop once more.

“Tell me, students,” Nanakuma starts when the last student arrives. “Are you all familiar with the namesake for the Garden of Eden?”

“In the story of the Bible, God created two humans, Adam and Eve, who lived in the Garden of Eden. They were granted immortality and all of their greatest desires, with only one rule: never eat an apple off a tree in the Garden.”

“But God’s opposite, the Devil, wanted to destroy all that he created; thus, he tempted Eve to eat the apple. When she did so, God punished them by making them mortal.”

“Haunting story, is it not? Perhaps we should make our own Garden more accurate to the original.”

“Until someone is killed, all of the food in Ke’ano will be poisoned. Not all poisons will be lethal... but none will be pleasant. Good luck, my children. I believe in your resilience.”

[ Chapter 3 Motive: Until someone is killed, all of the food will have varying degrees of poison in them. Not all will be lethal. The poison will disappear and all will be cured once someone is killed. ]

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Summer Sommelier || CH3 Event

It seems like eternities have passed since another classmate has died. Perhaps that’s for the better, as everyone has been enjoying the new Garden of Eden. However, fear is stricken into everyone as the bells chime in the afternoon... What could this be.

“Children!” Nanakuma calls. “Something very lovely is going on in the Teahouse! I urge you all to visit and see what a wonderful event has been prepared for you!” 

Upon arriving at the teahouse, one finds that the entire place has been lavishly decorated with things from the warehouse, along with some of the table settings from that fancy restaurant in the mini-mall.

Along with that, there are two small folding tables set up next to the tea station, decorated to look nice, and absolutely covered in fancy looking desserts – presumably also from the restaurant.

Perhaps most striking, however, are the five students standing inside the teahouse, each dawning a well fitted suit… How dashing! Someone’s even taken the time to style everyone’s hair for them!

Your hosts for the night are: Masataku, Seiran, Takumi, Touma, and Francis, the last of which stands in the middle of the rest with their hands tented in front of them, and a happy smile on their face.

“Bonsoi, mes amies! You’ll have to forgive the rude summons… I never intended for Nanakuma to make this mandatory, but I am glad you are here all the same!”

The veterinarian motions out with both hands, laughing.

“Takkun and I had decided a while ago that we would like to put together a fun little butler cafe for everyone… And I thought it might help cheer everyone up! So, please – let us all have a fun time together!”

With a cheeky wink, Francis flips their bangs further out of their face and puts a hand on their chest.

“And, of course… We are here to serve~”

[danganequinox-blog]

The Garden of Eden || Chapter Three

The next morning, with no announcement, the promised land was delivered. Another part of the fog has cleared, revealing The Garden of Eden. 

What new surprises await the students of Hope’s Peak Academy in this new frontier?

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A Good Day’s Work || Chapter Two

Another classmate dead.

Nanakuma pops up back onto her throne, clapping. She has unbridled joy on her face.

“Ah, another splendid execution! It would have been so much more boring if I had to distribute the milder punishment...” she explains.

“For all your hard work, another area of Ke’ano will be available tomorrow morning! Please look forward to it!”

[danganequinox-blog]

Game of Catch || Chapter 2 Execution

Before any more goodbyes could be exchanged, the all too familiar light of the monitors began to glow, signaling the end. 

“AZUMI AIZAWA has been found guilty. Commencing EXECUTION.”

After being swept away, Azumi finds herself suddenly being tossed ontowhat looks like familiar beach. The hot sun and glittery waters would be a comforting sight if not for what was to come.  Instead of typical beachgoers, the sands and water are all occupied by a bunch of Nanakuma! Confused, Azumi tries to back away from the scene, but a couple of energetic Nanakumas surround her and usher her towards a volleyball net.

Before Azumi can protest, one of the Nanakumas begins the game by tossing a volleyball. But instead of a normal volleyball game, it looks like the Nanakumas are simply tossing the ball back and forth to each other. They begin chanting,

“Hot potato, hot potato, pass it on, pass it on!”

The chanting continues as Azumi also beings tossing the ball back and forth. However, after another minute, the Nanakuma begin to throw the ball harder, faster, and with more urgency. The chanting speeds up and eventually Azumi hears something… ticking?

“Hot potato, hot potato, pass it on, pass it on!”

The Nanakumas’ expressions darken as they sing and chant cheerfully. Azumi is getting tired and notices the ticking sound is getting louder and louder. Right before she catches the ball again she hears,

“ – hot potato pass it on, you … are … it!”

CLICK

[ Thank you to Gwyn and Shan for the execution art this chapter! ]

All of the Nanakumas begin to scramble away and Azumi didn’t have enough time to process what was about to happen. The volleyball, a bomb in disguise, blows up once Azumi catches it and she barely even has a second to realize what was happening. A loud explosion fills the screen and in the aftermath, everyone can still hear the faint quiet laughter of the Nanakumas.

AZUMI AIZAWA, THE SHSL BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYER, HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

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Well, That's The End Of That. || CH II || Takumi || Re: Everyone, I guess?

Takumi, now that things have been confirmed safe for him and he doesn't have to worry about getting injured, feels free to let loose a bit before Azumi gets sent off.

"All of you are pushing so much stuff on the rest of us...Chev excluded, I guess. Can't the rest of you chill out a bit? Pushing your morals onto the rest of us just trying to keep ourselves safe...why should I go that far for a person I never even spoke t —pfwh" The sudden burst of sound from Takumi interrupting himself had come thanks to him looking over at the tally and noticing that someone had put down a vote for him, of all people. He took a second to let it sink in, and then let out a real, decently loud laugh.  "I—I didn't do that, did I? I'm sure I hit the Aizawa button, did someone else do that? Pushing my button just because I didn't wanna stick my neck out for someone who got herself into this....haah..."

He shook his head, swinging idly from side to side while holding onto the podium. 

"Well, too late now. That's the only one I'll ever get. And you know...she's the one sending herself to die...if she wanted to live she would have hidden what she did better. Even without that, she did try to hide it, she was just fine hurting all of us to keep herself safe, I don't wanna feel bad for letting her get hurt keeping myself safe. I think I'm a chill guy, but being called mean stuff for just making sure that fair is fair kinda bothers me."

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wait no || CH2 Trial || Francis || RE: Azumi et all

Well, that's that, huh?

Francis is content in their decision, but they are less than content with what Azumi has to say.

"No -- no, they are not murderers!" They say firmly, putting their hands on their podium as they look at Azumi. "We are living our current lives under constant duress! To call them willing murderers is as bankrupt as calling you one, Aizawa-san!"

They look around the trial room, shaking their head.

"It is more than right to say that none of this is fair... And though I act on my own conscience, I do not, nor does anyone else in this room, have any right to condemn another for acting on their own. Again -- all I ask is that everyone be honest with yourselves about what it is that you are doing, and why you are doing it."

Francis' voice lowers a bit, gaze lowering to the ground.

"I simply do not want anyone to regret the choice they have made... That's all."

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Another Job Well Done || Chapter Two

“I am so incredibly proud of all of you! Once more, you have found the rotten apple in your midst and dispelled of her! Truly, your morality shines through with every moment!”

“Though I am somewhat disappointed to see that some of you voted for yourselves. Murder is a crime, accidental or purposeful. Must I remind you that Aizawa-san has blood on her hands? No matter how much she may wash them, here or in the afterlife, Taro-san’s blood shall remain forever.”

“I’ll leave you all to say your goodbyes now!”

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Final Tally

Azumi - 9

Mari - 1

Junichi - 1

Takumi - 1

Francis - 1

Defaults - 1

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you all disgust me | junichi | ch. 2 trial | re: mana, yosuke, masataku

Mana disagreeing with him came as no surprise-- even if he was a little disappointed after they'd had an actual civil conversation not too long ago-- but Yosuke and Masataku? Maybe he can't fairly be surprised at Yosuke as much since he always creeped Junichi out just a little, but Masataku really does surprise him. Betrayal, justified or not, stabs him in the chest like a knife.

"I ain't callin' her defenseless, I'm sayin' no one feels safe when someone bigger'n they are comes after 'em! She didn't... She couldn't do anythin' else."

That's what he believes with all his heart, and Azumi's desperate outcry only reinforces that belief. He shoots her a quick, sad look, but almost immediately his attention is pulled to Yosuke telling him to get off his high horse. He slams his hands on his stupid podium in frustration, his voice raising.

"You're really gonna stand there and tell me whatever punishment we get's gonna be worse to live with than knowin' we sent her to die?!"

He looks between Yosuke and Masataku, caught somewhere between fury and disgust. Maybe he is oversimplifying this, but for him the choice is clear. He can't believe his classmates would seriously choose their own comfort over someone else's entire life. He doesn't even know what to say anymore. Instead, he seethes, very nearly visibly letting off steam.

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HEWP | Azumi | Trial 2 | RE: big sad

Azumi cried to herself as the others spoke back and forth. If anyone tried to look at her she simply looked away and to the ground. Hearing everyone debate over whether she deserved to live or die made her feel sick inside. 

"I'm sorry!" She wailed out loudly. "I said I'm sorry, okay?! I don't.. I don't want anyone losing an arm or.. or losing both or whatever! B-But.. y-yeah okay, I did k-kill Kyuuichirou-kun.. I didn't m-mean to a-and.."

She wipes a bit of snot away. Gross.

".. and is it wrong for me to not want to d-die? He came at me trying to kill me a-and I d-did what I could.. It's not fair! I.. I don't want to die!"

She's sobbing even louder now.

"You're... You're all murderers, too!" 

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Current Tally

Azumi - 8

Mari - 1

Junichi - 1

Takumi - 1

Francis - 1

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oh god oh fuck | masataku | trial 2 | re: aaaaaa

Back, and forth. To and fro. Everyone began arguing. Did Azumi deserve to die? Of course not. Masataku doesn't think he'd be able to say that she deserved it even if she had done this in cold blood and had no remorse. Condemning someone to their death, even though they didn't even mean to do it in the first place...

At the same time, everyone saying they'll just take whatever this punishment may be. That those suggesting they vote for Azumi were in the wrong, somehow. That they were heartless.

"That's... th-that's not fair. How can anyone know how to react in this situation? Just because the punishment is mild, or... nonlethal, I... there's no way they're going to let you volunteer yourself. So, you're not saying you'll take the punishment - you're making that decision for everyone. Nonlethal is so vague... we're in a game where they want us to kill each other. They'll never let us get away with a slap on the wrist. There's a lot you can live without, but that doesn't mean you'd want to. There are things you could lose that would ruin your ability to ever do your talent, isn't there? And, and... and... Saying we don't deserve to be remembered because we don't want to be hurt when we didn't do anything? Th-that's too far. N-none of us..."

Masataku hesitates, before sighing.

"None of us deserve this...! I think... I mean, you all have a point, but... We can't..."

He looks at Azumi, and finds he can't. He tries to look at someone else and finds he can't do that, either. Masataku pulls off his glasses to wipe away the tears that had already fallen.

Logically, he knows Etsuko and Takumi are 100% correct. The rest of them didn't do anything, so punishing one of them was completely unfair.

But listening to Azumi sob about how she doesn't want to die deafens any sort of logic he can adhere to.

"... I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Azumi-san."

He just wants to go home.

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You Know What I Changed My Mind Fuck You | Yosuke | Trial 2 | Re: Junichi, Mari, Azumi, Etsuko

He felt kind of guilty now that he knew why Azumi had done it. Self-defense, huh...

"Goddammit, why do all the people who get killed have to be murder-bitches..."

It was hard not to agree somewhat with Mari. Fashion choices aside, there was no way Azumi deserved to die. It was a lot of bullshit. He was going to keep his mouth shut, but something about what Junichi says rubs him the wrong way.

"Hey, it's not like there's any way not to screw people over. Maybe get off your high horse about being willing to risk everyone's neck so you can sleep at night." 

Yosuke smiles despite the annoyance in his voice, mostly because of how stupidly fucked up everything is. When he looks at Azumi, however, his expression falls into something like guilt. 

"...sorry."