Said the spider to the fly...

Status: Alive Affiliated with trialofdesperation (T.O.D.)

[trialofdesperation]

Desperate sobbing (Moko)

Oh god ugh. Ugh. Moko swallowed hard. It was hard to breath over the tears and giant lump in her throat. She had been so unphased by the event until… That was the most terrifying experience in Moko’s life. More terrifying than when that girl from middle school nearly blinded Moko in one eye. At least that event didn’t threaten her life.

Hic. She was shaking, holding onto Kimi for her life, when the announcement came on.

HRk. Hrrk. Could she stand? On wobbly legs, she stood up. Ugh. Ugh her knees were bleeding from when she fell. Gotta go get a bandaid or something and calm the fuck down.

And she was still crying.

"Kii-cha…l-lebs go to da firs a-aii"

That sounded stupid. Slowly she exchanged looks with Yukito and Seki before turning towards Kimi again.

[shslspiders]

Oh my god that was a lot of tears. Kimi continued to hold Moko, really not good with the whole "comforting" thing. She was still in shock over what just happened. If anything, she needed the comforting herself.

When Moko started to talk, the fact that she was actually trying to make words didn't register. It didn't help that she wasn't actually making words...

"...W-what was that...?"

She managed to ask after around 4 or 5 minutes of silently staring at the wall. She was still doing so, of course, just not silently anymore.

[shslspiders]

Moko gives you a (hamburger) french toast.

Is it in the shape of a heart?

"Thank you, Moko..."

After giving a smile, Kimi eats what she can, but finds it very hard when her stomach is basically denying everything. It's been so long since she's had real food...

[trialofdesperation]

Wander (Yukito, Kimi)

[shslequestrianathlete]

Huh. Business-oriented as usual it seemed. Then again, he couldn’t blame her. A party did seem a little frivolous, all things considered.

"I…I agree. I mean, if we can find a motive, we might be that much closer to figuring out who did this, right? And…I don’t know. I guess I want closure. I want this to make sense somehow."

Not that the mind of someone who would do something so awful would make sense, per se.

"Have you gotten any more leads? I admit I haven’t done much yet. I…after the trial I haven’t felt like myself."

He took in a breath and closed his eyes. He didn’t want to think about that. Didn’t want to think about the other night, about his abject failure, about Nana. Fortunately, she brought up something else.

"Um…really? Does that mean I can take it?"

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten a present from someone he wasn’t related to! That was probably because there was a nonzero chance it’d never happened. Not that he was going to admit that.

[shslspiders]

Kimi shrugged, crossing her arms. It seemed like things were falling into place, but when they did, new things came up...

"I want out of here as much as the next person, but I just want to know why at this point. I would be so much more at ease if I knew why someone would do this fucked up shit..."

She muttered some things to herself before continuing.

"I've a few things, but I'm afraid my final answer is behind this here wall. And o' course you can! I'd want you to have it, honestly. It'd just collect dust if it were left with me."

She stood up and trudged the pony plush over to Yukito for him to have, before revealing something to the horse lover...

[trialofdesperation]

Wander (Yukito, Kimi)

A few moments of aimless wandering brought Yukito to the upper floors. While he’d considered going to the party, for now he just wanted some solitude. He couldn’t stand to look at most of them right now. Maybe a few moments to clear his head would make him feel better. Yeah, that was what he needed. He shoved his hands in his pockets, rounding the corner…

And found out he wasn’t the only person who’d decided to (at least temporarily) skip out on the party. A very familiar arachnologist made the horseback rider startle. He tensed, prepared to run. Didn’t she— no. She wouldn’t consider him an enemy now, would he? He’d defended her in the trial, he’d pushed for the mastermind vote, he’d been just as upset as she was when it hadn’t worked. So…he would be safe, right? Kimi had gone so long without giving into a motive, without being a victim. He was about to call out to her when he noticed something at her side.

That was the biggest goddamn plushie he’d ever seen. That had to be at least the size of an actual miniature horse. Maybe even a pony! At first glance he’d thought he was looking at a real horse, but of course he wouldn’t be that lucky (not to mention he’d feel awful for any horse stuck in a place like this— with nowhere to run free, terrible food, and predators everywhere.) He stared at the stuffed horse with a starry-eyed look about him before he realized he should probably pick up his jaw off the ground and acknowledge Kimi.

"…Kimi-san. I guess you aren’t going to be heading to the party either?"

[shslspiders]

Kimi stared at her ID card, specifically at the maps page, and blankly stared at the secret wall. At least, the one by the fitness center. Another one of these, huh...?

She sat there with the items she had gotten from the monomachine, mostly because she had later planned on trying to find who they were supposed to belong to. The way Kimi saw it, they must be items they all probably owned in that year they couldn't remember. That made the most sense at least, right?

...

She lifted her head when her name was called and looked over to the horse lover.

"I've too much on my mind after that last trial... I don't think a party would ease my mind in the slightest..."

She sighed, facing the wall again.

"I...I want a motive. Not the ones from Monobear; a mastermind motive. I wanna know why. This can't be just a thing they put together for the shits and giggles. There's gotta be a motive..."

Kimi stayed quiet for a while, before realizing, hey! There's a stuffed horse next to her. Haha. How could she forget about this giant ass thing that's leaning against her? She should probably do a thing with that.

"Oh, right, I uh...I got this from the lockers. I figured it was probably meant for you?"

[shslspiders]

There's a notecard on Hasumi's bed. You pick it up and take a look at it. It's cut into the shape of a heart? One side reads "YOU'RE INVITED!! I'm having a cookie party in the cafeteria. Coming?" There's no name, but you have an idea who wrote it based on the pink pen ink. The other side has a doodle of the Kimi spider. Reblog the Kimi spider or else you're doomed to mistrial.

Kimi gives a little smile, but tucks the card away. She’d go if she didn’t have other responsibilities… Oh well. Maybe once they’re out of here?

[shslspiders]

[shslspiders]

brings this gem back

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Ah, yes. The yo-yo queen stops yo-yoing to face up towards Moko’s voice, shrugging noncommittally.

"From the convenience store. Did neither of you go in? Everythin’ was wrecked but a shelf of yo-yos."

Doesn’t explain why you took half of them, Keiko, but oh well. She trails them into the library, wishing she could see the books everywhere. She had visited this place before they were locked in, of course. She hadn’t really gotten a chance to read, either, and she had been waiting for it to unlock…but now it didn’t really matter. With a sigh, she swings her yo-yo again, shuffling around and hoping she doesn’t run into a bookshelf.

"Gosh, hopefully we find all these passwords soon. Maybe it’ll be with one a’ them puzzles, y’know? The ones y’get the coins from? What do you think this computer does, anyway? Maybe we could get Asa-kun to hack it?" 

[ultimatetranslator]

LIB.exe… Lib for Library, likely. Maybe the answer could be found within the library? Harrumph. Well, best get looking, she supposed.

"I’m going to look around for out of place books… like if there are any in the wrong spot entirely or something like that. The password might be located within the library itself, right? I doubt Monobear would put locked computers up like this and give us no way to get into them."

Part of what contributed to her high-speed high-energy was excitement and new things. As time passed, her excitement over entering Hope’s Peak had waned a little, causing her to grow somewhat calmer. Of course, she was still one of the fastest-paced people in the school, but hey.

Gravitating naturally to the language section of the library, Moko searched for out of place books and pulled a few from the shelves for her own use. Arabic books, mainly. If that came as any sort of surprise.

Melancholy swept over her for a few moments and she tapped the badge she had given to Abasi during the first week. Moko had taken to wearing it herself alongside her other buttons that decorated her jacket.

Mmm. It seemed so long ago, at that point.

She continued scanning the books when she eventually did come across something of interest.

"… Hey Keiko-chan, do you want me to teach you braille? It’s hardly another language, but you will need someone to teach you. Japanese braille converts hiragana to bumps, so it’s not too difficult."

The translator pulled out a fat book from the shelf. Japanese braille, complete with practice activities.

[shslspiders]

Kimi nodded in agreement, and much like Moko, she gravitated toward her own likable choices of books. Horror. Which was immediately a bad idea when an all too familiar author had crossed her fingers. Kimi took in a sharp breath and pulled her hand to her chest as if it would help the sinking feeling in her chest.

Hasumi... No. No, she couldn't deal with this right now. She couldn't just start bawling again. It was wrong.

Kimi reached up to wipe her eyes. Don't fucking cry you stupid piece of shit. She gave deep inhale, turning around to walk away. She walked to the entrance of the library, looking around. Thank god they were lost in the deep abyss of this place. Kimi had never been so glad to have so much distance between her friends.

"I-I'm going to go check out the Computer Lab."

Before she could get a reply, Kimi scurried off. The computer lab seemed logical, after all. It was a place to look, at the very least, and a place that hopefully wouldn't make her sad...

(And just like that Kimi is out of the thread w2g Kimi)

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

There had to be something quality in the vending machine. Maybe she’d come back later with people who actually had arm muscles. 

"Library? Sure…"

That’s going to be just great. For a moment she considers the fact that maybe there’ll be braille books! But then, she can’t read braille, can she? God, how useless. That aside, she shuffles after the other two quietly, idly swinging one of the yo-yos up and down. 

[ultimatetranslator]

Moko paused, staring at Keiko. Where the heck did those yoyos come from?

"Where the heck did those yoyos come from? Not the vending machine, right?"

Moko ended up taking the lead again in her own way and entered the library. Hm. It pretty much looked entirely the same aside from the computers. The computers were all turned off aside from one, it looked like.

Oh. That was interesting.

"I think we actually found something, this time!! Oh… This is definitely something. A thing. Uhm. I can try to figure it out while you guys look around, if that’s ok. If I’m stumped, Kimi-chan should try. I… don’t think Keiko-chan would be of much use here, unfortunately."

With that, she sat down in front of the computer and stared at it intensely.

[shslspiders]

Oh my god, Moko, do you have like a train of thought or an entire station? It was hard to tell where the heck this girl was trying to be sometimes. At least she wasn't talking a mile a minute anymore. Or at least not around Kimi.

Kimi followed her into the library, more than relieved to find out that it wasn't cleared out like some of the other rooms had been. The computer, however, had the least of Kimi's attention until Moko brought it up. She walked over to observe the blue screen, reading what was on it, mostly for Keiko's sake.

"LIB.EXE not found. Input password? Another one? Really? Does the fuckin' bear just leave coded computers lying around everywhere to tease us?"

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Keiko straightens up after closely feeling the vending machine, shrugging and beginning to gather up her yo-yos. 

"There’s no way I could even help with that. I’m shocked I even knocked it over…I’m really not strong at all. S’why I’m a tactician, not a soldier."

Keiko Akiko’s fun backstory tidbit of the day is here. She trusts the other two pretty well, so she doesn’t really care that she just revealed one of her biggest weaknesses. It’s not like they’re going to try to attack her, or anything.

"Well, anyway. Not worth the risk. If you’re goin’ to first aid, I’ll just get the bear to tell me shit ‘bout this floor. It’s no problem."

She shrugs again, arms now full of yo-yo’s, and shuffles off in the direction of one of the other rooms. See you, third wheel. Whether they follow her or not, she needs to contribute something besides breaking stuff.

[ultimatetranslator]

Moko shook her head and wiped the blood off her cheek, smearing it a bit. Nah, she was fine. It was a small cut and it probably wouldn’t even scar.

"I’m fine, I’d rather explore. It’s Kimi-chan’s turn to pick, right? What would you like to check?"

She kept glancing at the vending machine debris every now and then. She really wanted to check that out, but. Probably better to move on, huh.

The translator stared at her ID for a few more moments. There was a lot to check out. She was crossing her fingers for some clues, this time around.

[shslspiders]

Geez. She wasn't too sure exploring more would be a good idea after all. She just hoped that between the three of them they wouldn't accidentally almost-cripple someone again. Guh.

"The library." Kimi decided immediately. "I really want to see if anything was removed from there or...or if anything new is there..."

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

After skedaddling into the convenience store, and returning with an armful of…yoyos? What the fuck, Keiko. Why do you even need that many yoyos. Anyway, after retrieving her yoyo prize, Keiko is led over to the vending machines somewhat confusedly.

"Huh? Okay! I’ll do m’best, but I’m not all that strong, y’see…"

She drops the yoyos in favor of shoving on the crowbar, feeling something move. Excellent. It’ll be off in no time! She shoves again- only to feel someone grab her arm and yank her away from the machine. With a yelp, she stumbles back, wincing at the sound of a loud crash, and shattering glass. 

"….Dammit."

She stands frozen, looking in horror at the spot of impact. Despite the fact she volunteered to pry it open, Keiko doesn’t want to be crippled again! It had really hurt! She doesn’t need to be any more useless! And what if the bear thinks it was Moko or Kimi, instead? She opens her mouth to accuse herself, obviously- but then Kimi speaks up, and she winces. Oh, god. Kimi can’t be crippled too. Thankfully, the bear seems to fall silent. The coast is clear…?

"J-Jesus. Sorry. I…didn’t think it would…b-break. Uh. Thanks, Kimi-san."

She shudders, thankfully pushing the thought of the giant cat coming back for round 2 out of her mind before crouching to feel around the remains of the vending machine.

[ultimatetranslator]

Shithsitshitshitshitshit Oh god there she blows. A shard of glass shot past the blonde and nicked her right in the face. Yay.

Moko technically broke another object in the school. Good job. Here comes Monobear, immediately blaming her.

Of course, Moko was ready to fess up to it if it meant protecting the others, plus it wasn’t the first time she broke stuff. Haha… That felt like so long ago, in retrospect.

"… Remind me to never try something like that again. Uhm. Should we try lifting it up? There is useful stuff inside, sure, but it wasn’t like we could access it without  money…."

Carefully, she stood up and maneuvered around the glass and put her hands under the vending machine to pull it up.

"Kimi-chan, can you help me get this up?"

[shslspiders]

Kimi relaxed about 8 fold when Monobear left, practically melting into a puddle. She's always so stressed around the dumb bear, but that was way-way-way-way-way-way-waaaaaaay too close for comfort. 

"...I-It's not a problem, Keiko. We can't have anything happening to you again."

She sighed and brushed her hair back, glancing over when Moko started to talk, and immediately pulled her back and away from the vending machine. She seemed far more than just annoyed.

"After a stunt like that? Heeeeeell no! Do you want Akuma to have ammo against us and have us crippled? It's better out of sight and out of mind. At least until we check the other rooms."

She sighed, staring at the blonde's face for a moment. ...Blood. It was a small cut and Kimi knew that it wasn't going to do much, but she should at least point it out.

"...You've got blood on your cheek, Moko. We could get you something from the First Aid for that."

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Don’t hit me, I’ll cry.

Keiko shuffles her feet idly, considering her room choices before shrugging.

"I dunno, there’d probably be the most useful stuff in the convenience store, computers, or vendin’ machines. If you’re gonna be pryin’ ‘em open, though, let me do it, just in case the bear gets mad. Uh…don’t suppose you have anythin’ to pry ‘em open with? I might have somethin’ in my room….”

Yeah, fuck that thing. She shrugs again, placing one hand on the wall and shuffling along until she feels the door to the convenience store. Or, what she hopes is the convenience store. She doesn’t actually go in, though, instead stopping outside and tilting her head.

"Do y’all remember when I broke that wall, and there was somethin’ about talkin’ to the dead? Didn’t you need a password? Has anyone found it yet, or…? Same with anythin’ else in that room. The one on the last floor had a few things…was the computer really all that was in there?"

Looks like someone still doesn’t know about the cat. That aside, she seems to be pretty disgruntled about the whole statement. Had she really blinded herself for something that useless?

[ultimatetranslator]

Is that a challenge, fuckface? :c

Vending machines, hm.

"Nope, I don’t have anything, but I know where I probably CAN find something!!"

And with that, she took a mad dash down the stairs. Where could she possibly be off to?

… It didn’t take long for her to come back, so it was probably somewhere pretty nearby. A look of pride in her eyes, Moko held up a pry bar.

"I thought the wood shop might have one and I was right! You know, for pulling up old planks and stuff. I thought Monobear might leave it around for us to possibly use as a weapon, but I’ll bet he never thought we could use it for other things!! Eat that, mastermind. Would you like to give it a try? I can set you up, Keiko-chan, so all you would have to do is pull."

The blonde grabbed a hold of Keiko’s sleeve, her favorite method of directing people, and went up to the vending machine. From there, she stuck the roundy bit into the door and put Keiko’s hand on the handle, giving a light tug to signify which way to pull.

"Yeah, there was a computer in that room, but no one has found the password yet. I’m not sure where we should be looking, but the computer said some BS like talk to the dead. I wonder if Monobear has some sort of chat bot in there."

[shslspiders]

Kimi waited for Keiko to do the job. She wasn't too considered about breaking into the vending machine, because there wasn't really any rules against stealing. There were rules against breaking things, but they weren't technically breaking it. She stared at the glass, wondering if there's really anything of use. Food, toilet paper, stationary, all that like, sure, but maybe there's going to be a clue stashed in the back. It seemed likely. After all, why else would this vending machine be okay, while the other was knocked over and broken?

However, Kimi got confused when the glass started moving closer. Wait...what? I-- OH. OH SHIT. Kimi immediately grabbed both Moko and Keiko's arms and shoved the both of them with her out of the way. Just in time, too, for the vending machine squealed as it fell forward and slammed against the floor, shattering the glass. SHIT. SHIT... SHIT. SHIT??? SHIT!!!!

[shslhypnotic]

I swear pre-despair headcannons are my life sometimes. Feel free to reblog any you have to add.

Read More

[asavist]

my top headcanon is itami and asa doing dangerous vines, and the only person willing to film it is chouko

[shslscreams]

Video game night also fails because whenever they play Mario Kart some fucker just has to play Rainbow Road and Hiruko throws a fit

[shslspiders]

No one invites Kimi to video game night unless it's not competitive. Ever.

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Rubie please don’t hit me.

Keiko glances down as her ID makes a tinny update sound, ignoring the headmaster’s office- which would obviously be locked- and the fact that she apparently can’t remember where anything is- sunny’s fault- to try and get it to read off the rooms. There’s definitely a library, and she sighs.

"Computer lab…Asa-kun’ll probably be happy, pool…we probably shouldn’t use that so no one drowns…vendin’ machines? I wanna go get somethin’ out of those! And the convenience store, whatever it’s sellin’!"

Keiko, you have like one coin. No, you don’t even have any coins. Solve a puzzle, you nerd.

"….I mean, if you wanna…I’ll just follow around."

She slips her ID away, folding her arms behind her back and standing silently while they test the room. Here she is, SHSL Blind-ass Third Wheel. 

[ultimatetranslator]

Hitting children is against my moral code.

Hmm. Moko watched as Kimi tried the key. They still hadn’t found where those were supposed to be used, huh? Thinking on it, Moko let go of Kimi’s hand and dug through her purse for something.

After a few moments, she pulled out Hasumi’s ID.

"Here. You won’t need me to get in anymore in case there is an emergency, or… Yeah. I guess if you want Hasumi-chan’s bed you can have it, but I was thinking…"

Her face flushed red like a Christmas light. No, she wouldn’t suggest that. As nice as it seemed. They weren’t actually dating yet, right? or… It was hard to tell but cuddles seemed pretty damn comfy.

Moving on. The headmaster’s place was locked, the IDs finally updated, and Keiko listed out their new locations. Nice! There was useful stuff. The library finally opened, and Moko could not WAIT to raid it. Of course, there were other important things, first.

"Ok since I picked this time, what room do you guys want to check? It’s one of your turns. Keiko-chan, you have every right to ask for a room to check, too. If you’d rather just follow, that’s up to you, I guess!"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

[shslspiders]

What moral code? (Ooooooooohhhhh)

Kimi took Hasumi's card and slid it down her shirt. No big deal. She was glad, at least, Moko had gotten to it. She doubted that anyone else would have, but if Moko hadn't brought it up by the end of the day, Kimi would have probably moved the two to Dorm 13.

She listened to the rooms being called out and smiled a bit.

"Well, we can go to the vending machines if Keiko wants, but I don't think we'd be getting anything out of them. Maybe we could pry it open, though. That wouldn't be breaking it, after all."

She nodded slightly. It was worth having a look around at everything. Hell, even the potted plants on the second floor provided some insight! Eurgh. Kimi frowned a bit at that thought. Geez, she really didn't like thinking about Yosu. That was the Actual Worst Thing™.

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

I DONT WANT TO FIGHT IM LIKE 6.

Keiko veritably leaps out of her skin when she hears another voice behind her. Nice one, Keiko, you forgot there were other students in this school. She relaxes once she hears Moko’s voice, but then realizes she’s still holding Kimi’s hand. Shit, aren’t they like, dating? Is she going to get beat up? Hurriedly she unlatches her hand from Kimi’s, holding her arms up in a ‘no offense’ sort of gesture. We’re all cool here. No girlfriend stealing or anything.

"Yep! Wait- this is the library floor? Ah, great! I love libraries, I’ve been waitin’ for this…for…oh. Shit."

Keiko realizes too late that she’s actually blind, and can’t read books. Well, there goes her primary source of enjoyment. She gives a nervous laugh, her face twisting into a look of disgust for a moment before she goes back to grinning.

"H-Headmaster’s office sounds pretty important, though! I mean, like…files and stuff…last I remember, the convenience store had weapons."

She stiffens up, evidently remembering something. After a moment, she reaches down to pull something out of her…boot? Wow. Good storage location. She fiddles it in her hand for a moment before holding it up. A tiny pink can of Mace.

"Weapons like this. It’s where Hiruko-san got her taser, too. That…can’t be any good, if anyone decides to use it."

[ultimatetranslator]

Moko nodded and shot a small look of confusion at Keiko. Why did she react like that, exactly? It wasn’t like Keiko could see her confusion, though. It didn’t seem like something worth vocalizing, though.

"I definitely think we should check the headmaster’s office.  The student files probably aren’t in there because…. you know. But there is bound to be something else important."

Monobear sure was taking his time on those maps… Maybe there was technical difficulties? Hm. It was possible, but not likely…. Unless Asa finally got to hacking the IDs.

"But I thought the weapons came from a store downtown? The convenience store wouldn’t stock weapons, since schools aren’t approving of that and all. But there WAS a lot of other useful stuff! Like batteries, snacks, and the like. It sounds like a good place to go next. The library… I have some books I want to get."

Moko reached for Kimi’s hand and held it in her own, intertwining their fingers. It felt comforting, hopefully that sentiment transferred to Kimi.

Maybe they should head over and jiggle the doorknob a little? Moko took Keiko’s hand, too, and led them both over to the headmaster’s office.

"Kimi-chan, would you like to do the honors?"

[shslspiders]

Chula went quiet because she don't wanna hit a 6-year-old but I'll hecking do it.

Oh. They were going right for the Headmaster's office? Okay, but the convenience store was right-- no? Okay. Okay? Okay. Bye convenience store. See you later.

She reached her hand out to test the headmaster's office and--

Surprise! It's locked. Kimi didn't think that it would've been open, but hey! Worth a shot, right? Regardless, Kimi checked the keyhole to see if it were old or new, moaning in disappointment when it wouldn't match. It didn't even need a key, but rather key card. Did the principal have a key card? Hm. Maybe it would be in the monomachine...? That'd make the most sense.

"Not budgin'. It sucks, but... maybe we'll find headmaster's keycard? It'd probably help us out a lot getting in there."

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Rubie, why D^:

"Yeah….I try my best…or I did, to be optimistic. I dunno. If everyone just works together to find the mastermind, I think we’ll be okay."

She sighs as well, letting Kimi lead her along down the halls. Without being able to see the map, there’s really not a lot she can do.

"Do you think what Takeuchi-kun said was right…? I mean…I dunno, I couldn’t see the clue or anythin’. But…hm. Maybe we’ll find somethin’ else on this floor."

"Huh? A dreamcatcher? Those are the circle-y things with the string and feathers and stuff, right? Ah, how neat! A few people back at school had those over their beds, I always thought they were neat. Thanks a lot, Kimi-san!"

Shockingly, Keiko isn’t mad at Goro at all. It was an accident, after all…not that she’s going to start talking about it. She’ll probably cry, or something.

"Yeah…I guess so. I sorta hope I do. So, anyway! What’s on this floor?"

[ultimatetranslator]

Laughs because Chula will kick both of your asses.

Moko began to stir again out of Hasumi’s bed. It only just then struck her how creepy that probably seemed out of context, and that thought made her chuckle a little bit. Well. She felt bad for leaving Kimi behind in her upset, it was probably best to go find her. Plus, Moko had something to give Kimi.

What even opened up on the new floor? Moko tapped into her ID, but the map wasn’t updated yet. Harrumph. Well. She knew Kimi was probably on the new floor, anyway, so she could at least try to get there.

Maybe the floor was open even if the map wasn’t up-to-date. She pulled herself up and dragged her feet along the floor to get to the elevator. Sure enough, the 6th floor button lit up when she pressed it.

The blonde wiped her face off, considering it was probably still red from all that crying.

The doors slid open and, as expected, there was Kimi. Not quite as expected, Keiko was also around.

"Kimi-chan, Keiko-chan? You guys ok?"

[shslspiders]

FITE ME IRL

Kimi was about to answer Keiko and give the girl her own input about the mastermind suspect at hand until... Kimi paused when she heard the elevator doors open. She didn't turn around just yet, busy wiping down her cheeks to try and get the tear stains to go away. That's when she heard Moko's voice. Oh thank god.

"Y-Yeah. We're just...looking around the new floor."

Best drop the mastermind topic for now, especially if people kept coming up here willy nilly. She'd talk to Moko about it later, for sure, and probably Keiko, too, but somewhere more private.

She turned to Keiko to answer her question now.

"...Well, this was the floor with the convenience store, the headmaster's office, and the swimming pool, so I'd like to check those places first. I'm thinking the convenience store first, since it's closest, then the headmaster's office? There's bound to be something in there. Oh, and the Library, too, while we're there. But I don't know what'll be open until the map updates, but he can just figure it out ourselves if need be."

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

Well, she certainly isn’t going to get punched by Keiko. This is just making up for all the times she wasn’t hugged when she was little. She sits back on her heels, tapping her fingers on her knees idly and continuing to stare at the ground.

"Like I said, you don’t gotta apologize for anythin’. Nothin’ that’s happened has been your fault, yeah? And I’ll appreciate the help!"

She manages a shaky grin. Nice job, champ.

"Ah, uh…well, I mean…that’s all I can do, is try to help people. Uh, you’re welcome, though, yeah. I guess you’re lucky no one listens to me, huh…"

Wow, very smooth. She trails off awkwardly, coughing before continuing.

"Uhm, I should thank you as well! Without your help, I’d be really fuckin’ useless…and I know I’ve been less than optimistic which is probably…really annoyin’, yeah? So thanks for helpin’ me out. And bein’ my friend."

The next question is interesting. Keiko hadn’t actually considered what had happened in the missing year much- only when she learned that the picture of her brother was newer. Then she had wondered how he was doing in school, if she had seen him recently…the normal stuff. She hadn’t, however, considered what the students in her own class would have been like. 

"Yeah! Of course we’d have been friends! I mean, I think we definitely were… it’s interestin’, considerin’ what would have happened. Like… would I’ve been friends with Eve-san, and would I have… liked Hiruko-san. They’re nothin’ like people I’m used to. Same with you, but I think… that we’d have been really good friends, yeah! Ehe, I’ve never heard myself described as ‘precious’ before. Usually it’s just ‘weird’ or ‘short’."

"I’m…scared too. I never really feared death before, and I still don’t think I do now…but it’s not knowin’ what’s going to happen that’s gettin’ to me. Any of you could be killed at a moment’s notice… I could be killed, and I wouldn’t be able to help… but… I’m gonna do whatever I can to make sure you all get out alright.”

That’s a lot of very confusing words, Keiko.

[shslspiders]

Just because Kimi's not going to punch Keiko doesn't mean Rubie can't punch Sunny. Mun showdown, let's fight irl.

Enough with the emotions now, though. Kimi decided she should suck it up. After all, she was there to hear Yukito too, so at least they kind of had an idea of what they were looking for up here. There was actually a few other things that the arachnologist wanted to check out on the other floors. Namely, a certain cat lover that she really never wanted to see ever again, or smell for that matter, but they probably had more clues on them that Kimi previously overlooked, right? It was worth a shot...

"Well, I mean, I don't expect you to be optimistic, but I wouldn't call you annoying. I think it's perfectly logical, but I believe that pessimism will ultimately cause a drain in not only our sanity, but our unison as well. You saw Kaede in the courtroom; it's already started in that respect."

She sighed, taking Keiko's hand so she could guide the blind girl down the hall to see which of these classrooms were open.

"Not that we were ever working as a unit in the first place. Some of us decided to weave webs of our own and now we've got this big...mess. Ugh... I know we'll be out soon, but...

...Speaking of weaving, I made something for you, Keiko. I-I mean, I'll probably have to give it to you later, but... I know how you said a while ago that you weren't sleeping well, so I...made a dreamcatcher for you."

She glanced back when she mentioned Hiruko briefly, feeling really guilty. Was Keiko still mad at Goro about that...?

"...You'll get out with us, Keiko."

[trialofdesperation]

What makes you brave? | Kimi (Open)

[shsltactics-deactivated20241123]

I can’t believe Kimi backflipped through a wall. Haha, just kidding, hopefully. We don’t need anyone else getting crippled, thanks. In the interest of not staring creepily at the emotionally-volatile Kimi, Keiko keeps her face trained on her feet. Not that she would be able to see anyway, but it’s the thought that counts. 

Ah, yes. Another hug. By the time she dies, Keiko is going to be great at these. As it is, she still sort of awkwardly hugs back, evidently unused to so much affection (??). 

"It’s okay to be upset, Kimi-san, you don’t gotta apologize. One of your friends just died. Grief’s a normal thing."

Let’s just leave off the part where it was Keiko who caused said death, shall we? Nice. She sniffles a bit herself, disguising it with a sneeze. Ew, that’s gross, Keiko.

"I was plannin’ on lookin’ around….uh, feelin’ around, but you don’t have to help if you’re not up for it."

[shslspiders]

Kimi let go of Keiko. She really needed to stop all the touchy-feely stuff. One of these days she's gonna get punched instead. Too bad Hiruko's dead.

She tucked her hair behind her ear and wiped some of the stray tears from her cheeks.

"...Still. I'm sorry...about all this. I mean...y'know..."

Wow. Helpful.

"I'm up for it. I was going to do it myself, but..."

Ended up crying like a little bitch instead.

"...Thank you, by the way. For everything, Keiko, really! You know, you've helped me so much and I really have no way I can repay you and...I...I don't know what'd happen if I lost you to this place, too."

Because yes she fucking heard you when you tried getting people to vote yourself, Keiko.

"...And though the circumstances are absurd and...I hate them so much, I still feel like you're one of my best friends here. I'm so...I'm so sorry I...

Wow. I sound really lame right now. Haha..."

She sniffed. Damn it, she was so tempted to use her sleeve as a tissue, but that was be gross. Gosh she's so emotional right now it's a little irritating. She wheezed before continuing.

"Y'think we would've been friends during that... year no one recalls? Ah... actually I... when we were all given introductions on the first day, I totally missed your talent and name because I was busy admiring how precious you were and, well, it... would be funny how things worked out if they weren't so...not."

God damn it, Kimi. Stop talking. Please.

"...I'm scared, Keiko."