[Execution] The Cutting Edge
When they thought about it, they had hardly done anything wrong. It was an accident. Why should they be punished for such a thing? But it seemed like the time for talk had passed. The votes were in.
A rumble thundered through the room as a clamp snatched Nagisa by the neck and dragged them screaming out of the courtroom. Noises of fright and surprise faded to noise as they disappeared into the darkness. Seconds later, a screen proudly mounted to the wall flickered on and showed Nagisa on what seemed to be a stage. Or that’s what it looked like from a layman’s point of view, anyway. It all seemed so fake and cartoony from the trial room. Patches of noise or glitched screen adding to a surreal atmosphere. But for Nagisa?
It was real. All too real.
Surrounded by velvety rich red curtains on each side, they stand on a hard wooden floor. A spotlight has them reeling for a few seconds. It reveals the location of their trusty rapier, something they eagerly stumble towards and grab. Whatever’s going on... at least, with this, they stand a fighting chance. Hungry tremors echo and the walls, curtains, whatever they are, begin to close in on them. Panic begins to bubble up in their throat. Spotlights flick on to reveal opponents, a variety of Monokumas sporting fencing wear. They each take a stance and charge at Nagisa.
The Super High School Fencer has their title for a reason. With expertly choreographed movements, one by one, they best their foes, rapiers and epees sent flying, bodies kicked back. The walls continue to close in on them, but for now, they have power.
The spotlight is always shining, always revealing every move. They can’t make a flaw. They can’t disappoint people. It has to perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. That’s why they can’t afford to lose.
Body after body, fight after fight. They huff as energy begins to leave them but the spotlights seem to switch off. All of his foes have been defeated. The walls that threatened their life thunder to a stop and suddenly... applause fills the arena. Sweat drips from their forehead but they smile. Adulation... and pride. Perhaps this had just been another test. To prove that they are still a worthy and perfect Honami.
But life has never been that kind.
Scraping metal screeches its way into their ears and as they look up it is not curtain they see, but rather, a plethora of blades. All poised, pointed and ready to go.
One gulp.
No time to move.
Swords drop down and skewer Nagisa painfully, their body becoming more and more broken and bloodied. As blood pours from a million wounds, they look out into the nothingness where an audience should be. The clapping hasn’t stopped yet. Their eyes become tired, the pain burning and they almost attempt a bow before falling flat on their face, blood pooling onto the wooden floor.
The curtains slide shut as if nothing ever happened even though anyone can see the blood continue to pour down the stage.