Make It Better | Saki | Endgame Reaction

Saki couldn't hold it in as he was pulled away from her. She quickly reached out for him but her hands grabbed for air. She froze as she gripped nothing and could only look on. She felt her whole body shake, as tears welled up.

She couldn't save him. She knew she never would. She knew he was going to go and now she just had to leave. She was expected to just leave him behind to save herself.

As Daisy spoke, Saki didn't move. She felt her legs shake, and her balance went as she collapsed to the ground. She felt her gaze drop and stare at the ground. She heard words, but didn't understand. She swallowed. She had to get her stuff. Her hand slowly grabbed hold of her locket and opened it gently.

She finally got to her feet, unstable and clumsy, but she disappeared back to the rooms. She gripped her arms as she stared around it, and stared at Ryou's side of the room and the makeshift bed still on the floor... So quickly, she lost both the people she loved.

Staring at the painting that was resting on her bed, she picked it up, before grabbing the letters she wrote with her brother and the letter that Takumi left.

She hesitated for a second before grabbing the violin. She put it all away along with some clothes and heading out her room.

She knew what she had to do. She had to have been one of the last people to get back, but she quickly stood in front of the door to stop the others from leaving for a second.

She slowly gripped the painting in her hands and slowly held it up in front of her. She swallowed a little and stared at the others.

She... sounded more hopeful than she had in a long time.

She looked at them and held the painting in one hand. She stared at her other hand and slowly held it out.

And That’s A Wrap!

Reaching up to rub her forehead, Daisy casts her eyes to the floor.

For a moment, it looks like Daisy might be shaking, but if she is, she manages to still herself, looking back up at the rest of you- about half of how many you started with. Yoonji seems to understand what needs to be done, and steps in just past Daisy, pulling a ring of keys from her shirt and working at the door. It’s rusted, but she seems to be getting everything unlocked just fine. As she works on that, Daisy has collected herself enough to keep speaking, and a weak smile creeps onto her face.

It’s been several horrible weeks. You’ve made friends just to lose them, and you don’t have any recollection of your last year, if Daisy is to be believed. After everything that’s happened, it would have been reasonable for you to all just give up.

But the fact is… You did not. None of you gave up, and that’s why you’re still here.

The outside world is going to be a chaotic mess, and you don’t understand everything that’s going to happen to you now. It’s not really clear to anyone- not even the women who had a hand in trapping you here.

But as the door swings open, Daisy barks commands for you to run to a certain spot, and you feel the sun on your skin for the first time in ages…

You realize that not knowing feels strangely hopeful.

STUDENT VICTORY!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Unexpected Evacuations

Whether you chose to follow Daisy's instructions and go with another, or if you leave alone, you head up to your rooms. The doors are flung wide open, and there's a small hiking backpack left on the bed of each living student- probably from Daisy or Yoonji. Looking at how few of you are left, there are rooms filled with possessions that will left here forever, and the thought might cause some confusing emotions in your heart.

No matter what your opinion on Ryou was, his execution has left you with mixed feelings. Was that choice the final piece in the puzzle of lies he'd created? Or was it proof that his redemption was real? Did he care about you, and was just too far in to stop what he'd done? Or was he bitter to the end?

... There's a lot of questions, but you don't have a single answer. Maybe you never will. Ryou Shinjitsu's (or Takumi Miyake's) death will be just as difficult to understand as his life was.

You keep packing.

---------

Perhaps you had to make hard decisions with what you were going to bring along with you, or perhaps you only had a few items to stuff into your bag. Regardless, you try to recall where Daisy wanted you to go as you wander down. You don't see any of the people she warned you about- maybe they fled the building themselves. That's a comforting thought, especially as you swear that there's movement beyond every dark corner.

Just as she assured you, Daisy is there, Yoonji in tow. Daisy herself is pacing back and forth, mumbling under her breath and repeatedly taking off her own pack (hers seems to have quite a bit more than what you were allowed to take) to check inside. She’s just finishing quadruple checking when the last person finally arrives at the scene. Standing up and swinging it onto her back with some uncomfortable grunts, she looks over all of you.

Daisy’s smile falters as she reaches the end.

Grand Re-Entrance

Due to the execution, the screen where Daisy and Yoonji once sat is no longer focused on them, and doesn't turn back on once Ryou's last moments draw to a close. They must have been released, however, as the previously locked door to the courtroom swings open, two very dishevelled women stumble in. After both take a moment to catch their breaths, Daisy turns to Yoonji, telling her something in rushed English. Groaning but nodding, Yoonji turns on her heels and hurries back up the stairs, leaving the room of you with just Daisy.

There’s a long pause as something clicks in Daisy’s mind.

And with that, Daisy turns, running up the stairs in a rush of pink. Her bare feet make no sound padding up the stairs.

Final Stand

Ryou’s heart froze when he heard Saki weep and moan for him not to die. He wanted to put in a vote of his own, something to change the tides… From what he’s seen, this is a tie… Was that for the better? Never… From the bottom of his heart, Ryou felt betrayal, but after that, he knew that it was justified. What he did, he can’t make up for it. They’re not going to let him. He reaches up and wipes Saki’s tears with his thumbs as he smiles down at her.

“Yuzuki… you were always so kind… I never deserved you. If there was one thing I learned, these people are good people.” He pried her off him, gently, patting her shoulder and kissing her one last time. “All of them.. I was in the wrong. Now it’s time for me to pay.”  

He began to step back, further from her, keeping his distance. His chest heaved with what he was ready to confess. Ryou Shinjitsu found that they were going to kill him, and he was going to be celebrated in death. A scowl crossed his face.

“I try and try to plead with you all, and I wish to prove my innocence. But it’s useless with you. Brutal, all of you. But I don’t blame you, brutality is what’s required out there. You’ll survive… But you know what else will survive? Anarchy.” He followed the podiums, a look of despair crossing his face while he made his way to his own podium. Wait, why?

“My ideals were to create a fairer world. A world where the royals, nobles, the unwanted rulers of society step down while we create a free world. Though my methods were deemed unjust, my Reality rang true… My followers had a taste of a freedom they’ll never soon forget. In the blood of the innocents, I have brought out a new age that will spread throughout our country-- And maybe even our world. Reality will come back. A child who has seen cruelty first-hand, murder, mayhem, and the corruption of our world, and they will don my mask and we will see this happen again. I promise you that.”

His chest shook as he pressed in his own vote.

Ryou Shinitsu has voted for Ryou Shinjitsu as the Mastermind.

“... I pray that you believe me when I say… I’m sorry.”

A sly smile spread across his face, a look of nervous despair plastered on his face as he ran back towards the center..

“ Let’s get this show on the road!!”

RYOU SHINJITSU HAS BEEN VOTED THE MASTERMIND

COMMENCING PUNISHMENT

MONUMENTAL PUNISHMENT

Chains emerged from the darkness, gripping at his ankles and finally dragging the mastermind away for his final punishment. He clawed at the ground, desperately fighting, but eventually coming to a despairing stop, letting his body be dragged back against a tall brick wall. The bricks laid out graffitied and defaced horrid names to describe him: Liar! Monster! Reality was Wrong.

A nervous smile crossed the young man's face as he struggled to stand up against the chains around his ankles. Links rattled against one another as shadowy figures emerged all around him. They jerked and twitched, once the light fell on them they revealed to be simple machinations. Their rusted metal grinded on one another as their puppet-stringed bodies approached him. Ryou was finally going to get what he deserved.

Their hands reached for him, pulling at his hair, his face, his clothes. They grasped and pinched him, tearing away at him, destroying the face that led an entire nation. The mannequins held him up above the others, straining the links and keeping him in one place as they continued. His clothes tore, their metal claws also tearing into his skin. And all the while, only the nervous cackling can be heard from Ryou.

He jerked and fought against the chains, desperately clawed at the defacers for freedom, but he got none. They pushed him against the brick wall, plastering him there, the symbol of everything that was wrong with anarchy. There he stood, against the soft brick, bleeding, his face and body torn up, his clothes bearing large tears and gaps in the fabric. Is that all they got? Are they going to gut him now? His violet eyes sparkled as he continued to laugh at the mindless machines. Everything hurt, and he could barely bring himself to speak.

But it was not over.

Below the Riot Leader sat coals and firewood, all gnarled at his chained feet. His eyes widened in horror as the machines poured a thick, warm liquid over him. He couldn't cry out, nor could he have fought back. The crumpled boy that was once Ryou Shinjitsu has become a symbol of everything he's ever wanted. Hatred, Anarchy. It was finally time for him to get what he deserved. The bodies crowded around him, continuing their onslaught. All that could be seen from their mob was a beautiful blazing light. The monument defaced, damaged, and finally destroyed.

RYOU SHINJITSU, SUPER HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL ORATOR RIOT LEADER, HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

Final Words | Saki | Re: Ryou

She hated this. This choice. The idea of losing Ryou… She hated it all. Ryou had knelt to the floor, giving Saki nothing to keep her standing, and her balance wavered, till she fell herself. She stared at Ryou in front of her, in silence for a moment before gently holding onto his hands. She stared at him, hoping he’d look up, and gently used one of her hands to lift his face. She could feel the tears in her eyes. They were overwhelming.

She was just a broken girl. She was a broken girl who fell in love with two bad people, and now she’s paying for it. She was desperate, even though she knew it was selfish. She just wanted to keep what she had.

Holding onto Ryou tighter, her eyes glanced over his face and his expression. No. He might die. Don't let tears be the last thing he sees. She felt herself take a deep breath. It was forced... but she was trying.

Her kiss to him was brief, before she hugged him tightly, and began petting his hair softly. She seemed to be speaking softer words that only Ryou could hear. She seemed to be trying to comfort him. If she couldn't save him... then comforting him in his last moments would be her action.

Reverb, Resound and Repeat || Manabu || [RE. Iwao, Ryou]

Time was getting far to uncomfortably close to the deadline, far to close. No he didn't feel comfortable holding off his vote any longer. Was he anxious? To every length one can get anxious in. His hands were shaking a bit even, he had to just... Make a decision. Yes, that was what he would have to do. 

At least Iwao had voiced the question, but the answer... Didn't seem to be coming right now. Oh well, there was a situation now that needed to be handled anyways. 

Ryou finally spoke up though, Manabu kept his gaze away from the guy but considering that he was now actually standing closer to him he didn't have a problem hearing it- not that he really would have though. It gave him pause but.

Guess they would have to work with what happens.

As horrible as he felt for thinking like that. 

He scribbles down an apology, really in advance if anything, and walks back to his podium. 

With that he punches in his vote, there wasn't in the end much that would have changed his mind of actually voting this way of course. 

What was he going to find out? Well, that's why he wrote out an apology. He felt responsible now too, and writing anything up in a heated moment wasn't going to help anything or anyone. If something bad happens because of a tie... 

Well at least he ended up voting the way that he would have preferred it. He manages to look calm about this, not that his thoughts were anything of the sorts. 

One Final Call || Ryou MM Trial Post 3

They were right. Daisy was right. Ryou let go of Saki and kneeled on the floor before them. His eyes followed something no one else could see, as if he were reading something. Plans, ideas, words to call forth. He didn't look up at those so angry with him, he didn't look at the seemingly one person who would defend him. 

Did he hurt her? He genuinely loved Saki... But someone had called her stupid for not wanting to lose him. Her.. love, if she ever had it, had become desperation. Ryou couldn't blame her. He was in the same boat, wanting to change what he had done but everyone thinks of him as some cruel monster. They weren't wrong to think so. No one was wrong in thinking Ryou had done so many cruel things. But can people not see that want to change and believe it? 

His lips quivered as he struggled for the first time to find words that didn't sound like lies. Complete truth. Honest truth... right? His brother taught him that the truth is what will set you free. Honesty with overcome any darkness. Reality and Truth will become one. Shinjitsu. Ryou. Truth and fidelity. Wasn't that what he wanted to be? What happened to truly wanting a good wold for these people, only for it to be destroyed by his chaotic drive for anarchy? Holding out his hands, he slowly pulled off his gloves, and slid his jacket off. He sat on the floor of the trial room with open hands, rough from working hard for many years.

Ryou lost himself in the pursuit of power.. but what made him worthy of life? Shaking his head slowly, he had finally come to his senses enough to confess. 

Ryou sat back and raised his eyes to look into that darkness, into the camera. 

He looked up, and saw people voting, and felt his heart freeze up. They were going to kill him. He was going to die without saying sorry, without fixing what he's done.. Without stopping the riots. Without stopping everything and releasing them. This is fine. More than fine. He deserves it! 

Ryou thought to himself over and over again about the inevitability. Of how he had become a monster, and now it was time to be executed for his crimes. A smile crossed his face, a desperate one, desperate to smile in the faces of those who hated him. 

Ryou raised to his feet, newfound energy in himself. 

He nodded his head and crossed his arms. 

And finally, as Ryou accepted that his demise was coming soon, and coming fast, tears began to pour down his face. The anger had subsided only in the way of pain and guilt. It's not like they'd ever believe him, not like he could make up for what he did.

Peat and Repeat || Endgame || Iwao || RE: Manabu, ATTN: Everyone

Well, at least it seems like people are voting and progress is being made. Even if, in Iwao's personal opinion, everyone's voting for the wrong person- but hey, at this point he'll take it. His want for the trial to be over with is clouding any concern he has for the outcome.

Manabu shows him his notebook, though, which brings up a real question.

"Hey hey, what happens if we tie?? Because, uh, yeah."

He repeats it and signs it for Sahar (which he has been trying to do for most statements made), acting as Manabu's blond little megaphone. This job is perfect for him.

But analyzing the situation, it seems like Manabu could either vote for a tie or for, well. . . Ryou dying. So depending on the tie outcome, he might not even want to bother.

Beyond thousands of stars || Manabu || [Re. Voting, ATTN: Whoever can see this note]

The push to vote was happening, Manabu quickly realized that he was one of the last people to vote. Still standing over by Iwao he realized he would have to go back over to actually cast that vote. He was hesitant, if only because of the yelling that had already happened.

He had been trying to keep track of who was voting for who. Not that he had been very successful though. The frustration in dealing with this- trying to deal though not being able to contribute to this mess of a trial and to this mess of a topic. Figuring your way through this kind of situation must be hell he figured, he sincerely hoped that he would learn to handle this much better in the future.

But this wasn't the future, they were picking that right now weren't they?

Well they were picking something, something rather important. Manabu's gaze had fallen somewhat to the floor. He was trying to think of what he was supposed to do here. There was so much he wanted to try but he had to filter it all down to what was the most important.

Writing takes time, time that he wasn't sure that they had a lot of anymore. 

He did a quick count of who he could remember, it was coming... Amazingly close. A thought did cross his mind, unsure if it was more hesitation or actual confusion that it was worrying him though. 

With that though, he takes his hand back and quickly writes up a note. Upon finishing he flips it by Iwao for a moment before actually showing it to the class.

The handwriting was clearly rushed, but it was legible even at a distance. 

The question wasn't really to get an immediate answer, no he accepted that it wouldn't end the most gracefully- but it was aimed to get someone to question that aloud and start that discussion. Something, anything. That was what he was aiming for. 

If he was the last person to vote he wanted to at least... Try to be as careful as he could with this. After all: this was an important decision right? This was someone's life on the line and we didn't know if either of them was lying or telling the truth. They could only really guess. He certainly wasn't up for guessing, having only been half paying attention in sheer shock and trying to take everything in.

And well, it was pretty clear who Manabu would vote for. 

The actual worst | Kouta | Mastermind Trial | RE: everything is pain

Kouta Murakami looked something akin to a total mess, mumbling under his breath and fumbling with his flower hairclip all the while. They really had to vote? That had already been answered in a sense, but apparently this short blonde boy either hadn’t accepted or perhaps hadn’t even registered what was happening around him. How could he? He just wanted all of it to go away. He’d rather die than have to go through with this anymore. Seeing Saki crying like that, hearing everyone’s voices reach a crescendo--he’d rather die, surely! Surely...

No, no, no...he didn’t want any part of this! He didn’t want to...have to vote...on something like this....

Breaths, deep shaking and shallow. It’s a miracle, really, that he hadn’t broken out in tears yet. Everything is terrible. As long as his sisters really were okay...maybe it didn’t even really matter what happened here... Both options sounded...equally terrible. There really was no sound or solid proof. How could they make a fair decision like this? Nothing about this is fair at all....

narration hell | Shigeo | voting

Hello, Kiri. Welcome to hell. Shigeo wasn't sure why she was here, but he nodded at her in acknowledgement. Not much else to say, honestly.

Shigeo, as Iwao pointed out, really did see the appeal in executing Daisy and Yoon-ji and having Ryou to physically take care of right here and now. But it really wasn't just Ryou, was it? Like the person who had stepped in to cut the gag off Daisy, he had followers. Would they be able to stop him later if he wasn't stopped here?

Why were they even being given a choice in this in the first place? Because of Ryou, and it could not be more clear what he wanted. Why were they in this building in the first place? Because of Ryou, he actually admitted that. He already said he was behind this all. That at least could be trusted, none of this 'Daisy did whatever was left' or 'I'm gonna change!' bullshit.

As much as he wanted to watch Daisy suffer for all that she had most certainly done, revenge could not be his priority. What would get him and his mentor out safely? Iwao already had that envelope, which supposedly contained the locations and Ryou hadn't seemed especially happy to hand it over.

Well, the only person he cared an iota for here had voted, and he was leaning towards the same answer. He wanted this sobfest to be over and even Saki agreed. What reason did he have to stall this charade?