Komaru: Makoto is that really you!?
Makoto: that's funny I was about to ask you the same thing,I can't believe I actually get to see you.
Komaru: I didn't see you for over half a year! I'm so glad that you're alive!
Makoto: heh, same to you sis.
He then noticed the party behind her.
Makoto: and who are those guys?
Komaru: oh them.
She introduced everyone to Makoto who max remembered that he was the one who beat junko at her own game and killed herself.
When max made eye contact with Makoto even through a computer screen he can feel something from him.
Not a power or energy but a presence of hope.
And if he was being honest, It grossed him out.
This world is so obsessed like things like hope and despair to him all those things are just words or statements but people in this world take it to this extend is ridiculous.
Harley however noticed that Toko looked tense and she was far away from the screen's range and that was pretty damn suspicious.
Makoto: well I'm glad you're not alone Komaru, but where were you? I tried looking for you but I couldn't find you anywhere.
Komaru: I was stuck in a apartment building and I was locked up in there,
Yuta: same for me though I don't think I was in the same building as Komaru. Otherwise I would have run into her sooner.
Taichi: I was also trapped in an apartment and I tired to find a way to find out what was going on or who's behind my capture by hacking the systems but they were smart enough to not let me have any electronics near me.
Makoto was quiet for a while looking guilty.
Makoto: both of your names are asahina and fujisaki right?
Both of them nodded.
Makoto: look I know the reason why you were held captive. And it was because of us.
Taichi: huh, you mean that it was future foundation that kept us-
Makoto: no it wasn't us. It was the remnants of despair.
Max: go on.
From there Makoto explained the events of the killing game and how each of them were given a motive to kill and there were a lot of victims and unfortunately Taichi learned that his son died in the killing game.
Makoto: I'm sorry to let you Mr Taichi. but I want you to know that you're son didn't die in vain. He made alter ego and he even saved me from an execution and if it wasn't for that we wouldn't have gotten out.
Taichi didn't say anything and that was understandable his it was a lot to process that your son who you haven't seen in half a year is dead will take a toll on someone.
Taichi: I can't say I forgive mondo but I understand but all I can see that the point of that horrible killing game was to break you guys.
Makoto: yeah that why we couldn't exactly blame the killers because if even if a few of us survived the motives wouldn't have mattered because the world was a mess.
Yuta: wait hold on I just realized something if the mastermind is the one who trapped then how did you get out and which of you guys even survived?
Toko now looked a bit more panicked and Harley was tempted to hold Toko at gun point but held back
Makoto: well it was me,byakuya,kyoko,hina,hiro,and toko.
At the last name the captives turned their heads at Toko.
Komaru: what!? Toko why didn't you tell me about this!?
Nobody caught the small shit Toko said but max and Harley did since their senses were enhanced.
Makoto: huh? Is Toko there with you?
Toko thought that there was no point in keeping herself hidden from Makoto so she walk near the laptop where he can see her.
Toko: well sorry to disappoint you that I'm here.
Makoto: you got to be kidding me! I thought we told you to stay back and let byakuya handle this.
Toko: oh please, do you really think i will miss a chance to support my master.
Makoto: so you disobeyed orders? Well honestly I shouldn't be surprised.
Toko: what's that supposed to mean!?
Yuta: why didn't you tell us about this!?
Toko: oh well I didn't think it was-
Taichi: important? I haven't seen my son in half a year and now I found out he's dead I think that really important to me!
Yuta: and the fact that you know my sister! Do have any idea how worried I was for her!?
Toko: okay, okay, I get it I just didn't want to talk about it or remember the killing game. Can you really blame me? Most of my classmates died and we got lucky and escaped.
Makoto: yeah it wasn't pleasant. And it didn't help that you guys were held captive as a motive.
Komaru: what do you mean?
Makoto: we found out some other motives the mastermind had in mind and it's to have you guys watch us kill each other to fill you with despair.
Harley: hey so i have a question. Who exactly is the big bad mastermind?
Toko: about that. Makoto one of the kids we just faced said something concerning. Big sis junko.
Makoto: junko!? As in junko enoshima?
Toko: yup that very one.
Yuta: the fashion model?
Makoto: yes but she's actually called the ultimate despair and she caused the tragedy and after her death her followers continue to spread despair.
Taichi: but how did know about were we were held in the first place?
Makoto: we got an anonymous tip and it led to you guys but we realized that it was actually a trap to lure us into a trap.
Max: any ideas on who it could be?
Makoto: no. But The kids are the likely suspects but it doesn't make since if from what they said was to create a paradise for children.
Komaru: wait! I can't believe I forgot but Makoto do you know were mom and dad are?
Makoto: no I don't I was actually hoping that you would know but I guess none of us know where they at.
Yuta: well the whole reason why we called you is to get future foundation's help! Please can you send help?
Makoto: we can, I'll send you guys a rescue team as soon as possible and then-
Toko: hold on just a damn minute!
Everyone except max and Harley were caught off guard by Toko's outburst and she got close to the screen.
Toko: Makoto listen to me well. You better not send anyone from future foundation here. Because if you do.
She then pointed at Komaru.
I'll kill your sister.
They were caught by surprise especially Komaru but Harley was about to take out one of her pistols but max put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head to say no.
Makoto: Toko wha- you sayi-
Makoto tried to speak but the signal was cut off and the building went dark.
Taichi: crap the signal is cut off and they cut the power too. Well good thing I brought a flash light.
As he said this he got out a small stick of a flash light but it did gave them some way to see through the dark ness.
Yuta: if the cut the connection was cut then the kids know that we're trying contact future foundation. We got to get out.
They all agreed to that and they traveled through darkness but max heard small footsteps and he could sense a kid coming and he stuck out his leg and it caused the kid to trip.
After that happened they managed to get out of towa tower but there was tension between Komaru and Toko I was put to the side during the blackout but now that was settled the tension was back.
Komaru: hey Toko you didn't mean it right?
Toko: huh?
Komaru: that you were gonna kill me?
Toko: yeah I did. I told you that master is being held captive. If future foundation comes he will be killed.
That answer didn't seem to have a good effect on Komaru and non of the previous captives max and Harley didn't get involved because unlike the rest of them they were literally form other worlds and they had some form of power and they were used to tense situations.
But this was just something different.
Komaru walked pass Toko and yuta and Taichi followed her.
Toko: were are you three going?
Komaru: it has nothing to do with you.
Toko: nothing to do with me? What is that supposed to mean? You got some nerve saying that considering that you haven't done anything for yourself.
That seemed to struck a nerve with Komaru because she turned around with a frustrated look.
Komaru: nothing? You think I've done nothing!? It's true max Harley and you saved me more than once but claiming that if haven't done anything. That's just too far.
Yuta: yeah if Komaru didn't have that hacking gun we would be stuck in most things.
Taichi: I just joined this group but I can say the same thing.
Toko: of course you two are licking her boots. Well so what? You want me to praise you? Or say thank you? Well too bad I never praised anyone my in my life.
Komaru: and that's why you don't have any friends!!
That seemed to caught Toko off guard for a moment as for max and Harley they were just watching this but Harley let out a small oooh at Komaru's outburst.
But if max were to take a side he would defend Komaru since she literally has no experience in this whole thing it only natural for her to scared and not knowing what to do.
Toko: leave me alone. I….i like being by myself rather than tagging with someone like you I would be better off dying a solitary death.
Komaru: someone like me? Meaning what?
Toko: someone who always has an excuse. In simple terms a coward. You use the world normal as an excuse for not doing anything. Your the kind of person that says "there's nothing I can do about it" right?. You're nothing like you brother..well it's not like I acknowledge him either.
Yuta: hey we were hostages until all of this happened okay!? So excuse us for not being like you!
Taichi: and you using excuses to hide behind something when you were the one who hid the fact that you knew my son.
Toko: that's different I-
Taichi: what!? You didn't want to talk about!? The memories of the killing game were painful!? Don't give me those excuses I'm his father so I had the right to know!
Toko: oh really? And what would have-
*BANG*
The four who were arguing jumped at the sound of gunfire and they turned and they saw Harley with her gun pointed to the air.
Harley: I'm getting sick and tired of you're bullshit Toko. Leave Komaru alone.
Toko: oh don't tell that you're actually gonna defend her when it comes to not having to do anything for herself.
Harley: not really. Yeah I'll admit the I'm normal person is a bullshit excuse but did you think of all of this from her point of view?
Toko: huh?
Harley: a few days ago she was a prisoner right? Well being thrown into this shit show all the sudden is practically normal for anyone to reach the way she is and if I'm being honest the one who's making excuses is you and let me say I'm not exactly stable but even I know when I smell bullshit.
Toko what's that supposed to-
She didn't finish her sentence because Harley suddenly pointed her gun at her making things tenser
Harley: it's funny how you are getting on Komaru's case while you were the one who threatened to kill her in front of brother. and I noticed how you looked at me you don't trust me I'm fine with that but you threatening to kill someone who you accompanied. well I'm tempted to blow your brains out right now because I'm too fond of backstabers
Toko: you wouldn't-
Harley un did the safety as a sign that she was serious about killing her.
Try me. Bitch.
Everyone was tensed sure they had an argument with Toko but they don't want her killed.
However max put his hand on Harley's armed hand and looked at her in the eyes.
Max: I get that you don't like traitors but doing this in front of these guys won't give you any points so put the gun down harl.
Harley look at max then at toko and she reluctantly put her gun down and put away in her holster.
Harley: fine. But if miss glasses over there does something I don't like I'm putting a bullet on her no ifs ands or buts.
Toko:mmm.
Max: are going back to that resistance place?
Komaru: yeah. We don't really have anywhere else to go.
Max: alright me and Harley are coming with you this time.
Taichi: well I'm looking forward to seeing other survivors it would be nice to see more people.
Yuta: why are you making sound like we are the only ones left in the world?
Taichi: well I didn't expect to hear about a resistance in the city.
While they walked away Toko was a few steps behind them because seeing Harley's expression when she pointed the gun at her head her ptsd acted up and she saw a brief moment junko's face replaced Harley with a manic smile.
She thought that Harley was just a junko lookalike just by coincidence but Harley is willing to kill her and she can tell by looking at her face however unlike junko Harley looks like she has more self awareness and control.
Toko:( just who the hell is this chick)
However while they were walking away a few meters away from the group was moline and the so kids.
(A few moments before)
He was gonna die. Fall to the ground and was going to go splat on the ground right after he felt freedom from his mask.
However Before He would even hit the ground he landed on something that felt scaly.
When he look down he saw that said scaly thing was a giant white snake he freaked out and was about to fall but moline made sure to keep him balanced.
Moline: don't freak out and fall off.
Jataro: wha-what are you!?
Moline: save your question for later kid right now I have to bring to the ground to your friend.
Moline then headed to where masaru was and Jataro was suprised to see him.
Jataro: Masaru!? But I thought you died!
Masaru however was a bit confused at seeing him.
Masaru: who are you-
However when he looked at the outfit he remembered only one person wearing that outfit.
Masaru: Jataro!? Is that you!?
Jataro: ye yeah it's me, I guess you're disgusted by my appearance huh?
Masaru: what the hell are you talking about!? You look normal!
Jataro: huh?
Moline who was now in her child like form forced Jataro to turn around and see his reflection on the glass.
And when Jataro saw his reflection he didn't even know how he felt. Relief because he wasn't as ugly as a small part of him was
Or something else.
Jataro: this is what I look like? But if I look like this then why did she forced me to wear that mask?
Moline: it's possible that your mom was ugly and was jealous that her son looked like a normal kid and forced that mask on you so that she wouldn't look at your face.
Masaru let out a huff at that.
Masaru: typical demon behavior abusing kids.
Moline turned and glared at him.
Moline: that applies to your own damn parents don't you dare stick my mother in the same category as yours.
Masaru felt the killing intent behind her glare and so he corrected himself.
Masaru: r-right that's what I meant.
Jataro: actually. Who or what are you? Oh wait are you the god of children and came to strike down on the demons?
Moline: you either were hit too hard on your head or your just an idiot. No I'm the adopted sister of the one who threw you out the window to fake your death and that leave me to saving you.
Jataro: brother? You mean that demon that threw me out the window?
Moline: yup. You owe my bro a thanks for saving your ass I just made sure you didn't actually died. And speak of saving.
Moline grabbed the tablet that was sticking out from his pocket and she crushed it with her bare hands.
Jataro: wha- why did you do that?
Masaru: trust me Jataro she saved us from bigger problems.
Jataro: what are you talking about?
Masaru: as much as I don't want to admit it I lost against those adults and when I was saved by moline's brother I called Monica to let her know what happened and she sicked the monokumas at me.
Jataro: you're lying.
Masaru: tell me then did Monica acted wierd when I was concerned dead?
Jataro: um. Well she seemed very sure that you were dead although nagisa wasn't really convinced until Monica convinced him.
Masaru expected Monica to come up with some story on how he will killed by the demons but from what he heard Monica just considered him dead and that was it. No fabricated story no explanation just he's dead and that's all.
And that pissed him off because this really show that Monica really doesn't care about them enough to even come up with a made up story.
Moline: well looks like you're little disabled princess doesn't really care about you guys and I bet that she had this planned this out.
Jataro: huh? So are you saying that Monica is just throwing us to the demons?
Masaru: she's a traitor!
Moline: anyway i say planned out because there's something that's been bothering me. You said that Monica is more interested in the game than the paradise right masaru?
He nodded in response.
Moline: and from what me and my brother can tell so far. If Monica cares more about the paradise why not send more hoards of monokumas in the city? That would solve the problem in an instant.
Jataro: now that I think about it, that does make sense. Why didn't we do that?
Moline: because you guys are idiots kids who got in over your heads and now it's biting you back.
Masaru was about to bite back but moline set her eyes on him.
Moline: don't bother defending yourself. You got played by someone you looked up to and she threw you out the moment you outlived your usefulness.
And that was enough to shut down his rebuttal.
Moline: anyway.
Then she remembered from her brother's memory that the 3 survivors we're talking about a defected monokuma calling itself shirokuma.
Moline: actually do you guys know about a defect monokuma that's protecting adults?
The two blinked at that.
Masaru: defected? What does that mean?
Moline face palm herself remembering that these two were kids so they probably didn't know what that meant.
Moline: defected mean that something is wrong with something or someone like for example if one of you were born with one eye that means that, that's a defect in your body as for the something part a machine like a car they are usually ment to go foward but if something in its system is haywire then it's only programmed to go backwards. Do you get it?
Jataro: uhhh I guess.
Masaru: wait so are you saying that one of the monokumas went against us? And it's protecting the adults!?
Moline: so you didn't know? Don't you have trackers on your monokumas?
Jataro: I think so? I actually no I don't know I never actually check if the monokumas had trackers.
Masaru: and the only person who know more about those bears is Monica since she was the one who created them.
Moline: she made them?
Masaru: no not her, she just gave the idea and someone made them for her.
Moline: and who exactly?
Masaru: the towa group I think?
Moline: that's funny because one of survivors who the rogue monokuma helped was also named towa.
Jataro: huh? But I thought she already killed her brother.
Moline: brother? Ah I get it. so Monica's full name is Monica towa that explains why she made those monokumas and why she kept him alive.
Masaru: what are you blabbering about?
Moline: nothing just thinking out loud. Speaking of loud.
They heard the front gates open and out came the group.
Jataro Masaru and moline hid from view and they heard the argument between Komaru and Toko and how Harley threatened to kill Toko if she does something fishy.
After max defused the argument they started to walk away however Masaru and Jataro noticed that max was looking back at them and that was a sign that he knew that they were there they expect hatred or resentment or something negative from adults
But his gaze was just empty and, sympathetic?
Not that they understood it fully.
After max focused back on the group the two boys looked at moline.
Masaru: that guy is your brother?
Moline: yup and I wouldn't change him for anything else.
Jataro: why did he looked at us and why I didn't see any hatred in his eyes? Those are the normal for demons and that girl looked at me with those eyes.
Moline: that's because you pressed her buttons you moron. As for my brother the reason why he doesn't despise you is because he understands on where you are coming from.
Masaru: what do you mean?
Moline: here a life lesson for you two. Humans are greedy by nature and that's why some of us do stupid this like abusing kids for no reason or being horn dogs just for the hell of it and you two are not off the hook of this you two don't understand how the real world works, everyone is greedy is in their own way what's different is how someone approaches their own greediness. My brother is greedy in the fact that he protects those he cares about but he's selve aware and doesn't go overboard but people like junko are just greedy because she doesn't have anything else going on with her and just does things to just watch the world burn.
Jataro: you're wrong big sis junko is-
Moline: save it I heard it enough from this guy over here and guess what a normal person would have sent you guys to therapy because is clearly something both of you need.
Jataro: what is therapy?
Moline was honestly getting sick of Jataro's nonsense and she didn't bother to explain it
Moline: forget it.
She walked away and Jataro looked at Masaru.
Jataro: hey Masaru she's wrong about big sis junko right?
Masaru didn't answer instead he followed moline but he left him some food for thought.
Masaru: Monica betrayed me and said that our paradise plan was a lie for her own thing.
Jataro: so why se was so insistent that you were dead was because-
Masaru: yeah she probably didn't want one of you to look for me.
This made Jataro realize that if he was also defeated by the demons that would mean that she didn't have faith in him in the beginning and this made him realize that no one having zero faith in him felt worse than being hated.
Because being hated is predictable since he was used to it but being lied to feels worse.
Jataro: so I'm also. In your position?
Masaru: when I was beaten I called her and after she revealed everything she sicked the monokumas on to my table signal but I was saved by that guy and the big sis junko look alike.
Jataro: wait so that's true!?
Masaru just nodded and moline called them.
Moline: hey slow pokes catch up already.
With that call they ran to catch up with moline but Jataro was still processing the reality of what he believed in now crumbling to show an ugly truth.
Back with max.
they were currently in the sewers being led to the resistance hide out.
Harley: why do secret hideout always have to be in the sewers?
Toko: trust me I don't like it either.
Komaru: well it's better than being out in the open. Where monokumas can attack.
Taichi: I don't do well with strong smells I hope that the hideout is nearby because I think I'm gonna pass out.
Yuta: hang in there Mr Taichi we are close.
As yuta said that they reached a circular platform with a metal gate and next to it was a metal box with a mic he guessed it was to make contact on the other side.
Komaru went to the box and tapped a button and a voice came out.
Shirokuma: hello? Are you a survivor?
Komaru: no shirokuma it's me, we're back and we brought some company.
Shirokuma: oh Komaru hold on I'll open the gate.
While they were waiting on the gate to open Taichi was concerned.
Taichi: but did you say kuma?
Komaru: oh don't worry shirokuma is actually a good monokuma that's protecting adults.
Taichi: but how's is that even possible?
Yuta: what do you mean?
Taichi: something can't like machines can't get sentient without some form of ai so how did.
Toko: actually shirokuma said that he actually had some ai planted into it.
Taichi: that doesn't make sense.
Komaru: what doesn't make sense?
Taichi: why would the kids implant an ai into a monokuma and if it has a tracker then how come they never found this place already?
Harley: either because they removed it from their own body or they are part of a plan.
Toko: what makes you say that?
Max: it's really wierd that the kids don't know about one of their drones going rogue and more importantly they are kids none of them know how work with AI unless one of them is a prodigy in robotics.
Toko: why does any of this matter? Anyway?
Max: don't you get it!? I'm saying that this is all staged somehow the kids are focused more on the game than the take over for one or how somehow the towas are related this incident.
Harley: are you talking about the monokuma statues? Yeah I found pretty suspicious too-
Before she could finish the metal gate started to open and and the ones who didn't came here were actually suprised to see actual survivors however they noticed that the place seems gloomy
Taichi: wow. They really are people here. But why does it feel-
Harley: gloomy? You tell me.
One adult noticed them and looked away.
Komaru: why is everyone being like this?
Shirokuma: Komaru!
An all white monokuma ran towards them which made Taichi jump a bit.
Shirokuma: wow you really brought survivors I'm so glad that you managed to survive.
Komaru: actually shirokuma these two are the two members of our group that we separated from a bit.
She pointed at max and Harley and when shirokuma made eye contact with Harley she felt like she was seeing in a mirror.
He snapped out of his thoughts and continued with the act.
Shirokuma: oh it's nice to meet you two. If I remember right your names are max McKnight and Harley Quinn?
Max: I suppose that Komaru told you about us because she was worried.
Komaru: of course I was.
Shirokuma then noticed Taichi who flinched.
Shirokuma: are you another survivor?
Taichi: y-yes I am but can I really trust you?
Shirokuma: of course you can. I might be a monokuma but don't worry I pained my black side white and I even covered my red eye.
That didn't exactly help.
Yuta: this man is Taichi fujisaki we ran into him when we were going up the tower and helped us.
Toko: introductions aside what's going in the place it feels so depressing.
Shirokuma: oh that. Haiji and other survivors are discussing a plan to fight back against the children but the adults here have lost hope and they are just wondering around like hollow husks.
Max wanted to be sure this had nothing to do with anything spiritually so he forced on a group of people and when he felt their presence he didn't feel anything spiritually so he guessed that it was just regular depression.
Shirokuma: well anyway I want to know if you made contact with future foundation. Did you manage to get help?
Komaru: we did but they said that they couldn't come because-
Toko: the kids threatened that they will unleash a hoard of monokumas to kill the remaining adults! That's why they can't come they are holding survivors that aren't here as hostages.
Komaru and Toko made eye contact and they felt tension between them.
Shirokuma: I see that's a shame but still thank you for trying your best. Do you want a hug Komaru?
Komaru: no that's fine thanks though.
But she let out a sigh and crossed her arms and she was unsure on what to do now.
Komaru: hey shirokuma..what should I do now?
Shirokuma crossed its arms and thought on how to answer.
Shirokuma: well honestly I don't have an answer. But you could go an talk to haiji and the others for a plan. Why do you go in and join them?
Harley: uhhh question, didn't that haiji guy told them to and I quote "get the fuck out of here"
Shirokuma: don't worry about it I'll try and calm down the situation.
Harley: I'm not convinced.
Shirokuma: trust me it will be fine and besides we have the same goal to stop these rampaging children.
Shirokuma then got close to komaru.
Shirokuma: this might sound a bit overdramatic but I have a feeling that you can actually do this. You want to stop these children right?
Komaru: yes of course I do.
Shirokuma: well there you go. Haiji might not want you here but I have hope that you can band us together.
Max and Harley looked at each other and they both thought of the same thing.
This is gaslighting.
Shirokuma: I'm sorry for the over enthusiasm. Let me know when you're ready.
With that shirokuma walked away and the group started to wonder around.
Taichi: I still don't know if we can trust shirokuma.
Yuta: I'm gonna be honest that speech of Komaru was honestly a bit over dramatic.
Komaru: I'm shiro shirokuma ment no harm come on there's someone i want Taichi to meet.
They walked over to a woman with pink hair and smoking a cigarette.
Hiroko: oh hey koko,fufu and yuyu. Glad to see that you're back in one piece. And who are those two and that handsome man.
Taichi: um what?
Komaru: well. that aside this, this hiroko hagakure she's like us and being a player in the game.
Hiroko: oh so are you 3 victims of this game?
Taichi: no just me.
He showed her his wristband and Hiroko got the picture.
Hiroko: I see. So what's your names.
Max: max McKnight.
Harley: Harley Quinn.
Taichi: I'm Taichi fujisaki.
Hiroko: max,Harley and Taichi. Well I got to admit if you two came to visit towa city you really came at a bad time.
Harley would have said that this was nothing but a Tuesday for her since Gotham is a shit hole for criminals and in her opinion Gotham is lucky that the government didn't decide to just nuke it since it has the highest crime rate beside metropolis.
Max: yeah well we had to hide from the tragedy going on so we kinda didn't have a choice.
That reminded Taichi.
Taichi: ah right, I completely forgot. Miss Hiroko were you held captive?
Hiroko:mmm? Yeah I was why?
Taichi sucked air through his teeth a bit hesitant to let her know about the killing game but as a repetitive or someone close to one of the victims/survivors she has a right to know.
Taichi: this might take a while.
From then on they explained how they got to towa tower and how they contacted future foundation but they ended up contacting Makoto, Komaru's brother and they explained on why they were held captive because of the remnants of despair and how the original plan was be held as a motive for the killing game and how lucky some survived but most of the class were killed for a pointless victory.
And her reaction.
Hiroko: what the hell!!?
Toko: not so loud would you!?
Hiroko: I have a right to scream!! You mean to tell me that my son has been put in a death game and I was held captive by a group of psychopaths!!
Yuta: well, what's your son's name?
Hiroko: yasuhiro hagakure.
Harley: oh he's alive. I think he also joined future foundation like Komaru's brother .
Hiroko: good. I was worried that he got himself killed but now I have another question. Why the hell isn't my son sending a search party for his old woman huh!
Toko: it's because the kids are holding any remaining survivors hostage though I don't think that they know about this place but that aside if they set foot in towa they will unleash a hoard of monokuma to kill of the remaining adults.
That of course was a lie but non of them called her out since they didn't want any unnecessary tension that there was already.
Hiroko: shit. Well I'm glad that my son is alive and now I have another question.
She glared at Toko who flinched.
Hiroko: why the hell didn't you tell me that my son was alive when you heard my name?
Toko: i-i just thought you were a different hagakure and besides it first I doubted that that idiot was related to you anyway. And plus I, I don't like to talk about the killing game too many bad memories.
Hiroko new that she was lying somewhat but she just let out a sigh and just let it go for now.
Hiroko: fine keep your secrets but expect an actual explanation soon you hear me? As his mom I have a right to know everything about my son.
Toko: fine, (she's really pushy huh? Guess I can exactly blame her)
Hiroko then turned her attention to Taichi.
Hiroko: so you told me that your son got killed during the killing game right? I'm sorry to hear that.
Taichi let out a defeated sigh.
Taichi: honestly I'm still processing this, I had hope to see him again but when I heard that he was long gone I felt a bit of anger towards mondo. But after really thinking about it. It was the masterminds fault that they happened and they drove them to kill each other.
Hiroko felt sympathy for Taichi because she was also close to loosing her son to a pointless killing game and she wouldn't know what to do if hiro died.
She looked at the teens.
Hiroko: can you guys give us some privacy? He have to talk parent to parent.
They nodded and backed away leaving the adults alone to talk.
Yuta felt bad about for both of them since they were much as victims as the participants of the killing game.
And Komaru felt the same way.
Komaru: you should have told her the truth.
Toko wasn't in the mood to start another argument of ideals nor was max or Harley.
Max: come on let's just talk to this Haiji guy.
Harley: I wanna see if this guy's as much of a pussy as Toko says he is.
After finding shirokuma he led the group towards a conference room where adults were discussing plans of attack but the dark blue haired guy with a casted arm was more noticeable and max and Harley can already smell and feet the amount of bs this guy puts off.
They guessed that was haiji towa.
He can already tell that Haiji is a terrible leader because he keeps making excuses for them it not plan any form of attack not because he cared much because he's actually scared anyone with experience reading people can see that.
And clearly the adults in the area weren't happy with this decision.
Shirokuma the made thier presence known.
Shirokuma: get Haiji is it okay if these guys joined the the discussion?
Haiji was a bit surprised to see the three again but he also noticed max and Harley who weren't here before.
Haiji: what is hell? I thought I told you 3 that I don't want to talk to you anymore. And who are these other guys?
Komaru: these are the other two people that were missing from our group,
Haiji: oh really, I'm suprised that you two are actually still alive. So who are you two?
Max: max McKnight, this chick over here is Harley Quinn.
Harley: I can introduce myself well enough ass hat.
Haiji: foreigners? Well you came at a bad time.
Harley: oh really? What gave it away?
Haiji: anyway get out of here, I already told your group I don't want to talk anymore.
Shirokuma: now,now we all have the same goal so let's get along.
Haiji: regardless it wouldn't matter this conference is over anyway.
Shirokuma: oh come on Haiji, could you at least consider other options? What about my suggestion did you consider that?
Haiji: I already told that,that's Impossible.
Fem adult: I know what are trying to say shirokuma but..
Toko: what are guys talking about?
Shirokuma: it's about persuading the children.
Yuta: what!?
Toko: persuading!? Don't you think is a little too late for that!
Shirokuma: but you guys are humans at the end of the day right? Maybe you-
Harley: okay let me correct you on that fur ball who are we trying to reason with are kids, and we are teens and adults they would kill us first before we say a word.
Male adult: she's right those aren't kids anymore they're monsters they can't be reason here.
Fem adult: the kids would rather kill us before we even say a plea.
Haiji: and besides at this point there can't be peace with those kids anymore.
The group of teenagers remembered the horrible things the warriors of hope did from masaru's body count and Jataro's mutation.
Harley looked at max having a small silent conversation with no word or just eye contact.
Harley was silently asking if the kids were actually far gone. Because max kept the information he gain from moline to himself and never told Harley the current status of the kids especially when he threw Jataro off the building to get him out sight so that moline can save him for him.
But Max's gaze was a soft and steady gaze as if to say that he's positive about that they kids aren't too far gone because clearly they aren't in the right state of mind but they are realizing that they were just used.
Harley took that as reassurance and they both turned back to the others to then they looked liked they were thinking back on what the kids did.
Toko: yeah no way they would listen to us. And persuasion won't work. They don't even care about family.
Male adult 2: she's right there not humans they're demons.
Max/halrey: (ironic)
Haiji: and that family thing doesn't even apply to us. Non of the adults here even have kids.
That caught the attention of the group especially max and Harley since they didn't see a single kid in this place but now hearing that the adults don't have kids.
Then it clicked as he suspected there was actually a reason on why there still survivors in this city it's because the survivors don't have kids so an adult with no children has zero sympathy for kids like this.
And he can tell that the goal was to break them mentally and kill the kids.
Harley thought of the same thing since she heard rumors in Gotham about a doctor in Arkham asylum going cray cray and he called himself scarecrow to basically torture his victims with a fear gas that makes them hallucinate their biggest fears.
She never encountered scarecrow nor does she want to see him in person but she new a broken person and she looks in the mirror and sees it in her own eyes every night and day.
Toko: so no one has a kid? But there's so many adults here.
Haiji: it's probably not a coincidence for some reason they are targeting parents.
Yuta: but why?
Haiji: I don't know they have some deep hatred for adults or something. The point is we can't reason with those kids anymore. Actually calling them kids isn't suitable. They are devils.
Shirokuma: well if persuasion isn't gonna work then what are we gonna do?
Haiji: I already told you. We can't lives in this place. Right now all we can do is endure it until an opportunity comes.
Max and Harley instantly called bullshit because so far from what they can see they haven't done anything to fight back.
And this time they didn't stop Toko from talking her shit.
Toko: and when is this opportunity gonna come?
Haiji: I don't know but all we can do is just suck it up and just wait for the opportunity to come to us.
Toko: oh yeah and when is that? You're just making excuses to hid the fact that you aren't gonna do anything.
The two were planning to call Toko a hypocrite since she's hiding stuff and making excuses but they kept thier mouths shut.
Haiji: you're an outsider you don't know anything. I am the leader of this resistance and it's my job to make sure everyone here stays alive.
Toko: what resistance? A useless leader like you is more of a burden then these guys.
Harley: (well fuck you too)
Haiji: what did you say!?
Shirokuma: hey! hey! Calm down both of you! We-
Haiji: you don't think about others and just say whatever you want. You're no different than those kids.
Toko: says the one who's being childish,complaining and not doing anything.
Haiji: if you don't like the way I do things then get the hell out. I'm not gonna stop you.
Toko: find by me I'm leaving I wouldn't want to stay in a place with a pathetic leader like you anyway.
She then turned to the group.
Toko: let's go.
However Komaru and yuta were glaring at Toko.
Toko: what?
Yuta: you say Mr Haiji is a coward for making excuses? Who are you to talk toko?
Toko: what do you-
Yuta: don't what do you mean me! When were you gonna tell me that my sister was a part of a sick killing game!? Or how some of the victims was Mr Taichi's son.
Toko: why would it that matter in this.
Komaru: it matters to us! You could have told us that our family members were okay or just explained why we were kidnapped in the first place but you didn't because, what!? You didn't want to relive the killing game!? That's a lie and you know it!
Toko: get off my case with that game was the worst thing in my life and I don't want to remember it so excuse me for-
Yuta: stop playing the victim! We have a right to know as family members but you are hiding something from us! And whatever that is your hiding it from and I don't know if we can even trust you anymore.
Komaru: we are staying you can leave if you want. You said that you would die alone right well you'll get your wish.
Toko was shocked by those cold words and she decided to bite back.
Toko: you think I'm making excuses? Who would you feel if you were the one in the killing game, huh? My memory was stolen from me and not only that I was stuck with people I didn't know, only to find out that the world outside it's a goddamn mess and the people who were killing each other were people I knew years ago.
She then pointed at the both of them.
Toko: you think I'm making excuses to hide things from you? Well guess what I'm not and not only that having talent is more of a curse than a gift because what I went through wasn't worth it if having means I have to suffer.
The three where silent after Toko's rant this time max and Harley didn't interfere because non of them really took this whole thing that seriously because they were used to dangerous situations and they were more calculated than the people of this world.
Shirokuma tried to calm them down but before he could continue the doors were opened by a panicked adult male
Panicked adult: emergency!! Monokumas are attacking us!!
That immediately got thier attention and alert.
Haiji: what!!?
Adult male 1: how!? How did they find us!?
Haiji: hurry and get to the safe room!
The 4 four of them ran into a room that is Said safe room max agreed with Toko on one thing about Haiji the man was a coward.
Komaru: we should go too.
Harley: speak for yourself but I'm gonna trash those damn bears.
The 3 looked at her like she was insane which she somewhat is.
Toko: are you insane!?… actually you probably are. But are you serious going to go in there by yourself?
Max: oh I'm going too.
Komaru: but max you could get killed!
Max: that's just a regular Tuesday for me sister. Let's go harl.
Harley: right behind ya. Mack
The three looked at the two of them like they were suicidal but shirokuma was interested because normal people would be scared but these two treat as a normal everyday thing.
Things got out of control fast one moment Taichi and Hiroko were talking about their life stories and about thier families.
But then the monokumas came in and started to kill the survivors and Taichi got injured trying to protecting Hiroko from a monokuma and currently they were trying to get away from two monokumas which one of them was a bomber type.
Taichi was still injured so he was weighing Hiroko down and told her to leave him behind but Hiroko didn't let him go.
As the bomber monokuma was about to throw a grenade a shot rang out and its arm was shot off dropping the grenade it destroyed it along with the surrounding monokumas.
Hiroko and Taichi covered their faces and when the blast passed they saw the direction the shot and they saw it was Harley who jumped down from the conference balcony and she had a manic smile on her.
Harley: oh they brought the bombs out, hehehe, I'm so gonna take those.
With that she rushed to deal with the monokumas along with stealing some grenades in the process.
Max jump down and he made sure to tell Haley to not go overboard and now blow the place up.
He then turned his attention to taichi who was bleeding out.
Max: how bad is it?
Hiroko: he's loosing a lot of blood those damn bears got him good. But he's not gonna make it without medical assistance.
Max: no need I got it.
Hiroko: you can help him?
Max: let's just say I got the magic touch.
He put his hand under his jacket pocket and mentally told moline to come straight to his location.
With moline she was with Masaru and Jataro in a store to get something to eat for Jataro and moline received the order.
Moline: hold up something came up, don't do or go anywhere.
Masaru: where are you going?
Moline: I'm not leaving you to die if that's what you're wondering I'm just gonna be out for a bit and besides that thing I give you lets me know if your location. Be back in a bit.
With that she turned into white particles and disappeared leaving the two boys anxious.
Jataro: will she really comeback?
Masaru: I think so? I don't know she isn't like the adults but she still acts like one.
Jataro wasn't satisfied with that answer but didn't say anything.
Back at the hideout moline appeared in max's pocket in a small snake form and she pat out a bandage wrap.
Max took out the bandages and wrapped them around Taichi's wound while he's actually pouring healing energy to his body so accelerate the healing process but it won't recover his stamina but better tired than dead.
Hiroko watched and while she was confused on why max was banging the wound but also noticed that Taichi's breathing slowed down and his skin was pale but not getting paler.
Hiroko: what the hell?
Max: I told you I got the magic touch.
After dealing with an injured Taichi max took out his revolver and joined Harley on the battlefield.
Speaking of said chick.
She was laughing like a hyena just enjoying herself and thanks to some explosive she stole from the bomber monokumas she threw them at monokumas and they blew up.
The survivors were disturbed by Harley's cackling and they thought that she was insane.
She saw another monokuma coming at her and she took out a grenade and was about to take off the pin but he shot pass by her and at the monokuma.
She blinked a few times until she turned and saw max who was glaring at her.
Harley: what?
That seemed to ticked him off because he snatched the grenade from her hand and bonked her on the head.
Harley: ow!!what the hell is you're problem i thought we were cool.
Max: are you fucking kidding me!? I told you to not go overboard and not destroy the place before the monokumas can!! and after I treated Taichi I hear explosion after explosion and I find you throwing bombs like they are paint bombs!! you could have blown us up!!
Harley didn't talk back and she looked around and saw the damage the explosion did and she then realized that she might have gotten a bit too excited from seeing explosives which she used regularly to get herself out situation and the satisfaction of seeing something blow up gave her a bit of nostalgia which almost got her screwed.
Max expected a shrug off or a bite back from the girl instead she took a breath and seemed to cool down.
Harley: as much as I want to argue with you. You're right that I almost buried ourselves alive. So be lucky that I'm not hitting you back Mack.
Max was a bit caught off guard by Harley actually showing restraint and not biting back since before she would question him but she's actually listening to him.
Both of them noticed monokumas behind them and they took out their guns and aimed at the incoming bear while leaning out of the way of their shots.
They then stood back to back again and fired at the monokumas.
Max: so what's with you? You're giving off vibes that you are more.. I don't want to say obedient, because it would make me sound like I have a leash on you.
Harley stopped firing for a moment a bit caught of guard by the current conversation but she locked in again and continued to fire.
Harley: because I trust you a slight bit more plus it didn't help that miss "I have social issues" is hiding things from us, which I guess after our conversation about our abilities I'm slowly starting to trust you a bit. or this some plan for you to stab me in the back?
Max kicked away a monokuma while he looked at her like she was an idiot.
Max: what would I gain from stabbing you in the back? In case you forgot I'm not from here and I have my own issues to deal with and not to mention if there was a chance I would back stab you is when you are manipulating me into doing something stupid like wiping out humanity or something.
Harley thought about his world and shot a monokuma behind her and shrugged.
Harley: true plus I am Gotham no more so I guess you wouldn't have a way to get the bounty on my head?
Max: a bounty? Oh let me guess you messed with the wrong person so they put a hit on you and you encounter a colorful cast of murderers?
Harley: all in one, but yeah I killed their leader and they want me dead or alive.
Max: how much is on your head anyway?
Harley: 5 million.
Max: wow, really? What did you do to piss them off?
Harley: oh northing, I just killed their leader and the rest of the in thier casino.
Max: why did you kill him anyway? Did he do something to piss you off don't get me wrong considering that a criminal gang they probably did shitty stuff but what exactly?
Harley had small flashbacks to fuzzy memories in everyone of them that damn clown was in it with that damn smile.
She had a sudden urge to kick something and a nearby monokuma came to her and she used a titan enhanced leg to kick the monokuma into another that was about to kill a survivor.
Harley answered max's question but obviously not going into detail.
Harley: their boss messed with the wrong bitch and suffered the consequences.
Max can tell by her voice that she doesn't want to talk about it and he didn't push it.
Harley might trust him a small bit but he knew that if she was backstabbed by others try to clam the hit on her head she probably wouldn't trust him to at least 25%
After he fired his revolver he noticed that no more monokumas weren't coming he let out sign and looked around and saw some survivors.
Some were dead probably before the two of them came into the picture to deal with this problem.
Some were injured but alive.
And most of them went to hid while they dealt with the hoard.
Harley: awww, I was enjoying myself.
Max: how many bullets do you have anyway?
Harley stopped and checked and saw that her magazines were almost empty.
Harley: shit I'm almost out.
Max: how didn't ran out of bullets sooner?
Harley: it's a thing called counting when you have enough time to get used to guns you learn a few things and in very resourceful.
Max: if you say so.
Max then noticed Komaru Toko and yuta running towards them.
Komaru: you guys, you were amazing!
Yuta: yeah, but man you guys sure showed those monokumas who's boss.
Toko: heh, these two are like a walking army and how the hell do you still have bullets?
Harley: that's funny because I'm literally almost out.
Max: did you guys see Taichi?
Komaru: yeah I did he was hurt but he seemed fine we actually tried to join you guys but you were. Uh?
Toko: raining bullets at the monokumas.
Yuta then looked at the injured and the few dead that probably were dead before max and Harley knew of the attack.
Yuta: but how did they even-
Haiji: This is your fault.
They turned Haiji who looked livid.
Haiji: this why I didn't want to sacrifice we are outnumbered and thanks to that I was trying to keep things secret.
He then pointed at them his fury burning at them.
Haiji: the only possible answer is that they followed you!! You brought them here!!
Komaru: huh? we did?
Haiji: shirokuma told me that he gave you a tablet to contact future foundation. And thanks to that those brats tracked you which led to this goddamn mess!!
Yuta: hold on you we didn't even know we were being followed in the first place!
Haiji: does that matter!? You led them here and now they know where we are no thanks to you 5.
Shirokuma then rushed to trying to defuse the situation.
Shirokuma: wait Haiji these two save most of the adults here don't you think you should give them some credit?
Haiji: yeah I'll admit most of them would have been by the sudden attack and you two handled the monokumas. But still it doesn't change the fact that you led them here and now our location is exposed!
Toko: well it's own fault for not setting up some kind of security in case you were attacked like now!
Haiji: what did you just say!? Oh I get it now You are working with those brats aren't you!?
Toko: no!! What the hell gave you that idea!?
Haiji: there's a story where the main theme is that the bad guys play both sides to benefits them and I don't think I trust you anymore.
He was interrupted when the big screen suddenly came to life and they saw people tied up with bags on their heads struggling to break free.
And the adults who were hurt and alive were having an episode.
Komaru: what is that.
Haiji: that's non of your business.
He then snapped his fingers and suddenly the survivors turned on them by grabbing the girls and and yuta.
While they were screaming to be let go Haiji told them to lock them up.
But while the adults busy with keeping the girls and yuta restrained max and Harley knocked out the survivors who tried to grab them.
Harley: i never thought I agreed with miss glasses on something, you are a bitch.
Haiji: put down your weapons you're outnumbered and you don't have enough bullets.
Max: you're right we are out numbered.
Max gave a mental command for moline to float above them and stay in her snake form until he gives the go ahead.
Max: but I have a question for you. towa.
Haiji: what?
Max: when me and the others went to your tower I noticed monokumas statues and if you ask me that's pretty suspicious. And Toko told us that when she said she was a member a future foundation you told them to leave.
He crossed his arms and he kept his eyes only on Taichi who was sweating a small bit.
Max: you're company created the monokumas didn't you and that's why you didn't want to talk to Toko.
The survivors looked at Haiji in suspicion and Haiji responded.
Haiji: that's bullshit why would even create those damn bears and not to mention why would I sick em on this city under my family's name?
Max: that's true I would basically be like carrier suicide if you unleash the monokumas on the city. Unless it wasn't you who gave the go ahead but some else.
Haiji: I don't know what you're-
Max: I'm not stupid and I can read between the lines. And I know that business people are usually corrupt as hell. Not that I know I'm a business genius. But your family had something with the monokumas those statues are a giveaway.
Haiji: those were the kids they are just trying to mark their territory.
Max: yeah that is possible if it wasn't for the fact that one of them was destroyed that sure doesn't seem like they marking their territory. And I have a theory. That green haired girl she's your sibling isn't she?
Haiji: shut the fuck up!! You don't know or can't prove it!! All you get them.
Harley was ready to blast but max stopped her because it would just be a waste of bullets.
Max: I don't have prove but I know that you towas are the cause of this and I don't really care about what's going on but this at least gives me something to do.
Max gave the go ahead for moline to dive at them with her mouth open and max stomped on the ground hard enough to create a smoke screen to blind the survivor and haiji.
Moline reached them and they were instantly inside her stomach through smoke.
When it cleared the survivors and Haiji were surprised that they were gone.
Haiji: what the hell!?
For Harley things went to fast one minute max made a smoke screen the next she felt like was being eaten and the next she's inside a white void filled with weapons and other stuff.
Harley: what the hell is this place?
Max: we are inside moline's stomach.
Harley blinked for few moments and then.
WHAT!!?
Harley: if we are inside her stomach then we are gonna be digested!!
Max: calm down we are fine and in case you haven't noticed this is a void or a pocket dimension and not an actual stomach.
Harley looked around and yeah all she can see is white and nothing else but.
Harley: why are we even here and why did your sister ate us?
Max: I ordered her too. I honestly wasn't gonna waste my time with bitchy adults and a guy that doesn't have the balls to fight back against someone who has the advantage.
Harley: heh, agreed-
She then noticed a load of weapons on the ground and she rushed and marveled at the amount of weapons that were in here.
Harley: where did these babies came from?
Max: those are mine I find weapons from cultist I killed and I steal thier armory though some of them are really important or stolen from an important figure I have to return them.
Harley then noticed a pair of rings and she grab one examined it.
Harley: what's with the rings?
Max: what?
He saw the rings and faced palmed.
Max: god damn it. she stole them from the corpse of those- damn.
Harley: what's so special about these rings?
Max: they are storage rings they basically store weapons and other stuff for you.
When Harley heard that she gained a glint and max immediately stopped her.
Max: don't even think about it I don't trust you with my armory and the only thing I'm letting get is bullets.
Harley: damn, o well don't mind if I do.
However before she put the ring on she stopped and looked at max.
Harley: hold on since this thing is like magic related do you have to do some magical mombo jombo to get this thing to work?
Max: first of all it's nothing magic related it's spiritually related. And second no just put it on and it will be attached to your soul and you can summon the things you have in there on command. Here.
He demonstrated by putting on one of the rings and taking out his gun and it disappeared In particles that entered the ring and max stuck out his hand and his gun reappeared.
Harley was fascinated by this and she did as max demonstrated and put on one of the rings and she felt a sudden feeling of attachment and she grabbed one of her pistols and she mentally ordered to store it and it disappeared in energy particles.
Harley: wow.
She then mentally ordered it to give it back and the pistol reappeared in her hand.
Harley: heh, this is awesome now I don't need this heavy backpack on me.
Max: don't do anything stupid with it, I'm trusting you to not fly off the handle.
Harley then felt a sudden urge to ask max if he really trust her with this.
Harley: do you really trust me with this? This practically like your giving a super power that I wanted.
Max gave her a look.
Max: don't get me wrong I trust you slightly because you and I were honest about our backgrounds but not too much and besides I figured that you were getting tired of carrying that backpack on you and you were running out of bullets so I figured why not kill two birds with one stone.
Harley: I. I honestly don't know what to say? I never trusted anyone this much before. Hell by the time we get to this level of trust is when they stab me in the back.
Max: like I said I won't backstab you unless you start it. And plus I don't care that much about money only enough to live comfortably.
Harley: yeah I figured you're one of those guys who doesn't care too much about money.
They were quite for a while until Harley realized something.
Harley: hold on. How do we get out of here?