Chapter 1: Prologue: Killing Kindness
This story is a work of nonfiction. Any resemblances to video game characters are completely intentional. Also read on AO3 for the full experience with CG art included because I can't use images on this site
Dark.
Darker.
Yet Darker.
Darkness was the only thing Kris could see as his other four senses fought to grasp reality; if any of this was even real to begin with. He didn't want to think about what time it was, or what was happening. First, he needed to recognize his surroundings.
When Kris finally came to and lifted his head from his arms, he found himself sitting at a desk. At first, he thought he fell asleep during class again, but this wasn't his classroom. It didn't even look like it was part of his school. Maybe it was just a room in the school that he's never been in? He decided to take it one step at a time, now that he was at least awake.
Looking out the classroom door, however, only brought up more questions than answers. The hallways were wider, the architecture was more sophisticated, and the windows were… thick slabs of metal? Wherever he was, this wasn't his school. This didn't even feel like a high school, more like a university. Was he kidnapped? Who would kidnap a child and bring them to another school; a seemingly abandoned one, at that?
???: "Excuse me!"
Kris' head whipped around to face the direction of the voice. It was a schoolgirl, not much older but noticeably taller than he was. It looked like he wasn't alone here, but that only begged the question; what is someone else doing here? The girl's coral ponytail fluttered as she approached him, her emerald eyes relieved to see another face on this otherwise empty campus.
???: "Boy, am I glad to see someone else here…"
Kris looked up at her. She seemed even taller up close.
???: "I don't know where we are… By the looks of it, you don't either. Did you just suddenly wake up here too?"
Kris nodded.
???: "I can't remember anything, including how I got here…"
Then he paused. He began to think after hearing that. He thought harder than he ever had before and yet he still couldn't remember anything before waking up. Not the date, not where he was, and not what he was doing.
???: "By the looks of it, it seems this facility is still running… the lighting works, and there are monitors and cameras everywhere."
Kris faced where the girl was pointing. Surely enough, a monitor could be seen on a wall, displaying what he assumed was the school's crest. Due to the boarded-up windows, he didn't even know the time of day, either. Somehow, being stranded in a fully functioning building was more eerie than if it was in ruins.
Without dallying, Kris decided to look around and took off in a random direction. The girl was quick to hurry after him.
???: "Wait up! At least let me introduce myself first!"
After being thrown into an empty college campus without explanation, introductions were the last thing on Kris' mind. He kept walking but turned his head to look up at the girl as if he were signaling her to go on. It would help to know her name at the very least.
???: "My name is Monika, and I'm the ultimate poet!"
Ultimate?
Kris thought about what that could mean before putting his hands in his pockets, only to feel a small piece of paper that he was quick to take out. He didn't remember having anything in his pockets beforehand, but then again, he didn't remember NOT having anything in them either.
After reading his name and the title of "ultimate leader", he put the pieces together in his mind and showed Monika the slip.
Monika: "I found one of those sheets in my pocket too. I have no idea who put it there or how they know about it, but… maybe they're meant to read what we're good at?"
This girl was good at poems, then. He looked up at her for confirmation.
Monika: "That's right! I'm even the president of my very own literature club. I mostly write, but sometimes I like to practice piano, too."
Piano, huh?
Kris's heart churned at the thought of that instrument, but he was glad to have something in common with this girl. He decided to keep his love for the piano to himself, however. There was a chance he'd trigger an onslaught of questions if she knew.
Monika: "Anyway, it's nice to meet you! Finding a friendly face is always a relief, especially in our current situation. We'll find out what's going on. Lead the way, ultimate leader!"
Even though he regretted reading the talent written on his slip out loud now, Kris couldn't help but admire the girl's optimism in a mysterious setting such as this. He felt relieved, even. After all, it could've been worse.
Monika: "Sorry, you just have this aura about you that just… Makes me want to follow your lead, y'know? I hope that's not annoying."
She had a point. Kris didn't think about it until now, but he certainly did recognize some leadership qualities, mainly during his adventures in the dark world. Perhaps "ultimate leader" WAS the talent that best described him, but he still wondered how whoever wrote that slip knew that about him. His silence spoke volumes, however, as Monika could tell he didn't mind the company.
Suddenly, he froze. Monika, noticing his sudden halt, stopped walking as well.
Monika: "Kris? Why'd we—"
Monika recoiled back in surprise as Kris's hand covered her mouth. He signaled towards another classroom nearby, and suddenly it all made sense. She could now hear a faint chatter from within. The two weren't alone.
Monika: "Do you think they suddenly woke up here, too?"
She kept her voice down, but Kris didn't respond. Instead, he just gently opened the door to the classroom. There was only one way to find out, and that was in. What he didn't expect, however, was to find a short anthropomorphic blue cat and a tall white man wearing a cap. It didn't seem like they noticed Kris opening the door, as they were still deep in conversation.
???: "Let me get this straight. You beat up a bunch of ghosts… with a baseball bat?"
???: "Spectres."
???: "Same diff. Point is, I think you and I are gonna get along juuuuust fine."
Monika: "Hello…?"
On cue, the cat and the man quickly turned to face the entrance with surprise and locked eyes with Kris and Monika.
???: "Sheezus, you nearly scared me half to death! Learn to knock, much?"
Monika "S-Sorry!"
Kris could tell by their faces that they were also in the same situation as him. Monika, on the other hand, felt ecstatic to find new faces here. The tall white man reaffirmed their situation.
???: "It appears you're both wondering where we are too."
Kris and Monika both nodded in unison.
Monika: "I'm Monika, this is Kris. I guess this means you don't have a clue either…?"
???: "Yeah, uber creepy. I've always hated schools, and this whole thing cranks my hatred up a thousand notches. At least you seem like good guys."
The blue cat stepped up to the newcomers first.
???: "Sorry, uh… I'm Mae Borowski. I'm the ultimatest rebel that ever rebelled!"
Monika: "Oh my…"
Mae: "It's not as bad as it sounds! The stuff I do is like, borderline illegal. Though I never thought I'd step foot into a college again. I swear to god if they kidnapped me and dragged me back-"
Kris was always a bit of a troublemaker himself. Pulling pranks and getting into mischief was in his blood, and he couldn't help but feel a hint of sympathy toward Mae.
His train of thought was interrupted when it was the man's turn to introduce himself.
???: "I'm the Batter. The ultimate batter."
Monika: "I see! You must be a great baseball player! You do give off this sporty vibe…"
Batter: "I use my bat to banish the impure."
Monika: "Huh?"
Mae: "Ignore him. He keeps going on and on about 'zones' and 'ghosts' and whatnot…"
Batter: "Spectres."
Mae: "Potato potahto!"
So far, the people Kris has met here have come off as a little bizarre, but it wasn't anything he wasn't used to– especially compared to the residents of Hometown. If anything, it was a good sign that strangers were getting along as well as they were. He wasn't about to outright admit it, though.
Monika: "Well Mae, Batter… Kris and I are happy to meet you! We're glad knowing we're not the only two people in this place."
Mae: "We're not the only four either. There's a bunch of guys and gals wandering around."
Batter: "I advise that you become acquainted with them too."
Wait, there were more? How many more? And where exactly? If anything would catch Kris's attention, it was the possibility of one of the people knowing where exactly they were and what was going on. Nodding and waving goodbye, he made his way back out to the hallway with Monika following behind.
Monika: "We'll do that! It was nice meeting you!"
Mae and The Batter waved their goodbyes before Kris and Monika closed the classroom door behind them to continue forward. As they walked, Kris wondered what other types of people he'd meet around here.
Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long to find out.
???: "Halt! Come no closer!"
Suddenly, the two students stopped when someone— or something— jumped out of nowhere and landed in front of them. A… bug? A ghost? Whatever it was, she was wearing a red cloak and a hostile face.
Kris instinctively got into a fighting stance with Monika behind him, even though they weren't in the dark world and he was unarmed. Kris and the newcomer locked eyes momentarily, but the bug was the first to lower her guard into a proper stand.
???: "My apologies. It's a force of habit."
Both Kris and Monika felt a wave of relief wash over them. Monika was then the first to begin the greetings.
Monika: "That's okay! We know what it's like to wake up somewhere unfamiliar."
The bug nodded at Monika's attempt to lighten the mood before continuing.
???: "I am not accustomed to areas outside of Hallownest. That is why, as its protector, my fighting instincts took the better of me."
Monika: "Wow! Could you be a knight? Or perhaps a ruler?"
???: "I normally wouldn't be so foolish as to provide that information to someone I cannot trust as friend or foe… but it may help me return to my kingdom. Remember the name of Hornet, the ultimate hunter."
It all made sense now. Kris could see a fierce flame within the void of Hornet's eyes, even though she lacked a weapon. She appeared to be as defenseless as he was, yet still had the blood of a warrior.
Monika: "I see! Maybe you could join us in finding a way out of here together? The more, the merrier!"
Hornet: "You have pure intentions, young one. However, I have chosen to take a path of solitude. I bid you both luck in finding your homes as well."
Without waiting for a proper goodbye, Hornet left as quickly as she appeared. Monika and Kris looked at each other, the girl smiling at him as they continued on their search.
Monika: "There are a lot of interesting characters here. I never expected so many colorful personalities."
Kris never expected to find people here in the first place.
Monika: "How many people do you think there are? I don't think you woke up much later than I did, so I'm as clueless as you are… But the more, the merrier, right?"
Kris had to agree with her there. Anything was better than being alone right now. Even having one person here who was as clueless as him felt somewhat comforting. If anything, the more people they found, the higher the chance of them finding a way ou–
???: "Hey, quit it! That smarts!"
Monika: "Someone's in trouble! It sounds like it came from over there!"
Kris and Monika rushed to a dead end with a gated stairway on their left and a windowed door on their right.
Monika: "Huh? Are the stairs closed? Weird…Why are they gated off…– Nevermind! We'll worry about it later!"
They hurried to open the door and found a study hall with long tables, chairs, and an electronic whiteboard behind a desk at the end of the room. But right in the middle of the room stood three new faces.
???: "Yeah, what gives, pal? Leggo of him!"
???: "Such an intriguing specimen… A being of pure flesh and ceramic. Your creator ought to be proud."
Monika: "E-Excuse me…"
The three were interrupted and turned to the doorway where Kris and Monika stood.
???: "You! Ribbon girl! A lil help over here?"
???: "And don't even THINK about startin' anything! This bozo's already enough to deal with."
???: "Such harsh words… All I wanted was to satisfy my curiosity. Tell me, is that so much to ask?"
Monika: "Curiosity about what, exactly…?"
???: "Why, I'm glad you asked, my little sheep. You see…"
But while the tall masked man was distracted, the boy with a cup for a head sneaked away from his grasp.
???: "Phew! Thanks, lady! Oh, and uh, the name's Cuphead! And I'm the ultimate daredevil!"
???: "Escaped from under my nose… Truly you carry the soul of a risk-taker."
???: "What are you, some kinda toon perv? Coming from me, that's sayin' something!"
???: "Oh? And what might YOU be, little girl? Those robotic limbs of yours don't exactly scream normal, either."
???: "That's Peacock to you, overalls! And I'm the ultimate weapon, so watch it!"
Monika: "U-Ultimate weapon..? Might your arms have something to do with that?"
Peacock: "You bet! My Argus system is as deadly as it is cool! Though for some reason, apart from the eyes, everything's deactivated… Don't let 'im know, though. I need him to believe my bluff."
???: "You underestimate my hearing, child. These old ears are just as refined as in my glory days."
Peacock: "Rats!"
Monika: "She was whispering pretty quietly… Your hearing is impressive, Mr..?"
???: "Lawrence. Sammy Lawrence. As the ultimate composer, I possess a natural ear for things."
Cuphead: "Oh, you write music n' stuff? Well, why didn't ya say so sooner? I bet you were just pokin' around me because you knew I had the talent."
Sammy: "…Precisely. Let's go with that."
Kris could hear Monika whisper something along the lines of "he's a naïve one" to him.
Peacock: "Pick on someone your own size, masky!"
Sammy: "What a kind offer! Don't mind if I do. Your "eyes" strike my interest in particular…"
Peacock: "Hold it! Watch the merchandise!"
Monika: "Kris, I think we should leave them be– you know, before things heat up…?"
Kris agreed with her immediately, already making a U-turn back out the door. After a few moments of walking back the way they came, Monika broke the awkward silence.
Monika: "Quite the cast of colorful characters here, huh…?"
By her tone, Kris knew she was asking rhetorically and wasn't really expecting an answer. He's met seven people so far and yet, Monika remained the most composed and level-headed he's met. He had to respect her in that regard.
The two passed a pair of restroom entrances before finding themselves in front of two big doors. Both Kris and Monika pushed them to reveal a large gymnasium. Monika looked around in awe.
Monika: "Wow, even my high school's gym pales in comparison to this one…"
It was complete with a stage, basketball hoops, bleachers, and mats. In the corner, there were balls of every kind, different types of nets, and several other pieces of sports equipment. It was everything a gym could ever need.
There were two doors as well— one on the left that seemed to lead to another room and one that was all boarded up with metal plates that looked like it led outside. If there was an exit to this place, someone or something didn't want them to leave.
Almost instinctively, however, Kris headed for the door on the left. He found a weight room with even more equipment like treadmills, barbells, stationary bikes, two new faces, a pullup bar–
Wait.
???: "Well met, traveler!"
???: "Yeah, hey there! Did this place catch your eye too?"
Monika: "Kris! Wait up!"
It was like playing follow the leader, and Monika was losing. Finally, she caught up with Kris in the weight room but quickly recomposed herself once she noticed the man in heavy-plated armor and the girl donning light Middle Eastern attire.
Monika: "Oh, hello! I'm Monika and this is Kris. It's nice to meet you!"
???: "Have no fear of losing yourself in a place such as this, friend. This facility is not so big."
Monika: "Really? We haven't explored much, you see…"
???: "No worries, you two. You'll find your way around here. I'm Shantae! Guardian of Scuttle Town and the ultimate belly dancer. It's nice to meet you!"
???: "And I am known as Shovel Knight. You've no need to be weary so long as the ultimate knight is here."
That explained their outfits. They're almost like a direct contrast to each other.
Wait, did he say shovel?
Monika: "Wow, a belly dancer and a knight! Suddenly, being the ultimate poet is making me feel somewhat inferior…"
Shantae: "Don't downplay your talent! Though, I kinda get how you feel… I've lost my magic. What kind of half-genie would I be without magic?"
Shovel Knight: "Similarly, my trusty shovel blade is not on my person. I very much hope to reunite with it soon."
Kris began to notice a pattern. These two were in a similar situation as Hornet and Peacock; left defenseless in an unusual location. He wondered what the meaning of this was.
Monika: "Ah, Kris and I still have some exploring to do. Since you said this place was small, we shouldn't have much left to find. Shantae, Shovel Knight, please take care!"
With a farewell from the two, Monika and Kris left the weight room as quickly as they entered. Kris was somewhat relieved to finally meet someone normal apart from Monika– even if what accounted as "normal" was a human-genie hybrid and a literal knight in a full suit of armor.
As they made their way back out of the gym, Kris turned his head to glance at the bathroom entrances once more. He paused to contemplate peeking in, even if for a moment.
Monika: "Kris! You may be good at leading, but I won't follow you into the bathroom! Just what are you thinking, mister?"
…
Monika: "Ahaha! Only teasing."
Immediately he resumed walking.
Monika: "Come ooon! It was a joke!"
They turned a corner to spot yet another unfamiliar door. Kris took a deep breath before opening it, bracing himself for the next handful of characters he had to force himself to meet.
But for a recreation room with lounging sofas, a TV, a counter, a shelf stuffed with magazines and board games, and tables specialized for games such as billiards and table tennis, Kris was surprised to only find a purple hat on the head of a single lone girl trying her hand at darts.
???: "Boom! Pow! Blammo! Easy as pie. Man, I'm starting to feel bad for sinking that one ship that had games like these. Then again, they said I wasn't old enough…"
Monika: "Impressive! That was a nice "hat" trick you did there!"
The girl turned to face Monika with disappointment.
Monika: "Because you wear a hat… And a hat trick in darts is–"
???: "I know, I know! Stop embarrassing yourself, lady! I'm dying of cringe over here!"
The girl hopped over a pool table to reach where Kris and Monika stood.
Monika: "S-Sorry! Let's start over. I'm Monika, and this is Kris. Where did you learn to throw like that?"
???: "Places. You pick up a thing or two when you're an ultimate explorer like me, Hat Kid!"
Monika: "Wow, an explorer! And at such a young age, too. You must pick up lots of nifty skills on your travels, huh?"
Hat Kid: "Yeeeeah, something like that. Traveling across time and galaxies as a space explorer has its perks."
Monika: "SPACE explorer? Next, you'll say you're an alien or something!"
Hat Kid: "How'd you know? *gasp* Are you the ultimate psychic or something!? Creepy!!!"
Monika: "W-What!?"
Kris pulled on Monika's arm to lead her out of the room before she passed out from fear.
Hat Kid: "Ah well. I'm used to that reaction. Get her outta here before I eat her brains! Heheh."
Dragging the half-dazed schoolgirl out the door, Kris held up his free hand to wave Hat Kid goodbye before exiting the rec room. He quickly looked around the hall for somewhere to set her down. His sight fixed itself on an unfamiliar door with the words "Principal's Office" on a gold rectangle plate.
Girl in one hand and doorknob in the other, Kris opened the door and immediately sat Monika down on the nearest chair. He then managed to shake her back into reality.
Monika: "I-I'm okay!"
They've met an anthropomorphic cat and a talking cup, but THIS is where she crosses the line?
Monika: "Are we in some sort of headmaster's office? It's pretty cozy here."
Among the decorative plants and large desks riddled with office supplies, Kris stared aimlessly at a fish tank and the several tropical fish that swam about within it.
Monika: "This tank's water is clean, and the fish are alive and happy… I think it's safe to assume someone's been here recently. We can at least rest assured that this place isn't abandoned…"
With a tank of well-fed fish and a working lighting system, there was no denying it. Now it was a matter of finding whoever was running this place.
Almost instantly, however, he picked up a faint conversation behind a door within the office, this time the plate reading "Infirmary".
He peeked into the door's window and saw a much smaller room with an examination table, a sink, and a mini fridge, among other things suitable for a school infirmary. There, he found a tall purple man in a security guard outfit talking with a petite, white-skinned blonde girl.
Monika: "Any good educational establishment needs a nurse's office. Let me see!"
Kris didn't even notice Monika right behind him until she spoke. Her height allowed her to see through the vertical, rectangular window without a problem, but she was still somewhat pressing up against him. He decided not to speak up about it, even during the sudden silence between the two parties.
???: "It's rude to eavesdrop, you know."
Monika: "Eep!"
With Monika finally off of him, Kris could stand up straight again. The one who spoke up, the purple man, didn't even turn his head to face them when he called them out. For a moment, Kris wasn't even sure the man was referring to them. The blonde girl got up from her chair to reassure them.
???: "It's okay! We know you didn't mean to."
Monika wiped the sweat off her forehead and cleared her throat.
Monika: "H-Hello! I'm Monika, this is Kris! We couldn't help but hear voices nearby, so we followed the sound… We're sorry if we interrupted anything!"
???: "You're fine! It's comforting, even. Seeing new faces, I mean."
Monika: "Silly question… neither of you would happen to be the headmaster of this place, would you?"
???: "Afraid not. This is a most… interesting location, wouldn't you say?"
Monika: "So still no leads…"
Kris squinted his eyes while looking at the blonde girl, almost as if he were trying to analyze her. There was something different, almost robotic about her.
???: "Yeah, I get that look a lot from humans. That's because I'm Curly Brace, the ultimate robot soldier!"
Monika: "You're a robot! That makes sense now! How fascinating… Wait, robot soldier?"
Curly: "Yep! I was made for fighting purposes!"
???: "Truly state of the art, I must say. I'm almost envious of whoever designed her."
Monika: "Oh? How so?"
???: "Why, it's only natural for the ultimate roboticist to have knowledge in this field. Many creations were born from the mind of William Afton."
Monika: "A robot soldier AND a robotics engineer in the same room! It's impressive that you can make such advanced technology."
William: "Yes, however, the robots in my field of work are more for… Entertainment purposes, so to speak."
Monika: "Entertainment…? Oh, like animatronics and stuff? It's so cool that you bring smiles to people's faces!"
William: "Used to, at least. I'm afraid my glory days are far behind me, for better or for worse."
Monika: "Aww…"
Curly: "He can have a happy retirement though, knowing he founded a big pizza chain with mascots and everything!"
He was a businessman, an engineer, AND a security guard? Kris couldn't help but be somewhat impressed, too.
Curly: "This place is pretty cool too, though! It has a gym, a rec room, an auditorium…"
Monika: "Wow, even a theater? Kris and I have to check that out. We'll catch you later!"
William: "Don't lose yourself now."
This time, Monika was the one taking the lead as she grabbed Kris' hand and paced her way back out of the office. Kris could only scurry his feet to keep up with her taller figure and longer steps. Not far off, they found the college's entrance lobby which was filled with comfortable-looking chairs and couches. The space was very open, fit for students to just sit anywhere and study.
There were two pairs of doors as well, which Kris could only assume functioned as the entrances to the building.
Monika: "There's our exit… Or, it WOULD be if they weren't all boarded up with metal slabs… just what is going on here? It's like we're completely tra–"
A hand belonging to Kris covered Monika's mouth once again, signifying her to keep quiet. She lowered her voice to a whisper.
Monika: "You can just ask me to hush, you know!"
But once a faint sobbing reached her ears, it made sense as to why he wanted her to stop talking. It was a very subtle sound, and Monika was surprised Kris picked it up in the first place.
Monika: "It's coming from the other side of the lobby. Let's go, Kris."
Both of them quietly walked among the chairs and end tables towards the source of the crying until they reached a certain chair, one with a small boy sitting on it weeping quietly into his hands. Monika's instincts quickly stepped in with concern.
Monika: "Hello there, sweetie… Is something the matter?"
The boy sniffed and looked up at the two with tear-filled eyes. He looked back and forth between them before finally forcing out words between whimpers.
???: "Daddy… Mommy…"
Monika: "H-Huh!? W-We're not…!-"
Kris noticed a faint blush on Monika's cheeks as she stood up straight in surprise. What exactly did she think the kid meant?
???: "I-I miss them… I wanna go home…"
Monika: "Oh… Ohhh! I'm sorry your parents aren't around… See, none of us know where we are."
That reminded Kris. HIS mom was probably worried sick, wondering where he was. He wished he knew, too. All this must be especially taxing for someone at such a young age.
Monika: "Don't worry, Kris and I are friendly. We'll find out where we are! What's your name, champ?"
The child's whimpering died down as he wiped the tears in his eyes to look up at Monika once again.
???: "I-Isaac…"
Monika: "It's very nice to meet you, Isaac! Is there anything in particular that you're good at, or like to do?"
Isaac: "I… I like…"
???: "He's the ultimate imaginator. He's got a really big imagination!"
Monika, Kris, and Isaac turned to look at a new face, a girl with long orange hair. She was wearing a blue snow jacket and was carrying a backpack. Isaac nodded at her response.
Monika: "Oh? I guess you WOULD need a pretty good imagination to come up with a word like that… Have you two met already?"
???: "Actually yeah, I was keeping him company until I had to run to the bathroom real quick. Can you believe a place this abandoned has running water?"
Kris looked at Monika. Despite his straight face, Monika could tell he was giving a stare of "I told you so" for earlier when he contemplated looking into the restrooms.
???: "Oh yeah, and I'm Madeline. The ultimate mountaineer."
Monika: "You're a mountain climber! That must take impressive amounts of stamina and dedication…"
Madeline: "Yeah… It wasn't easy. I wasn't even sure I COULD do it when I first started. It's crazy what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Literally."
Monika: "See, Isaac? We'll help you find your parents after we find a way out. You just have to believe!"
Isaac nodded again, his wet eyes now shimmering with relief.
Isaac: "Okay…!"
Madeline: "I'll continue to stay with him for now. I'm guessing you two still have some looking around to do."
Monika: "Only a little bit… But thank you, Madeline! Bye, Isaac!"
With smiles on everyone's faces, Kris and Monika walked to the last set of doors connected to the lobby. They looked at each other before pushing them together and finding an auditorium fit for schoolwide gatherings and plays, just like Curly said.
Monika: "Wow, it's so spacious! I'm surprised it can fit in a building as small as this."
There were at the top step, so they got a good view of the several rows of seats that faced center stage. Kris made his way down the steps towards the stage, with Monika following behind.
Monika: "There's probably more stuff hidden backstage. Good thinking, Kris!"
Monika managed to climb up to the wooden stage, then took Kris' hand to help him up.
???: "Hello? Is someone there…?"
Monika and Kris heard a young voice from behind the stage curtains.
Monika: "Someone else is here… Oh, yes! Sorry if we startled you. Can we pass?"
Without waiting for an answer, the two moved the curtains aside to get backstage. There, they met a small cat-like child with a hat and a long blue scarf.
Monika: "Sorry if we startled you… Were you busy?"
The kid shook his head.
???: "No, ma'am. Just poking around. This school is something, huh? It's different from the one back home."
Monika: "Ma'am? Oh, how sweet… but you can call me Monika, and my partner here is Kris!"
Kris wanted to thank Monika for introducing everyone to him without him having to speak up. Maybe later, though.
???: "Oh, okay! I'm Niko, the ultimate Messiah!"
Monika: "Messiah?"
Niko: "That's what everyone called me in that other world, at least. I guess it fits, given how I returned their sun to the tower for them and stuff."
Monika and Kris looked at each other with puzzled faces.
Niko: "...It's hard to explain."
Monika: "Still, those shoulders look sturdy, having to carry that much responsibility."
Niko: "Th-Thank You! I guess I was carrying TWO things, figuratively and literally."
Monika: "Now it makes sense. 'messiah' sounds so mature."
Niko: "Haha, you think so?"
The child scratched the back of his head with a flattered smile. He seemed so kind and innocent, it reminded Kris of Ralsei somewhat. Or maybe it was just the suspiciously similar outfit.
Monika: "Say, speaking of schools and responsibilities, I think we've investigated everything that wasn't blocked off. And we still haven't found the headmaster…"
Almost as if on cue, a school bell rang.
Monika: "Was that…"
Niko: "I think it came from the monitor in the auditorium. Let's go!"
Kris helped Monika and Niko get back to the front of the stage, where they could see the school monitor and the source of the 'ding dong bing bong' sound. There, behind a screen of static, they could barely make out a silhouette.
???: "Ahem ahem, testing, testing! Mic check, one, two! This is a test of the school broadcast system!"
A high-pitched, almost fictitious voice could be heard from the monitor. Like some sort of cartoon.
???: "Am I on? Can everyone hear me? Okay, well then! To all incoming students, I would like to begin the entrance ceremony at… right now!"
Monika: "Entrance ceremony…? That must be the headmaster. But I don't remember enrolling in anything…"
???: "Please make your way to the gymnasium at your earliest convenience. That's all. I'll be waiiitiiiinggg…"
The monitor went black and the communication ended as the screen went back to displaying the school's crest. Kris, Monika, and Niko all looked at each other with bewildered expressions.
Niko: "What was that all about? Are we the students?"
Monika: "Only one way to find out…"
The three made their way up the steps and out of the auditorium, back into the lobby. Madeline and Isaac were still there, just as confused.
Madeline: "That was a strange announcement. And what did they mean by 'students?'"
Isaac: "I don't… Want to go…"
Monika: "But it's the only choice we have, right? Let's go."
They resumed their way towards the gym and passed the principal's office and the rec room, once again running into the people they'd met.
Curly: "That voice… Who do you think it was?"
Hat Kid: "Who cares l hate being told what to do!"
William: "I don't believe you have a choice in the matter."
One by one, more and more people emerged from the rooms they were in, all headed toward the same place.
Mae: "Just so you all know, I'm going to the gym because I want to."
Batter: "Ok."
Mae: "I'm serious! They can't make me!"
Batter: "I didn't say otherwise."
The two big doors to the gym were now within sight, and a small group was already pushing them open.
Peacock: "This better be good…"
Cuphead: "I wasn't itchin' for a field trip and this place isn't exactly 'adventurable'."
Sammy: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my friend."
Hornet: "I find it hard to believe that one can find beauty in a place such as this."
Everyone trickled into the gym, each person holding the door for the others behind them. A pair was already at the gym before everyone else.
Shovel Knight: "Show yourself, whether friend or foe."
Shantae: "Or at least pretty please tell us what's going on?"
Everyone was gathered in the gym now. Between the murmuring and small talk, none of them could find the voice from the announcement. Monika began counting each person in the crowd.
Monika: "Nobody's here, besides the 16 of us…"
Hat Kid: "It's a crummy entrance ceremony if you ask me. Where's the complimentary food table?"
Curly: "I don't remember signing up for a school… Is this some sort of kidnapping?"
Isaac: "B-But who… Who would wanna kidnap us…"
Madeline: "It may have something to with these slips we were handed. Everyone had one, right?"
Cuphead: "Oh yeah! I forgot about that."
William: "Assuming this is the principal's doing, whoever gathered us here must know a great deal about us."
Peacock: "Gross and creepy! I'm gonna give 'em a piece of my mind!"
???: "Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try!"
There was that voice again— the same playful voice from the announcement.
Niko: "Huh? Who said that?"
They all turned to face the source of the voice; the stage. On the stage was a podium with a microphone, and behind the podium appeared a small stuffed bear with white fur on its right side and black fur on its left. Its singular red eye took away from its otherwise innocent appearance. It was at this point that Kris considered pinching himself.
Mae: "Is… Is that a freaking talking teddy bear!?"
???: "I am NOT a teddy bear! Why does everybody always think that!? Seriously, every time!"
Hornet: "And where is that music coming from? It's rather obnoxious."
???: "That's my theme song, and it's NOT–"
Niko: "Wow, it can talk! I've always wanted one of those!"
???: "I'm not a toy, you… cat-like thing! How dare you compare me to a child's plaything? It stings! More than a million hornets!"
Niko: "I'm not a cat, cats walk on four legs."
Mae: "Just gonna pretend I didn't hear that."
Curly: "Then are you a robot, like me?"
Sammy: "Ah, yet another inanimate creation come to life. Truly a gift from above. Can I get an amen?"
William: "Perhaps an animatronic, controlled remotely. Quite sophisticated, I must admit."
???: "Everyone shut up! We're starting over. I am… Monokumaaa! I am this school's headmaster!"
Cuphead: "Hi, Monokuma. I'm Cuphead!"
Monokuma: "I like him. You're my favorite now."
Cuphead: "Alright! That's one point for me!"
Peacock: "What are ya, some sort of teacher's pet?"
Monokuma: "Settle down now! I know you ladies can't resist me, but we really must get things started! Good morning, students!"
Batter: "I am not a student here. I'm the Batter."
Monokuma: "Swear on Gungir, this class– Ahem, let's discuss what your school life here will be like. I've gathered all you ultimates here in one spot for a reason."
Monika: "Ultimates… You're referring to the slips found in our pockets, right?"
Monokuma: "Bingo, young lady! Written on each piece of paper is your ultimate talent, which means you're the best of the best at that particular skill. Pat yourselves on the back, you've earned it!"
Madeline: "You mean… I'm the best mountain climber in the world? I find that a LITTLE hard to believe."
Shantae: "Maybe you got the wrong people? I don't think I'm supposed to be here."
Shovel Knight: "You blind us with praise, but have yet to reveal your ulterior motives."
Hornet: "What do our skill sets have to do with why you've kidnapped us here?"
Monokuma: "'Kidnapped' is a strong word… It makes me sound like a big mean bear. I'm not mean, just look at how cute I am!"
Hat Kid: "Yadda yadda, quit avoiding the subject already."
Monokuma: "The reason I brought all you ultimates here is so you can live your communal lives solely within the confines of this school. Everyone will live together in harmony, and follow the rules and regulations."
Mae: "Uuuuugh!"
Kris didn't know stuffed bears could give people the stink eye. Apparently, they can.
Monokuma: "And regarding the end date for this communal life, it's… never!"
Monika: "Wh… What…?"
Monokuma: "Allow me to make myself more clear. N-E-V-E-R. There's no end date. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. You're all staying here until the day you die!"
Something deep began to settle in the back of Kris' throat. Was it confusion? Was it fear? Was it despair? Maybe it was all of the above, but there was no way to tell.
Hat Kid: "Hey, cool! It even tells jokes."
Niko: "Oh… That's a relief! Just imagine, being stuck in a place like this."
Monokuma: "No jokes here! You won't even have to worry about things like dorms, food, and common conveniences. This bear comes prepared."
Curly: "For a bear that tells jokes, I don't think it's very funny…"
Shantae: "It's just messing with us, I'm sure."
Hornet: "But are we sure there's another logical explanation for all the windows and exit doors being boarded up?"
Madeline: "If we've been missing for this long, there's no doubt people are looking for us. I'm sure the police are doing everything they can."
Monokuma: "Nope! You're completely cut off from the outside world. You'll never need to worry about pollution or war or global warming ever again."
Batter: "What do you mean by that?"
Monokuma: "Puhuhu… Who knows? I'm just a bear!"
Cuphead: "Let us outta here, buster! I've fought guys twenty times your size!"
Monokuma: "Okay."
Cuphead: "Huh. That was easy."
Peacock: "I ain't buying it. There's something fishy goin' on."
Monokuma: "Oops, that must be the salmon I've had for lunch. How embarrassing! Anyway, let me give you kids some fresh air."
Monokuma got down from the stage and waddled over to the door in the gym that was boarded up with metal plates.
Monokuma: "Stand back! I'll need all my bear strength for this!"
The bear took in a deep breath and suddenly gained a muscular build complete with abs, thighs, arms, everything. It was like watching a comic book abomination.
Curly: "Aah! It's like something out of a cartoon!"
Peacock: "Hey, what's that s'posed to mean!?"
And just like in a cartoon, the buff Monokuma grabbed each of the metal plates and seamlessly pulled them off of the doors, one by one, before shrinking back down into his chubby cuddly self.
Monokuma: "Don't worry about the other doors and windows, I'll take those off later. Come along now, boys and girls!"
Mae: "Yes! Finally, the outdoors!"
Relieved, everyone once again took turns walking out of the gym's exit. The orange glow of warm sunshine washed over each of their faces.
Only for them to be once again buried under despair.
What?
Why were the clouds so close to the ground?
Scratch that– Where WAS the ground? How was there none of it?
And how come the small amount of land he COULD see was floating in the distance?
Cuphead: "Cool, a courtyard!"
Niko: "That's not the thing to be focusing on!!!"
William: "I now see why you so quickly agreed to let us outside."
Batter: "This island is floating. What is the meaning behind this?"
Monokuma: "Aaaahahahaha! The look of despair on all your faces was so worth it! Welcome to my floating islands academy!"
Hornet: "What is the meaning of all this? How are we supposed to get down?"
Monokuma: "Why, I'm glad you asked! As I mentioned, you're all to live the rest of your lives peacefully within the confines of these islands. But if someone were to disturb the peace, well that's a big no-no! I'd have to send you straight home."
Mae: "So all we gotta do is break the rules? Easy! What's it gonna take? Arson? Destruction of property? Disorderly conduct?"
Monokuma: "Oh, nothing much, just something like… Murder."
Monika: "M… M-M-Murder!?"
Monokuma: "Stabbing, strangling, bludgeoning, crushing, poisoning, drowning, igniting, the method doesn't matter. Simply put, you must kill someone if you want to leave."
That word shot a chill down Kris' spine. "Kill". It was so simple and yet, those words carried more weight than he could bear.
Isaac: "W-We have to… Kill someone?"
Sammy: "That is quite a daunting requirement you're asking for there. To pit strangers against each other…"
Hornet: "Simple. You will be my target. Nothing is stopping me from smiting you down on the spot."
Monokuma: "Nooooo! Not me! I'm too adorable to die!"
Hornet didn't want to hear another word, however. Quick as a dart, she shot toward Monokuma and pinned him down.
Hornet: "Enough. Tell us how to get back down to the ground at once!"
Monokuma: "Ahem. Violence against the headmaster is strictly prohibited."
Monokuma's voice went dark and cold. As if Hornet just broke a sacred law.
Hornet: "Speak, before you're ripped to shreds!"
But no other noise came out of Monokuma. No noise other than…
Hat Kid: "Does anyone else hear beeping?"
Madeline: "It's coming from… Hey! Get away from it!!!"
Hornet looked down at the source of the beeping and managed to jump away from the ticking time bear before it exploded into fireworks of metal scraps and fur. The scent of gunpowder filled the air, and everyone stood in awe.
Mae: "He freaking exploded! That was awesome!"
Shantae: "And dangerous! Hornet, are you okay!?"
Hornet: "He's… The bear is…"
Monokuma: "Riiiight here!"
In the very same spot he burst into pieces, Monokuma popped out of nowhere, good as new.
Monokuma: "Make that little demonstration of what happens if you so much as THINK of defying my rules… I gave you a warning this time, but next time I'll claw you up good!"
William: "And just how many replicas of you are there, exactly?"
Monokuma: "Trust me, you don't wanna find out! And don't even think about breaking rules behind my back, that's what the cameras are for. I'll be watching!"
Hornet: "It's hopeless… Without my needle, I can't risk this fight."
Shovel Knight: "Quite. Return my weapon, fiend! I know you must be responsible for its disappearance."
Curly: "My machine gun's all I need to stop you, mister bear! So uh… Where is it?"
Monokuma: "Well when I gathered you all here, I had to confiscate some of your belongings, skills, and powers. It's for the sake of fairness, y'know? I want clean and fair killings!"
Shantae: "So you're the one who stole my magic!"
Batter: "That is impractical. I am rather defenseless without my bat."
Peacock: "You've got some nerve… You're lucky the gang ain't with me right now!"
Monokuma: "Now hold on! I know you're all mad, but I have a little gift for each of you."
The bear began to walk around, handing translucent blue tablets with the school's crest to each of the students.
Monokuma: "It's your official student e-Handbooks! Take good care of them, and don't lose them now! They're an essential part of your communal student experience."
Kris looked down at his e-Handbook, noticing it power on at his touch and displaying his name. Just how far in advance was all of this planned out?
Monika: "What are these for…?"
Monokuma: "They contain all the school regulations, as well as a map of the school. Pretty neat, huh? If I were you, I'd keep it on me at all times."
Hat Kid: "You call this a present? Where's my umbrella? I need it for… reasons."
Cuphead: "Ah, baloney. My finger guns ain't workin' either, but… I guess this is better than nothing?"
Niko: "No! It isn't! There are still so many questions–"
Monokuma: "And that concludes the opening ceremony. I hope you all get along and enjoy your new life here! Puhuhu!"
And with that, Monokuma disappeared as quickly as he showed up. Everyone was still left in a state of disbelief.
Mae: "So… That just happened."
Isaac: "I d-don't want to die. I want to go home…"
Madeline: "We're just supposed to live the rest of our lives here on this… Floating island?"
William: "Either that, or someone resorts to murder."
Some showed fear, others showed distrust. But they all remembered the words that continued to linger in the air.
"You must kill someone if you want to leave."
The group all stared at each other back and forth, a tense atmosphere filling the courtyard and polluting the air. The only thing breaking the silence was the rushing water from the fountain. No one dared to speak, but they were all thinking the same thing. They were strangers, and yet killing someone would still feel like betrayal.
Kris knew that they were all considering it. Each person had ambitions, goals, families, and friends that were waiting for them back home. They were trapped here. Stranded. Forced to play a game they didn't sign up for. If killing someone meant freedom, perhaps there was little choice but to do it.
It was just a matter of who would do it first.
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