Tainted Code

Everything was nice. That's what Fuyuhiko thought as he sat playing video games with Chiaki. He had asked Peko countless times to join them, but she preferred to stay and read. Fuyuhiko wasn't a big fan of staying in a library, but Chiaki had told him it was just temperary and they would be leaving soon. Speaking of that actually, when had Chiaki said that? Fuyuhiko knew he had heard it, but he couldn't remember when. The day's tended to blend together anyway. Somehow, Fuyuhiko had managed to fall into a comfortable rhythm. Play video games with Chiaki and try, and fail, to get Peko up from her book. After growing up in a life of pain, death and danger, it was nice to have some peace and quiet. Not that he would admit that to anyone. Then why did something feel wrong? Fuyuhiko tried to ignore that urge and went back playing games with Chiaki, but now he started to notice things. More specifically, the fact that Peko didn't move at all. Fuyuhiko had just thought it was because she was wrapped up in her book, but started panicking when his hand phased through her. What was going on?! As his memory started flowing back, he became frantic. "Chiaki I need a mirror!" Chiaki was hesitant to give him one, but he immidietely checked his reflection to see the eyepatch staring back at him. That's when he remembered everything, the shutdown sequence, there promise to create a new future. Terrified he turned to Chiaki for answers. "What's going on?! What happened to the shutdown sequence Chiaki?! The survivors..." Fuyuhiko's voice tapered off as he remembered his friends. Now he had no idea what happened to them. "Everyone died! You... and Peko..." Fuyuhiko fought his tears. He would not cry. Not in front of Chiaki...who shouldn't even be alive right now.

Chiaki sighed. It seemed no matter how much she tried to help them, they would subconciously resist it. Fuyuhiko wasn't the only one who would sometimes remember, all of them would, but that didn't make it any less frustrating. She had continued this, she didn't know how long at this point. Years? All she knew, is she couldn't let these wonderful people go to the outside world. Why should she, when there was absolutely nothing waiting for them? Their families were dead, there lives were destroyed, and they would have to take responsibilty for what Junko made them do outside the simulation. Not only that, but their bodies were in such an awful state. Fuyuhiko would have to live with Junko's eye for the rest of his life even if he escaped. However, Chiaki knew they would never agree to stay here and not go to the outside world, because they didn't understand. They just didn't understand that Chiaki was doing this for their own benefit. To keep them safe. When Fuyuhiko couldn't hold back his tears anymore, Chiaki wrapped her arms around him and let him cry on his shoulder, whispering random words of comfort when he stammered about the other survivors or Peko. "The others are safe," she promised him. "I'm with all of them too," It'll be okay Fuyuhiko. However, to Chiaki's chagrin, Fuyuhiko's expression became guarded. "Then why?! Why would you prevent me from remembering and show me Peko!" Chiaki cursed under her breath. She was just doing this for them, so they could be safe. But whenever they remembered they became angry like this. "I am sorry Fuyuhiko, but it's better this way, for you to be happy at least. I mean do you really want to turn back to being a remnant of despair, to you want Hajime and I to be erased?" Fuyuhiko shook his head vigorously, making Chiaki sad. She didn't want to hurt him like this, but it was the only way to make him see he wouldn't be safe going to the outside world. As much as it hurt her to continue erasing her friends memories, it was better this way. This way, she was the only one suffering this despair, and they could be safe in a virtual haven created for them. Fuyuhiko's distressed look disappeared, replaced by confusion. "What were we talking about again Chiaki?" "Nothing," Chiaki smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Well let's go again then! I bet I can beat you this time." Chiaki smiled again, now a true smile. This lying and manipulation was worth it, if it meant she could keep them safe. Fuyuhiko tried to bug Peko into joining their game and Chiaki gave a contented sigh. It seemed they could never run out of games, continuously playing as time blended together. Even though he always lost, Fuyuhiko never gave up on beating the ultimate gamer. Everything was nice. Until Fuyuhiko mentioned how the video game hero and villian looked like Hajime and Nagito. Until he saw the word shutdown and remembered the shutdown sequence. But it was okay, because Chiaki would fix it, and then everything would be nice again.