pythonissam-despair

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Archived Excerpts from NoNonsenseFood.jp || Yukio Hayashi Epilogue

Due to the formatting of it, Yukio's epilogue can be found on google docs. Please enjoy my tribute to this silly little man. 

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Epilogues | Mechanics Explanation

So. Epilogues, huh?

After many months of magic, mystery, sacrifices, and triumphs, the killing game cycle has been ended and the participants of Wonderland’s third killing game have escaped. The class of Magi have finally been liberated and are slowly trying to find a sense of normalcy…

But how do they go about it?

Rather than tell you what your ocs do with their newfound freedom (and, in some cases, returned lives), we have decided to let you tell the rest of their story! Do they continue to work on their talent and bud into their field? Do they become recluse and hide away from the public eye? Do they start their life all over again, trying to get away from the pain of his endeavor? Do they start families? Schools? Charities? Crime Organizations?

It’s up to you!

Both Living and Deceased Players may send in Epilogue Submissions, regardless of whether the dead wished to get a second chance at life or pass onto the Law of Cycles! The only thing we ask is that you mention whether or not your oc kept their Magus contract or not.

You all may now send in a submission to the game blog telling the tale of your oc after the events of Pythonissam Despair! If you have any questions, you can always direct them towards the mod team or a fellow player for something more character-specific.

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꧁ Final Words ꧂

Aaaaaand... that’s a wrap on Pythonissam Despair!

(minus any character epilogues y’all send in, that is)

Feels like it’s been forever, huh? Hard to believe apps opened a little more than a year ago (March 1st last year feels like a completely different world). But! If you’re reading this... Whether you were a player or a spectator, thank you for being a part of this project.

Thank you to our art mods, Mints and Los, who brought the game to life through their incredible artistic talent. The work you did means the world to us!

Thank you to our mini mod team, Halo and Teagan. You two kept trials and Witch Hunts moving smoothly and ensured that everyone was on top of stuff.

And thank you to our amazing players for being there through every investigation, trial, plot twist, and all the ups and lows. You encouraged us to keep doing our best as a mod team, so we hope that PD was a game you can look back on fondly, whether that be due to the friends you met or the rp moments that left an impact on you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. ♡

-The Pythonissam Despair Core Mod Team: Jules, Lila, and Kat

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What the Future Holds | Epilogue 3 | Wish Effects

The group of Magi trapped within Wonderland had voted to shape the energy maintaining the pocket dimension into a single Wish.

We wish to make it so Magi, before they can confirm their contracts, are given a glimpse into the reality of life as a Magus -- allowing them time to reconsider if that is the life they are ready to lead.

This wish was born out of a hope for fewer to walk the path they did, now armed with the knowledge that the system of Magi was often unfair. Hopefully now, those making contracts could at least have more information and some warning before deciding whether that life was for them. Contracting was still a necessary evil for some, whether it be those dying or those stuck in desperate situations. For them, hopefully the knowledge gained could allow them to survive in the world of Magi a little longer.

And indeed, those students who kept their Magi contracts would notice that fewer students at Hope’s Peak Academy joined their ranks in the coming months and years. Incubators and their deals could never be erased as an earthly constant, but this way, at least fewer students took the deal they offered.

At least with this... the wish put into words by twenty students made the world a better place in some small way.

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With All My Heart | Epilogue 2

When the participants of the third killing game come to again, they’re slumped unceremoniously upon the cobblestone of the courtyard in front of Hope’s Peak Academy. The real one, not the looming black and white spires from the Mastermind’s cognitive reality. The stars in the sky seem to flare brighter tonight, shining down on the group.

Given the position of the moon... the time is between 12 and 4 am. The witching hour.

Moriko and Atsushi, along with any of the deceased that did not wish to return to life, are notably absent. Given what you know of the system of Magi, they must be in the hands of the Law of Cycles now. The Incubators Chuubey and Minibey are also missing, their whereabouts unknown. And yet... given the wish that was made with the remainder of Wonderland’s magic, gathered through despair and heartbreak... a feeling of hope lingers in the air. Some positive change would happen.

For those Magi who chose to remain in their contracts, their soul gems are bright with a lack of despair. Their powers remain, as do the burdens of living as a Magi. A single Grief Seed, free of any markings, has been pressed into a pocket. A final gift from Wonderland, it seems.

For those former Magi who chose to exit their contracts, sacrificing their magical abilities for a life free from the consequences that came with fighting Wraiths and maintaining a soul gem, their soul gems no longer encase their very soul. Instead, a hollow piece gem remains... a reminder of everything leading up to this moment.

Someone clearing their throat breaks the silence that had settled in while the group of students processed their surroundings.

“Sooooo,” says Kosuke, picking himself off the cobblestone. “Anyone need a place to crash for the night? Sneakin’ into the dorms this late’s, like, waaaay easier than it should be! Nyeheh.”

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I Wish, I Wish... | Epilogue 1

In the quiet since the trial, the group had taken to issuing final goodbyes, warnings, and gratitude to one another in equal measures. For some, there wasn’t much to say that you hadn’t said during the trial. You had put your lives and hearts on the line to survive and, like Mnemosyne had promised, your efforts were rewarded.

Of course, it would still come at the cost of three individual souls: but the ones in question didn’t seem to argue against it.

Hiro Shiroyama, Akane ‘Rosetta’ Taoka, and Atsushi Teshigawara would be sacrificing themselves, it was agreed. What fate truly held for them was uncertain, but they didn’t consider it a harsh goodbye.

The ground gently shakes beneath you, just for a moment.

“You know? I never thought the end of a world would feel so relieving.” ‘Heart’ smiles up at the cracks in the sky as they walk back out of the dark edges of the rooftop. “I’m glad I can see the stars one last time. The real ones, that is. It’s been a while.”

Looking at them, you notice their signature star clip is gone. Following them is Mira Shiroyama, who is clutching something large and glittering in her palm. The corners of her eyes seem red with irritation, but she puts a hand on the fragment’s shoulder and follows their gaze. It seems the estranged siblings did find some final moments of quiet together.

“It is really pretty, huh...?” clearing her throat, she looks around to those gathered. Her serious expression finally eases into a soft, easy smile. “While it’s sad to say goodbye... it appears it’s about that time. Moriko-san, and the rest of the dearly departed, I ask that you gather around me.”

While you hadn’t noticed it before, the group that arrives at the angel’s side is larger than you may have realized. Some of the ghosts walk hand-in-hand while others stand with their arms slung around one another. A handful linger with the living for a few more moments, reluctant to let go but content with their final chances to say goodbye.

Were it not for all of you, these thirty-odd souls would have never had this new chance at happiness in the first place. Most notably though, you will notice Atsushi and Moriko standing with them.

Another tremor shakes the ground, stronger than the first. However, this one does not stop shaking the tower which the Magi had reluctantly lived for the past few months. Instead, it grows more violent.

“Well,” says Minibey. “That... that should do it-”

The sky overhead fractures like a pane of glass. As it comes crashing down, raining in a million shards of prismatic colors, the fake Incubator’s voice can be heard over the cacophony.

“The wish is complete. Consider me getting you home safely, erm... to be free of charge. Good luck out there.”

A dome of white energy forms over the Magi from the third killing game, lulling killers, victims, and survivors into a state between awake and dreaming.

The surroundings blur and fuzz at the edges. Your consciousness fades...

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Thank You, I’ll Say Goodbye Soon | Wish Voting Results

Minibey shifts in Mira’s arm and sneezes.

“It seems like option 3 has the most votes. With the magical energy amassed here... yeah, that should be possible.”

The fake Incubator bobs their head. Quietly, they repeat the wish to themself.

"We wish to make it so Magi, before they can confirm their contracts, are given a glimpse into the reality of life as a Magus -- allowing them time to reconsider if that is the life they wish to lead for their wish."

Minibey bobs their head, their sewn on nose not quite slipping off their face with the gesture. It’s patted back into place soon after.

“Yeah... a change that should give a little more knowledge to anyone thinking about contracting. Fewer children caught living in them.... and dying because of them. This will affect potential Magi of the future.”

Minibey pats Mira’s arm, being let down. They toddle over to the throne in the middle of the room that Chuubey previously sat on. Climbing atop it, they shut their eyes and focus... dark energy seems to coalesce around them, turning from dark purple to light, pure pink.

“...gotta concentrate the energy into your wish...”

The tower underfoot shakes with a low tremor, then stabilizes a few seconds later. Looking up to the sky above, cracks now split the starry sky, letting bits of the world beyond in.

“Say your goodbyes to this world now. It won’t hold for much longer.”

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What Worth is a Soul? | Final Wish Explanatin

After some explanation, the lilac-haired girl explains that she is Mira Shiroyama, the de facto-leader of the Angels of the Cycles. This is the group that Moriko and Fuyu have gotten the means to help disrupt Wonderland from. The Law of Cycles is essentially the afterlife for all Magi after they perish, whether that be in combat or after succumbing to despair.

After the deceased students have tearful and tense reunions with their living counterparts, Mira speaks up as to what happens with Wonderland now that the living students have beaten Atsushi and Chuubey at their own game.

“There appears to be enough energy still present here to both return any Magi who died in the third killing game to life as well as offer all of you a means out of your Magus Contracts -- if you so choose. That will be an individual choice. Anyone who wishes to stay dead and move permanently into the Law of Cycles or anyone who wishes to stay in their Magi contract may do so, if they wish.”

She turns to the group of recently-deceased students she had entered with.

“You’re not obligated to accept on any front and I should note that everything that has already happened will still remain. Motives, including lost-loved ones, still occurred. The wishes you made will maintain their effect up until this point for better or for worse, as turning back time is very dangerous and difficult.”

There was always an underlying nervousness to the angel’s demeanor, even if she was taking some pains to hide it. Minibey pats their paw gently atop her head and she lets go a breath she had been holding.

“With that… There should also be just enough magic for you all to collectively decide on one wish: together. A new wish. There’s limitations and you won’t be able to completely change the world or get rid of the need for Magi. But, with the despair collected here, plus a little extra, you can potentially cause a positive to come about from all of this. This can range from helping one of your classmates with a situation, or possibly making tiny changes in multiple people’s lives -- like the students still present at Hope’s Peak Academy. I have suggestions but... this is your tragedy. You deserve to make something good out of an awful situation.”

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All of Heaven’s Angels | Law of Cycles Intervention

After the Mastermind is correctly unmasked by their fellow Magi...

A soft whizzing can be heard through the air. While too fast for any of you to have caught it before, you watch as what appears to be a large, threaded needle zip around Chuubey, who still sits in the middle of the room. The needle darts down -- taking the tangled Moon Rabbit with it. While not hurting them, they hardly have time to react before the thread loosens and forms into what looks like a glass bubble.

“What is…?”

Shuffling up, the Incubator moves to push their head on the glass and gains no traction.

Minibey comes running out into the center of the room, completely whole and unharmed from the looks of it. 

“It’s been a bit… good job on staying alive, with everything? Sorry I, uh… died.”

Turning around, the panda goes running back some yards into the darkness surrounding the podiums. They return in a heartbeat, carried in the arms of a girl most of you haven’t seen before. Wearing plate mail on her torso reminiscent of a knight, she totes white balloon shorts and a flowing cape. Over her should hovers a similar thread and needle to the one you had just seen.

She doesn’t say anything at first and instead offers what can only be interpreted as an awkward smile, but she’s not the only one. Behind her and Minibey stand the corporeal figures of your lost classmates, all whole and back in the state you had met them in. Whether they were dear friends or stark rivals of yours, it seems they’re all safe -- though alive is probably a different story. Alongside all of them is also Hisa Watanabe, who seems to be carrying the token she had been gifted for her victory.

The lilac-haired girl softly speaks up, her voice gentle but monotone.

“Sorry for being late… We were trying but were unable to force our way in before or during the trial. Thankfully, between the efforts of all of you, your work completing the portraits in the hidden hallways, Moriko and Fuyu, my companions, and a little extra help from Watanabe-san -- we were able to finally break in. This is the weakest the isolation field has ever been.”

Setting Minibey on her shoulder, she clasps her hands together.

“Do not worry about Chuubey’s threats. We have… neutralized them, for the time being. We’re here to let you take hold of your futures.”

A conflicted look is spared to Atsushi, who is still on the ground but less visibly in pain.

“Most of you, anyway.”

[pythonissam-despair]

Mastermind Reveal | Atsushi Teshigawara

It hurts.

There's a swirl of miasma that begins in his heart, settling itself nicely against that of what he's begun to identify as grief. It can almost manifest itself as ink; something vile that stains all it touches, it could be. As it continues, it burns across and up his chest. Like fire. Like salt. Like failure. Like resentment.

And it follows with a shot of despair, something he wasn't expecting and it catches him off-guard enough to rip a pathetic noise from his pathetic throat.

It hurts.

He can't even find it in himself to meet the eyes of those he's found himself amongst. Their words confirm what he's known since he lost the first of many friends.

He isn't proud of any of this.

And as his knees fall to the floor and his body uncontrollably writhes, he bites down on his lip hard enough to bruise. It isn't too bad, it's just a little pain--

"I, I- god, fuck."

Their tone isn't that of pompous victory, it isnt their arms spread wide as they laugh at the stupidity of their class. There's no fanfare for this mastermind. There's just a crack in their voice as they hug themself tight.

They want to hide.

But, none of those who had been turned into witches against their will were given an escape. He doesn't deserve one either.

"I wanted, I just- I... I wanted, more than anything, to just let the world be better. To, to, fucking hell," he wipes at the tears that make watery pearls at his eyes. His nose has gone red. "To just, make it better. To get rid of the suffering, of the pain, of the selfish assholes who just ruined everything because they could."

"It was an innocent wish, I'd say."

They cover their eyes behind their hands, hands clawed into the strands of hair that dip down onto their face.

"Chuubey came to me and said, if I did this, my wish would come true. Wouldn't you do anything for a miracle? A wish? To, to, just do the one thing that matters most? Isn't that what we all did? And... by the time Mimori fucking died, I wanted to stop this. I wanted to stop all of it. I wanted this stupid game to end, I regretted it, but..."

They let their hands fall from their face, still refusing to look at anyone.

No, that isn't quite true. The one they can't pull their eyes from is Chuubey.

"I couldn't stop. You all are so, so infinitely kind and loving and unique, selfish and selfless and I loved so many of you, I never felt like this before but-- I couldn't tell if it was your intrinsic nature... or my wish."

"If I stopped, someone said it might have all crumbled. I couldn't have that happen. I, if it did, then what was the point of Toki and Kosuke, of Selene and Izumi-- I couldn't bring any of them back!'

Atsushi uses their stand as a support, trying desperately to pull themselves up. If they stopped talking, the pain would grow to be too much.

"And when someone said there were people working against Wonderland, I let them. When Chuubey said there were people from within who were working against us-- I felt overjoyed."

"... But, I-"

Their breath hitches. Another wave of pain cycles through them, causing them to shut their eyes tightly and let out a wheeze.

"None of you deserved this. I can't even begin to apologize. I was just, just.... so, so scared. And hurt. And alone. And Chuubey took advantage of that."

"Chuubey took advantage of us all."

[pythonissam-despair]

Wolf Unmasked | Chapter 6 Voting Results

7 Votes for Atsushi Teshigawara Voting is now FINALIZED

As your conversation comes to a boiling point, the pressure is laid on. The more the group discussed matters, the more the evidence only seems to point at specific people. There was speculation on the 'How' and 'Why', but the ‘Who’ was… Was it right? Could it really be Atsushi Teshigawara? With more and more fingers pointing to the SHSL Composer, you notice that they stay oddly silent. They were always a bit quiet in trial, but this… was different. Their odd-colored eyes would dart from side-to-side as more and more members of the class laid into them and you can catch their hand slowly moving up to grasp at their own shirt lapels. The expression they wear is difficult to parse. Their hand shakily reaches out for their own star as you all march yourselves over to them and just as they go and take a hold of it and pull it to their chest, they drop it. With no explanation their hands go to claw at their own chest as some phantom pain washes over them, making them stagger back.

“H-Hng…. Gh!”

The Composer attempts to offer out one of his airy, light laughs, but the way it’s forced makes it come out as a wheeze. Always weak in constitution, the musician and graffiti artist lets out a pitiful cry as he slumps onto his knees, writhing in pain.

The obvious suspect, Chuubey, is met with angry glares and… their eyes are closed. They seem to regard Atsushi, but they’re expending none of the energy they have to incapacitate other members of the class. Seeing your gazes, their head tilts up.

“...What?”

They turn to examine each and every one of you, before their head turns back to Atsushi Teshigawara, the SHSL Composer.

“It hardly matters if you voted correctly. Atsushi Teshigawara, Akane Taoka, and Hiro Shiroyama were never made to channel the power of despair…. And neither are any of you, evidently.” “Congratulations then, little Magi. You have found the Mastermind hiding amongst you. Are you proud…?”

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A Call to Arms | Chapter 6 Trial End

After some heated discussion, presentation of evidence, and putting together what the surviving group of Magi understood about their peers... it seemed that the few survivors were prepared to vote for who they believed to be behind the orchestration of Wonderland’s third killing game. 

Chuubey, from where they sit on a throne in the center of the trial room, speaks up again.

"Well... there is no point in waiting. You're already moving to vote... so vote."

The Incubator sighs, sitting back on their haunches to hover their front paws in the air.

"Go on, then. Since it matters so much."

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❧ The Far Edge of Memory and Fate | Chapter 6 Trial Start

While the Witch of Memories had stated that you all would only have a few hours to investigate, time was difficult to track in the Mastermind’s Mind Space. Wandering the city of uncanny shades and places that could have been familiar once upon a time, you were always aware that this was at least a portion of someone’s psyche. 

The mind of the traitor who’s trapped you here, for whatever reasons they saw fit enough to sacrifice you to. 

 ‘Heart’, the fragment of Wonderland’s progenitor, had made the occasional appearance to you all throughout your travels -- but the next time you hear them is over the newfound wind.

“That is… all we can provide to you. The City is growing unstable, so you’re best to leave now!”

“The final trial will be held on the Rooftop of Wonderland Tower. If you gather in the Plaza, we can spirit you up there.”

It takes about ten minutes for you all to reconvene in the imposing shadow of the tower as you’re left standing there quietly. You had all been told that you would be taken up, though it’s not immediately obvious how. You may even begin to walk towards the Tower itself to begin climbing, but another, familiar, shadow looms to the south.

The enormous Witch of Memories appears seemingly from nowhere as their form twitches and shudders. Slowly, their form lowers themself to kneel before you all as one arm raises higher into the air. The space around you fills with that glimmering, iridescent miasma and swathes you all within it.

You blink and, after a few seconds, you find yourself much higher up. With their mostly-featureless face and hands resting on the edge of the arena, you realize that you now stand on the Rooftop of Wonderland Tower.

Area Unlocked: Wonderland Tower Rooftop

You’ve made it. At last, the top of the tower is unlocked. A sea of stars in the clearest sky you’ve ever seen floats above your head, twinkling yellow and white on a background of the vast purple expanse of space.

Unlike the previous trial rooms, the top of the tower only has eleven podiums. Eight for the living students stuck in Wonderland, neat and strong but otherwise lacking distinctive features. Spread throughout the eight: three crumbling podiums for the surviving Magi of the previous killing game rescued through your stay here. In front of the podiums of Masami, Masumi, Nene, Katrine, Fuyu, Moriko, Yukio, and Atsushi: a single gold star, about the size of a fist. It glimmers with otherworldly light. In between each podium floats several white candles of varying sizes, illuminating the area with cold light.

A teddy-bear sized throne sits in the middle of the room, elevated on a podium. It seems that Chuubey gets a prime location to watch your final debate.

When everyone has chosen their podiums, Chuubey takes a seat on their elevated throne, rings around their ears clinking softly.

Do your best. Any less spells disaster for you all.

[ MM Trial: Start! ]

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❧ The Final Quest | Chapter 6 Investigation Start

Given their earlier order to all of you, there seems to be little point in defying the Grand Witch a couple of hours after you’re allowed to leave. With their threat of your own fall into witchdom fresh on your minds, the current survivors are all ushered North.

Pressing your way through the fog that once led to Cheshire Crossing, you can feel the atmosphere shift as you meander through the iridescent miasma -- similar but somehow unlike the one you have grown accustomed with. As the signs and the semblance of trees begin to disappear completely, you find the ground beneath has hardened with your footsteps.

The mist thins and you find yourself in a place totally unlike anything you have grown accustomed to in Wonderland. Standing in the middle of a street paved with asphalt, you find yourself staring up at a massive, spiraling city. From the looks of it, this appears to be a downtown area, despite the fog encapsulating the road almost a hundred feet away on each side.

The City

So this was the Mastermind’s Mind Space…?

Looking forward, you spot the smiling face of Heart with their hands clasped together.

“Impressive, is it not~?” the silence following their words is telling and they chuckle awkwardly, “...Sorry. I realize you don’t care! Regardless, this will last as long as it can be sustained -- which will be a few hours. That should be enough time for you to host a trial-?”

Suddenly, an all-too-familiar voice cuts through the quiet. You realize that it’s been a moment since Chuubey has addressed you all.

“This is quite an enormous usage of power, hm..?” 

The Moon Rabbit’s expression is always difficult to read on account of them not having one beyond neutrality.

“Apologies to you all. I did not realize that one of the Powers was… enacting something of this scale. Though, it appears they have already filled you in on the apparent situation…”

The King and the Incubator stare at one another for a moment before Chuubey turns their attention back to the group.

“My information is… limited, in a way. You are at the monster’s mercy. We will reconvene when your trial will commence. It will be at Wonderland Tower, yes…?”

The fragment of Mnemosyne’s smile strains as they cross their arms, almost as if they’re ready to bare their teeth.

“Yes, yes! I’ve goooot it! Now go on, shoo! Go, go!” they scrunch their nose, flicking their hand at Chuubey, “Mnemosyne helped create this, so we will handle any questions here. I don’t get to talk much~!”

“...Hm. As you wish…”

With a final, very long stare through you all (are they looking at someone in particular?), Chuubey finally departs. Likewise, as you all turn back around, Heart has also disappeared. Though, their disembodied voice reaches you.

[Goooo get them, then! You don’t have long, so it’s recommended you split up~ This is your one chance… so don’t waste it!]

[Mastermind Investigation: Start!]

[pythonissam-despair]

❧ jus accrescendi | Chapter 6 Motive 6.2

Coming off of such a harsh battle, it’s natural that emotions and tempers are high. Between the newest face in a string of many recently and the horrific implications of what Wonderland is supposed to be: the Magi were quick to begin interrogating the lilac-haired Witch while also running to check on the fallen Moriko and Fuyu.

Checking the death duo over, both appear to be barely breathing. Fuyu lays there in their strange new outfit, their Soul Gem fractured in places and completely crumbled in other parts. Moriko, likewise,  is also nearly encrusted in crystals, ranging in color but most the oily black of their and Fuyu's attack. The ones on their chest do rise and fall, as if in deep sleep.

There was some relief that both seemed to still be among the living if indicated by their breathing. But, when checking their pulses... only Fuyu possessed one.

While the implications of that was terrifying enough, it looked like the group had a new enemy to deal with. Currently, they were arguing over the logistics of killing their partner, the Red Queen.

Letting out a weighty sigh, the Magu’s shadow shoves his hands into his pockets, bowing his head.

“Fine. Yes, I admit… Dornröschen wanted you all to die. She’s far more controlling than we are. I don’t really blame you for doing what you did…? But you’ve just given us a big headache! Now we’re sustaining this all by ourself.” they gesture behind them to their festering witch form.

Katrine, meanwhile, looks over from the crown she was currently examining. Placing it on, she catches sight of the purple figure and her eyes widen a bit.

"Oh... The... King? Are you...? What's your name?"

From their anger, the being shifts into quiet surprise at the question.

“Me…?” their voice almost sounds kinder for a moment, “We believe people have gotten to calling us “The King of Hearts”, as we no longer possess an identity of our own.” turning around, they point to The Puppet behind them.

“We are Mnemosyne. We- … Well, actually I am a broken fragment. The visage you see now is an incomplete and unstable sliver of Wonderland’s progenitor. I’m the cornerstone of the First Grand Witch of Wonderland. Combined, we are the Witch of Memories. Together with the Witch of Regeneration, we are Wonderland.”

A lot of information to take in, surely. The name ‘Hiro Shiroyama’ had popped up occasionally throughout Wonderland, but it was hardly as consistent as Rosetta’s influence. For all of the information they stored, it seems they were truly forgotten by all -- even themself.

But, regardless, there was only so much time for chatter in this situation.

“One of you asked what we want, right? We don’t often leave our forgotten domain soooo… it’s a special occasion~!” they clap their hands together and giggle, “Lucky, lucky~ Not even Haruki, Kagemori, or little Reiko have ever seen us before~!”

They're... wow. Okay. They're calling everyone out today.

“We’ll make it easy! We have a…. Hm! I guess we can call it a game for all of you!”

“See, unlike what you all seem to think: Chuubey has no power here. We do. And, well, I don’t like wasting time! The progenitor, Hiro Shiroyama, wanted revenge on all those nasty, nasty ultimates for what they did to a certain someone! But, we weren’t able to make as big of changes as we hoped. “

“Rosetta, the Queen, also wanted change but couldn’t get it… Now one of you wants this change, but Wonderland is… fraying.”

“It’s not very hard to keep you here indefinitely, or to kill you ourself, but… it’s not technically what Mnemosyne’s interests are.” 

With a chuckle, the King seems to look around at all of you. Their smile is warm and inviting.

“The progenitor always believed that “the end justifies the means”. They had a goal, but failed! So… We want someone to complete their goal. Ideally we wish to see the third mastermind of Wonderland succeed in their plans, but if we keep going as we have… everyone who's died here has lost their lives for nothing! So, we want to give you all a fighting chance~!”

The fragment does a spin, holding their arms outstretched as they land facing back to you all.

“So! Here’s the game we’ll be playing. You all will have one more trial! Nobody has to die for it to happen this time -- if you don’t want anyone to -- but your job, dear mortals, is to find the truth!"

They pause for dramatic effect, looking around.

"You all want to leave, right? Well... if you can find which one of you is trying to use my power, then I'll let you all utilize the magic instead!" they hum, swaying back on their heels, "There's a reason Chuubey hasn't shown up here yet. I'm preeeeeetty sure they expected us all to kill each other, so they probably didn't see need to bother. I haven't told them any of this.... yet!"

There are some mixed reactions, understandably. Some are amazed that a call-out post is all they have to do to go home, while others are understandably more skeptical.

"Everyone? Including the Mastermind?" Masami pipes up. "What if we fail, then? Do we stay in here until nobody's left? For your own amusement?"

The fragment shakes their head.

"Nope, nope! If you win the game, you aren't obligated to include the Mastermind's desires! Though, if you hear out their wish and make it -- we don't care! It's not our concern~" 

They hum for a moment before their expression falls a bit.

"If you fail, you all will become Witches. Your lives, and despair, will fuel our Mastermind's ultimate wish. After all, it's not like we can rely on any of your late friends... it seems Moriko and Fuyu have been making sure of that."

“So! What do you all say? We'll be honest, you don't have too much choice! But if you prefer a never-ending killing game... that's very stupid of you!"

[pythonissam-despair]

❧ A Right Mess | Chapter 6 Motive 6.1

As the dust settles, the moments following Dornröschen’s defeat is oddly silent -- save for the sounds of all your heavy breathing, that is. The once towering witch’s body lays tattered in bloody defeat and you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Dornröschen, the Grand Witch, was no more. Whatever her true power was, you know everyone’s combined efforts is what made this possible. Maybe this should be cause to celebrate… if you were given time to, that is.

As you begin to pick yourselves up off the ground, you notice a rising mist around you. While you’re now accustomed to the fog of Witches that appears so often here in Wonderland… this is different.

Rather than being varying shades of lavender and lilac, the mist is almost pearlescent and shimmers with an iridescent quality. However, the fog that rolls in is somehow far more oppressive than the miasma usually associated with embodiments of despair.

You hear something begin to speak.

“T̵̞͆h̵̲͋ä̸̖́t̷̡́ ̴̤̓w̷̭͑ā̶̫s̸̤͑ ̴̞̀m̶̫͐ÿ̴̲́ ̴̻̒F̶̙̐Ȓ̷̠I̸͈̿Ė̸̱N̵̙̒Ḑ̵̒.̶͖̕.̷̖͘.̶̡͑ ̶͈̅Ȳ̷̪ŏ̷̦ǔ̴̪.̶͓͝.̸͙̔.̸̞͌ ̵̹͠ẙ̴̗o̸̱̔û̶̠ ̸͍̔k̴͚̈́ĩ̸͍l̶̗̈́l̵͖̈́ḙ̴͑d̷̜̉ ̴͚̄h̴̨͂ḛ̷͊r̸͚̔.̴̬̈́ ̷̨͑M̸̱̎y̷̤̚ ̴̡̌o̸͚̓t̷͋her half...! “ this sounds like what you can only assume is the fragment of someone’s voice echoing throughout the chamber.

[CW; Body Horror, Scopophobia] 

Turning your attention to the massive doors, a lanky figure stands there with what appears like almost broken limbs just beyond it. The bottom of their face is as featureless as the rest of their gigantic mannequin body. Supported by glowing strings that wrap around their joints, neck, and skull -- the monster lowers its head to stare in at you all. Their visage is completely barren save for the upper half of their face, which sports countless moving eyes that focus in on every single person left.

Whether you’re experiencing fear, awe, or some mixture of the two: you find it difficult to breathe as the new weight of terror settles around your neck and onto your chest.

“H̴̻̒e̵̥͒ȑ̶̖.̴̯͆.̷̖̎.̴̣̚ ̵̰̌R̸̼̍o̸͕͑s̴̗̔ȅ̷̘t̸̜͊t̸̯̚á̷̮'̸̣̋s̶͎͐ ̷͕̑p̷͖͊ȃ̷͕ì̷̱n̵̮̋.̴̹̅.̸̥͂.̶̞́ ̷̮̓ĩ̴̭t̵̟͘ ̷̫͛í̵̮s̶̺̀ ̵͂͜m̸̥̓y̷̲͝ ̷̯̕o̶̧̽w̵̩͗n̵͕̋.̸̬͝ ̷̏͜Ǎ̶͉ṡ̷̘ ̸̤̎i̶̱͒s̷͜͝ ̵̮̉å̷̤l̷͚̐l̷̖͆ ̵̖̈ȏ̴f yours. I share... everything. I know everything.”

The Witch’s movements are malformed and wholly unnatural as they seem almost pulled into the room by the magical puppet strings. Standing next to them, they appear even taller than Dornröschen once was as their twitching body hovers over the corpse of the fallen witch.

There’s silence as the mist swirling off of her funnels directly into The Puppet’s form. Their head swivels completely around to face you all again.

“. . .”

With a creaking noise, some of the rope holding up this newcomer splinters and peels off to dangle above the ground before you. You’re left to watch as the string begins to swirl and knot as it starts making shapes to build a form. It’s not long until what you can only describe as a person(?) stands before you.

“You’ve all made a right mess! That’s definitely what you’ve done! Our poor, poor Queen…”

[NPC UNLOCKED: Mnemosyne, the Memory Witch]

[pythonissam-despair]

❧ Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown | Witch Hunt 7

While you had anticipated this would be a difficult battle, the class comes to realize this encounter could be deadly. With Moriko and Fuyu’s help -- doing whatever powerful attack they had managed upon your entrance -- and Kagemori and Reiko’s assistance: this almost feels like a fair battle against the raging monarch.

Attack after attack has torn into the Red Queen's form. Her dress is ripped to rags, and she's oozing amaranth blood freely from multiple wounds on her body.

Instead of chuckling, or mocking the Magi, or trying to run... she lifts her scepter to the ceiling. It's fully charged again.

"KNEEL, GODS DAMN YOU."

With a brief sound, like a balloon popping, a burst of black malice erupts from the scepter. Barely hanging to life, she unleashes Painting the Roses Red on each Magi. From it, a wave of twisted and negative emotions pulses through the field as some weather it better than others.

Dornröschen screams with fury when no one drops dead, and leans heavily on her scepter when trying to get into a defensive position. 

But, like every kingdom is bound to do: the Grand Witch would fall.

Katrine's head feels like it's overloading. There's just so much on her mind that she just has to force herself to shut it off for a minute. Focus in on survival, and survival only. That's the only way to live. So once she's hit first, she has to hit back. She must. She must hit harder than the other. More than the other. She's sure her heart is just pounding right now.

If she weren't in such a state as she is, Katrine would smile, but at the moment all there is is a pretty blank face with the eyes of a wild animal as she harshly brings down her mallet to squash another enemy blocking the path to her happiness.

[CW: decapitation mention]

As Katrine’s mallet hits true, Wonderland itself seems to shake.

As Rosetta, as the mastermind of the second Killing Game, is one of two pillars supporting the architecture of the place that holds past and present Magi captive, her death destabilizes something beneath your very feet. Another tremble in the earth as Dornröschen falls to her knees, cradling the head in her arms. A piece of the ceiling dislodges and slams down next to Masumi and Masami, shattering to pieces.

“My… kingdom…”

The Witch’s entire form shudders, and Rosetta’s true eyes blink open for a brief second.

"Kagemori... don't leave me-!"

Dornröschen's form explodes in a burst of red rose petals, which rain to the ground. The petals then disintegrate into purple mist that dissipates through the room. The Red Queen's crown rolls towards Katrine's feet.

As the Witch of Regeneration crumbles, you feel the ground beneath your feet start to tremble. At first it's subtle before it continues to grow and grow and makes you all fall to the ground -- not that it's easy to stand in your battered states. 

Weakened, you feel like the walls are going to fall any second! But then... it stops, if only for a moment. A few tiles fall from the ceiling around you with a loud CRASH! before everything falls still.

[Combat Ends]