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[Ishimaru hasn't really been at a hundred percent since Mondo's arrival in Wonderland and the difficult news he brought with him. A lot has been weighing on his mind, but over time he's managed to gain some comfort and regain some of his energy by throwing himself into his studies and focusing on them. And during the last event, he mostly spent time coordinating people in the safe zone while in his pajamas. Now that things have quieted down again, it seems like the time to address everyone.

And so, on this day he addresses everyone with an energetic message! He goes on cheerily, although every now and then his cheer fades a bit.]

Greetings, people of Wonderland! In case you have not met me, my name is Kiyotaka Ishimaru! I believe in bold simplicity, and through hard work I have earned the title of Super High School Level Public Morals Committee Member! Even though I've been trapped here in Wonderland, I am still doing everything that I can to continue my educational crusade in this world, and I highly encourage anyone to join me! If you find me at the library or the youth center, you are more than welcome to study with me. Let's all do our best!

In fact, I would also like to encourage everyone to help me with my studies right now! Please help me in one of two ways. Either quiz me on any subject, or teach me about something from your world. You could even do both if you so please! I would highly appreciate any help. ...Y-you can also talk about the value of second chances here in Wonderland! [Just in case Mondo is listening. He then closes with a hurried bow.]

Thank you for your time, and may you all have splendid days!

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[ What a greeting to his morning.

The repercussions of the previous events have probably been dragging out for a little too long. It's been days and yet he still feels the sluggish, dreadful feeling every waking morning. More than anything, it's probably the combination of the last two happenings that impacted him especially hard. He's been more than prepared mentally to face life-and-death situations, thanks to all the testimonials the people here supplied him. But what happened back in Tartarus was different by many stages, and he was definitely not prepared for it.

He wasn't prepared to be proved once again, that he was powerless. He couldn't fight anyone. He couldn't protect anyone. Instead, he was the one who got protected.

Those kind of thoughts heavily weigh on his head for the past few days, and yet all it takes is this one feed to blow all of them away. It feels stupid wasting so much time agonising when he sees Ishimaru being Ishimaru as always, in any kinds of situation. Still thinking about studies, huh. That, in itself, is strength, isn't it? ]

Heh.

[ He can't help letting out an audible snort at it, subsequently remembering the only 'pleasant' memory from Tartarus. At that time, he didn't think much of it. He couldn't feel amused, not under the circumstances. All he felt at that time was relief, that Ishimaru was at a safe zone, instructing people as always. But if he thinks about it now, it feels significantly amusing. It's so typical of him. That's... just how Ishimaru is.

The feed is then headed to an end, and what Ishimaru says to close... it's impossible for Mondo to miss it. Even if he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, he can tell that it's directed to him. They haven't talked since that As-whatever event, and that's his fault for constantly avoiding Ishimaru. He realised sometime back that avoiding wasn't a solution but a temporary fix, and yet he kept making up excuses of 'bad timing' 'not the right time' and so forth within him. Now, this is a chance that Ishimaru offers to him ー a choice to take the extended hand or not. Sure, this might not be the only one Ishimaru would offer. Knowing him, there might be more chances of that down the road, even if Mondo doesn't take this one. But what if... things happen and it's too late? Nothing will start with avoidance, and he needs to keep moving, for his own sake, and to achieve his goal here in Wonderland.

Yeah.

This is a start, and he's gonna try it. He's done being a coward. Taking a deep breath, he starts up a video response. ]

...Yo. [ And already his eyes aren't looking at the screen. What happened to being done of being a coward? ] So uh... What's this about second chances? [ Glances. More unsure glances. Hi. ]

[He had worried about Mondo a lot over time. It was hard to get everything they've discussed off of his mind, as well as the pain that came with it, but losing himself in his studies had helped. He still kept hope in his heart that the day would come when Mondo would choose to reach out to him again. Though Ishimaru had hoped that Mondo would hear his words, he didn't quite expect him to actually respond.

And so Ishimaru's dumbfounded face is caught on the video feed in the moments following Mondo's response. He anxiously stammers his response.]

K- Kyou... [Wait, he doesn't want to be called that anymore. Quick, switch gears!} Ou...Oowada-kun! Ah... Ah... Hello!

[Mondo is talking to him and asking about second chances. This is not a drill. This is not a drill! Quickly, Ishimaru attempts to respond.]

S-s-second chances! Yes, that is correct! That is the subject I've chosen to raise, Oowada-kun! It, ah, is a very significant subject, I believe, and... I have many thoughts to- to share about it! ...About second chances, that is!

[Quickly, he salutes the video feed.]

It is a pleasure to hear from you on this fine day!

[ You know that moment when someone gets much more shaken up than you are that you become significantly calmer? That's pretty much what's happening to Mondo now. The way Ishimaru visibly and audibly begins to lose more and more of his composure helps him to look back at the screen, and there he sees the 'brother', seemingly well apart from the panic. It's a relief.

There's just one thing. He knows he was the one who stopped calling Ishimaru 'kyoudai', and he was the one who wanted to break their brotherhood, but he can't deny feeling lonely upon hearing the correction. It's stupid, really, but what can he do about that now? He doesn't deserve the brother throne anymore, that's a clear fact.

...Anyway. What's with that awkward greeting? Ishimaru can be such a formal doof sometimes, but not to this extent around him usually. The internal chaos within the other teen is so painfully obvious Mondo can't hold back another snort, that leads to a short chuckle.

It doesn't last long, though. The look in his face gradually becomes solemn as he looks right into the screen, as if maintaining eye contact, before bowing his head low. ]

I'm sorry.

[ He's sorry for so many things. Too many he doesn't even know where to start. ]

That ain't sufficient, but I don't really wanna do this over the network... so I'll properly do it ifー when I see you. [ No, he must see Ishimaru eventually, and properly apologise. He can't keep backing out and running away. ] Just, gotta get that out there first, at least, can't start without that.

[Again, Ishimaru is taken by surprise. Mondo's calm apology takes him by surprise. During their reunion, he had seen clearly how tortured his brother really was. And now... Well, it's somewhat relieving to see him looking and sounding calm. But he doens't know what Mondo is apologizing for.

Ishimaru balls up his fists and tries to regain his composure, to an extent, as he begins to declare back into the video feed.]

I would like to accept your apology, but I do not feel that I am owed one! [Even if Ishimaru can't deny anymore that Mondo has done wrong, he doesn't feel that he himself has been wronged in any way.]

H-however, about the idea of us seeing each other... That can happen at any time! Whenever you feel like it, I can be there!

[ That's exactly what Mondo expected Ishimaru to say, but that's so far-fetched from the truth. He's wronged Ishimaru in so many ways, and he owes him many, many apologies, even if they won't change anything.

And here, again, Ishimaru gives him another offer. It's only right that he takes it up, and face it heads on. If he delays this any further, who knows what'll happen. It's now or never. ]

How about now? You free? Where you at?

N-now? [He also didn't expect this all to happen so quickly! His throat is dry for a moment as he tries to find words.]

Yes, of course I am free! Currently, I am by my room...

[But would that really be the proper place for them to have an important talk? No...

His eyes widen as he remembers something else that exists within the mansion. Quickly, he manages to speak with a more familiar tone of authority.]

However! May I suggest an alternate location?

[ ~~My, my, Ishimaru-kun.~~ How's a room not the perfect place to talk? Mondo raises an eyebrow but doesn't argue, he'll go with what Ishimaru wants. With a nod, he responds. ]

Shoot.

Well, you see... There happens to be a pool on the second floor. Why don't we meet up there? There is a room there which would be ideal for an important conversation!

[ Well.

That's the first time he's heard about the pool. He definitely hasn't gotten to explore the entirety of the mansion, so that's not really surprising. But to hear there's a room by the pool... Ha, exciting. Totally brought back fond memories. Looks like not just the events, but the Wonderland reality itself wants him to remember. As if that incident hasn't already been playing back in his mind at every chance it gets. ]

...Aight. See ya.

[ He ends the transmission there, figuring he'll somehow find the way to the pool, just like that time he found the weight room. And true enough, in a few minutes, he'll be at their meeting spot, coming through the entrance after a few bouts of hesitation. ]

[If Ishimaru had realized the connection that flew over his head involving the pool room, he would apologize a million times.

But as it is, he just makes his way straight down there. He has an idea of a very different connection to the past in mind.

As he's coming from a few floors up, it takes him a bit longer. But sure enough, he arrives in the room containing the pool, and he stares Mondo down nervously... but at the same time, he stands up straight with determination.]

Oh... Oowada-kun! Sorry to keep you waiting! But here I am. It is good to see you. As for the area of discussion... I believe there is no better setting then there!

[He points past Mondo to one other door in the room, which is marked "SAUNA".]

[ This pool is nothing like the one from his memory, which helps. He hasn't really tried looking around much anyway, just blankly staring at the chlorine-stenched swaying water. It's only when Ishimaru arrives that he lifts his head up, finally face-to-face with the guy he's been avoiding. Well, 'avoid', as he's been checking up on the guy from afar every now and then, like the time during the last event. ]

Yeah.

[ Despite his short response, he's not looking as evasive and intense as the previous times. So yeah, taking some time apart was probably the right thing to do. But he definitely he could've done it in a different, much better way. And that's just one out of the many things he needs to apologise for to Ishimaru. He obediently follows the direction that was pointedー ] ...Heh. I see. [ ーthen eyes the teen before him. ]

Good choice. [ Though very faintly, a slightly playful smirk pokes on one end of his lips. Maybe he's happy. No, he is happy to see Ishimaru again. He's still scared, but he's found a better footing at this point, and it's high time he bridges the gap he's created. Whether or not Ishimaru will cross through, that's his choice. ]

'm not givin' you any handicaps this time.

[ You know what that means. He's going to expose himself bare ー as far as he can. This time round, it's a proper 'naked association' in its truest sense.

And so, off he goes to the changing area, subsequently stripping down to his birthday suit. ]

[He takes a calming breath as he looks towards Mondo. Although he had seen his calmer demeanor on the video feed, it's doubly relieving to see it in person. And it helped him feel a sense of hope on the inside.

Hope... That's why he knew that this would be the ideal location. Mondo had said not to call him a brother anymore. But the only way to determine something like that for sure would be to go back to where it all begin. To go back into that sauna, and see what people they would leave it as.

As Mondo voices his approval, a smile starts to spread across Ishimaru's face.]

...I knew that you would agree. [He says that with fond sentiment. Even with everything he's learned, which has upended what he's been believing about Mondo for all this time, he'll still have faith in the parts of Mondo that he knows to be genuine.]

No handicaps? Very well! I didn't intend to go easy on you either! [That competitive spirit returns to him, like trying on old clothes.] Let this stand as an all-out, no holds barred showdown!

[And so Ishimaru marches into the changing area as well, taking off his uniform and neatly folding it before grabbing his towel.

To the sauna!!]

[ Leave it to Ishimaru to make everything sound extra official and important. It almost feels like they're returning to the old days, the good times they shared. Mondo's not going to let that lull him, though ー he can't put all the burdens on Ishimaru to mend this relationship. He needs to try to make this better.

The moment he steps into the sauna, his eyes will scan for a spot that seems cozy. They're probably going to be here for quite a while after all, might as well find a good one where they can lean back. The benches seem to be fairly wider on the corners to ensure comfortable seating, so he'll go with that.

When Ishimaru settles down, he won't speak right away. He has quite a number of things he needs to address, but it doesn't feel right jumping to it straight away. How... do people usually start conversation again... Scratching his cheek, he attempts: ]

So... How've you been?

[Ishimaru mentally prepares himself to take on any burdens that he can to make things better for the others! Walking through the steam of the sauna, he feels a bittersweet sting in his heart. It reminds him of the first time in the sauna and how much has changed since then... but this is a new beginning, too. He can't forget that.

He sits down near Mondo while sweat already starts to form on him.]

I have been doing quite well! [Or just slightly functioning.] My studies have improved drastically. But, I've also worried about everyone.

[He pauses before he looks directly at Mondo.]

...Especially you, Oowada-kun.

[ Mondo hasn't gotten the chance to look away when Ishimaru caught him in the eyes. He can't now, and it's not that he planned to ー after all, he doesn't want to run away anymore. Still, it's been a while since he last felt the intensity of those red eyes, and he definitely has underestimated it, or at least forgotten how powerful they are.

Definitely looking a little awkward here, but he's not looking away. ]

Y... Yeah.

[ Even after everything, Ishimaru still worries for Mondo with such straightforward, genuine emotions overflowing. ]

......

[ Words are hard. Mondo has always conversed with fists all his life, having to just sit down and let everything out in the open isn't as simple as making your mind up about it and forcing it out. It's only a few beats later he finally blurts out something raw and unpolished. What is intelligent conversation. ]

I'm sorry. [ His eyes finally swim away, but just for a moment, before quickly refocusing back to Ishimaru. He's sorry for worrying him, among many other things. No matter how many apology he utters, it won't be enough. ] No words could make up for what I did, both to you and to Fujisaki.

[ He's still reeling in the brief encounter he had with 'Fujisaki' in Tartarus. Even if it turned out to be something else that's not Fujisaki ー a dangerous being that could easily shift shapes into whatever they want ー he still wonders if Fujisaki too felt what that creature said. Snatching away the future from him, wrecking the potential of a world-changing program in-progress... maybe if Fujisaki didn't die, he could've saved everyone out of that terror of school.

Taking a deep breath, Mondo shakes off those thoughts.

Right now, Ishimaru's the one who's here, right in front of him. Ishimaru's the one who's still present and still very much alive. He's here, waiting for him, and Mondo's been preparing himself for when this chance comes. The past can never be changed no matter what, but the future is in their hands. ]

I thought it was for the best, keeping a distance from you. But I realised I was just being a coward. I was just running away.

[ This is what he needs to address, what he needs to focus on. ]

I made zero progress since that day. Pathetic, huh?

[ He hasn't noticed the sweats beading across his forehead and temples, across his shoulders, not until he says all those that the back of his hand subconsciously wipes them off. It's supposed to be hot here, and yet he feels colder than ever. His determination slowly weakens, together with the glint in his eyes. They slowly move further, further from Ishimaru's fiery ones. ]

Even now, I'm still... [ Like biting a piece of metal, he struggles. This isn't the first time he admits to this, and yet it's still so hard. ] ...scared. That I might do the same thing to you.

[Ishimaru keeps his gaze trained on Mondo as he talks. He is determined and resolute to listen to each and every one to Mondo's feelings! No matter how much they hurt.

First, he's ready to turn away that apology. While he can't deny that Fujisaki deserves one, he does not feel like he should be apologized to. And he doesn't want to consider Mondo a coward for his actions either.

But the last part is what really hits him. His face goes pale in response, the hints of tears at his eyes.]

What?! [He says with a gasp, and then he pauses as he tries to focus his thoughts.]

Ah... first of all, you shouldn't talk about your time here like it's been a waste. You were not a coward at all! Coming to meet with me even if it's difficult... That has to take some courage! That has to be progress!

[But then there's the more difficult part of what he said to address.]

B-but... Do you really think that?! Do you really believe that you could... do such a thing to me?? [Mondo may have some history of association with brotherly deaths, but Ishimaru still can't fully wrap his head around it, especially to the extent of thinking that he could possibly become another victim. It's just unthinkable!]

[ Sure, it may be a progress, but now that he thinks about it... isn't it a pathetic one still? What's so hard about meeting Ishimaru and facing him directly like this? He's still a fucking wuss.

Mondo's aware, however, that trying to argue with Ishimaru about this won't end well ー the dude's head's hard as a goddamn rock, and none of them would ever yield if a debate began. That's not why they're here today.

So he decides to advance with a more important topic that could affect both him and Ishimaru in a long run: his anger management problem. ]

I... I dunno.

[ His head tilts down, eyes watching his own feet shuffling in discomfort. ]

'Course I don't want that to happen. But when it happened to Fujisaki, I completely lost myself. I couldn't remember anything that happened, how that happened.

[ Before he knew it, Fujisaki was already on the floor, blood pooling from his head. ]

When the incident played on a replay... [ He pauses for a moment, assuming that Ishimaru knows he's talking about the goddamn mindscape. ] I still couldn't understand why I did that, even if it was something I did on my own. I dunno how to control it, even now.

...Maybe I should come after I figure out how to, but... it felt like I had to hear what you have to say, at least.

[It's hard for Ishimaru to consider any type of progress to be pathetic. It's all part of the road of hard work, after all! Sometimes it's slower going than others, but everyone's striving for the same plateau!

He frowns as he listens to Mondo, his head sinking slightly at that non-committal answer. He's not sure if he would kill him?! Ishimaru doesn't know what to make of it, but he continues to listen as Mondo keeps speaking, starting to slightly lean towards him attentively while propping his chin on his fist.

It crushes his soul to hear about that time with Fujisaki again. As unsettling as it all sounds, there's some relief in it, too.]

I... I see. [He looks down as he tries to process it. And he murmurs with a ghost of hope.] So... You are not sure what happened. It is... it is not as if you truly wanted to k-kill Fujisaki-kun... It was all a terrible mistake! [That's the only part of this that gives him relief.]

But, that aside... That certainly sounds like a serious issue! I do not believe that I have heard of such a thing before. But there must be some way to counter it. There just has to be!

'Course I didn't wanna kill anyone!

[ Had he been in the right mind, what would've he done? At most probably grabbing Fujisaki by his collar... right? He'd like to trust himself that much, at the very least. One thing he's absolutely sure, is that he didn't want to kill anybody throughout the time he was in that fucked up 'murdergame'. While he did think of the ways to stop his secret getting spread, he knew if it weren't for him losing himself, he wouldn't have been able to carry it out to the end. ]

But that didn't change the fact that I did it, in the end. And since it happened against my will, meaning I could do it to anyone.

[ He sighs deeply. It's a serious issue, for sure. Maybe he's gone crazy. But how can they counter it if he can't control it? ]

So far it hasn't happened here, so 'm guessing there might be some kinda trigger.

[ It might not help much, but recounting might give them some clues. ]

What I could remember from that time was, well. There were a lot of stress, anger, and worry I couldn't contain. They just kept snowballin' and growin' bigger here... [ He taps his head with a finger. ] I couldn't really think clearly about anything else. I just kept tellin' myself that no matter what, I gotta protect the team Aniki and I created. It was a promise between men.

[ Thinking wasn't his forte, and with all those mist in his mind, it became worse. ]

And then Fujisaki said a thing or two, which happened to strike me at the wrong timing. And... you know what happened.

[His head bows down for the moment at Mondo's clarification. It's hard to look directly at Mondo when he describes that in detail, and he sniffles softly as he listens.]

...I- I see. So that is how it went.

[Ishimaru pauses for a moment and takes a breath as he collects his thoughts. Then he speaks slowly, through tears.]

I am no expert on matters like this! But, from what you said... It sounds like... like that secret that you withheld, and all of the feelings that it inspired... It must have all become too overwhelming! Holding all of that in was too much, a-and it all... snapped out!

[ Sometimes, in midst of his confusion on what to do in this kind of situation, Mondo wonders just how much tears Ishimaru can produce in a day. He can never get used to this, not even after seeing this a number of times now. ]

That's... probably it, yeah. I thought maybe if I talk to you it'll help some, uh, y'know... [ Vague gestures. Relying on friends and shit like that. He feels pretty lame just thinking about it ー he's supposed to be able to handle things on his own! But it's actually helping. It is taking away quite a bit of stress from him, as much as he hates to admit. ] But there's still no guarantee I won't do that again.

[ He falls silent for some time, gripping tighter above his knees. If it's beyond his control, surely there needs to be an external help. Something to stop him completely from bursting in anger, not just a temporary fix. If there's a way, he wants to do it, even if it takes time. ]

You know anyone who knows about these stuff? Like, I dunno, uh. Controlling... emotions? You think I might be... crazy or somethin'?

[The secret is to stay well-hydrated!

Ishimaru looks back at Mondo, trying as hard as he can to understand. As much as he still wants to think that Mondo is not capable of horrible things... He sees that he has to acknowledge the possibility. That Mondo could mess up.]

Oowada-kun... I do not think that! Y-you are speaking rationally right now, after all. You are aware of what it did and that it was wrong. You... you just need some help. That is all.

[He frowns thoughtfully as he tries to think about that. At the same time, alongside his tears, there's sweat pouring down his entire form too. The heat is indeed on!]

However... I am sorry to say that I am not sure if I know anyone with a specialty like that. [What is therapy?] But I can be sure to ask around for you! With such a wide variety of people living in the mansion, there has to be someone here who is capable of teaching you about that. There is still hope!

[ That's right. No matter how strong the front he puts up, he can't deny that he does need help, apart from this one he's getting from Ishimaru. And that's not something he can burden just anyone with, he needs to find someone who's actually well-informed about this.

The burning heat barely crosses his consciousness right now, even while sweat drips out of his pores and through his skin. His mind focuses on the discussion, on Ishimaru, and on a solution. ]

Yeah... Maybe I should try looking for someone in the network, too.

[ It helped the other time when he tried looking for the owner of his 'gift'. Though this time 'round, it's much riskier with how personal this problem is, and how public the network is in contrast. He needs to find a way to get help without revealing too much. ]

......

[ In relief of getting a portion of talk done smoothly, he falls silent for a moment. ]

Thanks for hearin' me out. Now's your turn to talk.

[Ishimaru continues to focus and endure the heat. Despite everything, Mondo is still an inspiration in that field. They'll make it through the heat of this sauna... and they'll make it through these problems, too!]

That is a smart idea, brother! [He says it without thinking.] The network is a valuable tool for getting in touch with different people. I am sure that you will find someone! And I could make an announcement too! [He's too determined to do everything that he can to help Mondo.

But he pauses as the silence falls. Now that the spotlight is on him... he's not exactly sure what to say.]

Ah! So, now it is my turn? I see! Well, ah, what topic should I discuss first? [He did not prepare for this! He was ready to just talk about Mondo all day long.]

[ 'Brother'.

Although he couldn't say it aloud, he did feel a pang of loneliness when Ishimaru started referring to him by his name ー which was dumb, since that was exactly what he asked for. But now that Ishimaru's back to calling him 'brother', whether it was a conscious act or not... Mondo can't help feeling glad. He doesn't want to renounce their brotherhood in the first place, despite everything. He just... doesn't feel worthy. Still, this is nice, and he doesn't want to deny it anymore. ]

Yeah. ...Thanks, Kyoud-- [Whoa, whoa there. That was too high a leap for him. For now anyway. ] Ahem. Ishimaru.

[ Feeling embarrassed, he looks away scratching his head. The sauna's a great place, no one can tell whether he's red from the heat or from something else.

Uh, quick. A topic. ]

W-Weren't you gonna talk about some, uh, second chances or somethin'?

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