SDR2 SPOILERS

It was over.

Peko Pekoyama, the Ultimate Swordswoman, was about to be executed for killing Mahiru Koizumi.

"Toooo bad," Monokuma cackled. "You're definitely the killer! Peko, the tool with the heart, is the killer!"

Peko said nothing, crossing her arms over her chest as she gazed at all of us, crimson eyes flicking from person to person before coming to a stop on her master.

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu.

"Peko... I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill your request. Even though... you did all that to provide me with a chance to survive. But I..."

"...I had a feeling it could come out like this."

Fuyuhiko stopped short, sharply glancing up from where he had turned his gaze to the ground. "What...?"

"Young master... you have a kind heart, despite being a yakuza... that's why... you question your position and constantly worry about it," she gave him a close-eyed smile. "For you go sacrifice someone else just to escape by yourself... I believed you wouldn't accept that so easily. We've been together since we ewere children. Even a tool would understand that."

The Ultimate Yakuza stiffened. "Th-Then...why...?"

"Even so...I wanted you to escape. I wanted to protect you."

"Peko..."

The soft, sad smile dropped from her face. "I am terribly sorry. I will not ge able to serve by your side until the very end... Young Master. Goodbye."

Frozen where he stood, Fuyuhiko didn't move, and Peko took this is a signal to continue.

"And...I'm sorry for what I've done for you all, too," Sonia wiped at her eyes as the swordswoman spoke. "It may be a selfish request... but please forgive my Young master. And please do not cause a senseless killing such as this... ever again!"

"O-Of course..." my words came out quivering, more hoarse then I'd thought.

"Peko..." Mikan sobbed.

The killer of the second victim turned towards Monokuma, a mask of steel on her face, hardening her features into an emotionless expression. "That will do, Monokuma. Why don't you start it already? Just so you know, I will never feel despair. As long as I am a tool... I am fully prepared to die."

"Upupu..." the bear giggled. "Soooo cool! But will you be able to maintain that composure until the very end? People who act as proud as you always shed tears of despir in the end. Noooow then! Let's begin!"

Peko turned towards her master. "Young master Fuyuhiko... please permit me to make one final, selfish request..."

"Didn't I...tell you not... to call me... Young Master...!?" Fuyuhiko hissed, his words ragged.

She didn't reply, touching the sword bag on her back. "I want you to remember... the tool, Peko Pekoyama, who used to stand beside you... I would like it if you remembered that. That is it..."

Fuyuhiko squeezed his eyes shut. "How many times... do you have to keep... I don't need any tools."

I spared a glance at the stand beside me- Mahiru's- and wondered, is Mahiru watching? Is she glad that justice will be served? Or will she be sad that yet another person has to die through a brutal execution, just like Teruteru...?

"You... did say that..."

"Then's let begin!" Monokuma boomed, ignoring the exchange. "The punishment brimming with despair!"

"Jeez... why don't you get it...?"

"This time, for the Ultimate Swordswoman, Peko Pekoyama... upupu..."

Fuyuhiko's voice rose with every few words. "You stayed by my side... all this time.. why don't you get it...?"

Repeatedly cutting off his sentences, Monokuma clapped his paws together. "I've prepared a very special punishmnent for you!"

"I never needed...a sword... or shield.... I never needed a tool... s-so... you didn't need to become... a tool..."

"Let's give it everything we got...!"

"You just..." Fuyuhiko banged the podium with a fist. "You just... needed to be yourself... I... I never wanted a tool! I just wanted you! Only you!"

"Y-Young... master...?"

"Why?!" Fuyuihiko screamed. "Why couldn't you understand? We've been together since we were kids!"

"Let's go! It's... PUNISHMENT TIIIIME!" Monokuma said shrilly.

"P-Please, Peko!" Fuyuhiko lunged forward, leaning over the podium. His knuckles turned white, gripping the rails harder then ever. "Don't go...! I need you! Please don't leave me!"

It stung. It stung, it burned as I watched someone as standoffish as the heir to the biggest yakuza clan, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, be reduced to tears.

"Young... master...?" Peko's mask cracked, a tear slipping down her pale cheek, only to be followed by several more. "... Young Master!"

I could only watch as Monokuma slammed the hammer down on the red button.

"PEKO!" Fuyuhiko screamed.