...To put it very simply, "graduation" in terms of the killing game meant leaving that school either a killer or a survivor...I think.

Or both.

[killing is a way of survival and all that. a grim outlook, but a true one in the right circumstances. he sips his coffee.]

How'd you almost die?

I'm not certain it was "almost". There was a second killing game - a third? Well, whichever - and there were certain rules in place...do you recall that bracelet I had during your dream the other month?

Yeah. Didn't like it. Think I'm starting to like it even less now.

[he crosses his arms as best the coffee will allow.]

To cut out a lot of world-building, one of the basic rules of that game was that you could not violate the "action" on your bracelet, or you would be lethally injected immediately upon doing so. I...chose to violate my action.

[zoro jerks upright, jaw set. he's lucky he catches himself squeezing the coffee before he spills it out over the furniture.]

Did you know that's what it was back when I saw you?

I knew the basics. I didn't realize I chose to violate the action, though I guessed I might.

This gonna have to be something we talk about?

I don't know. I absolutely would make the same choice again if it came down to it, but it isn't really the sort of thing someone can be talked out of...?

You know why you did it?

"Passing the Fourth Time Limit With Makoto Naegi Alive" was the action I was forbidden to take.

[ah.]

You've mentioned that kid before.

Well, I don't think I'd kill anyone simply in order to survive. Especially not in one of those games.

[ "u must kill someone" is about as effective as telling her to do...anything. ]

So you'd rather sacrifice yourself?

[he shouldn't feel as proud as he does]

Of course. There's never any question on that, is there?

[ WELL.

there was once but she got Better ]

Only if I'm around to do it for you.

[don't make him see you die, kyouko]

Hm...as if I'd let you?

[ back @ you ]

[he grins]

Looks like we need a tiebreaker.

Do we know any unbiased parties who wouldn't simply tell us to both sit down?

I got a few people who don't like me.

[spoilers: he has more than a few]

That's bias in the opposite direction.

Yeah, but they'll be happy to tell me to sit down.

Well, I don't mind winning.

[there is such a smile in his voice]

Cheeky brat.

No one ever succeeded without a little cheek.