Hi, this idea was not at all mine. This is The_Real_Monokuma's idea for an Escape The Night AU/Mashup between Dawn of Despair (her fangan) and Locked Doors of Despair (mine, obviously). I just decided to write a little series of prequel scenes from the LDOD cast's POV's. Before you read, it would be useful to read the chapter "Beginner's Information" in her Dawn of Despair Stories book. I would've included the invitation in this page, but Wattpad is rude (wouldn't let me copy info) and I was too lazy to write it all out myself. You'll have to excuse me, I wrote over 3k words today XD

"Ah! A dinner party! Not only that, a costume party!" Fujiko squeals, twirling around the garden. Her blonde hair almost seems to sparkle in the sunlight. "And I might not be very good at sewing, but I can, like, totally embody seamstress vibes!"

"Why do I always get paired with stuff like 'Con Artist?' My hypnosis is legitimate. It makes me feel like I'm being preemptively judged by this host," Chimon sighs indignantly, inspecting the invitation. "Besides, are none of you getting dangerous vibes from this?" Monterio pats Chimon's head and picks up his "little buddy" in response, smiling. The childlike boy seems only a bit exasperated in response, all traces of surprise at this situation long since gone.

Kana puts a hand on her hip confidently. "Well I happen to be pumped about my role! Kana Omori, the powerful journalist, getting the scoop and sharing it with the world, and Monterio Mukai, the master publisher who makes it all possible behind the scenes! My voice rings loud and clear, but only because of my faithful partner!" Monterio kisses her on the head fondly, which would make her squeal if she had a little less composure.

"Hey, guys, I have a question!" the four of them hear from a distance away. Gou zooms up hastily, flowers sticking out of his helmet and almost covering his face.

"You look dorky," Kana teases lightheartedly.

"But... my flowers..." Hachi pouts as she suddenly appears behind them.

"I-I mean— I mean!!" Kana panics.

"She means darling! He looks absolutely darling thanks to you, Hachi!" Fujiko corrects. The spacey girl doesn't make eye contact with anyone, but her distressed expression melts away into a tiny smile.

"What was your question?" Monterio asks.

"Did pilots in that era wear helmets? I don't like taking mine off. Especially since apparently we're getting there by... what kind of cars are we renting again? I'm just saying it's better safe than sorry, so... helmet"

"Nari would probably know. About the helmets, I mean, not about the cars, cause I don't think we've chosen. Go find her," Chimon offers.

"Thanks, Chimon! Let's go, Hachi! NYOOOM!" Gou exclaims excitedly as he shoots off. He does, however, come back once he notices that Hachi has completely zoned out in Flower-Land. She agrees to leave her paradise only after he offers to watch 90s anime with her— once he's found the answer he seeks, that is.

"Yep. That girl's perfect for a Biologist role," Kana laughs playfully. But then her face falls. "I fucked that up. I should've figured Hachi was right there. Wherever he goes, she tends to not be far behind, especially since we're in the garden, her favorite place."

"Hey, no worries! I saved it! Besides, she's dealt with worse, I don't think you need to worry about potentially backsliding," Fujiko reassures her. Monterio takes her hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

"Thanks." She perks up a little bit. "Anyways, there's no need for me to be down on myself! We're gonna have a great time, I swear it!"

"C'moooooon, let's play some dress up! We might have to go shopping first, but we're all gonna look super spiffy! And you and I will have perfectly era-appropriate make-up looks, Kana! We can do two outfits: one with the gothic theme, and one with our roles! We'll be so stunning."

"Obviously! I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

"What do con artists even wear?" Chimon mumbles, still clearly agitated. "I'M GONNA GET A GODFORSAKEN POCKET WATCH," he suddenly announces. "Do I have enough money to rent a suit? Is that a thing?"

"I gotcha covered, little bud," Fujiko winks. "To the mall! Cupid's bow lipstick and bright red blush, here I come!" she beams, rushing toward the bus stop. Monterio shifts Chimon so that he's on his shoulders and swoops Kana up bridal-style, chasing after the bubbly girl. The whole bus ride, Chimon rants about phony hypnotists and Kana jokes around, trying to pretend like she's not fucking dying from his complaints. Monterio fails to not laugh at the situation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Inventor? I don't know much about that. Maybe I can do steampunk?" Nari ponders.

"Unfortunately, I believe that is rather too modern..." Azumi murmurs.

Keiji, who happens to be walking by with Joanie, casually peeks his head in. "That aesthetic was developing in the 80s and 90s, specifically. The first steampunk convention was in 2006. So yeah, way too modern." And then, casting a glance at Ren, he pointedly says, "And neon colors were also popularized in the 80s."

"Damn." He snaps defeatedly. "So I have to stick to black and like... red, I guess?"

"Fortunately for me, a ringleader costume can be easily acquired in my position," Azumi chimes in.

"KEIJI, YE LILY-LIVERED BASTARD!" comes a voice from a fair distance away.

"FUCK OFF, BANSHEE! If I go deaf by the end of our time together, I'll sue you for the freaking medical bills!"

"Keiji, what did you do?" Joanie asks in a scolding tone.

"She started it!" he yells, starting to flee.

"I don't doubt that, but that doesn't answer my question!" she insists, rushing off after him. Wakumi comes careening past only a few seconds later.

"Well, that was a thing," Tozen raises his eyebrows tiredly, closing the door.

"Ooh, are you thinking we need some privacy? I couldn't agree more," Ren winks, cupping his own cheek in his hand.

"Shut up, you flirt," Nari snickers.

"You know you love me, Ikinari. I'm pretty damn irresistible!"

"Honestly, I'm a little scared to oppose a mighty mob boss. Not scared of you... just your lackies," she teases right back.

"I would tell you to get a room if we weren't literally in Ren's bedroom right now," Tozen sighs, organizing Ren's closet idly.

"Are you alright? You're getting rather flippant, and I've noticed that your tongue gets a smidge sharper when you're disturbed. That, and you're stress-cleaning again," Azumi mentions with concern.

He crosses his arms, more in reticence than sass. "There's no way this is safe, right? Being told to leave our modern devices sounds like a recipe for disaster."

"If we alert our loved ones that we intend to take up this invitation's offer, that should assist in covering our bases," she points out. "All will be well," she repeats, not sure whether she's reminding herself or her friends.

"You're right... you're right, Zu. It'll be fine."

"Besides... I'll be right there to protect you."

"Ren, you know you're going to be clinging to us the whole time if something goes wrong because you're frightened and want us to nuzzle up to someone," Nari retorts, words like daggers.

"H-Hey! That's not true!"

"Ren, I apologize for my rudeness, but it absolutely is," Azumi says, biting her lip nervously.

"You should pack your parasol just in case." The doorbell rings. "What?" Nari answers.

"Did pilots wear helmets back then?" Gou asks.

"Only fighter pilots, not commercial pilots," she rattles off automatically. Afterwards, she slams the door. The bell rings again. "What now?"

"Ouch. You hit me in the nose," Hachi grumbles slightly.

"You walked right into the closing door. Pay more attention."

"Play nice, sweetcheeks," Ren urges.

She purses her lips, as if she's considering his proposition. "Uhh... no thanks."

"Let's go, Hachi. We can go watch anime and then get you a cool lab coat."

"Why are lab coats white? Like, I understand that painter smocks look even cooler with all the color stains, but why scientists? Isn't cleanliness the point?" she rambles, following after him.

Azumi giggles, gradually getting more and more energetic. "She does have a point!"

Ren then starts to laugh, as well, and then Tozen, and then soon, even Nari can't hold back. "Azumi, if I had a nickel for every time I met someone with as nice a laugh as yours, I'd have five cents."

She laughs even harder, nearly toppling onto the bed in delight.

"We can help each other get our costumes ready. Sayuri probably has a quill pen for you, dear author," Ren eventually decides.

"And I get to keep the bow tie," Tozen smiles at last. "I sure hope there are healthy dinner options."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joanie sticks her staff in the door to jam it. THUD! "Wakumi, if you break down this motherfucking door, I'll kill you!" she warns.

"AYE! I get a scrap outta it N' I can turn the li'l pisspot inta fish food!" Wakumi responds, sounding genuinely excited.

"You'll have to pay for the damages to the door!" Keiji calls out, sounding much more confident than he looks.

"Hmph. Won't have ta deal with that till after the party." THUD.

"I have a wrench!" Joanie threatens, flipping the heavy thing in her hand. She feels fantastic to be wearing something other than her Aika costume(s) out in public— a long tailcoat that billows dramatically. She also has overalls and a starched white shirt prepared. That way she can be a "fixer" but still fit the gothic dress code.

Keiji, also in a tailcoat, but with a studious-looking monocle suited for a professor, takes a deep breath. "Look, I'm sorry for getting Kana's help to make a stink bomb for your bedroom. I was angry because you put reds into my white load while I wasn't looking to dye my clothes pink. Can we PLEASE just call it water under the bridge? It's been like a week!"

There's a momentary silence. "One punch."

"Fight me instead," Joanie offers.

"AHAAAAA!" she squeals with thrill. Joanie removes the brace from the door and Wakumi triumphantly throws herself inside, getting into a scuffle immediately. Keiji preemptively rushes to the infirmary to fetch Joanie an inhaler in case things get too intense, wondering to himself if emergency medical equipment counts as things they can't bring. MDI's ARE a 1950s invention, after all, he frets.

By the time he gets back, Joanie is wheezing against the wall and Wakumi is laughing raucously. He hands her the inhaler, and she takes it gratefully . "Thanks, dude," she gasps, pumping it and sighing.

"Of course," he nods. "Thanks for not letting me get punched."

"You're doing well," she compliments. He can't stop himself from chuckling, and he has to try not to blush.

"OI! I'm not up fer gettin' ignored o'er here! Gotcha?!" Wakumi yells.

"Agh, your bun came out. Lemme fix it," Joanie dotes impatiently.

"Bah. Hair is stupid. I'd shave me own head like ye if I had the chance."

"I get to wear a different wig for once!" Joanie exclaims happily, as if just realizing. She snatches a reluctant Wakumi and drags her over to redo her bun.

"Well, yeah, you're wearing one," Keiji laughs, "That style is called Marcel waves, part of that trend toward bob cuts in the twenties. Looks nice on you," he comments. He finds himself getting irrationally excited at how pleasant the conversation is going.

"You looking forward to seeing Normal again, Wakumi?"

"Aye. That lassie's got a fire ta her. But swear you me, if she damages me cutlass, we're not all leavin' this party alive." She glares at nothing, pondering whether she was stupid for letting her borrow it. "Why does SHE get Swordwoman?"

"Explorer suits you just fine," Joanie clicks her tongue impatiently.

Suddenly, Bisque stumbles into the room, panicking. "AGH! Does anyone know where the tape is?! I'm kind of in a pickle!"

"You just got those glasses yesterday! How did you manage to break them already?!" Keiji asks, flabbergasted.

"My klutziness knows no bounds! And I was rushing cause Yuu last-minute wanted to borrow one of my spare aprons, and now I can't seeeeeee!"

Keiji holds his tongue and prevents himself from insulting the clumsy (currently blind) boy, trying not to ruin his fifteen-minute-long streak of kindness. "Should be in either the craft room or the Warehouse, so I'm not sure why exactly you decided to check the dining hall," he explains.

"Um... common sense went poof again."

"I'll guide you around so you don't seriously injure yourself."

"My savior!"

"Please don't," he cringes lightly.

"Aye, Ginny, what're ye makin' that face fer?" Wakumi scoffs as soon as the boys are out of earshot.

"Look, can't I be proud of his progress?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When I asked for gothic attire and a 20s style sailor costume, my parents thought I'd finally lost it. I literally reject suits and formal wear and stuff, so this is a new development," Bisque rambles.

Yuu laughs a bit. "I can imagine. And it's not like that's an ordinary combination of costumes."

"Yet they were willing to pay for it?" Sayuri ponders aloud.

"They've learned not to ask many questions... I did explain the party, though, so they were okay with it. They did ask if Azumi and Tozen were coming...and asked if I packed my meds. I dunno when Ritalin was invented so I'm not even sure if I'll be allowed to take it."

"I'm sure you will. We're just going for a night."

"Is there anything else you two need? I believe I have everything— wasn't it kind of Joanie to loan me a portable typewriter?"

"Umm... I think I have everything. Are my shoes tied? Yes, yes they are."

"Check frequently. We don't want you accidentally messing up your outfit," Yuu reminds him.

"Too late," Bisque giggles nervously, beckoning to his taped glasses.

"Oh wow. I'm so used to seeing your glasses broken that I almost didn't remember that this was a whole new pair."

"Speaking of outfits, don't you boys look marvelous? This isn't my typical aesthetic, but do I at least wear it well?" Sayuri asks.

Yuu chuckles. "Don't fish for compliments. But sure, you look nice, Sayuri. Where did you get that headpiece?"

She squeals lightly. "Isn't it wonderful? For my first time making something like this, it's rather nice, right?" She embraces him.

"Aaaah, Sayuri, remember our little talk about personal space?" he winces. He hugs her back, but retracts quickly. Their height difference means it makes the situation a tad awkward since he doesn't bend down to meet her.

"Oh? OH! I-I apologize deeply! Do you forgive me?" she asks nervously.

"It's no biggie, really," he nods anxiously.

Bisque, being ever-sensitive to the situation, chimes in, "The top hat is a great choice, Yuu! But it makes you even TALLER than you usually are! You tower over us!"

"I thought it'd be nice to get... a-head," Yuu puns. "But anyway, thanks. I thought it would also be a fun time to try out platform boots. I might even look taller than Monterio right now!"

"Have I thanked you yet for making my heels, Yuu?" the girl interjects.

"Only four times. As for the outfit based around my role... I got a newsboy sort of thing! That's why I needed your apron! Look at how awesome this cap is. It's kind of a relief already having my proper talent as my role. I won't have to act any particular way."

Sayuri spins a bit, playing with her skirt. "Would you have ever chosen to be a paperboy in your youth, Yuu?"

"Uh, sure? I guess so."

"What about you, Haruto?"

"I crash on my bike a lot and I'd probably scatter the papers all over a couple times... I'd be the slowest paperboy ever, so probably not," he answers, eyes wide as he imagines the potential catastrophe of the scenario.

"It's starting to get dark. We should go outside and start waiting for our transportation."

The air outside is slightly chilly and filled with the noises of crickets. Haruto finds this comforting, Yuu finds it a smidge uncomfortable, as Yuu tends to, and Sayuri finds it atmospheric. "Wouldn't it be interesting if something dangerous was to happen?"

"SAYURI!" Yuu hisses.

"What?"

"Why do you always feel the need to say these things?"

"Because it would be interesting? What other reason would I have?"

"You always jinx us!"

"Guys, guys, guys! Let's just look around the yard for four-leaf clovers to combat any potential misfortune!" Bisque encourages, hopping up and beginning a search. Yuu can't help but smile fondly as he follows suit, and Sayuri joins in, grateful just to have a few real friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm gonna be swimming in this lab coat. "Why do we 'swim' in clothes that are too big? It's not a liquid. We can't drown. Unless you're suffocated in fabric, but that would only be the case if someone pressed it up against your face... not just by wearing super big clothes."

"You have some creepy thoughts sometimes, Hachi," Gou smiles playfully.

"It looks weird seeing you in black," she remarks, not addressing his earlier assertion.

"I agree. I'm not particularly fond of it. Especially having my entire head exposed. I want my helmet back. And the same goes for you! I'm used to pastels with you!"

"Will I be allowed to have flowers? Flowers aren't very gothic."

"Maybe not, but then again, you're also the Biologist, so you can probably bring some with you."

"Yaaaaay," she says with about as much enthusiasm as Hachi can ever muster. She flits out back to the garden. Gou checks his watch. It's almost time, but they can afford a few minutes to fetch flowers.

"Iki wa yoi yoi, kaeri wa kowai.

Kowai nagara mo

Toryanse, Toryanse," she sings, deftly weaving through rows of flowers and picking out some of her favorites.

"Are you scared? Do you think something might happen at the party?" he asks her.

She shrugs. "Can't be much worse than nearly getting myself stuck in a washing machine during hide and seek. Look! I've got aconites... begonias... edelweiss! I should get some good medical ones, too."

"Okay... but try to hurry it up. The car should be coming any minute now."

But she's already a good distance away. He wonders why his two closest friends are the ones who require the most patience when spending time with. Yet when he sees her content smile, he understands a little better.

Soon, she's got so many flowers tucked away into the pockets of her lab coat that it's almost impossible to fold without ruining them. But she refuses to leave any behind, so he stows some in the pockets of his antique pilot outfit, to her gratitude. And off they go.

The other groups are hurrying off into cars, and they can see the empty one, so they pick up their pace a considerable amount, despite Hachi being rather small and not the quickest in the world. He lets her into the car first, mostly out of a gentlemanly nature but also a little bit out of worry. She pats the seat next to her, beckoning him there. "It'll all be just fine, okay? Just sit right in the middle."

"You're sure? That's not too close to you?"

"No way no how will anything happen to you," she continues to talk, as though not processing his question. But he takes that as an invitation and sits right next to her. "You can close your eyes and take a nap. Mum always talks about that. She says that car naps are some of the best naps. I kind of agree with her. I dunno why. I guess it's the motion or something. I only really like car naps in the sunlight though. It's too dark for me to wanna sleep right now. But I think I'm weird like that. Most people can sleep fine in the car at night."

"I'm sorry in advance if you don't get any quiet, sir," I address the driver. "She's usually chatty, but this time, she's trying to talk me to sleep, I think," he clarifies. Only a small nod is given in response from a stoic face.

"Magnolia facts! Magnolias are known to be the oldest flowering plant. They don't make nectar, just pollen for beetles to eat. They're monoecious, so they have male and female reproductive parts. Their leaves are evergreens. They're named after French botanist Pierre Magnol," she lists off. He's right about her trying to lull him off, but she'd be lying if she didn't also admit to loving any chance at a captive audience. Even though this is the case, Gou is thankful anyways, letting his fears slip away into a peaceful slumber.

And soon, they arrive.