Recap / How I Met Your Mother (And How I Met Your Father) Despair Arc Chapter Sixteen: Welcome to Despair!

Despair Arc Chapter Sixteen: Welcome to Despair!

Original Release: September 30, 2020 (Fanfiction.net), October 1, 2020 (AO3)

Summary

Makoto and Kyoko wake up after their engagement night, only to find everyone's disappeared. What could have happened to them?

Tropes

• Cerebus Syndrome: While the previous chapter and the start of this chapter are heartwarming with Makoto and Kyoko's engagement, things start taking a darker turn when the two learn about Junko's plan.
• Fright-Induced Bunkmate: After hearing the end of the story, Kiki's understandably scared and asks her parents to stay with her for the night.
• I'll Kill You!: After grieving Jin's death, Kyoko gets furious at Junko and makes it clear she'll make her pay.
  Kyoko: …Junko…Junko Enoshima…I’ll kill her for this…I’LL FUCKING KILL JUNKO ENOSHIMA FOR WHAT SHE DID TO YOU, DADDY! YOU HEAR ME, JUNKO?! YOU’LL PAY FOR TAKING MY DADDY AWAY FROM ME!!!
• Internal Reveal: Makoto and Kyoko learn that Junko's responsible for the Tragedy and that she's planning the Killing Game.
• It's All My Fault: After learning that Junko's responsible for the Tragedy and of her plans for the Killing Game, Makoto begins to blame himself heavily since he was the one who gave her the benefit of the doubt and encouraged everyone to trust her.
• Not So Stoic: After witnessing Jin's execution, Kyoko breaks down into tears while cradling his corpse, even calling him "Daddy" instead of "Father" or "Dad".