~~

That day was unforgettable, the day the really brought light, to what despair truly was.

—

After some time of anxious filled, accusatory glances, you had all decided to leave Jabberwock Park, yourself a few minutes before everyone else. After a bit of wandering, you found yourself at the Hotel, and a few moments after that, the monitor came on.

"Ahem... Hope's Peak Academy's School a trip Executive Committee has an announcement to make... It is now 10:00 p.m. Nighttime can be confusing... If you're out at night and accidentally meet a killer, then it sucks to be you! But if you're worried about that and can't sleep, I've prepared a cottage on the hotel ground for each of you. Every single one of you, please feel free to rest in your own rooms. However, before you go to bed, I strongly recommend you lock your doors. You never know who might be planning to kill you! Puhuhu! Bye-byeeeee!"

And at that, you made your decision that going to your cottage would be the best idea. The living arrangements seemed nice. You could at least anxiously await your death in comfort, that was nice.

Opening the door to your own cottage, you were surprised at how...you, it was. There was a fairly large sized desk, with a mirror adorned with lights. On said desk, there was general stuff, some eyeliner, blush, only the things you really used to get ready. There was also a few candles on the desk, all closed, probably for cautionary reasons. However, the things that attracted you the most were on the floor, and on on the desk. On the desk, were different tools for piercings. Multiple piercings needles of different sizes, ready to pierce your skin at your disposal, whenever you felt like it. Along with the needles, there was also a cannula, to hold the piercing at the very end, in order to insert it. A few centimeters away, there were a few dermal punches, multiple different sizes, again, for multiple different piercings. The dermal punch is used to take away a circular area of tissue, in order for the jewelry to be placed, and is mostly used for cartilage piercings. There were a few forceps as well, in order to hold down the tissue to be pierced. Lastly, among the forceps, there were the needle receiving tubes. They are used similarly to the forceps, as they support the tissue at the piercing sight. As the tubes' main reason to support tissue, it also works to receive the needle once it has passed through the skin, and protects the piercer from the sharp point. In a small bag a few inches away from all the piercing equipment, there were a few extra piercings, in case you felt like switching your current ones, and there were also new ones, in case you wanted to pierce something new.

On the floor, a about a foot away from the desk, there was an open case, and a machine that you knew all too well. In that open case, there were multiple tattooing needles of different shapes, multiple tubes, tips and grips. There was also a vast, vast majority of ink colors. Amazingly, there were a lot of colors from your personal color pallet, and from a lot of the colors you usually used. There were also some stencils from the few tattoos you had given yourself. You were honestly amazed...

Next to the open case, there was the machine you knew all too well. Of course, it's a tattoo machine, and attached to it, there was the tattoo gun. Immediately, you picked up the gun and held it in your hand. It fit perfectly, the feeling of you holding the tattoo gun felt so natural, you couldn't help but itch to print something on someone's skin already. And, of course, there was the chair that all tattoo artists used for their clients. Honestly, you didn't know why that was there, unless you actually were going to tattoo someone else on the island... That'd be fun if you were.

Oh god, now your brain was going places with potential ideas.

Even though you had the idea to try looking around in every nook of your personal cabin, you felt a bit...drowsy. So, you opted to check the drawers near your bed, which contained multiple copies of your current clothes, but also a pairs of black sweatpants and a cropped white tank top to sleep in. At least your captor was nice enough to give you other clothes to wear, despite them being all the same.

As you made your way to your bed in the cottage, you collapsed face first, letting out a heavy exhale, as you turned toward the ceiling. You softly closed your eyes, hearing nothing but the beach's waves in the distance, and the slight ruffling of sheets as you tried adjusting yourself to feel comfortable. Was this... really all happening? Was this a bizarre alternate reality, perhaps? You dearly hoped it was, for if you really were stranded on an island, with 16 complete strangers, with nobody to trust. Hell, were you even able to trust yourself? You wouldn't kill anybody, right?

With a million thoughts swarming your mind, it had somehow tired out your mind, and you succumb to the sweet world of sleep, hoping that what you had been put through was just a really antagonizing dream.

——

Nope, not a dream.

You woke up, begrudgingly, airing out an annoyed groan as you realized that it was real, and as you heard the annoying, high pitched voice of Monkuma. He seemed so carefree, as if this was just a game to him, and you were the pawns. Though, considering how he was reacting, it really seemed that was what he thought.

As you put your feet on the ground of your cottage, you heard a scream come from the outside. Considering you were still in sleeping clothes, you opted to look out of your window, where you saw Kazuichi, Hajime, and Peko, all outside Hajime's cottage, as Peko seemed slightly unnerved by Kazuichi's screaming. You noted that Peko had said something to the two of them, until Kazuichi ran off before Hajime could say anything. At this point, you had stopped looking at the three grouped outside, sitting down on your bed, letting out a soft exhale, before being startled by some knocking at your door.

As you got up from your bed a second time to open the front door, and there stood Peko, standing with a blank expression like she always did.

"(F/-" She stopped midway, as she unconsciously started raking down your appearance, growing slightly pinker by every passing second she did. As you were sleeping, your already somewhat revealing tank top had slid up your body, and amazingly, the sweatpants you were wearing had been sliding down while you were sleeping, exposing practically all of your midsection, and then some.

How convenient.

"Peko? Did you need something?" You said, snapping her out of her slight trance, while you subconsciously pulled your sweatpants higher up your waist.

"I... Yes. I came to get you so that you could meet the rest of us at the hotel restaurant." Peko told you, her piercing red eyes looking directly into your (e/c) eyes. "It seemed that you were late, so I offered to come and retrieve you, along with Hajime and Kazuichi."

"Oh shit," You muttered under your breath before looking back at Peko, "Did I keep you guys waiting...?" You asked, nervously.

"Yes, but it was not just you, it was also Kazuichi and Hajime, do not worry." Peko said, monotonously as ever.

"Oh jesus fu-" You muttered, slightly pinching the bridge of your nose, "I-I'm so sorry for keeping you all waiting, I'll get ready as fast as I can." You panicked as you closed the door, but not before Peko told you not to worry.

As you pulled on a fresh pair of new clothes that Monokuma had graciously supplied you, you hurriedly pulled on your boots and tied them, before plopping yourself on the chair in front of the desk, hurriedly putting in the piercings you wanted for the day. As you hurriedly finished your makeup, with minimal mistakes, to your surprise, you pulled on your jacket and exited the cottage, only to find Peko still there, waiting.

"Peko, did you wait...?" You asked the Ultimate Swordswoman, as she nodded once. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

"W-Well I thought it would've been appropriate of me to wait for you..." She said, as the two of you began walking, and continued walking to the hotel restaurant in silence. However, you failed to notice the continuous glances she took at you.

"You're late, (F/N)," Byakuya said as you entered the restaurant with Peko, "Have you seen Kazuichi? I believed that him and Hajime were together, but apparently not."

"Sorry, haven't seen him. I thought I saw him run off somewhere, though." You stated plainly.

"Huh? Where?" Akane asked, while you shrugged.

"Dunno, maybe ask Hajime, I did actually see them together." You said, making Akane turn to Hajime.

"Well, he pretty much said he was running away...but..." Hajime said, unsure.

"Running...but where?" Mikan asked.

"There's nowhere *to* run anyway. What a weirdo." Hiyoko sneered.

"However, after what we witnessed yesterday, his behavior is understandable." Nekomaru said.

"Eh? What do you mean? Did something happen yesterday...?" Teruteru asked, combing his hair, trying to sound nonchalant, you deadpanned at him. It's as if he didn't grasp the reality of the situation, or, better put, he didn't want to, "I don't remember anything happening. And even if I did, it looked totally fake anyway. Yep yep, not worth remembering at all."

"So? Why have you gathered us here?" Mahiru asked.

"Not yet...not until Kazuichi arrives." Byakuya said plainly.

"Ah, wait a sec... That means the reason you told us to come here is..." Hajime started, putting a finger on his chin.

"Oui! Apparently Monsieur Byakuya has something to tell us!" Ibuki said, pointing her fingers at Byakuya in a fun manner, before Hajime asked what Byakuya wanted to tell everyone.

"Obviously, we're here to discuss our strategy for defeatin' that monster!" Akane said, holding her fists up.

"Th-There's no way we can fight that thing... I mean...it has heavy weapons and everything!" Mikan cried.

"ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH A FIGHTING SPIRIT!!!" Nekomaru yelled at Mikan.

"Yeah, but not against a stuffed teddy bear that probably has a million respawns, and giant mechanical beasts at its grubby fucking hand-paws." You thought.

"A bold boast... However, let me give you some advice." Gundam started, his eyes closed and a calm expression on his face, before turning into a slightly closed eye smirk, "The truly strong...do not raise their voice so recklessly."

"Hey, hey! Let's start talking already!" Hiyoko yelled out, "Hmph... This is probably some lame attempt to make us feel better or something..."

"Don't make me repeat myself... When everyone is here, then we can start talking." Byakuya stated once again, obviously referring to the Ultimate Mechanic who had yet to arrive.

"Aw, jeez! Fine! I'll just bring Kazuichi myself, then!" Mahiru groaned.

"Mahiru, are you sure you should? He seemed pretty stressed..." you asked the red head.

"Of course I do! Kazuichi's keeping us all waiting when Byakuya has something important to tell us!" She said as she began walking out, "Everyone wait here! I'll find him and bring him here, even if I have to tie him up!"

"Mmhmhm...I'm a little jealous now. Getting tied up by Miss Mahiru..." Teruteru uttered, making you grimace. "Maybe I should run away, too... JUST KIDDING!"

"Disgusting moron..." Fuyuhiko muttered.

"Now then...let's have breakfast while we wait for everyone. Let's eat!" Byakuya said as he starting wolfing down the food that was in front of him.

"Where did this food come from, anyway?" You asked.

"When I arrived this morning, it was already." Nagito said.

"Ah, they even have crab and shrimp!?" Mikan asked gleefully.

"Crab and shrimp are such a pain to eat. I hate them as much as I hate Mikan's ugly, stuttering face." Hiyoko complained, making Mikan tear up at the insult, and making Hiyoko sneer about how the face she started making was the 'ugly stuttering face'.

"Wh-Why...are you being so mean!?" Mikan cried.

"Heh, heh, heh... You're the kind of girl that bullies just *love* to torment, aren't you?" Hiyoko laughed again, as you sighed.

"Hiyoko, stop bullying Mikan, she didn't do anything." You said to the small dancer, making her puff, but comply to your order nonetheless.

"Ah, I got it! Teruteru prepared this food, right?" Ibuki asked, thankfully taking away the pressure from you, Hiyoko and Mikan.

"Mmhmhm... Unfortunately, it wasn't me." Teruteru said, "You see...the food I make doesn't taste as shitty as this does."

"This is bad? Tastes yummy to me." Akane managed to mutter out, as her face was stuffed with food.

"*Just* yummy...right?" Teruteru said, "Compared to the world class dishes I make, a dish that tastes 'yummy' would still be considered shit... In fact, even comparing them is out of the question!" Teruteru yelled. "Comparing MY dishes to this lowly peasant food, how rude!"

"You shouldn't really take it personal...it's just food." You managed to say to say.

"Oh? It's just food?" Teruteru asked, as he looked at you, "I'm just saying, if you ate my food, you wouldn't be able to control yourself."

"What is that supposed to mean...?" Peko asked the chef.

"Well, let's just say your jaw wouldn't be the only thing that drops!" Teruteru yelled, as you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, "In fact, your panties would drop, too! Like the lacey (f/c) panties (F/N) is wearing, for example!"

Okay, out of the things you expected Teruteru to say, that was not one of them. Unexpected? Yes. Surprised? Mmm, no.

"H-How the hell did you get it right?!" You panicked, backing away and almost bumping into Peko, who seemed to be sending a slightly threatening glare to Teruteru. Nagito was mimicking the action, but, a lot less menacing than Peko.

"However, if Teruteru did not prepare this food, then the one who did is..." Sonia started to wonder aloud..."

"Could it have been Monokuma!?" Ibuki asked.

"...Is it safe to eat food cooked by something like that?" Hajime asked.

"That's why I'm tasting it for poison, to make sure it's safe for consumption." Byakuya stated simply.

"I'm pretty sure you don't need to eat that much of it to check if it's poisoned..." You thought, keeping it to yourself.

"Okay, thanks for waiting! I brought him!" Mahiru's voice snapped you out of your mind, as she came in with Kazuichi. "Hey, straighten up a little more! Shouldn't a man like you be embarrassed to walk like that?" She scolded.

"St-Stop...don't pull... You're gonna rip my sleeves..." Kazuichi muttered.

"Kyahaha! Even though you look all flashy, you're actually a big coward!" Hiyoko laughed at Kazuichi's expense. "Are you gonna be okaaaay? People like you are usually the first victim, you know?"

"I-I just wanna go home already!" Kazuichi yelled, until a large crashing noise, and a yell, brought you away from his voice.

"What the...!?" Hajime yelled, as you followed his eyes to what had happened. And you weren't expecting what happened.

Mikan had somehow managed to trip— well, trip is an understatement, and fall, her legs now tied up by an electrical cord, and then pulled over her head, flipping her skirt up, almost exposing her...delicate bits. "Ohhh...no no no no no!" She yelled. "I-I-I tripped!"

"C-Can you even call that tripping?" Hajime asked, as you made your way over to the fallen girl.

"How in the world did you end up in such a...compromising position after tripping!?" Byakuya asked.

"Well, it certainly makes me happy! I'm veeeeeery happy right now!" Teruteru said.

"Noooooooo! I'm so embarrassed! P-Please help me!" Mikan stuttered, as you went to reach for the cord around her ankles.

"Awwwwww! She looks so adorable when she's embarrassed!" Ibuki cooed, "It's soooooo moe, I'm practically snorting with joy!"

"W-We should help her up!" Mahiru said, as you were about halfway done with untying the cord trapping Mikan's ankles.

"Mikan...! Are you okay?" You said as you helped her sit up, as you cradled her face in your palm, your other hand restored on your shoulder as she had tears brewing in her eyes.

"Ugh... My head is throbbing a little, but I'm okay..." She said as she put her hands in her hair, you decided to take your hand off of her shoulder and place it atop one of hers, as she looked at your face with that same sense of safety when she first met you..

"She's beyond being just a clumsy girl. That fall of hers was like a magic trick or something..." Mahiru said.

"Anyway...everybody's here now, right? Then let's get going." Chiaki said. "Since...I'm getting sleepy."

"You're right... Though I am not quite ready to stop eating breakfast, I should begin my talk." Byakuya said, setting down his half empty plate of food, and looking at everyone in the restaurant. "First I have a question for you all. That Monokuma thing ordered us to kill each other... So under these strange circumstances, what do you think we need right now?"

"Tch, who the fuck knows? Get to the point already." Fuyuhiko said.

"If you want me to get to the point, you better hurry up and answer my question." Byakuya said.

"What do we need? We need food and sleep, obviously. Right?" Akane asked.

"No...you've forgotten about shitting..." Nekomaru said casually, "Which means the answers are: a good appetite, a good night's sleep, and good shit!!!"

"...Does anyone have a real answer?" Byakuya asked again.

"Could it be...a bond?" Nagito asked, making Hajime question him, "This is what I believe... As long as the Ultimates work together, there's nothing we can't accomplish... You'll all be able to create a hope that can overcome any despair." Nagito said. "That's why...if we want to escape this island, we need to promise each other that we'll work together."

"Wow, he said that with a straight face! How is he not embarrassed?" Hiyoko sneered at Nagito, as he then proceeded to degrade himself.

"It's not really the worst idea, but I don't think it's exactly Byakuya had in mind." You said, hoping to cheer up Nagito.

"She is correct. Because it's impossible to fight our enemy as individuals under these circumstances, we must fight them as a group... However, what we need to achieve that solidarity is not something as easy as a so-called bond." Byakuya stated.

"Then...what?" Nagito asked.

"He's talking about a leader." You said clearly, "A group of individuals can act together, but those individuals need a leader to condemn actions and make sure they go according to plan. Without one, those individuals may go under disarray, and who know's what would happen then."

"I see... Even sports teams need captains, after all..." Nekomaru said.

"Rejoice. I shall accept the position." Byakuya said, an authority like tone in his voice, "Now then, I'll wrap up this introduction, and let's move on to the main question."

"Wait just a second!" Mahiru interjected, "Wh-What did you just say...? I don't care how you excuse it, you're being too forceful! Deciding to be the leader all on your own...and why does it have to be you, anyway!?" Mahiru asked Byakuya.

"Who is more fit to lead other than me?" Byakuya asked, his authority like tone still present. "I am the Ultimate Affluent Progeny of the Togami household, destined to stand above all others." He said, as you rolled your eyes.

"Yeah, and I took over my massive ass company two years ago, you aren't fucking special, get in line." You thought in your head, choosing not to say it aloud to potentially cause an outburst.

"S-Seriously! I'm telling you that attitude of yours is too forceful!" Mahiru said to Byakuya again.

"Mahiru...! P-Please...wait! It's true that Byakuya may be a little forceful, but given our current situation... I believe it's a leader's duty, under circumstances like this, to be forceful to a certain degree..." Nagito said, trying to calm down Mahiru.

"That may be true, but...if we just need someone who can lead people, then even Sonia can..." Mahiru said.

"No, perish the thought. I am merely a figurehead." Sonia said, plainly.

"Well...he must have the qualities of a leader if he can accept the role under these circumstances." Nagito said.

"If everyone's okay with it...I'm okay with it, too..." Mahiru said, slightly dejected.

"Then, I guess we've made our decision..." Byakuya started, "Don't worry, as long as I'm the leader, I won't let anyone become a victim. I will guide you all! That much, I promise."

"Kyaaaa! Soooo reliable!" Ibuki praised.

"Now then, let's move on to the topic at hand, for real this time... I have something to show you all." Byakuya said.

"...Something to show us?" Hajime questioned.

"It's at Jabberwock Park at the central island... Come, follow me!" Byakuya said as he began walking out of the restaurant.

"Jeez, he really is forceful." You said.

"We may have made a mistake in choosing him as the leader..." Mahiru said, as she began walking out of the restaurant, yourself and mostly everyone had followed suit.

As everyone excited the restaurant, you waiting until you found one specific individual to talk to.

"Hey...Kazuichi?" You said as you approached him, accidentally scaring him.

"AAAAAH!" He yelled, and you took a few cautious steps back, your arms up.

"Woah...! Don't be scared, it's just me, I won't do anything." You said, hoping to calm the male down.

"O-Oh...sorry (F/N)...d-did you need something?" He asked you, embarrassed at his outburst.

"Nono, not really, I just wanted to see how you're doing, you seemed stressed earlier." You told him.

"I...I guess I'm just nervous, ya'know?" He said, scratching the back of his neck as you both walked along, "I-i just wanna go home,I don't wanna die here...!" He cried out.

"I know...what we're in right now really sucks. I know I'm scared, I can't trust anyone right now, I can only trust myself." You said, making the Mechanic next to you voice out confusion.

"Y-You're so sure of yourself..." Kazuichi muttered.

"I know I'm not gonna kill anyone. I'm not doing that. I-I'd rather become a victim to someone else than kill someone. No matter how desperate I am to get out of here, I'm not doing it." You said, looking back at him, meeting his vibrant pink eyes, that already seemed to be staring at you, his mouth slightly agape. After a few seconds, he realized you were looking back at him, and looked away, making a poor attempt to cover his growing blushed cheecks.

"I don't know how much this'll mean to you, Kazuichi but..." You started, making the male turn to you, "...You can trust me. I'm not gonna kill you, or anyone for that matter."

He stared at you again, his mouth going agape again, and his cheeks blushing, again, before he turned his attention in front of the both of you, while still looking at you.

"Also..." You started. "Don't listen to Hiyoko. What she's saying is meaningless, you won't die... I promise." You reassured him once again.

"...Thanks, Miss (F/N)...i-it does mean a lot..." He said to you, as you smiled in response.

"Well, c'mon, Byakuya has something to show us...!" You giggled, picking up your pace, as he did the same, chuckling at you. He had a great feeling about you, he was certain.

—

"...For skinny people, you're awfully slow." Byakuya complained as everyone had made their way to Jabberwock Park.

"...I'm gay—well, bi, I guess. I can't be slow, that's not how it works." You thought, while Sonia expressed how Byakuya might have just been too fast.

"J-Jeez...I never expected a fatso like him to move so fast..." Kazuichi complained from next to you.

"So...what's supposed to be here?" Akane asked, apparently not noticing the massive bomb like timer that had taken place where the Monobeasts used to be.

"Hmph... If you haven't noticed it yet...then I was right to dismiss you all as idiots." Byakuya said.

Upon further examination, the bomb seemed to be in a shape similar to Monokuma's head, with small ears at the top, and gears spinning around under its shape. In a gray circle in the middle, there was a timer counting down the seconds, and above that timer was a countdown that shows '21 Days Left'.

"Was this here when we came last time?" Mahiru asked, while you shook your head.

"No, absolutely not, it's way too big, we would have for sure noticed it." You said, facing Mahiru, "Monokuma probably moved it while we were sleeping."

"I found it this morning...when I was exploring the island one more time." Byakuya explained, "I don't specifically know when it was placed here, but I can only assume what (F/N) said was correct, in that Monokuma moved it here during the nighttime."

"What does this countdown even mean!?" Hajime asked.

"Hmm... I have no clue." Ibuki said, scratching the side of her head.

"Mmhmhm, once again, something has appeared that I don't understand..." Teruteru started, combing his hair, "But it's got nothing to do with me. Because I refuse to believe this is happening."

"Could it be...? It better not be a bomb!" Nekomaru exclaimed, making Kazuichi panic further.

"If they wanted to blow up the island, they would have done so by now. There's no need for a countdown..." Byakuya said.

"Then...what are they counting down?" Mikan asked.

"It's a mystery..." Akane said, plainly.

"...A mysterious mystery, isn't it!?" A new, high pitched voice joined in, making you jump in surprise, only to find out the voice was Monomi's. Sonia had yelped in surprise, making Monomi do the same.

"M-Monomi!?"Hajime exclaimed.

"Wh-Why are you here?" Mahiru questioned.

"I heard everyone talking while I was patrolling, so I came over..." Monomi said.

"But didn't Monokuma kill you...? Like, literally shoot you into a million pieces, kill you?" You asked the rabbit.

"Ah, so that's why you were surprised?" Monomi asked, making everyone shake their heads, saying yes. "Pfft, you don't have to worry about that! After all, I can never die!"

"I see... You must be an undead abomination, risen from the foulest depths of the Netherworld by black magic..." Gundam stated, gasping. "Do you want me to make you my thrall!?"

"Monomi's a mechanical stuffed animal, right? Doesn't that mean she can't die in the first place?" Chiaki questioned aloud.

"Now that you mention it...she'd only need, like, a spare or something." Kazuichi added, making Monomi sulk.

"You have arrived at the perfect time. There's something I wanted to ask you." Byakuya said to the rabbit. "What is the meaning behind this timer and this countdown? Answer me..."

"Huh? Countdown...?" Monomi wondered, innocently, before taking one look at the new contraption on the statue, and panicking. "Ha-wa-wa! What is this!?" She paused. "U-Um... I'm sorry... I... don't know what this is..."

You really don't know...?" Peko asked.

"I-I'm sorry... I don't really have a grasp of what Monokuma is up to..." Monomi said.

"You don't know, even though you're Monokuma's little sister." Hiyoko said to Monomi, making the rabbit rebuttal.

"A-Anyway...let's all do our best! Let's kick the evil Monokuma off this island!" Monomi tried to cheer, only getting told by Byakuya to get lost, as Monomi was essentially useless to you all.

"Um... Let's...together..." She sulked.

"I said get lost...!" Byakuya yelled at Monomi, making her apologize, and eventually disappearing from your sight.

"Um... Perhaps you are being a little too harsh? I am starting to feel sorry for it..." Sonia stated.

"No, Sonia, it's alright. She wasn't of any use to us, or give us any sort of information that could actually help us. There's really no need to feel sorry for her." You reassured the Ultimate Princess.

"Who the fuck cares about that stuffed animal...? More importantly, what the hell is that clock?" Fuyuhiko asked, taking your attention. While Byakuya pondered along with Hajime, and Teruteru making an observation about how the clock is 'deadly', Byakuya said something that made you pay attention once more.

"This island is full of mysteries that we can't begin to understand." He started, "For example...how were the sixteen of us brought to this island...?"

"I wasn't trying to think about that since it's been bugging me too, but... he's right. That *is* a mystery." Kazuichi said, grabbing at his beanie.

"There's more." Byakuya said again. "Why is Jabberwock Island, which was known for being a popular resort destination, now an uninhabited island? There is no sign of tourists or even citizens on this island, how can that be?"

"All civilizations are destined to collapse... Nothing begets existence...and existence begets nothing..." Gundam stated.

"So it...collapsed?" Mikan wondered.

"Society is much like fruit. Once it matures, it is inevitable that it will eventually rot." Sonia said. "As the economy grows, the private sector stagnates as elders and bureaucrats become more and more powerful... As time passes, this power becomes the status quo, and crushes the seeds of any possible reformation... Such a sad trend." She sulked.

"Sonia, darling, as great of a way that was putting it, I believe our situation here is different than what you just described." You told the female.

"Maybe...the Monobeasts killed everyone on this island?" Hiyoko chimed in.

"That...might be going a little bit far." You said

"Well, it could be a possibility, but...we don't know that for sure." Byakuya followed. "This mystery remains a mystery, it seems."

"Grrrrrr...! It's like everything here is just full of mysteries!" Ibuki strained.

"You're right, it's just mysteries on top of mysteries..." Byakuya said. "However, since these mysteries are overlapping with one another, I doubt some no-name group is behind this..."

"So, you believe a well know organization is doing this? Rather, a big one, with enough money to support all of these funds, with the island and everything?" You asked the blond.

"Well, wouldn't you like to know." He sneered at you, confusing you, before turning back to his point. "Monomi, Monokuma, the Monobeasts... They're all machines that require major technical skills to operate."

"Plus, they would need a ton of funding. And there's no way those things were made just for the hell of it..." Kazuichi added.

"That originization might be controlling these machines and monitoring the island with those cameras..." Byakuya said.

"Could those fiends be hiding on this island?" Peko asked.

"Not likely, although possible. The safest thing they could do would be to run this from somewhere else. Somewhere safe." Byakuya said to her.

"Well, where would that be?" Nekomaru asked, to which Byakuya said he didn't know.

"Anyway, there's no mistake that an enourmoud organization is behind all this." Byakuya stated.

"I see, a big organization, huh... I can't imagine what kinda people they could be..." Akane said, with a hint of solemnes.

"Well, let's see..." Byakuya started. "There's my Togami Corporation...Sonia's Novoselic Kingdom...the Kuzuruyu Clan..." Byakuya was listing off the possibilities of the organizations that could be responsible for this endeavor, before he was interrupted by Kazuichi.

"Hey! I'm not letting you doubt Soni-" "I'm not finished." Byakuya spat out. "And then, lastly, there's (F/N)'s company."

(YALL HEAR THAT, YOURE RICH AS FUCK, DEAL W IT✨ )

At that moment, your ears perked up at what Byakuya said, and there, you made the connection to why he sneered at you when you asked him your question. It would be as if he assumed you were playing dumb, which really made no sense. You were just as innocent as everyone else was at the moment. Though, as everyone knew, you couldn't exactly trust anyone in these types of situations, in a game of life or death where everyone has a gun, and if some would really shoot.

"It would definitely have to be an organization as powerful as one of those, if not more so." Byakuya said.

"Huh!?" Sonia perked.

"I'm used to being mistrusted... Do what you will..." Fuyuhiko muttered while looking at the ground.

"...Oh. Okay." You muttered, with a small shrug.

"Stop right there! I don't care about you or the Kuzuryu Clan, a-and I was already iffy when you doubted Sonia, but there's no way I'm gonna let you accuse Miss (F/N)!" Kazuichi yelled, bringing a smile to your face, "Th-There's no way she would do something like this! I know it!"

"You're making a very strong case by trusting her instantly, Kazuichi." Byakuya said to the pink haired male defending you. "But what if she were to betray you, hm? What if she was the ringleader in all of this, and end up stabbing you in the back? How would you feel then?" Byakuya spat back.

"...I know she wouldn't. I-I'm sure of it." Kazuichi said, while you gave him a smile at him defending you.

"Wow... Just shut up already, loser..." Hiyoko jabbed at Kazuichi.

"L-Loser!? Are you talkin' about me?" Kazuichi asked

"Yeah, I'm talking about you. I like Big Sis (F/N) too, ya'know, but you didn't have to go that far at defending her." Hiyoko stated. "Plus, it's obvious from your flashy clothes that you just wanna stand out because you're actually a loser." She giggled. "Hehe... It must be hard to make your living in the Lame-Ass Loser Industry."

"Too far, dude! That's going way too far!" Kazuichi cried. Luckily, Hajime brought back the conversation.

"Hey, Byakuya... Were you serious just now? About this being related to your family and Sonia's and such...?" He asked.

"Well, I'm just using them as an example. I'm not saying they have anything to do with this, but it's also a possibility." Byakuya said.

"But, you're certain we're up against a huge organization, right?" Hajime asked again.

"Even if such an organization exists... Why would they make us go through something like this?" Peko asked in response.

"Whatever. How long are we gonna keep talking about this? Why don't we talk about something more realistic?" Teruteru interrupted.

"Well, why don't we do that once you actually grasp our situation?" You said to the chef. "It seems like you refuse to fully give yourself to what we're going through right now. You've done nothing but repeat about how nothing is happening, and none of this is real. The longer you refuse to accept what we're in, the weaker you're getting yourself. You don't win by being tactical, or being strong, you win by adapting to the situation, and you've done nothing but push it away." You said clearly, making Teruteru slightly slink away from your words.

"Enough. Our enemy's purpose is still unknown... As long as we find out who's behind this, we'll learn their purpose." Byakuya said."So what we must do now is find out who our enemy is. If we do that, then we'll be closer to a breakthrough. Luckily, according to the e-Handbook, we are free to explore this island... There will definitely be a clue about the enemy on this island somewhere. Let's start looking."

"All right! Let's get this crap done!" Akane yelled, balling her fists. "Uh, what're we looking for?"

"...Akane, were you even listening? We need to find clues that will tell us who our enemy is." Mahiru said.

"No problem... No matter how large this organization may be, they will not be able to stand against us..." Gundam said, before four hamsters came out of his scarf, "They are destined to fall and turn to ash at the might of my Four Dark Devas of Destruction!" You giggled and sighed at Gundam's antics, and the reveal of his hamsters.

"Aw, that's so cute..." You muttered with a chuckle, not going unnoticed by him as he lifted his scarf to cover half his face.

"...Anyway, let me just say this." Byakuya said. "There's no time to think about something as foolish as killing each other. You must do what you have to do. Observe, speculate, recognize, comprehend. Even if it seems impossible...just persevere." Byakuya kept monologuing. "But most importantly, follow my lead. I'll make sure to return you all to your normal lives. This is your leader's order. Understand?"

"Uhaha! That's, like, TOTALLY awesome!" Ibuki cheered.

"That right hand of his is soooo plump. I've got the perfect nickname for him: Ham Hands!" Hiyoko chimed gleefully.

"H-Ham Hands...you say?" Byakuya asked the tiny female. "Hmph... I never thought I'd see the day when someone called me something like that..."

"...Is he not mad? That was basically a whole insult Hiyoko made at him, I'd expect him to be at the very least, offended. I know I would..." You thought, while Hajime asked Byakuya why he wasn't mad over Hiyoko's insult.

"Why would I get mad at something as petty as that...?" Byakuya said. "She observed me directly and thought up a nickname. There's nothing dishonest about a name like that... Perhaps, I've always yearned for this. Though it may seem ironic for me to realize that in this particular situation..."

"Maybe Byakuya isn't so bad, maybe be isn't just a confident, narcissistic heir. Maybe he actually kinda cares." You thought.

"All right then. We should listen to Byakuya and not waste our energy thinking about pointless things!" Nagito said. "It's true that we're not in the best situation, but it's also not the worst. Because we're not alone. We have friends we can count on to support each other."

"Seriously? That sounds so lame!" Hiyoko said, making Nagito doubt himself once again.

"Well, we don't really have any leads on that giant bomb...thing, right now. I think it'd be better if we went back to the hotel, or looked around this island some more. You know, make use of ourselves." You said to everyone.

"Th-That could be good... We don't have anything else to do right now." Hajime said, while everyone else agreed, ultimately leaving one by one.

As you made your way inside your cottage, you sat down on the tattoo chair that Monokuma had put in your room, heaving an exhale.

"What should I do today...?"

~~

WHO DO YALL WANNA HANG OUT WITH??😰

remember, ily, and be safe! bye for now~!