Chapter 2 – Promises

Part 2 – Hajime's Promise

"I'm really glad I got to see you again Hajime… And to see you for the first time Kettei." Nanami told him, in her soft voice which both Hinata and Tsuki adored. Hajime responded, hope filling his voice.

"I promised never to forget you Chiaki, and I would take you to so many places!"

Nanami smiled and responded to him.
"I knew you never would forget me Hajime." Nanami had her hand on her heart as she heard spoke. She then lifted her hand to look at it, she did now have a genuine body. Before Hinata could think of a response Tsuki said something.

"It's nice to see you finally woke up Nanami. I was getting worried I was talking to a lifeless body for the whole voyage! Ha-ha…" He gave a friendly laugh although Hinata didn't consider his darkish humour very funny.

Nanami, not one for understanding jokes, responded casually.
"I remember hearing everything you told me… I think…" She put her hand to her cheek and thought about it. "I think I heard most of it, I would doze off sometimes though. I remember hearing your voice talking to me when I would 'wake up', so I probably missed some bits. Sorry." She gave him an apologetic smile before he responded.

"Hehe, somehow you fell asleep while already unconscious, I kinda expected that though, I did repeat a lot of things though in case you didn't hear them! Makoto thought I was going crazy when he heard me talking in my room, repeating the same thing every day. After I explained what I was doing, he spoke to you a bit, I think you met him before back during Hope's Peak Academy, although he lost his memories about it…"

Tsuki smiled and scratched his head, before Nanami responded.
"His voice did seem familiar, but I don't remember much about him. I believe part of my memory wasn't secured when dad was working on me..." Her voice seemed to trail of at the end.

Hinata looking to move the conversation away from Fujisaki decided to speak up.
"Anyway, Chiaki are you excited to meet ev-" Tsuki was having none of it and interrupted Hinata

"We can't run from our problems Hinata, especially when they aren't yours." His voice dropped and his eyes hid any look of emotion. "Nanami, I don't ask this question out malice. You do know that Chihiro Fujisaki, your dad, is dead. Murdered in fact." His face stayed stern and spoke without any remorse.

Hinata could not believe the heartlessness he had just witness, he just said it straight and hard. Nanami had barely been woken up for five minutes and Tsuki had just asked her about the death of Fujisaki, Hinata instantly regretted how highly he thought of him for a moment and gave him a cold stare. He clearly shouldn't have dropped his guard.

Nanami's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I know, I was conscious when you told me on the boat. I was really sad at first but the words you told me helped a lot." Her voice seemed to tremble at first but gained in confidence near the end. Tsuki who was pleased with her response but still wanted to make sure she was okay.

"What is the phrase that you remember?" The coldness in his voice dropped slightly and his eyes showed some sadness.

"Remember not that he left us, but what he left for us… You were referring to Alter Ego… I think." She felt a lot stronger saying them out loud.

"Good, but It's not about what I was referring to, It's what you think he left behind for you." A smile came back to his face. "You're a strong girl Nanami, I knew you could handle this." Someone else however could not. With how much Tsuki had controlled conversations and his cold-hearted comments, enough was enough. Hinata would have to put him in his place.

He got up off Nanami's bed and walked up to Tsuki face to face, making it clear he was taller by a large portion.

"Can I speak to you in the corridor Tsuki? In private." His anger showed in his voice. Tsuki, just like any other boy his size being threatened by someone as tall as Hinata, started sweating and became nervous, however it looked like Tsuki was an expert at hiding his emotions and feelings. He dropped his emotions again and confronted him.

"Anything you want to say to me, is allowed to be heard by Nanami. So say it right here." He was pretty sure he knew what he was about to be confronted by. But he never expected Hinata to be someone who would confront him about it. Maybe one of the others, clearly he misjudged Hinata.

"You better watch what you say. Death isn't exactly a happy topic of discussion, you should respect other people's thoughts, not everyone likes your questions, deceitfulness or your humour." Hinata laid his problems on him, he didn't care about how much he had done to help, there was a line not to be crossed. He wouldn't allow anyone to be so inconsiderate to Nanami.

Tsuki's thoughts flared with anger, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. But that didn't matter, if Hinata had a problem with his newish personality he would have to live with it. So he bluntly said that to him.
"If you have a problem with how I phrase things, then you better learn to live with it. In regards to my actions you better not be suggesting that I repent them, anything I have ever done has been for a reason. Every lie I tell helps someone I love, every mask I put on protects someone else, I'm a person who will make the hard decision to protect someone else. And if you think I'm going to be plagued by unjust guilt you are sorely mistaken." He had said enough… but he couldn't let it go, people had a hard time accepting the truth of who he was becoming, he pulled out his trump card.

"You should understand better than anyone else! You made and led the hardest decision of your life, during your class trial. Sending, someone, to, death." He glared at him back and pointed to Nanami. Tsuki's words cut through Hinata, hurting him more than any sword could.

Hinata's mind tried to ignore the deceiver's words, but they seemed to ring true as they bounced around in his head, for the sake of his sanity he told himself they were full of lies. All he could now hear was that the boy before him was being rude and deserved a lesson, he couldn't allow anyone to treat him or Nanami like that. His fist clenched.

Nanami from the side line and couldn't bear to hear the argument, normally she would try to stop stuff like this from happening, it used to be her job as the observer before everything that happened. But her new body wouldn't let her, the stress from seeing her best friend and the boy who promised to protect her fight was hard to bear. She couldn't do anything, any word she tried to say was reduced to silence, any part of her body she tried to move instantly weighed a ton, all she could do was watch as the anger in Hinata's eyes increased and the emotion from Tsuki left his body. She could only sit there and watch, bounded by the limitations of her new body.

Tsuki knew what would happen in the next few seconds if he didn't do anything, Hinata would likely punch him out of anger considering he had, hopefully not in the face, he likely would fall back and hit the wall and make a loud noise. Hinata's friends or a Future Foundation agent would come in and see what just happened. Apart from the pain it wouldn't be a bad situation, Hinata would lose respect from his friends and Nanami, while he would gain the respect as the victim, pain was just an asset to Tsuki. Was that really worth it? His relationship with Hinata would never be a good one. Alternatively, he could make an excuse to leave for them both to cooldown and apologise. Both options had their ups and downs, one risky but with high rewards, the other safe with not a lot gained, Tsuki considered them as his seconds ran out. Which option would help keep his promise…?
Hinata couldn't hold his anger anymore, his left hand started to lift and he heard Nanami gasp…
Tsuki turned his back and thought,
If he's willing to punch me while my back is turned then I will gladly take that path. I was never one for starting fights but... if not then I will continue onto the other one…

…
He didn't punch me... what a shame. I wish he did...
Tsuki then spoke to him as he headed for the door.
"Perhaps we should take a moment to think things through." Tsuki said calmly before leaving the room and resisting the urge to slam the door behind him. He walked around the corner from the hallway and put his head against the wall.

That didn't go as planned, you let your emotions control yourself again, Idiot! It's alright to cry, sympathy is good to get but not anger, that never leads to a good situation. How else are you supposed to keep your promise to sis if Hinata hates you? Having him as your enemy will make protecting Nanami too difficult. If you went that route you'd have to get him out the way to protect her…
Tsuki lifted his head and looked at his hands in silence for a while. Did he just consider murder to continue his promise? His hands started to drip with blood as he considered the option, then his head went back on the wall.
What the hell? Of course that isn't an option! Life is more valuable than a promise, why would you think something like that!? I never would have considered something like that before… Now man up and apologise. He will likely apologise back, that's how these things work, maybe give him a hug? Ew that's too much… What if he doesn't apologise? No, he will, otherwise Nanami won't respect him until he does, meaning she will rely on me until he does. Win-win situation, sweet! His mind clear and the blood disappearing from his hands, Tsuki walked back around the corner. But one question was still haunting him in the back of his head.
Would I kill to keep my promise?

"Hajime… please stop." Nanami spoke out to him, sadness filling her tone,

"Please… you can't act like this…" She held out her hand slowly, beckoning Hinata to hold it. Hinata now noticing it and considered his actions. Then turned to Nanami and spoke,

"I, erm… I couldn't control myself, I don't know what happened… It wasn't Kamakura though…" He looked at Nanami's hand and it held it with a soft grip as he apologised. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't let him talk to you like that."

"Hajime, he doesn't mean harm. He never said anything to hurt me." She spoke softly, her new body letting her adapt her voice to the situation.

"He spoke about your father with no remorse! I can't let anyone hurt you Chiaki… I… care about you…" his voice trailed off as he considered his actions yet again.

"Hajime, there's something Kettei told me on the boat, I think you should know what it was…"

Tsuki walked into Nanami's room, she was on the bed where Tsuki had tucked her in last night.

"Good morning Nanami, hope I didn't intrude on anything, haha…" he opened the curtain in her boat cabin and looked outside the window.

"It's a really nice day today! I wish you could see how beautiful the sun is, the real sun. I'm sure you will soon!" He looked at her, as always she was motionless on her bed. The only indication she could hear him was a smile she sometimes gave. But he believed she could hear him and kept talking.
"You didn't pay much attention to the sun though did you? You were always busy playing games, I guess that isn't a bad thing though. If I had an ultimate talent I would certainly practise it a lot. But I don't, and I don't mind either! I found my purpose in life, that's the difference with ultimate's and non-ultimate's. You have your future pathed out ahead of you, it's your destiny to follow your talent, believe in your talent, and mark a new discovery in your field, just like Chihiro did. Although I guess whether you want to follow your path or not is your choice. Surely you owe it to your field, whether its gaming or photography, to push its advancement to a whole new prospect, isn't that what humans owe to mankind? Hmm…." He went back into thought at what he just said and if he actually agreed with it.

"I don't think anyone should be forced in using their talent though, people should be able to choose their own path in the end. That's the difference between ultimate's like you and non-ultimate's like me. Even though we aren't amazing at our talent like you are, we still have talents at something, just not as good. Some of us do have ultimate talents that we just haven't discovered, and that's what each person needs to find, what their talents are and what they can do with them. Even though I know what my talents are, I had no idea what to do with them. Sure they are above average but I can't exactly 'advance my field' with them, and that's the problem non-ultimate's, what are we supposed to do in life? Apart from the expected 'find love' that's all we know, and that isn't enough to do in a lifetime! We non-ultimate's have trouble finding our goal in life, our path to follow, our destiny. I would just waste my days away not knowing what I would accomplish in life… But now, now I know what I must do." His voice raised with confidence and his eyes burned with determination.
"You are my path. I'm not just protecting you because I made a promise to my sister, although that is still really important to me, you are something new Nanami, your father Chihiro Fujisaki found an alternate way create life! That's a huge step for humanity… of course we are in the middle of a very disastrous event, but we will prevail over despair eventually. And after all this washes over, you, Chiaki Nanami will be part of that future, through you I found my destiny in life. I am to use all my talents to protect you, bounded by the promise of my sister, the soul of Chihiro and the words of my best friend, Alter Ego, I will fight for a future with you in it!" His speech over, Tsuki returned to the window and thought about his situation with a sigh.
"The felt really cheesy, I hope people will take it seriously, the human race likes to mock others for showing determination at what they believe in…" He let out a loud huff.

"I don't think I can do this again, maybe it's better you didn't hear that. Although if you did, pretend like you didn't. Just act surprised when I eventually tell you and everyone else when you wake up. Wait, I can't ask you to lie for me for something so trivial…" He started to realise the irony of the situation.

"Here I am telling my thoughts and virtues to a human who was originally and AI, not knowing whether or not you can actually hear me! And I just asked you to pretend like you didn't." He looked at the wall next to him and started laughing, it started out as a normal kid laugh but ended up into a more maniacal one that Nanami could describe as the one heard from Komaeda but slightly less insane.
"Haaa…haa..haa, still better.. then.. crying…" He took a moment to recover his breath.
"Although that doesn't really apply to you does it? You never cry or scream… I think that's a more of a curse then blessing though… who knows? My sister was able to cry, even if it was rare, so maybe you will be able to, although they better be tears of joy! Otherwise I'm not doing my job am I?" He trailed off before noticing the time.
"I hope my thoughts aren't disturbing you Nanami, I usually spend time walking by myself to collect these thoughts, but it's kinda hard to do that on a boat, anyway considering it's good for your conscious to be talked to, its better like this. Anyway since the suns up it's time for me show you around the boat again, the sea air is really nice." Tsuki said before picking up Nanami and putting her on his back.

Hinata wasn't really sure why Nanami had told just told him that story, it didn't exactly make him feel more comfortable about Tsuki, he seemed to be slightly mad, the way he talks, his thoughts, his way of thinking, his laugh… He looked Nanami in the eyes before speaking.

"That's a, very creepy story… I don't think Tsuki can be trusted…" He admitted slowly not willing to lie to her, Nanami clearly unpleased with his response puffed out her cheeks and gave him that look. He instantly regretted his words, he had clearly upset Nanami, but he couldn't think of what to say to make it up. His opinions on Tsuki had only lowered. After a bit of awkward silence Nanami decided to enlighten him, with a new sternness in her voice.

"Can you not see how important I am to Kettei? I'm living in his sister's body remember, I'm connected to all the people he loved, Seikatsu, dad, Alter Ego… and all you can think of is how his abnormal personality is dangerous?" Hinata had never seen Nanami so fired up before, even if it wasn't that must, clearly her new body allowed her to express more emotions than before. Hinata responded with remorse.

"I know… it's just that he reminds of Nagito, he seemed so nice at first… but his deceitful nature betrayed us in the end… I can't forgive that. I just don't want to see you get hurt again..." His voice had lowered as he recalled the events, he didn't want to let it happen again, under any circumstance.

"I understand Hajime, but you need to learn to forgive… Do you really not forgive Nagito? Think of what his intentions were, he only did what he did because he couldn't forgive you guys." Her voice went back to being calm as she put the situation onto him.
Hinata thought about what he was asked, he thought he could never forgive Komaeda for what he did. Forcing him into a situation where he would have to sentence his beloved to death, or himself and the rest of his friends. The decision still haunted him at night, but why had Komaeda done it? He hated the fact that himself and the others were remnants of despair, except for her of course. Komaeda couldn't forgive everyone that they were all despair…

"Hajime, if you don't forgive people, you will fall back into despair. You already are distrusting others like Kettei because of the actions of someone else… I think… no, I know."

Hinata looked up in surprise from both Nanami's logic and how she ended her statement. Her new body had changed her… was it the body? Maybe it was her growing? She had changed a lot since last time. Was this proof that people could change? Before, even though Nanami was just an AI she was able to fight against the coding that forced her to keep her identity as the traitor. But could Komaeda change? Can he really change? Maybe Hinata should give Komaeda a chance when he woke up. So what about Tsuki then… he is awake unlike Komaeda, and Hinata would have to deal with it. He sighed and gave in to Nanami's logic.

"Alright I'll apologise when he comes back… thanks for, erm, helping me understand."

"I'm glad you can accept Kettei, after all technically, he is my brother." She gave him a smile. Hinata smiled and said what he wanted to for a long time.

"Chiaki, there's something I've really been meaning to say…"

Tsuki turned the corner and immediately moved back swiftly at what he saw. There was a Future Foundation (FF) agent crouched next to the door he just left from, he seemed to be planting something, Tsuki new exactly what it was. He waited a bit before turning the corner, usually when trialling people his dark jacket would keep him slightly concealed but that was behind Nanami's head. He waited a bit for the FF agent to be done and then turned the corner, his walk looked casual in case the FF agent turned around, although he shouldn't as Tsuki walked silently while holding his breath, he also made sure not to look directly at his back, people's sixth sense would kick if you stared at them. The agent, oblivious that he was getting stalked, walked to the other side of the corridor and walked through the door, Tsuki waited a few paces behind him while he opened the door and walked through it, then he put his ear to the door and listened on the conversation.

"It's time to go, the eggs have been laid." It was a stern uninteresting voice belonging to a FF member.

"Ok, terms have been accepted." Another generic voice answered. Then an angry high-ish pitched voice shouted.

"What the hell you guys talking about? What you hiding from is with these code words, and we didn't accept your offer! Who the hell do you think you are!?" The voice sounded like it would belong to Kuzuryū, but that was just a guess from how he was described by in the papers. Tsuki lifted his ear from the door, hearing what he needed and approached the door that the FF agent seem to tamper with, he then took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Chiaki, I really li-"
Knock Knock
His speech was interrupted as a knock came from the door.
"Can I come in, I've had some time to think and I'd like to apologise." Tsuki's innocent words shattered not only the air, but Hinata's confidence, yet again he would have to wait to say what he wanted to, and it would be even harder next time. Nanami oblivious to what Tsuki had just accidentally prevented, responded in a happy tone.

"Come in Kettei, we aren't doing anything private." She giggled at her comment not realising the irony of it, Hinata however did not miss it and felt like crying out loud, although a familiar quote came to mind.

Better laugh at a situation then cry.
Hinata never understood the quote more than right now, and if he was to understand and trust Tsuki he may as well take on his advice.

"Haha, yeah…" It was slightly forced and didn't go unnoticed by Tsuki walking in, but he didn't say anything.

"I may have been a bit too insensitive, I take back what I said before Hinata, I'll gladly try to change for both you and Nanami." He smiled and offered a handshake to Hinata. Nanami gave a I told you so look, Hinata gave an awkward smile then turned to Tsuki and grabbed his hand firmly.

"I accept your apology on one condition. You stop referring to both me and Chiaki by our family name, we are your friend and sister from now on." He then shook Tsuki's hand. Tsuki flinched at the comment, sister? He had never considered it like that before, but technically he was her blood brother. They weren't exactly biological siblings but still siblings none the less, they did share the same blood though. He was at a loss for words, Hinata noticing this kept the conversation going in his direction.

"Also I acted out of order, I overacted as your actions reminded me of someone else… and I apologise." Hinata seemed pleased with how he phrased it and waited for Tsuki to respond.

"No problem, I think I get what you mean. Now before we continue this conversation I need to kill a pesky bug." Tsuki then turned around and walked towards the door, Hinata didn't understand what he was doing and the confusion on the Nanami's face confirmed she didn't either. Tsuki bent down at the door and put his hand underneath it, after feeling something abnormal, he grabbed it and yanked it out with a bit too much force, causing him to fall back as he dislodged it, raising a laughter among his blood sister and new friend. He would convince himself it was to lighten the mood but he knew that was a lie. He then revealed the device to his friends silencing them.

"This is why I wanted to talk to you two alone. Before they planted these little guys, now how about we meet up with your friends before they spill anything more embarrassing than what was happening before I knocked?" He gave Hinata a wink before leaving him to sweat at what he said.

The three walked down the corridor to the room in which Tsuki recognised as the same place the FF agent went to. Tsuki and Hinata were on the sides supporting Nanami in the middle, Tsuki and Nanami wearing their backpacks while Hinata was still carrying the large black sports bag. They entered a room in which seemed like to be the common room Hinata had mentioned before. Inside was 2 large sofas with Kuzuryū sitting on the further one alone, while Owari, Sonia and Soda was sitting on the closer one, Soda definitely sitting closer to Sonia then she was comfortable with, Naegi was standing next to the wall, seemingly distraught at something. Tsuki stayed silent as everyone seemed to go up to greet Nanami excitedly, he slipped away from the group, leaving Nanami to lean on Hinata's shoulder, and went to see Naegi, he would wait until everyone was done before introducing himself.

"Where was the FF agent sitting?" He asked in his serious tone. Naegi taken aback by the question quickly pointed to the couch Kuzuryū was sitting on, at the other end of it. He went up to it and started searching. As he was busy patting down the sofa Hinata was trying to calm all his friends down as they gathered round Nanami.

"Okay everyone, can we give Chiaki some space, also I would like introduce someone…" He then noticed Tsuki and stopped talking, considering what he was doing. Then Tsuki had found what he was looking for and turned to the group of friend's while he ripped the bug out of its sofa nest and showed it to everyone.

"Now that we have a bit more privacy I'll gladly talk." He then opened his bag and put it inside with the other one.

"What is that device?" Owari asked with confusion, she wasn't sure what is was, but she didn't like. Kuzuryū responded, he recognised the device all too much.

"It's a bug! Those bastards were trying to listen on us. But when did he plant it…" Kuzuryū then realised that when he thought the FF agent was simply scratching down there he was actually planting that bug. He cursed himself at his idiocy. Tsuki began to talk.

"Anyway now that I have your attention it's time I explained somethings." Tsuki took a deep breath and started with his real identity, it was followed with a few gasps. He then told them why he changed his identities when he saved his sister. Sonia seemed to show some sadness, Kuzuryū acknowledging the action with a nod of the head, Soda gave a pity frown while Owari seemed to respect Tsuki for his actions to his sister. Tsuki carried on, he told them about them his schemes with Alter Ego and eventually how he got on the boat. The group seemed to be in disbelief at the short boys claim, he looked so harmless.

They all stood there, doubting his story while Hinata smirked at the back, he would have thought the exact same thing if he hadn't seen his serious side or emotionless tone… or his laugh. He was unsure whether to intervene or not, but before he could decide Nanami pushed herself off Hinata's shoulder and walked towards Tsuki. It was a slow and steady walk, then on the way she suddenly looked shaky and tripped over herself heading face first into the floorboards, Sonia gasped and both Naegi and Hinata started moving to help her, but they left too late, they would never make it back in time. A split second later it happened
THUD

"Chiaki!" Sonia screamed with worry, but as she and the others looked at what happened, they were in shock at what they saw. Before them they saw Chiaki face down with her chest on Tsuki's left leg, he was in a kneeling position with one leg bent, holding Chiaki up, while the other was on the floor supporting his weight, he turned his blood sister over and looked at her eyes.

"That was quite the performance you put their sis, haha, you had me really worried for a second." Again his short laughter holding his emotional tears in as he gave her a wink. Tsuki wasn't sure whether or not it was intentional but it certainly would help his image to the group, but he would only ever use his own pain as an asset, not someone else's... or at least not Nanami's. Soda was the first to talk out of the group.

"Wh-What the? How did you move so quickly?! You got robo legs or something?" He gave him a suspicious glare before Kuzuryū kicked his leg for his suggestion.

It wasn't anything dumb like that, I've seen Peko move quicker! But clearly this kid is more than he looks." He also gave Tsuki a suspicious look. Sonia, who was one for praising acts of good and not being suspicious of them did just that.

"Well that certainly impressive Tsuki, we clearly shouldn't have doubted your story and for that, on behalf on everyone, I apologise." She still felt guilty for doubting him but hid it. Owari also had something to say,

"Anyone willing to slam their knee against the floor to save a sister is a good person! We should give this kid a feast tonight!" She started to drool at the idea she just put out. Naegi walked up to Tsuki and Nanami.

"It sounded like you hurt your leg pretty badly Kettei, we can look at it after we move Nanami onto the sofa okay?" He waited for a response, not wanting to touch Nanami until then. Tsuki seemed worried, up until now, anything he ever did to protect Nanami was through deception and lies, but the moment he noticed her starting to fall he jumped for her before he could realise what he was doing. He didn't even know he could move that fast!

But the adrenaline had died down and his right leg started to hurt, being a sort of bodyguard didn't really suit him, but if he was to keep his promise and follow his path he would have to learn, he was on an island filled with Ultimate's, he could definitely learn a thing or two, he then looked at the situation that just occurred. Hinata had failed to protect Nanami, she was even leaning on him before she left him, and yet he was the one to save her. Sure it was just a fall, but the fact is it could have been something worse and Hinata wouldn't have been quick enough. Tsuki looked a Hinata for a moment and saw the regret in his eyes, but that wasn't near enough to forgive him. Perhaps he could keep his friendship with him, for Nanami's sake, but he could never trust him with Nanami again, he returned his gaze to Nanami, he wanted to keep her in his arms for... but he disregarded the thought quickly. His thoughts then directed to his knee supporting both their weights, it took the blow of the impact when he landed on the floor, it certainly hurt, but it was nothing Tsuki couldn't ignore. He would probably get a dark bruise on it later. He supported his sisters up and smiled at Naegi.

"We will be okay, I do appreciate your concern though Makoto." He gave him a smile to Naegi as he moved back next to the group of ultimate's… and Hajime, leaving Tsuki and his sister standing in front of everyone.

"So now that you all believe me, there are somethings I need to say. First of all, I will be living on this island that FF has left you on." He was met with a happy reaction from all three girls… and Naegi. Tsuki smirked. I was always better at getting the girls on my side. Just a benefit to growing up with a sister.
"So first of all if you could inform me on what is on this island instead of the virtual reality one. I'm mean there isn't really a roller-coaster here."

His question was answered by Sonia, who had spent hours walking around the island finding out what was available to them, unfortunately for her at the time Soda noticed her mid-way through and tagged with her. It wasn't a pleasant experience.
"The main similarities are the restaurant we meet at every day to eat and the library. Other than that, nothing is the same. Our small houses don't exist, instead there's this hotel we all live in, it's a pretty nice place, except for the fact that there are no staff, so we have to do everything our self. We all live in the rooms down the corridor you came from, girls on the left and boys on the right. There are also 2 floors above it containing rooms like a normal hotel, but nothing special is there and the lighting doesn't work to well. That should be everything." Her response was pretty detailed and well said, giving an awe reaction from Soda while Tsuki was considering the girl, she seemed different from the one he read about in the files.

Clearly unlike most of the others, she's grown in strength from the experience. She will definitely be a useful ally. Tsuki thought on what topic to bring up next, a reward seemed to be fitting.
"Alright then, to repay the information I brought some gifts with me, if you could pass the bag Hajime." His eyes flicked to Hinata who still seemed to be loathing for letting Nanami fall, he seemed to fighting a battle in his mind, then snapped out of it as Soda shoved him to the bag. He picked it up and gave it to Tsuki in silence.

"Thank you, while these items aren't much, they will definitely strengthen your soul." As he opened the bag as Soda questioned him.

"What do you mean by our soul? He didn't really understand why Tsuki was giving them gifts, thinking it was more likely to be a trap.

"It's to do with Chihiro's soul theory, part of it mentions that when we lose someone close to us, their soul doesn't just disappear, it becomes a part of the people that meant a lot to them. In you guys, I see the souls of your friends inside of you, and while they aren't technically dead, the near reality shattered their soul, which is why they won't wake up. But we can't just put their soul back, first they need to take control over their body first, then with your presence and their soul that you hold, the soul should return to them!" His words rang through the room, the theory seemed so superficial, but that's what the Remnants of Despair had gone through, Soda wasn't convinced.

"We heard this soul theory yesterday. Alter Ego didn't mention anything like that!" His voice didn't seem to be accusing him of lying, but it was full of distrust. Tsuki was ready with a reply.

"Well the theory is actually really long, Chihiro wrote over 20 pages on the theory with Alter Ego adding on to it… it took a while for me and Alter Ego to understand, but after a month or so I think we're the only two people in the world left that truly understands the theory, that are alive." Tsuki's claim silenced Soda but got Nanami talking.

"That does sound like dad." She held onto Tsuki as the words passed from her mouth. Tsuki, seemingly happy with her response got the gifts out and said with passion strengthening his voice.

"So in order for you guys to give your friends their souls back, you need to have your own soul strengthened!" Before anyone could respond he walked up to Owari and pulled out a familiar looking robot. It shouted proudly.

"MINIMARU IS HERE!" His familiar bellows filled Owari with hope and she took proudly.

"Wow, this is like the old one! How did you get it?" She looked at Tsuki as her eyes shone with thankfulness at the gift, he responded with a smile.

"Alter Ego told me how Soda made his, and I copied exactly what he did, with a few better tools. Alter Ego even uploaded a better speech range. So don't give me all the credit." He then left her to gaze at Minimaru.

He turned to Sonia and Soda and showed them a cage with a piece of cloth on top of it, He lifted the cloth, revealing four hamsters scurrying around. Sonia gasped at what she saw, while Soda's eyes widened in terror at the sight.
"Even as despair, Tanaka cared for his hamsters. They were also sent in the Neo World reality with you guys, apparently Tanaka would be able to tell the difference between virtually made hamsters and real ones!" As he talked Sonia started petting a hamster with her finger.

"They woke up a while ago, except they weren't with you guys, FF seemed to move them when Monokuma overtook the system, apparently due to them being animals they were able to forcefully removing them from the game, replaced with digital ones that Tanaka would just think were scared by Monokuma, I think they planned to use them as a bargaining tool if you guys ever got out, but that seemed disrespectful to Tanaka's soul, so I freed them from their captors, with some help from some friends, and I would like both of you to take care of them." He let his words sink in. Soda pointed a finger at Tsuki as he squealed.

"WHAT, why me?! I didn't like that scarf wearing breeder!" His voice seemed to shudder as he said the words, Tsuki saw past them and enlightened everyone.

"While it's true that you didn't seem to like Tanka, I do think you were grateful to him. Of course your love triangle caused you to have a rivalry, but the fact that Tanaka made Sonia happy means that you could never truly hate him, only be jealous. And while he's gone, it's your job to protect her, just like he did. That is why you also hold part of Tanaka's soul." With his speech done he let the room fill into silence, Soda was looking at the ground, not denying or confirming anything, just staying in silence.

"The cage splits into 2 parts but can be combined by the way, so if you don't have to look after them, I'm sure Sonia will gladly look after all of them." He moved a piece of string that controlled a gate in the middle of the cage, then pointed at the latches that joined them together, he gave Sonia a smile before putting the cage on the table and a box of food next to it. He then took out his final gift and turned to Kuzuryū.

"It was difficult to find something for you Kuzuryū… so I didn't." Tsuki revealed an empty hand, Kuzuryū breathed with relief, he had never received a gift from anyone near his age before, only from older members of the Yakuza clan looking to climb to higher. He wasn't sure how to react if he got one. Tsuki then carried on talking,

"Not that you need one, your soul is strong enough by itself. Anyone who saw how much you changed in so little time can tell that, but also you hold a large amount of Pekoyama's soul with you, the moment she starts showing sign of control over her body, your presence alone will bring her awake." He moved away from Kuzuryū to give him some space to think. Kuzuryū was indeed thinking, the words he heard gave him more hope for Pekoyama to come back. He gave the group a moment to admire his gifts before carrying on his speech.

"Now that your souls have been strengthened, we sho-" He was interrupted by Nanami's voice.

"What about Hajime? What's his gift?" Tsuki found her soft tone heart melting, considering she didn't realise how naïve she was being. He gave a glance to Naegi for him to explain it to her. He would put it nicer than most people ever could.

"Chiaki, what do you think is the most important thing to Hajime?" Naegi gave her a big smile and encouraged he to speak what she thought.
"Well… his friends, he really liked his frie… oh." Even though Chiaki had good deduction skills, she commonly missed the obvious, although now that she thought about it, it seemed obvious that her coming back was the gift for Hinata. She tried to look at Hinata in the eyes, but he looked away quickly, from both embarrassment and guilt. Tsuki re-addressed everyone as they their attention was taken off their gifts.

"Now that your souls have been strengthened, we should go help a friend that I have been told has started gaining control over his body, and you guys have a soul to return." Everyone, including Naegi, seemed to be in shock at what he said.

"Sonia, could you be so kind as to support Chiaki and lead everyone to where they are sleeping?" Sonia gave him a nod and led the others out the hotel, holding hands with Chiaki, leaving Tsuki behind he waited for Alter Ego to appear on his laptop that was on a desk.

"You handled that situation really well Kettei. Also thank you for catching Chiaki." His digital voice rang out. Tsuki turned to him replied,

"Well that is my job now. Alter Ego, you shouldn't be scared to talk or show up when everyone's around, they aren't going to scare you."

"I know, I just seem to get nervous… people gathering in one place has that effect on me, for some reason."

"Well, I'm sure you'll get over it! Anyway, I have to save one of Chiaki's friends now, I'm not sure what exactly will happen, but I'm sure it will be important to Chihiro's theory, so you better join us in the digital world you live in!" Tsuki then turned his back and headed for the door before Alter Ego shouted at him.

"Why are you doing this Kettei?"

"…It will prove Chihiro's theory"

"I know that, but don't you have another reason?"

"…Chiaki will likely want me to be friends with her friends, and I think they will be useful after this catastrophe has finished."

"Is there another reason?"

"Haha, you know me so well Alter Ego, I guess it's because it feels like the right thing to do… and it would be nice to make some friends. I've been through a lot and I... just want to put it all behind me. I'm sure the others want to forget their past as well." He then left his best friend to his digital world, while Tsuki went to join the others. Thinking something on the way.
I just hope I can still make friends... no. I shouldn't cling to such things.

"Hey that's my suitcase! Why is it on the beach?" Naegi asked with an alarming voice. Nanami stated the obvious to him with a sad voice.

"Well considering they left this with the boat gone, it means you're going to stay with us like Kettei."

"But why didn't they tell me?" He didn't exactly mind the situation, he was meant to stay behind but it was never discussed with most others. It also meant that he would have to wait before seeing Kirigiri again. He then grabbed his stuff and moved to the pods. Tsuki later arrived. Hinata, Sonia, Fuyuhiko, Soda, Nanami, Owari, Naegi and Tsuki stood by 'Togami's' pod, Alter Ego lurking in the servers. Togami was definitely moving a bit more, and it was time they returned his soul. Tsuki, the only one who had an idea on what to do, spoke up.

"To get Togami to accept his soul back, we need whoever holds the largest amount of it to talk about him. Who do you think that is?" It was genuine question, Tsuki had an idea, but he wasn't sure, and he didn't like who he thought it was.

"I know he had a secret soft spot for Ibuki…" Sonia revealed, but she didn't have anything else to say.

"I didn't know the guy…" Kuzuryū said bluntly and let the others handle the situation.

"None of us did! He was an imposter!" Soda claimed to everyone. Nanami countered it though.

"Do you really think that's true? Was everything he said just a lie to you?"

"Of course it was! That was his talent, he never mentioned anything about his real identity!" After Soda's statement Nanami cut through his words with her new voice.

"That's wrong." She said it bluntly yet still showing emotion unlike Tsuki, and after a brief stop she explained. "He wanted to tell someone, but was unable to because of his fate. Isn't that right Hajime?" Hinata looked up, he knew he would have to talk eventually. He cleared his throat and focused on the task at hand.

"It's true, if you remember Byakuya wanted to tell me something, something he was afraid that other people would distrust him for, it was the night of the party." A cold wind passed by as the night was getting darker. Tsuki tried to hurry things up by skipping the emotional talk.

"Alright Hajime your up then." He arranged everyone to stand in front of Byakuya's pod while Hinata stood a few paces in front of them. Tsuki then explained what he needed to do.

"Now talk about who Byakuya was to you, not the affluent prodigy, but the man behind the mask, who's voice did you really hear? Who was the boy that wanted to tell you his secret?" His words had a lot of pressure to it and showed no reluctance to give him any room to think.

"His soul is waiting… GO!" Hinata wasn't sure how to react and started talking.

"Byakuya… even though we all know that isn't your name, it doesn't matter… We don't care that you're the ultimate imposter, it's your talent after all." He started to trail off not know what to say. Tsuki tried to put him back on track.

"What did he tell you in the kitchen?" Tsuki's voice was almost aggressive as he shouted at Hinata.

"Back in the kitchen, you told me that we wouldn't trust you for who you are, but, that's a lie! You decided to protect us in a dire situation, and you did the best you could! You didn't act like that because of who you were impersonating, you acted like that because you cared about us." They were close, Tsuki was sure, and they could all feel something, just a bit more. One more point.

"Hajime, who is the Ultimate Imposter to you?" His voice again loud and harsh.

"Byakuya, you, the real you, are our… friend." His voice projecting his thoughts at everyone. Alter Ego, still inside the servers recognised Togami's vitals picking up, and opened up the pod. He was ready.
The pod opened and Tsuki and Naegi helped Byakuya out.

"Quick! Help me get him inside, we wouldn't our him to get a cold would we?" And just like that, the group were able to save 'Byakuya', his soul returned to his body, a new hope filled everyone on the island.

Journal entry xx/xx
Cold… very cold. That's what I was feeling in the night, I need to remember, I felt 'coldness' in those winds.
We helped Togami wake up today… the soul theory is true! I would be proud of myself, I know that. I hope sis and Chihiro saw this, I'm doing as they wanted. So I've proven that a soul can be created and can also be returned to a 'dead' person… where else can I improve it? I should stop avoiding the problem, I got in argument today, clearly I'm not the me I used to be but… oh well. Things are patched up, I need to make sure it doesn't happen again.