*Dodges pots and pans* Okay okay yes yes I killed Ibuki. Yes yes I know she was your waifu. Yes yes she was supposedly paired with Hajime. Wait no, that last one was a lie sorry. Besides all that, I want to apologize. I am sorry that the last chapter seemed mediocre compared to the rest. The murderer was going to be a bit different but I had an idea, and I went with it. Ibuki was a bit, no a lot out of character and for that I apologize. Also the investigation and trial was a bit rushed as well. So I will split them off and work on them with maximum effort that I can promise. It's a bit difficult to make up everything so please be gentle haha. Anyways enough chatter from me. Let's get started huh?

Who We Are

Chapter Seven: The Murderer Sitting Next to You

"A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy."

-Jean Racine

Despite being unable to see Ibuki being executed, he heard it. He heard every single bit of it, the crunch of Ibuki's skull as the guitar hit her head. The screams, the cries...and the sobs from his fellow students. Hajime was shaking, he could feel his insides growing cold as he tried to wrap his head around...around all this. Akane had died, and Ibuki was the murder. It didn't make sense. Her motive didn't match. Why would Ibuki...sweet Ibuki kill Akane? No...the target wasn't Akane, but Nagito. Nagito had planned murder from the beginning and Ibuki just overheard it, along with Teruteru.

There was gurgling noises coming from Teruteru as the screen that showed the execution shut off with Monokuma laughing, the sound echoing in Hajime's mind. He couldn't think straight. All he could hear was the last words Ibuki had said. 'Ibuki will miss you all' It was hard to even fathom the punk rocker to be able to poison someone.

"S..Seriously? Of all...of all people.." Fuyuhiko stammered sharing the confusion they all felt. The situation was just...it was odd. It felt off.

Nekomaru let out a strangled sob, a shuddering breath following as well. "WHYYY?" He bellowed, Akane was the closest he had. She was the one to train and do exercise with him. No one had the answer.

"We..we were trying to stop him! T-this wasn't supposed to happen." Teruteru whispered his voice very soft, trembling. "He shouldn't-"

"Stop! Just stop! You did this Teruteru! You helped.." Mahiru started moving away from Hajime's side to confront Teruteru. "Why?! Why couldn't you tell us?! What made you think you two could hide such a thing and try to kill him?!"

Teruteru let out a whimper, "I-I.."

"Because he wanted his memories back of course! And what better way than to convince dear Ibuki that it was a good thing to kill Nagito!" Monokuma says with a creepy laugh bouncing about in his chair. "Why Teruteru was the one behind all that! Ibuki was just the poor pawn. Hehe tragic isn't it?"

"W-what?! N-no that's not-" Teruteru said quickly, "She was the one who talked about the poison, the soda! I just suggested we stop him!"

Nagito made a 'tsk tsk' noise, "Shame you really had a weak plan from the beginning. Why, if you had told me you planned on taking me out...I could of definitely help you." Hajime just felt his blood boil. The way he said such things, the way he spoke like this was just a game of some sort. It was sick.

"He's totally gone mental!" Kazuichi groaned scratching the back of his head furiously in sheer nervousness.

"S-see? Do you understand why I helped?! H-he.." Teruteru took in a deep breath, no doubt trembling from head to toe. "

"No. That is no excuse. If anything you should of came to me, and told me of these things." Byakuya says quietly, "Nagito and Teruteru..you have lost all the trust I had with you. I do not think you should be left alone."

"W-wha? N-no! But I didn't kill anyone! Ibuki did!" Teruteru stammered and Byakuya made a small noise.

"That may be, but you did suggest to kill. And create a way to survive this ordeal. You used Ibuki and now you will be watched until I seem satisfied. You had the motive and yet Ibuki was the one to get the chopping block. Why?"

"Because despite all the planning, Ibuki was the one to put the flowers in." Hajime says quietly. "She...she was manipulated and paid the price." He felt sick at just saying such a thing.

Nagito hummed his parka making noise as he moved, "But no matter, hope has shone through! The sheer power of the Ultimates…it's absolutely blinding!" He gave a snicker, "Pardon the expression Hajime." There was a quick grunt as Hajime swung his fist hitting Nagito on the chin causing the Luckster to tumble a bit hitting the back of his seat almost knocking over Akane's portrait.

"Fuck you." Hajime snapped not exactly up for Nagito's craziness nursing his hand. He was surprised he was even able to get a hit in. Nekomaru placed a strong hand on his shoulder gently pulling him away from Nagito so a fight wouldn't break through between them.

"A-ah! Hajime n-nooo don't hurt yourself!"

"Hajime! Violence is not the answer. Especially right now." Sonia scolded and Hajime dipped his head muttering an apology. "Please...let us..we have to be strong. For Akane. For Ibuki…"

"Y-yeah..Miss Sonia is right! We gotta...we gotta stay positive."

"Positive? Kyah-hah! Reaaally? Two people already died dummy, and you'll be the next one on the list!' Hiyoko sneered as Kazuichi sputtered, "But what did it really come to huh Piggy Chef? Did you really want to stop Nagito or was it for your own reasons and Ibuki was just there to take the fall hmmm?"

Teruteru stammers once more, incomprehensible words just falling out of his mouth. After a while he took in a sharp breath and then sobbed. "I-I just wanted to g-go home. I-I saw an opportunity a-and I.." He choked and a shuddering gasp left his mouth. "I HAVE TO GO BACK." He finally screams and everyone is taken back. "Be-because...she's waiting for me. I don't know if she's okay...Mama…"

"So you convinced Ibuki to kill? But why?" Mahiru asked confused her voice strong but there was a moment where it trembled just a bit.

"I thought if she took the fall, I would get out! I didn't know about Monokuma's rule…" That was right...there was no way for an accomplice to get off the island. Only the murderer could...so all of that..was for nothing. Ibuki died for nothing.

"That's not fair! Monokuma that isn't right! Ibuki was just...she shouldn't of died!" Nekomaru says very loudly.

"Fair smair! She put the deadly flower in and therefore killed Owari! Teruteru may of been the puppeteer but that didn't mean he gave Owari the axe! Now..how does it feel...to have two potential murders in your mists? What are you to do?" Monokuma asked and everyone went quiet. He was right, both Nagito..and Teruteru were killers.

"Simple, we place them on watch. Everyone takes shifts watching them. I will not have another murder happen."

"Oh like the first time was a reeeal success!"

"Hiyoko...please.."

"But what about our memories?" Hajime asks breaking away from the arguing, "You said we would get them if a murder took place." He was not as desperate for memories, but that didn't mean he wasn't curious. Maybe getting his memories would bring his idea of just what his talent was

"I did say that didn't I?" Monokuma hummed and then laughed. "You really think I would give them back right away? I said I would do it, but I didn't specify WHEN. Sooo I think I'll keep that a mystery! Upupupu!"

Teruteru let out a whimper, "No! No no no! You cannot do that! Now I been waitin' for that dere memories ya been promisin' us! What happen to mah mama?" His accent completely changed, he seemed flustered and in complete agony.

"Hmmm Hamamura Diner? Just what happened to that place?" Monokuma started to hum once more as if in deep thought. "I wouldn't know! After all I'm not the one that took your memories away!" Right...Monokuma said Monomi was the one to do it. The rabbit was oddly quiet, just making whimpering noises. "Plus what a boring motive anyways. Wanting to see his mother? Lame! I like this version much, much better. Manipulating a friend to poison another friend! Nice ring to it huh?"

"N-now I did no such thing! I ain't no murderer!" Teruteru shouted and Byakuya made a motion to stop him.

"I think...it would be best..if we stopped arguing." Chiaki says with a small sigh, "Teruteru did what he believed was right, even if it was terribly wrong. Right now..I think to honor Ibuki and Akane...that we stop fighting. I think."

Hajime bit his lip but she was right. Standing in this courtroom, arguing and screaming at each other..it did nothing. It wouldn't bring Ibuki back, nor Akane. It wasn't going to solve anything. Just waste time. If they wanted to survive..it was best to not fight. He felt exhausted, and drained. Despair was swirling inside the pit of his stomach, gnashing around like some wicked snake. He felt sick, like he was going to collapse.

"Boring! Buuut this trial is done! Go back to your cottages! And beee carefull! You never know who may strike next! Upupupu!" With that Monokuma left and Monomi was next being dragged away by the bear.

"W..what the hell?!" Kazuichi whined and everyone else made their own noises of confusion and disapproval.

"Ibuki...she played right into Teruteru's hands..and Teruteru..you got played by Monokuma himself. Such an idiot." Mahiru whispered fumbling with the straps of her camera.

"It is sure a despair inducing things..the way this all ended..But times like thi-" There was a muffled noise as Nekomaru shouted and picked Nagito up pulling him over his shoulder.

"YOU BE QUIET! I'M ESCORTING NAGITO BACK TO HIS COTTAGE GOOD NIGHT!" Nekomaru bellows as Nagito makes small noises of discomfort as the Ultimate Team Manager hauls him out of the courtroom.

"I'm gonna kill that bastard. Thinkin' he could just set all this shit up and not even have to worry about anything." Fuyuhiko growls stomping out of the room and Byakuya takes Teruteru as well no doubt going to keep an watchful eye on the Chef.

Hajime puffs out a breath glad that Nagito was out of the room. He was so angry at the Luckster. If Nagito had been able to pull through with his plan, he would of been the one to be killed. Hajime felt gentle hands touch his and he flinched pulling away with a small yelp not really paying attention to his surroundings.

"Uuuuu I-I am soorrryy! Forgive meeee!" Mikan cries yanking her hands away and Hajime let out a small sigh shaking his head.

"It's alright. I didn't mean to yelp. You just scared me. Wasn't paying attention.." He mumbled, too busy thinking..worrying. "I'm okay though. Sorry for not being able to keep in my anger.." Maybe that was just Akane's ghost getting him to punch Nagito…

"It's fine dude, I think anyone would've punched him." Kazuichi says patting Hajime on the shoulder. "I'm just surprised you were able to do that!"

Hajime rolled his eyes, "Anyways...I think..it would be best if we all went to our cottages. Get some rest…" He wasn't sure he could even sleep now. He hated imagining what how others were dealing with the murders...they were the ones to see it all. He just heard it. Shuddering he listened to all the sounds of agreement. "Let's give it all we have. We can do this. We can survive." It was a statement more to himself than anyone else.

Like a mantra the words like 'do our best', 'give it all we got', and 'find our resolve' were repeated over and over. Everyone knew they were just words, cheap words that didn't mean much. But despite it, they continued to repeat them. It was something. Continuing to say such words brought a small ray of hope. Like a crack of sun that peaked through the blinds of darkness.

After all that they left the courtroom, everyone moved to their cottages not really speaking to one another. It was quiet, the island itself seemed to even whisper nothing. Just the waves of the ocean.

Hajime sat on the edge of the pool his pants rolled up, legs in the cool water. He had his cane so he wasn't too worried about falling in. He tried to fall asleep but it was hard. Everytime he moved to sleep he could just hear the screams, the sounds that echoed and scratched at his brain. His mind didn't allow him to rest, just filled with thoughtless noises and scenarios. The wind was gentle licking at his cheeks as he lifted his chin. He thought of the night sky, trying to imagine just what it would look like. Glittering with stars no doubt. No light pollution to cover up them here.

He sighed running a hand through his hair slouching a bit. He wanted to go back. Back to his silly average life. One where he had a schedule and followed it. School, work, doctors...funny how he longed for something different..this wasn't exactly what he had in mind. Rubbing his face Hajime groaned. What was his parents doing right now? He wasn't sure.

After a moment there was a pause and he lifted his head up feeling a chill run down his spine. His entire body felt petrified for a small moment. "Who's there?" He asked pulling his feet out of the water and moved to stand up cane in hand. Was...someone...watching him?

Swallowing Hajime grabbed his shoes and decided to head back to his cottage. Maybe it was just his paranoia seeping in. But...it definitely felt like someone was watching him. He didn't hear any scrambling or harsh breathing… Deciding that it all must be from the exhaustion he went back to his cottage barely finding peace so he could actually sleep.

(^^^)

A night had passed since the school trial. All the adrenaline had left Hajime's system and he finally realized how hungry he was. He had forgotten to eat during the party, and the whole investigation had thrown him off as well. Hajime groaned and grudgingly woke up and set out for the hotel's restaurant.

When he walked up the stairs he could tell people where already here, but just quiet from the events that happened last night. "Ah..Hajime..Good morning.." Mahiru whispered and Hajime gave a small tired nod.

"Y-yo.." Kazuichi stammered but said no more.

"G-good morning.. I-is your hand okay?" Mikan asked as he sat down on a chair taking his glasses off and rubbed his eyes nodding to the nurse. It didn't hurt or anything. He was tougher than he looked.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was heavy, but Hajime was sure that was natural. It wasn't even a day after...Akane and Ibuki's death. No one could remain cheerful after experiencing something like that…

"Huuuh? What's with all the long faces?!" Well..almost everyone… "You lot look like you've attended funerals all day long!"

"B-but with everything that h-happened...Akane and Ibuki…" Mikan stammered almost surprised at Hiyoko's statement.

"I wasn't talking to you, ugly!" Hiyoko huffed flopping onto a chair as Mahiru sat down next to her. Mikan cried loudly, why was Hiyoko so mean to her? Hajime was tempted to ask, but he wanted to stay under radar for now. "Well...okay Bouncy Boobs dying was a little sad, but Ibuki? There's no way to be sad with her! After all she did kill."

"She- that wasn't her fault! Teruteru got into her mind or somethin'" Kazuichi stammered as Peko came up from the stairs.

"I can see the point you wish to make, but you are going too far. Give respect for the deceased." She says quietly and Hajime just wanted all this to stop. He just wanted to scream, he wanted to shout that this was enough. Enough. They shouldn't be talking about this.

Hiyoko makes a snickering noise and Hajime suddenly takes a whiff of something just absolutely gross. "Oh god what is that?" He asks pulling his hand over his nose scooting a bit away.

"Huh? What is it another body?" Sonia asks standing up and Hajime shakes his head moving his collar up so he could cover his nose.

It wasn't blood, he knew the smell of blood. No..it was nasty, something that smelled...really bad. "N-no it's something that stinks. Like real bad."

"Now that he mentions it...something does smell.." Peko does a sniff of her own, "It's like sewage or garbage." Hajime nods in agreement continuing to hide his nose to keep himself from smelling whatever it was.

"Kyaaaaahhaha! It's gotta be Big Bro Nekomaru's big mouth!" Hiyoko says with a laugh waving her hands around.

"Gyahaha! Ya sure got me!"

"That's...a pretty lame joke.." Hajime says clearing his throat. "But it's not Nekomaru…" He sniffs again and pulls away almost falling out of his chair. "It's you Hiyoko! Oh man you stink!" He steps out of his chair to get away from her. Damn his heightened senses he really did not want to smell this.

"Ehhhh?!"

"Whoa, it is! Hiyoko you fucking reek!"

"Ku! This foul miasma taints the very soul! It is as though the Diabolical Eclipse is beginning!"

Hiyoko stops a small sniffling noise can be heard and Hajime winces as she screeches starting to cry stomping her feet a bit.

"Hajime! That was not polite whatsoever! You do not call someone out because you smell their body odor!" Mahiru scolds hitting his shoulder. "And you made her cry!"

"I'm sorry! I can't help the fact that she smells! I'm blind, my sense of smell is more powerful than you guys!" Hajime protests rubbing his shoulder as Hiyoko's cries get louder.

"U-um...it's not that bad. I mean if ya breathe through your mouth it's a bit better…"

Hajime scrunches his face turning his attention to the crying dancer, "You have been washing right? Properly?"

Hiyoko sniffed and rubbed her nose stopping the crying for one moment. "N-nooo.." She stammers and Hajime's jaw drops.

"You haven't been washing yourself?! Hiyoko That's unsanitary!" It's been like...four days, no wonder she was smelling so bad.

"I-I can't help it! I can't tie my kimono's obi by myself...Waaaaaaaaaa!" She starts to cry again and Hajime puts one hand to his nose and one to his ear. Geez she was screeching on the top of her lungs.

"H-hey Hiyoko don't cry." Mahiru starts walking to her, "If it's about the obi, I can tie it. It's pretty simple actually. My mom showed me when I was a kid. I could teach you?"

The Ultimate dancer sniffed loudly and made a small noise looking to Mahiru, "Sniff..sniff..Really?" She pauses and then a small giggle erupts from her mouth. Mahiru must of nodded since her mood suddenly changed. "Yayyy! I love you Big Sis Mahiru!"

"H-hiyoko! You don't need to hug me! And Hajime! Apologize to Hiyoko!" Hajime shuffles his feet and Mahiru stomps her foot. "Now!"

"O-okay! I'm sorry Hiyoko. P-please...uhh wash yourself." He stammered ducking away for a moment only to smack right into Gundam.

"Cease your movement or I will be forced to use my dark powers.." Gundam says hesitantly grabbing Hajime so he wouldn't fall over.

After all that..somehow the atmosphere of it all was lifted in an instant. Hajime supposed this was better than just remaining gloomy forever. He wondered for a moment...if he was alone in this situation...would he be able to change moods so easily. It seemed that he would have them to thank for it.

"U-um by the way..What happened to Fuyuhiko or Nagito or Byakuya...or Teruteru..?" Mikan asked after a moment of just them chattering loudly. "They are all not here…"

"Oh? Where could they be?" Hajime asked tilting his head to the side.

"I saw Fuyuhiko earlier...I invited him to breakfast but he declined.."

Nothing new there…

"I mean who cares about Nagito or Teruteru?" Kazuichi asked scratching the back of his head.

Gundam huffed loudly moving away from Hajime, he didn't people in his personal space then. Hajime didn't blame him. "That one lives a cursed existence," Gundam pauses, "An embodiment of misfortune and ill-omen...bringing ruin among all he surveys..and the other? Such twisted and gnarled ways of life itself.."

"T-that's certainly appropriate but…" Hajime starts but Nekomaru gives a small grunt shuffling about like he was hiding something.

"B-before you ask...I know nothing! I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE NAGITO ISSS."

"Y-yeah forget about him! Who cares about that weirdo!"

Chiaki hums and then tilts her head stepping next to Hajime, "That's...blatantly suspicious, isn't it? And Byakuya is with Teruteru I saw him out on the beach with him." That was understandable, Byakuya said he would watch the chef since he had done...all that.

"W-what's suspicious?!" Kazuichi and Nekomaru both say and that just makes Hajime raise his brow at the two of them. Something is...definitely up for those two.

Before anything could happen or even question, Monokuma popped up huffing and puffing sounding a bit angry. "Who did it!? Whooo did it!" He asked stomping around bumping against Hajime's leg. "Alright fess up! Come onn."

"Whoa wait, what do you expect us to fess up to?" Hajime asked tilting his head and Monokuma growled.

"One of my monobeasts is missing! You think I wouldn't notice anything! I am very good at finding hidden things!" He says poking about as if looking for something.

"Wha? You think one of us took those monsters down?!" Kazuichi asked with wide eyes. "T-that's crazy man!"

"Hmph! Fine! Don't tell me! I have more where that came from! Don't think this is over!"

What...was that even about? Monokuma left with a bounce and then almost in an instant Monomi came in with a happy raspberry. "What a silly! Hehe! Ta-daaaaa! I took down the Monobeast all by myseeelf!" She sang with a giggle.

"Y..you?" Hajime asked a bit surprised, from what he had heard..those monobeasts were large machines and there was no way one of them, hell all of them could take them down.

"Hehe yup! I did it! And now the second island is open! Which means you can go and explore! Create bonds of friendship!"

There was a pause before everyone started to talk and then almost a stampede of people started to rush out of the restaurant eager to find a way off this island. Mahiru thankfully was going to take Hiyoko and give her a bath. Oh thank God. Hajime huffed wiping himself off finding that Chiaki was still beside him. She was snoring softly. Oh. She fell asleep? "Hey Chiaki? You want to check out that island with me? I kinda need a guide…" Since Nagito had disappeared…he didn't have a guide to tell him what was his surroundings.

"Hmm? You want me to go with you…?" She yawned and then gave a small noise. "Okay, we can go together. I'll do my best to help."

Hopefully she wouldn't fall asleep on the way there. There had to be a clue on how to escape this place, and he wanted to help. Even with his blindness, he would do his best to help out. No matter what...there had to be hope..hope to get out of this place.

Well that's it for today! No murders or anything like that. Just normal daily life. Don't worry we will get to the juicy bits later. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Byeee!