A/N: So as of right now the poll to decide who's despair nightmare we write for the Bonus Chapter is still going on! You might want to hurry up and get your votes in before it closes!


Act 1 - Not-So-Safe-Haven


I'm ashamed to say I lost myself again.

I really need to stop doing that.

After wandering for what felt like hours, I stumbled across a few people having a conversation.

Art, Arata, and Chiko seemed to be in a heated discussion. "-ut he'll totally see it coming! I mean, have you not seen the cameras all over the building?"

Art lets out a sigh. "I reckon that, as a member of the new defense force we cooked up, we need to find a way to stop these nightmares from causing someone to jump off the slippery slope and kill someone!"

Before any of them can say anything, I jump into the conversation. "Well, if you're looking to stop a murder with this 'defense force', then maybe you should get together with Rikuto and keep an eye on everyone."

Chiko's face lights up. "Why didn't I think of that! I mean, nobody will murder if we are constantly keeping watch to make sure nobody murders!"

Arata frowns. "But ain't that gonna continue the nightmares anyways? I'm pretty sure even we gotta give in eventually, y'know?"

Chiko pushes his glasses up back up his face with a confident smile. "That's why we get some more help and work in shifts! Once someone who has fallen asleep starts to have the nightmares, we wake them up. Monokuma should eventually give up on this motive if we hold out long enough!"

I nod my head along with his statement. "We talked about his plan earlier, and I honestly think it can work."

Art pats Chiko on the back. "You did well, kid! Now that we got a plan, we just need to get the extra manpower to make it work!"

I'm about to congratulate them on their plan, when a small rumbling noise comes from my stomach. "I would stay here and help the three of you plan this, but I'm starving."

Arata gives me a thumbs up. "Sure thing, coffee girl! We'll come get ya after you finish eating, and we'll set our plan in motion!"

"Alright! I'll see you guys la-" My words catch in my throat once I realize I still don't know where I'm going. Whoops.

"Uh, small request, can anyone direct me to the kitchen?"

The combined silence from the three males unsettles me, until Art points to the doors beside him. "It's...literally right here."

I look at the 'Defense Force' and walk past them as a blush begins to creep onto my face. "I t-totally knew that!"

"Sure you did." I hear Chiko echo with a laugh, before I ignore them entirely and walk into the kitchen, and nearly run into Aki.

She hears the door close, turns around, and promptly hugs me. "JUNIE! Are you okay?! Monokuma was really picking on you earlier!"

I'm fine, of course, but she, on the other hand, sure doesn't look that way...


Would you like to spend your Free Time with Minako?

[Yes] [No]


Juniper: Aki, you have really noticeable bags under your eyes...Are you okay?

Minako: Sure I am! Want a doughnut? I made it a few seconds ago so it's still fresh!

Juniper: Oh yes, I'll take one- hey, wait, you're changing the subject! Was your nightmare last night really that bad? (*takes Doughnut from Minako*)

Minako: It wasn't all that bad, Monokuma must be stupid to think that we'd kill over something stupid like this!

Juniper: Okay, well, if it wasn't that bad, what was your nightmare about?

Minako: Umm….. I don't really remember...

Juniper: ...

Juniper: Aki, you're kind of a bad liar.

Juniper: I know you don't want me to worry, but telling someone might make it better for you. Trust me, I felt horrible even remembering my nightmare until everyone was told, and Chiko comforted me about it.

Minako: Well... I don't really want to talk about it, but I guess you're right.

Minako: I won't go into the gory details of the bear's stupid motive, but let's just say that my 'nightmare' involved me being baked.

Minako: ...Alive and fully conscious.

Juniper: I don't think I can even begin to understand how bad that must have felt.

Minako: Nah, it's all okay. I've been through a lot myself, but at least I knew that had to be a nightmare.

Minako: It makes it much easier to handle, I think.

Minako: But, just to calm my nerves even further, I'm baking, see?

Juniper: Oh. So that's what you do whenever you're stressed?

Minako: Or frazzled, yeah! It just comes naturally, and relaxes me when I do it.

Juniper: Hmm...I wish baking would help in my case.

Minako: You could brew some coffee instead- I mean, whoops, sorry for bringing up that nightmare again! Just, um...

Minako: ...Wait, Chiko comforted you?

Juniper: Um...well, that is to say...Uh...

Juniper: It's nothing, really. Just talked to him, that's all.

Minako: ...

Minako: Junie, you're a bad liar and a hypocrite...


Minako Aki Ultimate Baker: Level 1

When I arrived in the kitchen to get myself some breakfast, I found Minako baking. She gave me a doughnut and asked if I was okay. Apparently, she bakes to calm her nerves too.

Shared: Minako's Nightmare

Minako didn't want to tell me about the gruesome details of her nightmare, but it some way or another involved her getting baked alive while conscious.


Needless to say, we spend the next half an hour or so just eating in awkward silence. After that, Aki leaves to get something, while I decide to make myself look presentable first before going anywhere else.

I'm lucky that I always keep a miniatur- Wait a second… Where'd it go?

I continue to check my pockets, only to find out that all the possessions I had before coming here are gone.

Well, I guess I can work without my brush. I immediately walk over to the sink and look in the mirror.

…. I look like crap.

I flatten my hair down, using some water to make sure it stays down, before cupping some more water to splash onto my face. The feeling re-invigorates me, and I shake my head to clear the droplets. Running some more water through my fingers, I run them through the rest of my hair, attempting - and failing - to untangle some of the knots that formed in the night.

At least it's miles better than how I looked before.

After making sure all my effort in cleaning myself was worth it, I walk back out of the Kitchen, hoping to talk to someone. At this point, anyone would do, especially Kuromu.

Here we go again. Let's see how badly I can get myself lost this time!

I don't even make it two steps out the door, before I'm immediately called over by Masashi, who was walking down the adjacent hallway.

"Hey Junie! Come here, I wanna talk to you!" She yells, waving her hands wildly at me.


Would you like to spend your Free Time with Masashi?

[Yes] [No]


Juniper: So, what's up?

Masashi: Well, I never really got the chance to talk to you in the storage room, and you look interesting enough to talk to!

Juniper: Well thanks, I guess. That's nice to hear.

Masashi: Y'know...If we weren't in this whole predicament and all, I'd ask you out to coffee, heh.

Juniper: ...Um...Sorry. Now's not exactly a good time to mention coffee.

Masashi: Oh shucks, I am so sorry. I completely forgot about your nightmare!

Masashi: Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? Please tell me there's something I can do to make it up to you, I'll do it, I swear-!

Juniper: Woah, hold your horses, Masashi, it's alright!

Masashi: Oh...well, that's great! I thought I had ruined my chance to talk to you!

Juniper: No, no you're good! Don't worry about it.

Masashi: I got it! In order to make up for causing you distress, I'll tell you about my own nightmare!

Juniper: No, you really don't hav-

Masashi: I was placed in an arena with several of those foul beasts!

Juniper: Are you talking about Monokuma?

Masashi: Yes, there were several beasts and they were all holding rapiers, whilst I had nothing but a broadsword!

Juniper: Wouldn't that mean you had the advantage, because if I remember correctly broadswords are bigger than rapiers.

Masashi: Not really! I can't use a broadsword at all! It's too heavy for someone like me to carry and use productively in battle!

Juniper: Oh, well I gue-

Masashi: Well on with the nightmare! I was basically defenseless as all those vile beasts poked me full'a holes!

Juniper: Um...

Masashi: I would have been just fine with my rapier too!

Masashi: Then again...

Masashi: Y'know, a rapier isn't the only sword I have. (*winks*)

Juniper: …

Juniper: Uh...Are you flirting with me?

Masashi: Maaaaaybe. I mean, any guy can see you're hot.

Juniper: (*blushes*) You think so?

Masashi: I know so. Take it from a guy himself.

Juniper: Huh? Where?

Juniper: There's...no one in our general vicinity. Unless she- no, he means himself?

Juniper: ...What gender is Masashi again?

Masashi: You know what this suit's made of?

Masashi: Boyfriend material.

Juniper: …

Juniper: Okay then.


Masashi Hayabusa Ultimate Fencer: Level 1

After making sure I was presentable I walked out of the kitchen and into Masashi. She brought up my nightmare, told me hers, and then flirted with me. I'm not even sure I can call Masahashi a 'She' anymore after some of his/her pickup lines.

Shared: Masashi's Nightmare

In order to make up for bringing up my nightmare indirectly, Masashi told me about their dream. Apparently Masashi was placed in an arena of some sorts with a bunch of Monokuma's with rapiers, while all he/she had was a broadsword. You can guess what happened after that.


"Oh, well if isn't the two most gorgeous females- er, well, people, in this establishment!"

Kuno turns a corner, as Hikaru trails behind him, a thoroughly unimpressed look on his face. "You know, are you gonna try that on everyone this morning?"

I realize this is actually the first time I've heard Hikaru use his real voice. He's a tenor, it appears.

"Oh, morning, Masashi, Juniper." Hikaru greets us both in our respective voices, and I can't help but flinch slightly. Masashi, on the other hand, laughs it off. "Spot on, Hikaru, nice!"

"Hey, hey!"

Kuno frowns. "How is it that you can keep stealing my spotlight so easily?"

"I'm the voice actor, you're the espionage," he replies flatly, "You're supposed to remain out of the spotlight."

Kuno crosses his arms and grumbles, and I think it's because he knows that Hikaru is right.

"You know, if you really want me to stop me overshadowing you, how about you talk to one of them instead?" he turns to us and smiles. "I am in the need for someone else to talk to, anyways."

"Whatever. Go ahead."

Hikaru looks from Masashi to me and smiles. "Hey, Masashi. Would you like to switch partners with me, then? I'd love to take Juniper off your hands for a while."

Masashi looks at me and then at Kuno, and shrugs her- his? Their shoulders. "I guess I can trade a pretty girl for a pretty guy."

Kuno's eyebrows lift up, and so does the ends of his lips. "Pretty guy? Okay, now, you're talking my language."

I have absolutely no objections to the switch, because I'm getting kinda uncomfortable from all the flirting Masashi is doing anyways.

So Kuno and I quickly switch places and turn to our new respective partners.

"Can we get out of here before the both of them start flirting again?" I quickly ask, trying to hide my anxiousness.

Hikaru nods, and as we leave, I can already hear the two start flirting.

"You know, I know a lot of languages. But I wouldn't mind learning another tongue."

...Ugh.


Would you like to spend your Free Time with Hikaru?

[Yes] [No]


Juniper: I'd like to thank you for getting me out of there, because I don't think I could have lasted much more of Masashi's compliments without dying of embarrassment.

Hikaru: You should have seen her yesterday, before the nightmares.

Juniper: Was she worse than she is now, because I really don't think I can imagine that.

Hikaru: I'll be polite and not give you another nightmare, then, heh.

Hikaru: To be honest, though, these nightmares aren't just ridiculous, they're straight-up nonsensical. I'm surprised anyone's really affected by...it…

Juniper: Yeah, I know. One of the worst thing about these nightmares is how ironic they are.

Hikaru: Yeah…Ironic.

Juniper: What, was your nightmare anyways? I'm kind of curious.

Hikaru: …

Hikaru: (*in Juniper's voice*) I don't think it's best for me to ask Hikaru right now. He doesn't seem to be in the best of moods.

Juniper: (*shudders*) Ok, that's really creepy, but I have to admit… It's extremely cool how you can do that.

Hikaru: (*still imitating*) Should I continue to compliment Hikaru? It doesn't seem like he's enjoying the-

Hikaru: (*back to normal voice*) Tch. Nevermind. I'll...I'll just tell you.

Hikaru: You know what's a hostage situation, right?

Juniper: Sure, it's where someone kidnaps someone close to their target in exchange for something from their target, right?

Hikaru: Yes...Now, imagine you have to brew a pot of coffee to save your target.

Juniper: Well, I'd do it on-the-spot-

Hikaru: And being physically unable to even touch a coffee machine.

Juniper: What? Then how would I save my target? I can't brew coffee without a coffee machine!

Hikaru: Exactly. Now, take that situation, replace you with me, and imagine not having your voice.

Juniper: Oh, so your nightmare was a situat-

Hikaru: It was worse than a situation like that.

Hikaru: I was up on stage, couldn't talk, and my family and friends were tortured before my eyes.

Hikaru: The escape clause? Speak.

Hikaru: I strained my throat out, nearly tore out my vocal chords just to say something, and nothing.

Hikaru: Nothing comes out.

Juniper: ...I'm really sorry for bringing it up, I had no right to ask you what your nightmare was

Hikaru: It's alright, I just need to be alone for a bit….. You could go eat lunch or something, just give me some time by myself.

Juniper: Oh gosh, I'm sorry I'm really sorry-

Hikaru: Junie. (*grabs her by the shoulders*) It's okay. You're fine, alright?

Juniper: O-Oh...

Hikaru: Honestly, it's okay. I know you didn't mean anything by it. I forgive you, alright?

Juniper: ...Alright. I'm still sorry.

Hikaru: I know you are. Take care, alright?


Hikaru Adachi Ultimate Voice Actor: Level 1

After enduring several embarrassing pick up lines from Masashi, Hikaru saved me from dying at the hands of embarrassment with a reasonable, if mildly apologetic from me, talk.

Shared: Hikaru's Nightmare

I accidentally pressured Hikaru into telling me about the nightmare Monokuma gave him as a motive. Apparently some of his friends and family were taken in a hostage situation, and the kidnappers demands were for him to voice act. He wasn't able to save them, because his vocal chords weren't working.


As Hikaru left, I pondered my next move, until the sound of my stomach rumbling expelled all the plans I had just made.

Okay, so at least I know what I want to do...But how do I get back to the kitchen again?

I start to walk. If anything, at least I'd be getting somewhere, right?

Me and my big mouth.

After walking for what feels like hours, I stop walking as my face comes into contact with a wall. Rubbing my eyes to clear them of stars, I look around to realize I've ended up in the Laundry Room.

"THIS IS JUST FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!"

The door opens as I'm still infuriated over my complete lack of directional skills. I can't contain my surprise as I realize who it is that walks in.

"...Is now a bad time, private?" Kuromu asks, an eyebrow raised.


A/N: I don't have much to stay in this Author's note other than the fact that the first murder will be relatively soon. Don't worry about having to read another 6 chapters before it happens, it definitely won't take that long.

QOTC: Now that we've made it a bit further into the story, what ships to you honestly think will happen throughout the course of the story.

Chapters 1-4

Shooter51- Thanks for all the reviews, I'm extremely grateful!

Chapter 8

Guest: Well I guess that your suspicion of Takeru kinda holds some ground, because of the whole never trust the nice guy schtick.

Yeah, I've been seeing lots of support for JuniperxKuromu, and I can see the logic behind it. I won't say if that's who she ends up with or not, you'll just have to wait until it happens in the story.

Also now that the story has kinda opened up, you'll start seeing more and more interactions between all of the characters.

Oh and what does everyone think of the unlikely friendship of Chiko, Arata, and Art?

SethRollinsandBoDallas: Well get ready to thank the Gods again! This story won't be stopping any time soon!

A Dingus With Sweet Shades: You're welcome dude!

Also yeah, to bad someone snaps before 5-7 days pass. We don't get to write more despair nightmares because of that fact.

HeroinOfDarkness: Thanks! I was really proud of the motive for this chapter!

Illwyn: No it isn't weird that Monokuma is your favorite character! He's just so ridiculously funny to not be someone's favorite character.

Shouta Izukai: Well now that you've got a look at some of the other kids nightmares, what do you think of them?

Mike73:Yeah that was the main point of this motive, to give everyone an equal chance at having the chance to murder.

FireDusk: Well yeah there's a chance that Chiko could be a killer, in fact there's an equal chance everyone will murder.