" Alright class, we'll start with introductions now."
The standard greetings begin with a certain bluenette giving hers. As she finished and sat, the next person stood in begin.
"Name's Kirika Miki. I'm here, because they called me the Ultimate Artist." With those few words spoken, the girl quickly sat back down and begin to sketch something.
A timid pink haired girl followed by a man in purple shades gave theirs before the next row begin.
"Nice to meet everyone." The man said. "I'm Sora Shironane, the Ultimate Cyclist as they call me. I hope we can be friends."
Next came a certain famous composer. Then a great pastry chef gave their intro. Afterwards, another person finished and so the third row started.
"Greetings my new classmates. My name is Tomoki Hana. Due to my logical and practical skills and advice, the board sought fit to grant me the title of Ultimate Strategist. I hope these upcoming years are insightful, informative, and full of delight and camaraderie."
After his extended greeting, the next people gave their introductions including a grease-covered man. Finally, the last man in the row began his.
"Hey, my name is Takura Nozomi. The talent I possess is that of the Ultimate Editor. Anyway, I had a late night at the publishers', so I'm gonna go back to sleep now."
Takura did as he said, sitting down and laying his head on the desk. And so, the next person began.
"Pleasure to meet you all. I am Mitsuba Kanamori. As a star athlete in basketball, they deemed me worthy of the title of Ultimate Basketball Player."
She bowed and retook her seat as the next person did their intro. Finally, the last person rose to give theirs.
"Heya! I'm Aiyaka Tsukira. So listen, it might sound weird and cool, but I've been appointed as the Ultimate Influence. Basically, it just is like being the best motivational speaker, though Ultimate Motivational Speaker sound so lame. That's why I convince them to change it. Anywho, I really like to have fun. Also some of my favorite music are bands like ClariS, Ga-"
"Please, Ms. Tsukira, you may take your seat."
"Kay!"
These were simpler times. Better times. No dealt any of us would trade anything to go back. But there was no going back. For this hell that we are stuck in is our reality.
"Hello all you little scamps, it's 7 AM. Welcome to day nine of our game. Have a wonderful time." With that short greeting, the announcements shut off.
Despite the time limit been more than half over, the morning ritual was still the same.
"This place has become quite empty." Tomoki stated. "It is unfortunate that we have dwindled down to six."
"I know it's just an observation, but way to bring down the room. Is it too much to just eat breakfast in peace?" asked Aiyaka.
"Ah, you're here." Kirika sighed as she noted Aiyaka at the door.
"C'mon Kirika, cut her of a little slack." Mitsuba said. "Sure she's a bit annoying at times, but you don't have to treat her like that."
"What? That's what you think?" Aiyaka feigned being hurt.
"Hey, what's this about?" came voice behind the raven haired girl. She quickly spun around and came face-to-face with Takura.
"Taku, Mi-Mi called me annoying!" she cried crocodile tears.
"Wait, Taku and Mi-Mi?" Sora chimed in.
"Well, um, she has a bit of a point." Takura admitted.
"Really…" she said dejected. "Come on guys!"
The room irrupt it into laughter, even getting a few chuckles out of Kirika. For once in the star situation, the remaining group enjoyed themselves.
DING DONG!
Throughout the building, the sound alerted everyone. Usually they knew a message given at unusual times meant someone had died. Luckily, the voice told them differently.
"Attention everyone, I have an important announcement. As such, please report immediately to the main entrance. Tardiness will not be tolerated."
The remaining six gathered as instructed as they awaited the monochrome teddy bear to give an appearance.
"So…um, what do you think he's gonna do?" Aiyaka pondered.
"No doubt something terrible." Takura spoke.
"C'mon, what I'm doing isn't ALL terrible." A familiar voice rang out. The sudden sound of Monokuma caused the crowd to slightly jump. "Sure, some of this is bad news, but I've got presents for you all as well."
"I don't trust them already." said Kirika.
"Hey, don't knock em to you try em!" Monokuma pulled out a box and opened it, revealing six engraved knives. "Ta da, your very own survival tool!"
"What makes you believe we'll take these?" asked Mitsuba.
"It doesn't matter if you take them now or not. I'll be dropping these off in your room regardless. Now, onto why these are survival tools. You see, for the rest of this game or until someone dies, all access to the cafeteria and water sources have been cut off. Considering we still have six days left including today, that's unfortunate for you. So to avoid dying of thirst, you got to get busy. Maybe you'll even get lucky and take out the mastermind."
"What is your reasoning for doing this?" Tomoki asked.
"Why?" the bear continued. "Duh, so you don't just sit back and run out most of the timer to see if the mastermind makes a move and then you apprehend them."
"So, you're trying to speed things up." said Sora. "But if time runs out, you win. Like you said, you're trying to prevent this last-minute plan. Given how well you snuck around till now, there has to be more to this."
"Yeah." Monokuma said sheepishly. "It's also to keep things entertaining. Frankly, you're all too cautious. I feel this will help things going forward. I mean as far as characters in these type of situations go, it's like you're not fully fleshed out yet."
"You're saying we'd-" Sora began again before being cut off.
"I'll take mine here." Kirika said as she stepped forward. Removing the knife from the box, she and preserving the object. The blade was a good four and a half inches with the black handle baring her name in silver. Kirika quickly tucked it into her jacket.
"Kirika, are you sure of this?" Tomoki asked her.
"The bear said we'll get it anyway, so it's better to always have my eye on it."
"That is true." Tomoki quickly pondered before he followed suit.
Ultimately, these actions led the other four to take their "presents" too. Once they had all received their gifts, Monokuma left and an unease spread among the group.
"Day ten already. Man, time is been flying and we aren't any closer to the mastermind's identity." Sora mused. The group had gathered at the entrance since the mess hall had close the day before.
"Sora, given the measures they have taken, the mastermind a slowly revealing themselves." Tomoki said. "The fact that they want us to continue the game as opposed to waiting out the time limit shows a bit of their personality."
"Yeah, I could really go without this rule." Mitsuba added.
"I find the best way to deal with this sleep through it." Takura stated.
"I have to agree with Mitsuba." Aiyaka chimed in. "Right now, I could really use a shower."
"For once I agree with you." said Kirika.
A small laugh escaped the mouth of Mitsuba.
"What?" Kirika turned her attention towards the girl.
"Nothing really. It's just, as terrible as everything has been, it's really great that you finally been able to open up. You think just a little less than two weeks ago, you weren't able to talk to any of us."
"Well, um…you see…" she quickly looked down in embarrassment.
"It is okay, Kirika, everyone has their own hurdle that they have had to overcome." Tomoki encouraged. "Just be proud of your accomplishments."
"Um, not that I'm not proud for Kiri, but let's get back to the situation at hand. Did anyone else have any food reserves?" asked Aiyaka.
"Wait, you just said "anyone else". You have food saved that Monokuma didn't seal off?" Sora pointed the question at her.
"Yeah, an apple."
"And where is it now? This could help us."
"I eated it." Aiyaka stuck her tongue out as she knocked her first against her head and winked.
"Figures." Kirika sighed.
"Now, now, everyone." stated Tomoki. "The question posed is a valid one. I myself do not have any stored. Does anyone have any?"
"No."
"Sorry."
"I didn't think that far ahead."
"Nope."
"I see. This will be a bit trying, but we will get through this. Now, let us get this day started."
The night carried onward as Kirika continued her slumber. Slowly, the door opened and in the dark, the figure drew closer and closer.
