Chapter 9: Set
12:45 P.M Day Three
Badlands
The Bennu Tribe found itself drifting through the badlands of the desert. It was filled with dunes and rocky areas for miles. The tribe had been moving since shortly after dawn, and hadn't ceased for more than five minutes at a time. Noon had already passed when the winds slowly began to pick up.
Hyunjin loosened his collar as he staggered forward with a look of frustration on his face. "I-I don't mean to be any trouble, but do you think we could stop again for another short break? I'm not used to walking this much, and the blisters on my feet are killing me."
"Quit your whining, pretty boy. We've barely moved on from the last break. Hell, it's so close that even the blind swordsman over there can still see it," Gura taunted as he walked with his hands laced behind his head.
"Speaking of tall, blind, and handsome..." Bridgette began as she skipped forward to walk alongside the Samurai. "How 'bout a piggyback ride, Gai? I mean, it would be the honorable thing to do, right? Besides, it's totally a win for you because you get to feel the twins in the process. What do you say?"
Gaikoku scoffed as he waved dismissively in the Cheerleader's direction. "You are more than capable of continuing on your own. Do not phrase it as if you're doing me any favor, woman."
Bridgette stuck her tongue out as she continued walking alongside the boy. "Oh, I haven't given up yet. This is just more of a challenge to me! If I can survive cheerleader camp, I can crack a grumpy samurai!" she exclaimed without missing a beat.
"Bridgette, I admire your energy, but perhaps you should save it. Hyunjin, we'll take another break in two hours. If we don't pace ourselves, we'll run out of supplies long before we reach civilization," Shinzo said as he draped his jacket over his right shoulder.
"Riiight, civilization. Are you sure that's not just what you want us to believe? I'm pretty sure you're just leading us to the probing station. I've got my eye on you!" Freyja said, glaring at the Politician, who decided to just ignore the girl.
"Freyja, it isn't nice to keep harassing Shinzo all the time. I know politicians are mean at times, but they're people too. You have to take their feelings into account," Erika said, causing the plum-haired girl to look at her.
"Shit, his virus is spreading. Won't be long until all of us are mindless robots. Maybe Skynet is gonna get the upper hand this year," she mumbled, earning a groan from the Dog Whisperer.
Kasumi giggled as she placed a hand on the Politician's shoulder. "At this point, with how much she talks about you, I think Freyja might just be trying to cover up her crush on you, Shinzo. Little girls do it all the time, especially for handsome men like yourself."
"Aha, well thank you, Miss Kamukura. That is kind of you to say, though I'm not sure affection is what our Meteorologist harbors for me." The Politician chuckled.
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement, if I've ever heard one," she muttered before tilting her head as she heard the wind whipping up. "Oh crap, we've got a much bigger problem than Freyja's delusions. I think a sandstorm is coming. We need to find cover or we're screwed!"
"Sandstorm… A sandstorm? What the hell! I thought you said we'd have clear skies!" Kokoro cried, glaring at Freyja. She gave her a look of confusion as the entire tribe looked at her. She gave them a small smile.
"When the hell did I say that? You all look at me like I'm some sort of weather girl."
"Uh, you are. Aren't you the Ultimate Meteorologist?" Sophia asked. Freyja shook her head.
"Mm… Nope, I never said that. I'm the Ultimate Conspiracy Theorist, duh! Besides, even if I was a meteorologist as you aliens claim, I wouldn't be able predict a sandstorm. Sheesh… I thought you were all smart," the girl replied, shaking her head in disdain.
Hollie stared at the Conspiracy Theorist with a deadpan expression. "You are a sunbaked moron. If I die because I'm wearing flip flops, I'm going to haunt you."
"Everyone shut the hell up," Shinzo snapped before thumbing a finger at nearby rocky outcrop. "You can all bicker once we're out of this mess. Get moving, and make sure no one gets left behind."
"Yes, we all need to keep our wits about us. We definitely can't waste time assigning blame," Masahiko called out as the group turned towards the large rocks.
"There's an opening in the rocks. Let's make haste toward it, but be careful. We wouldn't want anyone to get injured," Archer said, urging everyone on.
As the group made its way forward at an accelerated rate, the howling winds only continued to whip them and make it harder to see. The group barely managed to make it into the cave entrance before sand began to pelt the rocks outside.
"Phew, that was a close one. I don't know about the rest of you, but I already have too much sand in undesirable places." The Cheerleader sighed as she brushed herself off. "So, what now? Any idea how long this thing will last?"
Hollie shrugged as she pressed her face against her scarf. "Not sure, but don't ask Freyja. We know she has no clue..."
"We will be here for the rest of the day, that much I can tell. However, we have something else in this cave to worry about. The stench of death hangs in the air," Gaikoku explained as he turned so that he was facing deeper into the cave system.
"He's right. I thought I recognized that smell. We should be careful; we don't know what could have died here," Stephanie said, earning a nod from Sophia.
"Indeed, the stench of death usually attracts animals. The last thing we need is to get mauled by something preying on a carcass," the Ultimate Librarian added, covering her nose with her hand.
Shinzo took a steadying breath. "If we're going to be here for some time, then I suggest that we set up a perimeter and explore our surroundings. We might just be staying here overnight."
2:15 P.M Day Three
Cave
Wreckage
Upon the Archer's suggestion, a small group had formed in order to search the cave. Due to the stench lingering in the air, the man assumed someone had been killed nearby. He had asked Erika to accompany them and, with Snowflake's help, they had been exploring the cave system.
Erika was keeping a close eye on her surroundings, as she didn't want anything to happen to her partner. The husky had been eagerly sniffing the area, hoping to find something to bring to his master. The Dog Whisperer glanced over her shoulder, giving the others a frown.
"I really hope we don't find anything. I don't think I'm ready to see more bodies," she said.
"I understand that, Erika, truly. However, there may be survivors out there, people like us that need our help. I believe we should at least try," the Pinkerton replied, loosening his tie a bit.
Bridgette walked behind the pair with her hands laced behind her head. "Anything is possible, right? Maybe someone else had the idea to hide in here. This cave system is way bigger than it looked from outside."
"Indeed it is. There may even be other entrances. We best watch our step, at least until we can find the corpse and confirm what killed it," Kasumi explained, gripping onto the straps of her backpack.
"Do you think it could be someone from the plane graveyard? Like… maybe some people got out before us, but they ended up dying here," Erika said, shifting her gaze to the others.
"Iunno. If they did come from there, they must have bailed without rummaging much for supplies or checking to see if anyone else was still alive," the Cheerleader said as she squinted her eyes to see in the dimly lit cave.
Kasumi shook her head. "No, I'm afraid that would be impossible. The slide deployed when we opened the door, so it hadn't been opened yet. Aside from Gaikoku, I didn't see any signs of anyone leaving in another way."
Archer nodded, clearing his throat. "Kasumi is right. If there are survivors, they aren't from the graveyard. That means we are likely not the only ones here. There may be other tribes just like us that are roughing it in the desert."
Bridgette sighed dramatically. "This is like the worst survivor series ever! I mean, who goes to such lengths just to strand a bunch of teens in the middle of freaking nowhere?!"
"I don't really think you should call it a survivor series. It's just in-"
Snowflake's bark cut Erika off, causing everyone to stop in place. She looked to where the dog was, faithfully sitting near a large rock. She started moving toward it, causing him to stand up. He whimpered and bowed his head in shame.
"I'm sorry, Master. I wasn't fast enough. The hooman is dead," he said. Erika shook her head, giving the dog a pat on the head.
"It isn't your fault, Snow. That person must have died before we came here." She stood up, glancing at the others. "There's a body behind this rock. They've been dead for a while,"
The Cheerleader hesitantly moved forward before hazarding a glance at the body, then almost immediately covered her mouth. The boy looked to have died a couple of days prior. His legs seemed horribly mangled, and his body was caked in blood thanks to the glass shards that were imbedded in his exposed skin. "Oh god, how did he even end up here like this?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. With injuries like these, I'm surprised he made it this far in, unless he was brought here by someone else. That is the only assumption I can make at the moment," Archer replied. The look on his face was firm.
"Hmm, that is certainly possible, but what would someone gain from taking him the deep in? He may have dragged himself as far as he could. However, this is only a guess on my part," Kasumi explained as she stood alongside the Pinkerton.
"It's the most logical conclusion. Still, to survive with so many injuries and then drag himself here... He must have been a very strong person," Erika said. She bowed her head slowly. "I do hope you've found peace, wherever that may be,"
Bridgette crossed her arms as a somber expression crossed her face. "I-I know we don't know this guy, but maybe we could at least give him a proper burial while we wait. I know we didn't have time to back at the airplanes, but everyone deserves better than this."
"Normally I would agree, but we don't have the right tools for that. We lack a shovel. Besides, we can't waste any time. As much as it pains me, we'll have to leave him here," the Pinkerton replied.
"Hooman, I will dig hole. I can do it." Snowflake started to dig, not even awaiting a response. Erika knelt down beside her companion, helping him scoop some dirt away.
"It's the least we can do. I don't care if we waste time. No one deserves to rot in some dinky cave," she said firmly. Archer sighed, giving her a nod.
"That's very kind of you both. If it's all the same to you, then I would like to keep looking. That glass certainly couldn't have come from nowhere," the Historian replied.
"Go for it girl! I'm gonna help the dynamic duo here!" Bridgette exclaimed. She mustered a smile before kneeling down next where Snowflake was digging.
"I'll join you then, Kasumi. Let us keep searching. Whatever caused his injuries lies nearby, so we'll have to tread carefully." The two continued down the path with Archer taking the lead.
4:36 P.M Day Three
Cave
Exit
"Good grief. Can someone please remind me how I got talked into this search? This cave system seems to go on forever. What I wouldn't give for a proper foot massage..." The K Pop Idol sighed and began to fan himself.
"It'll be fine, Hyunjin. We'll be able to take a break soon enough, so keep your chin up!" Sophia said encouragingly.
Eleanor chuckled quietly. "I take it you've never been in nature much. In fact, I'd wager you've never been camping before."
Hyunjin offered a sheepish expression. "Guilty as charged. What can I say? I appreciate modern conveniences and the things I use to take for granted, like AC or a working toilet..."
"Well, you better get used to slumming it up, dandy man, or else your ass ain't making it out of this desert," Gura mused as he slapped Hyunjin on the shoulder.
"Must you be so uncouth? I understand he might not be physically fit, but there's no need for that. Besides, you might end up dying. Karma is a bitch, after all," the Librarian said, glaring at the Traceur.
Gura shrugged as he eyed the Librarian. "You're not wrong, bookworm, but don't count me out just yet. I've been scraping by on my own for a while now. Hell, if karma is out there, I'm overdue for some good."
"Can we please not raise our voices?" the Idol pleaded as he pressed his palms together. "I believe we all deserve something good after what we've been through."
"I'm not sure if it's good, but I see something," the Bounty Hunter mused. She gestured down a long corridor, at the end of which light could be seen filtering in. "Looks as if we've found an exit, not that it'll do us much good. I can still hear the storm raging outside..."
"Should we wait until it dies down? It wouldn't do us a lick of good if we get lost out there."
Eleanor shrugged at Sophia's words as she continued down the corridor at a leisurely pace. "We've come this far, so we might as well check out this other exit."
"Yeah, we better get to the bottom of whatever got Archer's panties in a twist," the Traceur muttered. "Yeah, I get that finding a dead body is unexpected, but that doesn't mean we all get a hard-on for finding out where it came from."
Hyunjin rolled his shoulders as he followed behind the group. "Well the sooner we finish here, the sooner we can..." He trailed off as he crinkled his nose in disgust. "Oh heavens, please tell me someone else smells that."
"It's coming from the exit," Eleanor said as she placed her hands on her waist. Then her eyes widened. "Wait, I think I see a bus. It looks trashed to hell and back, but it's laying near the opening of the cave."
"Bleeding Christ, I've got a bloody bad feeling about this," Sophia murmured, having raised her shirt over her nose and mouth.
Gura adjusted his face mask while glaring out into the raging storm. "Shit, I guess planes ain't the only thing crashing in this desert. Judging by how strong that smell is, I think they ended up more like those other two planes, the poor bastards."
Eleanor stopped a few strides away from the mouth of the cave, coming face-to-face with the toppled bus. It was hard to see beyond that due to the sandstorm, but the glass shards, debris, and massive blood splatters that littered the ground were as clear as day. She lifted her gaze to see the face of a cliff hanging over the entrance. "I know this is going to sound crazy, but I think this thing fell from above."
"Wait, you're saying it didn't just crash into this place?" Hyunjin asked as he covered his mouth to keep from retching.
"I'm quite sure. The impact suggests as much. It seems the fall killed most everyone. The poor soul in the cave must have crawled as far as he could before expiring," the Hunter replied.
"Dear god, to have survived such a fall, only to die in this cave... What a truly horrifying fate." The Librarian shook her head and tore her gaze away from the ghastly scene.
"But, like, what was it doing up there in the first place? If that fuckwad from the announcement was behind this, was there supposed to be another tribe?" the Traceur wondered aloud as he leaned against the cave wall.
"Another tribe? I-Is that possible? Just what is going on here?" the Idol stammered as he took a step backwards before tripping over a rock on the ground, landing unceremoniously on his ass.
"It does make sense. Had all three planes landed safely, I'm certain the people from the graveyard would be in their own tribe. I'm certain there are others out there who are just like us," Sophia said. She held her hand out to Hyunjin, who was still on the ground. "Do be careful. We don't need any more injuries on our hands,"
"Thank you. I really need to get a grip." He took her hand and rose to his feet.
"It seems Gura was onto something," the Bounty Hunter continued as her eyes narrowed. "There's a word spray-painted on the side of the bus. It just says 'Set' in bold letters. Considering we're Bennu, it's possible Set was meant to be a name for another tribe. I believe Set is some sort of god in Egyptian culture."
"You're right. Set is the god of chaos and discord in Egyptian legends. He's also the god of the desert, storms, and violence. Quite ironic when you consider our situation," Sophia explained.
Gura chuckled lowly as he crossed his arms. "Heh, guess old Set isn't too happy that his group didn't make it that far. That, or he's celebrating. He sounds like that kinda nutjob."
"As fascinating as all of this is, can we please go back now? I didn't have much in my stomach to begin with, but I feel like I might throw up any moment now," Hyunjin said as he turned his back to the entranceway.
7:03 P.M Day Three
Cave
Center
The Ultimate Politician sighed as he lifted his chin to see a hole in the ceiling of the cave. The sound of the sand whipping around had died down greatly; the only noise was the occasional gust of wind. "It seems the storm has subsided, but there's no point in traversing the dunes by night," he mused as he glanced at the smaller groups that had begun forming around the center of their makeshift campsite.
"Maybe the mastermind turned the giant fan off. That's probably why we can only hear the wind now," Freyja added, looking around campsite. "We've been spared tonight. I'm sure the Sarlacc will get someone next time."
"I don't mean this in a cruel manner, but do you typically take meds?" Shinzo asked as he eyed the girl warily.
"Nope, I'm totally pharmaceutical-free!" she said, giving the man a grin. "I don't mean this in a cruel manner, but I hope you get high fived. With a chair. At mach speed,"
Masahiko sighed as he turned to face the girl next to him. "They certainly never stop, do they? How are you holding up Miss Kim?"
"I'm a bit tired, but I'm doing alright. Thank you for asking, Masahiko. I do hope you are doing alright. The trek was rough on all of us," the Cosmetologist replied, giving the boy a smile.
The Artist ran a hand through his hair as he returned the grin. "I suppose I'm doing fine, all things considered. My time learning how to make art out of trees certainly hasn't prepared me for any of this. I am glad to see that you've been able to keep your composure so well. It's a great comfort compared to how tense some of the others seem."
"Some may be tense, but these two..." Stephanie gestured to Shinzo and Freyja. "They bicker more than a married couple. I honestly believe she has a crush on him."
"No she's not, you moron! Hatsune Miku is a highly advanced AI planted in Japan by the NSA. It's their way of monitoring them. I mean come on, who would distrust a waifu?" the plum-haired girl cried, glaring at the Politician.
Shinzo gritted his teeth before waving his arms belligerently. "YOU ARE A MORON! You call me a liar, and yet you claimed to be some sort of weather forecaster. That's what I call a lack of honesty!
"Listen here, you fuck. I never once said I was a meteorologist! It was an exaggeration, just like the bullshit you feed to your pawns," she said, brushing him off. "Besides, anyone can say clear skies ahead and not be a meteorologist. In fact, the biggest liars in the world, aside from politicians, are meteorologists!"
"Idiots… At least they're focusing on something other than our situation," Stephanie said, deciding to tune out the two for the time being.
Masahiko chuckled as he stood up and offered a hand towards the Cosmetologist. "Perhaps we should let them sort this out. Shall we find a more quiet place to talk, Miss Kim?"
"Of course! It is getting a bit noisy here," she said, taking his outstretched hand. "Also, I'd like for you to call me Stephanie, or Steph, if you'd like. All my close friends do."
Masahiko helped the girl to her feet, and the two started walking off from the still arguing pair. "Forgive me, Steph. I'm afraid nearly all my interactions with people have been in a formal manner up until I awoke on that plane."
"Don't worry about it. A lot of people I know call me Miss Kim. I've grown to detest that, even if it is the only way to formally address me,"
"Oh? Well I'll do my best to avoid that from now on," the Artist said as he turned to face the Cosmetologist. He quickly looked away and began rubbing the back of his neck. "I hope this isn't too forward, but... about your eye..."
"I see you've finally noticed. I do try to hide it well. I've lost function of my right eye. You are curious about it, aren't you?" she asked, earning a nod from the boy. "Let's just say my parents were… very religious. They thought nearly everything was a sin. I let it slip that I had a crush on a girl, so this was their punishment for me."
Masahiko nearly stopped dead in his tracks, but forced himself to keep pace with the girl. "That is certainly not what I was expecting. That is quite distressing to hear, especially since it was over such a simple matter. You have my deepest sympathies. "
"Thank you, Masahiko. I've always had trouble fitting in with others. My stitched eye only made that worse. I'm happy to at least have some friends here," she replied. She took a breath, clearing her thoughts. "One of the reasons I became a cosmetologist, in fact, is so I could hide the blemishes my parents left behind."
"That is quite the unfortunate beginning. My parents' love for their hobbies in art and gardening inspired me. It pains me to imagine finding your calling by hiding your parents' abuse." The Artist muttered to himself, placing his hand over his heart.
"I'm glad, then. I'm always happy to hear about parents nurturing and inspiring their children. We should probably change the topic. It's become quite somber, wouldn't you say?" Stephanie asked, glancing at the boy.
Masahiko nodded and offered a strained smile. "Agreed. Let's find a better place to sit down. I can't believe those two are still going out," the Artist said in disbelief as he glanced back at Freyja and Shinzo. The two wasted no time walking off to a quieter corner of the cave.
10:24 P.M Day Three
Cave
Recess
It wasn't long since everyone had grouped up for the night. The roaring fire illuminated the cavern, shedding light over the walls. Freyja had abused this and started using the shadows to tell a story. Everyone was seemingly entertained by this, not bothered at all by her crazed theories or silly ideas. Kokoro, however, didn't want to be around her. In fact, she didn't want to be around anyone.
Ever since they had taken refuge in the cave, she had felt sick. The stench of death still lingered from the body they had discovered. Now that the storm had died down, they had been able to see the carnage left behind. The dead bodies, the destroyed bus, the fact that there was most likely another group out there suffering the same fate… It bothered her. She felt a choking feeling around her neck, a feeling she remembered well.
She waited for everyone to be distracted, then slipped away toward the recesses of the cavern. Her breathing became heavy once she arrived there. She looked down at her hands, clenching them in anger.
"This… This is all my fault. This wouldn't be happening… not if I didn't help her," she mumbled to herself.
"Heh, is that so?" A voice abruptly rang out from the surrounding darkness. The Hypnotherapist jumped, but was able to suppress the scream building up in her lungs. She turned towards the darkened corner of the tunnel and noticed the Ultimate Samurai, who was seated cross-legged on the ground.
"S-shit! What the hell are you doing out here?" she hissed angrily, placing a hand over her pounding heart.
Gaikoku scoffed as he slightly tilted his head in her direction. "I came here to be alone and to meditate in peace. It was quite nice until your sniveling self came barging in here with your self-hatred."
"I-I… I am not sniveling! I just didn't want to be around everyone else," she spat, looking away from the man.
Soft footsteps echoed down the tunnel, grabbing the pair's attention. "Hey, Kokoro, did you come down this way? You seemed extra stressed, so I thought now might be a good time for a session," Hollie said as she rounded the corner, coming into view. "Oh, there you are. Would you be interested? The discount I offered is still good."
The girl whirled around to face Hollie, not having expected her to show up. She grit her teeth angrily, balling her fists. "No, I don't want a session! I just want to be left alone! I don't deserve to be near anyone right now!"
"Huh? 'Don't deserve to be near anyone?'" the Acupuncturist parroted. She adjusted her muffler. "Thinking like that is only going to hurt you in the long run. If you'd like, I have many treatments that can help melt your stress away. Needles are not mandatory, if that is a concern."
"That isn't it at all! You don't understand… Neither of you understand. All of this, everything that's happened… It's all..." She paused, breathing heavily. She grabbed a handful of her hair and tugged on it roughly. "I wanna die… I want to atone for everything with my life."
Gaikoku chuckled lowly as he rose to his feet. He lifted up his practice sword and pointed it at the Hypnotherapist. "If you truly mean that, I'd be glad to end your life for you."
"H-huh? No! Something like that… I will do that myself! It's my only wish, and no one will take it from me. Leave me alone!" The Hypnotherapist shouted and quickly left the area. Hollie watched her go with a slight frown on her face.
"I know I should have handled that better, but you went too far. Keep that up and I'll make a voodoo doll in your likeness," Hollie said dryly. Following Kokoro's example, she turned and walked away, leaving Gaikoku alone.
"Heh, do as you wish," the Samurai called back as he sat down once again. As he closed his eyes, he thought back on the conversation with Junko from the first day in the desert. He gripped tightly onto the blade before taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. "She'll be dead soon. I'll make sure of it."
Ouroboros Tribe: 13 Remaining Members/ Sphinx Tribe: 13 Remaining Members/ Bennu Tribe: 15 Remaining Members. [41 Remaining Survivors in total]
OMAKE
The camera turned on to show Toshi Akiya sitting in the seat. He glanced off-screen, biting his lip. "Are you sure I can do this?"
"You'll do great, Toshi," Tiana reassured. "I promise."
"Are you really sure?" Toshi questioned. "I'm going to be the first teen hosting the show."
"You can join us and the other kids for ice cream afterwards," Haruto promised.
Toshi rolled his eyes. "I'm not a kid, Haruto." He casted his eyes away. "I would like that, though."
"We'll be waiting with Kit, Anna, and the others outside," Tiana stated. The sound of her and Haruto walking off filled the air.
Toshi breathed a small sigh before turning to face the camera. "Hello, everyone, I'm Toshi Akiya, I played the Ultimate Drag Racer on 'Oasis of Hope,' and this is the Post Game Talk Show." He glanced around the studio, very nervous. "So, even though 'Kuma-Kuma Land' is still airing, Tiana and Haruto decided that other hosts need to start coming on for the other shows. And since my character just died in 'Oasis,' I was the first pick to host here…I'm really nervous. I'm not gonna lie."
"You're doing great, Sweetie!" Freyja encouraged. Toshi cracked a smile as a chorus of laughter followed.
"Go Toshi! Go Toshi! Go Toshi!" Bridgette cheered. "I don't care if I don't have to be in character! Cheering's just fun!"
"I can get behind that," Hyunjin added. "You can do it, Toshi!"
Toshi shook his head, smiling brightly. "Everyone welcome the entire Bennu Tribe!" Fifteen people ran into the studio all at once. Toshi grabbed onto the sides of his chair as the ground shook. Even the camera was shaking from the impact. Freyja and Bridgette placed themselves on the couch. Erika, with Snowflake sitting diligently by her on the ground, sat on the arm of the couch by the busty actress, draping an arm around the shoulders of the girl. Hyunjin swung himself over the back of the couch before landing perfectly on one of the cushions. Archer attempted the same, only his attempt led to him falling on Hyunjin's lap.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, Hyunjin," Archer apologized, scrambling to sit on the floor by the idol. Hyunjin chuckled, along with the rest of the cast.
Shinzo snickered. "Before you ask, they're always like this." Hyunjin's face flared up.
"We are not," he protested.
Erika rolled her eyes. "Puh-lease, you two are pining more than a bee after honey."
"Where's a bee?" Hollie questioned, head snapping up and looking around. Her eyes were wide with panic.
Stephanie smiled, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hollie, dear, there's no bee. Erika was making a metaphor."
Hollie nodded. "Okay, gotcha…I need to get to sleep earlier tonight."
"I would ask if the energy is always this high for you guys, but I saw you filming for your episodes," Toshi interjected, a playful tone in his voice.
"Oh yeah, we love giving each other shit," Gura stated, a wide smile on his face. "Steph's a total mom, though, and ruins our fun."
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "As the oldest of our team, I just want to make sure that you all don't say something that could lead to drama."
Toshi cocked an eyebrow. "I thought you were only twenty-two."
"She is," Sophia confirmed. "Didn't you notice it with your cast too?"
"I mean, I knew Ignacio was the oldest and the rest of us were the same age as our characters," Toshi explained.
Eleanor nodded. "Crit, Celestial, and Petty all decided on actors who were the age of their character, with a few exceptions here and there like Steph, Kasumi, Gaikoku, and Masahiko."
"Oh my gosh, your foster brother is so cute by the way," Kokoro added, looking up at the eldest. "Can you give me his number?"
"Uh, is it really the best idea to ask a big sister for her little brother's number?" Toshi inquired.
"It isn't," Stephanie responded. "And the answer is still no."
Masahiko chuckled. "Fifth time you've asked, and the fifth time you've failed."
"Give up already, Koko," Kasumi teased. "Your teenage dreams won't come to fruition."
Kokoro huffed. "I don't what that word means, and I refuse to give up!" She stood up from where she stood and threw a triumphant fist in the air. "Riley will be mine!"
Gaikoku sighed. "If Kokoro winds up dead in a ditch somewhere, then we'll know why. She kept trying to hook up with an overprotective sister's little brother."
"At least the focus is off us," Hyunjin muttered.
Toshi glanced off-camera. "Well, while this has been super fun, it looks like we are out of time."
"That sucks," Sophia interjected.
"We didn't get to properly tease who all the couples are going to be, though," Shinzo whined.
"I think one is already pretty obvious," Kasumi teased.
Toshi snickered before turning his attention back to the camera. "Well, everyone, this has been the Post Game Talk Show."
All sixteen cast members waved at the camera. Some were waving wildly while others remained composed. "We'll see you all after the next episode."
*AN* Crit is unfortunately preoccupied tonight. So I, Petty am the one uploading this chapter for you~
Now here is an important announcement for those of you not on the discord, Oasis of Hope will be going on hiatus until Kuma-Kuma Land has finished. We have decided to do this in order to help free up our schedules some since all three of us writers have LoD spinoffs we will be working on, and we don't want to overwork ourselves. Thank you for understanding and I'll see you in the next update~
Review Section:
pokemansuperallstar
Freyja could easily be the ultimate Comedian in my books. She's brilliant!
Blazerxz
What I love about Danganronpa is that everyone has their own favorites and generally characters they loathe. It's what makes a fandom so fun to be a part of.
Solrac XD
Hehehe something need to be kept a secret maybe ;)
The Kobold Necromancer
SPOILER: It won't go well ^-^
Trust Me I'm Me
Hey I would have voted for Snowflake as best boy leader. He's fantastic!
NSPunny
You shall find out in the future ;)
Fee5H
Stay tuned to find out my friend!
Raz The Giant
Yeah sometimes it's fun to buck expectations when writing. It's been a blast because together we've done things that are a collective of our own ideas.
MudkipOfDespair
Snowflake is always the best boi! Long live puppers!
bellatrixshine
Haha Snowflake is Bennu's mascot. Hands down!
doomqwer
Oh thing are bound to get bad soon.
Magus1108
Yeah it's nice to see someone actually has Shinzo's back. He's trying so hard to keep shit running lol