*~ Shotaro ~ Shotaro's Dorm

Ugh… What a nightmare…

I shift in my bed as I begin to wake up. I eventually find the energy to open my eyes, expecting to see the black-painted walls of my room—maybe even Suzuka or my mother if they were checking up on me.

But as my eyelids slowly open, all I can see is the same white ceiling of the Switzerland room. I pinch myself lightly, and nothing changes.

Oh Gods, it wasn't a dream…

I get up to a sitting position and look around, before letting out a groan as I held my face in my hands. This couldn't be happening. I just can't bring myself to accept this. But, deep down, as much as I wanted to deny it, I knew this was my reality.

I… I really am trapped here… Just my luck.

There really isn't much else I can do other than get ready for another day in this hellhole. Getting to my feet, I throw open the closet to see exact replicas of the the outfit I had woken up in yesterday. In fact, I fell asleep wearing yesterday's outfit, didn't I?

Uh… Not even gonna question it.

After I throw on my attire for the day, I grab my guitar case off the floor and open the door. As I walk out, I turn back around to look at the plate and have it settle in my mind.

Switzerland… Why did I get Switzerland?

Inner ramblings aside, I take another turn and head down the hallway, towards the main lobby. From there, I see the doors to the cafeteria slowly close, as if someone just walked in.

Not much of an option at this point. There is food in there, Toku. It's not like someone is going to be in there murdering everyone… Right?

*~Shotaro ~ Cafeteria

There doesn't appear to be any screaming, so I would imagine I am in the clear. I take a deep breath and stroll through the cafeteria doors. When I look around, I see the others milling around. Some of them are eating their food, some have already finished. It appears the rest are just now grabbing their portion of the spread from the kitchen.

As I walk past the others, the dull chattering in the room seems to soften exponentially, and I immediately shrink further into myself. The atmosphere is very strong in the room—palpable and thick enough that you could cut it with a knife.

I glance around as I walk towards the kitchen, feeling rather unnerved by everyone.

Wow… Tough crowd.

After I grab my tray of fresh food from the generous selection provided, I walk back to the main room and look for a seat. There of course are plenty of open ones, but you always have to make the right decision of whom you sit beside.

I know they all seem pretty wack, but who isn't the craziest person here?

Looking around, I see Hayana sitting across from Kagaku, fawning over him worriedly with regards to how little Kagaku was eating. There, of course, is the Political Trio back at the same back table I met them at, digging into a Continental breakfast. There is Gin and Laurent, who are towards the center, drinking some tea. Iso, Masashi, and Misaki are in the center, with Misaki apparently resisting the urge to burst into chatter. Yumi and Kokushi are towards the back wall, with Kokushi sniping everyone with dark glances. Ai and Madoka are seated by a side table, enjoying their food, which looks much more appetizing than what everyone else is digging into, for some reason. Harper walks up from behind me, heading over to the Tachibana table, and finally, Athena is by herself at a corner.

Well Toku, everyone, but you, have already found their social niches. Time to make your choice. In this type of situation, alliances are everything. I have seen enough TV action dramas to know that.

I take another glance around the room, thinking over my options once again, when I see Yumi giving me a subtle wave. I point to myself to confirm if it's me she's waving at. She responds by nodding with a kind smile on her face.

But Kokushi is giving me the look…

"Don't worry, he doesn't bite… I think."

I jump up in the air for a split second at her reply, before remembering her talent. Guess I'm going to have to get used to that at some point.

I take another deep breath and will myself to walk over to the two siblings. Once I arrive, I slowly take a seat next to Yumi, with Kokushi eyeing me down. He is just motioning his head to the side, and I pick up on his clue. I quickly move one seat over, so now I am equal distance from both Yumi and Kokushi.

This could either go great, or go terribly…

"You can relax you know. I have no intention of killing you…Yet." Kokushi comments, my eyes bulging at the statement.

"Kokushi! I don't want you to scare Toku. He isn't going to do anything, so just calm down. I can handle myself." Yumi speaks up against her brother, but in a sincere and tender tone. The message appears to have made it across to the Tactician, and he closes his mouth.

"Sorry, Tokuda…" Kokushi mumbles and glances away from the two of us.

"W-Well… H-How have you both been doing…?" I ask what is probably the stupidest question ever.

How do you think they're doing, you idiot? They are trapped here just like you are.

My self-depreciating thoughts are halted when I feel a hand on my shoulder. It was Yumi, who was giving me a genuine look of understanding.

"I know how you feel, Toku. I can tell that everyone here feels the same way. We just have to breathe and think about this rationally." Yumi says, her words calming me down.

As if on cue, I see the Political Trio stand up and head towards the center of the room. Bree knocks her hand on the table surface as if it were a door. "Excuse me everyone? Can we have your attention please?" Bree requests, with all of us doing what she says, turning to her.

I don't know if they turned because they actually cared, or because they know what those three are capable of…

"I think it is a mixture of both." Yumi whispers to me.

I am still not used to this, you know, mind reading thing.

"Whoops. Sorry about that."

With our inner monologues completed, Ryu stands up prim and proper before everyone.

"As you all know by this point, it seems that we have been trapped here. It also seems like we have no form of communication either, seeing as our phones have all been confiscated." Ryu addresses us, but my attention immediately shifts elsewhere.

I check through my pockets and don't feel it's familiar presence. I quickly open up my guitar case too, but to no avail. My phone really has disappeared.

Shit.

With no reason to look further, I turn my head back up to the trio.

This time, Yamato steps forward, clearing his throat before speaking, "After some discussion, Bree, Ryu, and myself have decided that it would be best to remain calm and refrain from doing anything reckless, such as challenging our captors."

"Well what do you think we should do other than that, hotshot? Just go with their game?" Iso questions while standing, an annoyed tone in his voice.

"I agree with the male leader of the cheering! How else would you propose we stop this foolishness? It isn't as if I can construct a robot to blast a hole through the walls of this prison!" Kagaku retorts, taking Iso's stance on the matter.

Male leader of the cheering? Really?

Ryu looks over at them with a serious expression. "We're aware of how absurd it seems, but it's still safer to just play along for now. After all, we have yet to see what they are truly capable of."

"But we are, aren't we?"

Ai, ever the hellion, pipes up. "I distinctly remember being on a private plane bound for Austria before everything went black—if they have the resources to kidnap me, they have more than enough to keep us here."

"Oh yeah?" Kokushi grumbles, folding his arms. "If you really are as famous as you imply yourself to be, why have I never heard of you?"

"Kokushi, my darling, do you know who I am?" she riffs back, her smile growing. "I'll have you know I graduated top of my class in—"

A finger in front of her mouth silences her. "Ai, shush. Let them speak." Madoka cautions, before yelping when Ai clamps down her teeth on him.

"Oi, oi, oi!" Ryu cuts in, mildly annoyed. "We're getting completely off-topic here! What matters is that we need to keep constant vigilance for that...manatee and his assistant, since we still have no idea who they are or what they can do to us."

Iso has just about abandoned his chair and stormed over to confront him. "But who are you going to risk to find that out? We can't just sit here and do nothing." At this point, Iso was right in Ryu's face, shooting him a challenging look, to which Ryu returned.

It's the first day and people are already fighting… we're so screwed.

Luckily, before things could escalate, Yamato squeezes in between them and pushes the two away from each other. "That is enough. If we fight amongst ourselves, we won't accomplish anything." He then glares sternly at Iso. "As for what our action should be, we need to investigate for any clues on our whereabouts and who could possibly be behind this."

Bree then joins the fray, putting a hand on Iso's shoulder. "We're not suggesting we give up, we just need to be smart about this and get an idea of what we're in for before we do anything too reckless." Her expression then changes to a more carefree one, giving him a mischievous smirk. "Don't worry, when we find the jerks responsible for this, we'll totally kick their asses!"

Iso's hard glance jumps from Bree, to Yamato, then to Ryu. "...Fine." He finally concedes as he turns to make his leave. "If we're going to investigate, then I'm going to start now."

Soon after Iso walks out the door, Athena stands from her seat and follows suit. "We might as well. Better now than later." Just as she says that, everyone else begins to stand up and flood out of the cafeteria in small groups.

"Well, at least they're listening to us. Kinda." Bree mutters, as we watch Ai take a mock bow before vacating the room, leaving just the Political Trio and me.

"We better start too…" Ryu says, straightening out his suit before turning to his accomplices. "Can one of you please keep an eye on our resident cheerleader? It would be awfully troublesome if he made trouble with our captors."

"Very well. I volunteer as tribute." Yamato replies before making a beeline for the door, Bree following him.

"This ought to be interesting. I'll join you." Bree says to the politician as they exit.

Which leaves me with...Double-O-Seven here. Great, is he going to interrogate me? Reveal all my secrets? Or-

"Toku, you have a weird look on your face." Ryu's voice derails my train of thought.

"Wha—?" I say dumbly, surprised by his statement. Judging by the look he was giving me, I probably did have a weird look on my face as I was thinking about all the terrible things he could potentially do to me. I quickly compose myself before cautiously walking over to him. He must have picked up my nervousness, because his expression softened slightly.

"Relax Toku, I don't bite." He said chuckling a bit. As he said that, I felt myself relax a little.

"Hehe...Right." I say nervously, feeling a bit ridiculous for being slightly afraid of him. I hardly even know him.

Would you like to hang out with Ryu?

{Do I even have a choice?}

License to kill - stay far, far away.

"So, umm." I start after a moment of uncomfortable silence, not entirely sure what I should say. Damn my social awkwardness. "Do you think we'll find any leads?"

"Depends. Define 'leads'." Ryu replies with a grin, and I find myself thrown back into the spotlight.

"Uh...The identity of the person or persons who trapped us here?"

His friendly expression immediately hardens up. "I doubt we'll find a solid clue to who is behind all of this, but we might at least learn where in the world we are. There might also be a chance we could find a means to escape."

"A means of escape…" The phrase feels...hopeful, as I repeat it and let it settle in my mind, but I don't know how else to feel about it.

Should I be happy to get out of here, or should I be sad for having to stay here any longer...?

I breathe. "If there is a way out, we are bound to find it sometime."

Ryu simply nods in agreement. "Of course. With the size of our group being as big as it is, I'm sure we'll find something eventually." He glances away, lost in thought. "Besides, this isn't the first time I've been held captive. I'll admit, though, at least I knew who I was dealing with then."

"Not the first time? I wouldn't expect a spy like you to have been caught before." I questioned, wondering what other situations he could have been in.

Ryu lets out an amused chuckle at my comment. "I may be the best now, but I certainly didn't start off that way." He glances back at me with a slight smile. "I was only about twelve when I got into this line of work, after all."

Holy shit... Twelve years old? Really? What is this guy, a superhuman?

"How did you become a spy at the age of twelve? Is that even legal?" I am thoroughly confused.

Isn't there like some child labor law that prevents that?

Ryu leaned in closer and began to look me over, as if he was checking for something. It felt kinda uncomfortable having this guy eye me like that...After he was done, he backed off. "Normally, I wouldn't give this information about myself out to people, but I have the feeling I can trust you Toku."

He then led me to the back of the room before opening up. "My uncle took me in as an apprentice shortly after my parents went MIA on a mission, you see. It was him who cultured my talent for espionage since I was young."

"Damn... That sounds both impressive and disheartening. Are your parents still missing?" I inquire with genuine concern. Knowing that I am a select few of people who have heard that might mean it could be a touchy subject.

"Technically yes, but…" He trailed off, sighing. "I think we all know what really happened to them."

"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that, Ryu. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, I understand." I look towards him with concerned eyes.

I hope he isn't too tormented by this whole mess.

"It's fine. I've come to grips with the reality of this job. As risky as it is, it's still my duty to protect civilians." He then placed a hand on my shoulder. "That's including this group."

I feel my eyes light up and my heart warm at those words. "You really do deserve that title don't you? Well, we aren't leaving all the work to just you. We are all going to protect each other, you hear me?"

After hearing that, Ryu smiles at me. "Good to hear. It appears that I was right to trust you then. And now if you'll excuse me..." He lets go of my shoulder and begins walking towards the door. "I have some investigating to do. I trust you'll do the same?" He asked, glancing back at me.

"Right behind you!" I say, as I take my steps following Ryu. I feel like I got closer to Ryu over the endurance of this conversation.

FTE Complete!

You obtained a Hope Shard!

*~Shotaro ~ Dorm Hallway

After we had left the cafeteria, Ryu and I went our separate ways to begin our own investigations. I noticed he was heading to the lobby, so I decided to go the other way to where the dorms were. As I turned, I noticed Yumi leaning against the wall by herself.

What was she doing? I thought she had left with her brother.

Yumi turns her head to me as I start heading her direction. "Kokushi went off to look through his room while I'm waiting here for him." She said before smiling slightly. "You are welcome to keep me company if you would like to, Toku."

I was tempted to join her, despite knowing I had to investigate. In all honesty, I had no idea what I was doing, so maybe I could hold it off for a while.

Besides, Yumi seemed like a nice enough person to hang out with.

Would you like to hang out with Yumi?

{She is too nice not to.}

Too much meta.

"That's good to hear. Knowing Kokushi, it is going to take him a while to be able to sort through and examine examine everything. So, in the meantime, what do you want to do?" Yumi asks, as I lean against the wall next to her.

"Hmm." To be honest, I wanted to know what reading minds was like, but I'm not sure if I could ask her that.

As bad as I am with talking to people, I'm probably worse talking to girls…

"Don't be so down on yourself! You sound just fine, though I do hear a slight quiver in your voice...but that's besides the point." Yumi addresses the thoughts in my head, once again. I think I am just getting used to it now.

"So you want to know what reading minds is like, yes? Well, it is an interesting topic. The best way to describe it, is just like you hear the person's thoughts as if they were saying it."

"I see. Is it something that you can control or do you just hear everyone's thoughts all the time?" I inquired.

If it was the latter, I think I would have gone crazy.

"It's something I control... Most of the time." Yumi says, as she turns her head and holds her left arm. "Sometimes, I just can't stop hearing them, so I get really stressed out."

"Oh.." After hearing that, I kinda feel bad now. She must be very strong-willed to be able to put up with that. "S-Sorry." I find myself saying.

"No, no! It's okay, really. I have grown used to it. It isn't all that bad after a while. Though, there are some things I wish I could have not heard." Yumi says that last bit even quieter than usual.

I looked at her curiously.

What things could she have possibly heard?

It's probably best I don't push it, so I drop it and try to think of something to say. "Umm..."

Damn it. Once again, my lack of social skills screw me.

Luckily for me, Kokushi decided to show himself. "I didn't find anything suspicious, other than more...lederhosen." He visibly shuddered after saying that.

Yumi instantly turned around at Kokushi's presence, but I could feel like she had something else she wanted to say. She just smiles with a small giggle at Kokushi's shuddering. "Well, I guess you have a good amount of extra clothes then. I wouldn't mind seeing you in some green."

"Like hell I'm gonna play dress-up." He replies before noticing me and sparing me a glance. "Let's go search your room now. I doubt we'll find anything, but we should still be thorough."

"Alright then." Yumi turns back to give me a wave as she and Kokushi start to walk off towards her room. "Have a good day now, Toku!" She somewhat cheers with a smile. Once they disappear into her room to investigate, I am left alone to wonder.

It seemed like something was troubling her... What was it?

FTE Complete!

You obtained a Hope Shard!

After the two siblings left to continue their investigation, I found myself alone again.

Well, I guess it's now or never…

As I walk away from the Dorm Hall, I find myself back in the lobby. A few yards away, I can see Kagaku walking with Hayana practically attached to his arm.

Should I go up to them?

Kagaku must have sensed some eyes on him, because he turns to look back at me. "I see the musical one has begun his investigation." He says, walking over to me, practically dragging a giggling Hayana with him. "Tell me, have you acquired any useful information?"

I kind of jumped up in the air when he suddenly addressed me.

Would you like to hang out with Kagaku?

{Say yes to the madness.}

I feel like he is going to summon a robot to blow me up.

"Well... I haven't really found anything useful yet. Just talked with some of the others. How are you two holding up?" I ask, hoping to get the serious stare off of me for the moment.

Hayana, still holding onto Kagaku's arm, sighs in disappointment. "We haven't really found anything either. I'm kinda getting worried..."

Kagaku simply looks away in annoyance. "Perhaps we would actually find something if you would let go of my arm and investigate elsewhere."

I am just glancing back and forth between the two. Under my breath, I mumble, "I swear, you guys are an old married couple..."

They must not have heard me, because they continue with their conversation.

Hayana pouts at Kagaku's last statement, but eventually lets out another sigh as she lets go of him. "You're probably right. We might find something if we split up." Kagaku looks at her in surprise, like he didn't think she would actually listen to him. "Now if you boys will excuse me..." Hayana says, walking away to enter the next room.

"Has she been with you since you got here?" I inquire from Kagaku. If it is true, then the evidence will just keep piling up.

After watching Hayana leave, Kagaku turns his attention back to me. "Yes, that wedding planner hasn't given me a moment to myself since we met...Just what made her want to leave all of a sudden?"

"Probably the tone of voice you used. It was more serious and annoyed than usual. Do you think you might have hurt her feelings?" I am just trying to make up for conversation here, as I have no clue what I am saying.

"Hmph, why would I, a mad scientist, care for some girl's feelings?" He questions, looking away and making a sour face while crossing his arms.

"Well, I don't know, because you are a human being? Plus, for some reason, be it beyond me, you were the first, and still only, person that Hayana opened up to. That might say enough in and on itself." I sound as if I am giving a therapy session right now.

Yeah Hope's Peak, you can give me the title of SHSL Therapist anytime you want! Actually... Please don't. I don't want to deal with that many problems.

For a split second, Kagaku seemed to look...guilty? But he quickly shakes it off. "Tch, it's pointless to open up to people. Especially under our current circumstances." He then glances back at me. "Tell me, are you aware of what Tall Poppy Syndrome is?"

"Hm... It sounds familiar, but I can't say I know what it is exactly." I say as I now am wondering where he is going with this.

"Basically, when a person makes it apparent of how superior they are, they become a threat as well as the biggest target in a group." He explains. "Although I am obviously the superior one here, I am choosing to keep to myself so I don't become a target." He pauses for a minute, thinking something over, before speaking again. "This also can apply to more than one person, or an alliance who have taken authority."

"An alliance who has taken authority... Doesn't sound too good for the Political Trio." I say this, but there is something else in the back of my mind.

You say you aren't... With the way you talked at breakfast, you definitely sounded like you blew that cover...

He gives me a serious look, like he knew exactly what he was talking about. "Mark my words. By taking control, the Political ones have placed a huge target on their backs." He says before turning away and walking off. "After all, the tallest Poppy always gets cut first." I notice that he is heading in the direction that Hayana had gone off for.

I think I should leave him be... He doesn't seem to be in the best of moods now.

FTE Complete!

You obtained a Hope Shard!

I look around. There's nothing else of interest in the surroundings - might as well move on.

Choosing a random pathway to walk down, I venture off into the mostly-known but still unkown.

This feels peaceful...Too peaceful…

Author's Postscript:

And that's a wrap people! This is Mod Rev speaking. Sorry this one took extra long to post. The holidays and such happened. Not as long as the previous chapters, but hey, I think it still turned out good. I think you can all guess what is up next, but if you can't, no spoilers from me. I have one question for you guys. Did one of your votes get a FTE this chapter? If so, tell us in the reviews. I hope you guys have a good time now! Peace (Breaker) out!

Hero here. Apologies for taking so long getting this chapter out, but as Rev said, we've been busy. We hope you enjoy this chapter anyway. Tell us how you liked the FTEs! Any and all critiques are welcome! See you in the next chapter!

It's SD. Nothing much to say this time. Carry on. Wwwwwwww

Hey, Mákina here. Sorry for the delay with this chapter, but I guess we all got caught up with Christmas and the new year. Nonetheless, the new chapter is complete! See y'all later! Mákina out.

Salutations. Mod Keima here. I'm tired. Happy new year and take care.

Have a good day! ~ Mods Rev, Hero, Keima, Mákina, and SD