Kaede walked into the foyer, seeing the food court in front of her. Tsumugi already seemed hard at work in the kitchen, and probably didn't want to be disturbed, whereas Angie had returned to her room to pray.

A few students had been attracted to gather there already by the smell of cooking – Kokichi and Ryoma had both wandered over from the warehouse, sitting at the same table. Kokichi was a ball of energy, constantly moving about in his chair. Ryoma had a severely unimpressed look on his face. Keebo was also present, seated at his own table, glancing nervously towards toward the still blocked off stairways every now and then.

And for good reason- Monokasei had taken Monomizu's place as a guard, standing watch around halfway between the edge of the food court and the western staircase. Where Monomizu had been mostly silent and still, she seemed to be always bouncing with movement slightly in a manner not unlike Kokichi in his chair, a mechanical sounding giggle escaping her occasionally.

Determinedly ignoring their overseer, Kaede walked over to Ryoma and Kokichi's table. "Heya, you two." She said, raising a hand in greeting as they turned to look at her. "How's your day been?"

Ryoma opened his mouth to speak, but Kokichi beat him to the punch. "Oh Kaede, it's been just dreadful!" He sobbed, big fat tears streaming down his face. "Ryoma was in the warehouse, gathering up a whole bunch of tools for murder! I caught him in the act, and he threatened to hurt me! Please, saaaave me!"

Ryoma just sighed, drumming his fingers on the table in irritation. "If anyone needs to be saved here, it's me. I've had to put up with these 'jokes' for hours."

"What? I hate lies and jokes, you know?" Kokichi said innocently, though the fact his tears had suddenly vanished and he had a big smile on his face said plenty.

"Kokichi, you shouldn't say something like that even as a joke." Kaede said with a frown. "I don't know if it's your way of coping or whatever, but can you please be a bit more considerate?"

"Yes mom! I'm sorry, mom!" Kokichi still had his wide smile, and Kaede just sighed. 'Guess he's not going to listen to me that easily…though I have to admit, being able to cry on command like that is amazingly impressive.'

She pulled out a chair and sat down next to Ryoma, Kokichi sitting across from her. "Still…what were you two doing at the warehouse?"

"We were looking for snacks!" Kokichi chirped happily, putting his hands on the back of his head and leaning back in his chair.

Kaede rolled her eyes. "What you were actually doing-"

"Uh, he's actually telling the truth on that one." Ryoma admitted with a scratch of his neck, expression sheepish.

"Huh? Really?" Kaede was surprised to hear that from Ryoma of all people. "I mean, I know there's food in there, but we're about to have dinner…"

"Oh, the snacks aren't for right now, silly! They're for the movie night Ryoma is planning!" Kokichi whispered conspiratorially.

"Oh, that makes sense. And it sounds like a great idea, actually!" Kaede smiled. It would certainly be another thing to increase group morale and cohesion.

Ryoma nodded seriously. "Yeah, in the A/V room. I don't know when exactly, but everyone's welcome." He looked pensively up at the high ceiling, chewing on his candy cigarette. "Don't underestimate the small things in life." He glanced back down at Kokichi after a moment. "For what it's worth, this guy knows a lot more about junk food for a casual party than me. I was gonna ask Tsumugi, but…"

"…Yeah, I'm not sure that's really her kind of cuisine." Kaede laughed. "Don't get me wrong, she's a great cook. But that kind of party is…almost supposed to have bad food, right?"

"Oh?" Kokichi's eyes gleamed with interest. "You're absolutely correct of course, but how do you have that opinion? Do you have a memory of going to any parties, Miss Ultimate Amnesiac?"

'Do I? Hm…' Kaede racked her brain for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I still don't have any memories of specific events or places from before I woke up here. But I do seem to have memory of various pieces of 'general knowledge' information?" Seeing their inquisitive stares, she explained. "Like…when I woke up in the classroom, I recognised that it was a classroom, but I have no memory of being in one before. I can recognise what objects are and still understand language. So that kind of…subconscious memory, I guess? Seems to still be there."

"What I choose to take away from that," Kokichi said seriously. "Is that bad party food is a universal truth." He nodded sagely.

Kaede couldn't help but laugh loud enough for Keebo to turn in his chair and stare at her in concern.

Shuichi panted as he wiped his brow of sweat, his muscles aching as he lowered the hand weights back onto their storage rack. "How…long have we been in here?"

Kaito, who was also out of breath but considerably more composed about it, shrugged as he picked up a fresh towel. "Dunno. Few hours or so?"

"Miss Tsumugi will be cooking right around now!" Gonta said cheerfully. He'd eventually broken off from practice to come and watch the two of them work out, occasionally giving some advice. Korekiyo had seemingly finished his exercise a while ago, but had chosen to stick around and watch as well for some reason.

"Nice- a full belly is just what we need after that!" Kaito said excitedly, then paused and sniffed the air. "Uh, need a quick shower first."

Shuichi tensed as he heard that, keenly aware of how sweaty he was. "Uh, yeah…I'm gonna have mine back at my room."

Kaito and Gonta both looked at him in confusion. "Eh? Why?" Kaito scratched his head. "We're all guys here, right?"

"I-I just don't really feel comfortable showering around others." Shuichi tried to explain, not meeting Kaito in the eyes. Kaito opened his mouth to say more, but hesitated as he seemed to think of something, before nodding his head.

Gonta however, had no such reservations. "But each shower in cubicle! Not like anyone see-"

"Don't worry 'bout it Shuichi, I got it." Kaito said loudly as he not so-subtly elbowed the larger boy to silence him. "You've made some great progress today, but I won't push you if you're uncomfortable. Little steps, yeah?"

"Thanks for understanding, Kaito," Shuichi smiled softly. "I'll see you at dinner, yeah?"

Over the next half an hour or so, people gradually trickled in to the food court, lured by the aroma of good food. Kaede simply sat back and people-watched the whole time, observing as Shuichi emerged from the east corridor wearing sports wear, waving at her briefly before heading back to his room to shower. The trio of Gonta, Kaito and Korekiyo also emerged shortly after, already changed into their regular clothes and finding their seats.

After a minute, Shuichi re-entered the foyer from the dormitory corridor, along with Angie (Who had finished praying) and Tenko, who Kaede knew had also been in Gonta's lab earlier.

Miu, Maki, Himiko and Rantaro were the last to arrive, having spent most of the day in their rooms. Kaede made a mental note to try and talk to Maki or Miu next, unpleasant as those conversations might potentially be.

Soon the food court was abuzz with chatter, which dulled only as Tsumugi wheeled her cart around to deliver dishes to the awaiting hungry students. Just as she finished placing Miu's plate in front of her, the maid straightened and rapped an empty glass with a spoon, creating a loud ringing noise throughout the hall.

"Excuse me! Could I have your attention, please!" Tsumugi called out with authority.

"OW, my fucking ears!" Miu complained, rubbing at the side of her head. "You couldn't have taken a few steps away to do that, four eyes?"

Tsumugi ignored her, instead smiling pleasantly at the rest of the room. "Before you all dig in," Her eyes lingered on Kokichi, who was already stuffing his face. "Ah, some of you may already be aware of this, but Kaede, Angie and myself are organising a study group for anyone who's interested."

"A study group, nyeh?" Himiko groaned. "Sounds like a lot of work…"

Seeing Tsumugi begin to flounder, Kaede stood up out of her chair. "Yes, it will be a lot of work, which is why it's optional. But it's a productive way to spend time, right? We were supposed to be attending school after all."

"It does sound interesting…" Shuichi spoke up, face flushing scarlet as the groups eyes turned to him. "Uh, I mean…I'll go?"

"It does sound like an efficient way to keep our minds from…wandering." Keebo said, still staring nervously at the Monodroid watching over them all.

"Gonta already going!" Gonta yelled cheerfully.

Tenko's eyes darted around the tables for a moment, then she sighed. "I'll go as well, if only to ensure none of these boys get out of hand."

Tojo looked hesitant, but nodded her head in agreement. "I…am not sure how helpful I can be, but this is the sort of thing people our age are expected to do…I will do my best to comply."

"Nyahaha! It's quite the turnout already!" Angie shouted in joy, throwing her hands in the air. "Atua smiles on those who seek knowledge!"

"Anyone else?" Kaede added, looking at Ryoma and Kokichi on her table. "How about you guys?"

Ryoma shook his head solemnly. "I'll pass. It does sound like a good idea, but I'd probably just be in the way. Besides, I've got my own event to plan, remember? I'll fill everyone in on the details in a few days."

Kokichi merely belched loudly, before wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "Eh, sounds boring." He then returned to eating, shutting everything else out.

"Maki? Miu?" Kaede could already guess the answer, but figured she may as well try.

"Aw hell no!" Miu snarled. "What good is studying gonna do when we're trapped here? The more time I spend in my room the better, as far as I give a shit!"

"…I'm also going to have to say no." Maki said quietly.

"Aw come on Maki Roll, don't be like that!" Kaito tried to butter her up.

It didn't work, as she stared at him incredulously. "Maki…roll?" She seemed at a loss for words for a moment, before scowling. "Don't call me that. Anyway, are you going?"

"Me, uh well…" Kaito floundered. "Uh, maybe? I'll probably just wing it and see what I feel like."

"How reliable." Maki said with a roll of her eyes. "You can think I'm being antisocial if you want, but I'm least I'm clear in my answer."

"And that's perfectly fine." Angie said smoothly. "This is a fun activity, and it's no fun if you're being forced to come! That said, it wouldn't hurt to be a little more involved in the group, hm?"

Maki just sighed. "…I'll consider it." She relented eventually.

'Well, that's progress at least.' Kaede thought with triumph. "That just leaves you, Rantaro."

The magician shrugged, cape shifting on his shoulders. "Sure, why not? Beats sitting around in my room twiddling my thumbs."

Miu smirked. "Heh, more like fiddling with your-"

"Shut up, Miu." Everyone said in unison.

After dinner, Kaede cornered Maki in the dormitory corridor. "Ah, Maki! Wait up!"

The astronaut paused, her hand stopping just shy of her door handle. Turning, she stared at Kaede with irritation in her eyes. "Did you need something from me?"

"Ah, no." Kaede breathed, smiling in what she hoped was an encouraging manner. "I just wanted to say, about the study group-"

"I already said I'd consider it." Maki cut her off. "What more do you want me to say?"

"No, that's not what I meant. I wanted to thank you."

Maki's brow furrowed in confusion. "Thank...me? For what?"

"For considering it." Kaede stated, giving Maki a pointed look. "I don't much about you, other than the fact you clearly don't like the idea of getting close to anyone in this situation. So, 'considering it' is actually a fairly big step for you, right?"

Maki's frame tensed, like a dog raising its hackles. "...Don't give me your armchair psychology. I said what I said to stop annoying people like you and Kaito from pestering me, but apparently it isn't working."

'You're losing her, Kaede.' "You know, Maki..." Kaede crossed her arms across her chest as she thought of a different angle. "Astronauts are trained for dangerous situations, right? And they have to work in a team, right?" She let the implication speak for itself, to see if Maki took the bait.

"Yeah, that's right." Maki sighed with frustration. "And we train with our teammates for years. There's a bond of trust there that you cant just create instantly with total strangers. Not to mention that in those dangerous situations, my teammates aren't the potential problem. Its not at all a comparable scenario."

Well, I got her to talk at least. "I guess you have a point." Kaede conceded for now. "How did you become an astronaut so young, anyways?"

"It's...a long story." Maki said as she brushed her bangs away from eyes self-consciously. "But I've grown up around stuff to do with space for...a long time. There simply was never any doubt about what I'd do with my life."

"That kind of certainty must be nice..." Kaede said with a groan. 'I cant even be certain about my past, never mind my future...'

"Yeah...I guess. I never really thought about it." Maki continued, ignoring Kaede's complaint. "Space is like...the number zero. And that's good."

"Eh?" Now it was Kaede's turn to scrunch her face in confusion. "Zero...is good? How?"

"Zero is empty, right? Like a void." Maki said with a shrug. "But, its also infinite. Empty things exist to be filled. Zero is a number of potential, and space is the same." For the first time, Kaede saw the hint of a smile on Maki's face. "Anyway...do I have your permission to go to bed now, master?" She said sarcastically, and the moment vanished.

Without waiting for a reply, Maki went into her room and closed the door behind her with a soft click, leaving Kaede to ponder her words.

RANK UP: THE HIGH PRIESTESS, UPRIGHT

INTUITION, HIGHER POWERS, MYSTERY, SUBCONSIOUS MIND

'Hm...infinite potential...' Kaede felt her mind working overtime as she turned and headed to her own room. The idea was pleasing to her. She entered her room but made no move to prepare for bed.

The night-time announcement would sound soon, and after waiting until most people would be asleep, Kaede had some extracurricular activities to attend to. Firstly, she had a list of items to take from the warehouse, such as a portable whiteboard like the one Tsumugi had for the study group, and bring it back to her room-

*Ding Dong Ding*

"Goood evening students! It is now 10pm, and as such it is night-time! The food court is off limits now, so be caaaareful!"

Kaede rolled her eyes as the announcement played, taking a seat on the edge of her bed.

"Oh, and something has just landed on my desk- priority faculty announcement! All students, pay attention- its time for your motives!"

Her head jerked up at that, suddenly no longer relaxed. Motives? He couldn't mean...

"Puhuhu...bet that got your blood flowing. Yes, the motive is a beary special part of your studies here. Killing strangers to survive isn't as easy to stomach as it sounds, so I've provided all of you with some...incentive. A special video has been added to the menu of your handbook, personalised just for you! Watch it, don't watch it, kill, be killed...the choice is yours. Sweet dreams everyone!"

The speakers fell quiet, leaving Kaede with the noise of her own her own heart pounding. 'I should have figured something like this was coming. But couldn't he have given us more time? I…We're not ready…'

Hands shaking, she slung her backpack off her shoulders and extracted her handbook, turning it on. Sure enough, a new textbox simply labelled 'Motive' had been added to the menu. Kaede stared at it for a few minutes, finger hovering over the screen. This was obviously a trap, but…

'I need as much information as I can get. I can't turn my eyes away from this, even if I want to.' Steeling her resolve, she reached out with her finger and lightly tapped the option.

Instantly, the screen was filled with an image of Kaede's silhouette, with her name listed underneath in an artsy, garish font, and a recording of Monokuma's voice began to speak. "It's time for the ever popular motive video! Who's the most important person in your life? Now, without further ado…Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate *BZZZT*." The wording was drowned out by a crackling of static, and Kaede felt her anger rise even higher.

"This talented young girl has certainly been making waves." Monokuma continued, voice full of mock-praise. "But what makes her heart tick? Let's take a look…"

The video changed, and was no longer a still image. It was a camera feed of a girl sitting on a chair in the centre of a white room, and at first Kaede thought she was looking at herself. The person did indeed look remarkably similar to her, down to the hairstyle and face, but there were some differences. They seemed thinner, and were wearing what looked like some kind of formal pink blazer that seemed too big for them. The blazer had on emblem on the lapel- an hourglass, the top half of which had an eye in its center, and the bottom half was colored in purple.

The girl looked nervously into the camera- and rightly so, because she was flanked by two burly guards armed with assault rifles, their faces blurred out.

"Oh, am I seeing double?" Monokuma simpered. "Yes indeed…Mr and Mrs Akamatsu were blessed with two lovely twin girls- Kaede and Kameko. While Kaede soared high above the masses with her talent, Kameko was always living in her sister's shadow. Let's see what she has to say, shall we?"

Kaede's gut clenched. 'Sister…I have a sister?' Before she could process that, the girl in the video became to speak.

"Sis, if you're watching this…then that means you were selected, right?" Kameko's voice was much softer and more timid than Kaede's, but there was a slight resemblance. "So…we might not ever see each other again. Then I want to say that…I'm sorry. I tried my best to hold things together while you were busy, but I've never been as strong as you are. I messed up, and you had to step in and clean up the mess I made. Now you keep me in the dark and turn me away when I want to help with the project."

Kameko was openly crying as she spoke, and one of the guards gruffly handed her a tissue. The kindness of the action was bizarrely out of place. "But…I still love you." She eventually said after dabbing at her eyes. "I've always loved you. And I think you're doing the right thing. So please…don't feel sad. Even if we never meet again, I'll be able to see the realized dream that you made possible. The paradise that everyone is building together with their own hands. That's…my final hope…"

The video froze, and Monokuma's taunting voice drifted out of the speakers once more. "Puhuhu…Kameko's final hope is to one day see the fruits of her sister's legacy. But I wonder…wouldn't it be just awful if she never got to see it? If something were to happen to her? I wonder what she's up to right now?"

Kaede could only watch helplessly as the video changed again, now switching to surveillance camera footage. Kameko was in a prison cell, and she looked to be in bad shape. Her hair was dirty and tangled, deep bags lay under her eyes, and her nervousness had devolved into outright panic as she frantically kept throwing herself at the prison door, banging on it and shouting for help to no avail. Her stylish blazer had been replaced with striped prisoner's clothes, and a wall mounted gun turret above the door tracked her movements casually, but made no attempts to fire on her.

"If there's no murder within 72 hours, her guts and brains will paint the walls. What's truly important to you? Choose wisely…Kaede."

And with that, the video file closed itself, and a new timer appeared on her menu screen, counting down. But all Kaede could think was...

'This...this is unforgivable!'

Monokuma Theatre

You know multiverse theory, right? Infinite branches, and all of them are true somewhere. So in one universe, I chose to eat a tuna mayo sandwich instead of a salad, or became the Prime Minister instead of a homeless bum. But don't you find that unnerving? So many 'myselfs', all so different. Which one is the 'true' me? Are they all alternate versions of me...or am I an alternate version of a much more impressive version of myself?

That's why I don't believe in that theory. There's one universe, and its mine. I'm not going to lose to anyone, not even my shitty rip off from another dimension.

16 STUDENTS REMAIN

Aaaaand another! I started Uni recently, and that's taking up the majority of my time I'm afraid. But yeah, we finally get to the first motive! I'm sure it will all work out fine...right?