Sun's Joy: Academy of Despair

by pochapal

Sixteen students carrying the world's hopes on their shoulders suddenly find themselves in the academy of their dreams. But this hope soon turns to despair as they find there is no way out. Well, unless you count what the strange black and white teddy bear said. But really, who would actually go as far as to kill another? Surely there must be another way out. Right?

14. Despair's Call

A/N: Hey. Not much to say here other than things happen in this chapter quite a lot. Also to say free time events are now a thing and you're free to voice who you'd like to see get a free time event - without spoiling there are three free time opportunities in the next chapter (chapter 15) so if you want your say on who we spend time with, feel free.

Other than that, enjoy the chapter!

---

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"Attention you bastards! It is now seven am, marking the end of Night Time. The cafeteria has been unlocked, and the lights turned on. Here's to another day of mutual killing! Upupu~"

Marian was the first to reach the cafeteria, a short ten minutes after the morning announcement. Truth be told, she'd woken a little earlier than seven, but the memories of the trial and execution were still a little too fresh.

Unsurprisingly, all evidence of dinner and Chelsea's mess had been completely removed overnight. As per usual, the cafeteria was devoid of any food. Marian walked through to the kitchen and brewed herself a cup of coffee, before taking her seat at the large central table.

She was midway through her first sip when the next person arrived: Charlie.

"Morning," Marian said.

"Good morning," Charlie replied, sitting across from her. She smiled wistfully. "It's beautiful this morning, isn't it?"

"Isn't it always?" Marian mused. "The weather's been perfect practically every day."

"It's the tropical late summer," Charlie said. "It's the best time of year to grow plants that require more sunlight than others."

"Really?" Marian said. "That's pretty interesting."

Charlie nodded. "I've been thinking of trying to use some of the empty space in the garden to cultivate something of my own, but…"

"But?"

"I just… I don't know," Charlie explained. "It feels a little too much like I'm accepting living here, and if we escaped I'd have to leave my plants behind in the care of Monobear. I don't know if I could comfortably do that…"

"That's perfectly reasonable," Marian replied. "I'm not confessing to be an expert gardener of any kind, but I wouldn't trust Monobear with anything, especially not anything of value."

Charlie let out a sigh. "It's a shame, too…" she said. "I really wanted to show you guys some of my plants, before…"

"I see," Marian said. "Well, how's about this: when we get out of here, you show us your own garden that gave you your ETL title. It'd be fascinating to say the least."

"Really?" Charlie said, her eyes lighting up. "You really think that it'd be interesting?"

"I'm interested," Marian said. "I might not have the technical knowledge like you do, but if there are two things I love they're pretty gardens and supporting my friends."

"You truly think so?" Charlie asked. When Marian nodded, she started to tear up. "Wow, that's… I'm touched."

"Don't mention it," Marian said. She smiled wryly. "I'd offer to show you some of my court case files in return, but don't think it would be in good taste, considering. And the not so murdery ones aren't that interesting, if I'm being honest."

"That doesn't matter," Charlie said. "If it's your passion, of course I'm going to be interested. Friends support each other, right?"

"Right," Marian said. "So, it's a promise?"

"Promise," Charlie said.

At the same time, Nina and Carlos walked in, grabbing some food from the kitchen before sitting down.

"Morning," Marian said.

"Good morning," Carlos said, sitting next to Charlie.

"Sleep well?" Nina asked.

"You could say," Marian said. "About as well as you can forty-eight hours after what we've been through."

"I hope that doesn't mean you'll be too tired for our beach day," Nina said teasingly. "I play a mean game of volleyball and I want you on the winning team."

"In that case, how could I possibly let you down?" Marian said, giving a faux salute.

Nina giggled to herself. "I'll hold you to that promise, then," she said. "If we don't play to win, what's the point of playing?"

"Having fun?" Carlos pointed out. "It isn't quite a video game, you know?"

"Still," Nina said. She winked. "So long as if we're opposing each other we both try to kick the other's butt as hard as possible."

"Of course," Carlos said with a smile. "There's no fun if there's not some good-natured competition, you know?"

"Totally," Nina said. "I'm not talking anything like those douchebag pro-gamer types who seem to think you haven't won unless you've completely humiliated the other side…"

"That a thing that happens a lot?" Carlos asked.

Nina nodded. "Yeah," she said. "Especially with my multiplayer FPS games – a certain circle of players seems to think that they're entitled to dominate both the leaderboards and the public sessions."

"That sucks," Carlos said. "Isn't there anything you can do about it?"

"Oh, there is," Nina said with a grin. "You see, I like to play my own games as much as I like to develop them, so imagine these guys when the girl behind the game comes in and completely kicks their asses to the curb."

"Wow," Carlos said.

"It's an unorthodox method of maintaining a friendly, positive community space," Nina said with a shrug, "but it's one that works."

"And you manage to keep it up with all your online games?" Carlos asked.

"Well, I'm not alone," Nina said. "I may be a one-woman triple-A indie game team, but I do have some approved community moderators to keep things running smoothly. I'd never get any work done if I had to spend all my time keeping assholes from ruining the online communities!"

"Do a lot of your games have those problems?" Carlos asked.

"Actually, it's gotten a little better over the last year or so," Nina said sheepishly. "I've been kinda panned by pro-gamer media sites for being too PC or whatever – so the worst of the bunch have decided to boycott me until the gaming industry decides that we should stop censoring games that are blatantly offensive on multiple fronts."

"They really did that? That's… actually really dumb of them," Carlos said.

"Whatever," Nina said. "They're hardly the audience I want anyway. I like to aim for inclusivity in my games, you know? I want them to reach the widest audience possible."

"So that's why games like Carefree Starlight are so diverse in how they unfold?" Carlos said.

"Pretty much!" Nina said. "But even though I'm really proud of Carefree Starlight, I still have a long way to go."

"Huh? Really?"

"Yeah," Nina said. "You know, it's my dream to one day create a game that can accommodate anyone's style of play and can represent any type of person and experience. A game that can truly be universally played and enjoyed… that's what I really want to do."

"That's quite an admirable dream," Carlos said.

"What's your dream?" Nina asked.

"Huh," Carlos said. "That's difficult to say, really… I've never really had a concrete dream or goal or anything – I kind of just fell into my blogging without thinking, and even there I have nothing long-term planned for it. I guess I just don't really see myself as the ambitious type like that."

"I suppose that's fine, too," Nina said. "It would be wrong to assume that you can only get anywhere in life by having ambitions or dreams – it's just about choosing to walk down that path when you get on it."

"That's pretty sound advice, if you don't mind my eavesdropping," Marian said.

"I agree," Carlos said.

"Hey!" Nina said, her eyes lighting up in inspiration. "That's actually a really good concept for a game! Hundreds of different paths to walk down that all depend on who you are and how you approach life! Genius! Thanks, guys! I always end up feeling inspired whenever I talk to any of you."

"Uh, you're welcome?" Carlos said.

"Whatever we can do to help, I suppose," Marian said.

"This is really good," Nina said. "Maybe… yeah! That's how I could start it out!"

"Start what out?" Carlos asked.

"The game!" Nina exclaimed. "Oh man, how could I be so dense! The answer's right there!"

"You're talking too fast and not really saying much of anything," Marian said. "Could you explain what you mean?"

"Oh! Sorry! I just got a little excited there," Nina said, scratching the back of her head nervously. "I just realised that you guys would be a great basis for a game focused on diverse and rewarding paths. I mean, you've all achieved greatness in your own different ways, and what could be cooler than adapting the ETL experience into a video game?"

"I'm not big on games, but that does sound pretty impressive," Marian said.

"Yeah, yeah…" Nina said, deep in thought. "I know, we could do a dev session! I could work with each of you guys to bring everyone's perspective and thoughts together, and go about implementing our unique experiences into a game we could all truly enjoy. Of course, a dozen options isn't a complete game, but as an alpha test it would be quite solid, and we could use it as an opportunity to come even closer and start the creation of something truly wonderful…" She trailed off, rambling further and further.

"That's all well and good," Marian said. "But I hope you haven't forgotten our beach day?"

"No, not at all!" Nina said. "It's just an idea right now, anyway, and it'd take more than a day to get a picture of everyone's experiences and implement it into a playable game, so I wouldn't dream of taking away from today! I'm thinking of maybe asking around today and seeing if anyone's interested, then arranging times to speak with everyone to get the project started."

"Well, uh, I'm interested," Charlie said softly.

"Really?" Nina asked. "That's awesome, Charlie!"

Charlie smiled bashfully. "I really like the idea of a game that can bring everyone's experiences together," she said. "If you're okay with it, I could meet up with you to talk about it tomorrow, maybe?"

"That sounds great!" Nina said. "Yeah, starting our tomorrow sounds good – maybe we could meet up in the IT room?"

"Really?" Charlie said. "I mean, not to sound too negative, but isn't that where…?"

"I know," Nina said, "but think of it this way: we can make sure we stop associating it as a place of murder and instead turn it into a place that represents our collective unity. Anything to get us to stop thinking of Monobear and his game."

"Hey guys, what's going on here?" Chelsea said, walking up to the table and taking a seat. She was shortly followed by John, Melissa, Wyatt, and Ben.

"Morning, guys," Ben said. As soon as he sat down he started drawing. Wyatt sat next to him, drinking from a cup of coffee.

"Good morning," Melissa said with a warm smile.

"Hey," Carlos said. "Nina was just talking about her plans for us all to work together to create a game about us and our experiences."

"Oh?" John said.

"I mean, it's much less lame than it sounds," Nina said. "But the whole point of the game is to bring as many human experiences together in a way that everyone can connect with, and I figured what could be a better starting point than my friends?"

"Wait, so like we'd be in a video game?" Chelsea asked. "Dude, that's awesome!"

"Well, maybe not exactly Chelsea Dennis, the ETL Ballerina," Nina said. "But for all intents and purposes, you would represent one of the ways to play the game."

"Ah, so we'd all contributing diverging points in a sweeping narrative?" Melissa said. "That sounds pretty interesting; I've always had an interest in interactive fiction."

"Kind of," Nina said. "But think of it less like branching points from the main storyline, and instead think of hundreds of unique storylines that connect and intersect at various points that are all complete in their own right."

"That certainly sounds… expansive," Melissa said.

Nina shrugged. "Not to devalue it, but I don't imagine it'll be as much work as Carefree Starlight," she said. "All the storylines will embody the same themes and overall tone, unlike Carefree Starlight which went off in a hundred directions."

"Either way, it sounds really cool," Ben said. "I'd be honoured to contribute."

"Me too," Wyatt added.

"Guys," Nina said with a wide smile. "That's great! Thank you all so much!"

"So, uh, what's the plan for this anyway?" John asked.

"Oh, yeah," Nina said. "We were thinking of meeting up in the IT room tomorrow sometime? I'm thinking probably for individual consultation sessions so I can get a clear picture for each of you one at a time and properly lay the groundwork, and then we could all hang around together and have a large group session talking about where to go with it."

"I'd be on board with that," John said. "And after today's beach day, a less physically strenuous experience would be really welcome."

"Awesome!" Nina exclaimed. "I'll need to think about the timings today, but group game dev session is officially confirmed!"

"Hey, not to burst this bubble or anything," Marian said. "But we seem to be missing some people."

"Huh?" Carlos said. He looked around the table. "Oh, yeah."

"Well, I mean, we're obviously gonna be down two," Chelsea said, folding her arms. "Since Dirk's clearly made his priorities clear and we are not going to ruin today by talking about Ella."

"Well, ignoring them for now…" Carlos said. "Joel, Mark, and Naomi aren't here yet."

"You're right," Marian said. "Has anyone seen them?"

"Yeah, I did," Wyatt said. "Well, Mark at least. He said he was going to help Naomi and Joel get the supplies together for the beach day. Apparently the carts Shauna put together were moved to the storage room near the dorms for some reason with some of the stuff missing, so they have to refill them and bring them down two floors which will take some effort."

"Mystery solved, at least," John commented.

"I shouldn't even be surprised that Monobear would try and sabotage this somehow," Marian said. "I hope they're managing okay."

"Mark said it didn't look like much was missing," Wyatt said. "And Joel and Naomi are pretty fast workers so I don't imagine it'll take too long."

"They'll still have to grab some food from here," Nina said. "Let's hope they don't miss breakfast at least—"

"Whoo! Hey everyone!"

Everyone looked around to see Naomi burst through the cafeteria doors, followed by Mark and Joel who were pushing a large supply cart each.

"Ah, you guys made it," Nina said.

"Well, yeah," Joel said with an easy smile. "Nobody here seriously thought something had happened to us, right?"

"Not quite," Marian said. "But, we would have appreciated if you'd have checked in with the rest of us before vanishing for a while."

"My bad, sorry!" Naomi said. "I was just so excited for the beach day that I roped Mark and Joel into helping me without a second thought for the rest of you guys! If it helps, we used that time to get a bunch more stuff, including swimsuits~"

"Why… do you say it like that?" Carlos asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Naomi said. "You know, swimsuits?"

"Please tell me this is exaggeration," Wyatt said. "Because I'd sooner show up late and design my own from scratch than—"

Naomi let out a high laugh. "Duh, of course I'm messing around!" she said. "We just grabbed a bunch of different designs, styles, and colours from the pool. What, you didn't think I was implying there were sexytimes ahead, were you?"

"Oh my God," Wyatt said with a groan. Next to him, Ben started laughing.

"Well, I guess needless fanservice averted," Nina said.

Naomi laughed again. "Then again, we're all so gorgeous that even fully clothed we're fanservice central," she said. "Too hot to kill, and too hot to despair!" She struck a ridiculous pose.

"I can feel Monobear rolling in his grave as we speak," John said with a smirk. "It's good to have the worst of it all behind us."

"Yeah!" Naomi said. "We can detox ourselves of all these horrible feelings, then it's full speed ahead to escaping!"

"There's certainly an optimism to the air," Marian said. "You know, I think that we really have a chance to beat this game and get off the island if things keep going like this."

"Yeah," Charlie said. "We'll all get out of here, together."

"And on that positive note," Mark said. "Who wants to help us pick out some food to bring with us? Joel was great and found a couple of coolers for us to use."

"Anyone have any preferences?" Joel asked.

"Just so long as it's a solid beach barbecue menu I'm cool," Chelsea said.

"Noted," Joel said.

"If it's not too much of a problem, could I suggest picking up some vegetarian options?" Marian said.

"Sure," Mark said.

"You can't forget ice cream," Carlos said. "What's a day at the beach without ice cream?"

"Ooh! Ice cream! I can't believe I forgot about that!" Naomi exclaimed. She smiled widely. "Barbecues, ice cream, and having fun with all my friends! Today is gonna be awesome!"

And then, as if on cue… it happened.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"A-hem! This is an important announcement from the headmaster of Sun's Joy Academy. All students are required to come to the meeting hall at once. It's urgent!"

A hushed silence fell over the cafeteria as everyone looked around at each other.

"And yes, this means everyone! Full attendance is mandatory, so don't think you can get away with not showing up with some lame excuse like being a group expatriate under normal circumstances! In fact, I'm declaring these to be exceptional circumstances – all restrictions on exiled students have temporarily been lifted! See you all soon… upupu…"

The PA system clicked off.

"That was…" Wyatt began.

Marian promptly stood from her seat. A grim look was on her face. "Whatever he's about to say or do—do not let it get to you. Remember, the goal is to ignore him and this game he's trying to play with us. If need be, focus on the beach day ahead of us instead. We can't let him win."

"Still," Mark said. "We don't know what he's going to do…"

"It could be like yesterday morning again…" Nina said. "That—that wouldn't be good."

"Or, what if he locks us in this building again?" Chelsea said. "You know, to get an ironic kick out of history repeating itself?"

"I don't think it'll be anything like that, I hope," Melissa said. "I mean, having our plans for a day at the beach get thwarted at the last minute by suddenly restricting our movement has already been done. Monobear's aiming for a murder mystery – repeating events and motive is not something that happens."

"Yeah, but this isn't a story," Joel said. "What's it matter if we get the same things over again?"

"I think Monobear would get bored too easily if that were the case," John said. "As we saw with the school trial, he tends to favour the flashy and dramatic. Repeating past events would make this killing game grow very stale very quickly."

"Anyway," Marian said. "Whatever it is, we'll get past it. We'll ignore it."

"And then we can head to the beach?" Naomi said.

"I think it'll be a welcome distraction," Marian said. "Because that's what we're doing today – we aren't going to listen to whatever Monobear would want us to do."

"All right…" Ben said. "If that's what you say."

"I think we need to be a little more positive," Carlos said. "I mean, there's nothing that says this has to be bad, right? Besides, I don't think we can really get any worse than yesterday…"

"Yeah, I think you're right," Charlie said softly. "We just need to stay positive."

"Let's go then," Marian said. "Bad thing or not, it's probably not a wise idea to keep Monobear waiting."

---

Everyone filed out of the cafeteria, leaving the supplies for the beach behind, and headed downstairs to the meeting room's large double doors. Marian took a step forward, then turned to everyone else.

"Remember," she said. "Don't let his despair get to you. We'll be fine, okay? Just believe in us if you can't believe in what's beyond this door."

"Yeah," Naomi said. "Just think about how much fun we'll have at the beach later on instead, yeah?"

Marian turned towards the double doors, took a deep breath, then grabbed the handles. "Okay, let's go."

She opened the doors and stepped into the meeting hall, followed shortly by the others. Just like yesterday, the meeting hall was completely empty. Everyone's footsteps echoed around as they filed inside.

"I wonder what he wants…" Nina said.

"Whatever it is, I hope it's over with quickly," Melissa said.

"I mean, he's not here…" Ben said.

"He'd better hurry," Chelsea said, folding her arms. "I swear to God, if he makes us wait…"

"Uh, what's that?" John said. He pointed to the far side of the room, just in front of the stage.

The first thing of notice was that Dirk and Ella were already there, looking at each other with unreadable expressions. The second was that there was a large pedestal in front of the stage, with a glass dome over the top.

"Dirk," Marian said by way of greeting as she walked up to them.

"Yo," Dirk said flatly. "By the way, if anyone's thinking of going off towards Ella—"

"We heard the announcement," Marian said. She turned to Ella. "We know you have no choice but to be here, so nobody's going to make an issue. Everyone's just going to keep to themselves, and we should be on our way before any confrontations arise."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ella said softly. She looked over to the rest of the students, where a few of them were trying their hardest to pretend she wasn't there. Chelsea, however, stared right at her. "Do you know anything more than us?"

"Sorry, no," Marian said. "We were all in the cafeteria when Monobear made the announcement, so nobody's really sure what's going on." She then motioned to the pedestal. "What's with that?"

"Take a look," Dirk said, motioning to it. Under the glass was what looked like an old-fashioned rotary dial telephone, half-white, half-black. There was also a digital timer on the pedestal that read 00:00:00.

"Any ideas?" Marian asked.

"I think the phone's connected to the timer, but other than that, no," Dirk said.

"Hey, uh, has it been here since the two of you arrived?" Mark asked. The majority of the students had moved closer to the stage, the only notable exception being Chelsea who hung around behind everyone else.

"Yes," Dirk said. "And, it's not operating under any kind of network – the timer might be connected to something, but since I can't look at the wiring, I won't be able to say for sure until it starts up."

"Is it just me or is this really not making sense," Joel said.

"Yeah, no, it's not," Carlos said. "Why is there an old-fashioned phone linked with a timer? I don't get it."

"It's probably related to whatever Monobear called us here for," Wyatt commented. "Which means it probably doesn't matter at all."

"Huh?" Dirk said. "I'm pretty sure Monobear doesn't do insignificant."

"It's our way of stopping the School Life of Mutual Killing," John said. "If nobody pays attention to Monobear or anything he throws at us, then the foundations of the game crumble and we can instead devote our time to finding an escape."

"But could it really be that simple?" Ella asked.

"Well, yeah!" Naomi commented. "Because if nobody's willing to kill or fall into despair, then there's no game to play, right? And there's nothing in Monobear's rules that say we can't do that, so we can totally ignore the killing in favour of trusting each other and finding a way out!"

"Sorry if that shoots any murder plans you have down," Chelsea said bitterly.

Ella looked down. "…"

"Chelsea," Marian warned.

"Nobody's dying," Nina said. "Let's not imagine any other possibility."

"So you all choose to have hope," Dirk said. "I'm not gonna shoot it down or anything – in fact, it takes guts to have that much faith and trust in each other, even under these circumstances."

"Well, of course," Joel said. "Anything to stop Monobear from being relevant, right?"

"Irrelevant? Are you bastards really calling me irrelevant? Oh, that's rich! If I cared, I'd be hurt!"

All eyes turned to the stage as Monobear leaped up from behind the podium and landed on top.

"So you decided to show up, at last," Dirk said scathingly.

"I think you'll find I'm fashionably late!" Monobear retorted. He tilted his head playfully. "Not that punctuality or time really matter in this school or anything – the School Life of Mutual Killing is a strong, independent murder game that don't need no deadline!"

"Never say that again," Dirk said.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Monobear said. "The School Life of Mutual Killing is a strong, independent—"

"Agh, just stop already!" Naomi said. "What do you want with us?!"

"Some of us did have other plans, you know," Ben said.

"Yeah, this is seriously cutting into the time we have to do better things," Nina said.

"Upupu… what is it I want?" Monobear asked. "Why, isn't it obvious?"

"Does it have something to do with whatever contraption you've set up here?" John asked.

"Bingo! The ETL Empath wins the prize of top student!" Monobear chirped. "Almost like you can read my mind! Scary, huh?"

"Just…" John said, faltering. "Just explain what's going on, please…"

"Okie dokie! Since you asked so nicely…" Monobear leaped off the podium and stood centre stage, posing playfully. "This here is a motive for you bastards!"

"…Motive?" Carlos asked.

"Yeah!" Monobear replied. "You know, kinda like why I locked you bastards in here a few days ago! A motive to get the blood pumping, running, and splattering everywhere!"

"And a telephone on a podium under a glass dome with a timer attached is supposed to drive us to murder?" Dirk asked. "Oh, do elaborate."

"Yeah, I don't see how a phone is gonna be a murder motive," Chelsea said.

"As far as motives go, I've read amateur fanfictions with stronger murder motives," Melissa said. "I don't… how is this in any way going to serve to perpetuate this game of yours?"

"Hey! I was just about to get to that!" Monobear snapped. "Oh, I don't make something crystal clear and suddenly I'm a second rate hack?! Oh, what a cruel, cruel world we live in…"

"Go on, then, clarify," Marian said sternly. "Stop wasting everyone's collective time and spill the beans."

"Upupu… well, if you really want to know," Monobear said, his red eye glowing. "I'm sure everyone's aware of the fact that ever since you've arrived here, access to the internet and phone networks has been pretty much non-existent and have been completely isolated from the outside world."

"Yeah, so?" Ben said.

"So then, I think it would be of interest to you bastards to know that I'm offering an opportunity to connect with the outside world!"

"You're what?!" Nina asked.

"Seriously?" Chelsea said.

"Yep!" Monobear said, blushing. "On the pedestal before you is my very own MonoPhone! It comes equipped with all the state-of-the-art technology, like being able to remotely communicate with another human being despite any outside influences or disruption!"

"So that's why it's so old," Dirk said. "Something that pre-dates modern mobile networks would of course be able to bypass any wireless restrictions."

"Wait, so does this phone really work?" Wyatt asked, sounding more desperate than he intended.

"Why, of course!" Monobear said. "The MonoPhone is guaranteed to connect instantly to any number you want to call. But, there is a downside…"

"Downside?" Mark asked.

"Yep!" Monobear said. "Because our budget can just barely accommodate international calls, the MonoPhone can unfortunately make just the one call before being forcibly and permanently disconnected from the network!"

"So, we get one free phone call? No restrictions?" Dirk asked incredulously.

"Indeed!" Monobear said. "Of course, I know what you're thinking – and yes, this phone can connect to emergency services! Police, military, the government – if you know the number, you can go ahead and call it! Of course, I'd recommend against such a futile endeavour, since rescue is impossible, but who am I to crush your worthless dreams?"

"Okay then, what do you recommend we use the one phone call for?" Wyatt asked.

"Why, that's for you to decide!" Monobear said. "Maybe you want to call up a loved one and give them the goodbye you never could, or maybe you want to call up that one childhood friend just to let them know you have feelings for them before you die, or maybe you just want to call up an enemy and give them one last eff you! The sky's your limit!"

"That explains the phone," Carlos said. "What about the timer?"

"Oh, that's part two of the conditions attached to the phone call!" Monobear said. "Just in case the promise of talking to the outside world wasn't enough, I've added a little insurance to make sure that this really does get the old murder instinct up and running. Once you've picked up the phone, the timer on the pedestal will activate with a forty-eight hour countdown!"

"A countdown to what?" Chelsea asked.

"Your deadline!" Monobear announced. "Once you pick the phone up, you will have forty-eight hours to either commit a murder, or be executed by yours truly! So basically by choosing to use the phone, you are effectively agreeing to the forfeit of at least one life! Plus, the countdown timer will signal to the rest of you bastards that a) you were too slow in getting to the phone and b) someone here has decided that their life has more objective value than yours! Isn't it wonderfully despair-inducing?!"

"That's… what…?" Mark asked, going pale.

"That's horrible…" Charlie said, tears in her eyes.

"It's just a fact of life!" Monobear said. "Everything has a price, and if you're not willing to pay that price, then you've given up your right to live!"

"What kind of flawed thinking is that?!" Naomi asked.

"Hey, don't blame me!" Monobear said with a shrug. "Blame capitalism!"

"You know what? No," Dirk said. "I'm done talking to you and acknowledging your existence."

"That's… what a cruel motive…" Melissa said. "This is heinous, dangling something so coveted before us, only to set the price in blood."

"Blah blah, save it for your next book cover," Monobear said. His red eye flashed. "That is, if you live that long… who knows who this motive will clam? Upupu…"

"Nobody." Marian took a step forward, glaring at Monobear. "Nobody will die as a result of this motive, I'm telling you that right now."

"Oh, I'm so scared," Monobear said. "What are you gonna do, Miss ETL Lawyer? Sue me?"

"I'm going to prevent anyone else from falling victim to your game," Marian said. "Nobody is falling into this trap of yours."

"We'll see about that…" Monobear said. "Upupu…"

"Are you quite done talking?" Dirk asked. "Because you've said everything that could be construed as useful. You're just wasting oxygen at this point."

"I'm hurt!" Monobear crooned, feigning a faint. "And after I so graciously spared Miss ETL Sound Engineer from execution!"

"Leave. Now."

"Bleh, whatever!" Monobear snapped. "Have it your way then, you bastards! I'll see you around, but I wonder which of you bastards will cross the event horizon first? After all, despair is but a call away… Upupu…"

And with that, Monobear left the students in the meeting hall in varying states of distress.

"This is the worst kind of motive," John said with a frown. "It's deliberately designed to play upon both our base vulnerabilities and our sophisticated desires. If we're not careful, this could be a truly diabolical trap."

"You know, anyone could fall for it, too," Nina said. "You could equally choose to sacrifice yourself in an attempt to call for help as you could sacrifice someone else for a few minutes of conversation…"

"We'll all know, too," Chelsea added. "Once that countdown starts, we'll know someone has betrayed our trust…"

"Guys…" Naomi said dejectedly.

"It doesn't matter," Marian said. "We're ignoring it. Nobody here is falling victim to Monobear's trap. Unlike the last motive, we can walk away from this one. And we will."

"You're so confident…" Chelsea said. "There's no way we could—"

"We'll all be at the beach today," Marian said. "Away from this phone. Nobody will have the opportunity to go near it."

"But can you really keep an eye on twelve people?" Chelsea said. "It wouldn't be hard for someone to slip away while we're all distracted and—"

"We'll stay here," Ella said, a determined expression on her face. "We'll keep watch over the phone and make sure nobody tries to use it."

"Nice try," Chelsea said. "Like that gives me any confidence that a murder won't happen. Would you like me to give you a selection of murder weapons while you're at it?"

"There'll be two of us here," Dirk said, giving Chelsea a scrutinising look. "Only one of us can use the phone, so it won't be hard to find out who. And, if one of us ends up dead, you'll have your culprit straight away."

"Still—" Chelsea began.

"We're the two most distrusted people here," Ella said plainly. "If the worst happens, there'll be no point hiding it and prolonging everyone's agony. Besides, wouldn't you rather have the people you'll miss the least end up dead than one of your friends?"

"She… has a point," Ben said hesitantly.

"…Whatever," Chelsea said with a frown. "Do what you want. Just, like, don't die, all right? I don't have the energy to care about going through another school trial."

"Thank you," Ella said. She turned to Marian. "In that case, am I permitted to stay in this room as long as we need to protect people from the motive?"

"Of course," Marian said. "So long as you both stay together."

"I won't do anything I shouldn't," Ella said.

"And thank you," Marian said with a small smile. "Both of you. This is a brave move, and it's a relief to know you'll be keeping everyone a little safer."

"So long as Monobear doesn't get the last laugh here," Dirk said. "You guys have fun with whatever it is you're doing exactly, and don't worry: we have this under control."

"Thanks, you two," John said. "So then, are we done here?"

"I think so," Marian said. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"

"Uh, talking about what kinda food to take with us?" Joel said.

"Oh yeah! I remember now!" Naomi said, clapping her hands together. "We were talking ice cream!"

"Well, we never did reach a consensus on which flavours to bring…" Nina said. "So, should we head back upstairs and continue our discussion?"

"Yes, let's," Marian said. "So how about we spend, say, the next hour or so deciding on which kinds of food we're bringing with us."

"It's just turned ten now," John said, "so would it be right to say we should aim to be at the beach for noon?"

"I'm cool with that," Naomi said. "We could start off with a beach lunch! Wouldn't that be awesome!"

"It probably would," Joel said. "There's not much on this earth that's better than food on the beach."

"So it's decided then," Marian said. "We should all be at the beach for noon, which gives everyone some time to get ready themselves. And just so everyone's clear, who's going to help carry the supplies across?"

"Me!" Naomi announced.

"I've already been helping out so far, so yeah, I'll do it," Joel said.

"I guess I could keep helping out," Mark said. "As long as I can take a quick break to grab my camera."

"That should be fine," Marian said.

"Hey, I guess you'll need some muscle with all the stuff we're bringing, so I'm in," Chelsea said.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to help out, too," Nina added.

"So that gives us five people helping with the supplies," John said.

"Make it seven if you count the two of us," Marian said. "We know our way to the beach so we can help everything move along smoothly. As for everyone else, feel free to use this time as you see fit and make your way to the beach for twelve. Is everyone okay with that?"

"I think so," Melissa said.

Wyatt gave a nod. "Yeah, I'm good."

"I don't have any problems," Carlos said.

"I think we can say everyone's on the same page," John said. "So, if you're not helping out with the supplies, we'll see you at twelve?"

"See you all then," Marian said.

"Stay safe," Dirk called out as everyone filed out of the meeting hall.

---

After leaving the meeting hall and parting ways with Charlie for the time being, Carlos found himself wandering the campus and enjoying the soft sea breeze. As he wandered around to the front of the central building, he found Ben sitting on the large fountain, scribbling away furiously in his sketchpad.

"Hey," Carlos said. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh?" Ben looked up from his sketchpad with a frustrated look in his face. "Sorry, it's just that none of my reference drawings are turning out very well. There's nothing worse than everything going poorly…"

After a moment's hesitation, Carlos decided to sit down next to Ben, feeling the cooling spray of the fountain water on the back of his neck. "Hey, do you mind if I see them? They can't be that bad, surely."

Ben scratched the back of his head nervously. "I mean, they're really not my best work, but if you really want to…" Silently, he handed his sketchpad over and looked away as Carlos opened it up.

Carlos looked down at the paper and… wow. They were good. Like, really good.

"These are amazing," Carlos said.

"You really think so?" Ben said, surprised.

"Yeah," Carlos said. "This is like… the best word I can think of is beautiful. I've never seen anything so good."

"That's… thank you," Ben said. "It makes me feel so much better knowing someone else likes my work."

The two of them spent some time going through Ben's sketchpad, with Carlos gushing at every drawing with equal fervour.

It felt like the two of them grew a little closer.

"You know," Ben said, attaching the sketchpad to his back, "I sometimes forget how nice it is to get feedback that isn't so… highbrow elitist."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Carlos asked.

"Ever since I began to grow in popularity as an artist, I've only ever received commentary that focuses too much on the technical form, or the relevance of the aesthetics, or the deeper meanings that I didn't even mean to put there," Ben explained. "I might work with the abstract as my primary means of expression, but that doesn't make me some pretentious artiste, you know?"

"Yeah, I think I get it," Carlos said. "I always try to avoid sounding like that when writing up for my review blogs. I mean, for me, it feels like you're being more genuine if you aren't wrapping your words up in snobby jargon."

"That's exactly it," Ben said. "It feels like I've been cut off from the real world by these elite critics whose reviews aren't actually telling me anything. The best way I can describe it is as if my works are more of a status symbol than they are, you know… art."

"Huh…" Carlos said.

"You know," Ben said. "I never decided to become an artist for the fame or anything. In fact, if I had to give a reason at all… I'd have to say it's for the opportunity to connect with people."

"Connect with people?" Carlos asked.

"Yeah," Ben said, nodding. "That's something I love about art: you can use it to spread messages that can resonate with everyone. This may sound a little ridiculous, but I truly believe art has the power to bring the world together."

"That's… a really admirable look on life," Carlos said. "To be honest, I've always seen art as more of an elite thing than anything… I guess I should re-evaluate my judgements, huh."

"Don't worry about it," Ben said. "It's perfectly understandable to think that way in the world we live in, so long as you promise to try and think a little differently from now on."

"Of course," Carlos said. "You're right – art isn't something that can only be appreciated by the select few. It's something everybody should be able to connect with."

"Yeah," Ben said. He sighed. "If only the rest of the world could see it like that…"

"Hey, you know," Carlos said. "My blogs reach quite a vast audience who certainly wouldn't be classes as society's elite. If it's okay with you, I'd be honoured to do a feature on your work once we get out of here."

"Really?" Ben's eyes lit up. "You'd really do that for me?"

"Of course," Carlos said. "It's a promise – your art deserves to reach the people it's intended for, and if I can do anything to help, then I will."

"Wow, I… I don't know what to say," Ben said with a smile. "Thank you so much, Carlos."

Carlos nodded. "So, until then, let's focus on trying to find a way out, okay?"

They spent a little more time debating the finer points of art criticism and sharing opinions on various artistic mediums. Carlos felt a little out of his depth when Ben started excitedly talking in detail about various artistic theories and techniques, but he definitely felt as if the two of them had grown to understand each other a little better.

---

Melissa decided to take a brief walk around the campus and take a closer look at the architecture of the buildings, hoping to find some inspiration for her next novel. Her travels took her through the front doors of the textile building and through to the ground floor foyer beneath the large skylight.

Wyatt was standing in the middle of the floor, holding up two different sheets of fabric under the light and looking at them with scrutiny.

"Hello," she said, walking up to Wyatt.

"Hmm…" Wyatt said, deep in thought. He held up one sheet of fabric, then the other. "Sky-blue or pastel yellow – which would be the better primary accent colour in a summer ensemble? It's really difficult to say…"

"Would you like some help?" Melissa asked. "I might not be the ETL Fashion Designer like yourself, but I do have some experience in coming up with aesthetically pleasing outfits for my characters."

"That would be great," Wyatt said. "I've been deliberating over this for so long I'm finding it harder to make a decision – a fresh pair of eyes could be exactly what I need."

Melissa and Wyatt spent some time comparing the ways the two different fabric colours looked under the light and discussing some potential outfit choices. They definitely grew a little closer.

"Hey, Melissa," Wyatt said. "I have a question."

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

"What do you think about uniforms?"

"Uniforms?" Melissa asked. "Like, the outfits?"

"Yes," Wyatt said.

"I feel like they have their uses under certain circumstances," Melissa said. "Like if you're working in a dangerous position and there's a regulated outfit designed to protect you, then yeah. But at the same time, I worry about the greater effects uniform has on social psychology – there's always a balance between practicality and individuality to consider."

"Ah, interesting," Wyatt said. "Personally, I'm against the idea of uniforms comprising complete outfits that don't serve a practical purpose."

"Oh, like school uniforms and dress codes?" Melissa said.

"Exactly like that," Wyatt said, adjusting his glasses. "I just can't agree with anything that stifles individuality for the sake of uniformity."

"I understand that," Melissa said. "It's especially troublesome with certain groups, such as sports, police, and military uniforms. It provides a blanket of anonymity that you can more easily hide behind, which makes acts of violence much more likely."

"That said, it's also something that cannot coexist with fashion," Wyatt said.

"What do you mean?"

"For me, the two core principles of fashion are individuality and creative vision," Wyatt explained. "Uniforms are neither individual nor creative; they merely exist to reduce people into a single unit without any differentiation. Like, for example, if you see someone in a school uniform, do you initially see them as just a student, or as an individual person?"

"I suppose student…" Melissa said.

"Exactly," Wyatt said. "Any attempts at individuality they make are swallowed by the generic image that the uniform provides. It's a needless way to limit an individual's creative expression."

"I see," Melissa said. "That makes sense."

"Personally, I'd like to see pointless uniforms like that fall out of use," Wyatt said. A dreamy expression crossed his face. "Imagine, for one moment, a world where everyone's free to express their individuality as much as possible without being told they're violating some kind of arbitrary rule… doesn't that sound wonderful?"

"I think so," Melissa said. "If everyone is free to embrace their true creative potential, I think the world we live in would be a lot better. Creativity does encourage more open-minded thinking and contrary to what most people believe, people with a heightened sense of individuality have a greater capacity for empathy."

"So, you would agree that most needless uniforms should be abolished?" Wyatt asked.

"Probably, yeah," Melissa said. "I haven't given it much thought until now, to be honest, but you do raise a valid point."

Wyatt gave a relieved smile. "That's good to hear," he said. "I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking this way."

"I hope you don't mind me asking," Melissa said. "But why is this something you're so invested in?"

"Well, er, you see," Wyatt said sheepishly. "I hope I don't come across as ridiculous or anything, but before my career took off, I used to attend a school with a strict uniform policy."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Wyatt said. "They used to come down real hard on anyone who tried to stand out in any way – it was awful for me, seeing so many people's innovative fashion ideas get crushed like that. So that's why when I decided to become a fashion designer, I vowed to always make sure my work would never stifle anyone's expression in any way."

"That's actually quite inspiring, Wyatt," Melissa said. "I've never really thought about the greater implications of fashion that much, and never in this way. I feel like I've learned a lot from this conversation."

"You really think so?" Wyatt said with a bashful blush. "That's… thank you."

They spent a little more time talking about some of Wyatt's ideas for a future fashion line and comparing them with Melissa's character designs. After this conversation, Melissa could say for certain the two of them understood each other a little better.

---

The clock struck noon as Naomi led the entourage of supply carts onto the soft sand of the beach. "We're here!" she announced with an excited giggle.

"Yeah… we are…" Mark said, huffing as he dragged his cart behind him. A sheen of sweat broke out on his head. "Hey, did we really need all this food?"

Naomi looked shocked. "Of course!" she said. "It's not a real beach day until you eat yourself sick!"

"I seriously have to wonder what kind of beach days you went to," Chelsea said.

"Come on, don't be so harsh," Nina said with a soft smile. "If we can't go overboard now, then when can we?"

"See? At least one of you agrees with me!" Naomi said. "Going OTT is part of the fun!"

"Well, over-the-top or not," John said, "we still need to unload our supplies if we want to have a beach day at all."

"Yeah, all right," Joel said. "So, how are we arranging this?"

"We'll definitely need some room for the food," Marian said. "Maybe set that up under those palm trees?"

"Sounds good," Joel said.

"Hmm, as for the activities," Nina said. "Maybe that spot of flat land before the waterfront? It looks like the perfect size to set up some volleyball."

"We could put the swimming supplies by the lifeguard's chair over there," Mark said, pointing to the far side of the beach.

"Huh, didn't notice that part of the beach yesterday," Marian said.

"Well, Monobear was distracting us from really looking around," John said. "It's not surprising we missed some things."

"Yeah, look down there," Naomi said. "There are some changing rooms and bathrooms over there – perfect!"

"So I guess going for a swim won't be a problem," Chelsea said.

"So, what about the beach towels and sunscreen and stuff?" Mark asked.

"You could set a few up along the sand and put the rest with the lounge chairs outside the changing rooms," Marian said. "I think that does it for the important things – anything else can be put wherever you see fit."

"Let's get to it then, guys!" Naomi said. "I'm so excited!"

"And now we just wait for everyone to show up," John said as the others started unloading the supply carts and grabbing things from the storage shed.

"Yeah," Marian replied. "I hope everything goes as well as it is now."

"I wouldn't worry too much," John said. "This is our day off, right?"

"Right," Marian said. "We're all together and keeping an eye on each other. We'll be fine."

"That's the spirit," John said with a smile. "Let's not worry."

As everyone set everything up, the students who weren't part of the supply group gradually filed in.

"Hey," Carlos said with a wave as he walked under a palm tree.

"Hello everyone," Melissa said, smiling as she placed her bag on one of the lounge chairs.

Charlie was the next to arrive. "Sorry I took so long," she said. "I just… wanted to find something first." As she spoke, she adjusted a new addition to her outfit – a large sun hat.

"Hella cute hat, Charlie!" Naomi said as she skated by, setting some beach balls down.

"You really think so…?" Charlie said.

Carlos walked up to her and smiled warmly. "Yeah, it looks really great on you," he said.

"You two are so sweet I think my blood sugar levels exploded," Chelsea said wryly.

"H-huh?" Carlos said, turning red.

"Come on, leave them alone," Nina said with a laugh.

From across the beach, Mark called out, "My cart's empty!"

"Same here," Naomi said.

"We finished ours a while back," Cheslea said, motioning to Nina. "So what's left to set up before we're ready to go?"

"Just the food and stuff," Joel said, climbing down from the lifeguard's chair. "Heh, sorry. It's been so long since I've sat in one of those I just had to, you know?"

"You're forgiven, I suppose," Nina said playfully.

"Yeah, I was just waiting on everyone to get here so we could decide what to cook first," Joel explained. "Now that everyone's here, what—"

"Hold on," Marian said. "We're still missing some people."

"Wait, we are?!" Naomi exclaimed.

"Ben and Wyatt," Marian said. "Has anyone seen them?"

"I spent some time with Ben," Carlos said. "But that was a little while ago."

"I spoke with Wyatt earlier, but I didn't see him on the way down here," Melissa said, looking worried.

"You… you don't think…" Charlie said.

"Absolutely not," Marian said. "Even if one of them was planning on it, Dirk and Ella are there to stop them. I'm sure they'll show up soon enough."

Five minutes passed. Then ten. Fifteen.

"Uh, where are they?" Mark asked. "It's nearly twelve-thirty – they should be here."

"Please, don't be…" Nina said.

"I mean, there are only a few possibilities here," Chelsea said. "If we're assuming the worst."

"Don't," Melissa said. "I don't want to think about that right now."

"Should we send someone to look for them?" Naomi asked. "They might just be distracted with something and forgot…"

"I think that might be a good idea," Marian said gravely. "Does anyone want to volunteer?"

"I'll go," Joel said with a heavy expression. "If… if they need help, I might be good in that situation."

"In that case, take me with you," Chelsea said. She folded her arms. "Strength in numbers, right?"

Joel turned to Marian. "Any idea where we should start looking?" he asked.

"Both of them seemed to hang around the textile building," Melissa said. "So, maybe there?"

"Their dorm rooms might be a good place to look, too," Carlos said uneasily. "And, uh, maybe Dirk and Ella saw something."

"And, well, if we find something?" Joel asked, leaving the something unsaid.

"Come back here immediately," Marian said. "Both of you. Staying safe is the priority."

"Okay then," Joel said, turning towards the path that led back to campus. "We… should probably go…"

He took a tentative step forward. And, in the same instant…

"B-Ben?!" Naomi cried out.

"Uh, guys? Why are you all… looking like that?"

Walking down the hill to the beach, side-by-side, were Ben and Wyatt. Ben had switched his pants for a pair of shorts and had removed his plaid shirt, fully revealing the white T-shirt he normally wore underneath. Wyatt's regular glasses were replaced with sunglasses and he'd switched his long sleeved tee for a shorter one in an identical shade of pink, and he wore a pair of cropped ¾ length pants.

And also… he had Ben's plaid shirt tied around his waist.

"Oh God," Wyatt said. "You're not going to make an issue out of—"

"We thought you were dead," Marian said. "What took you so long?"

"Well," Ben said. "We decided to come up with something new to wear to the beach."

"And this took you over half an hour?" Chelsea asked.

"We also spent some time talking, too," Wyatt said.

"Talking?" Joel asked. "What about?"

"You know… whatever," Wyatt said with a shrug. "Just stuff."

"Either way, you should have let someone know you were going to be late," John said. "We were worried."

"Sorry. Our bad," Ben said. "Everything's still all right, though?"

"Now that we know you're safe, yes," Marian said. "Although, I hate to even consider this, but—"

"Don't worry," Wyatt said, looking out over his shades. "As far as we're aware, that telephone is still untouched."

"Good," Marian said.

"Anyway, enough about all that downer stuff," Naomi said. "Everyone's finally here, which means we can get this party started! Whoo!"

With that, Naomi skated over the sand to a small speaker system that rested on one of the unoccupied lounge chairs. She plugged her phone into the speakers and turned on a playlist. A few seconds later, light, fun pop music rang out through the air.

And with that, the beach day officially started.

"I'm gonna start up the barbecue!" Joel called out as he walked up to the portable stove. "Who wants to call dibs on the first serving?"

"Ooh! Me! Me!" Naomi exclaimed. "I wanna hamburger!"

"If you don't mind, perhaps you could cook off some of the vegetarian options to start," Marian said. "That way, it doesn't get in the way of the rest of the food."

"Sure thing," Joel said, lifting the stove up and grabbing a few veggie patties. "Naomi, you're all right with a veggie burger, right?"

"Of course!" Naomi said. "A burger is a burger!"

"Cool," Joel said with a smile. He grabbed a lighter from the pile of supplies and went to light the stove, but paused. "Huh?"

"What's wrong?" Marian asked.

"There's nowhere for me to light the stove," Joel said with a frown. "Look."

"Huh," Marian said. She leaned down and looked at the stove. "That is odd."

"You don't think this is Monobear's way of screwing with us, do you?" Naomi asked.

"I wouldn't say so," Marian said. "He would have made his entrance by now to taunt us if that were the case."

"So then, why isn't it working?" Naomi asked.

"What's going on, guys?" Nina asked. "Everything okay?"

"Not really," Joel said. "This dumb stove isn't working. I can't find a way to light it."

"Are you sure it's not just an electric stove?" Nina asked.

"What?" Marian said.

"Yeah, you know," Nina said. "Like the ones you see on these modern outdoor luxury camping shows. They're operated by either batteries or solar panels, and there should be a dial to activate the grill right around…" She bent down and reached underneath the stove. "…Here!"

There was a soft click and a faint blue glow began to appear beneath the grill. "There you go," Nina said with a smile. "Should take a couple of minutes to warm up, but then you're good to go."

"Thanks, Nina," Joel said, smiling. "You're a lifesaver."

"…Says the lifeguard," Nina replied playfully. "Anyway, I'm gonna start gathering up people to play some volleyball in a little while. You're more than welcome to join once you've finished eating."

"Will do!" Naomi said. She turned to look at the grilling food. "Man… this smells so good! I can't wait to eat! Although, that does mean I'll have to wait at least an hour before swimming…"

"Actually, that's not really true," Joel said. "So you're good to go. And even if it was true, I think you'll be pretty safe with me watching out."

"In that case, food party!" Naomi exclaimed. "I'm just so excited!"

"Me too," Marian said. "It's nice not to worry for once."

"Yeah," Nina said. "Anyway, I'm gonna go speak with a few other people. See you guys later!"

Nina walked across to the far side of the beach, where Carlos and Charlie were sitting on lounge chairs, their eyes closed. John stood by the beach supplies, a content expression on his face.

"Hey John," Nina said. "How's it going?"

"Fine," John said. "I was just thinking."

"What about?"

"Well… a lot of things, really," John said. "It's sometimes good to just look out at the waves and let your mind wander you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," Nina said. "It can be quite peaceful."

"So, what is it you want to ask me?" John said.

"Huh?"

"I mean, given your body language and the way you keep looking between me and everyone else here, it's quite clear that you want to ask me about something that concerns everyone," John said. Then, more softly, "Sorry if that came off as rude."

"No, you're good," Nina said. "And you got me: I wanna start a game of volleyball soon. You interested?"

"I'm fine with that," John said. "Could be fun. Who else is playing?"

"So far? I've got a yes from Naomi," Nina said. "Joel and Marian are a little busy with overseeing everything and playing cook and lifeguard."

"It would be like those two to stay in their work mindsets even when we're supposed to relax," John said. "Let's just hope they manage to take it easy at some point."

"Yeah," Nina said. "It would be a shame if not everybody managed to relax."

"Well, we can't force them to do so," John said. He looked across the beach, to where Marian and Joel were talking by the stove. "But we can hope they come to that decision themselves."

"Let's hope so," Nina said. "And sorry to hit and run, but I still need to ask everyone else if they wanna play."

John gave an easy smile. "That's fine," he said. "Hm, I'd probably say it's worth asking Chelsea, Carlos, and Charlie. Chelsea seems to be anxious to something, and Charlie and Carlos seem to be waiting to be invited to take part in an activity."

"Man, you're practically doing my job for me!" Nina said. "But thanks for letting me know."

"Any time," John said.

Nina made her way over to just outside the changing rooms, where Chelsea stood. She seemed to be examining a couple of swimsuits.

"Hey, Chelsea," Nina said. "Do you have a second?"

"Oh? Yeah, sure," Chelsea said. She put the swimsuit she was currently holding back with the rest. "What is it?"

"I'm gonna start a game of volleyball in a little while," Nina said. "Do you think—"

"Yeah, I'm definitely in," Chelsea said with a determined grin. "Besides, it beats spending all day trying to choose what kinda swimsuit to wear."

"If you don't mind, I could help you out afterwards," Nina said.

"Thanks," Chelsea said. "That'd be great."

"Don't mention it," Nina said.

"So," Chelsea said. "Who else you got lined up for this volleyball game?"

"John and Naomi," Nina said. "And now you, I suppose."

"Huh," Chelsea said. "Pretty low turnout."

"Well, I haven't exactly asked everyone yet," Nina said. "John mentioned that Charlie and Carlos would be likely to want to join in, though."

"Three on three?" Chelsea said. "Could work. Still kinda small, though."

"Well, there are only twelve people here," Nina said. "It's not like we have that much to work with…"

"I guess," Chelsea said with a frown. "Shit, I kinda feel like an asshole now."

"Don't," Nina said. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"Yeah," Chelsea said. "But still, just bringing up, well… you know, like that. It's not cool. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Nina said. "No harm done. And besides, it's impossible to just pretend everything that's happened didn't happen. Ignoring it would be just as bad as letting it get to you."

"You're probably right," Chelsea said.

At the same time, Mark and Melissa walked up to the two of them.

"Hi guys," Mark said with a smile. He held his camera. "How's it going?"

"Fine," Chelsea said. "Hey, uh, what's with the camera?"

"Oh, yeah," Mark said. "I thought it'd be good to film this for the documentary. And you know, as a reminder that we're capable of rising above Monobear's despair."

"Are you filming now?" Nina asked.

"No," Mark said. "I got some great establishing shots, but… it would be better if there was a concrete event I could film."

"Well, we're organising a volleyball game," Nina said. "Would that be any good?"

"Actually, yeah!" Mark said. "Everyone together like that would be perfect footage!"

"It also sounds like a lot of fun on its own," Melissa said.

"Hey, are you two interested in joining us?" Nina asked. "I mean, if it doesn't get in the way of filming or anything."

"Actually, it shouldn't be a problem," Mark said. "I'd just have to set up the camera at a good vantage point and let it record on its own. So yeah, I'm down."

"Me too," Melissa said. "It should be fun to do something a little different for a change."

"Awesome," Nina said. "This is really shaping up to be like a real game!"

"So, you said Carlos and Charlie, too?" Chelsea said. "In that case, should—"

"Hey guys! Food's ready!" Naomi cried out from across the beach. "There's a lot of it!"

"I guess we'll have something to eat first, then," Nina said.

Melissa nodded. "Let's go."

Marian and Naomi had put a couple of outdoor benches together to create a pseudo banquet table while Joel filled it up with plates of food. It was mostly just stuff like burgers and hot dogs and some grilled fruit, but it was mouthwatering in its abundance.

"Man, this is so good," Naomi said, taking an almost unnaturally large bite from her burger. "I'm practically on culinary cloud nine!"

"Mm, yeah, this is delicious," Chelsea said. "Joel, I didn't know you were such a good cook."

"You kinda pick it up when you're part of a large family," Joel said with a shrug. "Because of how things always worked out, I was generally the one to prepare meals for my younger siblings."

"Well, thank goodness for your siblings!" Naomi said. "How did I manage to live before eating this?!"

"I'm glad you like it," Joel said, smiling bashfully. "I tried my best."

"So, let's talk business," Nina said, slamming her hands on the table in a dramatic manner. "Volleyball."

"I think I'll pass," Wyatt said, lowering his shades over his eyes and taking a bite of his hot dog. "Sports aren't my kinda thing."

"Yeah, me too," Ben added. "I wanted to take advantage of the scenery and do some drawing. Sorry."

"That's fine," Nina said. "I wasn't expecting everyone to be involved."

"I'll referee," Joel said. "Mostly because it means I get an excuse to sit in the lifeguard chair."

"That'd be awesome," Nina said.

"I mean, uh, I'd like to take part, too," Charlie said. "I've never really done anything like this, and it would be a nice way to spend some time with friends…"

"Hey, yeah, me too," Carlos said. "Like, I haven't played in forever, but it'll be fun. I'm just glad nobody here's the ETL Volleyball Player."

"That's great!" Nina said. "So that's, what, eight players? We can work with two teams of four." She looked across the table. "Marian, are you interested?"

"Sorry," Marian said. "My physical prowess just isn't that good, and I wouldn't want to upset the even number of players. I'd be more than happy to watch, though."

"That's okay, too," Nina said. She smiled. "Can't have a sports game without a crowd of adoring fans."

"Go team," Marian said wryly.

"So long as you support my team," Nina said.

"Funny way of saying my team, isn't it?" Chelsea said.

"I mean, we could both end up on the same team," Nina said. "That said, if we aren't, then all support should go to my team."

"Oh, it's on then," Chelsea said. "You'll get to see the product of someone who took on the competitive dance world and won."

"And you'll get to see the brains behind some of the most competitive online games out there in action," Nina said.

"Hey, don't leave out the rest of us in this forming blood feud," John said, grinning. "It's all well and good being competitive, but the rest of us could turn the tide."

"Well, let's hope I get the more influential players," Nina said. She started to laugh. "Oh man, this is gonna be great."

"Yeah," Chelsea said. "You know? This actually feels… really good. Like I'm on vacation with my classmates and not… you know…"

"I know," Melissa said. "It's peaceful. You really can just let yourself forget about it all for a few moments. This is what our time here should have been like."

"We can still make it like that," Marian said. "There's no rule that says we can't keep enjoying ourselves as we look for a way out."

"We should keep organising things like this in-between searching for an escape," Mark said. "That way, it would stop any of us from feeling down."

"I suppose," Charlie said quietly.

"It seems like it's gonna be that way," Nina said. "The beach today, and the game dev session-stroke-hangout tomorrow… yeah, all of us getting together and having fun should be a regular thing!"

"All in favour," Marian said in an exaggerated courtroom voice. She was met with a chorus of "I"s. "I suppose there's our answer."

"You know," Naomi said. "I really like you guys. I've never really been able to call all of my classmates friends before, but it really feels like we're all really good friends!"

"It's just… really nice," Mark said. "In fact, hold on…"

He stood up out of his seat and made his way to the end of the table, lifting his camera up. "Class selfie!" he announced. "Everyone, smile!"

"Oh my God," Chelsea said. "I can't believe you guys." But she couldn't stop smiling.

"Cheese!" Naomi called out, making a peace sign.

There was a click and Mark turned around to face everyone again. "I'll get it printed and developed by tomorrow," he said. "It'll be a nice memento."

"This is honestly so great," Nina said. "I wish we could stay in this moment forever."

"Yeah," Chelsea said. A playful smirk grew on her face. "But while you stay here, I'm gonna head off to the future and win the volleyball game."

"You speak high and mighty now, Chelsea," Nina said. "But wait until the game begins. Then you'll be eating your words."

"Challenge accepted."

The beach lunch mostly continued like this – playful banter and an overall camaraderie that felt impossible to shake. And, despite the sheer amount of food produced, everyone collectively managed to empty every last plate.

Then, once there had been an approximation at cleaning up, the eight volleyball players gathered together.

"Okay," Nina said. "I've got a bunch of popsicle sticks here." She showed everyone the bunch of eight in her hand. "The bottoms are coloured either red or blue – it's fairly easy to understand, but for clarity's sake, you're on team red if you get a red one, and team blue if you get a blue one. Everyone clear?"

"Yep," Mark said.

"Mm," Charlie said.

"I think we're good," Melissa said.

"All right," Nina said. "So then, who wants to go first?"

"I guess I will," Carlos said. He leaned in and grabbed a popsicle stick. "…Blue."

"First member of team blue confirmed!" Nina said.

"I'll go next," Charlie said. She grabbed hers. "…Red?"

"Heh," Carlos said. "Guess we're competing today."

Charlie nodded with a smile. "Just because we're friends, don't think I won't try my best," she said.

"All right," Nina said. "Who's next?"

Everyone else came up and took a popsicle stick, being sorted into the according team. In the end, team blue consisted of Carlos, John, Naomi, and Chelsea, and team red consisted of Charlie, Mark, Melissa, and Nina.

"Heh," Chelsea said. "So we really are gonna be opponents on the battlefield."

"Sorry, what was that?" Nina said. "I couldn't hear you over the sound of my team winning."

"Oh, it's definitely on," Chelsea said.

"Hey, you guys ready?" Joel asked as he walked up to them.

"Yep," Nina said. "The teams are sorted and we're good to go."

"I'm ready to win!" Naomi said. "Go team blue!"

"We'll see about that," Mark said. "Perhaps the odds will be in team red's favour?"

"Hey, save it for the game," Joel said. He climbed up on the lifeguard's chair and blew on the whistle he carried around his neck. "Teams, to your corners!"

"Is it starting?" Marian asked, leaning against the chair. "Good luck, everyone!"

"We're in position!" Nina said, giving a thumbs up. Across from her, Chelsea held the ball.

"Okay then!" Joel said. "Game start in three! Two! One!"

He blew the whistle one more time. In one fluid motion, Chelsea launched the ball in the air, only for Charlie to send it right back with a surprising amount of force.

"Point for team red!" Joel announced.

"Whoo!" Nina said. "That was awesome, Charlie!"

"Well, um, thank you…" Charlie said.

"Either way, we're still gonna win!" Naomi said. "We let you have that first point!"

"Oh, really?" Nina said. "Let's see you keep saying that when we score again!"

In a frenzy, the ball flew back and forth, exchanging hands at a rapid rate, until finally…

"Point for team blue!"

"Yahoo!" Naomi exclaimed. "Go us!"

"Man, victory sure tastes sweet!" Chelsea said. "You guys are going down!"

Joel blew the whistle, and they were off once more.

"They're going hard," Wyatt said as he walked up to Marian. He was sipping some kind of soft drink through a straw in a plastic wine glass, watching the game from behind his shades.

"Nice outfit," Marian said. "Very avant garde."

"Hardly," Wyatt said with a shrug. "I just decided to go for a very particular aesthetic and here we are."

"Where's Ben?" Marian asked.

"Up on the hill over there," Wyatt said, jerking his thumb in that general direction. There, Ben was sitting beneath a palm tree, working away in his sketch pad. "He wants to get some good drawings of the game."

"Ah, I see."

"Point for team blue!"

"What's that sound? Could it be the promising cry of victory?!" Chelsea said. "Sweet throw, John!"

"It was nothing," John said.

"Hey, it's not over yet!" Nina said. "Just you wait and see!"

"So, uh, how've you been?" Wyatt asked.

"Pretty good," Marian said. "It's been pretty relaxing so far. What about you?"

"I spent some time just chilling and thinking about things," Wyatt said. "Mostly contemplating living out all the tropical vacation fantasies I had as a kid."

"That's… oddly specific," Marian said. "Well, I guess you do you."

Wyatt looked up at her from above his shades. "That's been the plan," he said, taking a sip.

"Point for team red!"

"I did that!" Mark shouted. "I really did that!"

"And you thought team red was a flop!" Nina exclaimed.

Joel blew the whistle.

"Hey guys," Ben said. As he walked up to them, he fastened his sketchpad behind his back. "How's it going?"

"Good, good," Marian said. "Draw anything good?"

"Some action sketches," Ben said. "They need cleaning up before I'm ready to show them off, though."

"That's cool," Wyatt said. "Your stuff's normally pretty cool so I'm looking forward to it."

"Point for team red!"

"It's been a pretty good day, wouldn't you say?" Marian said. "It's nice out."

"It's always nice out," Wyatt said. "Like, permanently nice out."

"Huh," Ben said. "Maybe Mono—"

"Don't invoke that name," Wyatt said. "You'll kill the good energies in the air."

"Okay… what?" Ben said.

"I dunno," Wyatt said. "Felt like something someone who's hyper-chill would say on vacation."

"Huh."

"Point for team blue!"

"I'm having trouble keeping track," Wyatt said. "Who's winning?"

"Point for team blue!"

"Team blue," Marian said. "I think the score's currently four-three, so it's a narrow lead."

"Interesting," Wyatt said lazily. "I could never be that competitive."

"Yeah, I know the feeling," Marian said.

"Point for team red!"

"I kinda just like to go at my own pace," Wyatt said. "I mean, you wouldn't think it because of my field of work, but yeah. Working with pressure and competition really isn't fun."

"Point for team red!"

"Point for team despair!"

"Hey," Ben said. "I think team red's… huh?"

"Oh good lord no," Marian said.

Suddenly Monobear was there, sitting in the middle of a now crushed volleyball net, wearing nothing but a seashell bikini.

"Can we not have nice things for once in our lives," Wyatt said. "Is this really necessary. Like, at all."

"What the hell?!" Naomi cried out. "We were playing here!"

"And now you're not!" Monobear snapped. He jumped up to his pudgy feet. "I can't believe you bastards…"

Chelsea rolled her eyes. "Please, just stop talking," she said.

Monobear ignored her. "I can't believe it! You were having your very own beach episode fanservice special and excluded your dearly beloved headmaster! I'm offended!"

"But… there's nothing fanservice-y about this…" John said, faltering.

"Beside that," Nina said, her voice raising. "Nobody even likes you! Why would any of us want to invite you?!"

"Are you sure about that?" Monobear said, tilting his head. His seashell bra moved with his body. "I'm sure at least one person here has to love and adore me! It's the law of probability!"

"Statistically, shut the fuck up," Chelsea said. "You're literally just here to ruin our good time because you hate us."

"Me? Causing problems? Obstructing hope? In my academy?" Monobear said. "It's more likely than you think!"

"Please, stop talking already!" Naomi exclaimed.

Marian stepped forward. "What do you want," she said sternly. "If it's about the killing game or your motives, nobody's interested."

"Upupu…" Monobear said. "That's what they always say…"

"Your scare tactics won't work," Nina said. "We're done listening to you."

"Blegh! Such hope!" Monobear exclaimed. "I'd puke if it wasn't for the promise of the sweet, sweet despair this will all turn into!"

"You know, you don't have to harass us just because you're bored," John said with a half-smile. "At least, that's what my interpretations are telling me."

"Oh my God really?" Chelsea said. "He's bothering us 'cause he's bored? And he thinks he has the right to call us pathetic."

"All right! Fine! Jeesh! Okay, I'm bored!" Monobear snapped. "After the exhilarating past few days, seeing you bastards do whatever the heck it is you're doing is capital D Dull!"

"Upset we didn't invite you along?" John said.

"After all I've done for you! All the despair I've given you!" Monobear lamented. "Do I really mean that little to you bastards?"

"Yes," Wyatt said. "Next question."

"Fine!" Monobear said. He shifted to a more neutral expression. "Do you bastards really think that this will be enough to stop the School Life of Mutual Killing? Really?"

"It is if we say it is," Marian said. "Do you have any purpose for this visit other than to annoy us?"

"Not really," Monobear chirped. "Just a quick reminder to you bastards that it's been twelve hours and still nobody's taken up my free phone call offer!"

"That's because nobody will," Mark said. "You can wait all you like."

"Feh!" Monobear growled. "I've given out motives and seen the entire murder to execution at the trial process in less time! You bastards are so slow on the uptake!"

"Complain all you like," Marian said. "Nobody's playing your game any more, Monobear."

"You really won't be convinced…?" Monobear said. "Upupu… you won't be able to blame anyone but yourselves when your hope finally runs out. See you bastards around…"

Then, he was gone, leaving the makeshift volleyball court in shambles.

"That was… weird," Joel said, climbing down from the lifeguard's chair. "Why would he show up just to give us his generic despair talk?"

"He was trying to interrupt our beach day," Marian said. "Seeing everyone get along like this is more than definitely a thorn in his side."

"You don't think he'll… do something, do you?" Charlie asked.

John shook his head. "He can only hurt us if we break a rule or if we're executed as a culprit," he said. "All he can do is shout at us."

"That's a relief," Charlie said, adjusting her sun hat.

"Well, I guess he managed to succeed in ruining our volleyball game, at least," Nina said with a huff. "We didn't even get to find out who won!"

"Actually, I kept track of the scores until Monobear showed up," Joel said. "It's not a full game, but we do have a clear winner."

"Oh? Really?" Naomi said. "Who?!"

"Well, with a score of five to four," Joel said. "Team red won."

"Whoo! We did it!" Nina exclaimed. She turned to her team-mates and gave them a thumbs-up. "You guys were awesome!"

"Congratulations, I guess," Chelsea said. "However, we totally would've won if we hadn't been interrupted."

"You keep telling yourself that," Nina said with a wide grin.

"Hey! I have an idea!" Naomi said. "Let's go for a celebratory swim! At least that's something fun we can all do without competing!"

"I'm down," Chelsea said.

"I guess so," Nina said. "However, swimsuits don't really fit me right, so I don't know… I don't really have the right body type for it."

"Come on, what's wrong? I'm sure you'll look great!" Naomi said.

"Well, uh…" Nina said, going a little red. "It's just that my body, well… isn't very feminine, if you know what I mean. I know it's like, fine, but I just get a little insecure about exposing myself around others."

"Ah, that's cool," Chelsea said. "Hey, it's your body. I'm not gonna make you feel uncomfortable. And if it helps… I definitely think you look like a girl."

"Ah, thanks," Nina said. "Again, I'm sorry, but I'm just not comfortable enough with myself to wear a swimsuit or anything."

"Seriously, don't sweat it!" Naomi said. "You're our friend! We understand!"

"Thank you, guys…" Nina said. "I'll definitely watch, though."

"Awesome," Chelsea said. "Anyway, the swimsuits are all by the changing rooms if anyone wants to join us."

"Let's go!" Naomi said. "Ocean time!"

After a few minutes of rustling through the pile and changing, Chelsea, Naomi, John, Charlie, and Carlos were in the water, swimming around and having fun.

"This is the best!" Naomi cried out as she tried to splash John.

"Hey!" John shot back playfully. "Be careful!"

Mark and Melissa stood by the shore as Mark filmed everyone in the water. From where they stood, Marian, Nina, and Joel couldn't quite make out what he was saying.

"I still think the idea of a documentary's pretty nice," Nina said. "Even if it does contain footage that I'd rather forget about."

"It also serves as solid proof that everything happened when we describe it to the authorities," Marian said.

Next to them, Ben sat down in the sand and pulled out his sketchpad. "Sunset's starting," he said, pointing to the golden light on the waves. "Beautiful."

"Yeah," Nina said. "Where's Wyatt?"

"Over there," Ben said, motioning to a lounge chair where Wyatt lay, reading a book. "He came to chill out and I guess that's what he's doing."

"It's already eight-thirty," Marian said, glancing at her watch. "I can't believe the beach day's almost up."

"Yeah," Joel said from atop the lifeguard's chair. He suddenly sat upright. "Hey, would it be too much to ask you guys to keep an eye out on everyone? I haven't actually been swimming in the ocean for ages and I'd like to get in on the fun, you know?"

"Not at all," Marian said. "You're more than allowed to join in on the fun – you don't need to spend all day playing supervisor."

"Awesome," Joel said. He took off his shirt, tank top, and flip-flops and put them in a neatly folded pile atop the seat, then climbed down, letting out a light laugh. "Guess there are some benefits to having your outfit double as a swimsuit."

"I guess so," Marian said. "Now go on, join the others. Have fun."

"Awesome," Joel said. He took off running down the beach, and leaped into the surf. "Here I come!"

"Eek!" Naomi shrieked as Joel's splash nearly sent her under the waves. "Oh, you've had it!" She threw a beach ball right at Joel's face. In response, Joel launched it right back, then began to rapidly swim in the opposite direction. "Get back here!"

"This is nice," Nina said, watching the scene before her. "It really makes me feel good."

"I agree," Marian said. "Seeing everyone like this, it really makes me optimistic."

Everyone kept playing in the ocean as the sun sank lower and lower beneath the horizon and the moon began to rise, and even then they kept going a while longer. Until eventually…

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"Attention you bastards. It is now ten pm, meaning that it is officially Night Time. The cafeteria will soon be locked, and the hallway lights turned off. Pleasant dreams!"

"Also, all restrictions on exiled students will soon be put in place again – for those of you bastards this applies to, please make your way out of any restricted areas. Upupu…"

"How did he get that to play all the way over here?" Ben asked.

"There must be some kind of elaborate PA system," Marian said. "We already know Monobear's got quite the complex system set up."

One by one, everyone came out of the water and made a beeline for their clothes, quickly getting changed before regrouping.

"Man, I'm tired!" Naomi said with a loud yawn.

"It has been a long day," Carlos said. "I'm about ready to head to bed, too."

"I forgot just how exhausting a day at the beach can be," John added. "I'm beat."

"Does everyone feel this way?" Marian said. Nods. "In that case, we'll come back to clean up tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"I'm fine with it," Chelsea said.

"Better to do it when we're all not so tired, right?" Mark said.

"Tomorrow it is, then," Marian said. "Let's head back before it gets too late."

Leaving the supplies at the beach, everyone made their way across the island back to campus. And as they approached the central building, they noticed two figures walking out.

"Hey guys," Dirk said. "Have fun?" Ella stood next to him, silent.

"We did," Marian said. "Were you guys okay?"

"Yeah," Dirk replied. "Nobody even came near the phone at all, so we're good. And no, we didn't touch it either."

"I didn't even expect you would," Marian said. "I'd talk more, but we've all had a long day. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, maybe," Dirk said. "Night."

With that, he and Ella walked off into the darkness of the campus, and everyone else entered the central building and made their way to the dorm rooms. After such a long and tiring day, sleep came quickly to all.

---

Monobear Theatre

You know, I always wonder why people think stories should show off all their good features at the start.

But isn't it a little boring to lay all the cards out before people even decide they care? Isn't audience omniscience done to death?

Well, I'm here to rectify such a slight to storytellers everywhere!

Introducing the Monobear Theatre! Right at the moment when you're beginning to get invested in the story!

It really is an ingenious idea, I tell you! I really should be recognised more for my literary innovations!

---

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"Attention you bastards! It is now seven am, marking the end of Night Time. The cafeteria has been unlocked, and the lights turned on. Here's to another day of mutual killing! Upupu~"

Again, Marian was the first to reach the cafeteria, but unlike yesterday, she was quickly joined by the others as they all sat around the table.

"Good morning everyone," she said. "Did you all sleep well?"

"Like a baby," Joel said with a half-smile. "Like, man, I pretty much touched my bed and passed out until the morning announcement."

"Me too," Naomi said. "I woke up this morning and my body was all achy! But in a good way, I guess."

"I feel a little exhausted from yesterday, too," Nina said. "But not so much that it'll detract from my dev session."

"Oh yeah," Mark said. "I forgot about that! What time was it exactly?"

"Well, it'll be after we've finished cleaning up at the beach," Nina said. "So maybe we'll start this afternoon? And we can all get together this evening once I'm done talking with everyone."

"That sounds pretty good," Marian said. "Have you come up with a schedule?"

Nina nodded. "Yeah," she said. "I've got Carlos down first, then Joel, Charlie, and Chelsea. After that, it's Melissa, Mark, John, then you. I'm not sure of the order here, but I have Naomi, Ben, and Wyatt down for a little later. I do have a few open slots in case anyone changes their mind about when they want to do it."

"Sounds pretty organised," Joel said. "IT room right?"

"Yep," Nina said. "I shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes with each of you, so I should be done by around five. Then we could, I don't know, get a pizza and watch a movie?"

"That would be nice," Wyatt said, back in his normal outfit. "Something a little more low-key would be a welcome change."

"The beach was fun," Carlos said. "But I think I'm ready for something a little less exhausting."

"Awesome!" Nina said. "It's gonna be another great day!"

"But," Marian said. "Cleaning first. We don't want to waste all those supplies in case we decide to do something again."

"Well, yeah, of course!" Nina said. "And then the awesome day begins."

At that moment, the cafeteria doors opened and Dirk stepped inside.

"Huh? Dirk?" Mark said. "I was under the impression you'd stopped showing up to breakfast."

"I have," Dirk said. "Don't mistake this for me joining in with your feel-good activities."

"So then why are you here?" Marian asked. "Is everything okay?"

"We have a problem," Dirk said.

"What kind of problem?" John asked.

"It's… it's not so much what happened as much as what it means," Dirk said. "Ella knows more about it. She's waiting outside."

"I'll come down in a moment," Marian said. "Anyone else?"

"I will," John said. "Something doesn't feel right."

"I guess I'll come, too," Mark said.

"Me, too," Melissa said. "Just so we have a good amount of people in case it's something major."

"Okay," Marian said. "The rest of you, please remain here until we come back. If you don't hear from us within thirty minutes, please try to find us."

"Got it," Nina said. "Stay safe."

"You too," Marian said. She and the others stood up from the table, and followed Dirk outside to the fountain where Ella stood. There was an uneasy expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" Marian asked.

"It's…" Ella said. "I know it'll sound ridiculous, but someone stole Cammy."

"Cammy?" Mark said. "Like, Shauna's puppet, Cammy?"

"…Yeah," Ella said. "I kept hold of him after the trial, like Shauna asked. I've been keeping him safe where I've been staying. But I woke up this morning, and he was gone."

"Gone?" Melissa asked. "That's…"

"It means someone's found out where Ella's staying and broke in last night," Dirk said. "I trust you don't need me to explain why that's a really bad thing."

"No," Marian said. "So, what should we do?"

"We can't ask anyone outright," John said. "If it's because someone has ill intentions, we could push them to act faster."

"I just want to know how they found her out," Dirk said. "I've been with her every time she's gone there, and I've seen no sign of anyone."

"That is troublesome," John said. "And nobody's left our sight either, which means it's likely that the only way anyone would know is if… Oh no."

"What? What is it?" Mark asked.

"If they had access to the surveillance footage, then they would know," John said, eyes wide.

"Then that would mean the mastermind's targeting you for some reason," Marian said. "Why?"

"I… I don't know," Ella said nervously. "I've not done anything. I've stayed out of everyone's way since the trial. I don't get it."

"And this feels like more than a leftover grudge," Dirk said. "Whoever did it was crafty enough to do it undetected."

"And confident enough they'll do it again," John said. "Sounds like taking Cammy's a warning. I'd say it's a sign that someone here wants revenge, but… something doesn't feel right."

"Yeah," Marian said. "It doesn't seem like anyone here would be capable of—"

Ding! Ding! Ding!

"What… was that?" Ella asked.

"It came from the PA system," Dirk said. "But… that's not the sound Monobear normally uses for any of his announcements."

"You're right," Melissa said. "It's normally a ding-dong for regular announcements and a bing-bong for body announcements."

"Wow, it sounds stupid when you say it like that," Dirk said. "But you're right. Something's going on."

"Could I have everyone's attention, please! All students are required in the meeting hall! It's an emergency! Emergency!"

The voice that spoke out wasn't Monobear's. It was artificial and childish like his, but it lacked the underlying malice and threat in its tone.

"I don't like this," Marian said.

"Should we ignore it?" Mark asked.

"I don't think so," Dirk said. "Whoever's doing this isn't Monobear. We need to know what's going on."

"You're right," Marian said. "Let's go."

"Um…" Ella said. "I'm still under restriction. Is it really a good idea for me to…?"

"The voice said emergency, so it's an emergency," Dirk said. "You're justified. Now, come on."

The six students made their way back inside and through to the meeting hall, pausing just outside.

"Where's everyone else?" Melissa asked. "Didn't they hear that?"

"We did tell them to stay where they are," John said. "They might think it's wiser to stay where they are than risk finding out what's going on."

"Let's just hope they're okay," Marian said. She pushed open the doors and everyone walked inside.

The meeting hall looked the same as it did yesterday, phone and all.

"So… what's going on," Dirk said, looking around. "Why here? Why the meeting hall?"

"I wish I had an answer," John said. "Something's… Hey, do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Marian asked.

"Yeah, I hear it too," Ella said. "It's… that bleeping sound, right?"

"Bleeping?" Mark said.

"Yeah…" Ella said. "I think it's coming from the front of the room."

They all walked to the front of the room, stopping just before the phone and the stage.

"It's loudest here," Ella said. "This is weird."

Mark's face went white. "Uh, guys…" he said.

"What?" Marian asked.

Mark raised a trembling hand and pointed in front of him. "…Look."

"Oh my God," Melissa said. "No."

The source of the bleeping came from the pedestal. The phone's receiver had been taken off its stand and the countdown timer read 41:42:35 and was ticking down each second with a bleep.

"The timer," Marian said in shock.

"Someone used the phone…" Mark said.

Marian turned to Dirk and Ella. "You don't—" she began.

"We left the building at the start of Night Time," Dirk said. "Monobear said the phone was linked to a forty-eight hour countdown, right? So it's been going for about six hours now."

"What time is it?" Melissa asked.

"…Eight-fifteen," Marian said.

"So someone came down here and used the phone at two this morning," Dirk said.

"Oh, oh no," Mark said. "So that means that by two am in two days from now… someone will be dead."

His words sent chills throughout the group.

"Someone… betrayed our trust?" Melissa said weakly. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes. "Oh God, someone's going to die…"

"We…" Marian said, words failing. "We need to find out who it was, before…"

"Before we have another murder," Dirk said, folding his arms. "Monobear must be jumping for joy at our despair right now.

"Despair? Don't say such things! I won't allow despair to beat anyone!"

"Wait," Dirk said. "Who said that."

"It was the same voice as on the PA system," John said. He looked around. "Who's there? Show yourself."

"Way to survive a horror movie," Dirk said.

"There are six of us," Marian said. "Too many for someone to kill."

"Kill? Why would I kill any of you? I love all of you guys!"

"Where are you," Dirk said, raising his voice. "Come out already."

"Well, since you asked so nicely… Haha, heehee, hoohoo!"

There was a noise from the stage, like something clattering against the floor. Then, a figure began to climb up onto the top of the podium, gangly limbs reaching higher and higher, until the figure stood atop the podium, arms on hips in a dramatic fashion.

"No goddamn way…" Dirk said.

"When insurmountable despair arises, I arrive to vanquish it!" the figure said. "It is me, Cammy! The puppet born from a desire to spread hope and protect my friends! I am Sun's Joy's last line of defence against the forces of despair!"

"Ella," Dirk said through grit teeth. "What the hell did Shauna do in that workshop?"

Cammy the puppet jumped off the podium and stood before the six students, his bizarre mouth contorting into an approximation of a smile. "It is so very nice to meet you all!"