A/N:

Welcome everyone to act 8 of The School Trip of Mutual Killing. Things are heating up as our students are subjected to a Hope's Peak Academy style motive. However, them being stuck within the Pizzeria isn't exactly the motive. Let's say that was just a reason to get them in one place. The real motive is about to begin, so let's all see what I cooked up today. I assure you, it isn't pizza.

I give this chapter at least two or more Acts before the class trial. I do apologize for so much filler, but you'll see in this chapter and the next that I'm setting you all up for what will eventually happen. I've given you all sufficient clues, and the end of this chapter will hopefully begin to steer you in the right direction. So it shouldn't be much longer, I will recommend you pay attention though. This may all look like filler, but there are context clues sprinkled throughout the chapter that you'll be needing. Break out the notepad boys and girls, because it will be important. Even the most minute detail will be important. Ah...that brings me back to the first trial of The School Life of Mutual Killing, how that small spool of thread, something so miniscule, lead to figuring out what was used to tie the arrow heads to the arrows. Good times...good times.

And now, I continue to mourn the loss of my favorite Princess in Crit Fail's A New Hope...you bastard, we're not done yet...we're only just beginning.

The School Trip of Mutual Killing

Chapter 3

Act 8

The Urban Jungle and Choppy Seas

(Daily Life)

Daisuke groaned as he stirred awake, his vision being a bit blurry. He looked around for a second, remembering what had happened the night before. He had fallen asleep on a couch in the dance hall, within Monokuma Bear's Pizza. He held back a yawn, glancing down at his lap, noticing the sleeping form of his girlfriend Hiyoko. The dancer had decided to use his lap as a pillow, resulting in his legs being numb, not that he minded. Sonia had fallen asleep next to him, having taken a hold of his arm. If he could feel with it, it would have likely gotten numb too. Even though it had been days since the accident, he still had trouble getting used to his metal arm. He glanced toward the windows, seeing they were still closed, the blackout curtains blowing out the light. He clutched his head a bit, squeezing his eyes shut a bit as he felt a twinge of pain through his back. Sleeping upright was never a good idea, but he didn't exactly have a choice in the matter. It was better than sleeping on the floor at least. He placed a hand on Hiyoko's head, running his fingers through her blonde locks. She mumbled something in her sleep, moving slightly. At least she was sleeping peacefully, and not suffering from her menstruation anymore.

"Daisuke?"

"Hmm...morning Sonia...what time is it?" he asked softly. The princes shrugged, stretching her arms a bit. She grabbed a hold of her back, groaning a bit from the pain.

"It's a good thing Nagito brought pain meds with him...I believe I'll be needing some for my sore back."

"So...if I put a pea under a stack of mattresses, could you feel it now?" the boy asked, earning a glare from the girl.

"I'm gonna go pee, you better do the same before someone hogs the bathroom. We can't shower at the moment, heaven knows we could all use one." she said, popping her back as she stood up. A small satisfied look appeared on her face as she walked, her slippers clacking on softly on the tile. The boy watched her go, a smirk on his face as he watched her wiggling hips.

"Damn, I'm lucky as hell. Can't wait to get outta here so I can tap that..what am I saying, Jesus. Hiyoko's on my lap and here I am thinking about fuckin Sonia. Hmm...well I could fuck them both at once...I did the same with Kiriko." he thought to himself, glancing up at the ceiling. He blinked a few times, a frown on his face.

"Who the hell is Kiriko? Wait...Kiriko...Koko...Kiriko Nishizawa...the Ultimate Physician...Class 76B...the Student Council...what?" the boy thought, a confused look on his face. He sighed, shaking his head...the storm was most likely getting to him. He placed a hand on Hiyoko's shoulder, shaking her slightly.

"Palomita, mi amor...it's time to wake up." the boy said softly.

"Five more minutes mommy." the girl whispered, earning a chuckle from the Ultimate Storyteller.

"I would let you, but my legs are numb. Seriously, get up." he said, shaking her a bit harder. She groaned, eyes slowly opening as she sat up.

"Ugh...fuck, still in this hell hole." she mumbled, brushing her hair out of her eyes. She swept it into a ponytail, tying it up with her black scrunchie.

"Morning Princess...sorry our accommodations weren't exactly five star. Did you have a good sleep?" Daisuke asked, standing up on his feet. He shook his legs a bit, trying to get the pins and needles out of them.

"Better than most...my sides don't hurt anymore. Now that the heavy flow is over, I should be getting better. Speaking of that, I need to change, last thing I want is to smell like iron. Period blood isn't a pleasant smell."

"Yeah...thanks for letting me know, I didn't exactly need that kind of information. Hopefully Nagito brought tooth brushes with him." he said, heading toward the bathrooms. Hiyoko took a hold of his hand, holding her sandals in her hand.

Thankfully for everyone, Nagito had brought more than enough toiletries. Having stepped into the Dining Hall, Daisuke noticed an area had been closed off by some thick curtains. He figured Mikan must have made a medical bay during the night, with Nekomaru's work, they had moved Takane there. Everyone else was sitting in various areas of the room, some near the stage, others near the windows, but no one was sitting together. Save for Chiaki and Hajime, and strangely enough, Sylvia and Gundam. Everyone else seemed to be on edge, and he didn't blame anyone. After what had happened, they needed some space. It was a good thing they could at least convene together.

Daisuke sighed, knowing it was still a bit too early to pull the bandaid. But he knew it needed to be done, so he walked up to the center of the room, having attracted everyone's attention. They all gave him odd looks as he stood in the center of the room, having avoided a bucket half filled with water, as the leaks had gotten a bit worse. It was then that Daisuke noticed the lack of wind and rain. He had glanced out the window briefly as he had gone to the bathroom, but hadn't noticed anything. He shook the feeling off, taking a deep breath.

"Well...I hate to do this so early on, especially after what happened last night. But it needs to be addressed...after Mikan finished last night, I was able to collect this from the floor." he said, placing the Colt Python on the table. He also put five bullets on the table, along with the spent shell casing. Everyone looked at the weapon curiously, some with hate, others with contempt, and Nagito looked at it indifferently.

"Do you seriously feel the fucking need to bring this up, right now?" Akane asked, looking very annoyed. The boy glared back at her, giving her a nod.

"Yes, I do. Because this almost caused the death of one of my closest friends. Look, I'm not doing this to be an insensitive douche bag. But we have to address it. This is not appropriate, no matter who brings the weapon in, or who finds it. We cannot just decide on our own who lives and who dies. Nagito did something fucked up, resulting in something worse. But that is no reason for any one of us to decide if his life his forfeit."

"I agree with Daisuke, what happened yesterday is a prime example of what we shouldn't do. The Mastermind wants us to suspect each other, they want us to hate each other. That way we'll have no qualms with killing each other. I hate that Mahiru was executed, I hate that Teruteru got blackmail material on her. But guess what, none of them are at fault. The one controlling Monokuma is. So instead of fighting, we should put an end to this killing game and work together to defeat the Mastermind." Ryouko said firmly.

"I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. I cannot work together with someone who is keen on setting up murder. This low corrosive lump of fecal horror, masquerading as a human being deserves nothing short of death." Gundam said, glaring at Nagito.

"You are indeed right Tanaka...simple trash like me doesn't deserve to live. That was why I was willing to die for you yesterday. I was ready for that bullet to pierce my brain, because I know that my death will bring nothing but hope to the world. However, if I am to cast aside my body then it has to be for a good cause...what you did yesterday was nothing short of foolish." Nagito said firmly, causing the Dark Lord to stand up.

"How dare you question my cause? When you yourself are the embodiment of evil and despair? You are the one who set this all up! You are the reason all of us are trapped in this dark hobble, while mother nature's rage batters this land. You filth, you deserve nothing more than an eternity of lashings in the dark fires of Hades!"

"I'll gladly accept those lashings, just as long as you guide me there yourself, my Lord."

"Guys for fuck sakes! This is not the time to argue, we got an injured patient in the room. We have to diffuse this situation right now, or I swear I will sow your mouths shut. I mean it too." Mikan snapped angrily, causing the two men to cease their arguing.

"I fear for my life...this mortal is higher in power than I thought." Gundam muttered, looking away from Mikan who still glared at the two.

"This is going nowhere fast. All I can say is this storm is almost over, the eye is over the island. In a few hours we'll be able to get outta here. Especially Takane, she needs proper medical treatment in a hospital, not a fucking restaurant." Kazuichi said, glancing at the makeshift medical bay, concern on his face. The monitor suddenly came on, a jingle blaring from the speakers.

"This is your daily weather forecast, with Meteorologist Monokuma, and his assistant Monomi. We go live to Monomi who is now on scene on the third island."

"Hi can you see me? My name is Monomi...and I'm reporting live from the third island. The frontal wall of Hurricane Despair has finally left the island, however the roughest part of the storm is about to strike. The storm has dropped to category 4, but the winds are still quite high. Expect gusts of at least 167 miles an hour to batter the island, as the storm begins to pull out of our area. We expect the storm to fully pass by 7:00PM tonight...I'll pass it back to the studio." Monomi said, the feed cut back to Monokuma, who was wearing his snazzy suit and tie. He pointed to the map, which showed the red spinner right over the third island, the eye sitting right in the middle of it.

"Ahem...as my assistant Monomi has said, the storm is currently over the island. Its eye will be fully passed in the next twenty minutes...it's a shame though. If this eye was more human like, maybe I could give it to Takane as a present. Upupupupupu!"

"You fucking piece of shit! I'm going to fucking strangle you!" Kazuichi shouted angrily, slamming a fist on the table.

"Kazuichi, if you want your girlfriend to recover faster, stop making noise. Goddamn it, do I have to tape your mouth shut?" Mikan hissed, holding a roll of duct tape up for emphasis. The boy swallowed the lump in his throat, shaking his head.

"Alright Monokuma, just get on with your fucking forecast so we can go about our day." Sylvia said, having been watching the television screen intently.

"If you say so...this actually isn't a weather forecast at all. I wanted to congratulate you all, you did such a good job taking care of Takane. It would have been a boring trial is we all knew who the culprit was right off the bat. So I thought...what would be something fun that all of you can do as a class? Well I came up with a solution...remember that movie I made all of you watch?"

"Ah yes, you mean that horrible movie that was worse than Grave Mistake, combined with Zombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead, all five Sharknado movies and had a pinch of Titanic II. Why bring it up?" Ryouko asked curiously.

"Haha! Why indeed...well it's because that movie is special...it's been two days since you all saw it. Let's just say, that movie has an expiration date...or rather those that watch it do. The movie theater released a very interesting bug, that's currently affecting a couple of you. Any of you feel light headed? Maybe you are eating twice as much as normal, are having abnormal abdominal cramps, similar to a menstruation cycle? Maybe you're all vomiting?"

"What are you getting at?" Sonia asked firmly, trying to keep her composure. Her face had grown a bit pale, especially at the mention of vomiting. Hiyoko had remained silent, and even Akane had stopped eating to pay attention.

"I'm afraid that's due to the toxin released during that movie. You see, those who watch it die in seven days. However, I miscalculated the dose of it. Some of you have healthy immune systems, others slightly weaker ones. Four of you have been infected with that virus, episodes of diarrhea, insatiable hunger, abdominal, vomiting, those are all signs. However, you all wont die in seven days...that's far too easy...but I will say, the virus fully activates on the seventh day...that is to say, it goes airborne."

They all remained silent, not exactly knowing what to say. Akane, Nekomaru, Hiyoko and Sonia had grown a bit pale. All of them having the signs of the virus. Though no one wanted to say anything at all. Everyone knew about Hiyoko's period, because she couldn't stop talking about it, but the three others were a mystery. Though they were all looking at each other closely, trying to see if they could spot the signs. Ryouko, who had been lost in thought, narrowed her eyes a bit, glaring at the screen.

"Let me summarize what you are saying. That movie we all watched, released a toxin into the air. Four of us got sick without knowing, and now the virus runs rampant through their blood. At the end of the seven days, it becomes airborne. What exactly does the virus do?" she asked.

"Oh well...it's a doozy really. The virus carries typical symptoms, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, lightheadedness. But after eight hours, you'll start vomiting blood. You're muscles will grow weak, and you'll eventually drown in your own fluids! However there is a cure for this disease...if you can get to it before the seven days that is."

"Yeah right...we already know exactly what you want from us. As if it were that hard to guess." Sylvia said, an angry tone in her voice. Monokuma chuckled, glancing at the pinkette.

"You know me too well sweetheart. I used the guise of the storm to lock you all in the pizzeria. But that was because I wanted a closed environment. None of you noticed the fact that the air conditioning had been replaced with heating. It was actually pumping that virus through the ventilation system. All of you are carriers while some have the symptoms. If I don't see a body drop within the next five days, well let's just say it won't be pretty. Give me a body, and I'll give you all the cure...and it's a special one. As soon as it's breathed in, it will shut down the virus and simultaneously destroy the airborne bacteria. So if you don't want to piss blood or drown in your puke, get killin! Upupupupupu!"

The television shut off, just as the winds and rain started picking up outside. No one said a thing for a few minutes, just staring at the blackend monitor. Nagito was the first one to stand up from his seat, an emotionless look on his face as he started making his way out of the Dining Room.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Akane shouted, causing the boy to stop.

"Four of you are infected, and the rest of us our carriers. I'd rather not be near any of you when you all get sick. I already deduced two of the four that are sick. Akane, you've been eating twice as much food since being locked in here, and Hiyoko, you've been complaining about cramps for an entire day...no doubt the two of you are infected. I'd like to keep my blood in my veins, thank you." he said.

"Hey dick head, you can't just start pointing the finger all willy nilly. Just because Hiyoko is on her menstruation cycle and Akane is stress eating, doesn't mean that they're sick." Kazuichi said.

"Hmm...you are right...but would you want Takane to get sick in her weakened state? Well...we a full brunt of it? If I were you, I'd keep those two away from her. Or else she might die of her injury." Nagito said, heading off to Pirate's Alcove.

"Don't listen to that jackass. We don't know for certain if Monokuma is lying or not. That virus could be something he pulled out of his ass." Daisuke said firmly.

"Could it? I noticed that aside from Hiyoko's cramps, and Akane's unnatural appetite, Sonia has been stomach sick. In fact I heard her earlier this morning in the bathroom. She could in fact be a carrier of this sickness." Sylvia said, earning a glare from the Storyteller.

"She is not sick. She's just suffering from stress, she didn't even watch the movie."

"But she was in the theater with you. I'm sorry Daisuke...but she might be sick. She's showing one of the symptoms that Monokuma said. Without knowing what this virus actually is...we'll have to just assume she is." Mikan said, a hurt look on her face. Sonia sighed, placing a hand on her forehead.

"I concede defeat, I admit that I haven't been feeling well these last couple of days. If you all suspect me of being sick, then I shall remain away from Takane. I wouldn't want her to get worse in her current state, come Hiyoko...you need to leave too."

"But that's bullshit! I'm not fucking sick, I just had cramps! Since when is being on the rag grounds for being sick?!" she cried angrily.

"Hmm...Hiyoko makes a point, she did show signs of pain before watching the movie. It was during the time I was taking note of the fire arms, when we first explored the island." Peko said, earning curious looks from the others.

"Ah...but how do we know you aren't lying? You could very well be protecting the She Devil, after all you are her servant. Aside from taking orders from Sir Daisuke, I have heard you calling both Sonia and Hiyoko, Mistress. So you could very well be saving her hide." Gundam said.

"I don't think you of all people have a right to comment on this, not after what you fucking caused." Kazuichi said.

"Guys stay calm...this is exactly what Monokuma wants. In order for a virus to even start, it has to be directly given to a person. He said it himself, at the end of the seven days, it becomes Airborne. Meaning right now it isn't affecting us. However, if he is pumping that through the air system, then the contaminated air could have come into contact with food. Meaning it is a food-borne virus." Hajime said.

"I see...so those that have been in places handling food that doesn't come from a can, are most likely the ones infected first. Akane and Nekomaru were in the kitchen most of the day, and I noticed a vent right over the stove. No one else bothered with heating up our canned goods." Ryouko said, glancing at the too.

"So big man...have you been shitting alright?" Daisuke asked, causing the brolic Team Manager to sigh.

"No I haven't...in fact, I've been trying to avoid certain foods. Sticking only to bread and crackers."

"I see...so he's trying to create a block, IE, he has diarrhea. Akane has been voraciously assaulting the food in the kitchen. So she's most likely infected as well. However one other thing lies, if Sonia is vomiting due to stress, and Hiyoko's period started before she watched the movie...which one of us is currently infected?" Sylvia asked. No one batted an eye, not wanting to say anything.

"Ibuki doesn't know anything, but what Ibuki does know is that his is all hooey! Monokuma is pulling our leg, we should just wait until the seventh day and see what happens!" the Ultimate Musician said, earning a scoff from Hiyoko.

"Yes, because after finally getting over my menstruation, the one thing I want the most is to start bleeding again. Thanks but no thanks, I am not going to let myself be subjected to that horrible shit again."

"So what you are saying is that you'll drop a body?" Akane asked, causing the blonde to look at her.

"Of course not...I am many things, but I am not a fucking killer. If anything, you should worry the most. You haven't stopped eating during this entire conversation. Must be getting to ya huh? You're probably about to explode from all of that undigested food in your gut." Hiyoko said, a smirk on her face. Daisuke slapped the back of her head, giving her a glare.

"We aren't here to antagonize, especially to someone who's fucking sick. Let's all just be calm about this okay? We gotta figure out something. Before anything else, who remembers what about the movie?" Daisuke asked.

"Hell if I know, me and Chiaki were playing Gala Omega throughout it." Hajime admitted, earning a nod from Chiaki.

"Ibuki was playing a song, her eyes were closed the entire time."

"I didn't watch it either, I was on your lap the entire time Daisuke." Sonia said, a flush on her face.

"I was shitting in a bucket." Nekomaru admitted, not even sounding embarrassed. All of the girls gagged, Hiyoko being the most bothered.

"Ew, fucking gross!" she cried, holding a hand to her mouth in disgust.

"Hmm...wait a minute...so you all mean to tell me none of you paid attention to the movie?" Daisuke asked.

"As far as I can tell no...why would we watch something that fucking gross? I at least know where the shit stink came from." Sylvia admitted. Ryouko pulled out a black notebook from her blazer pocket, holding it to Daisuke.

"I watched that movie twice and took detailed notes about it. I thought we might need something like it. It seems you and I are the only ones that paid full attention to it. Especially if you were able to give such a horrible review of it." she said. Daisuke nodded, holding the notebook tightly in his grasp.

"Okay then...I think we're gonna have to start reviewing these notes. Everyone...just stay calm okay? I recommend no one visits Takane. Mikan has kept a perimeter. If you absolutely want to see her, wear a mask, just in case. If not then spare her of this virus at least until we prove if it's real or not." Daisuke said, earning nods from everyone. They all started filing out of the Dining Room, heading to other areas of the Pizzeria.

"What do you make of all this?" Hajime asked, along with Kazuichi the only other person that had stayed was Ryouko. Mikan had gone back to check on Takane again, as she still hadn't woken up.

"I'm not sure...but I'll have to get back to you. Listen Hajime, I'm gonna trust you with this gun okay? I'll be hanging onto the bullets. I trust that nothing bad will happen. But someone trustworthy should keep it." he said, passing the Colt Python to the brown haired boy. He checked it over, taking it into his hand.

"You know...I thought it would be a bit heavier."

"Yeah...we all think that. You're looking like a real sheriff now, all you need now is the hat and the badge. I'd have trouble keeping my face straight though, especially if you were the law." Kazuichi said, earning a frown from the boy.

"I am the law boy, don't y'all make get my cuffs ya hear?"

"That was horrible, Jesus...you need to practice your accents man. Ryouko, mind accompanying me to the Security Room? I think it'll be a good quiet place for us to review this." Daisuke said, earning a nod from the redhead.

"Whatever you say big brother." she said, following after the boy, who just frowned as he walked.

xxx

Daisuke frowned as he reread the notes, it had been the third time in the last half hour that he had. Ryouko had been carefully watching the security cameras. No one had moved from their spots, with Sonia and Hiyoko staying together in the Prize Corner, Nagito in Pirate's Alcove, Chiaki and Hajime in the Arcade and Gundam in the West Hallway. She didn't see Sylvia, Akane or Nekomaru, so she assumed they were in the kitchen, as it was the only place where the cameras didn't work. Ibuki had been walking around the entire pizzeria, bobbing her head as she walked, most likely singing a song. Aside from that, nothing interesting had happened. Mikan and Kazuichi had remained in the Dining Hall caring for Takane. Even then, it was clear that everyone was on edge, and she knew it wouldn't be long until something bad happened.

"The three teenagers, against their better judgment entered the pizzeria. It was a stormy night, their only source of light being their cellphones. Despite what people said, they wanted to bring back souvenirs of the supposedly haunted pizzeria. However what they didn't know was that a murderer was inside, stuffing bodies into the old animatronics. In their haste, one of the teenagers ended up climbing into one of the animatronics, deciding to hide within, only for them to die from a spring lock failure." Daisuke said, reading what Ryouko had written.

"I see...that stuck out to you as well. I'm sure you noticed, but this establishment has four animatronics. Foxy Monokuma, Bonnie Monokuma, Chika Monokuma, and finally Monokuma Bear himself. Three are in the Dining Hall, one in Pirate's Alcove. However, I didn't see any animatronics that doubled as suits."

"Hmm...that's because they were taken out of the store. There were two at one point, but apparently there was a spring lock failure. This restaurant has a sister location, most likely on the Fourth or Fifth island. Someone died, and the suits were taken out of here. The day time security guard left a message on the machine." Daisuke said, pointing to the phone. Ryouko looked at it, deciding to play it. She rewound it a bit, before pressing the play button.

"Uh...I'm sure you've noticed the lack of animatronics on the floor. That's because all of them are going through maintenance. They were meant to be taken to a warehouse, but we didn't have time...by now you must have heard. The Dual suits are operational however, after learning of an unfortunate incident at the sister location, involving multiple spring lock failures, the company as deemed the suits temporarily unfit for employees. For now, they shall remain in animatronic mode until further notice."

Ryouko stopped the recording, letting the silence linger in the office. Her eyes were firmly trained on the cameras, nothing had changed, aside from Ibuki walking past the Dining Room again. She had her eyes narrowed, head bowed slightly as she was lost in thought. Daisuke watched her intently, noticing all of her small quirks, things he hadn't noticed before. The Ultimate Analyst was twirling a strand of her lengthy crimson hair, chewing on her lip slightly.

"Hmm...at some point, they brought back the animatronics...if that's the case, then what happened to the Spring lock suits? They aren't in the Parts and Service room. Hajime didn't mention seeing something like that inside the basement...what's the angle though?"

"Ryouko...I don't really know if this is important. What are the odds that the movie itself will affect any of us? We should be worrying more about the virus." Daisuke said. Ryouko sighed, earning a nod from the boy.

"You're right...I don't know if you noticed, but Monokuma is a horrible liar. There's no virus, the way he described it...a virus doesn't break out like that. It's either Food-borne or Airborne...I think his goal is to make us think we're sick, when we're not...and it's succeeding."

"Psychological warfare?" the Ultimate Storyteller asked, earning a nod from the girl, who leaned back against the counter. Her demeanor changed a bit as she glanced at the wall.

"I recall this happening once when I was on the battlefield. The enemy used a toxic gas against us. They had convinced us all that it was Mustard Gas, but the gas itself didn't look like Mustard Gas. Still, my comrades breathed it in, and they started choking, eventually dying. They were able to fool them into thinking they were dying, and they succeeded. It was one of the more horrible things I have witnessed in my life." she said.

"Ryouko...what are you talking about?" the boy asked. She looked at him, blinking a bit in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean this...you were a soldier? Since when?" he asked. Ryouko opened her mouth to speak, only for her to quickly close it. Confusion settled onto her face, her crimson lips turning into a frown.

"I see...it seems I have also fallen victim to my own memories. I used to be more happy and aloof, but these past days...I haven't been feeling like myself." she admitted, running a hand through her hair.

"That's a surprise to me...it seems like a lot of us are getting memories back. I haven't gotten any, and neither has Sonia. I can't exactly say anything about Hiyoko...she hasn't said anything at least."

"Probably part of the bear's endgame. Those memories are probably false, which is why I usually disregard them. But I can't seem to shake them this time around...I feel like they are a part of me. There's an image of a girl...one who always made me smile. Then again...she did try to kill me with an ice pick too. I really want to know who she is, she looks a little like me."

"Probably a sister then...I'm gonna read these notes again...I wanna memorize them as much as I can. I doubt Monokuma will open up the theater anyway." Daisuke said, flipping back to the first page.

"Hmm...hey Daisuke...if you, Hiyoko and Sonia weren't together, and you were looking for a girl...would you ever date someone who's killed before?" the redhead asked. He looked up at her, noticing the blank look on her face.

"Sweetheart, if you are following that thread, and its telling you that you were a soldier, it's fine. Soldiers are there to protect the ones who aren't warriors. Even if they killed someone in battle, I'd give them a chance. War is part of our world, it molded our society, and it will keep molding it for years to come. It's unavoidable." he replied.

"I see...it's interesting then...if you hadn't started dating either Sonia or Hiyoko...I think I would have snagged you myself." she said, causing the boy to flush.

"Now you're acting more like the Ryouko I know."

"Hehe...sorry, it comes and goes." the redhead said, giving him a wink.

xxx

Hiyoko had remained mostly silent after being given the motive. After everything that had happened, she really doubted Monokuma was being truthful. She didn't know shit about bacterial infections or pandemics, but she was pretty sure no one would get infected unless a virus was airborne. Either that, or someone had to be bit by an infected animal or be in contact with a contagious individual. After all, she had gotten sick during the Swine Flu epidemic in 2010, so she would know a thing or two about being sick. That however didn't seem to ease Sonia's mind. She kept a hand on her stomach, rubbing circles on it as she continued staring into space. She had grown a bit pale and had started sweating a bit. Hiyoko didn't like seeing her girlfriend acting like that, but there was nothing she could do. If she thought she was sick, then she was gonna get sick. She had wanted to ask Mikan for some medicine, but hesitated. On the off chance that she was sick, she didn't want to cause Takane more harm than before. She sighed, running her hand through her hair, noticing how greasy it had gotten in the last couple days. She could only groan, hoping this motive ran its course so she could take a bath.

"Sonia, you wanna play a game? Sitting here with my fingers in my ass isn't how I'd like to spend the afternoon."

"No thanks...I'd rather not move from here. I wouldn't want to coat the floor in vomit." she said, earning a sigh from the dancer. She stood up from her seat, hands on her hips as she glared at the princess.

"Listen honey, I had to deal with cramps for all of yesterday. I didn't get to enjoy a single fucking game. I don't give a shit if you are sick or not, let's play something. It'll get your mind off this bogus disease." she cried. Sonia looked up at her, brushing her sweaty locks from her face. Hiyoko cringed a bit, her eyes were a bit puffy and bloodshot, and she had little makeup on her face, most likely from having washed it off. She looked a lot paler than usual, and that honestly wasn't a good sign.

"Hiyoko, please just let me be. I am not in the mood to play anything at the moment." she said. Her eyes suddenly widened and she shot to her feet, sprinting toward the door. Hiyoko followed after her, already knowing where she was going. She raced into the nearest bathroom, virtually kicking the stall open, puking into the toilet. She retched loudly for a couple seconds, groaning in pain. That was when she realized two things. One, she felt a lot better, and two the stall was in use, by Daisuke who had been reading Ryouko's notes. Thankfully he hadn't been taking care of business, but the boy was still surprised nonetheless.

"Mother fucker! Just when I thought you had forgiven me for the pregnancy test, you fucking come back at me with this." he said, glancing at the chunky vomit on his lap.

"I'm so sorry Daisuke, I didn't mean too!" the girl said, wiping her lips with her shirt. Hiyoko entered the bathroom, peeking into the stall only to start laughing. Her peals of laughter filled the bathroom, evolving into hysterical laughter. She fell to the ground, her tiny fists pounding the tile floor.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up you bitch. You are out of a pillow tonight." Daisuke cried angrily, as he stood up. He handed Sonia the book, kneeling down to undo the laces of his boots.

"I'm...I'm sorry...I just...it's so chunky, ahahahahaha!"

"Honestly sweetheart, I'm sorry. I just don't know what came over me...I was trying to hold it in for so long." Sonia said, looking down in shame. Daisuke frowned as he took off his jeans, tossing them into the trash.

"This is gonna be great, I don't even have my jacket and now my pants are gone too. It's as if the world is trying to get me naked." the boy said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Ha...that was awesome...I'm gonna go find you some pants. There were some in the Prize Corner...I'll be back." Hiyoko said, hastily leaving the bathroom.

"Well...this isn't awkward. I guess I should write a book titled, "How to start a conversation after your girl vomits on your lap." it might actually sell better than anything else I've written." the Ultimate Storyteller said, earning a giggle from Sonia.

"At least we'll have something interesting to talk about." she said, placing a hand on her stomach. The boy looked closely at the princess, a frown on his face.

"Honeybun...have you been...well gaining weight?" he asked. Sonia's eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping in surprise. She quickly close it, pressing her lips into a thin line.

"I'm not gonna dignify that with a response. I did puke on your lap, so that was your freebie." she said, a look of annoyance on her face.

"Sorry, I just thought...never mind." the boy replied. Hiyoko returned after a few minutes, handing the boy a pair of clothes, a bright blue jogging suit, emblazoned with Hope's Peak Academy's crest on it.

"Here, I had to use the little tokens I had to get it. I hope you're happy."

"Sweetie, if Sonia hadn't yakked on my pants, I wouldn't have had to change. Just wait outside, I'll go play some games and get you more tokens." he replied. The two girls nodded, walking out of the men's room, leaving the boy to his own devices.

"I feel so bad...I should have paid attention to where I was going."

"Hey, it could have happened to anyone okay? We're all stressed, but at least you're looking a little better. Hell, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were pregnant." the dancer said absentmindedly, walking back toward the Prize Corner. Sonia let out a dry chuckle, following after her.

xxx

"Chiaki, are you sure you wanna keep playing these games? It's past midnight already. You didn't even finish your food." Hajime said, holding back a yawn as he looked around. He had noticed the girl had left her unfinished food in a sealed bowl on a nearby table.

"I'll be fine Hajime...I almost got enough tokens for that Game Girl 3D. I just need 4,000 more and I'll be all set." the girl said, not looking away from her game. She was currently playing the original Gala Omega, having gotten the max score on the cabinet eight times in the last few hours.

"You know, you seriously need to pace yourself. Loosing sleep for a game isn't good."

"I know...I didn't have many friends growing up. Everyone around me always avoided me. That's why I started playing games, I remember one of my teachers saying once, that games can bring people together. She was such a sweet person, and loved all of us dearly. That's why her betrayal hurt me the most." the Ultimate Gamer said, causing the boy's brows to furrow.

"Her betrayal? What are you talking about Chiaki?"

"Hmm? It's nothing...I feel weird, you know how some of the others got memories? I think I got one too. It was of this woman...with long auburn hair, tied in a ponytail. I think she was a former Ultimate...a Housekeeper." the pinkette said, looking away from the screen when she saw the Stage Clear screen.

"You too huh? Why is it that everyone is getting memories but me? I'm having a hard time being around you all. You all are amazing, with so many interesting talents, and yet I don't remember mine."

"Hajime...there's something I've been wanting to tell you. I've noticed you sulking a bit recently. I see why, because you keep worrying about what your talent is. I learned awhile back, that your talent doesn't define you. You should just live in the moment, make friends and have fun. I never let my talent get in the way of who I am. Instead, I use it to make friends...games can bring people together. You don't have to know how to play in order to have fun. So please, don't worry about your talent...just enjoy yourself. You never know when you could be next." Chiaki said, turning back to the screen. She slipped a token into the box, starting the next stage.

"I...I never thought about it that way...it's rather morbid now that I think about it. But you are right..at any time, you or I could be the next one killed...honestly...I'd love to keep playing games, but I think I'm turning in for the night. Believe it or not, the bathroom floor isn't that bad...I really hope someone cleaned up the puke though." he admitted, earning a giggle from the Ultimate Gamer.

"Goodnight Hajime, I hope you sleep okay." she said. The boy nodded, giving her a small wave as he left the Arcade.

The room became quiet, the only sounds coming from the game Chiaki was playing, along with the other game cabinets. Her focus was solely on the screen, her tokens taking precedence over everything. She smiled brightly as she hit another perfect game, the tokens falling out of the machine. She had effectively cleaned it out of tokens, which she poured into her bucket.

"Finally...I have enough for that Game Girl...I'm gonna have so much fun with it. I can't wait to play games with Hajime now." she murmured, looking at the Game Clear screen. She didn't even notice a person enter the arcade. They were dressed in what looked like a violet track suit, with a wrinkled violet hoodie over their upper body. They were walking slowly toward the Ultimate Gamer, trying to stay quiet, though they broke the quiet when they bumped one of her many buckets of tokens, spilling some to the ground. Chiaki glanced over her shoulders, eyes widening in surprise before everything went black.

xxx

"Ugh...how many days has it been now?" Kazuichi muttered, yawning a bit as he glanced at some of his friends. Daisuke frowned, looking up from the comic he was reading.

"Uh...I dunno. The storm passed at least, it shouldn't bother us much, but it's still raining heavily outside." he replied.

"Hey man, let me be real with you...do you think this virus is for real?" the mechanic asked. He glanced around the room, noticing everyone else was quietly eating their canned food. Nagito had come in briefly for some crackers and water, before heading back to Pirate's Alcove, saying nothing to no one. Gundam had been the same, going back to the West Hallway.

"I spent the afternoon talking to Ryouko about it. We think it's bogus...she believes Monokuma is using psychological warfare against us."

"You mean...trying to make us think we're sick when we aren't? Have you told anyone else this?" he asked, shoving some pudding in his mouth. Daisuke shook his head, a frown on his lips.

"I'm sure if I did, no one would buy it. There are too many pieces at play, and I have far to little information." he replied.

"Damn...I guess you are right, but I'm sure the Mastermind isn't above using that kinda shit. I was hoping he didn't do something like that though."

"Sorry man, in this killing game, I'm afraid everything is on the table. Hell he gave us weapons, and a motive, almost expecting us to go at each other like beasts. Between Gundam's revenge plan and Nagito's flawed philosophy, I'm starting to wonder why everyone else hasn't had skewed thoughts yet." he said.

"Heh...I would never kill my friends."

"Don't be so sure...if it was for Takane, I'm sure you would." Daisuke said, taking a sip from his water.

"I would not...why would you even say something like that?" the mechanic snapped, baring his sharpened teeth at the boy. He set his cup down, giving his best friend a firm look.

"Because, if it came down to it, I would do it. If it means saving Hiyoko and Sonia's lives, I will do what it takes. Even if it means sacrificing something I hold dear." he said.

"So...you would kill someone to get them out? How do you know they wouldn't kill someone else?" the boy asked curiously.

"Hiyoko is many things, but a killer she is not. She wouldn't kill anyone even for revenge. The same applies to Sonia, she wouldn't do anything too crazy. I would use her status as a princess to my advantage, she wouldn't dare kill anyone in revenge, not when her country comes first." he replied.

"Oh...oh my god...dude, what the fuck?" Kazuichi said, dropping his spoon.

"I know...I may look like a piece of shit, but trust me. I have been paying close attention to everyone. If I can use it to my advantage I will...but I am not resorting to that, not until I have a gun to my head. I wouldn't kill you, or Takane, or Hajime or even Mikan...you are too precious to me...you all are...I can't understand why." Daisuke said firmly.

"Has anyone seen Chiaki? She hasn't come in here for breakfast, and I looked for her in the arcade, she isn't there either." Hajime said, a concerned look on his face. Daisuke swallowed hard, standing up from his seat.

"Okay, where was the last time you saw her?" he asked.

"The arcade, late last night. It was around midnight, she was still playing Gala Omega...you don't think something's happened to her right?" he asked.

"I wouldn't be too sure, but with everything that's going on...okay let's start searching. I'll take the arcade, Kazuichi check the kitchen, inside the cupboards, Hajime take the basement, don't go alone. Everyone else, I advise you start looking too." he said, heading off toward the arcade. As he was walking down the hall, he passed by Sonia and Hiyoko who had been lost in conversation, both of them giving him a concerned look.

"Daisuke, is something the matter?" Sonia asked, causing the boy to stop.

"Yeah, Chiaki's missing. I'm gonna search the arcade, can I trust you two to check the Prize Corner?"

"Yes of course...we were in the bathroom trying to fix our hair. Maybe she fell asleep somewhere." Hiyoko said.

"That's what I'm thinking, if you find her just go back to the Dining Room and tell someone okay?" the boy said. Both girls nodded, giving him a kiss on the cheek before walking off. He flushed a bit, heading toward the arcade.

When he got there, the normal sounds of the cabinets were blaring loudly. He started looking around the front, not finding the girl at all. As he moved toward the middle of the arcade however, he stepped on something, causing him to look down. He knelt down, grabbing the Monokuma Token that had been left behind. He looked it over, a frown on his face as he stood up, pocketing the coin. The arcade was vast, filled with at least 100 different arcade boxes. The back of the room was filled with next gen consoles, large television screens being placed at the back wall, creating booths of sorts with tables in the center. There was an area reserved for Nintendo games, as they had a Wii U. The lighting was a bit lower than one would want, but since the arcade cabinets were old, it helped with the graphics a bit. He took a shaky breath, realizing this would be a good place for a murder to happen.

"God, there I am thinking macabre...fuck me. This fucking killing game is getting to me." he thought to himself, as he walked toward the more retro games. He saw more coins spilled on the ground, at least a thousand of them. The cause was a spilled bucket, it was as if someone had bumped into it, accidentally tipping it over. He also noticed a familiar figure inspecting the coins, rather closely.

"Nagito...what are you doing here?" he asked, crossing his arms. The white haired boy looked up, giving him a blank look.

"I caught Hajime's plea earlier as I was making my way to the restroom. I decided to come here and check for Chiaki. However she isn't here, I've scoured the entire room for clues, but alas I've found nothing."

"How do I know you aren't lying?" Daisuke asked, causing the boy to laugh. He stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"I wouldn't lie about this, I'm afraid. You all seem to misunderstand what I want. I would never bring harm to any of you, I wish for your hope to triumph over despair. That is why I would lay my body down for it, so that in my death, a glimmering shining hope can welcome me to the afterlife."

"Yeah yeah, I've heard it all before. Even if you hand someone a gun and they kill with it, you aren't responsible. Whatever...what have you found?"

"It seems Chiaki was attacked late last night, though I can't ascertain as to what time. I can however deduce it must have been someone who sleeps in the dining hall." Nagito said, causing Daisuke to furrow his brows.

"How can you tell that?" he asked. Nagito reached for the top of the Gala Omega cabinet, pulling out a round pizza tray. It had a dent in it, along with a small smear of blood on it.

"The camera in the kitchen doesn't work, and I know Kazuichi was watching everything in the office. Aside from that camera not working, the camera in here, doesn't pivot like the others, it's in fact only aiming toward the center of the room. This area is in a blind spot, so someone could have easily sneaked in and hit her with this. What I find odd is that they didn't go for a cast iron skillet, if they wanted to finish the job that is." he said, handing the tray to Daisuke. He looked it over, looking at the pink smear of blood, which had long dried.

"Hmm...this must be at least six to seven hours old. I guess I do concur with what you are saying...I mean, if they wanted to kill her then why not use something harder?"

"I think they weren't trying to kill her. I believe they wanted her tokens. One bucket remains, but Chiaki had five buckets in total, filled to the brim with tokens. I estimate around two hundred thousand tokens lied inside each bucket." Nagito said.

"200,000 thousand tokens...that means she needed 5 buckets to reach her goal one million. She must have gotten all 1,000,000 just as she was struck over the head." Daisuke said.

"Indeed, I arrived at that conclusion as well. But there is another thing I found...tell me, how long have you been missing your jacket?" he asked, glancing at Daisuke. He had been wearing the violet track suit Hiyoko had bought for him at the Prize Corner. The top didn't fit him well, so he had wrapped it around his waist, remaining in his pink shirt.

"Since the first day we came here." he said. Nagito nodded, reaching into his pocket for something. It was a circle of felt, which had a very familiar crest on it, the Triforce from Legend of Zelda.

"I found this in the West Hallway this morning, near a spilled bucket of water. I believe we may find a clue in Pirate's Alcove."

"Why there? Weren't you there all night?" he asked. The boy shook his head, glancing toward the windows.

"I spent the night in the East Hallway, I left briefly for a snack. However when I had returned, Gundam had taken residence there. So I couldn't stay there for the night, especially when my would be killer was there." Nagito said. Daisuke narrowed his eyes a bit in thought, taking a deep breath.

"Fine...say I choose to believe you, why Pirate's Alcove?"

"I'm not certain, call it a hunch." he said, giving the boy a smile.

"Ugh...fine, you are the Ultimate Lucky Student after all. Lead the way, and no funny business." he said.

"If you say so...if you'd like, you can point your gun at my back. I don't mind being hit with rubber bullets." Nagito said, causing Daisuke to gasp. He shook his head.

"Just walk."

End of Chapter 3 Act 8

Restoration at 44%

Hope Fragment Status Window

Hajime Hinata: 4

Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu: 1 (Deceased)

Kazuichi Souda: 5

Gundam Tanaka: 1

Nagito Komaeda: 3

Byakuya Togami: 1 (Deceased)

Nekumaru Nidai: 1

Teruteru Hanamura: 1 (Deceased)

Hiyoko Saionji: 5

Sonia Nevermind: 5

Akane Owari: 1

Takane Nishijima: 3

Ryouko Otonashi: 3

Ibuki Mioda: 1

Mahiru Koizumi: 1 (Deceased)

Mikan Tsumiki: 4

Peko Pekoyama: 5

Sylvia Amane: 2

Chiaki Nanami: 3

Panty Count: 3

Tee Shirt Count: 1