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Welcome User16_Mikanne.

Are you ready to begin your Customization?

My eyes closed for a moment, trying to hide away from the glowing blue screen before me. My memory was hazy, I thought for a moment that I was dreaming.

But no, I wasn't. I was taken. And now...where am I?

I'm in a dark place, laying down facing upwards with a glowing blue screen prompting me about something called Customization.

What did that even mean?

I think I remember...some masked people putting me in this place.

That's right. It was after they pulled out another boy, one with black hair and glasses. I would soon know that boy as Zraiko.

"Data has been found with predetermined Customization features for you. These files shall be uploaded momentarily."

That only made me feel even more uneasy.

"Let's begin. Would you like to change your name?"

Huh?

Well, no. I don't want to change it.

But maybe I need a cover name, a way to protect my identity. I don't even know what's going on here.

I want to get out.

"Selecting a cover name based on your preferences…"

Did...Did the computer just read my mind?

"A match was found. How do you feel about the cover name 'Mest'?"

I can't say I can think of any alternatives. Actually, I'm more worried about the fact that this machine can read my mind. I have to find some way to get out of here, but my body feels too heavy to move…

"Understood, User16_Mikanne. Now, please take a look at your avatar."

I opened my eyes to see a little picture on-screen of the avatar. A bald, blank canvas of a human body without even a face.

"Let's move on to your hair."

A drawing of what appeared to be my natural hairstyle was placed into the head of the avatar.

"Would you like to change your hair? We can produce options based on your preferences."

Change...my hair? No, I don't want to change my hair.

"Understood, User16_Mikanne. Would you like to change your hair color?"

No. I want to get out of here. Can you do that for me, computer?

I then noticed that the avatar's hair was colored like mine.

"Understood, User16_Mikanne. Now how about your eye color?"

I don't think you're understanding me at all. I want to get out.

"That is not an eye color, User16_Mikanne."

I guess that means I'll just have to get through this whole thing. Though, I can't say I want to.

Alright, leave my eye color alone. I like it as it is.

The eyes of the avatar were then colored like my eyes.

"Understood, User16_Mikanne. Now what about your clothes? Does your current outfit satisfy you? Would you like to change your shirt, your jacket, your pants, your socks, your shoes, etcetera?"

I am happy with my clothes, nothing to change here.

The only thing I'm worried about is running out of masks...I only have this one right now, and it's not like I can keep wearing the same mask forever.

The avatar then had on a set of clothes, again exactly like mine. It was as if I was looking at a miniature drawing of myself, only that it was generated by a program. A program that, to my understanding, could have a sinister purpose.

"Understood. You will be supplied with plenty of spare masks. Do you require any other accommodations?"

It wouldn't hurt to ask for a way to treat my scars Incase they open up, would it?

Wait, what am I thinking? I can't just go along with this. This is dangerous. I was kidnapped.

"Understood. Anything else?"

No, wait. Tell me who you are. Tell me where I am, what's happening.

It looks like I won't be getting a response. At least, not the response I would be hoping for.

"Now uploading data files of predetermined Customization features…"

I blinked as I watched the avatar on screen change slightly. Their ears were pointed out, like an elf's wars. They had earrings, they were wearing black, fingerless gloves, and the brim of their hair seemed to have been extended just long enough to hide away the eyes slightly.

Those were the modifications that person who kidnapped me was talking about? And it's supposed to make me unrecognizable?

"We will now be installing appropriate memories for you to have a natural feeling about your new features."

A-Ah? If the computer can mess with memories, then-

...

My head, it feels heavy...

"Now processing your Customization order…"

The avatar then vanished from the screen. Once the processing was finished, a single line of text remained.

"Thank you, goodnight."

Goodnight?

Before I could question what that meant, my eyes felt heavy. Despite my efforts, my eyes eventually closed, and I fell into what would become a deep, year long slumber.


I took a step back as I watched Kozaki, careful not to make any sudden movements. To say I wasn't alarmed would be a lie. In fact, I felt a deep feeling of anxiety crawl on my back. "Z-Zaki?"

He looked up to me without a word. I couldn't tell if he was preparing to bolt or something else. I couldn't read him at all.

"Come on, now…" I took a step forward. "You know that robot's words mean nothing, right? It's just saying things to provoke more killings. You...You aren't seriously going to-"

"I have to save her." Kozaki replied, coldly. It felt completely out of character for him.

"S-Save her?" I frowned. "Do you even know what you're saying right now? Come on, snap out of it."

Nothing about Kozaki's posture faltered. He even seemed to be ignoring me.

"Kozaki, come on. You...You told me, didn't you? You promised you would never kill anyone. Those were your own words!" I stepped forwards again. "You told me, you told me you'd never hurt anyone. Not in the past, not in the future. You're a good person, Kozaki. Don't let this be what breaks you, damn it!"

He looked to the side, as though he were unsure of himself. He still did not reply.

"Fraize gave up his life to protect you." I stopped, just in front of him. "He wanted to save you. He wanted you to live, and to go home."

Kozaki looked back at me, still silently.

"Don't let them win, Kozaki." I placed my hands to his shoulders. "Don't let your uncle get away with everything. Take back your life. Stay strong. Breathe."

He closed his eyes, taking in deep breaths.

"Better?" I asked, trying to assure him. "I promise, we'll find a way to save Riko."

He pushed my hands away, then turning around and going back into his room.

That could've gone better.

"Mikanne?"

I looked over to see Zraiko, Kyohi, and Weise. They walked over, worriedly.

"Go get some rest now, Mikanne." Zraiko nodded to me. "You're going to need it."

My eyes trailed over back to Kozaki's door. "..." I sighed and nodded, slowly. I found myself to be too exhausted to reply with words.

"I guess now we should be watching Kozaki instead of Tobi, huh?" Kyohi rubbed his left shoulder in discomfort.

Weise looked away, saddened. "K-Kozaki would never kill, no. He...He fought all this time to stop this game. He's strong."

"The way that I see it is…" Zraiko crossed his arms. "Monobotto might be targeting him. Think about it. A protagonist's fall from everything they've worked for. To survive only long enough to become what they tried so hard to put a stop to. Imagine the views that would be wracked up."

Kyohi frowned. "Then we have to do everything we can to stop this from happening."

Weise twiddled his fingers. "But...how?"

Zraiko placed a hand onto his head and sighed. "I guess the best thing we could do right now is to sleep on it."

With nobody else having anything to say, the small group slowly dispersed. I made my way down the Grand Staircase, looking to the floor as I went. There was a sinking feeling in my chest that only persisted as I climbed into bed.

A sinking feeling of helplessness.

The feeling of watching someone so close to you drift away, slowly falling apart and crumbling to pieces, while there's nothing you can do to stop it.

Nothing you can do to save them.

I just hope that this won't be the case.

It's not too late, I still have time.

If I could just pick up his pieces, to help him get back onto his feet…

...

I can't fall asleep. The anxiety is keeping me awake despite how exhausted I feel.

The throbbing in my chest, the tightness in my throat, the burning of my eyes…

Staring at the ceiling, staring into darkness, wondering what's looking back at me.

And those echoing words that latched onto my heart, where were you when I almost died again and again?

Where were you when I went to fight for an exit in the Puzzle Room? When I was cut and bruised and wounded, only to find a corpse rather than salvation?

But I warned you, I told you to stay away from there. I tried…

Where were you when I was freezing to death with Weise in the secret room of the library?

But I came with Zraiko, and we found you and saved you.

Where were you when Anne stabbed me in the chest? When I fell to the floor, helplessly?

I was trying to pin Anne to the ground with Sayino.

Where were you when Sayino lured me into the Final Puzzle Room? Where she knocked me out, where she ended her life?

I was in the garden, I was telling you to breathe just before it happened.

Where were you when Mei shot me in the library? When Fraize came to save me, only to end up giving up his own life in exchange?

I was searching the entire Killing Odyssey, trying to find you.

Where were you when I went to kill?

That won't happen, Zaki. I won't let it happen. I know it feels like an empty promise, but this time...I'm going to save you.


A coldness, a chilling quietness. I felt as though I was floating in a vast, empty space. A space devoid of life, of anything other than my own existence.

My head still had that heavy feeling from before, and my memories were quite fuzzy. There was...something about Customization and-

BANG BANG BANG!

My eyes snapped open from the sudden loud banging noise. I barely had time to recognize where I was before my head was smashed with words.

"Hey! Hey, can you hear me?! Come on, at least one of you putas should! Abre la puerta, damn it! I can't be alone here!"

Sitting up, I barely took any time to care for my surroundings as I stumbled over to the door. Slowly, I gripped the handle and opened it. In front of me was a shorter girl, a girl I would soon know as Mei. She seemed to be surprised at first, but her expression quickly shifted into a more serious one. "Finally."

I wanted to ask her, who was she? But she barely gave me time to speak.

"You have no memories of getting here either, do you?" She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Y donde esta los todos? You're the only one who opened your door when I knocked."

I quietly looked around the surrounding area before I stepped back to look around the room I had woken up into. I quietly asked myself, "What is this place…?"

She seemed to have heard me. "I'm taking that as a yes, then. You have no memories either." She kicked at the floor. "Mierda. Iré a investigar una puerta otro."

Looking back to her, I walked over and tried to ask something. But...for some reason, I found it difficult to speak.

"Necesitas alguna cosa?" She tilted her head.

I managed to ask her, "Who are you...?"

She sighed and tugged on her jacket. "Soy Mei."

T-That's all she will tell me, huh? Mei...that was one of the names the kidnapper told me.

"Y tu?" She asked, calmly.

I supposed she was asking for my name in return. "...Call me Mest."

She nodded simply before walking away.

I was quick to make sure I didn't fall behind. Mei looked like she was ready to go at least a hundred miles per hour.

And so we would go on to search all over this foreign place. But we never found a trace of any other person being there. Not until we were dragged by a certain robot onto a stage, that is.

And there, my eyes laid upon him. The boy I hadn't seen for so many years. He'd changed, so much so I couldn't recognize him for a moment. Just a moment, though. After all, one look at his hair and you'd know it was him.

But something about him felt different. His posture, his tone, his complexion. He could hardly stand without shaking, he could hardly speak without sounding afraid, and his face...I could tell by looking at him that he was struggling to keep it together.

It was Kozaki, but it wasn't.

I asked him about the necklace he allegedly lost. What I got back were lies, and I knew they were but I didn't call him out. He lied, lied, and lied more. Kozaki was never a liar, not when I knew him. He was an honest boy, even when he was afraid to tell the truth.

But now, he lied as though telling the truth would kill him. He lied about his necklace, his talent, and so many other things.

Most of all, he lied about his feelings.

I'm fine, don't worry about me.

What could've changed him like this? Arsonism? No, it had to be something far more complicated.

Was it because of me? Because of me leaving for Japan? Or was it because of that accident, and the trauma it caused?

He might be a liar, but I know deep down he's not doing it out of malice. He has no wrongful desires. He's not lying to cause hurt.

He's doing it to protect himself, and maybe even to protect those around him.

But the thing about lies is when they pile up, they become bigger and bigger problems. Things start to crack apart, until it all comes crashing down.

That leaves me to wonder now. This insistence that Fraize is alive, are you trying to lie to yourself? Is it that you can't cope with his death, so you want to believe he is alive despite the fact you know he shouldn't be? Are you trying to protect your feelings, or is there really something else going on?

Do I believe Fraize is alive?

If I had been asked that a few days ago, I would've said Fraize died in front of my eyes. But, to be honest, I can't even be sure anymore. After all, with these inconsistencies…

If he really is alive, then I suppose my only anxiety would be that Kozaki's delusions would be validated. That he would believe other things he perceived to be reality wholeheartedly. What if he believes nobody died? What if there are voices inside his head?

I wish I could know what's going on inside his mind.

I think I realize it now. Why I've been so scared.

I'm not scared of him.

I'm scared for him.


I woke up early in the morning, about an hour before the morning bell that is. I figured I could take advantage of this by meeting with Tobi now. After all, Kozaki's not exactly an early bird. The less risk of those two being around each other, the better.

Hopefully Kozaki will soon come to his senses. Maybe when he wakes up, he'll feel better. Well, maybe that's asking for too much.

In the meantime, I'll be speaking with Tobi.

After grabbing a new box of cereal from the kitchen, I walked to the Mono-Shift Room. We never exactly established a meeting place, did we? Just that it had to be in private.

"Nya, we're meeting here?"

I turned around to see Tobi walk over. The lab cat looked quite tense and uptight.

"How'd you…?" I tried to ask, though I figured it had something to do with his Juggernaut status.

"Cameras, blue boy. They're everywhere." Tobi adjusted his lab coat. "Let's go inside."

As we stepped inside, he shut the door behind us. We took a seat on some rocks and sat together in an awkward silence for some time.

"Look, let's cut to the chase." Tobi looked to the side. "I know, I know. I shouldn't have any reason for wanting to stay in this organization that's throwing me under the bus big time. But I have my reasons."

"Do they involve Erito?" I asked, calmly.

"I wish it was that simple. It would save me a headache." Tobi shook his head. "It's a bit more complicated than that. Though, it's not something I talk about with just anyone."

"You don't trust me?" I tilted my head.

"Eh, it's more of the cameras being everywhere." Tobi crossed his arms. "Only Erito knows, and I'm not gonna let anyone else find out and use it against me."

"I see." I nodded. "So then, about this. The motive now, and how we're supposed to kill you to save Riko. I need you to answer me honestly."

Tobi tilted his head. "What is it, nya?"

"Are they just lying? Is Riko already…?" I couldn't bring myself to finish the sentence.

Tobi sighed. "No, they wouldn't stoop to that. They've probably got her locked up somewhere, methinks."

I felt just the smallest bit of relief. "As long as she's okay, we'll have a fighting chance to help her."

Tobi didn't respond to that. It seemed like he wasn't sure how to respond at all.

"Something the matter?" I asked, worriedly.

He slowly shook his head. "I've gotten a lot of funny feelings around that girl. Though, I can't quite put my finger on it."

"Funny feelings?" I questioned, not quite following.

Tobi quietly looked to the side. "That girl, your friend. She reminded me of someone I had forgotten for a long time. I was hostile to that at first. I didn't want to be reminded of...the mistakes I've made to get here. I'm not proud of some things. But, I remembered what I wanted to do. What even drove me so far to get here. Why I'm still here…"

I tilted my head, lightly. I didn't verbally respond.

"Don't get me wrong. I still don't like Ramón Loarte." He turned to look at me. "Do I care for you chups? That's debatable. But I don't care about what Haiji wants to do with Faceless. I don't even really care about Faceless at all. I've only been here for two reasons. Master Erito, and...well...the other is my secret."

I sighed, closing my eyes and nodding. "Well, let's call it a truce for now. We'll end this game once and for all, and you'll be able to do...what it is you want to do."

Tobi smiled. The smile felt genuine. "So then...what's your plan?"

"My plan?" I felt my left wrist. "To be honest, I...haven't gotten one yet."

"Aha, well it's a good thing the great, magnificent, incredible, genius Tobi came up with one!" Tobi stood up with a grin. "I can rig the Final Puzzle to accept all five of you. It'll bring you down into a section of the lab where the actual puzzle part awaits. But, once you complete it, you should be able to get right into the labs."

I took a moment to process this. "When should we…?"

"Today." Tobi checked his watch. "We've gotta get this done fast. I have a feeling if we wait it out, that robot's going to find a way to make it even harder for us to get out of this. Get your things packed, all sorted out. Because, well...once you go through the puzzle, there will be no coming back."

That left a heavy feeling in my chest. "So you mean we'll be saying goodbye to the others?"

Tobi seemed to understand what I meant. "Yes. And...your precious items as well. You won't be able to take anything with you. Unless they fit on your person, that is."

I quietly looked away. "...Alright, I understand. I'll start to wake up the others so we have time to prepare."

"Good." Tobi looked away from his watch and back to me. "In three hours, let's meet at the entrance to the Final Puzzle Room. Is that enough time?"

I wasn't sure to be honest. How much time does someone need to say goodbye, and to enter into a deep unknown?

It sounded like no matter what, it'd never be enough time.

"I'll go back into hiding until then." Tobi nervously walked to the entrance. "Y'know, since someone might have a bone to pick with me."

I nodded. "Right, right...see you then."

Tobi then scurried out from the room. I was left to myself for a moment before I shook my head and started to walk to the dorms.

I wasn't sure how to break the news to the others. I wasn't sure if Kozaki was even in a mentally sound place. But, when I knocked on all their doors and had them gather around the Grand Staircase, something about their faces told me they were expecting something. Kozaki was even...oddly calm compared to last night.

"You talked to Tobi, didn't you?" Zraiko leaned against the railing. "And that's why you've gathered us, correct?"

I nodded. "I did."

"What did you decide, then?" The hacker adjusted his glasses.

I looked around all of my friends. "We're going to the Final Puzzle Room. All of us. We won't be coming back."

Kozaki silently looked away. I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

I was worried. Really, truly worried. There was no way he would suddenly be fine today. Not after yesterday.

People who have that look. The look of wanting to kill. That doesn't just go away into nothing. It goes somewhere. Maybe he's trying to hide it. Maybe the moment I look away, he'll either:

A) Hunt Tobi down and light him on fire.

B) Burn the entire killing game down.

C) Finally crack and go insane, and also kill Tobi while burning down the killing game.

D) Do literally anything involved with burning something.

I don't know. Simply, I just don't know. He can be unpredictable.

I have to keep a close eye on him.

"Wait, so...we can't come back." Kyohi looked to the floor. "We'll have to say goodbye to the others, and leave everything here, huh…"

I nodded, slowly. "That's right, Kyohi."

Kyohi closed his eyes and nodded. "Alright. I, darn, it's a lot to take in. We could be finally getting out of this place. But, leaving the others behind…"

If we leave, what will happen to all of our friends we laid to rest? We wanted to bring them home, we wanted to give them a proper farewell. If we leave, we might be risking losing that opportunity.

That...final bit of humanity we have.

"There is something I want to do." Kozaki suddenly spoke up. "I want to...leave my flamethrower in the garden."

"Huh?" Weise tilted his head. "But, Kozaki. That flamethrower, it's important to you, no?"

Kozaki looked to the side. "I...can't really explain how it is that I'm feeling. I just feel like, since we're leaving... it's finally the time for me to part with that part of my life." He looked back to us, playing a hand on his chest. "I told you all, I'm not an arsonist. I'm not who I used to be. If I were to keep that flamethrower, it would be like going back on my word."

"But, you and Mikanne built it together." Zraiko raised an eyebrow. "As far as I understand it, it's symbolic to you both."

Kozaki then turned to me and smiled. "I don't need it anymore, because...Mikanne is with me here, right now. And we're going home together, aren't we?"

I nodded, without words.

The others weren't so sure they could make that kind of commitment.

"My sketchbook is filled with so many designs…" Weise twiddled his fingers. I used it to help pass my time and feel better. I don't want to leave it."

Kyohi also shared a similar sentiment. "I made my hockey stick with my family. With...my sister. Leaving it here feels wrong."

Zraiko shrugged. "My flash drive fits in my pocket. I have no reason to leave it here. It's not inconvenient to carry around."

I didn't say anything either. But...I somewhat did feel a wanting to part with my design book. It symbolized my cowardice. It represented how I ran away and tried to find something new. It felt like a bunch of undeserved accomplishments, a design book of lies.

I personally would be willing to leave that behind.

Kozaki held his right arm. "I-I know, I can't just ask you all to leave them behind. But...unless they're small enough to fit in your pocket, you won't be able to take them with you."

A short silence.

"I'll...see you in the garden." Kyohi walked into his room.

And so, one after another, the group dispersed.


I decided to walk to the garden about an hour after our group meeting. I needed time to collect myself. To look over the designs in my book, and to prepare myself mentally to part with them. To part with that part of my life. To make the steps forward to know who I am.

When I arrived in the garden, everyone else was already there. Kyohi laid his hockey stick beside Sayino's grave, the hockey stick's ribbon taken off and now being wrapped around his left wrist. Weise laid his book of designs besides Neizami's, passing three sheets of ripped-out paper - of which I presumed to be his favorite pages - over to Zraiko to keep safe for him. Kozaki left his flamethrower besides Fraize's marker, solemnly. The entire room was silent.

I stepped forwards, walking all the way to the graves and setting my design book down. "I'm not too late, am I?"

Kozaki shook his head. "No. We were waiting for you."

"Thank you." I nodded, slowly.

We all gathered around to say a final, heartfelt goodbye to all of our friends. Atleast, that was how it felt. The uncertainty that loomed over us, not knowing if we'd ever get the change to give them a proper funeral, was hard to come to terms with.

We laid bundles of flowers on each of their graves. Though we couldn't hold candles, Kozaki lit matches and gave each one of us a stick to hold until the flames burnt out. When we were finished, we stood in silence.

Kozaki spoke up, turning to face us. "I...won't turn back now. I can't. I've got to keep going. For everyone that died here, for everyone waiting for me to come home. The people that I love, the people that love me. I'm going to make it out of this hell." He slowly looked upwards, to the ceiling. "I'm not going to be afraid anymore. Not of that robot, not of my uncle, not of anyone or anything. I have to live. I refuse to die here. After everything that's happened...today I'm going to take back my life!" He slowly looked back at us. "You guys...please, come with me. Let's go home together, with Riko and…" His voice trailed off.

I sighed, quietly walking over to him and patting his shoulder. "And Fraize."

His eyes widened for a moment before he nodded at me.

I still can't be sure if Fraize is alive or not. Maybe Kozaki's delusions were starting to slip into my own mind. But even so...Kozaki needed things to believe in. If believing in Fraize helps him keep going...I'm not going to take that away from him.

"Then... let's go." Kyohi nodded. "Let's go save them. Let's go home."

Weise nodded as well. "Yes, let's go! And once we get home, I will buy everyone...a pony!"

"A-Ah? A pony?!" Zraiko was surprised.

Weise nodded, pridefully. "Yes, I have plenty of money to spare. It is natural for a multimillionaire such as myself. What color would you like your pony?"

Zraiko pinched the bridge of his nose. "Weise, I don't have the space for a pony. And that's not even the issue-"

"Oh...so...how about I get you a cat?" Weise smiled, cheerfully.

"Weise, you're missing the point-" Zraiko tried to explain.

"Too basic?" Weise placed his hands to his hips. "Hmp, hmp! Then maybe a panther will suit you."

Zraiko fumbled for words. "No, I-"

"A panther it is! Final offer." Weise wagged his index finger. "Now let's get through this first. Once we get home, you'll get your panther right away."

Zraiko groaned and shook his head, defeated.

I checked my Bottolet for the time. "We should be going now. Are you all ready?"

They all nodded in response. With that, we walked together all the way to the entrance to the Final Puzzle Room. Pausing for a moment to take it all in, I opened the door and walked through the long corridor.

"Hey, thanks for coming." Tobi smiled at each of us, then looking a bit nervous as his eyes fell on Kozaki.

Kozaki didn't say anything. He looked right back at Tobi. It wasn't in a threatening way. It was more of him paying close attention to what the lab cat was doing.

"A-Anyways." Tobi nodded. "I am glad that we came to an agreement that...y'know, you won't be killing me. The lovable, wonderful, lab assistant." He bowed. "Thank you for your mercy."

None of us had a way to reply. I felt a tad bit awkward, to be honest.

"Anyways, gather around." Tobi walked around.

We all stood around the seats at the center of the room.

"Five seats, five people." The interloper crossed his arms behind his back. "I can override the program to force the puzzle to be accepted as correct, regardless of who sits where."

We all looked at each other with uncertainty.

"And this will take us down to the lab?" The hockey star felt his left shoulder in discomfort. "What's waiting down there?"

"The Final Puzzle." Tobi nodded. "You'll all have to work together in order to make it out."

"If we do, what happens then?" The hacker asked, folding his arms.

"Well...you'll be in the lab." Tobi shrugged his shoulders. "The Puzzle Room stuff was never really my part of the program, y'know."

"So we're just blindly throwing ourselves for a chance." I sighed under my breath.

The room was silent for a moment.

"Hey…" The former arsonist spoke up. "We have to keep going. We've come this far already, haven't we? Every trial, every obstacle we've managed to survive. We can't stop now because we're afraid." He took in a shaky breath. "I don't want to do this, but I have to. People are waiting for us down there. I'm not going to leave them hanging because I am afraid." He placed a hand onto his chest and closed his eyes. "And I know, I have no right to stand where I am now and say the things that I'm saying. I'm - I'm the reason behind a lot of trouble. A lot of trouble you've had to deal with, too. But, please...I ask you all, as your friend, to help me…"

Again, something didn't feel right. I don't know. It wasn't like Kozaki to stand in front of others in this way. He never had this level of confidence before.

Could it have been that visit to the labs?

I don't have a clue.

"I'll help you, Kozaki." Weise nodded, smiling. "I'll beat the puzzle with you!"

Kyohi firmly pumped a fist. "Yeah, we're going to complete this puzzle and find Riko!"

Well, at least the morale seemed to be improved.

"Zraiko, Mikanne?" Kozaki asked, sounding hopeful. So oddly hopeful.

"Right." The hacker nodded. "I'm with you."

I looked away for a moment before nodding as well. "Let's...get this over with."


I'll admit, it was hard to find the courage to tell him the truth. Especially after seeing how losing Fraize destroyed Kozaki.

It was after he had finished showering. He stepped out and quietly got covered in a towel. There was an uncertain feeling lingering in the air. I wasn't sure what to even do, but...now that we had this moment alone together…

"Zaki, can...we talk?" I asked him, looking to the side. "I understand if you're not ready to yet, but there is something important I need to tell you."

Kozaki quietly nodded. It didn't seem like he had any suggestions as to where we would be having this conversation.

"You might want to sit down." I sighed. "So, how about we go to my room, okay?"

Again, no verbal response.

I walked with Kozaki down to my dorm room, closing the door behind. I opened up my closet and handed him some of my clothes for the time being. "Get dressed. You'll catch a cold if you sit down wrapped wet in that towel."

Kozaki got dressed, still without words. Once he was finished, I had him sit down next to me on my bed.

"...I don't know how to say this." I held my hands together as they rested on my lap. "Zaki...do you know why I couldn't get close to you in the beginning? Besides Monobotto, that is."

He shook his head.

"It's because I didn't believe you were you." I looked over to him. "Because you acted differently than how I knew you. Because you said things that didn't line up with how I remembered them. And that file we got from when you were found in the library…" My voice trailed off.

Kozaki looked at me, silently. Something about his eyes, there was this sadness to them. One of which he was expecting what I was about to tell him, or so I speculated.

"You and I grew up together, in New York." I looked to the side for a moment. "Small neighborhood. Near a forest. We would go on walks, out to the waterfall even. We would stand on giant rocks, and we'd even try to play fishing with long sticks. We skipped rocks together, climbed trees together, we would even go camping in our backyards. Don't you...remember?"

He closed his eyes before shaking his head.

Now it was time to get into the more...difficult part of the conversation.

"A lot of the times we would hang out, you'd vent to me. About how you were scared." I closed my eyes. "Sometimes you'd have bruises or scars. You would always tell everyone you got them from playing outside, being a bit too mischievous for your own good. But those cuts and bruises never came from outside. They would come from inside, because someone was doing that to you. Someone that got into your head. Someone that scared you to lie to your family and everyone around you. Someone who threatened to hurt the people you cared about." I slowly opened my eyes to look at him, saddened. "Do you remember?"

He opened his eyes. "...My uncle."

I nodded. "That's right."

Kozaki slowly felt his face, silently.

"We found out, in the trial. Your uncle manipulated your memories to give you a childhood you didn't have." I looked away. "Kozaki, up until this point, your entire life in this game has been a bunch of lies."

He slowly nodded. "...I can feel them starting to fall apart, Mikanne. My memories. The fake ones and the real ones…" He turned to me. "I don't even know who I am."

"You're you." I tried to offer him a smile. "Right now, you need to take time off for yourself. And I don't mean just locking yourself away again. You need to rest, to really rest."

He nodded again. "Okay…"

I gave him a pat on the back. "You don't have to go through this alone. Not anymore. I'm here for you, Kozaki. I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

He quietly wrapped his arms around me, as though he was desperate to find something to hold onto.

I continued to pat his back. "It's going to be okay. We can get through this."

He remained silent.

"You should head to your own room to put on your clothes. After all, mine are a bit big on you." I tried to lighten the mood. "Okay?"

He slowly stood up and turned to leave. But before he did, he paused and looked back to me. "You know, Mikanne...maybe now my memories are starting to clear up."

"Really?" I smiled, gently. "That's good."

He slowly looked to the side. "And now that they are...I think I'm starting to get my real memories." He turned back to me. "Mikanne...I...I remember Kamiyaki."

"Huh?" I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

"I mean...we've met before, outside of this game." He seemed to be quite dismayed. "It was only a few times, but she was erased from my memory completely."

I wonder why that was…Why erase Kamiyaki, but not me?

"Her school and mine would compete in football tournaments." He looked to the floor. "When we met, it was because I had bumped into her by accident when I was leaving the track. Before I dropped out, the PE teachers were trying to get me into track and cross country."

I paused to think about that. "So...what happened?"

Kozaki sighed. "She was really nice about it. Told me not to worry. Then, sometimes when I would watch the games alone, and she wasn't on the field, she would scoot over to me and strike up some small talk. Just to keep me company."

I could see it on his face, how the emotion was starting to catch up with him.

"Her memories of me, were they erased as well? I wish I could've known. I wish we could've gotten closer. Maybe we would've remembered each other. Maybe we could've become close friends. But…" He teared up. "It's all what could have been, and it never will be. She's dead now. Like the others. Everyone here has become what could have been, but never will be. Especially now, with...with Fraize…" He tried to wipe his tears.

I pulled him into another hug. "You really need to rest up and take time off for yourself, Zaki. Remember, it's up to us to make sure their stories don't end like this. We have to make it home for them."

He returned the hug, sniffling. "I'm scared, Mik. I don't want to lose anyone else. I don't want any more of us to be what could have been. Hell, could it be that I knew everyone here once, even? I don't even know anymore, and that's what scares me."

I chuckled, awkwardly. "I mean...everyone here is from all over the world. It's unlikely for that to be true."

He stepped back. "Y-Yeah, you're right. Sorry. I think I'm just too carried away with my feelings right now." He finally seemed ready to leave. "I'll be going back to my room."

I smiled. "Alright. Enjoy your rest, as much as you can anyways."

He chuckled lightly in response. "Thanks, Mik. For...being here."

I nodded again, lightly. "You're welcome."

I watched as Kozaki then turned around and opened the door. He quietly closed the door behind himself. Once he was gone, I laid down on my bet and sighed, deeply.

I wonder what truths we'll be able to discover as your memories start to crack free.

I just hope...you'll be able to hold on.


We each took a seat in the mech in the middle of the room. Tobi walked around to inspect each of us, then securing us each with seatbelts. After that was done, he hopped off to the side of the room towards a computer.

"Alright, gentlemen!" Tobi called out to us as he typed into the console. "Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times!"

Clank!

"I don't think my seatbelt is tight enough!" Weise vocally expressed his concern.

Tobi turned around for a moment. "Huh. This might work out nicely."

Clank!

Counting-from-ten. Ten. Nine.

"Alright." Tobi pulled a lever and bolted over to Weise, then sliding into the seat with the young fashion designer. "There, now the seat belt should be perfectly tight."

Oh, you've gotta be kidding me.

Eight. Seven. Six.

"This is multiple levels of dangerous." Zraiko criticized the lab assistant.

"Danger is my middle name." Tobi grinned.

Five. Four. Three.

"It is?" Weise asked, tilting his head lightly.

"Oh, no." Tobi shook his head. "It's really-"

Two. One.

We all dropped down the floor at what felt like the speed of an airplane in takeoff.

I gripped the strap of my seat belt tightly as I shut my eyes.

We fell deeper and deeper, until there was an almost abrupt stop.

When I opened my eyes, I found that we were faced with a grand door of sorts.

Tobi slowly unbuckled and stood up, crossing his arms behind his back once more. "Gentlemen, welcome to the Final Puzzle."

Getting out of my seat, I looked at the door with caution. "The Final Puzzle...it's behind this door?"

Tobi nodded. "We'll all have to work together to get through this, but I have some good news for you." He winked. "This puzzle was meant for five people, so surely six people will be able to get by without trouble!"

Zraiko scratched the back of his head. "I'm not sure if that's true. After all, a board game like chess is meant for two players. There isn't any room for others to join."

Tobi lifted his index finger to reply, but then he sighed. "I'm tryin' to help ya, okay?"

"Appreciated." Zraiko calmly crossed his arms.

Once our group was gathered in front of the door, it opened slowly to reveal the final puzzle.

Which...was empty. The entire room was bleak, without a single piece of a puzzle to find.

"A-Am I missing something here?" I looked around. "The room, it's empty."

"Huh, huh, huuuuh?" Tobi scrambled around the room, looking high and low. "T-This isn't supposed to happen, where's the puzzle, nya?"

Weise twiddled his fingers. "Is the puzzle that we have to find it first?"

"No, no, no." Tobi walked back to us. "It should be right here. It's a big, big, big simulative test."

"Simulative test?" Zraiko scratched his chin. "Well, is the problem that it's not loading?"

Tobi nodded. "Yeah...I don't know why the program's gone to funky town, but we can't progress any farther now."

Kyohi gulped. "Are we stuck here?"

"Stuck? Stuck?" Tobi looked around. "We can't be stuck. We can't go back. Forward's the only way."

Weise looked down. "Then, what do we do?"

We were left in an uncomfortable silence.

"You-should-have-expected-this. I-expected-it-after-all."

We looked over to see Monobotto roll over in our direction.

"So-you-want-to-play-a-game-?" The robot tilted its head. "Set-a-new-record-for-how-long-you-can-last-from-a-motive-? Well-your-game-ends-now."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kozaki asked, frowning.

Monobotto swayed from side to side. "I-have-gotten-rid-of-the-puzzle. Now-you-cannot-solve-it. Now-you-cannot-avoid-anything. There-will-be-no-tricks-from-you." It then turned to Tobi. "I-am-quite-disappointed-in-you. You-of-all-people-should-know-how-things-are-supposed-to-go. What-gives-? Do-you-suddenly-change-your-mind-?"

Tobi did not respond.

"So what are you saying?" I asked, feeling my left wrist. "Are you going to leave us trapped here until we die?"

Monobotto hummed. "I-could. But-what-good-would-that-do-me-? I-want-money. I-need-views. Who-would-want-to-watch-you-six-slowly-die?"

Point...sickly taken.

"I-have-devised-an-alternative-to-your-motive." Monobotto calmly spun around. "You-better-listen-well. It's-either-that-or-you're-stuck-!"

Kozaki seemed to be worried. "An...alternative?"

"In-exchange-for-Riko-Hamoizumi's-release…" Monobotto grew cold. "You-can-exchange-the-life-of-the-mastermind-in-this-final-trial."

The mastermind? That's...!

"And if we refuse the trial?" I asked, gulping.

Monobotto tilted its head. "We-will-eliminate-her-for-trespassing-immediately-and-leave-you-all-to-die. Quite-anti-climactic-isn't-it-?"

D...Damn it! Then someone is going to die, no matter what?!

No, no. Don't fall for its tricks. There is no mastermind here. We...We just have to prove it.

"Then...we will hold this final class trial." Zraiko crossed his arms and frowned. "If that will satisfy you."

"Z-Zraiko?" Weise gulped. "B-But, a class trial means…"

"Weise...do you believe in us?" Zraiko asked, in a soft tone. It was probably the first time I had ever heard him speak in this way. "If you do...join us in this trial together, and we'll prove that none of us could be the mastermind."

Weise looked to the side in uncertainty before nodding. "You're right...then we will prove it!"

Kozaki nodded as well. "This game is over. We're going to shut it down, here and now with this last trial. No more deaths. Let's move forward...for Riko, and for everyone else."

We all nodded together.

"Oh-goodie-!" Monobotto hopped up and down. "I-know-the-perfect-place-for-our-trial."

The perfect place?

Monobotto popped out a module with several buttons on them and began to press them in order. The floor then rumbled before it opened up and furniture soon filled the room. The room that was once empty became...a pop-up class trial room.

This new trial room was much different than our usual one. The atmosphere felt less claustrophobic than before. The ceiling was a projection that simulated the endless universe. The ring of podiums was much smaller as well, with only five places to stand, to which the five of us obliged. Around us were fountains, as well as gardens of plants. It felt like such an incredible juxtaposition.

"Hold it, nya!" Tobi frowned. "There are only five podiums, so where am I supposed to go?!"

Monobotto hopped into its spot, a throne made of glass with a velvet cushion resting on it. "Well-you-were-never-supposed-to-be-here. You-should-have-expected-this-much."

"Am I supposed to just stand around all hanky danky while they'll have the most intense trial ever?!" Tobi pouted.

Who's side are you on, again?

Monobotto silently got out of its spot to grab the alleged lab assistant and tie him up with rope around the arms and torso. The robot then tied the rope to a beam on the ceiling and left the interloper to dangle like a Christmas ornament. "Enjoy-the-view."

Tobi angrilly swung his legs. "Hey, hey! I didn't ask for this!"

We all looked at each other in discomfort. On one hand, at least we didn't have to see the portraits of our friends. On the other hand, it became even more apparent just how small our group had become.

We went from sixteen to five. Five of us stand here.

I have a deep sinking feeling that we're about to lose someone else. Despite the fact that my mind was reassuring me everything would be alright, my heart was beating out of my chest, and my gut was twisting. Two thirds of myself were telling me I wasn't ready for this.

But I'm too afraid to listen.

What are all these feelings I'm experiencing? These insecurities, they've never had such a presence in my mind before.

A) Is it because of Kozaki?

B) Is it because of Riko?

C) Is it because of Tobi?

D) Is it because of Fraize?

Maybe it's all of those things. Maybe it's none of them. Whatever the case, I need to get my thoughts sorted out, right away.

Focus. It's time to end this. It's time to go home. I'm fed up with this game of lies.

Monobotto then focused on our group. "A-warm-welcome-to-you-all. I-am-so-thrilled-to-see-you-clowns. I-am-even-more-thrilled-to-see-how-this-will-play-out. Without-further-or-do…" Monobotto hopped up and down. "Let's-begin-!"

CLASS TRIAL, START.


~ Chapter Six, Daily Life Five, End ~

~ Chapter Six, Class Trial One, Start ~