Let's Danganronpa! Our Despair Odyssey

by iAmFrostiii

Fangan - V3 Spoilers How does one manage to continue fighting when the will for survival is barely even there? Though there was promise of the end of these distasteful killing games, seven years later one final killing game takes place, headlined as the greatest finale of all time. There may be outside intervention to stop it, but who is to say how many survivors will be found?

42. One Final Aspiration for Tomorrow Pt 1

~ Chapter Seven - One Final Aspiration for Tomorrow ~

---

The rain was heavy all morning. I walked through the streets under the cover of a black umbrella, making my way through the crowd.

"Go on and spy on the new guy. He's been acting weird. It would be bad to have a traitor among us. If he is, well...you know how to deal with them."

I took a moment to duck into an alleyway. It was right besides a fresh fish shop, where my target frequented.

I was hoping deep down inside there wasn't anything going on, that this guy just really liked to buy fresh fish. I dreaded the idea of having to take care of him.

As I leaned against the wall, the man joined me. He was holding a bag of fillets and parsley. It made me feel relieved, it seems he really was only here to shop.

"Ramón, have they sent you?" He asked me.

I nodded in response.

"Should've suspected they would." He calmly shrugged. "Nah, I have nothing to hide."

I closed my eyes, hearing the pittering of the raindrops.

"You should check out the shop sometime." The man then prepared to walk away. "It might change your life."

Something about that, it felt off. I stood up straight, turning to him. "What do you mean?"

He paused, placing a hand into his pocket. "...Ramón, you want to get out of here, don't you?"

I raised my guard, eyeing at him.

Out of his pocket, he pulled out a card. He turned around and tossed it to me. "Take it."

I caught the card in my hand and observed it. "What is this?"

"An invitation." He nodded. "Your ticket out of here."

I lowered the card and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

He smiled in response. "I've been scouting you, Ramón Loarte. Scouting for incredibly talented youths who need to escape their suffering."

I took a step back. "What are you talking about?"

The man simply nodded. "Go into the fish shop and order cod fillets, we've been waiting for you."

He then walked away, down the street. I felt a deep unease inside me, though whatever the case...I was glad he wasn't a traitor. I wouldn't have to kill him.

I looked back at the card in my hand, looking at the strange symbol printed on it. I turned it over, then read it to myself.

This is an invitation to change your life and live in a new world. We hope to see you soon.

I tucked the card away into my pocket, then exiting the alleyway and turning to the entrance to the fish shop.

…

It could be a trap. Maybe I shouldn't go in.

Though, if there really was a conspiracy going on, I'd be punished by the others for not investigating it.

Lowering my umbrella, I stepped into the shop.

Right when I walked in, I was hit with a wave of the smell of fresh seafood. There was a long space to hold all sorts of fish that wrapped alongside the counter of the shop. There were even scallops, squids, cuttlefish, shrimp, crabs, and so much more. Larger fish were hung along the walls, and there was a space behind the counter to fillet fish for customers.

"Welcome." The man behind the counter smiled. "Please, take your time."

I looked around the shop to see some customers walking about. It made me feel safe here.

Though, those customers could be actors. I always have to be ready for anything.

I figured it would be wise to buy something to take back to the hideout, regardless of the man telling me to order cod fillets. Just to prove the shop is real, anyways.

So, I decided to go up to the counter to make a purchase. "Can you fillet me a cod, please?"

The person nodded before going to take the fish from the display. I stood patiently as the fish was decapitated, gutted, de-skinned, and filleted. It was mesmerizing to watch the shop owner make quick work of the fish.

The shop owner placed the fillets into a container with some parsley. He then handed it to me. "Here you are."

"I don't need to pay?" I was surprised.

"On the house." The shop owner smiled at me. He then glanced to the side before whispering to me. "Come with me to the back room."

I didn't say anything in response.

The shop owner looked around the store before waving for me to follow him into a room in the back. I did so with caution. The door was then closed behind us.

"Ramón, you've been scouted by our organization." The man nodded to me. "We look for talented youths who suffer, like you."

"Who says I'm suffering?" I asked, stepping back. "And, how do you know who I am?"

"I was expecting you." The man motioned to the fish in my hands. "Cod isn't in season yet, so I'm not selling it. You were told to order cod fillets from my associate, correct? And of course...I already had an idea of how you looked."

I looked down to the fish in my hands. It still looked like cod. Just out of season...wait, no. That wasn't important. "Expecting me?" I looked back to the man. "Tell me...why do you say I'm suffering?"

"You're trapped in a mafia forced to do hits to pay your debt and keep your family safe." The man replied to me.

"H-How would you know?" I felt my fists clenched.

The person ignored my question. "Ramón Loarte, if you choose to join us...we will protect your family from the mafia. Your mother and your five younger siblings. We will send them money for you. We will ensure the mafia will never be a threat to you or your loved ones again."

My eyes widened in response. This man who I've never met before in my life knew so much about me. Things that only very few people would know. He knew everything he would need to say to me. A promise to protect my family…

But it felt too good to be true.

"How can you protect them?" I asked, looking away. "This all sounds unreal."

"We can move them to an even better apartment in the city, and we'll pay their rent. There will be plenty of space for you all. All payments will be made under a name we make up. A representative will handle it all." The person explained.

And they continued to explain. I was overwhelmed by all the things the man claimed this organization could do.

It shouldn't be possible…

And yet…

I wanted it. I wanted it so badly. It would protect my family and give them a better life. The mafia would never be a bother to them again.

"...What happens to me when I join?" I made eye contact with the man. "With promises as big as that…"

"All we want is your talent." The man smiled at me in response. "You're an incredibly talented individual. You would be perfect to join us in our new world."

"New world...talent…?" I didn't understand it at all.

"You have seven days." The man nodded to me. "Come here next week at seven in the morning, if you're going to change your life. I'll give you a ride to the Barcelona airport. Pack only one suitcase. You won't be coming back if you go."

"...I'll never come back?" I worriedly looked away.

"Think long and hard about it." The man then opened the door. "I'll be waiting for you."

I then walked out from the back room, then out of the fish shop. I was completely distracted for the rest of the day. I was hardly paying any attention when I went to make my report to the others. Nor when I went on my way back home.

When I got home, I set the fish on the kitchen counter for my mother to see.

"Ramón, you were out late again." My mother gave me a tender hug. "All that tour guiding...you should take a day off this weekend, my son."

I held my mother close to me as I sighed. "I'll think about it…"

I then walked to the living room and sat on a couch next to my sister Annette. She was watching cartoons on the television while eating slices of toast.

This apartment...it really is too small for the seven of us. To get a bigger apartment...to get everything my family would need…

…

It was hard to resist it. It was hard to resist the promise of my suffering to end.

In the end…

I couldn't resist it.

"Brother, you're late again." Annette puffed her cheeks as she turned to look at me. "You promised we would watch the new episode together, but it was two hours ago."

"Ah...I'm sorry." I closed my eyes and leaned back on the couch. "I've been working hard today."

"Tour guiding all day, every day…" My sister sighed. "When was the last time you took a day off?"

Tour guiding. That was the other major piece of my life. My family only knows about this version of myself. A hard-working tour guide who comes home late even on weekends to bring home as much money as possible. It's hardly enough money, for all seven of us. Not only that, but my dual life as a tour guide and mafioso sucks all my time and energy out. Sometimes I come home to lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling, wondering about who I really am. Who I really want to be.

"I'm almost old enough to work. Maybe I'll be able to help carry the weight." My sister continued after not hearing a response from me. She must've figured the answer to her question was: So long ago I can't even remember it.

"Ah?" I sat up straight to look at her. "You're going to work?"

"I want to." She nodded with confidence. "So that you don't work yourself to death."

I sighed and looked away. "...Just make sure you're careful."

"Hey!" Annette stood up and placed her hands to her hips. "I can take care of myself!"

Turning back to look at her, I smiled lightly. "Of course. Sorry."

After we all ate dinner together and I helped my other siblings to bed, I climbed up into my own bed and closed my eyes.

I'll never see my family again if I go, truly? I want to protect them, but...I don't know how I will do on my own.

Living in some new world without suffering...what did any of it mean? Why can't I bring my family with me?

Maybe my family will be able to join in the future, then.

Talented...they wanted me because of my talent?

Maybe it's because of my double life. I'm a mafioso and a tour guide. I never really gave it much thought, though I suppose I'm not exactly a...normal teenage boy.

And I'm supposed to believe my suffering will vanish?

I'm keeping myself awake thinking like this.

…

Soon, nearly all of the seven days passed by. I spent each and every one of them in deep thought.

The day before the seventh day, I spent it with my family. No mafioso work, no tour guide work. It was me, my five siblings, and my mother in our apartment. I helped my mother and sister prepare our lunch and dinner, I watched cartoons with my other siblings and played games with the twins. I could hardly remember the last time I spent with my family like this. Thinking about it...I felt like crying. I didn't want to cry in front of my family, but I came close.

This will be the last time I ever will spend with my family again. Atleast, as far as I know.

I don't want to go, but I have to. I have to go for their sake.

Late at night, while everyone was asleep, I packed a backpack. I didn't have a suitcase, to be honest. So, the backpack was all I had to try and fit as many things as I could as possible.

Inside, I put in photos of my family. I packed some clothes, some books, even drawings given to me by my siblings. I didn't care that they were stick figures of us. They were from my siblings all the same.

I woke up early in the morning and got dressed. I was running on probably less than five hours of sleep. In the kitchen, I began to write a note to my family. How I was going away abroad for work, and that I'd send them money as much as possible. I told them I wouldn't know when I would be able to come home, but that I'll always be thinking of them wherever I go. I told them I loved them, and that I was sorry for leaving like this. I promised them, it was going to be worth it. I promised them I would see them again.

I hope I have the chance to keep that promise.

I swung the backpack over my back and prepared to leave. Before I did, I looked at the whistle from Annette that was resting in the palm of my hand. I was about to set it down when she stopped me.

"Brother, where are you going so early in the morning?" She asked me, rubbing her eyes. "It's six thirty…"

I sighed, looking away. "I'm going to work far away."

"I read your note, but that doesn't tell me where you're going." She frowned. "You're going to give Mother a heart attack."

"To be honest…" I shook my head. "I don't know where I'm going either. But, I have to go."

My sister looked down to the floor. "And you think I'm just gonna let you go?"

"Well...you caught me, so I suppose not." I felt the back of my neck.

"You're going far, far away. To some place you don't even know about." My sister looked back up to me. "Why? What do you get for it?"

"What do I get?" I shook my head. "It's what you will be getting. I'm going to be able to provide for you all an even bigger apartment and enough money to stay afloat."

My sister placed her hands to her hips. "And what's wrong with what we have now?"

I couldn't tell her what was wrong. Nobody in my family knows about the mafia. They only know about my job as a tour guide. I have to make sure it stays that way.

"You know the apartment is too small for all of us." I looked away. "When the twins get older, they will need a room for themselves. They can't share the bed with Mother forever."

My sister couldn't dispute that. "But…" She squeezed her hands lightly. "Why do you always...have to carry our family on your own shoulders? Why do you have to work yourself to death? Why do you have to go far, far away?" She bit her lip. "It's not fair...I'm almost old enough to work. I can help with earning money. Just…" She sniffled, lightly. "P-Please...don't go…"

I could feel a twist in my heart. My sight blurred for a moment, but I kept my tears in. I refused to cry in front of her "Annette…I'm sorry, but I have to go. Our family won't have to keep living like this any longer. To me, it's all going to be worth it when I leave."

Annette looked to the side. "You make it sound like I'll never see you again."

I slowly walked over to her, hugging her lightly. "Of course I will...I'd go to the end of the Earth for you and our family."

"...That's exactly what you're doing right now, right?" She squeezed me, tightly. "...Can you atleast send letters? Something you?"

"I'll see what I can do." I patted her gently before stepping back. "...I have to go. There's a flight I'll have to catch."

She looked at the whistle in my hand. "Keep it."

"What?" I looked at the whistle. "Even if you already gave it to me on my first day of work...it feels wrong to take it."

"I said keep it." She smiled. "And if you feel so badly that you have to return it, then you will return it when you come home."

I smiled as well. "I see…" I then tied it around my wrist. "... Annette, I love you and everyone in our family."

"I know you do, you dummy." She giggled in response. "I love you too, Ramón."

"... Until next time." I waved at her.

She waved back to me, continuing to wave as I left the apartment. It was after I shut the door when my emotions caught up to me and my cheeks felt wet.

My mind felt completely blank as I made my way to the fish shop. The shopkeeper was waiting for me. He had me take a seat in the front by the driver's seat as we began to head to the airport. He dropped me off right at the front entrance and wished me well.

As I stepped into the airport, I could feel a wave of cool air as air conditioners greeted me. To both my sides were escalators. In front of me were various desks to check in. I noticed that one desk in particular had a group of people waiting in front of it. They were holding cards in their hands - ones like mine.

I slipped in to join the group. We were then escorted through a secret route under the airport before getting into an elevator. The other people in the group hardly seemed to be for conversation. Most likely because all of us were strangers with no clue how to respond to the promise of our suffering to come to an end.

As we exited the elevator, we arrived at a gate completely separated from the rest of the airport. There wasn't any security checkpoint, not were there any places to purchase food or other goods. There was a bathroom, a counter by the gate, and a place to sit down.

After waiting for about five minutes, they had us line up by the gate entrance. One by one, they scanned our cards. It was a quick and silent process.

I watched as they scanned my card, my eyes widening as I saw the words on the back vanish. In their place, my name was printed underneath some kind of a barcode with a number.

One by one, we walked through the tunnel that would board the plane. As I stepped into the plane, I noticed it was quite small, yet technologically advanced and rather luxurious. Each passenger seat was sectioned off into miniature rooms, with there being just ten rooms in total.

I entered the sixth room, closing the door behind me. The chair where I would sit looked more like a bed than a chair to me. There also was a polished table that could swing in front of it. There was a window to look out of the plane, and a TV screen to watch whatever was available.

I set my backpack into a secured compartment above my seat before slowly sitting down. I bucked up quietly as I looked out the window. It was then where the reality of my choice really began to sink in. There is no going back now. I am going to go somewhere very far away, and I don't even know where it is. My family doesn't even know where I'll be. All I have to count on is...my hope.

It seems like such a foolish thing to do, doesn't it? Perhaps I really was that desperate. Desperate to escape my suffering, to protect my family.

I'd go to the end of the world for them, and that's exactly what I'm doing now.

I looked upwards to the ceiling as I heard the intercom turn on.

"Good morning, all. It seems you all have decided to join us. We're pleased to have you aboard. Now is usually the part where I am supposed to explain the safety procedures and all that plane stuff. So, if you turn your attention to the screen in front of you, a video will play to demonstrate how to be safe. You know, on the plane."

I eyed at the video on the screen. Safety procedures...it looks like even this covert operation still had regulations to follow.

"Before we depart, we have some things to take care of. Relax, it will be quick."

Some things?

I looked upwards upon hearing the sound of a compartment open. Out came a pair of robotic arms that loomed over me.

They started to take various DNA samples. My hair, my saliva. They even pressed some kind of machine over my eyes to scan them. They were packaged away into a box, each with stickers that matched the label of my card. The barcode, the numbers, and my name. The whole ordeal only made me feel more anxious about the choice that I made, coming here.

I was then alarmed to see my arm grabbed by a set of robotic arms. It was held out straight and fastened down tightly onto the table before I could even realize what was happening.

The robotic arms placed a bandaid on my arm as I watched a vial of my blood receive a sticker. Once it was placed into the box, the mechanical arms all moved to seal it closed. It was sent into the compartment before it shut with a snap, sent away to a place I wouldn't ever know.

"Now we're all set."

I started to wonder if this was all a dream, or a nightmare. What did I get myself into? What was I even thinking? Was it even worth it?

Where the hell am I going?

The window then suddenly shut closed. I tried to open it, but to no avail.

"Sorry. You guys aren't allowed to know where you're going. Hope you don't mind that."

Well...that sure didn't ease me in the slightest.

"Alright, everyone. We are now ready to depart. We hope that your experience flying with us will be most comfortable."

I closed my eyes as I tried to ease myself into my seat. I could feel the sudden acceleration of the plane, and I could feel all the weight of my guilt grow as the plane lifted from the ground.

What have you done, Ramón? What were you even thinking?

I just wanted to slip away, thinking if I fell asleep, I'd wake up back home with my family. But no, that wouldn't happen. It couldn't happen, because it was far too late to change my mind.

Wherever it was I was going to, I would stay there.

Eventually all the thinking that would have kept me awake tired me out. I just wanted to rest, after everything. That desire would soon be fulfilled. However, through unnatural means.

I opened my eyes to see a mask of some kind held out in front of me. Those robotic arms pushed it into my face before I could even react.

What was I thinking? What did I just get myself into?

I slowly felt myself drift off, fading into a deep sleep.

---

The next time I opened my eyes, I was laying down on an examination table, surrounded by people wearing masks.

"Incredible." One of them remarked. "This one's really someone to keep an eye on."

I tried to move, but didn't have the strength. I was scared, I wanted to fall back to sleep and pretend I never woke up in this unsettling place.

But, I couldn't manage to. All I could do was lay there, awake and helpless.

"Oh, you're awake?" Another person spoke. "Don't panic, we're just finishing our examination."

That didn't reassure me in the slightest. It also certainly didn't calm me when I noticed there were wires suction-cupped to places on my head. My body squirmed, but it was no use.

"He's panicked anyway…" Someone else sighed.

"We're just scanning you." The second person told me. "You know, to add information to your file."

"Your mind is really a wonder." The first person remarked. "You have the potential to carry two talents."

"But potential doesn't confirm he could carry both at once." The third person replied. "Perhaps he can only carry one at a time."

"And swap them out?" The first person asked.

The second person looked over to a screen. "Hmm…well, whatever the case. I'm going to mark this file for Master Erito to keep tabs with."

I only continued to lay down as the masked individuals marvelled about me - about my mind. I wanted to speak up, but my throat squeezed. I was scared to do anything, anything at all.

"All done." The second person nodded, then removed the suction cups. "Let's move onto the next one."

There was a shunting sound as I could feel the table move forwards through a set of doors.

No, it wasn't just moving. It was hovering.

Despite the fact that I knew these technologies existed in some parts of the world, I've never seen them in person before. Let alone ride on one.

Where was I? I couldn't be in Spain anymore. These technologies haven't reached the country yet.

France? I know Paris in particular was making strides to integrate these new technologies into society.

No, wait. I don't think it's France. It's only the next country over. Those people made it sound like I'd be traveling to the other side of the world.

Could it be Japan? As I recall, the country is the most ahead when it comes to tech like this.

But, then again...what if it's the United States?

All this thinking is exhausting me.

"Number 714."

I looked up to see another masked person standing before me.

"Welcome aboard." They offered me a hand to stand up.

Slowly, I was able to push my body to sit upright. Taking their hand, I slipped off the table onto my feet.

"Orientation is just down the hall." The person motioned towards where I was instructed to go.

It seemed like it would be a waste of time to ask about it, so I slowly made my way down the hall. Opening a set of doors, I found myself in a sort of grand auditorium. It was bigger than any I'd ever seen before. I could see a crowd of people sitting towards the front, so I figured that was where I needed to go.

Taking a seat, I looked around at all the people present. They were people around my age, some older, some younger. They seemed to come from all over the world, too. Some of them kept quiet while others were chattering away.

I didn't think any of us knew where this place was, nor what exactly our purpose was in being here.

Talent...I still didn't understand it.

Eventually, after I began to feel as though I was dozing off, the crowd was hushed silent as a single person walked onto the stage. It was a man with black hair, clad in a lab coat with a white rose clipped onto his suit underneath. "Greetings, all. Thank you, and congratulations."

I could hear a mix of uncertain murmurs from the crowd.

"You all are the first thousand youthful minds to join our organization." The man smiled. "Welcome to Faceless."

Faceless...I've never heard of this organization before.

"Our goals are quite simple." The man crossed his arms behind his back and nodded. "To put an end to your suffering, and to create a new chapter of humanity."

New chapter of humanity... something about that made me feel uncomfortable.

"And, with talented youths such as yourselves…" The man smiled again. "I don't have a single doubt that the new world we create will be filled with ingenuity and a constant stride to improve ourselves beyond our limits." The man bowed. "My name is Erito Hajimoto, and while I am not the main organizer of this program, you may think of me as...vice president."

At this point, I was only confusing myself for every question I wanted to ask.

"Now, before you all are officially enrolled in our...advanced education program." The man nodded. "You will all need to get settled down. Don't worry, all of your stuff has already been taken care of and dropped off to your respective bedrooms. At this time, you'll gather into groups of ten based on your number…"

A lot of what the man called Erito continued to explain went through one ear and out the other. Something about using that card as my ID card to get into my room. Something else about having a day to settle down. Somehow I was able to group up with the right people, though I figure it's because we were all sitting in the same row.

One by one the rows of youths were walked out of the room by more of those masked people. My row would soon follow.

I walked through the halls with my group insecurely. Everything looked the same. The doors, the signs, the ceiling lights. It felt impossible to remember how to navigate through this place, even for me as someone who gives tours on the regular.

"This will be your hallway." The person stopped before a door. "Hall Seven, Section B. Each of your rooms are inside."

I followed behind the rest of the group as we entered. There were a total of ten rooms here. I thought I miscounted it at first. How can ten people share a hallway this size? I mean, the hallway didn't seem to be that long, from a glance. Where would there be any space for bedrooms?

I would soon have my question answered as I unlocked and opened my door using my card. The room was incredibly small and compact. There was a desk tucked underneath an elevated bed, which had a built-in ladder off to the side. Across the room was a small couch in front of an appropriately small television. A shelf was built besides the couch, waiting for something to be placed on it. Nearby, there was a door which led into a small bathroom. A toilet, sink, and shower were there. The bathroom had a cavity in the wall with a curtain, seemingly to serve as a closet. That was where I found my backpack.

I stepped out from the bathroom before looking around again. A micro-room was the only way I could describe it. With rooms like these, this whole organization could have thousands of people aboard, living here.

I took some time to unpack, placing the drawings and photos onto my desk. The books I neatly placed onto the shelf by the couch. As for my clothes, I hung them in the closet. Then, I dropped off my backpack and walked to the couch, taking a seat with a heavy sigh.

I am here. I don't know where here is, but...it's where I am now. This is the place where I've arrived in order to protect my family. I'll be staying here, for who knows how long. I still don't have a clue about what it is I'll be doing. However...my doubts felt like nothing compared to the importance of protecting my family.

If I have to stay here for their sake, I will.

Orientation will continue tomorrow, that's right. Even though it seemed as though not much happened today, it was probably because I just wasn't paying much attention.

I mean...it's hard to even begin to grasp any of this. I threw myself into this strange new world. Even though I spent a whole week thinking about my choice to come, it felt like it wasn't enough time. It caused me to feel numb. I wasn't sure if I wanted to cry, but I knew for a fact that my legs were about to give away.

I was tired. I guess that's what it was.

So, I changed into my pajamas and climbed into bed. Laying down, I stared upwards to the ceiling aimlessly.

Here I am. I finally am here. Are you happy, Ramón? After all, there's no taking this back.

…

No, I'm not really happy at all. I'm scared. This place feels more like a science facility than anything else. That's what this is, isn't it?

The fish shop worker's voice echoed in my mind, "All we want is your talent."

I finally realized what that meant. In exchange for getting protection for my family, I gave myself up to be studied by these people. They're going to study me for my talent.

And as much as I thought I understood it at last, there were still things I couldn't understand.

What is talent? What makes me talented?

I spent so much time thinking, I exhausted myself. Slowly, I allowed for my eyes to close. All I wanted was to sleep.

When I opened my eyes again, for a moment I thought I was back home. That the scary dream was finally over, and that I'd get ready to head out for work. But, that didn't happen. My eyes opened to show I was really here in this strange new place.

It's hard to remember how exactly my day got going. I was just so out of it, hardly being aware of my surroundings. I simply followed the mass of other youths as they crowded through the halls.

Where we ended up in was a giant cafeteria, tables arranged into long, endless rows. Atop them were plates of fresh, hot breakfast. The meals were accompanied by a drink, a cup of hot tea.

Sitting down, I began to eat. My mind was completely blank by this point. Eating without thinking, I didn't even pay attention to what was actually on my plate. It tasted crispy and sweet. Ah, it must've been toast with jam.

There were quite a lot of murmurs in the room. I think that by now, people were starting to try and make friends with others. I, on the other hand, kept to myself. Mostly because I couldn't bring myself to try and start a conversation with any of them. It was weird for me. I usually had no problems talking to strangers. After all, I would be giving tours for visitors from all over the world. How could I have been so social then, and yet so...timid now?

Maybe it's because I've been thinking too much.

"Good morning, everyone."

The entire cafeteria grew silent as we all looked to see Erito, the vice president, enter the room.

"I trust you all had a comfortable sleep last night." He smiled warmly, crossing his arms behind his back

There were no responses.

He then continued, clearing his throat. "I've come with a message to you all, so please prepare yourself."

Prepare myself? What sort of message is this going to be? It sounds as if it's serious...

"After today, you will all become Faceless." The person instructed us. "You will all wear your uniforms. You will all wear your masks. Your identity will become your deepest secret here. We all are anonymous people, looking for our suffering to be alleviated."

That didn't sit well with me. Not at all.

Will my identity become truly my deepest secret?

Am I supposed to...seal myself away by putting on this mask and uniform?

I'm not okay with this.

I…can't be okay with this.

But I...I have no choice, do I? It's not like I can just opt out and leave. I mean, I don't even know where I am. I came here, and now I'm stuck here.

If I had known what would be waiting for me, maybe I wouldn't have come to this place at all.

And yet…

Even with all the things that will happen to me, my family is being kept safe. This incredibly powerful and capable organization will protect them from the mafia, so as long as I remain here.

I have to stay here. I want my family to live a secure and better life. I want that more than anything.

And that's my biggest weakness. I know it is. Anyone could use me if they were to threaten my family. Alternatively, I would be in debt to anyone who would protect my family.

But there is a strength from my weakness. My will to protect others, it motivates me. It lights a fire in my soul. It lets me get back on my feet every time I'm knocked down.

And so, my identity became my biggest secret.

…

Everything changed after I put on the mask. When I began to participate in the 'advanced education' program, I was told many things. That I would have to lose all my individuality. That I would have to follow the philosophies being taught to me. I was told that I would build the bridge to a society without suffering. That this, the loss of myself, was just the first step. Without my 'self', I could no longer suffer. There was no mafia or money troubles anymore. There was nothing for me to suffer for any longer.

That brought me a feeling of emptiness rather than a feeling of joy.

When we all participated in this 'advanced education' program, overtime we became stoic and lifeless. We became Erito Hajimoto, as each lesson progressed. We all became the same.

We all sealed away our identities to become the same person, Erito Hajimoto.

I remember how it was becoming hard to even recognize my own face when I would take off my mask in my room to sleep. I'd look in the mirror in my bathroom to find a complete stranger looking back at me.

There was nothing I could do about it. I was doing this for my family. I was losing myself for my family, and I was alright with that.

Day in and day out, I lost more and more of myself. The photographs of my family members felt like the only thing to remind me of who I am and where I came from. What I'm doing this for.

Why I chose to go down this dystopian path at all.

And yet even still, I don't know what I'm really doing here.

Atleast, not yet.

---

Over the course of perhaps eight months, I was given the acclaimed 'advanced education.' It was like going to school or something. Atleast, I think it was. I haven't been to school since my father was arrested. How many years ago was that?

Every day, I had a schedule to follow. I was taught maths and sciences, literature and history. I even had classes to further practice my linguistics. Though...there were some other courses that I'm sure you wouldn't find in a normal school.

One of them was a class based on the ideals of this organization and how they were going to create a world without suffering. I found it was strange, but went along with it without complaints.

The other course was what they called 'talent development.' Each time I would go, a masked person would be present to watch me. It made me feel uncomfortable, like I was some sort of new species of animal being studied. The entire prospect of these talent classes was just bizarre to me as well. Talent, what does that even mean? Being a tour guide and a mafioso...that's just part of my life.

And yet, as the year progressed, I began to feel numb about it. I began to feel numb about the entire education I was receiving on the regular. I could feel myself changing, being shaped into a mold even.

Eventually, I lost all sense of myself. All of my individuality. I would look at my face in the mirror when I took my mask off and see no one. The only thing that made me any different from all the others was my talent.

I wasn't a person anymore. I was my talent itself.

This was what I was doing here, wasn't it? My talent.

During my development classes, I would be praised by scientists for my skills. They would say my profile was one of the highest ranking out of the group of one thousand.

Highest ranking? It just didn't make sense to me. Even knowing why I was here didn't make sense to me at all.

Talent this, talent that. 714, how incredibly talented you are. The way you masterfully weird weapons, the way you have an impeccable sense of direction, the amount of physical strength you have...

It was all a bunch of gibberish to me.

…

One day, I received a notice in my room. I'd been selected into a grouping of candidates for Master Erito to select a bodyguard.

Master Erito. That was what everyone called him in this organization. The mastermind behind this whole program, the one who put all of this together under the promise to bring an end to our suffering. It was almost as though we had to worship him, which frankly left me weary. I mean, he was treated like some sort of being beyond mortality.

I had never seen him in person before, so I was quite curious. This person that everyone would treat like an all-knowing being, what did he really look like? Who was he, really?

I mean, it's not like I could've declined. I had to see this man for myself. The mastermind behind this whole organization, I needed to come face to face with him.

Even just thinking about him gave the ability to feel something. Something besides null or void. It was an emotion I couldn't explain, probably because for so long, I was nothing more than an empty husk of talent.

That fateful day, I stood in line besides what felt like hundreds of Faceless members. When I took off my mask, I looked at Master Erito directly into his eyes.

His golden, vibrant eyes. His eyes were the same color as mine. When I looked into them, I thought for a moment I was looking at my very self.

Something sparked inside me, though I couldn't explain what it was. It was like for a moment, I remembered how to feel again.

"What is your name?" He asked me, calmly.

For a moment, I thought that my name was another piece of me that faded into obscurity since joining this organization. I couldn't even remember the last time someone addressed me by name. I was always a number in this place, until now.

"Ramón. Ramón Loarte." I replied, firmly.

"Ramón Loarte…" He examined me in a rather focused manner. He then looked back into my eyes, into my unbreaking gaze. It looked like for a moment, he smiled. It happened so fast that I questioned if he ever smiled at all.

"...You're the one." He nodded to me.

The vice president seemed to be quite surprised. "M-Master, pardon me, but...all you've done was stare at each other and ask for his name. How could you be so sure?"

Master Erito continued to look at me. "I just know. I would've expected you of all people to notice it."

Ah? He just knows? I supposed I shouldn't question it, but it does leave me curious.

The vice president glanced to the side and muttered something to himself before standing besides Master Erito. "Well...if this is what you have decided, then so be it."

Things were silent for a moment. It left me to feel nervous, like I did something wrong for just being here and having Master Erito choose me.

"Ramón Loarte…" Master Erito spoke up. "Your talent...what is it?"

I closed my eyes, unsure of how to answer. My talent...I still had no idea. Everyone would always say around me how talented I was, and yet...I couldn't find a way to provide an answer at all. My talent, my talent.

I decided to answer with something that could at least sound like the talent of a qualified bodyguard. "Mafioso."

I wasn't happy about this response. I don't want to be affiliated with the mafia ever again. But, if I were to tell the entire room that a tour guide would be the bodyguard of Master Erito, well...they certainly wouldn't think too well of me.

Does it even make a difference? Master Erito could simply look up my information, for all I know...

"In that case, we will begin the preparations immediately." The vice president began to walk away. "Come along, now."

I would be escorted to what would be my new bedroom. It was on the same floor as many of the higher-ranking members of Faceless. That included Master Erito himself. Everything was happening so fast, and I felt like I was completely out of place.

The biggest realization of my new position was when Master Erito instructed me to keep off my mask. That I wouldn't have to hide who I was any longer.

When we arrived in my room, I continued to think about this new situation I found myself in. I am now Master Erito's bodyguard. I will have to protect him with my life. I will have to enter a killing game alongside him.

I just...didn't feel ready for it. No, I wasn't ready at all.

But then, I remembered my family. I am doing this all for them. I can't afford to step out of line, for their sake.

"I've read yours, Ramón Loarte. I've read every candidate's file before what occured today."

I looked up to see Master Erito sitting besides me. He spoke in a rather calm and friendly manner.

Ah, well...if he read my file, then he already does know about my talent. Whatever it is, anyway.

"So you were going to pick me from the start?" I asked him, tilting my head.

Master Erito looked to the side. "You were on my mind, as were a few others. However, the intensity in your eyes when I saw you in person. That was what I was looking for. Someone who can stare right back at me, without fear."

"Is that really all it?" I sat up straight. That couldn't be the only reason, right?

"Well, the other thing was...your level of dedication." Master Erito turned to look back at me with a smile.

"Ah?" I blinked.

Master Erito leaned in. "You know why you're here, Ramón Loarte. You joined our cause to give your family security. You are someone who lives to protect. I think that makes you perfect, does it not?"

"...Maybe so." My eyes trailed to the floor.

He then leaned back, nodding. "That and your level of expertise from the mafia...you were the correct choice. I know it."

I felt the back of my neck, awkwardly. I understood, yet at the same time, I didn't. I don't know if it was because I wasn't sure if I was convinced, or if it was something else.

"Ramón, you and I are very alike." Master Erito nodded to me, getting my attention. "We are both here to end a similar suffering."

"Ah?" I tilted my head. "What do you mean by that?"

Master Erito closed his eyes and nodded. "I'm here for my family, too."

"Your family?" I asked him, curiously.

"I wanted to do what I can to give them a better life." He opened his eyes and looked back to me with a saddened expression. "My parents have given everything they had for my sake. And I...never felt like I deserved it. I was - I am ashamed."

I didn't fully understand what he was talking about, but the matter seemed to be too private to press on.

"I created this organization." He smiled, lightly. "To put an end to our suffering."

Our suffering…

"I thought, if I could finally create something instead of destroy...I would realize who it is I really am. Who I was always meant to be." He placed a hand over his heart. "I used to be weak. I used to allow for my own suffering to consume me and push me past the brink. But now...I have nothing more to suffer for." His smile grew. "As the king of the elites, I will guide us all into a new age filled with boundless aspirations."

I took a moment to process what he was saying to me. "Master, please excuse me for saying this…" I shook my head. "I believe you are wrong in saying you were weak."

His expression softened, as though he was surprised. "Really?"

"We who suffer, who experience unimaginable hardships…" I nodded. "When we are able to overcome them, isn't that a showing of our strength?"

He smiled, gently. "I knew you were the right choice."

"Ah?" I was confused as to how he interpreted my response.

Master Erito then stood up. "I need to get going for now." He then turned around. "No need to begin your role right away. Take some time to rest in your new room."

I looked to the side for a moment. "Master, may I ask you something?"

He turned to look at me. "What is it?"

"Who are you?" I looked back at him, in the eyes. "I mean, I've always heard from others who you are. But, I want to hear it from you."

He nodded with a smile. "I am Erito Hajimoto. The creator of this world."

The creator of this world…

"Think of me as…" He pauses for a moment to think. "The Supreme Level Creator."

Something about that hardly made any sense to me. Supreme Level Creator?

Well, Supreme Level is certainly above Elite Level. But, creator as a talent?

It would explain why everyone looks up to Erito Hajimoto to...create our future.

"I must get going now." He waved to me, casually. "I hope your question has been answered."

I think it was.

I nodded in response. "Alright, Master Erito."

"Tomorrow...I want to show you something." He nodded before turning around again and leaving the room.

Once the door was shut, I laid down on my new bed to rest my eyes. I tucked my arms behind my head to form a pillow as I kicked one of my legs over the other. Resting my eyes, I let out a sigh.

The bed was quite soft. I felt the desire to climb under the blankets and spend my resting time asleep. After all, sleep is resting.

I found myself to be slipping away before I even could make the effort to get under the blankets.

…

The next day, I felt a peculiar nervousness when it came to leaving my room. While I was still dressed in the uniform I normally would wear, I was told that I no longer needed to wear my mask to conceal my identity. While a year ago I would've been relieved, I felt strange and out of place.

Before I could open my door myself, someone else did from the outside. It was Master Erito, carrying a gift box wrapped in gold paper.

"Ramón, good morning." He smiled, warmly. "I have something for you."

He handed me the gift box in an excited manner, which I certainly did not expect from him.

"What is it?" I asked, shaking the box to listen for whatever object could be inside.

"Your new uniform." He nodded. "Go on and get changed, alright? I'll wait here for you to finish."

I slowly nodded in return before retreating to my room and closing the door. Opening the gift box, I took out my new clothes to change into them.

I stepped in front of the mirror to observe myself. My hair was tied up into a short tail, with a few strands staying loose at the brim. I normally would tie my hair up in this place anyways, as an intense formal atmosphere felt present. But, for some reason, something about my hair felt different enough to notice.

I then looked down at my attire. I was wearing a black turtleneck crop top that stopped above my abdominal region, with my necklace resting over the top of it. Below my abdomen, I wore a pair of dark grey pants fastened to my waist with a black belt. Black, belted boots wrapped tightly over my feet. Over the crop top, I wore a dark brown coat with a black collar, black cuffs, and black pockets.

I gave myself a firm, yet unconfident nod before stepping outside again.

Master Erito turned to me and smiled. "So, what do you think?"

I felt the back of my neck as I averted my eyes. "Erm...Master, is my abdomen supposed to be…exposed?"

Master Erito tilted his head. "Well, the program designed these clothes according to your preferences…"

"P-Program?" I took a step back. "You mean a computer made this?"

"Exactly." He replied in a prideful manner. "It's still in a prototype phase, however...we plan to use this computer once we move onto the next phase of our plan."

Next phase…

We were taught about this phase in our 'advanced education' sessions. A killing game was going to be held. For what purpose?

To create suffering in a form that the world could recognize, and to have an ultimate desire for survival to be born from it.

To call it a publicity stunt would be a massive misjudgment. The game, we were told, was absolutely necessary. We needed the world to watch what we were doing. To watch in a captivated horror.

And with the end of this killing game, we would be able to continue to the final, true purpose of our organization.

It was called...The Final Aspiration.

As for what exactly it is, only a small group of people would know. People who were allowed to show their faces.

I became one of those people.

"Ramón." Master Erito nodded to me. "You may begin your guarding duties."

"Ah?" I nodded in return. "Yes, Master."

"If you could…" Master Erito motioned down the hall. "Please escort me to the Cleaning Room. It's on floor fifty, a sign will direct you from there."

My first assignment, and we were already going to one of the restricted floors I had never been to before. "Of course, Master."

We walked through the halls without a single exchange of words. When I called for the elevator, I was surprised to see my ID card already had authorization to visit the restricted floors. It's been less than a day, after all.

Upon arriving on the fifthtieth floor, I followed the signs to arrive in front of the Cleaning Room.

I knew about this place's existence by name, but I was never told as to what takes place in this room.

"I'm going to be here for several hours, so your guarding duties for your first day are...quite light." He smiled at me. "You could do as you like in the meantime. You'll get a notice when it's time to pick me up."

"Several hours?" I wondered out loud.

He seemed to understand why I was curious. "Indeed. This is another one of our prototypes. I've tested this several times before so far, but it's not yet complete."

Some kind of prototype is in here?

I wonder if it can cook you your favorite foods from just sitting down at the table. I really miss the meals from back home…

Ack, that's not important right now.

"I suppose you are also curious about what this prototype does." He chuckled. "It's where I am running...my greatest experiment."

"Ah?" I tilted my head in response.

"In this room...I am creating the Supreme Level Destroyer." He nodded with pride before turning towards the door.

Supreme Level Destroyer…?

"Would you like to meet him?" Master Erito turned to me with a smile. "We are going to run an extended psycho-analysis on him. But, before we begin it, we can let you in."

"Meet him?" I felt the back of my neck, confusedly.

"The one you'll be protecting, in the game." Master Erito nodded. "Wait out here. Someone will let you in." He then turned to the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

I leaned against the wall, thinking to myself. Meet him...who is he? The one I will be protecting...isn't that just Master Erito himself?

Supreme Level Creator, Supreme Level Destroyer...

After several minutes, the door opened. A Faceless member allowed for me to come inside.

Walking in, I could see there was some kind of large machine in the middle of the room. Just below it was a hovering table with Master Erito laying down.

I cautiously stepped over, examining him. He seemed to be peacefully asleep. From just his facial expression alone, he was giving off a completely different vibe than what I was used to.

Then, he opened his eyes. His eyes...were now a deep maroon.

I took a step back as he slowly sat up, feeling his head.

"Wh-Where…" He slowly looked over to me. "Who...are you?"

I wasn't sure how to react. It felt like I was talking to a completely different person. Maybe I was in shock. Whatever the case, I couldn't process this at all.

Is he...the Supreme Level Destroyer?

"A-Are you going to hurt me?" He asked, fearfully.

I shook my head in response.

That seemed to have relieved him. "O-Oh, so you're not one of those guys…"

Those guys? Was he talking about the other Faceless members?

"Do you know where I am?" He tried to slide off the table to stand up. "Can you help me?"

I slowly helped him to stand, not having any words to return.

"Y-You...You have to help me, please." He looked around, insecurely. "I need to get out of here before they come." He then held his right arm in discomfort. "P-Please help me. I want to go home."

I decided to speak up. "I don't know where we are, either." I could at least say that was true.

"Crap…" He gulped. "Are you in the same boat as me, then? Are there more of us?"

I didn't respond.

"We could...work together, then." He nodded. "To get home from wherever we are."

I still didn't say anything.

"My name is Kozaki." He was definitely trying to get me to talk. "Who are you?"

"Ramón." I replied, calmly.

"Alright…" He nodded. "Then let's leave now, before someone finds us."

I was rather confused about what Kozaki was thinking about doing. He really is like a completely different person, isn't he?

…

A completely different person.

Supreme Level Creator. Supreme Level Destroyer.

Just...what does this all mean?

He walked past me, only to stop and take a step back. "T-They're already here…"

I turned around to follow his gaze only to find two Faceless members. "Them?"

"I keep waking up in this place, so many times it can't just be a dream." He then frowned. "Are these people doing this to me?"

I was completely lost in how to respond.

"That will be all." One of the Faceless members spoke to me. It was as though they were telling me to leave the room.

Insecurly, I glanced back at Kozaki. Was he Kozaki? Or, was he Master Erito? No, he really was a different person. Someone who was scared, who didn't have a clue.

It was as if he was bottled up in a place deep within Master Erito, only to now be set free.

I still don't know what to make of it.

I stood in place as the Faceless members walked past me. Looking to the floor, I began to exit the room.

"R-Ramón, wait!" Kozaki called out from behind me. "Help me, please…!"

I paused to turn around. When I did, I could see the Faceless members force a mask over his face before he passed out. As I bit my lip and continued on my way out, I felt nauseous. It was a feeling of guilt that I couldn't explain. He's Master, everything that is happening to him is intentional. And yet? Kozaki looked to be an innocent bystander caught in the storm.

I wondered if I would have to go through the same operation as Master Erito. Would someone from inside me be brought out into the light?

What memories would he make? What kind of person would he become? Who will he be in the game?

In the game...

Whatever would happen in the game…

I would only be able to recall fragments of those memories.

---

Drifting. Drifting in a darkness, in a limbo. Some place that I couldn't see, and all I heard were voices.

I couldn't recognize the voices. I couldn't make out the words they spoke either. But I still heard them nonetheless, and they all sounded of despair.

Why were these voices full of such sorrow? Why did all these foreign voices feel so...familiar?

Then I started to regain my sense of feeling. It was painful and incredibly sudden. The cuts and stabs in my body, the blood trickling down my flesh like rivers.

I remember now. I died.

Or, at least...I should have.

I tried to recall what happened to me, but it was all a blur in my mind. Falling debris, someone's crying…

Why were they crying? Were they crying because of me?

Were they crying...for me?

My head began to feel sore as memories pulsed, trying to break free.

I died. I really did die. Atleast, I think I did.

The cuts, stabs, the falling rubble, all that pain…

But, if I'm alive...then where…?

"Well...you sure look like you've seen better days. It's a good thing I was so merciful to you."

Who is this?

"Don't be so surprised. I told you, didn't I?"

I weakly opened my eyes.

"I told you, I hate wasted potential." A man wearing glasses with a white rose clipped on his suit smiled down upon me with his arms crossed. "Go on. Thank me for saving your life."

I was too weak to do anything. I only continued to keep my eyes on the man. At the very least, I was beginning to recognize him. He was...that's right, the vice president.

"Hmm. Maybe it was a bit too soon to bring it up." He placed his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "That's fine. I can wait for your gratitude."

I felt myself frown. I am not sure why, but something about this man made me feel uncomfortable.

"I actually have a little something special for you!" He grinned as he picked up a cardboard box to show it to me. "See this, Ramón? Inside is your very own special whistle. You had it on during the execution, remember?" He smiled in an unconcerned manner. "Oh, well...I guess maybe you don't remember. Nonetheless, I had someone polish it for you. It's not damaged at all. Great news, right?"

I would've turned away if it wasn't for the fact that I found myself to be stuck to a surgery table. I struggled in place, trying to break free.

"Oh, right...about that." The man shrugged, placing the box off to the side. "No need to panic. The procedure already ended."

I looked over to see the man, atleast to the best of my ability.

"We removed all those files you had, the fake memories. You should be thanking us. That Fraize personality is gone now. Such a bother, good riddance I say. Since you're no longer in the killing game, that personality is no longer needed." The man smiled. "I understand if you're feeling a bit dazed and confused. You've been unconscious for several days. Your real memories should be returning to you soon enough, naturally. Give it maybe a day or two for it to sink in."

Fake memories…

But they felt so real. They felt like the realest version of myself I've ever been. Even though I was having a hard time with remembering the memories themselves, the thought of them was...pleasant.

I was happy, in that fake life.

And yet, I was never this person? This person who felt like the real me, I was just pretending to be him?

And yet the more I thought about it, the more real it felt to me.

That me was real. That me really was the truest, happiest me there was. And though I can't quite remember it, there's a warmth in my chest that lingers when I think about him.

But now he is dead. I am Ramón. A protector for my master.

My master, Erito Hajimoto.

I closed my eyes.

If this so-called Fraize personality is really gone...why do I still feel him inside me? Or, perhaps I am only just confusing myself by thinking about it.

I tried to reach out for my memories of the killing game. The friends that I made, the choices that I made, the Fraize that I made.

But all that I could remember were blurred out faces. A long line of people, their hands all connected.

One of them was holding my hands, too. One of them was squeezing my hands, I could feel their nails claw into me, and for some reason that caused me more pain than what my execution did to me.

The memories were gone...but the feelings persisted.

The vice president helped me to sit up straight. I was then properly able to notice that I was wearing something akin to a hospital gown.

"We have a change of clothes for you in your room." He smiled at me. "You'd better get dressed before Master Erito returns. Alright, Ramón? Your room's just down the hall from here."

I didn't say anything in return, only nodding and getting onto my feet.

As I left the room, I couldn't help but feel his eyes burning into my back. His cold, dead gaze masqueraded by a lively and warm personality.

…

It took me quite some time to find my room. Mostly because I felt quite disoriented. Also because of my memories, they felt...off. When I saw my nameplate, I felt myself frown for some reason.

I hated it. I had only just laid eyes on it, but I hated it.

Stepping inside, I found my uniform folded neatly on my bed. Or well, a copy of it.

I tied my hair back into a ponytail first before putting on my usual uniform, stretching to wake up as I turned to look into a mirror.

Ramón was looking back at me.

I looked at him closely, observing his face before my eyes trailed down.

That's when I saw...a necklace.

I felt the sudden urge to cover my mouth. My eyes squeezed shut as I knelt to the floor. Memories were pounding against my skull.

His necklace.

His face was a blur, despite how hard I tried to reach for some kind of clarity. But even still, I could remember he was there. I could remember the way his fingernails clawed into my hands as he desperately tried to hold onto me.

I could remember he told me something. Something that caused my heart to ache. Something that made me realize I didn't want to die. I wanted to live with him, and with everyone else.

I wanted to take off the necklace. Or, I thought I did. But I couldn't.

I felt like something was stopping me. Maybe I was stopping me.

And this person. The boy I wanted to remember. Was he part of the reason why?

"Ramón, sorry for bothering you." The vice president knocked on my door. "Master Erito will be arriving shortly. Room next door where you came from, okay? Head there when you're ready."

I'd only just woken up, but it was already back to business.

I didn't reply to him, though honestly I don't think he would've even cared if I did. Instead I laid down on my bed just to think for a while.

What's the last thing I can remember for certain?

It was just before the game. Master Erito and I walked through a room together led by the vice president.

Ah, the vice president. That's right. That's the man who was with me when I woke up.

Hmm...I remember, just before the game started, I went through some kind of Customization process. That's what it was called, right?

Well, I can remember going into it. However, I can't recall what actually took place there. Infact, everything after the moment I entered the process, I can't seem to remember. Just vague flashes of people without names.

Fraize is gone, right? Then it seems like he took all those memories with him.

Unless…

Ack, I'm thinking too much again. I need to get going, Master Erito will need me.

I stepped out into the hallway before heading back to where I came from. Right next door was where Master Erito would be, that's right.

As I stepped inside the room, I could see a young man facing away from the door, sitting upright on what seemed to be a hospital bed. It caused me to stop in my tracks.

I've seen this before, I swear.

And yet, despite feeling a sense of deja vu, I couldn't remember when or how I've seen this before at all.

The young man turned to look at me. He was incredibly taken aback when he saw me. "You're...really alive."

I gave him a firm nod. Or rather, as firm as I could be. I was truthfully feeling...insecure.

Erito kept his gaze on me. "Come over, Ramón."

I quietly did as my master asked of me.

He continued to look at me, his face unreadable. I couldn't tell at all what he was thinking.

Though...when I thought about it, his eyes seemed to have been welling up. Was he...going to cry?

But that made no sense. This was Master Erito. It would have been insanely out of character for him. He's never shown emotion like that before.

Master Erito slowly rose to his feet. "Ramón, could you please escort me to my room?"

"Yes, Master." I nodded, simply.

The two of us walked over to the room entrance before I paused. It occured to me that I didn't yet remember how to actually go to Master Erito's room.

"Master…" I looked to the side. "Do you think you could tell me where your room is?"

"Huh?" He tilted his head. "The same place it's always been."

"Of course…" I felt stupid for asking, even if I couldn't remember where to go.

Master Erito blinked in confusion. "What's wrong, Ramón? You're a tour guide, aren't you? You know where to go."

"Erm...of course." I started to walk to the entrance of the room. "I'm great with directions."

"So...direct me." Master motioned for me to start walking through the halls.

I sighed and shook my head, feeling like a fool. "I don't remember where to go, I'm sorry."

"You don't remember?" Master seemed to be more concerned than angry.

"Since I woke up, from after my...death." I felt at my head. "I've forgotten a lot of things. How many days has it even been? It feels like I've been asleep for ages…"

"Days?" Master Erito asked, eyes widening. "You mean you've only just woken up?"

I nodded. "Yes, that was what I was told."

"Hmm..." Master Erito then began to walk. "Let's continue this in my room. Here, I'll be your guide this time."

I couldn't help but feel tense as we walked together. Not because I was afraid of my master. I wasn't sure how to explain it, to be honest.

When we arrived, Master Erito allowed me to enter his room first. It was incredibly luxurious, as if I were to be staying at a five star ski resort. While that does sound oddly specific, it's hard to find any other manner to describe his room. It had a fireplace, a large bed with tender blankets, a soft carpet, a large television screen, a couch, a bookshelf, and various other items. The walls, flooring, and ceiling were all made of wood - or rather, they seemed to be. It truly felt like a warm place to retreat to after a day in the snow.

"Let's have a seat." Master Erito shut the door behind him.

I watched as he walked over and sat down on the edge of his bed. He looked at me in an expectant manner as he patted a spot besides him.

Taking a seat, I could feel my body tense up once again.

"Ramón, what do you remember?" He asked, looking straight ahead.

I looked down as I tried to gather my memories. "I remember who I am and my role. I remember who you are and what you mean to me. I remember that I was in the game. I remember…"

"Do you remember being executed?" He asked, his voice sounding...worried.

"I don't remember it very well." I sighed, shaking my head. "Only how much it hurt me."

"I wish I could've come sooner." He turned to look at me, sighing as well. "Tobi tried to pick me up. But, there were some unexpected complications and…" His voice trailed off.

"It's alright." I tried to reassure him, though I didn't know what else to say. Who was Tobi, again?

"It's not alright." He looked away. "I thought- everyone thought you died there. I didn't want to give up…" He then felt at his head. "Or, maybe he didn't want to give up? I don't even know anymore. I thought the cleaning procedure was fixed already. And yet, why am I feeling…" His voice trailed off again. "I'm sorry. I started rambling."

I felt the urge to comfort him in some way. Slowly, I reached over to him to place a hand on his shoulder. "I'm alive, and I'm here. Thank you for...worrying about me."

He turned to look back at me, slowly placing his hand on mine. He squeezed it in a way that felt like he never wanted to let go.

"Master?" I was surprised to see him like this.

"...Sorry." He suddenly let go of my hand. "I don't know what came over me."

But, something about that felt calming. I wanted to feel that again. "Master, could I…?" I didn't know how to ask something so ridiculous.

He looked at his hands before extending one to me. Slowly, I took his hand in return.

Our hands squeezed as our fingers laced each other.

"I don't understand this feeling." He looked away. "And yet, it feels...right."

I wasn't sure how to reply. "Do you think so?"

He turned back to me. "Ramón, how do you feel?"

I glanced to the side before looking at our hands. "I feel like...it's a feeling I've missed."

He slowly let go of my hand. "It's them, isn't it?"

Them?

"I don't understand..." I shook my head. "What do you mean?"

Master Erito then stood up. "It's nothing. Don't let it bother you." He turned to me. "Sorry. I've wasted enough time here. I have to oversee some tests before I return to the game again."

I stood up as well. "Then let's go, right?"

"No." He shook his head. "I need for you to watch over our...guest." He smiled in a way that seemed to be sinister.

"Guest?" I blinked.

His expression softened. "I'll take you to her."

The two of us would walk to an elevator before traveling several floors down. After walking through a long hallway, we arrived at a door that would only open via the swiping of a key card. I watched as Master Erito swiped in his card before pulling the door open.

Inside was a hallway filled with doors, with glass panels besides them.

"They're one-way." Master Erito tucked away his ID card. "You can see them, but they can't see you. Should make watching over her pretty simple, right?"

I didn't reply. I followed Master Erito down the hall before he came to a stop.

"Here is our guest." He motioned to a cell in particular. "Isn't it funny? The three of us... we're almost together again. Almost." He then smiled. "I'll be going now. It'll take me probably thirty minutes."

"Alright." I nodded to him in response.

"Come meet me before I go back to the game." He turned around and began to walk away.

I wasn't sure why he would want to meet me before then, but I didn't question it. My gaze shifted towards...well, I suppose it was a high-security cell. It looked like some out of a sci-fi movie.

Inside the room was a carpet, a bed, a lamp, a bookshelf, and a door which I presume led to a bathroom. It was quite small, quite isolating.

There I saw the girl, the guest that Master Erito instructed me to watch over. She was quietly sitting down on the bed with a book in her hands. She let out a sigh before placing it on the floor and feeling her face.

It was upsetting to watch, though I couldn't explain why.

Was I supposed to just stand here for the next half hour? Standing and watching her sit there in disdain?

…

I wanted to go inside. I thought, maybe if I talked to her, she'd at least have company for a little while. And, with what Master Erito said...the three of us, together again.

That means I've met her before, right? Maybe he meant in the game, which would explain why I can't recognize her now.

I felt this desire to speak with her. Maybe she could tell me who Fraize is, who I was.

Slowly, I placed my hand on the doorknob and turned it.

…

It didn't open.

Ah, that's right. An ID card. I should have it on my person in my uniform, right?

After digging around in my pockets, I pulled out my card. From there, I swiped in and opened the door.

From just hearing the sound of the door clicking and opening, the girl rose to her feet in a stance as though she were ready to fight. But, just as quickly as she rose to that stand, her posture loosened up and she covered her mouth.

I closed the door behind me, observing her quietly. What was I going to do now? Yes, I wanted to talk to her about Fraize, but...It felt like I was meeting her for the first time. I guess, in a way I was.

"F...Fraize?" She took a few uncertain steps forward. "Is that really you?"

I'm not sure what came over me, but I suddenly felt insecure. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't find the words.

She was calling me Fraize, but it felt wrong. I'm not Fraize. I don't think Fraize was erased forever, but that doesn't mean that he is me.

Because... I'm Ramón, right? That's what the vice president told me, anyways.

I just don't know. The confusion is making me agitated.

She continued to walk over to me, holding her hands together over her chest. "You're alive, you're really alive…"

I stepped back and shook my head. Maybe coming in here was a mistake.

"Fraize?" She stopped approaching me, her face holding an expression of worry.

I could feel a tightness in my throat, it made me feel like I was about to vomit. I turned my back to her, about to leave.

"F-Fraize? Fraize please! Do you not recognize me? Can you not remember who I am?" The girl begged of me. "It's me, Riko! I am your friend!"

I paused and turned around, then shook my head, silently.

"Fraize…" Her expression softened.

"I don't know who that is." I felt like I was telling the truth. "You are thinking of someone else."

She spoke up again. "But then why do you have his voice? Why do you speak like him? Why do you share that same look in your eyes?"

I sighed and shook my head. "I can't answer you." I then began to leave.

"Please...don't leave me alone." She called out to me.

I looked back at her. "I cannot stay. My master will need me."

She seemed to realize who I was talking about. "He doesn't need you now." She replied, her voice shaking. "Please, even if you only stay for five minutes. Let me see you. Let me see that you're alive…"

I paused for a moment before sighing and walking over. I crouched down in front of her, so that she could get a good look at my face.

"Do you not remember me?" She looked to the floor after a while. "What about our friends who have died, or our friends who still are hanging on to survive?"

"They weren't my friends." I shook my head. "They were someone else's. Someone who...doesn't exist anymore."

Saying that caused my gut to twist. It was as though I wanted those friends, as though I wanted to be that person who was supposed to be erased instead. I was longing to be someone who was never real at all.

Maybe something is wrong with me.

She quietly looked back at me.

"The Fraize you knew is dead." I stood up. "Don't confuse me with him. We are different people."

Saying that only made me feel even more sick. We are different people, aren't we? Fraize was someone else, or was he really me?

I just don't know anymore. I wish someone could give me an answer.

She didn't reply.

"...I'm sorry." I turned around. "I hope that you atleast made good memories with him, because I have none of them to prove he was real."

With that, I stepped out and shut the door behind me, locking it.

---

Up until Master Erito returned from the game, I had nothing to do. I could not guard him any longer in the game, because I was dead. I could not guard him here during his tasks because he wasn't coming.

It was quite lonely, to be honest. The one person who gave my life meaning in this place was away. It made me feel quite lost.

Sometimes I'd find myself going back to visit the girl with the blond hair, Riko. I could never find the will to go inside and talk to her, maybe because I was afraid. Instead, I would sit down and watch her through the glass. She would read books, lots of books. Atleast, those provided to her in the cell. Even though I couldn't remember her, it certainly felt like reading was a passtime she enjoyed.

I felt guilty. All I could do was sit and watch her. Well, that's not entirely true. I had my ID card with me. Nothing was stopping me from opening the door, even letting her out. I don't know what would happen next, but what I did know was that it felt wrong to do nothing.

Sometimes she would sing to herself. She had a lovely, gentle voice. It reminded me of my mother, and then I had to wonder when the last time I even thought of my own family was.

Could it be that she was helping me to realize who I am again?

And how do I repay her for everything she has done for me? Apparently by sitting down and watching her every day.

And this felt wrong, very wrong.

Just go in and talk to her, why don't you? You were friends. You shouldn't be afraid.

But she wasn't friends with me. She was friends with Fraize.

Aren't you Fraize?

I still don't know yet. Not knowing is making me impatient.

So, I decided that today was going to be the day I get answers for myself. And why today of all days?

Because Master Erito is finally back. If anything, he would understand what I'm going through. Atleast, I think he would.

I went to the cleaning room, where Master Erito usually would appear. However, there wasn't any sign of him.

Strange.

"I expected you to have come here."

I turned around to find myself coming face to face with the vice president.

"Your Master and I are...having a coffee break." He smiled in a rather cheerful manner. "Game's finally over, so a break is deserved." He then nodded to me. "Care to join us?"

Game's over…?

I slowly nodded in return.

"Great. This way." He waved for me to follow him.

We ended up in some kind of break room. Master Erito was asleep in one of the chairs.

"Ack, that's right. I forgot to tell you." He awkwardly looked to the side. "Master Erito had a bit of a wipeout. He's okay, just...taking a long rest." He then plopped into a chair and took in a long sip of his coffee. "Come, have a seat. We have plenty of time to talk."

I slowly took a seat into a chair.

He turned to Master Erito, casually. "Well, well, well. That really was a surprise, wasn't it?"

There was no response.

"Oh, that's right. You're still unconscious." He shrugged. "Well, hurry up. I have quite the story for you once you've awakened."

Again, no response.

Haiji smiled as he turned to look out the window, into the endless cosmos. "You know, the stars look wonderful right now. I know I say this every time, but something about their gleam feels particularly special tonight." He turned to Master Erito. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Still, no response. I began to even wonder why I was here at all.

"Right, right. Unconscious. I getcha." He clicked his tongue as he gave Master Erito a finger gun.

I sighed to myself as I closed my eyes. Maybe I should get some coffee.

"That cat? Oh, he's gone on the run. Haven't seen him since the trial. Though, he can't get far. I mean, where's he going to run to in this space ship, anyways?"

That cat? I wondered who he was talking about.

"Hey, you know, I think I'll go grab something to eat while I wait for you." He stood up. "Don't worry, I'm not leaving you alone. Someone special is going to keep you company."

I watched as Haiji pointed to Master Erito.

"Incase you can't take the hint, it's the same person who always kept you company." He then glanced at me.

I'm starting to think that the vice president is a little bit on the crazy side. I mean, talking to people who can't even answer him. He strikes me as the type of person to ramble on to himself about all of the things he plans to do.

"Alright, enjoy your sleeping. We will have a lot to discuss once you're awake." He waved. "And I mean a lot. Like, hell. So much for the public erasing ceremony." He smiled with a shrug. "Well, we can settle for just doing it in private. I know how much of an annoyance Kozaki has been to you."

That didn't quite make sense to me. Kozaki, an annoyance? That contradicted how I knew Master Erito talked about him…

Then again, I can't remember anything from during the game. Maybe he lost his patience with his experiment.

"Okay, okay, I'm really going now. See you." He then walked towards the door and stepped outside. He then paused and came back inside before walking to the vending machine. He got himself a sandwich before sitting back down again.

This guy is totally nuts...

He then turned to me with a smile. "Oh, were you wondering about who I am? Seems like that whole memory thing did a number on you. I don't think you've ever looked so confused before."

Confused? If that's how you want to call it...

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He offered me his hand. "My name is Haiji Daisuke."

I did not shake his hand.

"Though... I'd prefer to go by Erito Hajimoto." He wiggled his hand with a glint in his eyes.

I sighed and shook his hand, awkwardly. He's nuts, absolutely nuts.

So nuts, that he suddenly decided it would be a good idea to tell me all about his life story.

Or rather, that's what I thought he was going to do. He ended up telling me stories about Master Erito. Both before and during the game.

It felt... completely intentional. As though he has some ulterior motive for telling me all of these stories.

After listening to each of his stories, I looked to the side to think about them.

He never mentioned anything about supreme creation and destruction. Why is that?

Maybe it's because I am just some bodyguard. He probably thinks I have no business knowing about the biggest secrets of the organization.

But there was at least one thing that I could ask him.

I looked over to Haiji, tilting my head. "I have a question, before we leave."

He turned back to me. "Oh, a question? What is it?"

I glanced over to Master Erito, then shaking my head and turning back to Haiji. "Who am I?"

"Who are you? There's a few answers to that question. You're a bodyguard, a mafioso, a tour guide...lots of things." He shrugged, simply.

I took a moment to process that answer. "Alright, but who am I? My name, what is it?"

"What kind of question is that?" Haiji raised an eyebrow. "Please. Your name is Ramón Loarte. That's who you are. I told you, you created Fraize during your Customization. He was nothing more than a mask during the game. Just like Kozaki was."

"But…" I tried to find the words to say what it was I was feeling. However, I just couldn't figure out how to express my feelings at all. "You were saying how Kozaki was more than a mask in your stories, weren't you? Then, isn't Fraize…"

He calmly folded his hands on the table, as though he didn't really care to give me some kind of an answer. "Look, kid, I'd love to continue this chat with you, but I have things I need to do. If you'll please follow me, I need you to escort my dear nephew to our special guest room." He then stood up. "Hmm...let's go with room A. After all, that girl must be feeling quite lonely. She could use a friend."

My questions were all brushed away as I stood up as well. It was apparent to me that parts of Haiji's story were contradictory to what I knew.

Well, to be fair, something known as the Supreme Level Destruction would be more than just a mask...

I watched as he picked up Master Erito, remaining silent.

He didn't even touch his sandwiches. Absolutely nuts, he is.

"Actually...she knows who he is, right? I wonder how she'll react to this." Haiji glanced over to Master Erito. "In any case, this will be quite the interaction to witness." He then turned to me. "Come along, now."

We began to walk through several hallways together, to the cells. The questions I had were returning to me. I wondered in silence, what made Fraize any different than Kozaki? If Kozaki is more than a mask, then wouldn't Fraize be the same?

Then again, I'm just some bodyguard. Maybe I was given all the leftovers. After all, talking to Haiji certainly gave me the impression that my life was... disposable.

…

Maybe the answer to that is that Haiji doesn't care about me at all. After all...he saved my life for the sake of himself having to witness what he would call the stupidest death of all. It wasn't because he cared about me, or because he could see my abilities and my dedication to my master. He might've said he hates to see talented lives wasted, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to him. He never did it for me.

I may as well be a dead man walking, right? To Haiji, it would be all the same. I am nothing. Even with my mask off, I mean nothing. I am still just as Faceless as I was from the beginning.

…

I'd like to believe Fraize was real. He was more than a mask.

Maybe we have our own thing going on. Not as supreme creation and destruction…

But as a mafioso and a tour guide.

"Here we are. She's just as quiet as ever." Haiji stopped walking to take out his ID card. "Well, no use in having any fanfare. Let me just drop in my nephew here…"

I watched as he opened the door and threw Master Erito, no...that was Kozaki, to the floor with a rather violent force. The girl inside, Riko, rushed over to him as Haiji shut the door.

"Aaaand done." He rubbed his hands together, ready to move on.

I looked inside the cell through the glass, watching as Riko was knelt besides Kozaki. I could feel myself frown as I turned back to Haiji. The way he threw Kozaki, as though he were trash...it caused an unpleasant feeling inside me I couldn't explain.

"What's with that look?" Haiji seemed to be completely baffled by my response. "Hey, if you were me, you'd want to throw him to the floor rather violently as well."

I shook my head, looking away.

Haiji then shrugged. "I need to get going now, or I'll be late for my meeting. I'm counting on you to guard this cell for me until I get back."

I turned back to him, nodding lightly.

"Alright, Ramón...you're the boss now." He waved to me before twirling around and preparing to exit the room.

"Wait…" I spoke up. "When you get back, what happens?"

The second in command paused and turned back to me."Oh, y'know. Just completely erasing Kozaki so Master Erito can now get back to work without having that virus invade his mind."

"Virus?" I asked, stepping forwards. "What do you mean?"

Haiji tilted his head. "Oh? You don't know?" He placed his hands into his pockets and shrugged with a smile. "Kozaki is a bug, one that has been hindering Master Erito's work. He invades his mind, you know?" He then sighed. "The incredible experiment, it's gone too far out of hand."

The incredible experiment…

Well, if he wasn't going to acknowledge it, then I will.

"Isn't Kozaki too important to erase?" I frowned.

"Huh?" He tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

I stepped forward. "The Supreme Level Destruction. Someone who can share the rank of supreme with Master Erito. That's important, isn't it?"

His face grew cold. "How do you know?"

"Master Erito told me." I nodded. "You can't just go and erase him, can you? It must be something else…"

He silently turned his back to me. "Blue."

Blue…? What kind of clue was that meant to be?"

"I don't understand…" I shook my head. "Blue, what does that mean?"

But Haiji did not answer me. He walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

I sat down on the floor, turning to watch the two in the cell. Master Erito did not wake up for quite a long time. I sat down in place for so long, it was starting to hurt.

Standing up, I began to pace back and forth. What does it all mean?

The Final Aspiration. It has to be related to that. But, the color blue? Last I checked, creating a new age for humanity didn't have anything to do with the color blue at all.

As I was pacing back and forth, Master Erito finally awakened. I turned to watch him interact with Riko, curiously.

The two of them embraced. It was in a manner that felt fearful, as though letting go meant they would lose each other.

It caused me to feel...like I wanted to be part of that moment. It was hard to put into words what it was I was feeling.

"It's time."

I turned to see Haiji enter the hall. He seemed to be quite serious, though, not as cold as before.

"Ramón, would be so kind?" Haiji smiled at me as he stopped walking. "Escort your master, please. It is time to erase his bugs."

It looks like he was intentionally pretending that our altercation never happened.

I quietly nodded before heading to the cell. Just do as he says, Ramón. If you don't, he might really get angry at you. You don't want to see Haiji when he's angry.

Upon opening the door, I could see the two cellmates look over in my direction. They were sitting down together, on the floor.

"F-Fraize…?" Master Erito slowly tried to stand up, though he was too weak to do so.

No, he wasn't Master Erito. But Haiji was watching me. If I didn't say the right things, the vice president would dispose of me. Atleast, that's how I felt from the way his glare was burning into my back.

It looked like neither of them even noticed Haiji's presence at all.

The girl, Riko, kept her eyes on me silently. She was anticipating that I was going to make a move.

"It's you…" He reached over to me. "You're alive, you're really alive, right? I'm not just seeing things again, right? Fraize…"

I took a step back. That same feeling of uncertainty from when I first came here was slowly creeping in.

"Everyone thought you died there...but I never stopped believing in you. I kept looking for you, and now…" He smiled, still reaching to me with an extended hand.

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

"Fraize?" He asked, worriedly.

I opened my eyes, crossing my arms behind my back. "Master, I am here to escort you."

He slowly lowered his arm. "Master…?"

"We have to go now, Master." I stepped forward. "You have a scheduled cleaning session." I didn't know if this was true or not, but it felt like the right thing to say.

His eyes widened as he scooched backwards. "Fraize, what's gotten into you?"

I shook my head. "Master, if you do not come with me, I will have to bring you there myself."

"B-Bring me?" He scooched back further. "To that horrible place?"

I let out a sigh. "Master, you have a giant bug that needs to be taken care of. We must go now."

I feared that Haiji was getting impatient. I didn't want to act with force, however.

"Fraize, no...please…" He weakly tried to scoot even further away from me.

I paused, frowning lightly. "Master, you know I am not Fraize."

"And I...I am not your master!" He couldn't find the strength to keep moving away. "I am Kozaki!"

I looked away. "You're a bug that needs to be erased."

He fell silent in response.

"H-How could you say something like this?!" Riko spoke up, angered. "After everything, after all of your time together?! After he loved you?!"

"He doesn't love me." I turned around and frowned. "Stop...Stop calling me Fraize! That isn't who I am! I told you!"

"Then why do you wear his necklace?" She pointed at me. "If he truly is just a bug, if he never meant anything to you, why wear it?"

I looked down. "I don't know why I'm wearing it. It feels wrong to take it off."

"Because Fraize is still alive." She insisted. "Fraize is still in you. Deep down inside, he is in you."

I slowly pressed my fingertips against the necklace around my neck, not returning a word.

"Fraize is real. Just like Kozaki is." Riko spoke, softly. "You two are my dear friends. You both mean so much to me. So please…"

My eyes trailed from Riko to Kozaki. The two people who were my closest friends in my other life.

Despite the fact that I shouldn't feel anything towards them...seeing them like this, it left a sinking feeling in my chest I couldn't describe. A feeling that was even stronger than the fear I had for the vice president.

"Fraize…" Kozaki slowly sat up, holding his right arm. "I never stopped looking for you. I never stopped believing that you were alive. Please..." It was like he couldn't find the words for what he wanted to ask of me. "Come back...otherwise, all this time I wanted to believe, it all would have been just another of my delusions…"

I closed my eyes and shook my head, stepping forwards. I have to obey my orders. "It's time to go, Master. We'll clean out that bug, and everything will go back to how it should be."

Riko suddenly stood in between myself and Kozaki. She extended her arms, defensively. "I will not allow it."

I didn't say anything in response, taking a step back.

"Fraize asked me…" She frowned, lowering her arms. "To protect Kozaki. If that includes protecting him from the very person who gave me this instruction, then so be it."

I remained silent, keeping my eyes lined up with hers.

Kozaki slowly rose to his feet. "I told you, Riko...I don't want you to stand in front of me." He then walked over, standing next to her. "I want you to stand with me."

She smiled lightly as she looked over to him, then nodded firmly back to me. "I might not stand a chance against you. You might be able to push me away effortlessly." She placed a hand over her heart. "But, I will do everything I can to keep this promise that I made with you that day."

I suddenly felt worried, though I couldn't explain why. Worried, about what?

About them. About what I can do to them.

I could take them down effortlessly. I know that I'm strong enough to handle it. They'd never stand a chance.

But...this hesitation. I don't want to hurt them.

I don't...want to hurt my friends.

…

They're my friends.

And if they are my friends, then...doesn't that make me Fraize?

I don't even know who I am anymore. Ramón, Fraize, it makes no sense to me. Am I a bodyguard? Am I a mafioso? Am I a tour guide? Who am I?

I felt at my head, shutting my eyes and stepping back again. My cheeks felt wet, so many emotions I couldn't comprehend were rushing out.

I can't do it. I can't hurt my friends.

I could then feel a warmth around me, a tender warmth that soothed me.

I opened my eyes again to find my friends embracing me tightly. My legs felt weak, and I allowed for myself to kneel to the floor. They kneeled with me, still holding me close.

"I missed you, Fraize." Riko whispered to me. "We kept trying to look for you, and now...we finally found you."

Kozaki reached over to place a hand on my cheek, wiping my tears away. "It feels weird, being the one to comfort you. It's usually the other way around, you know?" He chuckled lightly. "Fraize...the three of us, we're finally together again."

I placed a hand on top of his and squeezed it. I couldn't find the words to express what it was I felt.

Kozaki moved forwards to kiss me, and I let him. He wrapped his arms around me, and I held him back.

Those words echoed in my mind. Kozaki and Fraize were in love.

…

Kozaki and I are in love.

"...Well, that's a shame."

We looked over to see Erito, to see Haiji, standing in the door. He smiled and shrugged before shutting the door and locking us in.

---

~ Chapter Seven, Still Alive, Part One ~