Hello, and welcome back to another chapter of this story! It's been a while since this last had an update, but at least I'm here now, as I always said! i got plenty of freetime due to this week being my break, and I think I will be even more free after finals in mid-December, which means I might be able to pump up new chapters at a decently quicker pace than I have been over the course of the year... which is great, I believe! Please also note that I won't be responding to reviews anymore simply for my own time's sake and convenience, but they are greatly appreciated and I'm always here to at least read feedback!

Anyways, I don't really have anything else to say, so I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

Honestly, the last night for Mayari was spent on her contemplating, wondering what exactly was happening in this facility, this damn ward. Was there even a reasonable explanation, an answer to everything happening here? Obviously not, the epidemiologist wasn't a goddess, unfortunately.

Tying her hair into the same style she had it before, that being of a low braid, she brushed a bit of her bangs to the side, frowning. She wasn't exactly bothered by her own appearance, moreso on the fact that she was forced to act like this was normal, that this entire situation was normal. Doing her daily routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, tying her hair and changing- ugh, she honestly hated how unbothered she was already.

"Good morning, rats. I hope you all had a good sleep."

And there, like yesterday, went the announcement. Mayari wasn't even surprised she woke up before the actual announcement itself. Libitina's honeyed and sweet voice served as poison to her, making her wretch in disgust. To even think of the caretakers made her sick to her stomach.

She scratched the back of her head and sighed, moving over to check her messages. She wasn't caught by surprise when she saw that there were a couple of messages in the group chat, and she hummed slightly in acknowledgment from a couple of texts from Mazen and Silvana.

[Mayari/Silvana/Mazen

Silvana: Are you guys okay? (05:23 AM)

Silvana: From the injections, I mean. (05:29 AM)

Mazen: i think so? im not dead, at least! (05:38 AM)

Silvana: Well, yes, of course. It's just troublesome. (05:49 AM)

Mazen: yeah, it is very worrying (05:41 AM)

Mazen: like? there's no actual good reason to just inject us and say it's to monitor us or that jazz (05:41 AM)

Silvana: I just, well, have a feeling it's not for that purpose. (05:42 AM)

Mazen: lets ask nao about it then (05:42 AM)

Silvana: Yes, we should. (05:43 AM)

Mayari: sorry, was busy getting ready. (06:02 AM)

Mayari: but yeah, we should ask Nao about this. (06:02 AM)

Mayari: do you think Keni's fine? (06:03 AM)

Mazen: oh hi! (06:04 AM)

Mazen: but uhh not sure we should check (06:04 AM)

Mayari: got it. (06:04 AM)

Mayari: (Type here…)]

She stretched her arms out and yawned. That said, it was obvious that the group chat would be filled with a couple or so messages, the woman's eyes turned to it. Obviously, she wasn't surprised on who actually was speaking in there, having been silently (and subconsciously) noting their positions from yesterday's feast.

[Group Chat

Nao: I am hoping everyone's alright from what Libitina did! (12:47 AM)

Nobuyuki: why tf are u awake this late? (12:49 AM)

Jian: Same to you. (12:49 AM)

Akira: you guys should sleep wtf (12:50 AM)

Akira: but im doing well! not dying soooo (12:50 AM)

Nao: Oh, well, same to me. I'm doing relatively well. I'm just worried for everyone else here. I'm assuming everyone else is asleep then? (12:51 AM)

Mazen: noooope (12:51 AM)

Hotaru: not me either bruh -.- (12:52 AM)

Akira: well that sucks to us all. no sleeping gang! (12:52 AM)

Mazen: i actually want to sleep though ): (12:52 AM)

Hotaru: well shit (12:52 AM)

Nao: Oh, I'm really sorry about that. You should try drinking some warm tea or milk then, Mazen? (12:53 AM)

Mazen: haha, kinda scary to go out in the dark (12:53 AM)

Akira: bruh do you need someone to go with you? idm going with you (12:53 AM)

Nao: Same with me! We can go in a group if you want to, Mazen. I'm actually in the mood to get a snack right now. (12:54 AM)

Mazen: ummmmm are u sure? (12:56 AM)

Akira: better than going out alone lmao (12:56 AM)

Nao: I'm fine with it. (12:56 AM)

Mazen: ur right yeah (12:58 AM)

Mayari: (Type here…)]

Mayari couldn't help but frown. While it wasn't a surprise that someone would be so jittery and anxious in such a situation, she couldn't help but worry for Mazen. Even if Akira and Nao had helped him, Mayari found herself worried for the man, thinking silently to herself for a bit.

I should ask him if he's okay later when I see him. She scratched her head a bit before hearing a knock on the door. She raised a door and sighed, shrugging to herself. Walking over, she silently creaked the door open before seeing who it was, now opening it widely and raising a brow.

"Marge? Something wrong?"

Margaret was standing outside the door, her eyes gazing down at the epidemiologist. While Mayari wasn't exactly sure what was going on in her head or what exactly was the makeup historian thinking, the hesitation and concern that was subtle behind those rather vibrant eyes of hers told her enough.

The historian pulled back locks of her hair, parasoul twirling for a bit and covering part of her face. An awkward chuckle escaped her cherry lips. "Ah, Mayari sweetie, I wanted to ask a question… rather a request."

Mayari tilted her head. "Request? Couldn't you ask Ray or Shura?"

"Oh, no, darling, it requires a woman's pair of hands." She blushed slightly as she spoke. "I was wondering if you are acquainted with anybody who sews?"

Her confusion only deepened. "Huh, what? Are you trying to sew a dress or something? Where'd you even get the supplies?"

"Ah, I may ask Libitina. Our little Mikoto was seen asking her for supplies so she can make some picture books to pass the time." She grinned, leaning into Mayari's ear. "Apparently the woman agreed. I heard this word for word from Nomi."

Sheesh, there's gossip here already? She couldn't help but simper, slightly amused yet annoyed by what she was hearing. If anything, to her this was a complete waste of time- then again, she wasn't really much of a geek when it came to design. "Well, Silvana made her dress. You can ask her. I don't even know how to sew, that's, uh, my brother."

"Oho? A man that sews? That is quite the interesting little tidbit I have heard today." She smiled to herself, the parasol continuing to twirl in her hand. "I do declare, it's quite untraditional."

Mayari just shrugged and waved her hand about. "He's just better when it comes to artistic stuff. Sadly, I didn't think about asking him for sewing tips. Always went to my mom when I tore something."

"Oho, I see! That's so gnarly!" Margaret put a hand to her lips, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Hmhm! Like totally, it's untraditional, but I do enjoy how society's changing. It's so fast-paced, it's radical."

"Yeah, so I'm not able to help you with, uh, whatever you're making. Sorry, girl."

"Do not worry about that. If anything, I was actually wondering if you would partake in a gathering with me and the other ladies? I still need to speak with them, but I do believe it would be fun."

Mayari raised a brow. "Geez, even people like Rebeka and Hotaru? Don't really peg them as the type to join these play dates."

"Not even." She giggled. "I will formally invite them myself. If they wish to be a party pooper that is on them. Ah, unless you fancy a playdate for the others?"

"What would the others even do? There's not even that much shit to do here-"

"No duh, that's why we need to ask the caretakers. Don't be a party pooper yourself, Mayari. Tsk tsk." She wagged her finger. "If not to sew, then I declare we girls fancy ourselves with a bonding session. Do you fancy cooking?"

"Food's good," she chuckled.

Margaret clapped her hands together, her pretty dark blue eyes shining with glee. "Exactly. So, I declare we bond over food if we are not ready to sew together."

"Eh, if the other girls agree, I'm down with it." Mayari shrugged. Still doubt a lot of them would say yes though.

She clapped excitedly. "Word?"

"Huh? Oh, word-"

"Oh hey, you guys are still here?"

Hey, cool. Mayari turned around to find Umaru and Elodie, the pair having walked down the hallway together. "Y'all just woke up or something?"

"Ah, no." Elodie smiled softly, albeit a bit shyly, pushing back a few locks of red hair. "I was helping Umaru earlier. I was about to go out, but he went outside as well and asked me for assistance with choosing a color for his room."

"Oh, yeah, yeah!" Umaru saluted the pair with a wide grin. "I was thinking of painting my room in gradients, so I wanted to ask people for their opinions. I heard from Ray that the caretakers actually give you stuff if you ask politely!"

And here we go again with this. How does gossip even spread this quickly? Sheesh. Mayari scratched the back of her head and frowned. "Do you even know how to paint that well? You should ask Michi for help. Maybe even Mikoto."

"I was planning to ask Michi later when I see them, yeah." The man smiled sweetly, hands twirling about in the air. "Elodie did give me some good tips though~ 'Use tinted primer, cover furniture, paint extenders'~ A lot, but I don't think you guys would like to be spoiled by her secrets, hehe."

"You're too sweet, Umaru. How do you even remember what I said word-for-word?" Elodie blushed, flustered. "Ah, well, anyways, my hobbies lie in gardening and poetry mainly, but I do believe I have a decent grasp on colors."

"I mean, it's not like we're blind," Mayari snorted. "What colors anyways?"

Umaru chirped, "We opted for warmer colors, such as red, yellow, and orange. It shouldn't be too bright though."

"Blue fits you well too, Mr. Komul," Margaret pitched in.

"We shouldn't keep everyone waiting." Elodie smiled sheepishly. "I don't want Nao and the others to start worrying over us."

"I mean, they'd probably just eat without us," the epidemiologist snarked. "Probably gonna say we're also defectors like Hotaru and the others."

Nonetheless, they were all in agreement to head over to the cafeteria. A couple of comments were exchanged between Umaru and Margaret who spoke about colors and whatnot, and Elodie was there to listen, smiling calmly at them as Mayari led the way. Not too far, obviously, the group easing their way into the cafeteria and spotting the majority of people inside, chatting and eating.

"Welcome, good morning!" Nao smiled brightly at the group, motioning them to take their seats and eat. "We got some bento boxes from the vending machines over there. Oh, and a few drinks! I know you already prepped some food for us too, Marge, and I also helped Ray out with the other stuff here."

"You're busy, aren't you?" Margaret smiled in response and moved over, sitting next to the athlete. Her eyes scanned the dishes prepared, and she nodded to herself. "If you want, I do not mind sharing some of my cooking secrets with you."

"Oh, sure! I wouldn't mind. The more help we get, the merrier. Same goes to you though. You can always ask us for help when you cook. Do you usually cook at night or something?"

"I am planning to, but I honestly didn't expect you lovelies to show up last night." She giggled. "I wanted to make it a surprise, ah well."

"Oh, right." Mayari was seated down, realizing what she wanted to do beforehand. She turned to grab Mazen's attention, smiling at him with a slightly goofy grin. "You fine?"

"Huh? Oh, you mean from last night?" The time traveler awkwardly laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I'm fine, don't worry. I was just a bit anxious, that's all! Nothing a time doctor like you should worry about."

"Time doctor? This ain't Doctor Who, sir." She rolled her eyes playfully, the slightest bit of concern still present on her face. "You're fine though, right?"

"Yeah, positive. Don't worry your pretty lil' head, Mayari!"

"Geez, alright." Mayari didn't want to press further, her concentration now turned to Silvana who was next to Mazen and Keni. "You know how to sew, right?"

"Ah… I suppose so." The woman's features turned pinker, embarrassment struck on her face. She played with her hands for a bit before nodding, composing herself. "I do like to make my own clothes, correct. Are… sorry, why are you asking, if you don't mind?"

"Marge was asking."

"I see." Silvana went silent again. She looked exhausted, to put it simply, Mayari noting the eyebags. "I… I do not mind teaching her if that is what she requires of me to do."

"Ah, sewing? That sounds fun!" Keni poked out from his spot, looking at Mayari and her with a wide smile. "Hello, Big Sis Mayari-chan and Big Sis Silvana-chan!"

"Hello again, Keni." The sin eater bowed her head down politely. "Do you require something?"

"Hehe, not really." He hugged his plushie tightly. "I just heard you, um, talk about sewing! I want to try that, hehe!"

"Oh, right, right." The epidemiologist scratched her head. She did remember that she was worried about Keni, so her eyes fixated on him as she continued, "Are you okay though? From the shot, I mean."

"Oh, shot? Ah, no, I am fine!" Keni smiled brightly. "Thank you for asking, Big Sis Mayari-chan!"

She smiled back in return. Honestly, Mayari almost forgot what his talent entailed. While it might as well be a positive considering how unaffected the young boy looked, she couldn't help but worry nonetheless. Because how in the utter fuck did he end up being a participant in those type of shit?

Maybe it was a bit ironic given that she was an epidemiologist, but she wasn't the one who played trial and error with people. That wasn't her at all, her job was simply to deal with the incidence and distribution of diseases, figure out how it would be controlled and how health is affected. Her job was more social than it was scientific, she believed, though that was only her opinion, not factual.

"Anyways, did Nao or Ray say anything important today?" she asked, turning back to eye Mazen and Silvana.

They looked at each other and shook their head, Mazen being the first to speak as he chewed down his mashed potatoes, "Just asking us for updates. All I remember was that Mikoto was talking to Libitina. Uhh, who else who else… Oh! Shura said that he spotted Pax talking to Ares too. Apparently they were gathering a list of people who had allergies and all that crazy stuff."

"Pretending that they care for us, huh." Mayari snorted, rolling her eyes. "No one talked to the caretakers though?"

"Nope, not yet." He shook his head. "I think everyone's just trying to figure out how to exactly talk to them! Y'know, all that fancy planning and connect the dot type of play!"

"Hmm, alright. Might talk to them later then. Do you guys want to join me? I don't mind whatever you guys want though. I can go by myself- er, not myself, but with someone else, I guess." The epidemiologist raised a brow.

"Well… not sure, really." The time traveler turned to Silvana. "Whatcha think?"

"Ah… about us speaking to the caretakers? Well… I'd honestly prefer it if we think over it and plan, but I do not mind if we take the necessary precautions."

"By not yelling and intimidating them? I'm not Nobuyuki, don't worry." She snorted, rolling her eyes as she sipped into her water. "Not even sure if any of the caretakers will appreciate us going to them in groups though. I know we talked about it with Nao and Akira and the others, but I'm just a bit worried over it. Do you guys prefer looking for anyone in particular though? I know we're all iffy on Ares from what I remember."

"Yeah, you're right on that." Mazen fiddled with his collar, huffing a bit. "Who's going to talk to him then though…?"

Mayari frowned. Thinking over it, not many seemed willing to stand up against the man. An eccentric and violent man he was, though she figured he was validated in the sense he'd be pissed over by someone like Nobuyuki. She shook her head to herself and smirked at the blue-eyed young man. "Idea then. I'll probably ask Ray or someone else to go talk to Ares, and next time, we can all go together and talk to either Pax or Libitina. Sounds good?"

"Huh? I mean, that's all dandy and all, but are you sure? Aren't you afraid of the dude? He literally carries a sword, not even those old or wooden ones!"

She waved him to the side and called out to Akira, the redhead who was laughing over a joke Nao made with him, Elodie, Shura, and Ray. "Hey, did you talk to Ares yet? I'm thinking of asking you to help me talk to the bastard!"

"Huuuuh? What? Oh- no, I didn't!" He choked over his own laughter, shaking his head. Lightly slapping Nao who grinned amusingly at him, he tilted his head to the side to get a better look at the raven. "You're thinking of talking to the dude?"

"Hell yeah I am. I could use a bit of your good ol' negotiation skills. Like, put 'em actually to the test, y'know?"

"Aww, she's challenging you," Nao jabbed teasingly, amused at Akira who raised a brow in response. "You're actually going to try and talk to him?"

"Yeah, I am." She grinned. "What do you say, Mr. Negotiator?"

"I mean, I was planning to talk with Ray over here. Uhh…" He turned to the ice cream maker. "You cool with me running a demo with Mayari here?"

Ray only raised a brow in response and shook his head. "That is perfectly alright with me. I am not here to hold a leash around your neck."

"Nice comparison there, bruh. Anyways!" He pointed at the epidemiologist and grinned confidently. "Challenge accepted. We doing it after we finish up here?"

"Yup, that's the plan."

He threw her a thumbs up. "Gotcha, gotcha."

Mayari smirked in amusement and turned back to look at Mazen and Silvana, shooting finger guns at them. "Easy. After that and we got everything settled, we can try and talk to the others! I'll tell y'all how it goes with Akira later."

Right, thinking about groups… She then clapped her hands. "Oh! That reminds me, are you guys cool if we add Michi and Machi to the group chat? I'm not sure if they have a group yet."

"Oh, I do not mind that at all," Silvana easily replied, nodding her head. "I'm fine with what you are all comfortable with."

Mazen chuckled and nodded as well, grinning widely with his pearly white teeth. "I'm fine with it! Two members, double the chances of success! Haha, I think? I'm not a mathematician."

The sin eater smiled gently. "We can ask them later then."

"Yeah, sounds great." Mayari glanced over to Machi who was eating her food, then at Michi who was dozing off. She figured she could simply text or ask them later, deciding to finish her food and gulp down her water. Her priority at this moment is to talk to Ares with Akira, and she knew she had to find a way to get information from him.

While she knew the redhead was the Ultimate Negotiator, she couldn't help but worry for herself. Would she be fine doing this? She wasn't exactly sure, but she figured she could worry when the time came. She did have a couple of questions she believed she could ask, but Ares was a dark horse. Would he be so willing to answer her questions without scowling or getting mad at her?

Well, probably not, to be honest.

Mayari tossed a couple of mushrooms into her mouth and chewed. Well, at least she had Akira to help her out. Everything would be fine, she believed.

So, with that being said, she finished her food and stood up from her seat. While she saw that a couple of people left, that didn't matter to her. She waved at Mazen, Silvana, and Keni before motioning to Akira. "You ready?"

The redhead glanced over at her and chuckled, moving over to stand up and brush some dust off from his clothes. "Hell yeah I am. Let's do this!"

Elodie smiled over at her friend, a bit amused. "Good luck, Akira."

"Oh, don't worry. I was practically born for this!" He smirked proudly, hitting his chest. "You have no reason to fear, bro."

"Guess so," Nao chirped. "You're confident about this."

"Well, for me, I think I would be very worried being by your side," Ray teased, throwing a look at Mayari who snorted in agreement.

"Definitely am. You guys are making me worry about my own safety more and more." She turned to Akira. "Gonna kill me on the way there or something?"

"Woooah, spilling my evil plan out that fast? Damn, I suck as a murderer. Better name me as the worst murderer in the group." He chuckled and rolled his eyes, pointing over to the door. "Oh well, let's just go and talk to Ares. I'll make sure everything runs smoothly, don't worry."

"Sure, sure."

So, the duo moved out. Mayari was a bit relieved to know Akira was willing to go with her, though she couldn't be so certain if being by the negotiator's side would do anything well for them. Ares was a strange person, after all, a caretaker who was more feared than Libitina and Pax in her eyes.

She thought to herself for a bit, wondering where exactly Ares might be. He could possibly be lurking about, though her eyes focused on Akira who pointed her over to where she knew the door was locked. She raised a brow at him, but he only expressed the following:

"Apparently that's where the caretakers sleep. Ares is probably just hiding away in there."

"Oh, right." She snorted a bit to herself. Thought for a second they weren't fucking humans just forcing us to murder each other.

They stopped in front of the door and Akira coughed to himself, clearing his throat. A couple of seconds passed before he knocked on the door. One, two, and three.

A moment passed before there was a creak on the door, slightly opening to reveal the man himself (albeit with slightly more disheveled hair), glaring at the duo. "I- What the fuck do you guys need?"

And of course, he starts off with the cussing. Mayari just cleared her throat in return. "Just wanted to say hi and ask a few questions, is that okay?"

"Depends on what questions you're asking. If it's about getting out of here, then it's a fucking big fat no, darling."

"Nope, not those kinds of questions. It's already obvious you'd shut us down the moment we try." She rolled her eyes.

Ares frowned. "Then what is it?"

We need to get as much information about him so we can find a way to beat them at their own game. Nao and the others are counting on us. The woman stared him down for a second, then silently counted to herself. One, two, and she slowly opened her lips to ask, "Out of you and the other caretakers, Libitina is the one who's in control, right? Not as like your ultimate superior or shit, but just more assertive than you guys."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, for starters, she's the one who administered the syringes for us yesterday. Secondly, she's in charge of the announcements. Lastly, you seem to listen to her, if not at least begrudgingly."

"Oh, really? You really think so?" Ares raised a brow. She couldn't tell if he was speaking to her with interest, or pity. "I only listen to her because if I don't it'll end up with your dead bodies."

"Huh? Excuse me-"

"Yeesh, you're snappy!" Akira quickly bounced in and grinned, laidback in composure. "So, Ms. Libby ain't the boss? You guys work just because you work, that's all."

The man glared at the negotiator for a moment, then rolled his eyes, sighing. "You can say that. She's just fucking adamant on fucking you eats over. I only care about bloodshed."

Wow, Mr. Edgelord. Mayari snorted.

"Right, right. That's cool! Anyways!" The redhead snapped his fingers and pointed at the man's chest. "Killing game wise, you have to follow its own rules, so you can't kill us yourself. That's why you listen to Libitina. But, but, answer me this because I'm dying to know: we're rats to you, and given the location which I can confidently say is that of a hospital, this killing game is an experiment and we're just the test subjects, huh?"

"The fuck are you talking about? The idea of a 'killing game' is already clear to you. No need to think much about it."

"But we apparently all signed up for this voluntarily. What did you say? To become some Savior for the Holy Sanctuary?"

"That's what I said, yup."

"You guys like to use such weird terminology. I understand rats being used to degrade and dehumanize us, but for what?" Akira smiled. "You can't break the rules that this killing game brought to you as if you're gods watching us in an arena, but if you wanted us to become some hero like in those weirdass Roman Empirical stories, isn't it just easier to force us into some gladiator event? The term rat to the idea of the Holy Sanctuary screams strange to me. Rather have you call us some peasants instead of rats as if we're test subjects- which, well, we are, considering we're in a hospital- or can we call it some ward?"

Holy shit Akira. Mayari was caught aback by the sudden questions, not even able to comprehend how he was able to spew such theories as if he were some conspiracy theorist- or, possibly, an interrogator. Maybe it was a good idea to bring Akira to the table, but in her mind something was tugging at her-

-that Akira was a force to be reckoned with.

"The fuck?" Even Ares was caught aback, his eyes staring down at Akira who simply smiled innocently at him. Gripping tightly on the door frame, he scoffed and rolled his eyes. "No need to get a headache over it and think over it. Everything we say holds meaning to it. Theorizing and thinking such useless shit will get you nowhere anyways. You're all trapped here, you all signed up for this shit- meaning, no one will come get you cause you're 'gone'."

"Haha, you're right about that!" The redhead scratched the back of his head, heaving a hearty laugh. Yet, even then, it was obvious the negotiator wasn't pleased in the slightest bit. "How do we know you guys aren't just lying to us? We don't remember a single thing when we came here- how did we even come here?"

The caretaker smirked. "Pathetic, can't even stop yourselves from theorizing?" He hummed now, peaceful in his spot. "Well, here's a simple answer: you came here by plane. You guys were flied here."

We flew here? The epidemiologist frowned. "Then how about Mazen? He's a time traveler, right?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

Fucker. Mayari thought to herself for a moment and continued, "So, we came here of our own free will, flew here even."

Shit, which means we're probably far away from people right now- given what Ares said, it's possible we were flown to a place no one can reach. It's possible he could've just flew us to some place, then wiped our memories of us entering some fucking rocket and flying us to Mars. Shit, don't get ahead of yourself, Mayari, calm down.

The woman held her breath and looked over at Akira in silent need of help, to which he received with a small smile and glanced back at Ares. "Hm, anything else we ask, you won't answer us, huh? The plane thing was just your freebie."

"Yup." Ares chuckled. "So leave, rats."

"Aye aye, sir! Whatever you say!" Akira saluted Ares with a wide grin before turning around, immediately tapping the woman's shoulder. "Hey, let's go."

"What? Already?"

But seeing the redhead walking out, she pursed her lips and quickly followed suit, leaving Ares to roll his eyes and close the door behind him. Mayari rolled her eyes back when the man wasn't looking and quickly chased the negotiator who walked to a blindspot, away from where the caretakers could find them. He urged the woman forward as she frowned, crossing her arms, demanding for an answer.

"Ares won't answer us if we continue to press him. We already interrupted his time, he was in a bad mood," the redhead plainly explained.

"How can you even tell?"

"Disheveled hair suggests he was sleeping or just woke up." The man grinned as he pointed a finger. "Also, he's not a contributor. Whatever we ask will be a gamble to whether or not he gives us anything useful. He can be snappy and shit, but he's not dumb. He's in charge of us for a reason."

"I… I guess I understand that." Mayari was nonetheless displeased, arms crossed. "Were you planning to ask more questions though? With Ray, I mean."

"It was a demo, besides I thought you had some more questions."

She shook her head. "Not as much as you do, apparently. Didn't even think about their terminology and shit."

"Well, any question is better than none. Besides, Elodie was the one who brought up the terms with rats and that other shit- Holy Sanctuary thing."

Mayari hummed slightly in acknowledgment. It was interesting to her that Elodie was the one who brought up the idea to Akira, though it made her slightly more uneasy, even if she knew there wasn't anything to be suspicious about. She stared at the man silently before asking, albeit slightly awkwardly, "You don't think anyone's going to murder, right?"

"Hesitation, is that you?" Akira lightheartedly laughed, though his eyes screamed otherwise. "Depending on what Ares and the others plan, murder is possible. We already have to worry about Nobuyuki and some other black sheep in the crowd. Nao's doing her best to keep everyone together, but we took off people like Nobuyuki, Gento, and others off the list of people to care about."

That was true, Mayari remembered what went down yesterday. Although she felt slightly bad about it, that was the only thing they could've done, correct? She would hope it were so, expression slightly wavering. "I don't think anyone's going to try and hurt the outsiders, but the outsiders might hurt us."

"Oh, you don't think that at all. You worried about us all, huh?" The redhead chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't hurt anyone, I swear on it."

"Right, right." The woman sighed. "Sorry, couldn't help but wonder."

"Yeah." Akira frowned and just scratched his head, glancing off to the side. However, that lasted only a second, for his eyebrow was raised. "Oh, hello?"

"Huh?" Mayari turned to look at his direction, finding a figure who quickly disappeared from the corner. She blinked again, but that figure was gone, only leaving her confused. Was someone watching us?

"Mm, weird." The redhead mumbled something inaudible to himself and turned to smile at the epidemiologist. "Well, I gotta head back. I think Ray and the others are waiting for me."

"Gotcha, gotcha. Good luck."

With Akira leaving, Mayari was now left alone, thinking to herself. Well, only for a second, for she heard the redhead speaking to someone as he walked into the reception area, then after a couple of seconds, finding the door opening to reveal Gento, the country-looking man only walking by and scratching his head, glancing over at Mayari for a bit.

"... why are you looking at me?" he asked for a start, eyebrows furrowed.

Is he… was he watching us? She stared at the man for a second and inwardly shook her head. No, I can't question him. I don't think Akira did either, besides it might not be that important.

"Oh, sorry, I was just looking around the area and you were in my way, I guess."

"Nách mór an diabhal thú…" he whispered to himself, though it wasn't exactly heard correctly by Mayari who raised a brow his way. The man sighed and just shook his head. "That's because you're close to the lobby."

"I- uh-" Well, she couldn't fight him on it, only stepping to the side and sighing. "Yeah, I know. My bad, dude."

"Mhm."

Gento only nodded before leaving, just flustering Mayari who slapped herself.

Well, let's just try and get yourself ahead of the game. The woman pumped her fists together. What to do from here, well, she wasn't exactly sure, but she couldn't exactly worry about her lack of planning now.

Thinking about it, the epidemiologist wondered if it was a smart idea to investigate around the area again, or possibly rest for once and think to herself. She knew Akira was most likely going to theorize with his friends, and Mayari could do the same, though she felt the need to rest her brain for a bit, just to relax.

"Ah, well if it isn't our fair maiden Mayari!"

She instantly recognized that voice, turning around and grinning over the armourer's way. "Yo, what's popping, Shura?"

"Oh? What's popping… what a strange phrase."

"Ayy, all the cool kids say it, and I'm not one of 'em," she teased, wiggling her brows and shooting finger guns his way. "Whatcha doing here though? Just going around?"

"I suppose you can say that!" He proudly put his hands on his hips, grinning widely. "I was planning to speak to Ser Michi later. I hear they were wandering around to find a place to practice their drawing skills, and I garner it'd be quite swell if I allow them to draw whatever place they want while using me as their subject!"

Mayari hummed. "Oh, like right now?"

"Ah, yes! You are exactly correct!" Shura nodded. "Well… not exactly sure if that implies 'right now', but soon! Might I ask what you are doing here though, Madame?"

"Oh, nothing much. I was gonna go explore the place, but I don't know where to start exactly. Nothing special."

"Well, if that's the case, would you like to explore with me?" The man smiled kindly. "I wanted to explore the chapel some more, if I had to be honest! I'm merely waiting for Ser Michi to message me back, which is why I'm waiting."

"I see, I see." She thought for a moment. Well, thinking about it for a while and realizing she had nothing to do, she sighed before nodding to herself, looking back at Shura. "Yeah, sure, I don't mind. Have nothing else to do anyways."

Shura clapped his hands together. "Marvellous! Let us commence our journey then!"

Without a second to spare, the duo began to move, walking down the hallway and moving around the area. While it certainly wouldn't compare to a typical walk, what with the whole being trapped in a hospital and all, Mayari was at least able to find it the slightest bit comfortable… yes, in the slightest, to enunciate on the word.

The epidemiologist hummed softly to herself as they continued down the hall. While she enjoyed walking with somebody, providing her a sense of comfort, she still felt uneasy with how quiet it was. Honestly, she wanted to just break the silence, clearing her throat. "Shura?"

"Yes, what do you need, mademoiselle Mayari?"

"Well, we don't really know each other- well, I don't know much about anyone anyways, so maybe we should try and get to know each other better, yeah?" She chuckled a bit. "The silence is really killing me right now, dude."

"Ah, of course! Apologies, my fair maiden, I was merely thinking you'd enjoy taking in the view!" He scratched the back of his head- rather, the back of his helmet. "Haha, then again, the view isn't that interesting, wouldn't you agree?"

"Oh, most definitely."

"HAHA! So, let us talk then! What would you like to talk about?"

Hmm, what to talk about… or more specifically, what the fuck to ask first. She took a look at the man for a couple of seconds, pondering over her choices before slowly speaking, asking, "Well, outside of all the shit that's going on right now, do you do anything interesting back home? Any hobbies and all that type of shit you find interesting?"

"Ah, yes, hobbies!?" Shura beamed as he strided down the hall. "I enjoy sketching! I have a huge interest in armor, so I love designing armor for hopefully a new design to make… or just about anything really that looks interesting! I also enjoy baking, to be honest with you. Cleaning's also rather fun… oh, and stuffed animals too."

"Oh?" Mayari smirked. "So, you're a real sweetheart, aren't you?"

His face turned red. "N-nothing of the like! I am just a hero with a huge heart for those who catch my eye!"

"Don't worry, don't worry. I just find that really cute, bro. It's nice to know someone big and strong like you aren't shying away from the cute shit."

Shura was still nonetheless flustered, scratching the side of his cheek as he cleared his throat and continued, "I suppose so, but I'm assuming you're also quite a fan of the cute stuff, my fair maiden?"

"Hmm, guess so." She shrugged. "I like stuffed animals too, drawing's pretty damn cool, but I also find it really interesting to just read history and study people. Not a nerd though, nope! Your bitch here really likes carpentry and rapping too- uh, not that I'm any good at them though."

"Ah, that's really interesting! Very interesting indeed! HAHA!" He held his chin up high. "Carpentry's similar to the art of being an armourer! We make and repair things! Maybe we should collaborate one day to make something nice!"

"I'm not a professional in that as you are in yours though," she cooed, smirking amusingly. "But sure, maybe I can conjure up something. Whatcha have in mind?"

"Hmm, what a great question to ask indeed!" He pumped his chest, the clank of the armor echoing. "Maybe we can create something for the animals outside once we've escaped from here! I tend to see quite a lot of stray cats and dogs nowadays! It always breaks my heart to see people act so cruel and ignore these lovely creatures, and it's hard for me to take care of them by myself, so maybe if we can pair up together we can perform marvellous heroic deeds and give these creatures a home!"

"... wouldn't that require more carpentry from me than armouring from you?"

"Oh, does it now? AH, my bad!" He quickly turned red and blushed through his helmet, coughing and clearing his throat. "It has come to my attention that I have completely ignored my own skill level and put all the effort onto you, my heroic sidekick! My apologies!"

Mayari shook her head, chuckling. "I mean, that aside, kinda just shows you really care a lot about animals, huh?"

"HAH! YES, THAT IS CORRECT!" he hollered, proud and strong as he heaved a hearty laugh. A few seconds passed before he stopped, grinning widely at the epidemiologist. "Must be why my birthday's on World Turtle Day!"

"Huh, wha-"

He pumped his fists up. "Save the turtles, we shall!"

And he gave another hearty laugh, amusing the woman yet nonetheless making her ponder. Did she even know when World Turtle Day was? If she remembered correctly, she'd estimate near May… late May? The woman sighed and quickly cleared her throat. "Well, anyways, I wouldn't mind helping you out."

His narrow red eyes began to sparkle. "Ah, really?!"

"Mhm, I'll be your sidekick, Mr. Shura the Protector of Animals." She pumped her fist up. "Let's go fucking save the world, dude."

Shura nodded. "Let's do it!"

Mayari smiled happily in response. That seemed to brighten up the mood, nonetheless hers as she continued walking down and talking to the man. He was a truly genuine and kind person, it's cruel to think that people like him were stuck in this kind of situation. It's just tragic.

Still, that thought of hers was interrupted when Shura checked his watch, finding out that Michi texted him back. The armourer smiled in joy as he told the woman, and they headed straight for the chapel to find Michi waiting patiently near the corner.

"Oh, hello," the cartoonist waved at Mayari. "Are you joining us?"

Mayari shook her head. "I was just on a walk with Shura. Just thought I'd say hi."

The armourer proudly pounded at his chest. "Correct, that's basically the gist of things!"

"Ah, I see." They moved over to reach into their bag, pulling out a small sketchbook and some mechanical pencils. They pointed the sketchbook from place to place, as if trying to find the correct spot and position, then silently nodded to themself as they turned to Shura. "You ready?"

"Of course I am! I wouldn't be here if not!"

Added with a marvelous and very exaggerated pose, might Mayari add. She chuckled slightly when she saw Michi forming a slightly amused smile, then turning to a blank page as they began to mark down some notes in their book. She figured it was time for her to leave, noting the now serious vibe in the atmosphere. She waved at the duo and made a quick "bye" before making her way back from where she came from.

As she was moving down the hallway and straight towards her room, she spotted Elodie who was speaking quietly to Ray and Akira. The conversation seemed decently serious, so Mayari decided to not bat an eye, only recognizing Machi who was walking towards the cafeteria with Margaret and Nao, talking about what she remembered as the makeup historian's idea for a night out. Would that even go well? She'd hope so, at least.

She bounced straight to her bed as she locked the door behind her, sighing into the sheets as she slowly turned around and stared up at the ceiling.

A minute passed by before she shook her head to herself. Nothing was going through her head right now, and that greatly bothered her for some reason. She hated the silence and emptiness in the room. Maybe she should've stayed with Shura and Michi, maybe she could've joined Machi and the others…

Oh well, she decided to look at her wristwatch, eyeing anything new that was going on. Maybe she could entertain herself with some games or even bother one of the wards to borrow something. Would they even have anything she'd like?

She slapped herself out of her thoughts and eyed the messages sent to her. Nothing new other than the group chat which only talked about the basics of things, and then there was her own group chat with Mazen and Silvana. Looking through it, she realized she was now in another group chat with the two, but it seemed like Mazen added Keni and Machi to that group chat. She chuckled a bit at this finding, though decided to check out the old one.

[Mayari/Silvana/Mazen

Silvana: How did your talk with Ares go, Mayari? (12:59 PM)

Mazen: im sure she did fine! (01:01 PM)

Silvana: I'd hope so. She has Akira to help her as well. (01:02 PM)

Mazen: wOAH IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU DONT TRUST HER (01:02 PM)

Silvana: Oh, no, that's not the case. (01:02 PM)

Mazen: hahahahahaha (01:03 PM)

Mazen: i was joking im sure we all think shes fine (01:03 PM)

Mayari: yup, perfectly fine. (01:41 PM)

Mazen: ayyyyy see? shes fine! (01:42 PM)

Mayari: (Type here…)]

Mayari couldn't help but chuckle a bit when she read the message. She was glad that they seemed to be in a decently good mood, but the moment she had that moment to sigh in relief and amusement, she was sent another message.

[Mayari/Mikoto

Mikoto: Did you send me something? (01:44 PM)

Mayari: what? No, i didn't (01:45 PM)

Mayari: why? (01:45 PM)

Mikoto: xkexgtl (01:46 PM)

Mikoto: That's what I got from you. (01:46 PM)

Mikoto: I can see it on top of my messages from you. (01:47 PM)

Mayari: i didn't send anything to you (01:47 PM)

Mayari: maybe it's a glitch or some shit? (01:48)

Mayari: Type here…)]

And now she was confused, if not annoyed. What the hell was Mikoto talking about, and why? Mayari had a strong belief that the young woman wasn't the type to joke around. If it was Nobuyuki or maybe even someone like Nomi or Akira, maybe, but Mikoto was an instant concern for Mayari.

Why even prank people by spamming them random letters? It screamed childish to Mayari, and she was certain she wasn't that childish.

Ugh, all I can hope for is that she doesn't get suspicious around me. Don't need someone staring me down 24/7. Maybe I should tell someone about this…

She frowned. Was it even that important?

Well, certainly not in comparison to the sudden announcement from Libitina that rang throughout the entire building:

"Ahem! Hello, my fellow rats, can everyone please report to the lobby? We would like to make an announcement there!"

And that is the end of this chapter! While the motive hasn't been dropped yet, it looks like it is going to drop very soon! I didn't have much room to add another freetime event unless I were to make this chapter longer, but that's okay! I'll probably do one or two in the next update, after all!

Now, as always, let's get to recommendations!

Dangnronpa: Etch it Into my Heart by RioA (which is me, by the way!)

Danganronpa: Gold House by CandleFire45

Dead Zeppelin by Orlando Butler