Okay before we get started, I just wanted to have a "quick" preview of the in development spinoff in the Danganronpa Fictional Saga. Thinking of starting it once Fictional Epicenter begins or sooner than that, it depends. It shall be a third-person POV fic, and just giving it away right now, none of the 12 main characters will die. Also yes, I said twelve, introducing the Danganronpa…. Fictional Guardians.

1. Ruby (Pokémon Adventures): The Charmer. Pokémon contest expert and hero of the Hoenn region, this young man is on the search for his close companion Sapphire. With a team that displays coolness, cuteness, cleverness, toughness, and beauty, it seems like nothing could stand in his way…. Unless he or his Pokémon get dirty or something.

2. Ponzu (Hunter X Hunter): Queen Bee. Bee-ing mysteriously resurrected is one thing, but tossed into an unknown world with Monokumas as well? She'll have to work hard to find the truth, as well as developing her abilities so that she could finally pass the Hunter's Exam. That would be as sweet as honey.

3. Junko Konno (Zombie Land Saga): The Legendary Showa Idol. The shy, gentle soul of Saga's zombie idol group Franchouchou has learned to stand confidently among her friends, but how will she fare without them? Especially with dangerous robot bears running amok? Well, at least she has a familiar face around:

4. Kotaro Tatsumi (Zombie Land Saga): The Necromanager. The eccentric idol manager with no inside voice joins the floofy-haired Junko, if only to make sure he can reassemble the idol group and return to Saga safely. His odd tendencies could either prove motivational, or unhelpful with the other members though.

5. Komaru Naegi (Danganronpa): Ultra Despair Girl. Danganronpa alumni Komaru is given a mission to enter the dimensional gateway Byakuya discovers. This leads the hacking gun-wielder right into a war alongside refugees from other worlds, her experience should be useful to them.

6. Yamcha (Dragon Ball): Master of The Wolf Fang Fist. Despite retiring from martial arts, the former desert dweller is dragged into another adventure. He decides to prove himself a great warrior and earn himself some respect, and maybe even a girlfriend along the way. Hope it won't blow up in his face.

7. Linhardt von Hevring (Fire Emblem: Three Houses): Sleepy Crest Scholar. Poor Lin was just relaxing with one of his many naps, until he woke up in an unfamiliar place with violence and death all around him. It won't be easy for a guy who can't stand the sight of blood, or cares very little about things that do not interest him, but at least he has some Faith magic to heal and Reason magic to fight. Well, if he wants to anyways.

8. Blaze The Cat (Sonic The Hedgehog): Protector of the Sol Emeralds. The pyrokinetic princess provides great speed along with her powerful flames. Although this self-reliant cat has learned to be more friendly and open, can she really work well in a group like this?

9. Chiaki Ōgaki (Yuru/Laid-Back Camp): President of The Outdoor Activities Club. The happy-go-lucky founder of the Outdoor Activities Club is not as skilled as she thinks she is. A procrastinator who doesn't often think things through, maybe she'll learn a thing or two when out fighting bears… I mean, she might encounter one while camping someday?

10. Masaomi Kida (Durarara!): Former Head of the Yellow Scarves. Although on the surface he seems like the type who doesn't take things seriously, when it gets down to it, you could count on him for important matters. Truly a guy willing to stick his neck out for a friend.

11. Minori Kushieda (Toradora!): The Energetic Athlete. Always full of energy and has the physical capability to boot, this cheerful lass is one to look out for. She does have some good perception however, despite seemingly being an airhead, perhaps she uses it to hide something within herself?

12. Bucky Barnes (Marvel Cinematic Universe): The White Wolf. After choosing to accept his past and learn from it, the former Winter Soldier is on a new path. He just didn't expect to be stuck babysitting a few of his new companions…

Whenever this story comes out, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as you have this one. And now for the thing you actually came here for. Chapter 5, one more until the finale. Let's waste no more time and dive right in. - Renegade Braveheart

Chapter 5: Dawning of the Dead (Daily Life) Part 1

Remaining Citizens: 9

Ai Mizuno (Zombie Land Saga): Ultimate (Zombie) Idol

Aoba Kuronuma (Durarara!): Ultimate Manipulator

Ryuji Sakamoto (Persona 5): Ultimate Track Star

Emma (The Promised Neverland): Ultimate Moral Compass

Bernadetta von Varley (Fire Emblem: Three Houses): Ultimate Recluse

Gold (Pokémon Adventures/Pokémon Special): Ultimate Hatcher

Espio The Chameleon (Sonic The Hedgehog): Ultimate Ninja

Miles Morales (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse): Ultimate Successor

Yu Ishigami (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War): Ultimate Pessimist

Ai's POV

Lightning. It started with the damn lightning.

The single bolt had taken me out right when my old group, Iron Frill, had begun to take off. 10 years later when I reawakened, people remembered me more for that, than the years of hard work I put towards becoming an idol. And the strike did more than give me burns that had me wrapped up in these bandages, it affected my mind as well.

I gained a fear of thunder, and I was left helpless every time it occurred. Curled up into a ball, unable to move unless someone came by to help. Even flash features on cameras had caused me to flinch at times.

I thought I had managed to overcome this fear, and the worry that I wouldn't be remembered for my skills. At the concert at Saga Rock, when all of Franchouchou was struck by lightning, we were all fine. In fact, the lightning just helped our performance even more. I was able to genuinely smile after that show, and my phobia seemed to disappear. After what happened last night however….

"How can we entrust our lives to a girl who kept THIS from us?!"

It seems that the same bolt of lightning that ended my career early, has managed to ruin my life once more.

Aoba showing that footage in front of everyone was the last straw yesterday. In addition to the deaths of my friends Killua and Trunks, it pushed me into crying myself to sleep and waking up well past morning. It was already difficult to sleep each day, with the memories of those already dead still within my mind, but that entire day just pushed me to my limit. I was also reminded of what I am, through the fear in their eyes. Seeing my true face, rotting flesh and all, was not an easy pill to swallow after weeks of seeing me in human makeup.

I lifted up my messy bedhead and headed towards the bathroom to brush my teeth. One look in the mirror, and I was dead on the inside to match my dead on the outside. Safe to say, I needed that shower. Rubbing my head with a towel to dry out my hair, I stepped out of the bathroom after putting on a fresh uniform. For some reason a single lock of hair on my head wouldn't stay down, no matter how much I brushed it. Looks like me and Emma would be matching, ha…

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But what's the first thing I see after exiting the shower?

Trunks's sword in the corner.

Somehow, it was like the thing was staring back at me as I had my eyes on it. Judging me for running away from everyone. I decided to wash off the blood from yesterday when Trunks handed it to me, it just didn't feel right to have both his blood and Killua's on it. Ugh, their faces just flashed into my mind again, I hate this so much.

I was thinking of going out to clear my head and get some air, but then…

*Knock knock knock*

"Ai? Are you still in there? It's us…. Well, technically two of us." I recognize Emma's voice from the other side of the door.

"Yeah, Gold said he needed to go 'play some pool' and Ishigami's right here but…." That was Miles.

Insert Song: Ishigami OST (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

"I haven't gotten the chance to write my will in case I get infected… and I don't want my flesh to be rotting, I like my flesh the way it is…" Definitely Ishigami on the other end with that depressing tone.

It was then that I changed my mind about going out, I don't want to freak him or the others out. I had no motivation to put on any makeup right now, and even if I could it wouldn't turn out as good. I'd probably look like I haven't eaten from how pale I could look.

I then heard Emma chastising Ishigami, "Hey! I know you're scared, but that doesn't mean you should be mean!"

"Well we don't know what kind of zombie she is! All we know is that she can act human and stuff. And I've seen zombie movies before, so there!"

"I don't think watching movies will help like that." Miles told him.

"Still, we're still in the dark so would it even be safe to be around her?" Ishigami asked.

"Of course! She's been around all of us for days and she never acted unusual once!" Emma told him, "I know you're listening Ai, sorry about the stuff he's saying."

"..." I didn't reply.

"If you're wondering where everyone else is, Aoba's a no-show, and Ryuji's out looking for him. Bernie's in her room as usual (though we're having more trouble getting her out), and uh… we haven't seen Espio around." I heard Miles sigh.

"Well… other than that we brought you your favorite. Grilled yakiniku and a side of rice." I heard the food being placed by the door as Emma finished saying that.

"... Thank you." I whispered through the door.

"Hey, just remember that we're hurting like you are after last night. We…. lost two of our great friends and…." Emma was starting to get choked up, I could tell.

"We'll uh… swing by later to check on you. Don't you go anywhere, especially since Aoba's roaming around the city." Wouldn't plan on it, Miles.

He and Emma walked away, and from the sound of it, Emma was struggling to keep it together. Wish I could have comforted her instead of sitting here feeling useless.

"When you come out, can you let me know what kind of zombie you are so I can sleep easy tonight?" Ishigami asked.

"..."

My silence must have spooked him since I heard him running, maybe he thought I was mad and was gonna bite him or something. I was annoyed but I wouldn't go that far, even if I was the type to bite someone, like Tae. Grabbing the small bento of grilled meat and rice outside, I started wolfing it down quickly because I haven't eaten for hours.

I wrote a little thank you message on a sticky note and attached it to the empty bento. After that, I just sat on my bed hugging my bandaged legs tight like Bernadetta does. I thought back to how I scared her, it hurts to think about the look of fear on her face. I still remember the realization I had, when I found out that I couldn't rejoin the living. No one could have accepted the way we zombies looked, no one besides us.

And now…

….

The waterworks started flowing again through my eyes, so I grabbed tissues to wipe the tears and blow my nose. I sighed, as I decided to sleep some more. Everyone here will be fine. I can't be of any use to them in the state I'm in. Even I know that Aoba wouldn't try to pull anything immediately after that trial, he's not particularly in good shape either after yesterday.

"Succumbing to this game would make our deaths meaningless."

Trunks's words echoed through my head as I closed my eyes. Hoping that when I wake up, yesterday was just a nightmare… even though I knew it was all real.

MONOKUMA THEATER

"When building up a good reveal at the end, there has to be some subtle hints. Like if Mr. Red White & Blue Boy Scout is able to slightly shift a hammer in one movie…."

"And then during a climatic battle he's able to summon and use that thing like a champ! That one subtle hint leading to that moment is enough to make conspiracy theorists (and a thunder god) go 'I knew it!'."

"However, you need to make sure the hints aren't TOO subtle, or TOO obvious. And having no hints at all will just make the twist seem like it comes out of nowhere!"

"I feel like this story hasn't had too many hints so it's time to be bold! A PART of the mastermind's name will be revealed in this chapter! I ain't telling a… white lie here. Puhuhu…"

"Saihara! Have you finished analyzing those images?"

Byakuya, impatient, approaches the young detective from behind as he flips through the photos of Monocity.

"Well… I am… but… simply put it, I'm in shock right now." Shuichi tells the affluent progeny.

"Really? And why might that be?" Byakuya asked.

"The thing is… we should wait until Gundham comes back so we can formulate a strategy for breaking in. The information I've gathered from these pictures… it's important for everyone to hear it."

"All we've done is wait, Shuichi. Wait for the messages to be delivered back and forth, wait for you to analyze the images, wait for Tanaka to arrive with his 'comrades'. Ugh, I should have just contacted someone like Kyoko and not choose to listen to Naegi's idea of bringing in—"

"Fuhahahahahaha!"

Byakuya's complaining is interrupted by familiar laughter as Gundham makes his return, accompanied by three other dolphins with people on them.

"Tanaka…"

"Togami… Hmph, I have brought three allies who I believe are suitable to our mission."

The three who Gundham brought with him were…. Hajime Hinata, Nagito Komaeda, and Mahiru Koizumi.

"What the hell is this? Hinata is understandable, the power of Izuru Kamakura within him. Komaeda is questionable, but his luck can be a wild card if things go well. But why bring this normal photographer to what could be considered a battle? What can someone like her even do?" Byakuya was exasperated, while Shuichi was just confused about the decision as well.

"Hey! I knew I can't be much help in the physical department, so I had Kazuichi make this for me!" Mahiru took out a camera with a bulkier design.

Hajime steps forward to explain, "This camera has a more blinding flash feature, and when used on electronics, it can disrupt them for a short time. This will be useful if there's a Monokuma around, with an army of copies as well."

"A weapon truly fitting of the Ultimate Photographer. Wouldn't have it any other way." Nagito chuckles.

"I see…. That's quite the gadget. Okay, so now that everyone's here, we should call for the meeting soon." Shuichi said, "Oh, and I'm Shuichi Saihara, nice to meet you all."

The young detective shakes their hands as Byakuya just shakes his head.

"This is going to be a disaster."

Emma sighs as she puts her head down on the diner table, as Ishigami slurps a milkshake and listens to music on his e-Handbook.

"Ugh, what are we gonna do?" The orange haired girl says in a frustrated tone.

"..."

"Ai's not feeling like herself, everyone's all separated, Aoba's got that card… my head hurts just thinking about all of it!" She clutches her head like she had a migraine.

"..."

"We could at least try to go out and look around the city again, but this place has gotten so big that it would take two days at least. Also we would probably find nothing!"

"..."

Emma finally notices that Ishigami has not been listening to her this entire time and it frustrated her even more.

"HEYYYYYY! YU ISHIGAMI, CAN YOU LISTEN?!"

Ishigami just popped out his earbuds, "Eh?"

Emma just sighed, "Ahh… whatever." she pouts before slurping her own shake quickly.

"Oh don't do that too fast, you might get brain freeze."

And right on cue she got one and held her head in pain, "OWW!".

"Y'all alright in here?!" Miles showed up as soon as she yelled.

"Yeah, this kid just has an ice cream headache. Nothing too bad." Ishigami stated.

"And this dummy has been ignoring me the whole time I've been talking!" Emma pointed at him.

"My bad. I've just been listening to music to keep ca— wait huh?" Miles swipes Ishigami's e-Handbook and sees the song he's listening to.

Insert Song: Touch Off (The Promised Neverland Season 1 Opening)

"What the—"

"It's… an anime op. I don't judge you for your tastes in music, so don't judge mine." Ishigami takes the handbook back and inserts his earbuds back in.

"Okaaaay?" Miles replies confused.

"So did you find anything out there, Miles?" Emma asked, rubbing her head trying to get the brain freeze to go away.

"Nope! Man, the day after a trial really is a time to sit around and feel bored or depressed, huh? Monokuma could at least open up the next area instead of having us wait. What good will this do? It's not like someone's gonna burst in with something new to investigate."

"GUYS WE GOT SOMETHING!" Ryuji and Gold burst the doors open together.

"Oh brother, they're back together." Ishigami shook his head, annoyed.

"Ha ha ha, you know it! Ha ha—ow." Ryuji clutches his stomach.

"You still shouldn't be out and about like this you know?! Getting stabbed in the stomach isn't easy to get over, so you should be lying down in your room at least." Emma scolded him.

"Well I'm just happy that this guy's still kicking. And he even found something while out looking for that jerk Aoba!" Gold takes out what appears to be a white piece of debris from a boat?

"You found trash… good job?" Ishigami sarcastically thanks them.

"No no no, Monokuma's out by the water near the docks in the fourth area. He's building something I tell you, I think it's a boat? I don't know what he's doing with the red spray paint I found in the trash though, which is also where I found this." Ryuji explained while pointing to it.

"A boat huh? But why would he just remove a chunk of it like this?" Emma questioned.

"Well, from how it looks, it's the part of the boat where you'd put a name on it. Probably changed his mind, but why not paint over it?" Miles asked.

"That bear's batshit crazy, so he wouldn't go for something that simple. Still though…"

The group looked closer at the debris and the messy painted kanji writing that was cut off.

"白"

And that's all I have so far of this chapter. I have a plan, but no way to set it up. So I mostly just wasted time here advertising the future spinoff (which won't even start until Fictional Nexus ends because of the main villain of the story). This is just giving you all time to breathe after the events of Chapter 4, speaking of, since we're so close to the finale, predictions on who will make it there or anything else? Just be on the lookout for Aoba and send hugs to our poor zombie girl, she deserves it. See ya next time for the next part of Chapter 5!