I walk into the dining hall the next morning with a slight skip in my step as I hum a song. Looking around, I can only see Maki, Kaito, Kiyo, Tsumugi, and Gonta sitting around the table. Kirumi, who is the first to notice me, stands nearby, placing plates in the middle of the table, "Good morning Angie, did you sleep well?" Everyone else greets me with similar statements.
"Eh, It was kinda hard, but not too bad," I shrug helplessly, taking a seat next to Tsumugi and across from Gonta and Kaito. "What's with all the food?"
"I have agreed to make food for everyone each morning so that we will have no trouble," Kirumi adds with a smile, handing me a plate full of food
"We have agreed that the group shall eat together every morning from now on," Kiyo explains with a chuckle
I nod, taking a bite of my food, and beaming, "Kirumi, this is amazing! How are you so good?"
"I must have the necessary capabilities to serve properly," Kirumi replies, pouring me a drink
I frown slightly at this. "True, but you should sit down and eat with us! It's not fair if you only serve us."
"I appreciate your concern, but it is my duty to serve you all, I am comfortable with this," Kirumi responds once more
"Hmm, fine," As Kirumi walks away, I turn and strike up a conversation with Gonta. "So, what's this writing I hear you talking about?"
One by one, everyone joins us and start having their own steady conversations, mostly about the writing thing, until Kaito speaks up, "Has anyone seen Shuichi?"
"I believe he might still be in his room," Keebo offers distractedly, fully immersed in his conversation with Kiyo
"Argh, fine." Kaito stands up, "I'm gonna go get him!" Kaito jogs out of the room
I look down at my half-empty plate, no longer feeling hungry, before standing up as well, "I'm going to go with him!" I flee the room to try and catch up with Kaito who I find outside, "Kaito!"
Kaito jerks around, staring at me in confusion, "Angie, what's up?" He looks around, "You good?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine! I just figured I'd come with you, I wasn't that hungry, so..." I trail off and look down, unsure how to explain why I came when even I don't know.
Kaito's laugh brings my mind back into focus, "It's okay, but you should eat more! You're, ah, really small or umm, tiny..?" Kaito stops speaking awkwardly. "Sorry, umm, breakfast is just, an important meal so, you should eat it all, yeah, sorry."
"Uh-huh," I stare at him doubtfully and push past him, approaching the dormitories, "Well, this really tiny and small person is going to go wake up Shuichi if you want to help!" And I promptly slam the door in his face to muffled protests. With a laugh, I run up to Shuichi's door and start ringing the bell, "Shuichi! Open up!" "Shuichi opens his door as I hear Kaito walk into the building, "Good timing!"
"Good Wha-!" Shuichi yelps as I push past him and slam the door in Kaito's face, again. "Kaito!"
"Good num num nummings!" I laugh happily and collapse onto Shuichi's bed, in a state of bliss,
That is, until the door slams open again and an embarrassed Kaito strolls in, "I said I was sorry." He grumbles miserably, sitting next to me
"And I wasn't satisfied!" I stick my tongue out at him and rollover.
"How old are you?" Kaito asks incredulously, only for a pillow to be thrown in his face, "Kokichi's age, got it, two toddlers."
"What are you two doing here!?" Shuichi exclaims, looking horribly out of place
"Oh, Shuichi, when'd you get here?" Kaito asks, bewildered
"This is my room-!" Shuichi sputters in shock, as Kaito freezes and looks around the room
"Thought it was Angie's room, huh." Kaito sighs deeply, as if disappointed
"We're here to take you to eat!" I jump in happily helping the two with their failing conversation
"Ah, I don't eat breakfast," Shuichi stares at the ground
"Well, we all made plans to meet up to eat every morning, so come on!" Kaito jumps to his feet with a wide grin, "Let's move!" Kaito strolls ahead and out the room
Shuichi rushes around the bed, reaching out to grab his hat, "Wait, I'm not ready! Let me get-" Shuichi's hand pauses and hovers there, itching to grab his hat before he steps back, leaving it on the table, "...never mind. Let's go."
I send him a soft smile, and we both walk out the room following Kaito back to the dining room, though I do give them a moment along so that Kaito can apologize to Shuichi for what happened yesterday. The moment we walk back in Shuichi and Kaito pause at the door hearing the conversation happening while I sit back down. "Are we still talking about that writing?"
Tsumugi nods her head in acknowledgment with a grim smile "It's annoying, not knowing what it could be. It could be upside down and plainly a string of odd numbers, that would be much easier!"
I raise an eyebrow at that, "Numbers? That'd be weirder, right?"
Tsumugi vehemently shakes her head, "Of course not! It'd be like the original that way! Imagine, a callback to the past!"
'Any specific sequence you want?' I internally scoff, yet merely present a weak smile to her in response.
"Ah!" Tsumugi gasps, looking amazed at something.
I trail her line of sight to Shuichi, standing at the doors. "Good morning." He greets softly, looking calmly at everyone's expressions.
"Oh, Shuichi...um... Good morning," Gonta greets softly.
"Wow! You finally got rid off that emo hat! Is this cause Kaede died or whatever?" Kokichi laughs childishly, making me unable to hide my growing smile and laugh.
"I just... felt like it was getting in the way, that's all," Shuichi shifts uneasily, "You don't have to stare, it's not a big deal." Shuichi sits down in the last seat, in between Kirumi and Himiko, causing a slight noise to come from Tenko.
"You are right. My apologies." Kirumi concurs
"Just don't be late next time Shuichi!" I shout happily from across the table, "We're going to be doing this every single morning!"
"Kaito decided that on his own," Maki complains, puffing up her cheeks in annoyance
"Yes, yes. I have prepared breakfast for everyone and shall do so from now on." Kirumi adds pleasantly, a slight smile tugging at her lips " I have prepared many dishes so that everyone is pleased."
"KIRUMI! Be my mom!" Kokichi shouts, clapping his hands to a tune
"Gonta want you to be his mom, too!" Gonta beams a smile at her and Kokichi as he says this
"What is wrong with you too? What are you even saying?" Keebo complains indignantly, leaning away from them both
"Oh, OH! Watch this, everyone, it's really cool!" Tenko bounces up and down in her seat, happily pointing at Himiko, "Look, look! When Himiko eats, she makes the cutest faces ever!" Tenko squeals, waving her arms around, "It's the best! She's like a small animal, right!?"
"Stop it... I can't eat when you're doing that!" Himiko whines sadly
We keep eating our food, occasionally giving Kirumi compliments as Kokichi taunts Keebo before we get back on the topic of the writing.
"Are we going to check it out?" Ryoma questions, chewing on a candy stick
"Quit fussin' and worry about your shitty future instead, why don't ya?" Miu grumbles, still half-asleep
"Writing? Graffiti?" Shuichi asks, confused
"Oh, Gonta find it this morning... On concrete, hidden in grass." Gonta offers sheepishly, "Words... 'horse A' written there."
"What do you think it means?" Shuichi inquires curiously, not looking too interested.
"It's meaning is entirely shrouded in mystery." Kiyo murmurs softly.
"Well, how bout it, Shuichi? Let's hear the Ultimate Detectives' opinion!" Kaito says expectantly
"I... don't know? How would I know? I haven't even seen it?" Shuichi asks, bewildered at being asked his opinion so soon
"Woooow Gonta, it's amazing how you found that message if it was so hidden!" Kokichi praises, I tense, remembering vaguely, what happens next. "You know what? You should work for me!"
"Okay!" Gonta happily agrees
"Careful Gonta. That guy is a real liar." Kaito interjects, glaring at Kokichi
"What!?" Gonta shouts in horror, thoroughly disheartened
"Haha, No way!" Kokichi laughs
"Good. Gonta have no reason to worry now!" Gonta cheers
"Just like that?" Tsumugi questions weakly, "Will you believe just anyone!?"
"Nee-heehee... Gonta, you're so gullible. Y'know if you keep being this gullible..." Kokichi trails off, pulling a devious face, "You'll be killed and long gone before you even know it. Understand?"
At that everyone gasps, looking pained by Kokichi's words, all but Keebo and me, causing Kokichi to focus on us both thoughtfully.
"What's wrong, everyone?" Keebo inquires, "Is there a problem with Kokichi's advice?"
"What's with the mood, has the K-word been banned?" Kokichi leans back in his chair, gazing out at all of us, "Sorry, I didn't actually know, even if I don't agree. It's not very reasonable, is it? The killing game is still happening." He sighs and mutters, "It's that kinda talk, that's letting Monokuma play you all like fiddles."
"What..?" Tsumugi gasps
"Oh, did you hear that?" Kokichi laughs softly, "Don't mind me- I was just talking to myself." I frown slightly at his response
"Hellooo!" Monokuma jumps into the room from a vent in the ceiling, "Looks like you guys are having a good time, let me join you!"
"Yeah! They're having a jolly good time ganging up on me!" Kokichi smiles blankly at the bear
"Isn't that your fault?" Maki asks, looking exasperated
"Ganging up?" Monokuma queries with a tilt of his head, "No bullying! Bullying is not cool! Bullying is the worst!" Monokuma rages, "Personally, I think bullying is cuz of lousy parenting. It's all the parent's fault! They should do a better job of raising their kids!"
I snort, "Takes one to know one."
"Why are you here," Ryoma asks Monokuma dryly
"Oh, ah, I figured I'd give you all a prize for surviving your first trial. Not much. Monokuma shrugs with a giggle
"Rise and Shine Ursine!" The Monokubs all hop down through the vent and join us. "Time for the reward!"
"I-I'll just, umm, give it to you," Monophanie says, shaking like a leaf
"Eh? What's wrong with my kids?" Monokuma cries
The monokubs say nothing until after sharing a glance they each pull out an item, "Listen up, cuz we got here some fabulous new prizes for youse!" Monosuke starts, "A Dragon Gem, an Ocarina, an Ancient passport, and a hexagonal crank from some ah, some zombie game!" Monosuke chuckles shortly, "These prizes all come in a bundle!"
"A bunch of useless junk! Bravo, enjoy!" Monotaro cheers as they dump them in the middle of the table
"What are we supposed to do with this crap?" Kaito grumbles, picking up the crank
"Eh, I dunno. Who cares? Just do your best!" Monokuma roars with laughter one final time before disappearing with his cubs
"Aww, seeing that robot-looking one left out made me think of poor old Keebo..." Kokichi sighs sadly, running a hand through his hair as he stands up
"Am I really excluded!?" Keebo cries in distress at the thought
"Well let's leave all these 'prizes' to Shuichi then," Kaito says, pushing them into Shuichi's hands and walking towards the door
"What?" Shuichi exclaims, nearly dropping them as he stands, only to see almost everyone gone
"It's okay, Shuichi, you'll do fine, I believe in you!" I encourage him as I leave the room
After I close the door behind me, I run to catch up to the group heading upstairs, knowing what I need to do next. If my memory is correct, this should be when the first flashback light is found, and I'm pretty sure the original Angie was who found it somewhere on the second floor in the area unlocked by the dragon statue. I don't know where though and I have to get it before Shuichi does.
Shuichi slowly walks up to the dragon statue, staring at it carefully before pulling out the Dragon Gem and placing it into the slot. The gem lights up, and soon the whole wall starts to shake as it crumbles into dust, along with the statue.
"Whoa, secret tunnel! This is awesome! Chaaaaaarge!" Kokichi charges off into the tunnel, shortly followed after by a concerned Gonta
Shuichi steps off to the side to talk to Kirumi. I use this moment to slip past them and take off down the tunnel jogging, hoping to find what I'm looking for. I walk past every room, knowing I can loop back to check them, my eyes dart left and right searching for the flashback light. I pass by Gonta, Kiyo, and Ryoma before I find what I'm looking for.
In front of what I assume is Gonta's lab, based on the design of the door, I spot a red and gold treasure chest. Running up to it, I open the lid and poke my head in, finding what I wanted, the flashback light. I reach in and lift it up, examining it. The whole thing is bulky with wires around it, but all in all, it looks kinda normal, yet that only makes it more suspicious.
Deciding this was enough, I place it in my pocket and walk away and out of the tunnel, all the way to the first empty classroom I can find. I finger the flashback light before placing it in front of my face, taking a deep breath,
"Click." I let out a weak laugh
...and I turn it on.
