Danganronpa Island Chapter 8: From Out of the Rain, a Total Drama series + Dangan Ronpa Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei Crossover fanfic

And at long last, here's Episode 8. Hope you all have fun reading it as I had fun writing it.

The camera opened on Jabberwock Island, as you'd expect, but rather than the usual bright and sunny atmosphere we've come to expect, instead the clouds had turned gray and were producing a light rain across the archipelago. Standing on the shore were Monokuma and Monomi, still determined to do the introduction as they always have.

"Ugh, I hate the rain," Monomi complained. "It's so depressing and gloomy and ruins any kind of fun..."

"Funny, that's why I like it," Monokuma grinned. "And knowing you hate it makes me like it even more!"

"Stupid brother!" Monomi scolded. She turned to the camera and cheered up slightly. "Hello and welcome to Total Drama Island! My name is Monomi-"

Monomi was pushed aside by her brother, who added, "And I'm Monokuma, the one you all really came to see!"

"Anyway, on the last episode," said Monomi as she dusted herself off, "we had quite the well, episode! Junko has found out about Chihiro's big secret, that she is actually a he and has blackmailed her into an alliance of sorts. How cruel!"

"How exciting!" Monokuma cheered. "Blackmailing someone for the sexuality may be sooooo 2013, but hey, if it works..."

Monomi shook her head. "Celeste and Hifumi tried recruiting votes to get rid of Kyoko and speaking of alliances, Chiaki, Ibuki and a reluctant Mukuro formed a trio of their own! Friends plotting together against other friends makes me sad..."

As Monomi wept, Monokuma took over. "Back to the blackmail, it turned out that Akane was also forced onto voting with Junko, but because she didn't have anything holding over Akane's head, she spilled what happened to the others. Thankfully, Junko wrote a letter for herself to prevent anyone from tracing it back to her."

Monomi perked up. "Thankfully, it's not all bad. A surprising friendship between Hina from the Bears and Kyoko from the Rabbits has started to bloom! Plus, Taka and Mondo are starting to form a little something. Hopefully, these bonds will stay strong!"

"Yeah, probably not," Monokuma scoffed. "The challenge last time was a good old-fashioned eating competition, each dish more disgusting than the last. But in the end, Junko managed to squeak out the win for the Bears, sending the Rabbits to elimination."

"Oooh, I hate seeing people get voted off!" Monomi complained. "With Kyoko, Leon and Makoto voting one way and Celestia, Hifumi and Nekomaru voting another, it was down to the newly-formed trio of Chiaki, Mukuro and Ibuki to pick a side. Using the Monomi Doll to negate any vote of their choosing, they chose Hifumi, who was voted out that night."

Monokuma snickered. "Except Mukuro, who voted for Kyoko. Somebody's jealllouuus. Upupupupupu..."

Monomi shook her head again. "Well, just what'll happen this episode, I wonder? Can Chihiro fight his way out of Junko's grasp?" she asked.

"What'll become of Chiaki's new alliance? Especially since they already have someone not working in their best interests?" Monokuma added.

"Is Celestia really done for, or does she have some fight left within her?" Monomi asked.

"And can Monomi just shut her trap?" Monokuma asked, punching her into the ocean. "Well, that one got answered. But find out the rest on the next episode of...

"Total...

"Drama...

"Island!"

After the titles played, the camera returned to the island, still the victim of the rain. Outside of their cabin, Taka and Mondo were standing outside without their jackets on, looking very determined. Walking by was Chihiro, who immediately grew concerned at his friends' lack of concern for the rain running down their bodies. He started to walk towards them.

"Ready to lose, Poindexter?" the biker grinned.

Taka scoffed. "Please, spare me the trash talk. My self-discipline shall win the day. Something that you could afford to have once in a while."

"You sound just like my guidance counselor," scoffed Mondo.

"Funny you should mention that," Taka chuckled. "My school's counselor always tells me to stop doing her job for her! Isn't that funny? ALl I'm doing is just trying to help my classmates along their way." Mondo rolled his eyes at that, but said nothing.

Chihiro made his way to the two, a very confused look on their face and asked, "Um, guys?"

"Ah! Good morning, Chihiro!" Taka greeted.

"Yo," Mondo nodded.

"Uh... what is this?" Chihiro asked.

"The frick's it look like?" Mondo asked. "We're havin' a contest."

"Indeed," Taka added. "Mondo claimed he could spend the entire day outside in this weather without his coat."

Chihiro's eyes widened. "B-But you could get sick!" she pointed out,

Taka nodded. "That's what I said, and then..."

"And then I bet him he didn't have the nutsack to do it himself," Mondo added. "And of course he just had to prove me wrong."

"Okay, I can get that, I guess," the programmer said. "But, what's the point in doing this? I mean, is there any stakes behind it? That's the whole point of a bet, at least that's what Celeste told me."

"Ummm, the stakes..." Taka mumbled hesitantly as he racked his mind for an idea. "Gee, uh, that's a good question-"

"Loser does what the winner wants; no questions asked," Mondo grinned. "And I've got a couple ideas floating around my head, and dude, are you not gonna like any of them..."

"I guess what matters is that you're thinking at all," Taka drawled. "And for the record, I have a few suggestions myself! Only the difference is, I'll actually get to put them in action!"

Mondo laughed out loud at that. "Then bring it on, tough guy! See if you got the "self-control" to beat me!"

Taka laughed as well. "Then I shall!"

Chihiro looked ready to say something, and Mondo noticed it.

"If ya got somethin' to say, say it," he said. "No one likes a kid who fucks around."

Chihiro looked hesitant, but complied with what Mondo said. "So, why do you do this kind of thing? It seems kind of, um no offense of course, but... kinda dumb." At their glares, she added, "I mean, what does this accomplish? Does it really make you tough? You already look very strong as it is..."

Taka and Mondo laughed loudly and heartily at their friend's words. Chihiro looked confused. "Wh-what's so funny? I don't follow..."

"Chihiro," Taka shook his head. "We're not doing this just to prove how strong we are physically, it's all in the mind!"

"He's right for once, kid," Mondo nodded. "I've known some dudes that're jacked as all Hell, but when shit got real, they turned out to be total pussies. Daiya always told me that a man can't just be strong here-" he pointed at his muscle-bound arm and then at his temple, "but here too. I didn't get it either at first, but I did eventually. And you will too. Hopefully sooner than I did..."

Mondo looked depressed for a moment, before shaking it off. "So, you got that, kid?" he asked.

Chihiro looked confused and even slightly unsure. "I'm not sure... but I'll keep it in mind."

"Well, you should," Taka smiled.

Chihiro: (sighs) I really worry about those two sometimes. They're my only real friends out here, um sorry to everyone else if you're watching this... But back on topic, about Mondo and Taka, I'd be devastated if they left. Especially with our talk just now. ... Mondo's right. I can't just be tough physically, like how the bullies back at school would always ridicule me for, I need to be strong on the inside too. I... I want to stop being so weak, and the first step is to not let all this negativity, all this self-loathing get to me. And then... I'll vote out Junko and tell the others about my real self. It's caused too much pain out here and I'm tired of living a lie!

Mondo: This time for sure! I'm gonna finally beat that guy! Or my name isn't Mondo fuckin' Owada! (punches the wall, and leaves a small hole) ... That was like that when I got here! (starts sweating nervously)

Taka: I'm not sure what's been going on with Chihiro, but I think somehow our talk this morning might've been some kind of epiphany for her. Hopefully, she'll finally get over this funk she's been having.

Jogging in the rain together were Akane and Nekomaru, alone in the park. While Akane looked like she had her heart in it as she always did, Nekomaru looked a bit distracted, as if his mind was on something else entirely. Akane noticed this and made them both stop running.

"Okay, time out," she demanded placing a hand near his face. "What's wrong?"

Nekomaru looked confused. "What are you talking about? What do you mean "what's wrong"?"

"Look, I ain't a genius, never claimed ta be," Akane said, her face going from annoyed to concerned, "but even I know when someone's feelin' down. Comes with bein' a big sis. So, what's up? And don't give me the "nothing" shit, you're smarter than that."

Nekomaru looked away for a moment, as though as if he was contemplating something. "It's... It's something pretty personal. Nothing you've done, it's just..." He sighed.

Akane looked awkward. "Helps to talk about it..." she suggested.

"I know, I know," Nekomaru nodded.

Silence ensued, for what felt like minutes to the duo, before Nekomaru spoke up again.

"He... liked the rain..." he said, to Akane's confusion. "Daisuke. My best friend back home. I might've talked about him before."

"You know how I am with names..." Akane weakly joked.

Nekomaru chuckled, playing along with Akane's attempt at lightening the mood. "Yeah. Anyway, he really loved the rain. Always looked outside his window and stared at it in awe like some kid in a candy store. He always said that just once, once, he'd love to go outside and feel it on his skin and take in the sight of a rainstorm first hand. Smell the wet grass and skip around in the puddles like a little kid... and... not give a damn who saw him..."

"I don't follow," said a hesitant Akane. "His window? Outside? And what's with the past-tense? What, was this guy the... littlest..." She saw the face Nekomaru was making, one filled with sadness, grief and heartbreak and knew right away that her words were more on the mark than she realized. "Oh..."

"Don't start, please," Nekomaru insisted.

"Does it look like I am?" she asked, hands on her hips.

Silence again befell the two, this time lingering much longer.

"C'mon," Akane said after a bit, jerking her head. "Let's get outta here."

As she walked off, Nekomaru called out ot her. "To where? We're not-"

"Just... somewhere," she replied. "We can't do this if your heart ain't in it, so let's just go do somethin' else for a while."

Nekomaru looked touched for a brief moment before following Akane, who tried to hide the briefest of sad looks on her face.

Nekomaru: (sighs) I've got nothin' to say. I'm outta here. (moves to leave)

Akane: I can't even imagine how this must feel to Coach. (looks away and clenches a fist) For him to tell me even that much...

Inside the Hotel Mirai, by the gaming station was Chiaki, Ibuki and Mukuro who were discussing the vote from the other night.

"Oh em gee! Ibuki cannot believe it!" Ibuki squeed.

"You know, it's been like, two days since the vote, right?" Mukuro asked. "Why are you still on this high?"

"I can't help it!" Ibuki cheered. "I'm just so STOKED about this! We actually pulled off a big move like in the real shows!"

"Real sh...? No, not gonna bother with it," Chiaki shook her head. "Anyway, now that we've got a solid three, now what? We've used up our Monomi Doll and there's still the Monokuma Doll out there. That could be a big problem for us going forward."

"And not to mention that three isn't a majority of eight," Mukuro added. "Sure, Celeste is an easy target, but what about the others? Makoto and Kyoko are still sharing a brain, plus Nekomaru and Leon are on the outskirts..."

"You worry too much, Muku!" Ibuki chirped happily. "We should worry more about keeping ourselves safe than trying to vote people out, it's mean."

"Well, voting people out is part of the game, Ibuki," Chiaki pointed out.

"I'm not denying that," the musician explained, "I'm saying that we should worry more about keeping ourselves safe than going after anyone. Let's not take this too seriously, otherwise we'll turn into total robots whose lives revolve around the game like Kyoko and Celeste. And we don't want that do we?"

Mukuro shook her head as did Chiaki.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Mukuro asked. "Just sit around and wait for the next vote? What if the others team up against us?"

"That's... a good..." Chiaki's eyes started to droop when Ibuki shook her awake. "That's a good point. But I don't think that'll be a problem. Remember Kyoko and Celeste hate each other and Makoto'll do whatever Kyoko wants. Nekomaru and Leon will vote for whoever, so we just need to ask them for who they want to vote for, and it'll work out... I think."

"Makes sense to me!" Ibuki smiled.

"If you say so..." Mukuro mumbled, looking more unsure.

Chiaki: There's a fine line between playing the game and being cutthroat and I really hope I never cross that threshold into the latter. I'm a gamer, and this is a game so this should come naturally to me. I'll admit that I'm more into stuff like RPGs and FPSes and the like, not like elimination games, but I'm down to try anything once.

Ibuki: Now that I'm coming down from my post-elimination high, I'll admit that this could easily backfire on all of us. But the three of us are smart enough to hopefully prevent that from happening.

Mukuro: (buries her face in her hands) I felt like absolute crap that whole time. I didn't vote for Hifumi, I voted for Kyoko! Why? Well (looks down) I just don't trust her is all. There's something off about that girl and I think the sooner she goes the better; especially with Celeste pretty much powerless now. But at the same time, I betrayed my alliance's trust; betrayed Makoto's trust. My sister would be so disappointed with me. (shakes her head) Or the opposite, knowing her. I'm honestly not sure which is worse.

Staring out at the cafeteria window was Hina who moaned at the gray sky and rain outside, much to the secret annoyance of Kyoko and Makoto, who were sitting with her.

"This suuuucks," the swimmer cried, drooping into her seat. "I really wanted to go in the pool today, but all this rain makes it impossible."

"What a tragedy," Kyoko mumbled to Makoto, who let out a quiet chuckle. Hina noticed the two's side remarking to each other and grinned evilly, as if a plan was starting to form in her head.

"Exactly!" she fake-cried. "And I was really hoping you'd join me, Kyoko! I remember from the swimming challenge a bit ago you have that really nice swimsuit that you look super cute in! You remember don't you, Makoto?"

The short boy was taken aback as a blush started to form on his cheeks. "Wh-what are you t-talking ab-bout?" he nervously asked.

Kyoko looked a bit uncomfortable herself. "Stop that," she demanded, annoyance creeping in her voice.

Hina pretended to deflate. "Aw, so mean... I was just trying to point out how cute you looked. Is that so wrong? Well, Makoto? Back me up here!"

Makoto's blush started to deepen as he stood up and excused himself to go to the bathroom. Hina giggled at his reaction while Kyoko looked slightly confused. Taking advantage of her friend's distraction, Hina asked, "So when's the first date?"

Kyoko turned her attention to Hina. "I'm sorry, what? I don't think I heard that correctly. Because it almost sounded like you said "date"."

"Yeah, you know, as in two people who are really into each other go out and-"

"I know what it means," Kyoko scowled, cutting off Hina. "What I don't know is where you would get such an idea from."

Hina giggled as though as if she was in on some big joke Kyoko wasn't. "Isn't it obvious? You totally have a thing for him!"

The detective rolled her eyes. "Yes, because we're of opposite genders and I find him tolerable company, that must mean there's some deep-seeded attraction," she sarcastically said. "I think you've been reading too many love stories."

Hina giggled. "You're so funny when you're trying to deny the obvious! Like, he's the only person other than me (and I was a pretty recent development) that you ever hang with outside the challenges for starters."

"Because he wouldn't leave me alone at first," Kyoko defended. "After that, it was because I had grown accustomed to him trailing me like a lost puppy."

"Well, what about the whole panty thief thing?" Hina asked. "You were pretty steamed that Byakuya threw him under the bus and then you started letting him investigate with you all of a sudden."

"I was annoyed that someone who had no evidence against them would be so flagrantly attacked like that. Him investigating with me was because he felt obligated to find Teruteru," she responded. "I never said he could, he just invited himself along."

"But you never said "no" at any point, did you...?" Hina asked. "And what's more is that, like, I see the way you two look at each other sometimes. You might not have noticed it, but I have since practically the day the game started and it's like, you're both trying to look really deep into each other, to try and figure out how you both work."

Kyoko got up from her seat and glared at Hina. "We. Are not. Having this conversation. Ever." She then swiftly left while Hina continued to laugh.

As Kyoko stormed off, she bumped into Makoto and silently cursed her luck.

"Ugh, sorry," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "You alright?"

Looking away from his concerned eyes, she responded in the affirmative and continued to leave. Makoto stood there for the longest time, a confused look plastered on his face.

"What the heck...?" he questioned to himself as he tried pondering his friend's upset state.

Hina: And I thought Gundham and Sonia were obvious! Like, I don't need a genius to figure out that Makoto's got a puppy crush on Kyoko ever since they met. And she's starting to feel the same, but since she's so not used to the whole "emotion" thing, she doesn't know what to do about it. Not helped by him being so nervous all the time. So the way I see it is, they're gonna need all the help they can get if they want to get together. (frowns) I feel so sorry for Mukuro though, it sucks to have the guy you like feel something for someone else. Believe me, it's happened to me before and it's the worst...

Kyoko: (scowls) For the record, I am not attracted to anyone out here on this Godforsaken excuse of an island. Or anywhere else for that matter. My feelings for Makoto are purely platonic, just as I know his are the same. While I've grown to accept him as a friend, he's far too naive, honest, open, trusting, optimistic ... among many other faults.

Makoto: I wonder just what happened with her just now. Kyoko's the most cool-headed person I've ever met, what could Hina have said to upset her?

Gundham was in the library, looking through some books with varying levels of interest. He came across one tome in particular that stood out to him, its cover colored a peculiar black-and-white, similar to Monokuma.

"His narcissism is exceeded only by his lack of subtlety," he mused as his pockets started rumbling and out poked his Four Dark Devas of Destruction. He gave a nod and allowed them to roam the area as he opened the book and took out the piece of paper that was bookmarking a random page.

"I see..." he mumbled, reading the paper to himself silently.

"Keep it up, you've almost found the Monokuma Doll! Where you want to go next is a place everyone knows, but never thinks to go." the clue read.

Gundham stroked his scarf for a moment as he pondered where this location could be when he saw someone come through the door. That someone turned out to be Sonia, causing him to relax slightly.

"Are you okay?" Sonia asked her friend, putting away the umbrella she had brought with her.

"Perfectly fine," he replied. "In fact, I have good news. I may have found the location to where the Monokuma Doll might be."

"Well, I suppose that is good," she said, "I was hoping to talk more about something other than the game for a change of pace. That's all anyone seems to be talking about these days, alliances and numbers..."

"I hope you were not naive enough to assume we were all here to only have an excuse to get out of school for a while," Gundham said. "This is a game where only one may win and in order to do so must eliminate his competition personally. Such talks cannot be helped."

"And I understand that, believe me," Sonia insisted. "It's just that I don't think it would kill anybody to not talk about that kind of thing for a small while. Hearing all these plots and the like reminds me of... Well, you understand what I mean, right?"

Gundham looked like how wanted to ask Sonia what she meant by "reminds me of", but went against it. "I suppose. If strategy is not what you wish to discuss, then what is?"

"What's your home life like?" the foreign girl innocently asked. Gundham thought over her question carefully before responding, "If wish to ask, would it not be courteous to give me an idea of your life in turn? Such information, particularly of this nature, must be traded equally."

Sonia's eyes widened. "Oh! O-Of course... Well, as you know, I hail from the great country of Novoselic. We're a small nation right in the middle of eastern Europe. We get by just fine, though our economy isn't as grand as it once was..."

"If I wanted a history lecture, I'd read a textbook of which there are plenty in this library," the chuunibyou remarked. "Talk about yourself, or this conversation is over."

"Ah! My apologies," Sonia bowed. "There really isn't much to talk about, I'm afraid. We're well-to-do by Novoselic standards, but otherwise... I'm just your ordinary girl. Sorry if that isn't very exciting..."

"I suppose not everyone can have a life story so fascinating as mine, I agree," Gundham nodded. "Speaking of which, I was born the the spawn of a demon's seed and an angel's womb. My unholy birth had caused quite the storm amongst the realm and therefore I was marked as cursed to live the life of you ordinary mortals, in spite of my talents... There are some comforts I suppose, however. My mother has passed down to me the secrets of taming the various beasts of this world and I turn have decided to share this information with you measly creatures. However, I only entrust such secrets to a very select few. ... Perhaps, once this face of a game is over, I can teach you the technique that will allow you to see them."

Sonia beamed. "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Gundham." In turn, Gundham tightened his scarf to prevent Sonia from seeing his blush.

Sonia: So Gundham runs a... oh, what did the others call it? A... blog? Ah yes, that's it. A blog for tips on animal breeding, how cute! But what was that about a demon's seed and being banished...? Perhaps it's just Gundham being Gundham, but I can't help but feel like there was more to what he was saying... (taps a finger to her chin)

Gundham: I am surprised that I was able to speak of such matters to Sonia so easily. There seems to be something about her I suppose that makes me wish to lower my guard whenever we're alone, which never happens with me normally. Perhaps she is some sort of siren? I do not know, nor do I know if I necessarily like this turn of events or not...

Leon was walking into the cafeteria when he saw Celestia sitting all alone, sipping at her tea. Feeling awkward considering what had transpired the previous vote, he was about to exit when the lolita took notice of him and smiled.

"Ah, bon jour, Leon," she greeted sweetly, while Leon silently cursed.

"Uh, hey babe," the redhead nonchalantly said, trying to play things off cooly. "So, um, how ya holdin' up?"

"Well, considering my only ally left has gone home and I am currently the biggest target of the team... tres bien." Leon was surprised by Celestia's calm tone and was silently dreading her potentially snapping.

"Is there something the matter? You look pale," Celestia asked, concern laced in her voice.

"Oh! Uh, I'm fine, no big. It's just, well... you're pretty chipper for girl who's up Shit Creek right now- uh, no offense," Leon explained, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Celestia giggled, which further surprised Leon. "Your wording choice may be a bit crude, but you are correct. However, I do not see this as a need to worry; if anything, now is when I must remain calm more than ever. I must adapt to the current situation I am in if I am to maneuver around it."

"Adapt?" Leon asked. Before Celestia could explain, Junko walked in with a loud "Yo".

"So, what's goin' on?" Junko asked the two. "Was I interrupting something? A love confession, maybe?" Junko wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, making Leon cough and blush while Celestia giggled.

"Nah, I was just bummin' around, looking for something to do before the challenge," Leon explained. "In fact, I should probably go. N-Nice talking to ya, Celes. See ya at the challenge!" He quickly walked off, making the two girls laugh a bit.

"So, how's life on the bottom?" Junko asked Celestia after she calmed down.

"Thrilling," the girl in question said, her voice laced with thick amounts of sarcasm. "You should try it sometime."

"Nah, I'm good being friends with everyone at the moment, I hear it's pretty beneficial to your long-term success in the game," Junko shot back, causing Celestia to giggle yet again.

"Heh heh heh... You're quite the amusing one, aren't you, Junko? Or are you Mukuro, I'm not quite sure. You both look so much alike when you have those hideous wigs on."

Junko's jaw dropped, a rare moment of being genuinely caught off-guard. Celestia took advantage of this and continued her assault. "I've had my eye on you for some time now. You were the one who instigated the Mahiru vote, as well as sabotaged Teruteru in the talent show, which was what made him a more appealing target when he was cornered at the elimination that night. You've been quite the naughty mademoiselle, no?"

Junko gritted her teeth before switching to her "punk" persona. "So what the fuck of it, huh!? Gonna narc on me like a goody two-shoes little cunt in hopes of gettin' your team's good graces back!? Well, too bad, sweetheart! It ain't gonna fuckin' happen!"

"Oh non non non, you misunderstand me," Celestia shook her head elegantly. "If I wanted to share this information, I'd have done it by now. There is a reason I'm telling you what I know and I'm sure you are smart enough to figure it out."

Junko switched to her "professor" persona and said, "You wish to form an alliance with me in spite of knowing what you do? How interesting... And what would I gain from teaming up with you, aside the obvious reason of ensuring you don't reveal all the dirt you have on me?"

"You'd have a more solid way of controlling your sister's vote whenever our team goes to elimination, or if in the off-chance you decide to switch and attend yourself then you would have the opportunity to eliminate some people on the opposing team. Does that not pique your interest even un petite amount?"

Junko thought it over for a moment or two and stuck out her hand to Celestia, who politely shook it. Turning to her "queen" persona, Junko declared, "Miss Ludenberg, I do believe that this is the start to a beautiful friendship."

Celestia smiled. "I agree."

Celestia: Like I had already told Leon, I am adapting to my current situation. (twirls her hair) In this game, it will not come down to the strongest or smartest, but to whom can adapt the best to whatever comes their way. And in my case, I am making myself look as helpless and vulnerable to my team as I can, that way I will not look as appealing a target to the other alliances. In addition, by having Junko on my side, I can potentially gather information about the other team and incorporate it into my strategies as well as have a gateway into Chiaki's alliance via Mukuro. And if worse comes to worse, I will have no problem selling out Junko once she ceases to be useful or attempts to betray me. This is quite the gamble I am taking, but that is what I am at heart- a gambling woman. And I do oh-so love a good risk... (folds her hands under her chin)

Junko: (is filing her nails) I'll play along with Celly for now, this looks like it'll be worth a few laughs and hey, anything to keep Mukuro on a tighter leash is fine with me. Yes, I admit it, Mukuro is my older twin sister, but like, I am obviously the brains of our operation. Cause she certainly isn't smart enough to come up with what I have, that's for certain. She's hopeless without me and now she's suddenly aligning with other people? Can't have that. So first things first on the agenda is to get rid of Chiaki or Makoto, the people who have the most sway over her right now.

Leon: (shudders) I have a really bad feeling right now, but I can't for the life of me tell you why.

The monitors all turned on to show Monokuma's face, much to the teens' annoyance. "Already everybody, while the weather outside may be dreadful, but the challenge I have in store for you is oh-so delightful. Upupupupupupu! Meet up at Hotel Mirai's pool in your swimsuits and we'll get started. See you then!"

Everyone reluctantly did as instructed and reported to the pool in their swimwear. The rain had stopped by now, but the skies were still a murky grey and everyone felt a chill due to their lack of clothing. Inside the pool was a medium-sized circle and in the center were a pair of bulky-looking beanbags.

"He would make us do a challenge like this in this weather..." Mukuro rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, but it could be worse," Makoto pointed out.

"How so?" asked Kyoko.

"The pool could be filled with piranhas or something," Leon joked.

"Yeah, can we please not give him any ideas?" Ibuki dryly asked.

Meanwhile on the Bears, Mondo and Taka looked particularly pale.

"Oh no, you guys look terrible! Are you coming down with something!?" Hina cried, full of worry for her friends' health.

"This is nothin'," Mondo scoffed as his pompadour started to droop. Taka nodded in agreement.

"Of all the rotten luck..." Akane shook her head.

Monokuma and Monomi arrived in their usual dramatic smoke bomb-y way. "Good afternoon, everyone!" Monomi cheerfully greeted. "Even though the weather isn't particularly great, let's all do our-" She was interrupted by a shove from her brother straight into the pool. Chiaki gave the bear a dirty glance as she fished out Monomi.

"At least we know you're waterproof, right?" the gamer weakly joked. Monomi didn't quite see the humor, but politely laughed in order to brighten the mood.

"Now then, onto today's challenge," Monokuma said cheerfully. "One person from each team will swim out and grab one of the two bags. You will use these bags to knock your opponent off the ring, into the water. First to do so earns a point, first to five points wins. Losers will go to Monokuma Rock and one more person will be voted out of the game, never to return..."

An eerie silence followed as the teams all took in what was at stake, realizing that with the numbers dwindling, Immunity would become more and more important with each passing round.

"Alrighty then, we'll go in alphabetical order, so Akane and Celestia, you lovely ladies will be going up first!"

Leon: (groans) We are so screwed. These guys have Mondo, Hina, Taka, Gundham and what do we get? Nekomaru, me and I guess Mukuro. (looks up at the ceiling) Hey Monokuma, the least you could have done was take me to dinner, because I like to be wined and dined before I get fucked!

Sonia: I sincerely hope nobody gets harmed too badly in this challenge...

The two girls swam out and took their bags. Akane had little trouble with hers while Celestia clearly did.

"It's so... bulky..." she grunted as she tried lifting it.

"Okay, you ladies ready!?" Monokuma announced. "Then GO!"

Akane charged right at Celestia, who rolled out of the way, but stuck out her bag in an attempt to trip the gymnast. Akane however gracefully leaped over it and shoved the defenseless Celestia hard near the edge of the ring.

"Merde..." the gambler mumbled as she saw that she had left her bag behind right as Akane dealt the finishing blow.

"And the Berserker Bears get the first point of the day, as expected!" Monokuma declared.

As the two swam back to their teams, Nekomaru looked ready to give Akane a hand out of the water, but a quick glance at Kyoko made him rethink this.

"Well, that went about as well as expected," Mukuro snarked.

"And I assume you plan on doing better?" Celestia condescended. "Well far be it from me to doubt your skills as you clearly so much more experienced in this sort of thing."

Mukuro looked ready to continue the argument when Makoto put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. She slightly melted at the feeling of her crush touching her before reluctantly dropping the issue.

Meanwhile, Sonia clapped happily for Akane. "Great job out there!"

"In fairness, it was against one of the weakest people out here," Junko interrupted. "I bet even Chihiro could take her, eh girlfriend? Hahaha..." She gave a wink to the crossdresser, dressed again in his baggy full-body swimsuit, who forcefully laughed in return.

"Yeah, you said it," she said while screaming on the inside.

Celestia: Well, that was eventful. (scoffs)

Mukuro: (touches the shoulder Makoto put his hand on and blushes furiously)

Akane: All my lessons with Coach are really payin' off for me; I'm kicking ass in these challenges lately!

Chihiro: (grumbles) Junko is a... is a... is... a really mean person! (pouts)

"Next round!" Monokuma said. "Ms. Aoi Asahina and Chiaki, come on down!"

"Wait, you had no problems using my nickname in the first challenge, same with Hiro's," said a confused Hina.

"Hey!" Monokuma roared. "Don't question the plotholes, we're trying to keep the fourth wall breaks to a minimum!"

"But you just did it too..." Hina muttered as she shook her head before swimming out.

As she clumsily tried picking up her bag, Chiaki turned to the camera and said, "If I die, Hajime if you're watching this, I love you! And bury me with all of my video games!"

"Same with me and my donut-making kit, Mom and Dad!" Hina added.

The two grabbed their bags and begun the challenge. They circled each other briefly before rushing at each other, bags colliding evenly with the pushback knocked the girls back slightly. The girls shook it off and went at it again, this time Chiaki's bag slipped off her grip. Hina took advantage of this and knocked Chiaki into the water easily.

"Sorry!" the swimmer apologized.

"And now it's 2-Love for the Bears, remember it's first to five to win!" Monokuma said as the Bears' counter went from 1 to 2.

"Thank you for telling us what we already knew," Taka scoffed, making Mondo and Chihiro laugh.

"Good work out there, Hina!" Sonia beamed.

"Thanks," Hina replied, grabbing a towel and drying herself off.

"Ugh, this tanks," Leon groaned as he and Mukuro helped Chiaki up from the pool.

"We haven't lost yet!" Nekomaru reminded his team. "We may not being so hot now, but that'll make our win that much sweeter because we had to sweat for it!"

"Yeah, what he said!" Ibuki cheered.

Chiaki: I'm actually surprised I lasted as long as I did.

Nekomaru: I have faith in my team winning this. So what if we're getting our asses kicked!? I'd like to see them try and take us down without a fight! Hahaahahahaha!

Hina: This challenge is surprisingly basic considering it's Monokuma... there's gotta be a catch.

Gundham: Such a strange challenge... (looks away from the camera)

"Next up on the chopping block- Chihiro and Ibuki!" Monokuma announced. The two went up and grabbed their bags... but then Chihiro's banging him on the head because it was too heavy. As he tried to recover, he ended up tripping on a puddle of water and flew into the pool.

"That counts as a point for the Rabbits," Monokuma quickly said, adding a point to the pink team.

"You have gotta be fuckin' kidding me..." a stunned Mondo muttered.

"Chihiro, even for you, that was pathetic," Akane shook her head.

Chihiro whimpered. "I-I'm sorry..."

"Easiest win ever," Makoto mused.

"I'll take it," shrugged Celestia.

"I can't help but feel a little jipped though," Ibuki said.

Chihiro: (writes down something in a notebook) Note to self, join a gym when I get home.

Junko: I almost feel bad for him.

Ibuki: You know, when Ibuki saw Chihiro tumble, I couldn't help but notice that there was a um, well, (starts blushing) How does one even put this...?

Makoto: Man, poor Chihiro...

"Round Four- Gundham and Kyoko! Fight!" Monokuma said.

The two opponents eyed each other with suspicion before hesitantly circling each other, waiting for their enemy to make the first move. This continued for several minutes.

"Today would be great!" Monokuma shouted at them. Kyoko rolled her eyes and sighed before charging.

To everyone's surprise, Gundham flinched at the incoming attack, which allowed Kyoko to easily knock him into the water.

"And Kyoko ties it up for the Rabbits, definitely not going to be a shutout today," Monomi declared before being shoved into the pool again.

"Damn... DAMN!" Gundham shouted, punching the water when he realized he lost.

"What was that just now!?" Taka demanded, getting into Gundham's face. "Why did you flinch!? Now we've lost our lead! I sincerely hope you're happy!"

"Now that's enough," Sonia stepped in and came between Gundham and Taka. "I'm as upset as you are, but you will not be so harsh in your scolding, do I make myself clear?"

Taken aback at the normally gentle Sonia's demanding, Taka bowed and voiced his agreement.

Meanwhile, Kyoko had returned to her team and had taken a towel to dry herself.

"Good job," Chiaki complimented.

"Yeah, now we're tied up. We've got this!" Leon fist-pumped.

"Weren't you the one complaining about us probably losing?" Kyoko inquired.

"I don't like to live in the past, babe," Leon shrugged.

Kyoko: I find it strange that Gundham of all people would flinch in this type of challenge... unless (shakes head) No, that's not my place to say.

Mukuro: Maybe this won't be so bad for us after all.

Gundham: (tightens scarf around his face) Of all the disgraceful, humiliating ways to lose... I am ashamed of my cowardice. This will not bode well for me should we lose.

Mondo: Gundham... the fuck, man!?

"Round the fifth- Junko and Leon! Get ready to rumble!"

As Monokuma instructed, the two teens swam out to the ring and picked up their bags. Leon tried his hardest not to stare at Junko, who was wearing a bikini looking a size or so more small for her body.

"Leon, for once in your life, do not think with your dick!" Ibuki called out to him.

"Have a little faith in me," the redhead mumbled, annoyed at the remark in spite of it's validity.

"Is that kind of swimwear really acceptable!?" Taka scolded.

"You sure weren't complaining the last challenge you saw it," Junko teased, giving him a wink.

She turned to her opponent and innocently asked in her "cute" persona, "Could you pwease go easy on me? I bwuise easiwy." This caught Leon off-guard and when Monokuma signalled the start of the fight, Junko took her chance and tried shoving him off. Leon however, regained his bearings just in time and clashed his bag against his enemy's.

"Sunva bitch..." he muttered, clenching his teeth as he pushed Junko off. He kept up the offensive thanks to his superior athletic ability, pushing Junko closer and closer to the edge when suddenly, Junko gained an idea. With a sweep of her leg, she tripped Leon's lower leg and slammed her bag into his chest as he tried recovering, knocking the wind out of him.

"Three strikes, Ball Boy, and you're out!" Junko taunted as she swept her bag hard against Leon's face, sending him tumbling to the edge and falling into the water.

"And that's point numero three-o to the Bears. They regain the lead!" Monokuma cheered.

"You okay, man?" Makoto asked his friend as he helped Leon swim to the others.

"That was a pretty hard hit you took just now," a concerned Chiaki noted. "If you need to lie down for a while, we'll understand."

"It's getting dark, gang..." Leon coughed as he held his injured head. "I'm not sure if I'll make it. Might need mouth-to-mouth, preferably one of the girls."

"He's fine," Celestia deadpanned.

Over on the Bears, Junko was being praised for her win.

"Didn't think you'd have that kinda strength in ya," Akane admitted. "Nice job."

"That was awesome, Junko!" Hina said, giving her a hug.

"Yeah," Chihiro mumbled.

"Why so gloomy, Chi!?" Junko asked in her "punk" persona. "Chill the fuck out, we're winn', ain't we!?"

Junko: (files her nails) Of course I know that he's salty that it's looking even less likely to get me out. Not that it matters, he won't do jack.

Taka: (blushes heavily) I am not some kind of pervert, the reason I didn't bring Junko's swim attire up was because it wasn't pouring raining out that day. I-If she doesn't take heed, she'll get sick! Obviously!

Leon: Fuck, man... (rubs his bruised cheek) That chick hits hard.

Celestia: It matters not to me if we lose this challenge or not. I have a plan in place in the outcome of our team's loss that will certainly keep myself safe for another round or two. Heh heh, I am getting giddy thinking about it.

"Round Six! Kiyotaka versus Makoto! Gentlemen, come on down!" The boys did as told and picked up their bags.

"I don't suppose that we can have a clean, fair match?" Taka asked, extending a hand. Makoto smiled and returned it.

"Yeah, sure thing." He added under his breath, "still gonna die though..."

The challenge was underway and the two boys started circling each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.

"Ugh, this is boring," Monokuma sighed. "C'mon, kill each other already!"

The two boys faked each toher out a couple of times before charging at each other. Taka's superior strength allowed his to win the clash and gain on Makoto. When it seemed like Taka was about to push him off, the prefect began to sneeze and cough a bit.

"Woah, are you okay?" Makoto asked, concerned for his opponent's well-being.

"Never mind him, now's your chance!" Leon called out.

"I'm guessing you don't know him very well, do you?" Mukuro asked.

"Jeez, man, how the fuck-" Mondo's scolding was cut off from a sneeze of his own.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Hina cried as the rest of the team took a step back from the biker.

Eventually, Taka regained his strength and after confirming with Monokuma, the match continued. Taka again quickly overpowered Makoto and after a few hits, sent him into the water.

"That's four to the Berserker Bears!" Monokuma announced. "They just need one more point and they win!"

"Do your best, Rabbits! I believe in you!" Monomi cheered.

"Ain't that damning with faint praise?" Monokuma scoffed before Monomi tackled him.

"Sorry guys," Makoto apologized. "I just couldn't hurt him when he was like that..."

"I'd be more surprised if you actually did take the shot, if I'm being honest," Kyoko remarked.

"Doesn't matter," Nekomaru shook his head. "The point is we need to win these next two rounds. Otherwise, we're screwed."

Over on the Bears, Hina was scolding Taka and Mondo on their illness.

"Like seriously? How could you be so irresponsible?" she asked, her hands on her hips.

"In our defence, it seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Sound logic to me," Sonia nodded.

"If you were anyone else, i'd say that was sarcasm," Akane noted to her.

Taka: I suppose this minor sickness (cough) is a small price to pay for my victory in this challenge.

Sonia: Um, what is "sarcasm"?

Makoto: I just couldn't do it. (shakes his head) I'm not one to hit a guy while he's down, and I promised Taka I'd give him a fair match. I'd rather lose honorably than win underhandedly. I know it's not a sentiment I expect returned, but everyone has to have some kind of morals in this game, right?

Chiaki: This isn't looking good... (shakes her head) If we lose, I'll havre to think hard about who I want to vote off.

"Seventh, and potentially final, round- Mondo vs Mukuro!" Monokuma announced, dusting himself off from his fight with Monomi. The two went up and took their bags, Mondo reluctantly so.

"Don't tell me your feeling sick too?" Gundham sighed.

"It ain't fucking that!" Mondo yelled. "It's just, well, I-I can't fight a girl!"

"What?" Mukuro flatly asked.

"Big, scary biker- taller and stronger than anyone here right now- and you can't fight a girl?" Junko asked, trying to resist the urge to facepalm.

"I'd appreciate the chivalry if it wasn't for our current situation," Sonia said.

"Easy point for us, at least," Nekomaru shrugged.

"So, what?" Mukuro asked, her face showing visible anger. "You think that because I'm some gentle, delicate flower, it'd be wrong to fight back against me!?"

"Uh, Mukuro..." Makoto tried to calm his friend down, but she was having none of it.

Soon enough, the match began and Mukuro tried shoving off Mondo. To his credit, though he didn't fight back, he did dodge every hit sent his way, at least until he saw that he was cornered.

"Shit..." he mumbled just before taking a powerful blow to his chest, sending him flying into the water.

"And Mukuro puts it 3-4, meaning that once again, it'll come down to the wire!" Monokuma announced.

Mukuro in a huff swam back to her teammates, still visibly upset.

"Um, Mukuro, are you okay?" asked Makoto. Mukuro softened a bit under his gaze.

"I-It's fine, it's just that I, I don't like being discounted just for my gender," she admitted. "I got a lot of that back in the academy, and I don't want to deal with it here, either."

"That's fair," Ibuki nodded. "Can't tell you the number of times people would give me and my band guff back home just for being girls."

Over on the Bears...

"So, you think girls are just weaker than guys, Corncob!?" Akane growled, poking at Mondo's chest. The biker was so intimidated that he couldn't even get upset at the slight against his hair.

"Now, I'm sure that isn't what Mondo meant," Taka said, coming to his roommate's defence.

"Anyone else getting some deja vu right about now?" Junko whispered to Chihiro, who tried his best not to scowl at her.

Mukuro: (clenches fist) I... am not... weak. I am not weak. I. Am. Not. Weak.

Leon: Man, between whatever's been bugging her about Junko and this, I'm feelin' for Muks right about now.

Mondo: Growin' up, Daiya always told me that any "man" who raises his hand to a woman is scum that deserves death. I know it's a different situation, but some habits are harder ta break than others. Not to mention, what my mom'll think... (shudders)

Gundham: That utter, utter fool... (shakes his head) At the very least, this might provide a chance to save myself should we lose this challenge.

The final two contestants, Sonia for the Berserker Bears and Nekomaru for the Rubbish Rabbits, swam to the ring and grabbed their bags, giving a respectful nod to each other while doing so. Suddenly, a rumble of thunder occurred and before anyone knew it, rain started pouring down on Jabberwock Island again.

"Ooh, how dramatic," Monokuma nodded in approval. "Anyway, here's how this'll go- If Nekomaru wins, then the score will be tied and we'll go into a tiebreaking round. If Sonia wins, then the Bears will win the challenge and the Rabbits will have to vote somebody off tonight. Everybody got that?" Before anyone could say anything, he continued with, "Good! Now then, for what might be the last time today, get your fight on!"

The two narrowed their eyes and stood still, allowing the rain to pour onto them. The wind picked up a tad, slightly pushing them a bit, but the two ultimately remained firm. Eventually, a crack of lightning appeared, which signaled them to begin their assault on one another.

Both bags clashed against each other in time with the thunder several times before suddenly, Sonia begun losing her footing thanks to the increasingly wet arena. Nekomaru took advantage of this and tried to strike, but it was parried by the foreigner just in time. She rolled out of the way and shakily tried regaining her posture when Nekomaru attempted another strike, trying to avoid getting the rain caught in his eyes in the process. Again, she parried the blow and then tried retaliating with a hit of her own, but it did little to the larger boy. He responded with a hit of his own that knocked Sonia down to the ground. He continued his assault with Sonia barely hanging on when in desperation, she swung at Nekomaru's leg, catching him off-guard.

With a new-found vigor, Sonia kept up on the offensive, not for a moment giving Nekomaru a chance to breathe, each blow from her bag in time with his defensive ones. Eventually, the rain water had gotten into both of their eyes and both teens had to take a step back to clear their eyes with minimal success. the two returned to their fight. After trading a few more blows, one of the two in an act of desperation put all of their power in to one last shot, pushing them far towards the edge and with the help of the slippery floor and a sudden gust of wind, knocked them into the water...

...

"... and the winner is...

...

"... Sonia, meaning that the Berserker Bears win~!"

"Stupid brother, don't try and fake the audience out like that!" Monomi scolded before being tossed into the wind and then struck with lightning.

Sonia collapsed in a sigh of relief, allowing the rain to drizzle all over her relived face. Nekomaru emerged from the water and carried her to her team with a smile, congratulating her on her win.

"We'll take it from here, big guy," Akane grinned, grabbing her friend and hoisting her above her shoulders.

"A commendable effort," Gundham nodded before turning away.

"Wow, that almost sounded like praise, Mr. Overlord of Ice," Junko teased.

"Thank fucking God..." Mondo sighed in relief as he wrapped a towel over his drooping pompadour.

"I wouldn't have voted for you, if that means anything," Chihiro smiled, making Mondo smile as well.

"So about our prize..." Taka asked Monokuma.

"Oh yes, about that," Monokuma nodded. "You guys are getting something alright, but that won't be announced until the next challenge."

"Fair enough, I guess," Hina shrugged.

Monokuma then turned to the sulking Rubbish Rabbits. "Congratulations on killing the pattern we've had up until now, Rabbits. After this vote, you'll be down in numbers for the first time all game. I'll give you all the afternoon to strategize and i'll see you at Monokuma Rock tonight where one of you will be the seventh person eliminated from the game. Puhuhuhu... see you then!

Sonia: A most glorious victory to be sure! Though I will admit, I am surprised that Nekomaru lost. Still, he put up a valiant fight and I'm glad that I at least had to earn the win. (smiles)

Chihiro: If there's an upside to this, it gives me time to get the numbers against Junko. But with her performance at the challenge, that might be easier said than done.

Nekomaru: I don't think I'm going anywhere. Even if I cost us the challenge, I'm still; the strongest on our team, and right now people are looking at things at a more strategic angle rather than just challenge performance.

Ibuki: Hmmm, hmmmmm (scratches her chin) Should Ibuki consider a song about storms some time? I don't know...

Inside the Hotel Mirai, everyone on the Rubbish Rabbits had changed back into their normal attire and had now gathered to discuss the vote. With one notable exception...

"It's gotta be Celeste," Makoto said. "I've got no problem with her, but we can't keep letting her sneak past votes."

"He has a point," Mukuro agreed. "Besides, of the team, she contributes the least and none of us really like her anyway, so it makes sense to get rid of her now."

"And with Fatty not around to take the hit for her, she's a sitting duck!" Leon finished, punching a hand into a palm.

"If that's all, then I'll be leaving," Kyoko said while signalling Makoto to follow her.

After walking in silence for a brief period, Kyoko turned to her partner and said, "Now, I know you aren't going to like this but..."

"You don't think Celeste is the right target," Makoto finished. "I'm a bit surprised that you, the person who hates her the most, is objecting to this, but I'm sure there's a reason."

Kyoko nodded. "Preciscely. If Celestia goes now, then that would leave us at large impasse with Chiaki's group."

"They're just three people," Makoto reassured. "I've got Leon and he'll vote with us for sure. And while I know Nekomaru and you aren't on good terms, I think we could sway him."

"That's relying on a lot of faith, you know," she pointed out. "Faith that can easily be misplaced."

"Do you trust me?" Makoto suddenly asked, much to Kyoko's confusion. He repeated the question.

After a short while contemplating, the detective responded, "As much as I can trust anyone in this game, strange as it is to say. That naivete of yours makes it hard to believe you aren't being honest with me, but there's always going to be that lingering doubt. And it's not you I have a problem with, for the record."

"Even still..." Makoto said before grabbing her hand suddenly, much to her shock. "I'm promising you right now that I'm being as truthful as I can. I will never let anyone try and get rid of you, and when I make a promise I mean it. You're my friend, Kyoko, and I look out for my friends. So trust me when I say that we'll make it out of this." For good measure he squeezed her hand and smiled. For a brief moment, he could've sworn he saw her smile softly back at him.

Makoto: I know that I'm going out on a limb for someone whom I've known for barely a couple of weeks, but I really think I've got a good thing going with Kyoko and I don't want to lose that.

Kyoko: Like I said, it's not Makoto I have a problem with, it's everyone else. I want to believe in what he's saying, but... but I know what can happen when you put blind faith into something... (looks down at her glove, the one Makoto just held) I'll need to seriously think this over.

Speaking of Chiaki's alliance, they were in Chiaki and Ibuki's cabin, discussing the vote privately and had been talking of all of their options.

"So I know we said Celeste to the others," Chiaki began, "but I think it's worth considering covering all our bases."

"Aw, do we have to?" Ibuki said, upset at the thought of voting out another friend.

"That's what you do in alliances, Ibuki," Mukuro tersely remarked. "Don't like it, there's the door." She pointed at the door behind her to emphasize her argument, which made Ibuki grumble, but ultimately give in.

"So, let's go over the obvious one first- Nekomaru," Chiaki continued once order was restored. "He's got no allies aside maybe Celeste, but he's the strongest on our team and he'd be a better ally than enemy."

The two girls agreed with silent nods and Chiaki continued, "Then there's Makoto. He doesn't really do all that much, but he's pretty tight with Kyoko and Leon..."

"I don't know, I don't think we should vote him off," said a neutral Mukuro. "Kyoko on the other hand..."

"Oh right, you like him and are jealous of their friendship, forgot. Sorry Muku!" Ibuki chirped.

"Th-That's not it at all!" Mukuro insisted with a blush. "I mean, I know we saved her last round, but I haven't forgotten what Hifumi said. Plus, if we aren't doing Celeste, than you know she'd be down for it. And since Nekomaru voted for her last time too, that's five."

"What about Leon?" Ibuki asked. "I mean, if we're considering everyone..."

"What about Leon?" Mukuro bluntly remarked.

Chiaki: This could be a problem, I think. If we can't come to an agreement, we'll risk a split vote and I can't have that.

Ibuki: Ugh, why can't we just vote off Celeste and be done with it? Not that I want to, but if Ibuki had to pick somebody, then that's who Ibuki would go with. Chiaki and Mukuro are making this triple-extra-large more complicated than they really need it to be and that's not good for us, not at all!

Mukuro: If worse comes to worse, I'll do what the girls want and vote off Celeste, but I'm playing this game for myself first and foremost and if what I want doesn't reconcile with what they want... Then I'll have to take my business elsewhere.

Nekomaru and Leon were in the Usami Corral, having some snacks they got from the supermarket.

"Nice call on finding those Monocoins in the puddle," Leon complimented after stuffing his face full of chips.

"Thanks," nodded Nekomaru. "So I'm guessing you know why I called for you."

"Look man, I know you and Celes are kinda together, but my mind's made up," Leon said shaking his head.

"I figured, but I was thinking something else aside who you were voting for?"

Leon sipped a soda. "Shoot, Coach."

"Well, I was thinking that since you me and Makoto are the only boys on this team right now that maybe we should consider working together down the line, or at least not target each other," the coach explained.

"i'd be down for that," Leon nodded. "I'd have to take it up with Kotes to see what he'd do, but I'll work with you for sure."

"Thanks, man," Nekomaru nodded. After a pause, he added, "So um, I've been meaning to ask you... Why'd you quit baseball?"

Leon frowned. "I don't feel comfortable talking about that. You feel me?"

"Yeah," the other boy nodded. "Sorry if I was prying."

"Nah, it's cool, really," Leon said, regaining his usual grin. "So, you finishin' that Cola Cola or what?"

Leon: Yeah, I'll work with Nekomaru, he's cool. I may love the ladies, but even I know that guys gotta stick together. As for the baseball thing? (his face turns serious) No comment.

Nekomaru: I like Leon, he seems like a good guy. Besides, I know that I could use all the protection I can get, and this would be a good way to start.

Celeste was sitting inside the Hotel Mirai all alone when someone came up to her.

"Ah, right on time. So, whom is the target tonight?" she asked, pleased to see them.

Celestia: I do so love it when a plan comes together. Heh heh heh... (hides her face behind her hand)

The Berserker Bears had gone their separate ways after the challenge, with Sonia heading inside her cabin to , she heard a knock and allowed the person to enter, who turned out to be Gundham.

"Ah hello," she smiled and greeted her friend.

"I come bearing news..." he said, looking out the window before shutting it as well as locking the door.

Sonia blushed. "Um, Gundham-"

"I have found the Monokuma Doll," he said, presenting it to her. Just as expected, it was a small carving of Monokuma, painted black and white.

"Gundham, that's excellent!" Sonia exclaimed, getting up to hug him. Gundham walked back a bit at the sudden movement, much to her confusion.

"Um, anyway," she said trying to bring the discussion back to its original subject, "where do you find it?"

"The clue said it was a place everyone knows, but never think to go- the pharmacy on the second island. It was sitting behind a few shelves of vitamins, but my Devas found it with little problem." The hamsters all poke out of Gundham's scarf and Sonia took them in her hands and nuzzled them.

"Excellent work, all of you," she cooed, much to the hamsters' delight and Gundham's confusion.

"Anyway, with this, we now have a large advantage in the coming votes," he continued.

"But we only get one shit at using it right and can only use it on one person, so we'll have to be smart about this."

"Exactly what I was about to say," Gundham said with a small grin.

Gundham: I must admit I am disappointed that few others sought out the Doll, but their loss is my gain. And I will ensure that only myself or Sonia will be the only ones I use this on.

Sonia: I feel a little guilty keeping this a secret, but I know it's for the best. The less who know of us finding the Monokuma Doll, the better.

Mondo, Taka and Chihiro were hanging out in the former's cabin, having a celebratory toast to their win.

"Man, I'm starting to get how Mahiru felt when we voted her out," Mondo admitted. "I really didn't mean to offend 'em or anythin', I just got a way of livin', y'know?"

"I suppose," Taka nodded. "But it would be best that you apologize soon, or else you'll really see just how Mahiru felt."

"Well, like I said," Chihiro added, "I wouldn't vote for you. Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you guys about something."

"Shoot," Mondo said with a gesture.

"I was thinking... How would you guys feel about the three of us... um, how do I say this...?"

"Oh shit, this is what I think it is, isn't it...?" Mondo gulped, whispering to Taka.

"I'm surprised that she'd consider me her type, and doubly so for you!" Taka whispered back.

"What the fuck does that mean?" Mondo whispered again, now with an edgy tone in his voice. "Ain't like chicks are droppin' their pants for your dumbass!"

"At least I can talk to a woman for more than five seconds without making a fool of myself!"

"Citation fuckin' needed on that one, Poindexter!"

"Do you guys want to be an alliance with me!?" Chihiro finally said, getting the duo's attention. They looked both relieved that Chihiro wasn't confessing, but also disappointed that a girl wasn't going to ask them out.

"Oh, that's what's up?" Mondo asked. "I guess I can work with ya, but I'm not so sure about him." He pointed to an indignant Taka.

"Took the words right out of my mouth," he growled before relaxing himself. "Go on, Chihiro, we'll at least hear you out."

"Well, the way I see it is... none of us are particularly popular with the others, right?" Chihiro asked. "Well, I say instead of butting heads, we should try and work together instead. Yeah, there isn't much of a hierarchy right now, but the more people on your side the better, right?"

Mondo and Taka looked pensive. They had to admit the plan had merit, but were concerned about their own teamwork skills. "I mean, as long as he doesn't fuck me over, I guess I can deal with it."

"As long as you understand the same applies to you," Taka replied.

Chihiro smiled at the two, who couldn't help but blush in response.

Chihiro: My goal isn't just to have people on my side, I really do think that if Mondo and Taka can overcome their differences, they can be pretty good friends. It'll be a lot of work, but if it'll to help my friends and get rid of Junko, than it's worth it.

Taka: I'm mostly doing this for Chihiro, keep in mind. Though Mondo and I are on friendlier terms than when this competition started, I cannot fully trust him to not screw this up.

Mondo: Sure, I'll work with Chihiro, but Taka? Dude's a looser cannon than I am, and that's saying a lot. I'll keep an eye on him, and if I see him fuck up, then his ass is outta here, period.

Junko, Akane and Hina were in the dining area, having a light dinner. Light for Akane's standards anyway.

"So how are you girls holding up?" asked Hina. "What with those notes and all?"

"Oh that," Junko remembered before deflating a bit. "Yeah, it sucks. Hope we can catch this creep soon, so I can kick their ass!"

"Make sure to save some for me," Akane added inbetween bites. After swallowing her food, she added, "That bastard thinks he can mess with me, they got another thing comin'. Mainly my fist.

"Hey, Hina?" Junko asked. "Did you get any weird notes?" The swimmer shook her head.

"If I did, I woulda told you guys," she explained. "Maybe Kyoko too. If she caught Teruteru, maybe she could catch this guy too."

"That's nice and all, but I don't wanna get the other team mixed up in this," Junko replied. "I mean, for all we know this is a trick from one of them to make us weaker."

"Hate to be cynical, but I'm with her," Akane agreed.

"Well if they are, they haven't done that good a job, since we won again," Hina smirked. "And if it is a Rubbish Rabbit, then fingers crossed that they boot that jerk tonight."

Hina: (is munching on a doughnut) I know that things might seem bad now, but I know we'll find the creep responsible for all this. And when we do, they'll get what's comin' to them, that's a promise!

Junko: They don't suspect a thing. Holy crap.

Akane: Y'know, I know this is gonna sound weird but, does anyone else get a weird feeling about Junko sometimes? She's my friend and all, so I won't say it aloud, but there's moments where she kinda weirds me out, if that makes any sense.

The eight- soon to be seven- remaining Rubbish Rabbits all marched towards Monokuma Rock for their next elimination. The storm had now almost completely died out, leaving behind a cloudless sky, which made for an ominous atmosphere befitting what was sure to be a tense vote.

The monitor nearby turned on, revealing Monokuma sipping away at his alcoholic beverage. "Is everyone here? Good! Please stand by for the elevator which will take you to the elimination room. There, one of your fates will be decided... Puhuhu..."

Just on time, the middle Monokuma head opened and out came an escalator. Once all nine had entered, the door behind them shut and soon, they all descended to the elimination room...

Celestia: (twirls her hair) Tonight should be most interesting, indeed…

Chiaki: I'm thinking about it and I'm deciding to just vote for Celeste this time. I've got no clue what Mukuro and Ibuki are doing, but hopefully we'll get our acts together next round.

Ibuki: Y'know, I used to like elevators before this show.

Kyoko: I came out here with the intent to win… and who I'm voting for is the person I think is the biggest threat to that…

Leon: I'd say it's been fun, Celes, but you're the master at lying, not me.

Makoto: Leon told me about the thing with Nekomaru. If it's legit, then I think I've found the thing that can ease Kyoko's paranoia a bit.

Mukuro: I'm sorry, but this is what's best for my game.

Nekomaru: I didn't think the game would get so heavy so quick. I can't complain about it though, all I can do is try and keep up.

Soon, the Rubbish Rabbits had arrived at their destination and took their spots in the circle. In place of where Hifumi once sat was a photo of his face with a pair of hammers in the shape of an "X" going through it. From his seat, Monokuma waved to the team and Monomi shook her ears.

"So, who's gonna be unlucky number seventh out tonight, I wonder?" Monokuma asked.

"If it's all the same, I'd rather skip to the vote," Celestia said.

"Don't want to prolong the inevitable, huh?" Leon asked. "I get that." Everybody else had voiced a similar thought, much to Monokuma's annoyance.

"Fine, let's just get it over with," he grumbled, giving the same speech about not pulling an Ibuki (much to the rocker's chagrin) and voting on time.

Once the votes were in, a screen came down to show the Monokuma Slots. Round and round they went, until all three stopped and landed on...

...

…

...

"… I don't believe it!" Monokuma cried. "For the first time this season, we have a tie vote!" He pointed to the slot machine, which had on one slot Celeste's picture, Chiaki's on another and a question mark on the third.

"A… tie?" a dumbfounded Makoto asked before giving Kyoko a glance. She refused to look at him in the eye. While Ibuki and Chiaki saw Mukuro smile innocently at them.

"Yep," Monokuma nodded, taking in their confusion, anger and shock with glee. "Four votes Celestia and four for Chiaki. Now then, here's what we're gonna do, everyone but the two tied girls will re-vote for one of them. In the case of a deadlock, well… let's cross that bridge when we come to it. But first, ladies, I'll give you a chance to plead for your lives. Chiaki?"

"Guys, don't do this!" Chiaki pleaded. "I don't know what Celeste told you, but she's full of it, you can't let her slip away again!"

"Celestia, your rebuttal?" Monomi asked.

Celestia laughed condescendingly at Chiaki. "The fact of the matter is that should I go, Chiaki's alliance will control almost half of the vote. They need only pull in one more member and viola, they have the majority."

"Okay then, time for the re-vote! Who will be the one eliminated or will we see what happens in case of a deadlock? What's it gonna be!? What's it gonna beeeeeeeeeee!?" exclaimed Monokuma.

Once again, the slot machine roared to life once all the votes were tallied. Around and round went the slots before coming to a stop on…

...

…

...

…

...

"And the seventh person voted out of Total Drama Island is… … Chiaki Nanami!" Monokuma declared, pointing at the screen which had all three slots land on Chiaki this time.

The gamer sighed as she began departing before being embraced by Ibuki. "I'm so, so sorry, Chiaki!" she pleaded. "I-"

"Don't worry about it, just don't do anything rash okay?" Chiaki turned to see an apologetic Makoto and Leon.

"Sorry, girl, but we couldn't risk what woulda happened in a deadlock," Leon explained whiel Makoto gave an apologetic look.

"It's okay, really," she insisted. She turned to Mukuro and looked her in the eye before sighing and departing to the Elevator of Losers.

"Tch, screw you too," Mukuro muttered.

Kyoko: It's like I said, I wasn't about to risk Chiaki gaining any more power, even if it meant sparing Celestia… At least I'm not the only one who went behind her alliance's backs.

Mukuro: (takes off a wig, revealing blonde hair packed inside) No lives remaining, no continues… Game Over! Now Mukuro will know just what happens when you go behind my back.

Chiaki: Mukuro, I'm not sure why you did what you did, but I only hope that it works out for you. (sighs)

"Well, that went well," Celestia said to Nekomaru once everyone had returned from the elimination room. He rolled his eyes and walked off after Ibuki, who stormed off as soon as she could, to get as far away from Mukuro. Makoto and Kyoko awkwardly stood near each other befpoee the former shook his head and left for his cottage. She tried and followed, but Leon gave a shake of his head.

"He needs to cool off, try in the morning," he told her before departing after his friend.

Kyoko sat on a bench near the ocean and stared out into the calm waters quietly. She noticed a boat out in the distance and assumed it to be Chiaki leaving the island. Shje dared not turn around and see Celestia's smug face.

The camera then switched to Monokuma and Monomi, ready for the outro.

"I must admit, even I didn't see that coming," Monokuma said. "But now, what will befall the Rabbits after this vote? Can Kyoko gain Makoto's trust back and just how much of a rude awakening is Mukuro in for once she switches back with her sister?"

"Can Chihiro and his new alliance overcome Junko and just what will Gundham and Sonia do now that they have the Monokuma Doll?" added Monomi.

"Find out next time on the next heart-pounding installment of…

"Total…

"Drama…

"Island!" declared Monokuma.

The camera faded to black, ending the episode.

Episode 8: "From Out of the Rain"- The End

Contestants Remaining: 15

Vote:
Celestia: Chiaki, Ibuki, Leon, Makoto (Re-vote: Ibuki)
Chiaki: Celestia, Kyoko, Mukuro, Nekomaru (Revote: Kyoko, Leon, Makoto, Mukuro, Nekomaru)

To Be Continued...

And it's game over for Chiaki. She was always going to be an early boot, but her turn at strategy was a last-minute development. Originally, she was just gonna flub the challenge and fall asleep at the vote, sending her home that way, but that felt too dumb and I felt I coul get more out of her this way and I wanted to explore what would happen in a tie vote, so here we are. Also, her elimination was swapped with someone else, but I felt I could get more milage out of them than I could with her. More on that when we get to that though. I liked writing for Chiaki and I'd say she's the first majorish loss to the story, but I couldn't do any more with her than I had. Sorry to everyone who liked her, but this is where she goes.