Hoi there~ It has been wayyyyy too long lmao. I'm so sincerely sorry that I haven't done anything with this. I have a host of excuses but I know you all have no desire to hear any of them. But I hope you enjoy the long-awaited next chapter of this story.
Just like always, the camera opened on Monokuma and Monomi, who were prepped for the episode's intro.
"Welcome back to another exciting installment of your favorite show, Total Drama Island!" Monokuma announced.
"It feels like forever since we last did one of these," Monomi mused.
"That's what happens when you have a depressed sadsack for an author," Monokuma dismissed.
Monomi glared at her counterpart's typical insensitivity before deciding on continuing the recap. "Anyway, on the last episode, quite a bit happened! For starters, a heart-to-heart with Taka and Mondo gave Chihiro the nerve to begin plotting to take down Junko, even going as far as to form an alliance with them!"
"About time he put those cojones to good use," Monokuma said. "Chiaki and her alliance celebrated their first major move in the game, but all was not well within their ranks as Mukuro strayed from the plan and voted Kyoko as well as her little secret coming out~ Upupupupupu~"
"What he means is that Mukuro and Junko from the other team are in fact sisters!" Monomi explained. "They've been disguising as each other to get information on each other's team, that's not fair!"
"Sis, when are you gonna learn that nothing about this show is fair?" Monokuma condescendingly asked. "Celestia found out their little secret and used it to leverage an alliance with Junko, who wanted to have a way to vote our her sister's allies in order to keep Mukuro's loyalty to herself." Monokuma muttered "siscon" to himself under his breath.
"Meanwhile, Gundham and Sonia got to know each other as they continued to search for the Monokuma Doll, which ultimately turned out successfully for Gundham! Yay!"
"Barf!" Monokuma fake-vomitted. "The challenge that round was a good old-fashioned rip-off of Sumo at Sea with a rainy backdrop where we learned that Gundham doesn't like being hit, Makoto is too much of a good sport and Mukuro has a complex about being considered weak. Interesting..."
"In the end, Sonia squeaked out the win for the Berserker Bears, meaning that once again the Rubbish Rabbits had to face another trip to Monokuma Rock and vote our another friend..." Monomi said sadly. Monokuma on the other hand, seemed almost salivating at the thought.
"And what a vote it was!" he exclaimed. "Now at first glance, it seemed like everyone was set on Celestia but a mixture of a paranoid Kyoko, a reluctant Nekomaru and a Mukuro disguised as Junko joined our favorite lolita in voting Chiaki, creating our first tie vote of the season!"
Monomi looked even more depressed at this. "A revote was invoked between the two vote-getters and the possibility of a deadlock backfiring on them made Makoto and Leon switch their votes to Chiaki, making her the seventh person voted out of the game."
"Now then, how will the Rabbits handle the fallout from the vote?" Monokuma asked.
"Can Chihiro overcome Junko?" Monomi asked before being punched away into the sky.
"And will we just get on with the show already!?" Monokuma snarkily asked. "We'll wait no longer because right now is another thrilling episode of...
"Total...
"Drama...
"Island!"
After the titles, the camera opened on a much-more-sunny-than-last-time Jabberwock Park, in particular focusing on Nekomaru and Akane mid-spar. Akane threw a punch to his chest that Nekomaru jumped back at and countered with a low sweep kick.
"Shit!" Akane spat as she fell on her behind. Nekomaru put a fist right at her face.
"Dead," was all he said. Akane growled in irritation.
"Dammit!" she yelled, slamming a fist on the ground. "Why does it it feel like I'm not getting better?"
"Don't be like that," Nekomaru tried to console. "You've gotten really better since we started. Your stamina and form have improved greatly, and you almost had me a couple times just now."
Akane rolled her eyes but said nothing. Nekomaru offered a hand and despite her mood, she took it. He used a bit more force pulling her up than intended and as a result, Akane crashed into him, making him stumble a bit.
"Sorry 'bout that..." Nekomaru mumbled as sheepishly as he could muster. He looked at Akane's face, straight into her eyes, making her feel a bit uncomfortable.
"W-what's so funny!?" she demanded to know and Nekomaru responded by pushing a stray hair from her face. Akane's face went aflame at the close contact.
"S-sorry, it's just a thing I have," he apologized.
"Y-yeah, whatever..." Akane then realized that her trainer was still holding her hand and looked torn as to whether or not she should say something. At that point, Nekomaru realized it as well and let go.
"So, um, that concludes today's session. I'll uh, see you at lunch? Great, gotta go meet someone!" Nekomaru ran off, leaving a confused Akane who stared at the hand Nekomaru let go intensely... and muttered a curse as something appeared to have dawned on her.
Akane: No, no, fuck no! This can't be happening! Coach... Nekomaru... I just can't!
Nekomaru: This goes against everything that I, Nekomaru Nidai, often called the Ultimate Team Manager, am about! Akane is a great young woman, someone who I respect a lot... but in such way... I-I... (puts hands over head)
The camera shifted to the Titty Typhoon where Ibuki was playing her guitar half-seriously. It was clear by the red, puffy state of her eyes, she had been crying.
"Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside..."
She cut herself off with a sob. "Why? Just why?"
Ibuki: (wipes away tears) It's not fair... I came to this show to have fun, to meet new friends... and all that's happened is that everyone I've tried befriending has either left or turned out to be a user or both... I'm sorry, I normally don't get so emotional, it's just... I'm all alone now. I haven't got any friends that can keep me, I know I'm not the most useful teammate and I'm scared. (sniffles)
"Hey," greeted somebody. Ibuki looked up and saw it was Leon, holding his hands in the air as a sign of coming in peace. "I know you probably don't want to see me or anybody right now, I get that. I just wanted to make sure you're holdin' up okay."
Ibuki looked down, trying to not look him in the eye. Leon pulled up a chair and sat next to her. "I-I'm not good at the whole comforting thing, especially not with girls, but if you want to talk, I'm here to listen. And it's not just me..."
"How do I know you aren't just saying that so I don't weigh down the team?" Ibuki accused, sounding a bit more bitter than she intended.
"Well, I can't speak for everyone," Leon admitted, "but I kinda relate to how you're feeling right now."
Ibuki looked skeptical. "How?" she asked.
Leon sighed. "Do I have your word that what I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room?"
Ibuki would have mentioned that what he was about to say was being recorded and is likely going to air on television, but decided against it. "I promise. I always keep my promises," she swore.
"When I quit my team a while ago, my popularity kinda took a nose dive," Leon said. "Nobody wanted anything to do with me because I wanted to fulfill my dream- to be a singer in a punk rock band. I told this to somebody in confidence, someone who I thought I could trust and she leaked it to the school. It took me a while to forgive her. I felt so alone and miserable... like nobody really cared about me at all, just what I was good at, even my own parents barely looked at me in the eye. Then one day, I realized something- Fuck them."
At Ibuki's confusion, Leon chuckled. "Let me explain- I eventually came to terms with how I felt, I guess is what I mean. Everyone's abandoning me hurt a lot, but I knew that if my dream was to become reality, I had to learn not to let everyone get me down, cuz there's always going to be some assholes who take advantage of you and try and mess with you, but that doesn't mean everyone will. I've still got my family, my friends, a couple of actually kinda cool teachers who eventually turned out to be pretty supportive. What I'm trying to say is that you aren't alone and if you want to, I could be a friend. And most of all, I'm sorry. I didn't know what would have happened if the votes were tied again, so I flaked and voted out your friend. If you can't forgive me that's cool but-"
Ibuki grabbed Leon in a hug. "Thank you, and... I forgive you."
Leon felt his cheeks dust with pink. "Anytime..." he mumbled.
Leon: I'm surprised that I opened up to 'Buki like that, but at least it kinda worked?
Ibuki: So I'm still a bit down, surprise surprise. It'll take a while to get over what happened last night. But hopefully, hopefully, I'll find a way to bounce back from this. (wipes eye)
Mukuro was alone by the beach, the smaller one on the second island. She took a giant sigh of frustration before picking up a nearby rock and throwing it into the water.
Mukuro: I am so Goddamn dumb! I cannot believe I let Junko talk me into switching with me at the vote last night! (facepalms) Chiaki's gone and I'm out of the alliance, and possibly on the chopping block! Now I look like the biggest backstabbing bitch on the planet! Thanks a lot, dearest little sister!
Mukuro plopped on the ground after throwing another rock. As she breathed deeply, she noticed a second figure sit next to her. She flinched a bit in surprise but relaxed a bit when she was it was Makoto.
"What did the water say to make you so angry?" he lightly ribbed to try and ease the mood. Mukuro forced out a chuckle, not wanting to waste this opportunity to talk to her crush, to hopefully clear things up. He cleared his throat before speaking again.
"So, you might know why I'm here..." Makoto asked her.
"Not for the reason I'm hoping for." Mukuro thought but what she said was, "The vote."
"Yeah," he nodded. "So, what's up? Why did you vote for Chiaki? I thought you were friends."
"Why do you care?" Mukuro snapped before cursing internally at her attitude. "I mean, she was going to be a problem for you down the road, why are you so down about her leaving?"
"I'm sad every time someone goes, even people like Teruteru and Byakuya," Makoto innocently answered. "And you can't dodge the question forever."
Mukuro was conflicted. She knew she couldn't expose Junko, even though her sister seemed to not care about her standing in the game in return. On the other hand, she didn't want to lose Makoto's trust.
"Look, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I get it," Makoto relented, ending the awkward silence. "Your reasons are your own and it's not my place to question."
"It's not that," Mukuro shook her head. "I want to tell you but..."
"But you can't?" Makoto frowned. "Why not? Is it that blackmailer I've been hearing about? Did they put you up to this? Mukuro, if there's someone threatening you, tell me. You're my friend, you don't deserve that, no matter how confused I am with you right now."
Mukuro almost face-faulted from how close Makoto unintentionally was to the truth. "Yes..." she whispered, figuring a half-truth would suffice. Any remaining negative emotion from Makoto had disappeared and he grabbed Mukuro in a hug.
"It'll be okay, Mukuro," he reassured her, while she was trying her hardest to not melt.
From a distance, Kyoko eyed the scene, her eyes narrowing at the contact. She shook her head and walked away, putting a bit of force into her step.
Makoto: With Kyoko, I had a feeling she was going to vote Chiaki so I couldn't be too upset with her, just annoyed she didn't tell me what she was doing. Mukuro was a bit weirder, so I had to hear her out. If she's telling the truth like I want to believe she is, then we have to do something about this person who keeps causing chaos around here.
Kyoko: I've never liked Mukuro, if I'm to be perfectly honest. I don't really like a lot of people granted, but in particular there's always been something about her that I've not been able to shake from my mind as suspicious. And now she's managed to get Makoto falling for whatever sobstory she used to betray her friend. And the two types of people in the world I can't stand the most are liars and backstabbers. (glares into the camera) And no, this is NOT about the hug.
Chihiro was in the cafeteria, writing something on their notepad.
"Whatcha doin~?" asked Junko, peering from behind.
"It's private," Chihiro replied, hiding the pad and his internal groan. Junko grinned in return.
"Keeping secrets is what got you into this mess, ya know," she teased.
"You're one to talk," he shot back with what he hoped was an intimidating look. Junko laughed condescendingly in return, switching to her "royal" persona.
"My dear peasant, I am quite surprised at your newfound boldness," she said calmly before grabbing his face and pushing right up her own, quietly growling, "I own you, you little shit, so don't get all cocky with me! I can reveal your secret whenever I want, so don't fuck with me!" Her whisper was harsh and threatening, making Chihiro flinch in slight fear. He reminded himself of Mondo and Taka's words from the other day however and did his best to steel himself against Junko.
"I know, b-but that doesn't scare me as much as you may think! I'm tired of running, so do your worst!" Junko's glare became stronger and her grip tightened, making Chihiro cry slightly from the pain of her nails digging into his cheeks.
"Hey, everything okay?" asked a concerned voice. The two looked and saw Hina, who seemed very confused at first and then noticed Junko grabbing Chihiro's face and frowned.
"Look, I don't know what you guys are fighting over," she scolded, pulling the model aside like it was nothing, "but that's no excuse to get violent, Junko!" She turned to Chihiro and asked if they were okay.
"Just fine," Chihiro replied, grateful for someone sticking up for him. He grabbed his pad and departed.
"You know you're going to apologize later, right?" Hina then asked, more like demanded, Junko in a "you get no choice in the matter" tone.
"Tch, sure," Junko scoffed.
Hina put her hands on her hips and glared her down, her blue orbs matching Junko's. "I mean it." She then stormed off after Chihiro, not paying attention to Junko slamming her hand on the table in rage.
Chihiro: (takes deep breaths) I... I did it, I stood up to Junko! (gains a look of fear) Oh crap, I just stood up to Junko... (gulps) I am so dead.
Junko: (scratches her chin in thought) Hm, torn. On the one hand, I'm impressed he had the gonads to step up to me. Didn't think he had it in him. But now that he's actually standing up to me... (clenches a fist) I'm going to crush that little freak.
Hina: Okay, I know Junko can fly off the handle at times, but that was unacceptable. Chihiro's the sweetest person here, why would anyone come after her like that? (sighs) This never would have happened if Sakura was still here... (looks down)
Over by the cottages, Gundham was marvelling at his Monokuma Doll with pride.
"Kekekeke.." he devilishly snickered. "This shall be most beneficial should I play my metaphorical cards right."
"Ah, Gundham! Hello there!" greeted Taka with a wave. In a panicked hurry, the breeder hid his prize in his coat and tugged his scarf close, so as to hide his face.
"Good morning, Taka," he nodded coolly, hoping that his trinket wasn't discovered. "How do you fair at this moment?"
"Quite well actually, thank you for asking," beamed Taka. "I'm feeling very confident about today's challenge, whatever it'll be. A third straight win will be a massive boost to the team morale, especially since the Rabbits are so fractured right now."
"Would that I could share in your enthusiasm," Gundham nodded. "Alas, I have spoken to my contact in the Neather Lands and-"
"You know someone from another country!? And how do they have information on-"
"Please do not interrupt me," Gundham growled. Taka complied instantly. "As I was saying, I have heard grave words about our team's future. There is still the matter of the fiend responsible for Sakura's elimination. If my information is correct, which it always is, we may be seeing a reprisal soon from them."
Taka's eyes bulged wide. "Wh-what!? No, it can't be!"
"I am no liar, Kiyotaka Ishimaru, of that you can be certain," Gundham gravely replied. "Be certain as well that you are not the one I am after. Frankly, you have the subtlety of the great warrior from the Twilight Dimension on the best of days. If you were the one sabotaging us, we'd have all figured it out by now."
"Thank you, I think," said the prefect, unsure of how to take the semi-compliment, semi-insult.
"Now to the heart of the matter," Gundham said, patting Maga-Z, who had poked his head out from Gundham's scarf. "While I wish to be rid of this scoundrel for all time, I am unfortunately but one man. True, my powers are vast but within the scope of Monokuma's game, I am but a single voice of many. Therefore, I require assistance."
"Wait, are you asking me to make an alliance with you, Gundham?" Taka asked hesitantly.
"Correct, my good man," confirmed Gundham. He stretched out his hand, awaiting Taka to shake it. "You claim to have this team's best interests at heart, then join my cause. Together, we may finally be rid of the dastard."
Taka stared at Gundham's hand for a second, unsure how wise this action could be. Steeling himself, he reached out his hand in return and...
Gundham: Even with my Monokuma Doll and a possible vote with Sonia, my reach could stand to be better. Therefore, I have decided to take the initiative and ask for Taka's aid. With him could come Chihiro and Mondo. And with that, I have all the ammunition I need to take out this wretched deceiver. However, this is but temporary. My ultimate alliance is with the Dark Gods I serve and when the time comes to strike against Taka (glares intensely) I will not hesitate.
Taka: (looks unsure, gazes at the floor) Gundham's offer was bulletproof when he said it aloud. I am this team's leader and I must do whatever it takes to keep it successful. ... But, I'm not sure if all this politicking is the way to go about it. I was already hesitant on allying with Chihiro and Mondo completely, and I'm not sure if Gundham's offer will be permanent, especially if we do take out our false teammate...
Celeste was in the dining area- now empty sans herself-looking at the peaceful waves. If she didn't know better, she would have never guessed that they looked so wild lashing around in last night's storm. She calmly sipped her tea, enjoying the quiet atmosphere, turning from the ocean view to her table, which had several playing cards scattered around. She studied them for a brief moment before moving one from one of the larger piles to another, smaller pile.
"An ocean view, a warm cup of milk tea and a relaxing game of Solitaire,- what better way to spend the day" she mused aloud. "I suppose a harem of vampire butlers, but we'll work on that."
"What's with the inner monologue?" asked a voice that was familiar to the gambler. It was Monomi, the rabbit having appeared out of nowhere, as she was wont to do.
"Bon jour, Monomi," she greeted with a smile. "How fair you this lovely morn?"
"I'm alright, though I suppose things could be better," the rabbit responded. "You're playing Solitaire, you said? Why?"
"It's been a particular favorite of mine, back to my childhood days. I find it rather relaxing."
"Because you only play with yourself? Doesn't that get a bit boring?" the rabbit asked, curious about the girl's nonchalant attitude.
Celeste rolled her eyes. "Please do spare me the friendship lecture, I've heard that one enough to last the rest of this lifetime. Besides, I'm not particularly the most popular person on this wretched excuse for an island. If I were to ask someone to join, why would they take up my generous offer? Unless they of course felt sorry for me... Which if they did, would be a far greater insult than the ones they spit at me!" As she continued with her monologue, Celeste's voice had slowly started to raise and her accent evaporated, turning to her regular pitch instead.
It was clear to Monomi that she had inadvertently touched a sore spot. However, she had no idea what to do. Her programming did not include what to say or do in a situation like this!
"Besides," continued the gothic girl, her cadence returning to "normal" after catching her breath, "this time alone grants me the ability to asses my current standing in the game. As of last night, Mukuro is dead to Ibuki and has no doubt burned many bridges, Kyoko has likely alienated her friends by not voting with them and who honestly knows what Nekomaru is doing? Just as well, I have Junko as a way of learning more of the Berserker Bears' dynamics and they seem prime to a shake-up. And with all that boiling over, I will slip on by without worry." She sipped her tea once more and let out a giggle- a very smug and satisfied one.
"Is that all that matters to you?" asked Monomi. "Just the game? What about making friends, creating lasting memories? Don't you want to go home knowing you made your summer matter?"
Celeste threw her cup at Monomi, who barely dodged it. "Listen good, you little stuffed ball of waste!" she shouted in her real voice, "The only thing that matters is winning! I could give negative fucks about a single one of these losers, who I'm never gonna see again after this show is over anyway! I'm in this for the competition, the grand prize, and not a single fucking thing else! Celestia Ludenberg is a capital-W Winner and that's all there is to it!"
She stomped out of the room, her cards still laying on the table. Monomi looked on at her retreating figure silently, sadly.
Celestia: (in French) "I've nothing to say, please excuse me." (Quietly exists the confessional)
Mondo was loitering around the diner, sitting on basketball court, tossing the ball back and forth, throwing it up in the air and catching it. After the fifth or so time of doing this, he sighed and put the ball down.
"It's official," he said to no one in particular. "I am fucking bored."
"Oh, that's a shame," remarked Sonia, who had been passing by. "Is everything alright, Mondo?"
The biker turned his head up and greeted his teammate. "Hey, Sonia. And yeah, just feeling antsy."
Sonia smiled. "I understand the feeling," she said. "There's really not much to do in between the challenges, aside hanging out with the others, but a little alone time is always okay."
"Nail on the head, sister," Mondo nodded. "Normally, I'd just cut loose and ride on my bike but without it, I've got nothing to really relieve my stress. It frickin sucks."
"What about the bike you found during the talent show?" she asked.
Mondo scowled. "Taka keeps bitchin' about how loud it is, same with a lot of the others. It ain't worth the hassle, so I'm gonna have to suck it up."
Sonia looked like she wanted to ask something but looked hesitant. Mondo rolled his eyes at her behavior and asked her, "If something's on your mind then say it. I'm not for that hesitant bullshit."
"Well, you see," Sonia asked, "I wanted to ask what it's like to ride a motorcycle. I've never ridden one before."
Mondo looked surprised. "No bullshittin'?" When she shook her head in affirmation, Mondo continued, "guess they're not that hot where you're from."
"No, they aren't," Sonia looked down for a moment and tugged her baret. "So, can you describe it for me?"
Mondo was then quiet, contemplating exactly how to go about this. Eventually, when he figured out what to say, he replied with, "Have you ever stood in front of a big breeze of wind? Makes your hair fly all over the place and you feel as if your gonna get sucked away with the current? Well, imagine that but racing against it on your own custom-made machine, made specific so that you could tell the wind to fuck off, you're going where you Goddamn feel like! And of the wind don't like it, it can go choke! Ya followin' me?"
"Oh, I am!" Sonia chirped. "Mondo, has anyone told you that you have quite the vivid way with words?"
"My school's guidance counselor, though "vivid" wasn't exactly the word he used."
"Even so, that makes me all the more excited to try a motorcycle for myself one of these days!" the blonde declared, raising a fist skyward. "Perhaps if I win the prize money, I can purchase one for myself."
"Sorry, chick," Mondo chuckled. "But I'm winning this thing, so can't let ya do that. Tell you what though, maybe some time I could show you how to ride?"
"Really? You would!?" Sonia was positively beaming with delight now. "But," she then nervously added, "that almost sounds like, what did Hina call it, a date?"
Now it was Mondo's turn to be nervous. "Fuck, no! I mean, not that you aren't cute or anything, you are! But, I didn't mean it like that, I mean- unless-"
Mondo was interrupted by the nearby monitor turning on, revealing Monokuma, sipping on his martini as usual.
"Hey, everyone! It's that time of the day again!" he exclaimed, excited as always. "Meet me at the park in an hour. Challenge Time awaits~"
"Better get going, right? Right. See at the park!" Mondo hurriedly shouted, waving goodbye to a confused Sonia.
Sonia: (blinks) What... was that about? Ah, at least I had an enlightening discussion!
Mondo: (facepalms) Great. Job. Owada.
The campers had arrived at the park at the designated time, separated into their teams. The tension between everyone was thick enough to require several knifes to cut through.
"So, only fifteen left already, huh?" Leon pondered aloud after a quick headcount. "Starting to feel a little empty 'round here."
"I concur," Junko said, currently in her "smart" persona. "To think that just a fortnight or so has passed since the competition began."
"On the upside, we have the lead for once!" Taka added. "Apologies in advance, Rabbits, however we do not intend to stop this winning streak!"
"Hah, that's the spirit!" Nekomaru grinned wildly. "But that'll make taking you down all the more satisfying, bring it on!"
"That's what I'm talking about, Nekomaru!" Monokuma said, popping out of nowhere, Monomi in tow.
"How do you keep doing that?" Makoto asked, a tad spooked by the sudden appearance.
"I've been thinking about that," Chihiro said. "I think there has to be more than one Monokuma running around at all times. Likely in case the main one is damaged or otherwise indisposed."
"Was wondering when someone else would figure it out," Kyoko remarked.
"Good eye, Chihi!" Akane grinned, smacking the programmer's back. This had the unfortunate consequence of sending Chihiro to the ground.
"They've found my weakness, no!" Monokuma dramatically cried. Monomi shook her head and sighed.
"Anyway, for today's challenge," she began, "I need to ask you all something- Have you ever played paintball?"
"Metal!" Mondo cheered, smacking a fist into his palm.
"Finally, a good challenge," Mukuro smirked.
"I'll take that as a "yes"," Monokuma chuckled. "Now then, here's how it will work- One team has a flag that they must defend against the other team. Their goal is to keep the flag at their base until time runs out, or the attackers have all been eliminated from the challenge. Attackers, you have to get the flag back here to the park before time runs out, likewise you win by default if you manage to eliminate the defenders. One shot is all it'll take to eliminate someone, so be careful."
"Now, in order to decide which team has which role, we'll toss a coin in the air and anyone can call it!" Monomi added, pulling out a Monocoin. She flicked it into the air.
"Heads!" Hina cried out quickly. The coin fell to the ground.
"Tails, sorry Hina," Monomi said, sympathetically.
"Wonderful," Gundham drawled.
"Rubbish Rabbits, what'll it be- attack or defend?" Monokuma asked. The Rabbits huddled together and debated what to do for a few seconds. Eventually, they came to an agreement.
"We're gonna fight!" Ibuki announced. "Attack, attack, attack!"
"I'm already regretting this decision," Celeste sighed.
"That's that, then," Monokuma said. "Bears, you have half an hour to find a place to set up shop. Once you've placed the flag, you can't change it's location, so choose wisely. Rabbits, you'll be staying here until the challenge starts, so start strategying."
"That is not a word..." Sonia pointed out.
The Berserker Bears were handed a black-and-white flag by Monomi, who tripped while delivering it. The team then took off, whispering to each other about where to go.
Mukuro: Back in boot camp, paintball was something we did to test out our reflexes, team coordination, among other stuff. This should be my challenge.
Nekomaru: The choice was pretty obvious, if you ask me. We're already short a member, so we need as much hands as we can get. I think we're at a disadvantage either way, but I believe in my team to make up for it!
Chihiro: Paintball isn't really something I do often, or ever really. But maybe I can use this as a way to show how useful I can be to the team!
Sonia: I don't really understand how this works, how can paint take the shape of a ball?
At the park, the Rabbits were discussing about how to go about the challenge. Monokuma had left then a crate with their guns inside, all fully loaded.
"Shouldn't we be getting protective gear for this?" Makoto asked, looking over his weapon.
"Monokuma. Safety," snarked Celeste. "Choose."
"Right..." he sighed in defeat.
"So, what's the plan, Coach?" Ibuki asked Nekomaru.
"A full-out assault is out of the question," he replied. "I'm thinking it's best if we split up into groups."
""Fine with me," Kyoko said, uncaring. "As long as I can be with someone who won't shoot me in the back of the head," she continued, glaring at Celeste, who rolled her eyes in return.
"Adorable," she condescendingly retorted. "Much as I enjoy the pleasure of your company, I'm not throwing a challenge just to kill you. Yet..."
"Alright, alright, let's all chill for a minute," Leon said, getting in-between the girls. "So, who wants to hang with who?"
Mukuro gave Ibuki a smile, but it was ignored. Instead the musician asked Kyoko to team with her. Mukuro then turned to Leon.
"Ya mind?" she asked.
"Sure thing," he winked in return.
"Hey, Nekomaru, you wanna group up?" Makoto asked. "We don't get to talk often as-is."
"No prob!" Nekomaru and Makoto fist-bumped and the latter recoiled his hand immediately after.
"Well, this is lovely," Celeste mused.
"Try not being a bitch in the future, maybe we'll want to work with you more," Mukuro scoffed.
"Thanks for volunteering to take her, Mukuro!" Ibuki cheered, shoving Celeste to her and Leon.
"Well, I never," the gothic girl complained, fixing her outfit.
"Alright, we'll split once we get to the hotel," Nekomaru announced. "C'mon team, let's show the Bears who the real rubbish is!"
Ibuki: Maybe Ibuki is being a teensey bit petty, but I'm not ready to deal with Mukuro just yet. Besides, I've been meaning to try and have some Gal Time with Kyoko.
Makoto: (clenches and unclenches the hand he bumped) Ugh, that's gonna smart...
Celestia: Ibuki just went up a couple of spots on my "To Eliminate" list. (Pulls out a pen and paper, crosses a name out and writes Ibuki's down.)
At the same time, the Berserker Bears found themselves going to the fifth island on the other side of the archipelago. Nobody had been there until now, and they quickly realized why. The island was nothing like they had seen before, it looked like some kind of city onto itself, only in Monokuma's image. Or as Junko so plainly said:
"This place is a fuckin' dump!"
"Don't insult the dumps of the world," Taka replied, gagging at the smell coming from a nearby factory.
"Good choice, Gundham," Akane growled at the chunni. "Got an amazing eye for real estate."
"Please spare me," Gundham scoffed. "Who would even think to hide here? It's desolate and far away from the other islands."
"He's got a point," Hina shrugged.
"Hey guys, how about that warehouse?" Chihiro pointed at a large storage area that seemed very wide and had plenty of empty space.
"Nice thinking, chick," Mondo smiled. "Taka, drop it off in there."
After doing so, Taka called the team together to discuss their strategy. "Logically, I feel staying put is the apt stratagem. There's plenty of space for all of us and with our superior numbers, we can beat them through attrition."
"It would be the most pragmatic solution," Gundham agreed.
"That's so boring though," Junko replied. "I say we take the initiative and pick 'em off ourselves."
"I like this plan," Akane nodded.
"But they'd likely expect that," Hina pointed out.
"Is there a way we can compromise on this?" Sonia pondered.
"Maybe we'll do both?" Chihiro asked. "Half of us stay put, the other half go after the Rabbits?"
"Two for two today, nice," Mondo smiled at his friend, who blushed at the attention.
"Alright, those who want to go with Junko raise your hand," Taka said. Mondo, Akane and Hina did as instructed.
"Which means Chihiro, Gundham, Sonia and myself are staying then," he concluded.
"A lot less painful that I was expecting," Hina said.
"Not like I'm gonna complain," Akane replied.
Taka: I'm pleasantly surprised at how much on the ball Chihiro has been so far today. I'd say she's starting to really come into her own as a true competitor!
Monokuma: The challenge has begun! Attackers, you have three hours to retrieve the flag. Good luck and have fun~
The Rabbits moved out to the hotel and split into their groups from there, going in three separate directions. On the first island, Kyoko and Ibuki were prowling the supermarket.
"So, you're sure about this?" Ibuki asked.
"Possibly, possibly not," the detective replied. "We have to consider every angle of this, the idea that they've faked us out can't be ignored."
"I guess so." After a small silence, Ibuki asked her teammate, "You know, you're really quiet a lot of the time. Why is that?"
"I've always been like that, I suppose," Kyoko replied, checking a fridge. "I generally prefer to focus on the task at hand than blather about nothing. Perhaps it's a little "boring" as you'd put it-"
"No, I didn't mean it like that!" Ibuki assured her. "I think it's cool how you can always keep your calm like that. I couldn't if my life depended on it, ya know?"
"Thank you," Kyoko said, offering a small smile. "Looks like there's nothing here," she continued, returning to her serious face. "Let's check elsewhere."
"Maybe they hid it in one of the cottages?" Ibuki suggested. The two made their way to the door before a paintball shot at them. They ducked in the nick of time, the paint splattering a wall instead.
"Nice shootin' Tex," Junko snarked at Hina.
"Sorry, Kyoko!" the swimmer apologized as she and Junko kept firing at the retreating Rabbits.
Ibuki and Kyoko hid under the counter and returned fire but were disadvantaged by their choice of cover. Ibuki tossed a candy bar in the air and the Bears quickly shot it out of the sky.
"Ah, crud," the musician mumbled.
Ibuki: That was Heck right there! Everyone was shooting like crazy, and we were barely surviving. Not to mention the poor candy...
Kyoko: This might be the worst challenge yet.
Junko: This might be the best challenge yet!
Hina: I missed so many shots... I suck. (pouts and folds her arms)
Makoto and Nekomaru had been walking around the park for some time now. Despite their searching, they hadn't found anything.
"Well, there goes my "Hidden in Plain Sight" theory," Makoto remarked. "At least they haven't ambushed us. Yet..."
"Don't be so pessimistic," Nekomaru scolded. "Show some spirit, otherwise we might as well reserve our spots at Monokuma Rock now."
"Sorry," the short boy apologized. "I don't mean to be a downer. It's just that these last couple votes have been so stressful, it'd be nice to have a round where I didn't have to worry about voting off a friend."
"That I can agree with," Nekomaru nodded. As the duo continued their search, a question that had been bubbling inside Makoto finally burst out.
"So, why are you so against Kyoko, anyway?" Makoto asked. "I know she's not exactly the most personable of people, but she must have done something to really set you off if you're voting along with Celeste and Hifumi."
Nekomaru paused, pondering how best to go about this. Eventually, he settled on this: "Early on, we got into a little problem, I don't feel like getting into it at this time, and from there we've kind of been at odds. It's nothing really personal, just the way things have gone."
Makoto looked skeptical but chose not to press on the matter. "Well, I guess that makes sense...?" he mumbled, mostly to himself.
Suddenly, a paintball fired from out of nowhere. 'GET DOWN!" yelled Nekomaru, pushing his teammate to the ground.
"Shit, so close..." Akane grumbled as she emerged from behind the statue, gun in hand.
"A sneak attack!?" Nekomaru exclaimed, getting up from on top of Makoto. "I'm not sure if I should be shocked at the brazenness... or annoyed at the cowardice!"
"Cowardice!?" Akane growled. "Big talk for the guy who just ate a shitton of dirt!" She took aim at Nekomaru and fired, the large boy only barely dodging.
"MAKOTO! I'LL HOLD HER OFF! YOU GO GET THE FLAAAAAG!" he told his teammate.
"You gonna be okay by yourself?" Makoto asked, hesitant on leaving him behind.
"Ga-hahahaha!" laughed the manager. "Don't be so quick to assume I'd lose by myself! Nekomaru Nidai won't lose so easily! Now go, I'll cover you!"
"Alright, but don't do anything reckless! Get back to me as soon as you can shake her off!" Makoto ran to the fourth island with Nekomaru firing at Akane to keep her still. In turn, the gymnast dodged every shot he threw at her skillfully.
"Tch, don't you remember Coach? I'm a gymnast, dodgin' shit is second nature to me!"
"Then beating you will be all the more sweeeeeter!"
Nekomaru: I can do this! I must harden my heart and give Akane everything I've got!
Akane: I was tailing Coach for a while now, so I could get off a good shot. Dammit, I should have popped him when I had the chance!
Makoto: The flag wasn't on the Fourth Island either. Crap, where could they have hidden it...?
Over where they had hidden it, the four Bears that stayed behind were now facing a dilemma:
"Tch, I grow tired of this challenge already," Gundham scoffed.
"Don't go, please," Chihiro asked. "We need you here, Gundham."
"And you all cannot defend yourselves?" the chunni scoffed. "While I may be the most powerful on the island, even you three can surely pull your own weight."
"Even so, complaining isn't going to get you anywhere," Sonia replied. "If you wanted to go, then you should have left with Junko and the others."
"Correct!" Taka added.
Gundham scoffed and went to another part of the warehouse. Sonia was about to go talk to him, but Chihiro was already on her way to him.
"Hm?" Gundham hummed, curious at the programmer's sudden nerve.
"G-Gundham, um, why don't you go and stake out the island?" she suggested. "Keep an eye out for anyone coming and warn us ahead of time?"
"Not a terrible suggestion, Chihiro, but there's no need for that," Gundham replied. Then, one of his Four Dark Devas of Destruction had appeared, scurrying up to his arm.
"Ah, Invading Black Dragon Cham-P, right on cue," he smirked as the large hamster nuzzled his cheek. After a pause, Gundham nodded and Chihiro became confused.
"It appears that no one is in the area," Gundham remarked. "Thank you for the report, my minion. Now return to your scouting!" At his master's command, Cham-P leapt from his shoulder and disappeared into the darkness.
"W-Wow!" Chihiro exclaimed. "You've trained them well!"
"Kehehehe... Now do you see?" Gundham smirked. "Once we had arrived on this island, I've had my Four Dark Devas of Destruction scout the area for me to warn me of incoming Rabbits! They've been reporting back to me on the regular..." Striking a pose, he boisterously declared: 'NOW DO YOU SEE, MORTAL!? NOW DO YOU SEE THE TRUE POWER OF THE TANAKA EMPIRE?! KNEEL BEFORE ME, SINNER!"
"You don't have to yell..." Chihiro thought to himself as he shook his head to get rid of the ringing in his ears. He also made a mental note to apologize later for being rude in his thoughts.
Chihiro: I've never really been able to get a read on Gundham, he's always such an enigma.
Gundham: Chihiro's newfound bravado amuses me, amuses me very much.
Meanwhile, Taka and Sonia were conversing themselves.
"Well, that certainly sounds like an interesting story," Sonia nodded as she and Taka kept an eye out.
"Well, the important thing is is that the student was stopped before he could go through with his foolhardy endeavor. Romancing a teacher? That's against every kind of rule there is."
Sonia twirled her gun absentmindedly as Taka continued drawling. Everything seemed calm when she then took notice of a shadow. She gasped and called for Taka's attention. Hurriedly, the two made their way towards the person, who ducked behind a pile of pallets nearby.
"Halt, or we'll shoot," threatened Taka.
"I've never fired one of these before, but I always like trying new things," Sonia added, hoping she sounded less scared than she was.
Neither could say or do anything else before they were shot down from behind. As they groaned in pain, Mukuro came into view, pretending to blow off smoke from her gun. Leon came out of his hiding spot trying his best to not look so scared.
"A SNEAK ATTACK?" cried an annoyed Taka. "How cowardly of you." Mukuro rolled her eyes, unamused.
"Good work, Leon. Sorry for making you the bait," she said as her friend dusted off his pants.
"No problemo, babe," he assured. "At least I was contributing," he grumbled as Celeste walked in, not even pretending she was helping.
From the monitors, Monokuma announced, "Taka and Sonia are eliminated, they must report back here to the dining hall until the challenge is over. Bye-bye~"
"Shall we get a move on?" Celeste asked as the two Bears walked off, dropping their now-useless weapons. "We don't have all day."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mukuro whispered to Leon, who snickered.
Sonia: I feel ashamed for being the first out. (sighs) I thought I could have done slightly better.
Taka: I have heard the rumors of how Mukuro betrayed Chiaki at the last vote, and after her stunt in this challenge, their validity seems certain to me.
Leon: You know, part if me would be cool losing this challenge if it meant we'd finally get rid of Celeste. (shrugs) But that's too much effort.
Mukuro: In war, there's no such thing as "playing fair"; you do whatever you have to in order to survive. And that goes for this game too. I'm looking out for me and my sister's best interests above all else. looks away Even...
Celestia: (files her nails) Must every challenge be so barbaric? When will we get to do the singing competition or the poker game?
Mondo was around the gate of the fourth island on his own, in search of eliminating another of his competition. He had heard the news of Taka and Sonia, and knew that this meant the Rabbits were getting close to the flag. He figured that if they were on their way back to base, he could ambush them. He could overhear the fight between Nekomaru and Akane in the distance and hoped his teammate would survive.
He heard what sounded like running. Grinning, Mondo knew this was his chance. He could have sworn he saw Makoto's trademark spikey brown hair earlier, and now the smaller boy was his. Mondo leapt up and shot at the nearby person.
"AH," screamed Junko as she fell on her bottom. She looked up and growled, changing into her "punk" persona. "MONDO, YOU FUCKING MORON!"
"I'm sorry, I thought-" he was cut off by the much smaller girl grabbing him by the jacket.
"YOU SHOT ME, YOU TEAM-KILLING FUCKTARD!" she screamed.
"Look, before you murder me, I- AH, SON OF A BITCH!" Mondo dropped his gun and held his back in pain.
Another shot rang out and from behind, Mondo saw Makoto waving nervously as he pointed at the paintball he shot at Mondo.
"Mondo and Junko are out of the challenge," Monokuma announced.
"You fucking camping asshat," grumbled the biker.
"It's a legitimate strategy..." Makoto weakly replied.
"At least he hit someone from the other the other team," moaned Junko who was now in her "depressed" mood.
Junko: Well, I know who's going home next.
Mondo: (covers his face in his hands)
Makoto: Junko gets really scary when she's mad, so I felt like I owed her one. Sorry, Mondo...
Meanwhile, Hina was currently on the run. Junko had separated herself after hearing the message about Taka and Sonia, saying she was going to check on the flag. Not far behind was Kyoko and Ibuki, aiming at her.
"Just give up already, odds are that we've already got your flag," Kyoko called to her friend.
"No" Hina cried back, shooting at the girls and missing yet again.
"This is getting silly," Ibuki shook her head in frustration, "Time for the Super Deluxe Ibuki Special Attack-" Before she could pull this off, she got blasted.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" cried the musician, falling to her hands and knees. Quickly, she inhaled and exhaled and then proceeded to scream, "-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"
"And Ibuki's out of the challenge, at least the Bears won't get shut out now" said Monokuma from the monitors.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Ibuki continued as she waved goodbye and walked away. An awkward pause ensued before Kyoko and Hina both shot each other. Monokuma announced their elimination as well.
"So, how ya doin'?" Hina asked her friend as they walked to the dining hall.
Kyoko shrugged. "Celestia still wants me dead and Mukuro is for some reason committing game suicide. Aside that, I'm well. Yourself?"
Hina: Junko and I split up a little while back, no idea why. Well, at least I managed to take out two Rabbits to her zero.
Ibuki: (is somehow still screaming) -OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Kyoko: So far, my team is doing well. But, as much as I'd like to avoid more trips to Monokuma Rock, I wouldn't be opposed to losing. That way, I can finally get rid of that spoiled, faux-French brat.
Leon, Mukuro and Celestia had made their way to the interior of the warehouse, aiming to capture the flag.
"Hey, it's right there," pointed out Leon who gestured to the flag sitting in the middle of the room.
"Trap," both girls deadpanned.
A pause. Celeste took Leon's jacket off- somehow- and tossed it at the flag. From either side, behind some boxes, paintballs pelted the jacket. Weakly, it fell to the ground.
"Sorry," piped in Chihiro from behind their cover.
"I'm going in," Mukuro calmly said as she walked forward.
"Kekekekeke..." chuckled Gundham, who emerged from his hiding spot. "I admire your courage. Very well, then. I, Gundham Tanaka, shall challenge you to a duel to the death, Mukuro Ikusaba-"
Said duel ended as quick as it began with Mukuro nailing Gundham in the chest. She moved past him and stared down Chihiro, who was visibly trembling as they tried to stand their ground.
"One chance," Mukuro calmly said as she raised her weapon. Chihiro tried firing, but Mukuro dodged... and the ball instead hit Leon.
"Son of a fuck," complained the redhead. Chihiro attempted another shot, but Mukuro was quicker on the draw, and so the programmer was eliminated.
"I'll just be taking this," the cadet said smugly as Chihiro looked ready to cry.
"Excellent work, Mukuro. I knew I could count on you," Celeste smiled. Mukuro looked annoyed but kept her temper in check. Unbeknownst to the two, Chihiro was whispering something into Gundham's ear...
Leon: Ever get the feeling that you're some kind of personal Butt Monkey by a higher power, like your some character in a story getting fucked over by a douchebag author?
Celestia: (shuffles a deck of cards) Hmm, perhaps Mukuro will turn out to be a more valuable ally than I anticipated. I certainly could use her prowess in challenges.
Gundham: (looks deep in contemplation) Their tenacity is commendable, and yet it appears my own suspicions have grown more and more...
By this point, Nekomaru and Akane's duel had reached it's climax. Both looked like they were at their limits physically and were running out of bullets. Makoto had tried to intervene only yo get shot down by Akane and was sitting with the others now.
"Akane, you're all we've got left," called out Taka. "We're counting on you!"
"Don't suck, Nekomaru!" cheered Ibuki.
In-between heavy breaths, Nekomaru found the strength to belt out a laugh. "You've really come a long way, Akane," he called out to his student. "To think that you've managed to out-pace me, Nekomaru Nidai, I'm truly impressed!" He was not lying, nor trying to butter her up. Akane had managed to keep him away from the challenge almost the entire time. That resilience of hers resonated with Nekomaru, and he was proud to see his student's growth.
"Flattery gets you nowhere, Old Man," teased Akane from her hiding spot in the trees. She took notice of something coming from behind her and saw the three Rubbish Rabbits walking back with the flag, the eliminated Chihiro and Gundham slugging behind. The pressure was starting to get to her now. She couldn't afford a fuck-up, not this time. Not when everything was on the line.
Akane turned back to Nekomaru, who looked ready to pounce at any opprotunity. She looked at her gun and saw she had three shots left. Which meant she had to make them count. She took aim at Mukuro who was walking up to the park's entrance and took out the one who had slaughtered her team in one shot.
"Oh shit," she cried as she dropped. Akane grinned. One down, two to go. She turned her attention to Celestia and scoffed, the gambler was so out of her depth it wasn't even funny. She'd save her for last. She turned to Nekomaru who had fired at her direction and managed to finally slay him.
"GHHH-ARRRGH," cried Nekomaru as he went down. "Well-fought... Akane..." he said as he sat down to take a needed breather.
Celestia was all that was left, and a rare look of genuine concern filled her face as she nervously aimed her gun at nothing. Hesitently, she fired at a tree and the kickback almost made her drop her weapon. She could tell the gymnast was toying with her, knowing her superior athletic abilities made this match a joke. On Akane's end, she figured that it wouldn't do any harm to indulge the goth girl and lure her in a false sense of security. After all, even with only one bullet remaining, Akane was sure that her mark would be true.
"Just reminding you, Celes, you're boned if we lose this," Mukuro glared as she and Leon gave her the flag. Celestia rolled her eyes, but she felt the ever-mounting pressure building. The statue where she had to go to was merely feet in front of her, but could she afford to risk Akane shooting? For Akane's part, now that there was one left and she had the flag, it was time to end this.
Celestia took several deep breaths in a row to hype herself up before... throwing her gun at the tree Akane was at. Akane instinctivbely shot her shot but Celestia managed to roll out of the way. Before she realized what she was doing, Celestia had taken off to the statue where Monokuma was waiting. She firmly planted the flag down and shouted triumphantly.
"AND THE RUBBISH RABBITS WIN IMMUNITY!" called Monokuma. Celestia dusted off her clothes and gave a curtsy to everyone.
"No applause, everyone," she sarcastically said as the Bears looked infuriated snd the Rabbits were conflicted about how to feel themselves.
Akane dropped down from her tree and pounded the ground, shouting explatives. She blew it. In front of her team, her family back home, in front of Nekomaru... Akane never felt like more of a failure in this moment. As for the coach, Nekomaru looked on hopelessly. Comforting Akane would only wound her pride further and in front of everyone would blow their secret.
Monokuma turned to the Berserker Bears. "Well, the win streak was fun while it lasted, Bears, but it's back to Monokuma Rock with you, where the eighth person will be voted out of the game. Got the afternoon to figure it out, see ya laaater~"
Celestia: Hm, I never knew I had such strength...
Akane: (punches the walls)
Ibuki was back at the Titty Typhoon, strumming her guitar like this morning. She heard the door open and was not happy to see who was there.
"Hi," Mukuro weakly greeted. Ibuki grunted a reply. "Yeah, I expected that. Um, listen-"
"No," Ibuki bluntly replied. "What, did you come in here, thinking that one apology would make it all better? I trusted you, Mukuro. I wanted us and Chiaki to go to the end together, like friends. But then you stabbed me in the back, stabbed Chiaki in the back. And only now are you coming around, days after the fact."
"It's not like I meant to blow you off," insisted the soldier, "I just felt like you needed space and I-"
"I'm not stupid you know" Ibuki shouted, tears falling from her eyes. "Just because Ibuki likes to sing and dance and slack off and junk, doesn't mean I'm not some robot who only knows how to smile and nod. I really thought you were my friend, that you really liked me..."
By this point, Mukuro looked like she was about to cry herself. "Ibuki, you are-"
"DON'T FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" Ibuki had never been this angry before in her life. "Because you don't know what that means. A relationship isn't just all "Hey, Ibuki, do this for me and when we're done don't talk to me again." that isn't how it works. That may be the case where you're from, but not with me."
Now it was Mukuro's turn to be mad. "Now who's the one who knows nothing? You have no idea what my life is like, what I've had to do to get where I am, or my reasons for doing what I've done."
"Well if you just talked-"
"Save it, Mioda" Mukuro yelled, storming off. Once she was far enough away, Mukuro finally let out the cry that was building inside of her.
Mukuro: (wipes tears from eyes) God Dammit, Junko...
Ibuki: Was Ibuki too mean? ... Yeah. I was. I needed to get my frustrations out, but...
Leon, Nekomaru and Makoto were at the dining hall, having a light snack. But that wasn't the only reason for being there...
"So, you're serious about this Men's Alliance?" Nekomaru asked.
"Heck yeah, man," nodded Leon. "We gotta stick together with the girls at each others' throats. Am I right, my boy?" he turned to ask Makoto.
Makoto looked up and absentmindedly affirmed. "So anyway," Makoto asked, "I was hoping that we'd keep the target on Celestia. I'm grateful for her winning the challenge but-"
"But you wanna keep your girls, I see how it is," Leon teased his roommate. "And yeah, of course Celes is still on the chopping block next time we're at the Rock."
"Good to hear," Nekomaru said,finishing his meal. "Although I must warn you both that Celeste can't be the scapegoat forever. I don't wish to vote off any of the other girls if I can help it of course, but we must think beyonf one vote."
Neither of the two smaller boys had any rebuttal. What Nekomaru said was the absolute truth and yet, neither of them wanted to admit it out loud.
"Well then," Makoto said in an attempt to break the tension, "let's just make sure we don't keep losing?"
Nekomaru grinned. "Now that's what I'm talking about, that positive energy is just what this team needs." He grabbed Makoto into a headlock and laugh jovially as the spikey-haired youth tried his best to not suffocate. For Leon's part, the aspiring rock star just laughed.
Nekomaru: Truth be told, I care little for alliances and the like. But given my position, I'm not one to argue. And I do want to keep working with the other boys.
Leon: Okay, so this plan wasn't thought through all the way, sue me. (Scoffs)
Makoto: I don't really want to vote off anyone. I came here to make friends and have a really cool summer before buckling down for senior year and the future. I never expected to be part of any of this politicking...
Kyoko was outside her cottage, writing down something in a notebook. She hastily put it away as she noticed Celestia walking towards her.
"Oh, was I interrupting something," the gambler grinned.
"Nothing in particular," the detective replied, hoping this to be over soon.
"Ah good, then would you mind if I talked about something?"
"If this is some sad attempt to strike an alliance, you should already know the answer," Kyoko glared. she was in no mood to humor any of the girl's delusions.
"Not so much an "alliance" per se," Celestia explained, "more-so a how should I say, "temporary truce"."
"Why? You've made it no secret you want me dead."
Celestia grinned wickedly. "Because I know you want Mukuro out almost as much as you want me out. And I care little for her as well. Would it not make sense to eliminate a common threat? Especially your rival in Makoto's affections?"
"Not you too," Kyoko groaned. "There's nothing going on between Makoto and I-"
"Which is why you glance at him every time you think no one's looking, why you cared so much about helping him, why you would even bother with a D-Rank like him," Celestia could see Kyoko's face contort slightly. She was getting to her, and Kyoko knew it. Now it was time for the killing blow.
"You've seen the way he looks at her, no? How happier he is to be in her company? How they had so much fun together when we went to the amusement park? How he let her nice, clean hands touch him?-"
"Leave." Kyoko wasn't asking. Her arm was trembling, like it wanted to strike out at the nearest thing.
"As you wish," Celestia curtised. "I hope you are well."
Kyoko balled her hands into her lap before looking away from the gloved appendages. The ugly, painful appendages...
Celestia: (files her nails)As I said, nobody double-crosses celestia Ludenberg. But I won't just eliminate the girl, that's too easy. giggles darkly I'm going to destroy her...
Kyoko: (visibly shaken) I... I'm not going to let her get the best of me... I know she's only attempting to get in my head and mess with my mind. ... (shakes fist) And I could care less about either of those two. They can have each other for all I care. After all, I am a detective first and foremost. I belong to the world, not to some stupid boy I'll never see again after this...
Chihiro was by the beach on the second island, awaiting Junko's arrival. He knew she was in a bad mood when he arrived at the park and by how angry she sounded when she whispered to meet her later after the challenge. Chihiro looked at the beach house briefly before turning his attention to the beautiful sunset canvasing the area. Chihiro was not one for the outdoors, but he always had a soft appreciation for nature.
"Ah, there you are," Junko nodded casually upon arriving. "I'll make this cut and dry- we're voting Mondo." Chihiro was floored.
"B-But, Mondo's my friend, and-"
"And what, baby boy?" Junko said in her "punk" voice. "I told you, when I say something, you do it. And I could care less if you wanna fuck him or whatever, ya dumb queer. Dumbass shot me, which helped cost us the challenge."
"Even still, it was Akane who-"
Chihiro was cut off again, this time with a loud smack to his face. The small boy fell to the sand and tried fighting back the tears that instinctively came. "Do not interrupt me again, foul peasant," "Queen" Junko demanded. "You may speak when I give you the authority to."
"You and what army?" Chihiro mumbled, only to get a kick down his pants.
"I don't know where those balls grew from, but keep it up and I'll rip them off," the blonde threatened. Just then, the door to the bathhouse slammed open and in a blur, Junko found herself pinned to the sand by Mondo.
"Alright, bitch, that's enough," he growled at the struggling model. "I don't wanna hurt a woman, but you're really pissin' me off right now..."
"Are you alright, Chihiro?" asked Taka, helping his friend up.
"Yeah," Chihiro said, smiling through the pain. "Never better."
Chihiro: (placing an ice pack on his cheek) I knew that Junko wanted Mondo out, and I couldn't have that. So I convinced them to hide in the beach house so I could show them with their own eyes the truth. Even if it meant they found out what I really am...
Taka: (shocked visibly) So all this time, Chihiro has been a man dressing as a woman? I- I have no clue what to say...
Meanwhile, Gundham looked on as Sonia and Hina were trying to comfort Akane over the loss. "Neither of us blame you, I swear."
"Speak for yourself," Gundham drawled. Hina glared at him in response but the chunni stayed his ground.
"I feel like an asshole, getting all cocky when I hadn't won yet," Akane said, trying to fight through the sobs. "What kind of example am I settin' for the little ones?"
"If you should be mad, be mad at us too," Hina suggested, "cuz after all, we all kind of choked."
"I did not "choke" as you so crudely put it," Gundham defended himself.
"If you didn't do that dumb speech, you'd have kept the flag safe."
"Now that's enough," Sonia lectured. "The point is that we all take some blame for this challenge loss. There's no shame in being upset, but don't beat on yourself too hard." Akane blinked and used a gesture to suggest she tell Sonia what she just said, but was shot sown by quick shakes of the head from Gundham and Hina, who weren't in the mood to discuss slang today. Instead, the self-proclaimed "Overlord of Ice" cleared his throat and begun to speak.
"I believe it is pertinent to discuss tonight's vote," he suggested. "I believe I have an idea of whom to target."
"What'd you have in mind?" Akane asked, scratching her head. "I ain't good at thinking crap so I'll leave that to you guys."
"Gee, thanks," the swimmer sighed.
Before Gundham could elaborate, Monokuma's message went off, calling the Bears to Monokuma Rock.
"We'll talk at the vote," Sonia suggested as they got up to meet with their teammates.
And so, the eight- soon to be seven- remaining Berserker Bears all marched towards Monokuma Rock for their next elimination. Chihiro's group had hauled in an angry Junko and said they'd explain at the 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...
Akane: I don't feel as bad about this vote as I probably should. Maybe it's because I don't want to be voted off and I'm certain that I'm still the target.
Chihiro: (makes a brave face) I've been thinking long and hard about what I want to do this vote. And it's a decision I think is for the best.
Gundham: Truth be told, I'd much rather be rid of someone else. But this vote appears to be willed by causality...
Hina: (looks down) I really do not want to go through with this...
Junko: (looks somewhat visibly upset) This isn't happening, this isn't happening, there's no way I'm going to lose... Not like this; not to some freak...
Mondo: Junko was playing us all for fucking saps. (Smacks forehead) I should have fuckin' known...
Sonia: It would seem that it never gets easier having to vote someone off. If anything, I feel ever so more anxious every tri we make to Monokuma Rock.
Taka: (raises his fists) Junko's crimes will be brought to light, this I swear. Justice shall prevail
The eight teenagers took their seats silently, taking a brief moment to observe Sakura's portrait; which had a pair of arms forming an "X" over her face. They all eyes each other warily; as if they were daring someone, anyone, to make the first move and break the silence. Eventually, Chihiro decided to be that person.
"So, before we do anything else," he began, "there's something I need to get off my chest. Something I should have done a while ago. You see, the thing is, I was the one who voted for Sakura last time. It's my fault she was eliminated."
Hina looked rather upset to hear this news. "Why?" she asked. "Why would you do that, Chihiro?"
"I think I can hazard a guess, but let's allow them to explain," Gundham replied.
Chihiro nodded. "You guys know about that blackmailer? Well, they got me too."
Sonia frowned and asked, "How so?"
"Well, it's hard to say but the gist of this is... what I was blackmailed with was... my gender..." This revelation left the room dead quiet. Chihiro coughed and then continued, "I said that right. I'm a boy that dresses as a girl. It's a long story and I'm not ready to explain why right now. The point is, they forced me to vote out Sakura if I didn't want my secret to come out." He started sniffling as he fought back the tears threatening to release. "And I'm really sorry, I really am."
"I mean, I had a suspicion something was up," Hina admitted. "Twelve girls and ten boys, with seven of the girls on one team sounded off, and I'm pretty bad at math."
"That would also explain the vote when Mahiru left," Taka nodded. "When she said those things, it probably really got to you."
Chihiro nodded weakly.
"But why didn't you come forward until now?" asked Sonia. "Why not earlier?"
"B-Because... I was afraid," the programmer admitted. "I thought that if I told you, you'd hate me or worse." At this point, Chihiro couldn't contain the sobs any longer and let them loose.
"It's okay, Chihiro," Monomi reassured him through her constraints. "You can speak at your own pace." Meanwhile, Monokuma was eating some popcorn, clearly enjoying the melodrama on display.
"So do you know who it is?" asked Akane. "The bastard whose been messing with all of us, with you?"
"I do," Chihiro nodded. "It's, it's..." he tried his best to look Junko in the eye as he said it, but the words failed him.
"It's Junko" Mondo quickly finished for him. "Taka and I overheard them talk. She's the bastard we've been after."
"That's, I-" Sonia was cut off by a laugh. A cruel, twisted laugh. Junko Enoshima, who had been silent until now, started laughing loudly, echoing through the small, dimly-lit room.
"Fucking took you Einsteins long enough," she sneered in-between laughter. "I wasn't even trying, and you dumb fucks still couldn't figure it out Puhuhuhuhuhu~"
"So you confess?" Gundham asked. All Junko did was continue laughing like a madwoman.
"Don't bother, Gundham," Chihiro replied, shaking his head. "Anyway, back on topic, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to all of you. I never meant to lie or hurt anyone. And if you never want to talk to me or speak to me again, I get it. Which is why... I want you all to vote me out."
"WHAT?" asked everyone bar the still-laughing Junko and a stoic Gundham. The chunni only smirked.
"So this is why you asked me to do so earlier," he nodded. Sonia, Akane and Hina started to piece things together now.
"Dude, er Chick er, Chihiro, what are you saying?" asked a stunned Mondo. "I thought we were voting off Junko?"
Taka shook his head. "I concur with Mondo. I cannot in good conscience choose her over you, your my friend"
Chihiro couldn't help but laugh through his tears. "I know, that's why I was reluctant to tell you guys until now. Taka and Mondo, I've never met anyone like you before, and you certainly didn't seem like you'd my best friends out here. But getting to know you has been the best time of my life. So that's why, as my friends, I want you to vote for me." With a bright smile, Chihiro turned to Monokuma and said, "Okay, Monokuma. I'm ready."
"Alrighty then~" the bear complied. "Everyone pull the level in front of you to vote for who you want to eliminate. And make sure to vote~"
Once the teens had done so, the screen showed the slot machine with the cast's faces on it. Round and round it spun until the trio of slots landed on one particular face...
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"...and the eighth person voted off of Total Drama Island is... Chihiro Fujisaki" announced the bear. Chihiro smiled at his team before being crushed by Hina a giant hug, followed by Sonia, Akane and even Taka. Gundham gave a respectful nod, and Junko, having finally stopped laughing merely turned away from her now-former victim. He stood face to face with Mondo and the two bumped fists before collapsing them into a firm handshake. And with that, Chihiro left towards the Elevator of Losers, never looking back.
Chihiro: I know some will see this as a sign of giving up, but I really believe this was for the best. I'm going to get stronger, in my own way, of course. And I also have some apologies to make...
Everyone dispersed after the vote, with Mondo and Taka quietly entering their cabin. Junko had stormed off somewhere after the vote, but nobody was in the mood to talk to her.
"So, now what?" asked the biker to his roommate. "The whole reason I agreed to an alliance was because of Chihiro and now..."
"I confess that I felt the same way," Taka awkwardly agreed. "However, I don't necessarily think this partnership should come to an end."
"Fuck ya mean, Hall Monitor?"
"What I mean, Mondo," Taka explained, "is that I want to honor our friendship with Chihiro, and form a pact- we will work together from here-on. I believe we owe as much to him."
"So you want me and you to team up?" Mondo asked, looking like he was thinking it over.
"Fuck it," Mondo relented. He and Taka stretched out each other's hand and shook. Neither was quite sure of where to go from there, but they smiled at each other all the same.
Episode 9: "The Kill Shot"- THE END
Contestants Remaining: 1
4
VOTE:
Chihiro: Akane, Chihiro, Gundham, Hina, Mondo, Sonia, Taka
Junko: Junko
To Be Continued...
And that does it for Chihi. I absolutely love the little guy in canon, and I knew I wanted to tell his story when I first came u
p with this fic. But I wasn't sure how to go about it, especially since I wanted him to be a pre-merge boot since he would have run the risk of eating up too much screentime. But I think it ultimately turned out alright. Originally he was going to get cut last episode, but I swapped it with Chiaki since I felt I could give him a better send-off than what I originally planned.
I know I already said this, but I sincerely am sorry for never u
pdating this fic. I want to sincerely thank everyone whose read/reviewed/followed/favorited this dumb little thing of mine and I hope to finally get this thing on track once more.
Ja ne~ See ya later~
- Brian