Chapter 25: Zero Escape

9:22 P.M Day Ten

Waterworld

Tiki Bar

Yoshikuma stared around the gathered survivors as he sat on a stool and sipped at a fruity-looking drink. "Whelp, aren't you all looking fashionable this evening? I see some of you found some nifty new suits."

The Ultimate Shogi Player scowled as she crossed her arms over her chest and rested back against the side of the shallow pool. "We're not here to discuss fashion. You claimed to have a means out of this place. That's the reason we're all here."

Seikatsu scoffed as she looked between Tomoko and Yoshikuma. "I can't believe I'm agreeing with the ice queen, but you best get on with what you have to say, bear. Otherwise, it'll only be a matter of time until another one of these fools commits a murder."

"Woah, chill why don't ya? After what happened today, I don't think anyone is eager to pull some shit like that again," Naruhiko grumbled. "Though I can agree on us getting the heck out of dodge."

"Heh, ya got that right, lad. I think we're all ready to set sail from this death trap as soon as possible," Kaizoku mused.

"Well, thanks to yours truly, I can help you do just that! Don't despair!" Yoshikuma exclaimed in a chipper manner.

Shiho tilted her head curiously. "Should you really be so loud? Aren't we supposed to be sneaky or something?"

The Ultimate Knight sighed softly as she enjoyed the sensation of a water jet hitting the small of her back. "She does raise an excellent point. How are we supposed to escape this place without being caught? Don't the bears have surveillance everywhere? I would be surprised if they weren't already onto us."

"This better not be a trap," Haruto said sternly as he stepped between the others and the bear. "Right now, everything points to this being bait, and we're not going to fall for any of it anymore."

"Took the words right outta my mouth. This just screams schmuck bait, courtesy of Kurokuma," Lachlan added.

Sigmund raised a single brow. "If this is Kurokuma's doing, I don't see what the punchline is. Then again, he does have a bizarre sense of humor, so I suppose it's entirely possible."

"Woah, have a little faith now, will you? You all are so quick to assume the worst! Yours truly has tinkered with the surveillance, so we have a few hours before it should be back up. That's why we have to strike now or else the chance may pass us by," Yoshikuma mused.

Dolly hugged her knees against her chest. "W-What do you get out of this? Why would you help us in the first place? No one does anything for free."

Tiana placed a hand on the girl's shoulder as she narrowed her eyes at Yoshikuma. "That's a good point, Dolly. I have trouble believing you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart."

"At this time, I believe it would be wise to hear everything the bear has to say first," Chloe offered.

Annabelle nodded along to Chloe's words. "Yeah, we should hear it all so we can decide together. We need to find out if he's telling the truth; we might not have all night to talk," she explained as she looked over the bear with a serious expression.

Yoshikuma let out a sigh. "The world has truly been consumed by despair, hasn't it? Hope is really going to struggle, but hopefully it will shine brighter after all that turmoil," he said to himself before spreading a grin across his face. "So, you want to know why I'm helping you? It's because I was a victim of this park myself. Let me ask you all something. Don't you wonder where all those bears around the park came from? The gray ones that are almost like zombies..."

"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" the Punk Musician asked with a confused expression. "I mean, yeah, we've seen 'em, but what are you getting at?"

"Heh, it must seem like ages now, but you all remember the other kids who were on the coaster when you woke up, right? Let's just say that, in a sense, they're still with us. In fact, anyone who's crossed the person behind all of this is now part of the this park's staff, though they're far less like themselves. No, unlike me, they are very much just mindless drones at this point," Yoshikuma explained.

"But... that's just impossible," Haruto said. His face had turned pale in less than a second. "Electronic bears is one thing, but turning dead people into them? That defies reality! B-besides, those security bears showed up immediately after we got off the coaster. Y-you couldn't have been able to transform all those students in s-such a short time!"

Tomoko pinched the bridge of her nose. "There are a great many things I'm willing to entertain, but that is not one of them. There is already a terrible game series that has already done so. You can retire this joke already."

Yoshikuma offered a shrug. "I didn't say all the staff was comprised of the dead students. I merely said that they were added to the staff. You don't have to believe me, but don't any of you wonder why Yushikuma bled when he died? I promise that wasn't oil, though I suppose that's still not going to satisfy you, will it? Hm, let's try another tactic." He shifted his gaze to Chloe. "You kicked me through a mirror after I tried to shoot Annabelle. Does that ring any bells?"

Chloe narrowed her eyes as she looked over the bear. "You're claiming that you are Nagito?"

"Does that mean you were killed by the mastermind? Is that why your heart was taken?" Lachlan asked with an incredulous look.

"Who said the mastermind killed me? Their mole was the one who got their hands dirty," the bear responded before chuckling. "And yes, it wasn't just some morbid souvenir. I'm sure the mole delivered my heart to them. Yushikuma and Mizukuma are no different. They're all just shells of what they once were."

Laris frowned. "Even if what you're saying is remotely true, why would you help us now? Why the sudden change?"

"All of the dead students from the coaster..." Kaizoku muttered quietly to himself before shaking his head. "Are you doing this to get back at the mastermind?"

Yoshikuma extended his paws as a manic grin spread across his face. "Consider this the greatest challenge. Your hope against their despair. To escape this place would be the greatest triumph of hope. Just imagine a killing game brought low by the survivors simply casting aside everything and leaving their captor to despair alone."

Seikatsu rubbed her temple in frustration. "Is this really going to be the reason we get a chance to escape?"

"As long as it can get us out, I don't see why it matters," Annabelle said with a shrug.

"Wonderful. Now, if you don't mind, we're running short on time. I suggest you all take this opportunity to gather any necessities. Once we leave, I assure you it's a long trip home." The bear chortled softly.

Sigmund eyed him dubiously. "If what you're saying is true, then it means you know a great deal, including who's behind all of this. As a sign of good faith, why don't you tell us that first?"

"While you're at it, do you know who killed you?" Tiana questioned, raising a brow.

Yoshikuma shrugged. "I can't say. Seems I wasn't that lucky. They weren't in the mood to talk, and I don't remember seeing their face. As for the mastermind? They're smart. They never showed themself, either. When I woke up in this body, it was just Kurokuma waiting on me."

"Jeez, that's the opposite of useful!" Shiho huffed as she folded her arms over her cleavage. "So, what now? We just have to put our faith in you?"

"I'd rather call it a leap of faith. Our window won't last long. If you all want to taste freedom, meet me in the courtyard of the Amusement Park District at midnight. I'll be waiting for you there," the bear offered with a grin.

10:14 P.M Day Ten

Amusement Park District

First Aid Building

Tomoko offered a mild look of frustration as she eyed the other three girls. "Just remember to only take what is absolutely necessary. If this isn't some deadly trap, we still need to be light on our feet. If we are pursued, let's not let our luggage be our undoing."

"You don't have to worry about that. I will act as the Chariot that others can rely on. There's no way I will let others do the heavy lifting by themselves!" Seikatsu proclaimed as she gave a thumbs up to the others.

"Sei, please don't do anything unnecessary. We really don't want to overpack because, if it is a trap, we could lose whatever we take with us," Tiana explained with a sigh.

The Ultimate Knight zipped up the pack next to her. "Should there be any need to carry extra weight, you can rely on me. Keep in mind that I'm used to usually carrying an extra hundred pounds, anyways. We should carry enough for any potential emergency. We don't know what to anticipate should we actually get out of the park."

"Surely, it can't be that bad outside. If Kurokuma's word is anything to go by, our greatest threat should be within the park itself," Tomoko mused as she leaned against a nearby table, watching the other girls pack.

"For now, we are left with no choice but to trust the words of the bears. I hate to admit it, but they have been true on their words before," the Dominatrix said. She stared at Tomoko for a few moments with a slightly annoyed expression. "Are you comfortable? Let me guess, you're going to say that you're supervising us, right?"

The Ultimate Shogi Player offered a tiny smirk. "As I recall, the last time I supervised you all, it led to our survival. You shouldn't be complaining so much, Tiana."

"That might be true, but we wouldn't have had to rely on your skills in the first place if you hadn't been so antagonistic in the trial beforehand," Laris countered with a pointed stare.

"I can think of another project you were in charge of more recently that didn't go so hot," Seikatsu said, giggling childishly as her personality switched. "But don't worry about it, Tomoko, this will be our chance to make things right!"

Tomoko muttered something under her breath as she approached the trio. She slowly knelt beside them and grabbed a pack. "As if I had control of all those variables. Not even a genius can control every possible outcome."

"Perhaps it's just my imagination, but I think you've softened, even if by just a small margin," Laris mused with a light chuckle.

"Hehe, Tomoko is gonna be our friend by the end of this, mark my words," Seikatsu said, giving a beaming smile.

Tiana patted the Tarotologist on the shoulder. "It would be a nice change of pace but, for now, let's get this packing done, alright?" Seikatsu gave a thumbs up in return and followed Tiana over to another cabinet to begin sorting through the medical supplies.

10:45 P.M Day Ten

Resort District

Hotel

First Floor (Kitchen)

The Ultimate Runner took a seat at the end of the bar while Haruto and Lachlan rummaged through the kitchen. "Sorry for running late. I wanted to make sure I had my extra sensors before we set out into the great unknown. Uh, so how goes the search? We have anything that's not gonna spoil quickly?"

"Mostly canned stuff and cereals," said Haruto. "We can pack all the bread, but we'll need to use some of it each day to make the most out of it."

"Shame that most of the stuff here needs to be kept cool. Gonna be bland tastes for a while. Well, for you lot that don't like spice, that is," Lachlan mused. He took a bottle of hot sauce from the pantry and tucked it away in his coat.

Shiho rested a hand against her chin. "I think we can all deal with a little bland-tasting food. It's still better than being stuck here. I-I was thinking, maybe we shouldn't do this. What happens if something goes horribly wrong, or if someone gets hurt?"

Haruto set down a box of crackers. "I know what you mean. I still can't help but think something bad will happen if we go along with this, but the only other option is to wait for another motive... like the paintball game. For now, the best we can do is intervene the moment something bad happens."

"I know I'm gonna be keepin' an eye out. I still don't trust that Yoshikuma, anyways," the Journalist muttered. "Besides, there's no way Kurokuma doesn't at least have an idea that somethin' is going on."

"Yeah, with or without surveillance, I find it hard to believe he isn't aware of what we're doing," the Runner said as she chewed on her bottom lip. "I'm just not sure it's worth the risk. What happens if we get caught and Kurokuma punishes us? I'm just thinking we should try to convince the others against it."

Lachlan looked over Shiho carefully for a moment before softly sighing. "That's a risk some of the others are a bit too willin' to go for. It might be worth a shot to bring it up when we all gather, but I think it'll just fall on deaf ears."

Haruto looked at Shiho with a warm and sincere smile. "You know, Shiho, I'm proud of you. You normally pump your fist in the air and jump head-first into a situation, but this time, you're not doing that..."

A look of panic quickly appeared on his face. "Oh, shoot! I sounded condescending just now, didn't I?" He gave an apologetic bow. "I'm so sorry, Shiho. I'm still learning how to properly socialize. What I'm trying to say is that you are a true friend for showing such concern."

The Runner barely suppressed a wince as she rubbed her forearm. "...Thank you. I just don't want to see more of our friends get hurt. I know staying here seems counterproductive, but thinking about what could happen scares me."

Lachlan scoffed as he placed his hands down on the bar. "Y'know, I'm sure you're feelin' a bit scared, especially if you've got somethin' weighing on your conscience. Ya wouldn't have anythin' to feel guilty about, would you?"

"It's not like that..." Shiho said as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. "It's just, after losing so many people, I don't want us to do anything to put someone else in danger."

"What are you getting at, Lachlan?" Haruto had a curious expression.

"Something about Shiho's talk doesn't sit right with me," Lachlan explained, looking between the two of them. "You can play it off as worry, but I can't see why you'd be so adamant to put the kibosh on this plan. You're also the one who always gives out the fake smiles. Are you playing us?"

The Ultimate Runner shook her head vigorously. "I-I'm not trying to 'put the kibosh' on anything! It's just that, after Tomoko's plan fell through, I'm worried about what might happen next. I swear, I don't want to see anyone else hurt!"

"Tomoko's plan..." Haruto stared off into space for a while, his face a little dark. "Lachlan, do you think Shiho is the mole? If so, then you're also accusing her of killing Nagito, right? I don't think she's capable of doing that. Plus, I don't believe she was even near the flapjack place when the murder happened."

"I'm not sold on anyone in particular as far as the mole's identity goes. Hell, I don't even know if there's only one, but I sure as shit ain't gonna look over someone acting so suspect."

"...You're more than welcome to not trust me. No matter what you think, though, I don't want to lose more of our friends. Keeping people alive is all that matters to me right now," Shiho murmured. "We should probably get going. If we're going to do this, we can't afford to waste time."

Lachlan slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and stepped towards the door. "Fine. Maybe I'm bein' an ass about this, but I'll be damned if I let anything slip by under my nose." After that was said, he stomped out of the room.

"Sorry about that, Shiho." Haruto rested a hand on her shoulder. "This place can spread paranoia easily. I feel it at times, but I still trust you... I'm sure everything will be fine. Being extra careful is what we need right now."

The Runner offered a strained smile. "Thank you, Haruto. You're very kind and thoughtful. I really hope this place doesn't take that away from you," she said as she straightened before following after the Journalist.

The Parental Figure watched her leave. Once the door closed, he let out several shaky breaths, as if he had woken up from a nightmare. He combed his hand through his hair. "This is harder than I thought. I can't give up, though. I swear on my life that I will become a better man, one that can help those my age!"

11:03 P.M Day Ten

Waterworld

Sports Shop

Sigmund sighed and leaned against his crutch. "Can someone remind me why we're collecting so much equipment in the first place?" He offered a dour expression as he regarded the various rafts, life-jackets, and paddles that had been gathered in the center of the shop.

"We're collecting them on the chance that this ghastly park is on an island. Try to keep up, Siggy," Chloe teased as she stood next to the man.

"Yeah, Crutchy! Put your best leg forward. Heh, or in your case, your only leg. Just stop jabbering and help, why don't ya?" Becky snorted from Dolly's arm as the Ventriloquist tried to pack an inflatable raft into a satchel.

Annabelle frowned at the doll as she help Dolly with the raft. "Do you always have to be so rude? Why can't you just be friendly, for once?"

The Doll scoffed. "World ain't built on niceness, kid. I mean, look around us. We've got six stiffs so far. I'm looking out for Dolls because I don't trust any of you meatheads."

"Funny, that might be the first thing you've said that I agree with," Sigmund said in a deadpan manner. "As to why I was asking about the equipment, I don't recall Madison being given anything of the sort when she left us. So, either she was sent to her death, or there is no reason to fret over supplies."

"While that is true, that doesn't mean she didn't get any after she left. Why would the mastermind show off what may be needed for survival right in front of all of us?" Chloe asked with a raised eyebrow.

The Investigator closed the bag containing the raft and put it to the side. "I guess that makes sense, but are we just going to abandon this stuff if it turns out that we don't need it?"

"...I-I mean, there's no harm, right? If we don't need it, we can just ditch it. It's probably better to have and not need, than need and not have," Dolly responded timidly.

The Paralympic Athlete sighed. "I'll save my breath. Clearly, everyone is dead-set on gathering supplies for this little journey. If you ask me, I get the sense it may be a very short trek."

"It might be but, if it isn't, we'd be dooming ourselves for not taking what we could need," Annabelle said with a nod.

A snort escaped Becky. "Guess he's missing a brain along with an arm and leg."

"Becky, please be nice," Dolly chastised lightly as she stared down at her companion. "We need to try to get along."

Sigmund ignored the banter as he turned to the doorway. "Do as you will. Mark my word, all of this is a moot point. I think most of us realize that already, but we're trying to deceive ourselves out of desperation. I hope that I'm wrong, but I have a sinking feeling that I am not," he said as he shuffled towards the door.

The Ventriloquist frowned. "And I thought I was a pessimist. I-I wonder if he's right, though."

"In the end, it doesn't matter. We should keep working, especially now that we're a person short," Chloe answered flatly, turning her attention back towards the pile of equipment.

11:32 P.M Day Ten

Waterworld

Emergency Room

"...I believe I've had enough guests for one day. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to let the meds give me a brief respite," Soo Yeong uttered in weary breaths as his visible eye lazily shifted between the two boys in front of him.

Naruhiko awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "'Fraid we can't do that, Doc. We ain't got any time to waste. We need to get your keester out of here."

The Surgeon sighed in annoyance. "What exactly are you talking about? I am in no condition to go anywhere. Where are you suggesting we go, anyways?"

"Long story short, we got a strong lead on the tunnels that would let us escape this place. We're all meeting at midnight to make an attempt for it," Kaizoku explained. "We don't plan to just abandon you here if it turns out to be for real."

Naruhiko offered a reassuring grin as he slung his arm around the Sailor's shoulder. "Zoku took the words right outta my mouth! We're gonna bust ya out here, Doc, and blow this joint!"

Soo Yeong shifted ever so slightly in his bed. With the wrappings around his face, it was impossible to discern his reaction. "...Does this have something to do with the manner in which Nagito entered the park?"

Kaizoku nodded with a pensive look. "It does. Believe it or not, Nagito is the one who gave us the details. Well, a bear that seems to have Nagito's memories did. Apparently, the mastermind had something to do with his missing heart."

"Yeah, I sort of just zoned out when Yoshi was going over all that junk. The important part is that we have a ticket out of the park, so let's get you out of here!" Naruhiko exclaimed as he offered the Surgeon a thumbs up.

"Heh, that is certainly a thoughtful gesture. However, if such an escape is possible, it would be better for you to simply leave me behind. I betrayed all of you, and now I'm suffering the consequences. If I were to accompany you all, I would only be deadweight," Soo Yeong responded in a hollow voice.

"Even so, it wouldn't sit right with me to leave you behind," Kaizoku started. He seemed to drift off in thought for a few moments before looking back to the others. "Though, if I'm being honest, I'm very worried we'll get betrayed again because of what Seikatsu told me. I'd hate to pull you along into a trap..."

The Punk Musician frowned. "Shit. I mean, that's a chance we have to take, right? We can't just leave you here, Doc. If we're getting out of this mess, we're gonna do it together."

The Surgeon shut his eye. "You misunderstand my meaning. I'm not sure I care anymore for my own wellbeing. Ever since I awoke earlier, I've been plagued with doubt. I keep thinking to myself that perhaps I should have surrendered to my fate. Just leave me be and see to yourselves."

"After I gave up on my own life, I decided to use it for others. I knew about Utano, but I didn't do anything about him, so I owe it to you to help you now," Kaizoku said firmly. The Sailor crossed his arms over his chest.

"The fact is that we all could have done more. Maybe we could have stopped Utano from going off the deep end and hurting anyone. There's a lot of crap we'll never know. I'm sure as shit not gonna let you throw everything away, though. You can fight all you like, but we're not leaving ya behind. You should know by now that I'm a stubborn ass. There ain't a chance of you talking me out of it," Naruhiko added with a cocky grin.

Soo Yeong shook his head. "You idiots really are quite the pair. It seems my protests are in vain. I should be thankful, I suppose, that someone - that anyone - would go to such lengths after what I've done."

"Aye, lad, now let's get you ready to move out." Kaizoku smirked as he moved to the opposite side of the bed.

11:57 P.M Day Ten

Amusement Park District

Courtyard

Yoshikuma offered a wide grin as the large group converged by the water fountain. "Great, it's wonderful to see such hope still thriving in all of you. Even the doctor himself joined us. As I said earlier, we have a short margin of time, so make sure you follow my every move." He chortled.

Without wasting any time, he waddled through the fountain before gesturing above his head at at the statue. "Someone mind helping me? There's a switch in the head, but I can't reach it in this body."

"I'll do it," Haruto said. "Best be on your guard, everyone." He climbed onto the statue and reached for its head.

A shudder filled the courtyard and the water quaked. A few seconds elapsed before the base of the fountain rotated ninety degrees, revealing a large opening with a ladder leading downward...

"Well shit, looks like he wasn't bluffing. Now we just gotta figure out how to get the doc down that ladder," Naruhiko mused as he looked at Kaizoku, who was helping him support the Surgeon.

"I've had to haul stuff on ladders before. Think you'll be alright on my back, lad?" the Sailor asked, looking at Soo Yeong.

Soo Yeong offered a weak chuckle. "...I'm far past alright, Kaizoku, but peeling my face off and being stabbed hasn't killed me. I think I can manage."

"So, who wants to be the first to go down the creepy ladder that is most definitely not leading us into a trap?" Sigmund delivered the question in a sardonic manner while he shambled closer to peer over the edge.

Yoshikuma huffed. "Have a little faith, will you? I'll go first, since I actually know the way. When we get down there, it's a sewer system. Before I figured out how to escape, I was down there for nearly a week."

Lachlan sighed adjusting the bag on his shoulder. "That's comforting to hear. Glad we brought our own food, then, 'cause I don't want to know what you survived on down there."

"Heh, some things are better left to your imagination." The bear laughed as he grabbed onto the ladder and slid down it.

The Shogi Player rolled her eyes. "Chloe, why don't you stay at the front while Laris watches our backs? If this is a trap, we should take precautions."

"As you wish, M'lady. I'll be our rear guard, though I hope that such a thing isn't necessary," Laris mused as she rested a hand upon the pommel of her sword.

Chloe smirked as she moved to the edge of the hole. "Very well, I will keep an eye out for any other traps. Now, we best get moving, oui?" The Femme Fatale winked at the Knight before taking off down the ladder.

One by one, each of the survivors followed after the Fashion Designer. Laris brought up the rear, right behind Kaizoku, Naruhiko, and Soo Yeong. The ladder descended nearly a hundred feet and the chamber beyond was dimly lit by faint, red lights. The stench of waste wafted through the air. Two channels of sewage followed along either side of the walkway.

"It's times like this when I really wish my other senses weren't sharper," Shiho whispered as her nose curled in disgust.

"Heh, it's a small price to pay for freedom. Come on, and don't lag behind. This sewer system is like a labyrinth, and I think you all have had your share of that already." Yoshikuma chuckled as he waddled forward and veered down a passage to the right.

"Oh, to hell with this! I think I'd rather go back to killing each other! Do you know how hard it is to get this stink out of your clothes?!" Becky howled in protest.

The Ultimate Dominatrix offered the doll a cross look before snapping a crop an inch away from her face. "Shh! You will do no such thing, and you will refrain from yelling. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

"Y-You got it, mistress!" the doll responded in a surprisingly nervous manner.

"Hmm, it's good to see a lady who knows when to lay down the law. Come along, everyone. No point complaining now that we're already here, so keep pressing on," Seikatsu said in a commanding tone.

"Yeah, we can't give up now! It's way too soon to throw in the towel!" Annabelle cheered.

The group fell into hushed murmurs while it trailed after Yoshikuma. Minutes ticked by as everyone followed the silver bear through winding tunnels, most of which looked identical. The only thing serving to identify them as unique were occasional scratches along the walls.

The bear finally broke his silence, though he kept moving forward. His voice carried back to everyone behind him. "I was lucky it only took a few days. This network could easily take someone months to navigate, and that's if they ever found their way out. I made a point to mark places periodically to keep me from going in circles."

The Parental Figure, who stood in the middle of the line, looked past those in front to glance at the bear. "How far are we from the exit?"

"Not far at all. Just a few more turns, actually. You'll be glad you suffered through this when you taste free air again."

"Hey, Yoshi, how did you even get here from the outside? Like, how did you find the sewers?" Annabelle asked as she followed alongside Haruto.

Tomoko's lips pulled into a tight line. "Yes, I have to admit that I was curious as well. I somehow doubt you just stumbled upon a killing game by chance. You seemed driven here for a reason."

The bear offered a wide grin as he rounded another turn. "Getting straight to the point, are we? Perhaps I was pointed in this direction. I guess you could say I wanted to see the despair and hope that filled the participants of this game. After all, it was most of you who built this place. When this game began, I was curious to see which side would prevail. However, I think I have my answer now, so there's no reason to remain here any longer."

"You're going to have to clarify something for us. What do you mean we built this place?" Sigmund asked suspiciously. "Are you speaking figuratively, or literally?"

"Do you think a park this size just materializes out of thin air? Between the subservient kumas and the captured ultimates, the mastermind had all the workforce they needed," Yoshikuma explained without missing a beat.

"So you are saying that we were the ones who constructed this park? That is simply ridiculous," Seikatsu retorted. She crossed her arms while glaring at the bear.

"Yeah, I've been on some less than legal substances in my days on tour, but I think I'd remember something like that," Naruhiko snorted.

The bear shook his head. "It doesn't matter what you believe. You can discuss it amongst yourselves later. I think I have something you're far more interested in." He chuckled to himself as he rounded a corner. On the other side was a large opening and what appeared to be moonlight spilling from outside. "As promised, I kept up my end of the bargain."

A look of wonder filled Tiana's face. "You were actually telling us the truth. This is actually it?"

"I'll be damned. It's hard to dispute it when I see it with my own eyes," Lachlan muttered.

"I told you all that I knew how to escape, though I have to apologize for not being entirely honest. It's just not in my nature," Yoshikuma said. The bear waddled forward past the threshold before a reinforced steel gate suddenly appeared, separating the group from him. "But to see you all plunged into a deeper despair, well, that gives me hope. I want to see if you can rise from that pit. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see that in person. This is where we part," the bear said as he continued without so much as a glance backwards.

Becky let out an enraged scream. "Come back here, you fucking coward! I'll tear your ears off! No one fucks with Dolls or me!"

Kaizoku sighed as he looked towards Seikatsu briefly, "Betrayal. I keep getting warnings about these things and I just fall for it anyways. Sorry, Soo."

The Surgeon grimaced slightly. "...That may be the least of our worries right now," he rasped out.

Laris gritted her teeth as she brandished her sword in both hands. "This was all a trap. Despite all the signs, we still fell for it," she seethed before a chortle could be heard.

"Bahaha! What a fucking riot! Look at those sad faces! You really thought it would be that easy. For a moment, you actually thought you were home free." Kurokuma laughed as he waddled into sight before clapping his hands. "All in all, it was a nice jail break routine. Unfortunately, a dirty rat tipped me off - and no, it wasn't Yoshikuma. He was just banking on this outcome, I bet."

"What now, then? Do you plan to subject us to another death game or something?" Tomoko asked. Malice laced her tone.

The dark-toned bear snickered. "Now why would I want to do that? This despair is even more overpowering than the scent of shit and piss in these sewers. I do have to lay down the law, though, don't I? Heh, I've got the perfect punishment. Since you all were so keen on breaking out to reunite with your loved ones, let's put them in the crosshairs, shall we? You have forty-eight hours before I start killing off a hostage every day. I know this is a classic from Hope's Peak, but we're bringing back the Hostage Motive!"

"Son of a bitch!" Naruhiko spat as he glared venomously at the bear. "You think you can just keep fucking with us? I swear to God, I'm gonna throttle you!"

"Y-Y-You're getting s-sloppy, Kurokuma!" Haruto was trembling. "I'm pretty sure some of us had h-hostages involved in that Wild Card motive, earlier. I-If we didn't cave in at that point, then we surely won't now!"

A dark gleam filled the bear's eyes as the emergency lights were cut off. Only his red eye glowed in the darkness. "Ohoho, but the Wild Card motive was just that. Everyone had something different. Besides, why not use something again if it isn't broken? Maybe it's not your loved one, but being trapped in the dark with a possible killer that will convince you to strike. Pleasant dreams, kiddos. Don't let the despair bugs bite..."

14 Survivors Remain

OMAKE

The camera turned on to show Kanade and Kaizoku sitting Tiana and Haruto's usual places. Kaizoku smiled brightly at the camera. "Hello, everyone, I'm Kaizoku."

Kanade gave a small nod at the camera. "I'm Kanade."

"And this is the Post Game Talk Show," the couple introduced.

Kanade kept her attention on the camera. "Tiana and Haruto asked us to announce for them that they will be out for the next few episodes of the Post Game Talk Show. They both, for some reason, agreed to help Patrick and Otto with their wedding plans even though their wedding isn't until June."

"Plus, we're all having to get ready for Sonia and Gundam's wedding," Kaizoku added. "And then the week after is Kokichi and Nagito's wedding." He chuckled. "We're all surrounded by couples getting married. What do you want to bet Haruto's going to propose to Tiana sometime between now and the next episode they're back?"

Kanade chuckled. "If he does, then you better propose to me soon after." She turned her attention to the camera. "Anyhow, we need to get into the interview for today. Lately, on 'Kuma-Kuma Land,' Kaizoku's character has been getting 'shipped' with Shiho and Naruhiko, and people have been wanting to see all three together in an interview." She looked over at Kaizoku. "Am I using that word correctly?"

A bright smile on his face, Kaizoku nodded. "Now if I can get you to say 'yeet' and 'swag,' I can die happy."

"I would rather play 'Fur Elise' while choking on a tuna fish," Kanade retorted. "Anyways, please welcome to the studio Naruhiko Murai and Shiho Jiyū." The couple walked in, Naruhiko's arm wrapped around Shiho's waist. They sat down on the couch.

Shiho waved at everyone in the studio. "Hi, guys, it's so great to be here." She gave Naruhiko's arm a light pat. "Go ahead, Hun."

The taller glanced up at the camera before blushing. His gaze darted to the ground. He waved at the camera. "Hi."

"So, Shiho, Naru, how are you doing?" Kaizoku inquired.

"I'm doing very well," Shiho responded, talking to the camera. Naruhiko gently moved Shiho's head so that it was pointed towards Kaizoku. "Thanks, Hun."

Naruhiko blushed again as he muttered, "You're welcome."

"It still astounds me how loud and bombastic he can be for the show," Kanade commented.

Shiho giggled. "I love it. I can really hear his voice whenever he's filming a scene, and his singing voice is so great." She pouted. "Now if only I could see his face."

"He's very cute if that helps you," Kaizoku stated. Naruhiko's face became as red as a tomato while Kanade snickered. Naruhiko hid his face in the crook of Shiho's neck.

"Did you guys embarrass him?" Shiho questioned. Naruhiko nodded, his face still hidden. "Hun, it's okay." She felt around on his head before placing her hand in hair. She began combing his fingers through her boyfriend's hair.

"I think I'm going to get diabetes from how adorable this is," Kanade commented.

Shiho huffed. "I'm pretty sure you and Kaizoku can be just as adorable."

Kaizoku chuckled. "We can be, but…Kanade needs to say the words first."

"I'm not saying those cursed, cringey words," Kanade hissed.

"What're the words?" Naruhiko asked, his voice very soft.

"Yeet and swag," Kanade grumbled. The four then froze, their eyes wide.

"Did you just say them?" Shiho questioned. Naruhiko snickered.

Kaizoku squealed. "You said the words, Kana! You said them! I'm so proud!"

"Sh-shut up!" Kanade snapped, her cheeks becoming a bright shade of red. "I was tricked into saying them!"

"Don't blame this on Naruhiko," Shiho protested, wrapping her arms around the boy.

Kaizoku began laughing loudly. "You said them! You said them! I've never been so happy!"

Kanade let out a heavy sigh. "Are you really happy that I said the words?"

"So happy," Kaizoku responded, wiping tears from his eyes. Kanade cracked a smile.

"Then I'm happy too," Kanade replied.

"Now who's giving someone diabetes?" Shiho teased.

"Cute," Naruhiko muttered, a small smile on his face. His eyes flickered over to the camera. "Bella's saying to wrap it up."

"Aw, but we were just having fun," Shiho whined.

Kanade chuckled before turning her attention to the camera. "This has been the Post Game Talk Show."

"And we'll see you all after the next episode," Shiho and Kaizoku stated. All four waved at the camera.

"Bye," Naruhiko muttered, a small smile on his face.

*AN* As always I'd like to thank my betas for all their help and a big shoutout to PettyPunk and Fee5H for helping bring many of these scenes to life! You both rock!

Review Section:

Blazerxz

Haha I love that every chapter is followed by a list of questions. I'm glad people are staying invested!

MudkipOfDespair

Well I'm trying to keep these stories connected in some way!

BirblordAlmighty

Maaaaaybe ;)

doomqwer

Hah too much of a good thing can't last right?

NSPunny

If it were so straightforward, I'm sure it would be anticlimactic. However it's not that simple.

ThePLOThand

He has a pretty good track record, but he's not always right lol

pokemansuperallstar

Bahaha I've made you so nervous haven't I? I feel so bad for poor Shiho. She's in an unwinnable situation.

ShinyOshawottKing1

Hah that's why I was just honest about it with you :P

The Kobold Necromancer

THE PLOT THICKENS! *CUE DRAMATIC MUSIC!*

bellatrixshine

Lol at this rate Bella, you're gonna be hugging a ton of people. Thanks again for another awesome omake!