Benny: Get down!

Paige: Get down!

Claire: Get down!

(We call continued screaming at Curt, but to no avail.

He continued climbing.)

Sentrykuma: FIRING.

(The sentry shot a round of bullets that just barely missed Curt's left rib.)

Sentrykuma: FIRING.

(The gun fired again, this time, just missing Curt's left arm.

Does this thing seriously have bad aim, or is it missing on purpose?)

Sentrykuma: FIRING.

Violet: No!

(The gun fired, and missed the left side of Curt's skull. Curt halted to catch his breath.

It is missing on purpose. It's almost teasing us, why?

This next shot...must be for real.)

Sentrykuma: FIRING.

Suds: No!

(A split second before the final round fired, Curt finally let go and began falling.

He chose logic after all...but now that moron's gonna die by hitting the ground!

Shit!)

Violet: Ah!

(I dashed towards the wall to catch Curt. Everyone else did the same.

As I ran, a bullet from the sentry's final round brushed against my right cheek. D-Damn.

Cookie managed to run past us all, and caught Curt before he met the ground.

I saw him in Cookie's arms. His limp body was bleeding from dozens of cuts and he was breathing irregularly.)

Cookie: Oh thank God.

Beck: I-Is he ok?!

Cookie: He looks pretty roughed up, but it doesn't look too serious.

Violet: I-I could try patching him up but I don't have anything to do it with!

Jack: There is medical equipment in one of the mall's stores. I'll lead the way!

(Violet, Jack, and Cookie ran off into the mall to treat Curt's wounds.

Everyone else stayed outside, it's probably best to not get in their way. Also, we're all too shocked to move anymore.)

?: Puhuhuhu! See what happens when you defy me?

(That's...him again.

Monokuma appeared on the mall's monitor.)

Monokuma: We have laws for a reason people! Please follow them.

(I yelled at the screen.)

Ryan: You fucker! Why are you doing this?!

Monokuma: As mayor I must uphold the harmony of my city! That's why there are laws, and from now one, if you break a law, you die.

Tom: B-But...

Monokuma: One of those laws is that "all citizens must participate in the killing game" soooo...you guys better start doing that-

Chris: We are not going to kill each other! No matter what you say!

Monokuma: You keep believing that, and I'll get my popcorn ready for when the killing starts! It can't be long now...

(Before he vanishes, I need to address something.)

Ryan: You were just using curt as an example, why did you keep him alive?

Monokuma: Oh so you noticed I made the sentry miss on purpose? That answer's pretty obvious, the killing game wouldn't be as fun if there were only 15 people playing it! Puhuhuhuhu!

(Monokuma ended his broadcast with us and the mall monitor returned to playing random shit.

He really wants us to play this game, and now, he's saying we have to.)

May: Just...just don't listen to him guys. Our plan still stays.

Tom: Yeah...yeah...

Paige: I hope Curt is ok.

May: He'll be fine, luckily Violet is a veterinarian so she knows how to handle stuff like this.

Chatty: Yeah 'cuse that dude's an animal!

May: That's not what I meant.

Benny: Technically we're all animals, and now we're all animals trapped in a city-shaped-cage. It's a safe cage, because we all promised not to bite each other.

Chris: Uh...that's one way to look at it...I guess.

May: Why don't we all head back to the hotel for a bit, we need to relax. I'm sure Violet will let us know when Curt is ok.

(We all agreed and returned to our rooms.)

(That was insane.

Every second things get more insane.

Are we really going to be able to handle this?

Isn't someone going to...eventually...no.

Uhg, I can't just lay here with this crazy shit on my mind.

I need to find someone to talk to.)

-FREE TIME START-

(Everyone who's not tending to Curt is inside their room, so who should I talk with...

Maybe Paige? I mean she's annoying but if she could actually manage to make me laugh, that might be healthy for me.

I went down to the girl's floor and knocked on Paige's door. All the room doors are now labeled with shitty drawings.

Paige opened the door.)

Paige: Oh, 'sup Ryan?

Ryan: Nothing I uh-

Paige: Don't worry I know why you're here.

Ryan: Huh?

Paige: You want me to turn your frown upside down!

(Sorta but I would never phrase it like that.)

Paige: You can count on me sir! Let's go to the theater I'll put on a show just for you!

Ryan: Why can't we just talk here-

(Paige grabbed me by the arm and dragged me all the way to the theater across the street.

I sat in the front row seat and watched Paige put on a mediocre show.

None of her humor actually got me so I just faked a few chuckles, that made her happy to see and honestly, I was sorta happy she was willingly to help me out like this.)

(After her show Paige jumped down from the stage.)

Paige: So how was that? Did ya' like it?

Ryan: Of course, it was hilarious. As expected from the Ultimate Clown-

Paige: What are you talking about that was terrible!

Ryan: Huh? No-

Paige: That's what you're really thinking isn't it? You don't gotta lie to me. You don't think I'm funny.

(Wow she saw right through me.)

Ryan: Well...yeah...your humor is pretty weak.

Paige: Thank you!

Ryan: Thank you?

Paige: Yeah, thanks for the constructive criticism.

(I wouldn't call that constructive.)

Paige: Now I know I still need to improve, but don't worry, one day I'll make you laugh for real! That's a promise!

Ryan: Then I'm looking forward to that. How could you see through my fake laughter anyways? I thought I was being pretty convincing.

Paige: Well ya' weren't! I know what true happiness looks like.

Ryan: Really?

Paige: Yup, and what you expressed just now was obviously not true happiness.

Ryan: Then what the hell is "true happiness"?

Paige: It can't really be explained, I've never experienced it myself but, I've certainly seen others experience it.

Ryan: How do you even know that?

Paige; 'Cuse you can tell just by looking at someone. They'll smile the brightest smile, laugh the most genuine laugh, and their eyes will sparkle like stars. As a clown, it's my goal to inflict that feeling on everyone I can!

Ryan: Wow, you actually kind of have your act together after all.

Paige: I don't think that can be said until I actually accomplish my goal, but thank you. I defiantly make you my next victim, my next joyous victim!

(Given our current situation, you shouldn't phrase it like that.)

Ryan: Then I wish you luck.

(Paige and I walked back to the hotel.

I shared with her some info about my sense of humor and we parted ways.

Surprisingly, I actually made a connection with that clown.)

+1 Friendship Fragment

1/5 Paige Fragments

(Hm...seems like they're still treating Curt.

Guess I'll find someone else to hang out with for a bit.)

-FREE TIME START-

(Maybe I'll hang out with Tom, he seems like one of the only sensible people here.

I knocked on Tom's door.)

Tom: Huh? Oh, you. Are you here force more of your negative opinions on me?

Ryan: No I-I just wanted to hang out, I don't really like being cooped up in my room.

Tom: Oh alright then, let's try and keep our minds off of what's going on. Why don't we go see if there are leftovers in the cafe?

Ryan: Sure.

(Tom and I took the elevator down to the cafe.

We sat down, ate some of breakfast leftovers, and tired to have a casual conversation.)

Ryan: So you're the "Ultimate Delivery Boy"...what exactly does that mean?

Tom: First of all I prefer the term "Delivery Man", "Delivery Boy" sounds degrading. And, well, it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like.

Ryan: You're really good at delivery pizza?

Tom: Yeah but there's more to it than that!

Ryan: You work for Amazon too?

Tom: Yeah..b-but there's even more than that...I just can't talk about it.

Ryan: What do you mean?

Tom: Uh...let's just say some of my deliveries are...classified.

Ryan: Oh so, you delivery weapons and like...deep web stuff?

Tom: No no no-well actually kind of-but no! I can't talk about it, I've signed nondisclosure agreements and stuff.

Ryan: Ok...but until you explain it to me I'm just gonna assume you're an international drug dealer.

Tom: I would never-urgh-whatever I guess it doesn't matter given our situation, I'll tell ya but you can't tell anyone else. I work the government! I'm their go-to guy for priority, classified deliveries! All thanks to my reliable speed and stealth!

("Speed and stealth"? I would've never guessed just by lookin' at this guy.)

Ryan: Seriously?

Tom: Yup, I've delivered all sorts of secret documents and prototype weapons within and across national borders.

Ryan: So you're like a secret agent?

Tom: Holy shit I never thought about it that way, that makes it sound way cooler! "I'm an Amazon truck driver by day, and a secret agent by night"! Oh that's so awesome I gotta tell everyone that!

(What happened to those "nondisclosure agreements"?)

Tom: Maybe then Beck will stop laughing about my "pathetic talent".

Ryan: Why do you care what she thinks? Do you two have a thing goin' on?

Tom: No way that girl is crazy! I mean as far as I know I just met her and she almost got me killed with her firework stunt. I'm just sick of her making fun of me.

Ryan: Ah ok ok...

Tom: D-Don't make that face! I'm being serious I don't like her at all!

(He's acting like a grade schooler.)

Tom: Ah whatever, I'm gonna head back to my room. I can tell ya' all about my "secret agent missions" some other time.

Ryan: Alright, later.

(Tom returned to his room, probably because I was embarrassing him.

Despite that, I think we started a bit of friendship.

I'm honestly interested to hear about his "missions", I want to know if he's actually telling the truth about that.

Guess I'll head back to my room.)

+1 Friendship Fragment

1/5 Tom Fragments

-end -

(It's weird, after hanging out with those two I realized...I still don't remember anything.

It seems like at this point everyone, even Violet, has at least remembered about their talents.

So why haven't I recalled anything?

I still can't see myself as an educator at all, is that even true?

Hell is my name even Ryan? It sounds like it suits me but I have no clue if it's the truth.

All I can remember is, well, my personality, that's all...)

*bzzt*

(Suddenly my MonoSurface buzzed, I got a message from Violet.

Seems like she sent this to everyone.)

"Hey guys! Curt is OK! I was able to patch up his wounds a bit :D"

"Please come meet us in the mall, thank you."

(That's good to hear, even though I was expecting him to be fine.

Monokuma kept him alive.)

(I made my way, along with everyone else form the hotel, to the mall.

Once I opened the entrance door, Curt was standing right in front of me.

He looked alright aside from the bandages and gauze around his arms and legs.

But why is he at the entrance? Shouldn't he be rest-)

Cookie: Get back here!

(Cookie suddenly ran up from behind Curt and pulled him away, Violet and Jack were inside as well.

Everyone else and I walked into the mall.)

Ryan: What's going on now?

Jack: This fool wants to climb that cursid wall again.

Suds: What?

Tom: You can't do that! T-That sentry will kill you!

Ivy: And you're already hurt!

Violet: That's what we've been telling him, he won't listen to us!

Curt: I-I'm a man! I can't listen to words of cowards!

Chatty: We ain't cowards!

Claire: Yeah.

Beck: That gun will-

Curt: I'll be quicker this time and avoid it.

Benny: You can't dodge bullets, though, it'd be kinda funny to see you try.

Chris: No it wouldn't!

May: Why are you so obsessed with climbing that wall?

Curt: Because I'm not a coward! Behind that wall, there is defiantly a way out, and I'm not gonna let some damn robot scare me like you cowards. I'm a man!

(After saying that, Curt began to cry.

This is what having hope does to people.

He knows for a fact that we can't get out of here, but he's putting on a show because he's following false hope.)

Jenn: He's...crying?

(Cookie let go of Curt, and Curt fell to the floor and continued crying.)

Curt: There is a way out back there we just-we just have to be men and-and get past that fucking wall!

(For a bit, everyone stood in silence watching the despair that has already consumed us, consume Curt.

Soon enough, May approached Curt and sat by his side.)

May: It's ok to be a coward sometimes, but right now, even though we aren't trying to escape, I think we're still being strong.

Curt: No you've all given up, only cowards give up! Men...strong people don't-

May: We have not given up! We've just accepted what we can and can't do. One of those things we can't do, is escape. It's hard to accept but...that acceptance is what makes us strong.

Benny: Soo you're pretty much saying Curt is being a coward and we aren't-

(I nudged Benny to make him shut up, his comments aren't gonna help this consoling, even if what he said is true.)

May: I'm...sort of saying that yeah. Do you understand, Curt?

Curt: *sigh* I just...I just wish there was another way.

Monokuma: THERE IS ANOTHER WAY YOU SAPPY MORONS!

(Wha-Where the hell did come from?!)

Monokuma: Yeesh how many times are you guys gonna make me go over it. I've explained it like ten times already. *sigh* Alright one last time then...the only way to-

Tom: Yeah yeah yeah we get the killing game whatever!

Jenn: New flash, for the tenth time, we are not going to kill each other!

Jack: Now begone foul beast!

Monokuma: Aw why are you guys being so mean to me...you elected me to be mayor you know.

Tom: No we didn't and if we did we don't remember and we hate our past-selves for doing that!

Monokuma: Puhuhuhuhu!

-end -

(The bear left as fast as it arrived.)

Ryan: Grr, damn thing showed up to provoke us again.

Violet: Why does he want us to play this killing game so badly.

May: We don't need to concern ourselves with that. This whole "killing game" thing shouldn't be on our minds at all. If we're gonna be strong, we'll be strong by defying that bear's desires!

(Curt finally stood up.)

Curt: Yeah...I get it now. Thank you everyone...I'm going to go rest in my room now.

Violet: I-I'll go with you, it would be bad if one of your wounds opened up again.

(Curt and Violet left the mall.)

Cookie: *sigh* God I hate this...how about I go cook some dinner for all of us?

Tom: Hell yeah I'm starving!

(You and I pretty much just ate though.)

(We all returned to the hotel and pretty much went our separate ways while Cookie prepared dinner.

I returned to my room.)

Ryan: *sigh* This really does suck, but as along as everyone else stays sane, it should all work out.

*knock knock*

(Huh? Who's at my door?

I got up and answered, it's Benny? Not who I was expecting.

I was expecting it to be Violet, who would clumsily fall onto of me again..well...not that I want that to happen.)

Benny: Heya Ryan!

Ryan: Uh...what do you want?

Benny: Well since we have some freetime, I wanted to come by and earn your trust. Remember how you didn't believe what I was saying about my tablet the other day?

Ryan: Uh...no? So much has happened I don't really-

Benny: That's fine. The other day I was talking about how my tablet doesn't say my name or talent when I boot it up.

(Oh yeah I remember.)

Benny: I didn't have my tablet with me at the time but, now I do! Check it!

(Benny held up his tablet to me and turned it on, after the lock screen the tablet loaded, during the loading screen nothing was shown expect for the city emblem.)

Benny: See? It doesn't say my name or talent like it does on everyone else's!

Ryan: Yeah that's defiantly weird-

Benny: So you trust me now, right?!

Ryan: Of course.

(Well honestly, no. If there's anyone here to be wary of it's "Mr. No Identity".

Sure he has a goofball personality like mostly everyone else, but that could be a lie.

There's no way of knowing, and, who cares at this point.)

Benny: Ha ha! Glad to hear it dude!

(Benny patted my back as if we were best buds all of a sudden.)

*bzzt*

Benny: Oh I got a message! Let's see here.

(Benny moved the tablet away form me and navigated his messages.)

Benny: Ooohh it's from Violet...

(Must be another message to everyone-)

Benny: "Why don't you come to the alley way and show me more of those tricks of yours".

Ryan: W-What?!

Benny: Ha ha ha! Just kidding just kidding!

(He patted my back again.)

Benny: I wanted to get ya' jealous, did you get jealous?

Ryan: Now I didn't I-

(Now I see how Tom felt earlier.)

Benny: Whatever, this is actually a message to everyone saying that dinner is ready.

Ryan: Oh...good. Let's go eat then.

Benny: I'll be there in a sec, I gotta go eat Violet first.

Ryan: W-What?!

Benny: Ha ha! Sorry I couldn't help myself, let's go eat...dinner...not Violet...that would be weird...if we both did it.

(I walked to the elevator as Benny continued his dirty joke.

This guy is seriously acts like a twelve year old...but at least he's trying to get along with me...even if I don't want him to.)

+1 Friendship Fragment

1/5 Benny Fragments

(We went to the cafe and were stunned by the amazing buffet Cookie cooked up.

This guy, seriously is an "Ultimate".)

Ryan: This stuff looks amazing Cookie.

Cookie: Thank you, you're all too kind. I've prepared some dessert as well, since cooking desserts is my true forte after all.

Benny: Oohh can I skip straight to dessert?!

Cookie: Uh-n I'd like that to be a surprise.

Benny: Fine.

(Benny and I grabbed our food and sat at the table.

Soon enough everyone else came down, and we enjoyed a nice meal together, despite everything that has been going on.)

Violet: Curt you're feeling ok right?

Curt: I feel great, no pain at all! Let me tell ya guys, Violet here, is an amazing nurse.

(Violet blushed.)

Violet: No no I'm not that great at all. I'm not even a nurse I'm a vet.

Suds: Yeah, you must have picked up some medical skills on the battlefield.

Violet: I'm not a "veteran" I'm a "veterinarian".

Suds: Really? I've been hearing it wrong this whole time.

Chatty: Probably because that stupid helmet of yours is blocking your ears.

Suds: What did you say?

Chatty: Exactly.

(We all laughed.

This is nice, but how are we able to have such a nice time right now?

I guess, that's the power of ignoring your problems.)

(We continued having banter, and once we all finished eating, Cookie stood up.)

Cookie: I'll go get the dessert.

Benny: Yaay!

Paige: I wonder what it is.

Tom: I don't think I can eat much more.

Beck: Shouldn't you be used to eating a lot? You probably eat large pizzas by yourself all the time.

Tom: I don't just deliver pizzas I already told you-

(Cookie came out the kitchen carrying a large plate with some sort of cake on it.)

Cookie: Ta-da!

(The cake was shaped like two symbols and was covered with rainbow gradient frosting and sprinkles.)

Jenn: You made that?! It looks way better than any of the food I've had to report about.

Chris: That's pretty damn amazing.

Ivy: What is supposed to be shaped like? Are those ancient alien symbols?

(Wait I know what it says...it's Chinese.

Wait, how do I know Chinese all of a sudden?

Is that...part of my talent?)

Cookie: Its not alien symbols it-

Ryan: It says "Friendship" in Chinese.

Cookie: Yes, I've learned bits and pieces of other languages through my international travels, and well, I thought these symbols have a sort of beauty to them.

May: It looks beautiful, almost be a shame to eat it.

Cookie: Oh don't say that, I want you all to enjoy it. Eating this cake together, will be the true mark of our friendship!

Benny: Ooohh I get it now, that's pretty sappy but I want cake damn it!

Cookie: Go ahead and dig in!

(Benny snatched the first slice of cake and everyone else took a piece after him.

We are cutting up "friendship" but we are also giving it to each other.

This is really it then.

We are all friends now.

We can trust each other.

We can have faith in each other.

We can...make this work.)

(We enjoyed the rest of our meal together, had some more banter, and before we knew it, it was nighttime.

After Monokuma made a nighttime announcement over the intercom, we all said good night, and returned to our rooms.)

TO BE CONTINUED...