Note: This chapter is kind of longer than expected because of a lot of dialogue. Speaking of dialogue, prepare yourselves for a game of 'how many swears can I fit into a few sentences' because Kuzuryuu talks for longer than a few lines later in the chapter.
"Hnn!" Gundam stares at... something. What it actually is, he has no idea. It looks like... a bomb. A bomb on top of a stick with a bunch of spinning gears and a flashing timer. The animal breeder stands at Jabberwock Park, gazing in confusion at the giant mechanism that sits, whirring loudly, where the statue once was. After a few moments of just staring along with most of the other people there, Hinata arrives with Koizumi, Sonia, and an upset Souda. The mechanic mumbles angrily about coconut milk. Togami rolls his eyes, huffing haughtily.
"You'd think thin people like you wouldn't be as slow as you are."
"T-Togami-san, maybe it is you who is too fast?" Sonia takes a few labored breaths. Gundam guesses the small group had run here. Souda mutters something angrily about Togami being fat.
"So... what are we supposed to be seeing here?" Owari asks, earning her a multitude of disbelieving looks, Togami included.
"What are you... supposed to be seeing?" His mouth agape in confounded disgust, Togami stares at the gymnast. "Are you... truly such a small-minded simpleton that you can't see the obvious?" Hinata goes around, talking to a few people before looking up and gasping in surprise.
"W-woah! Was that here before?!"
"Mu... I do not believe so..." Nidai crosses his arms, staring up at the strange machine.
"I believe it was put here somewhere last night, as it was definitely not here yesterday, and I saw it first early this morning on my walk." Togami harumphs, still glancing at Owari in disbelief every once in a while.
"Monobear must have put it here." Pekoyama crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. "...But what does this countdown mean?"
"Maybe it's..." Mioda glances at it, then looks away. "Ibuki has no idea..."
"It could be a bomb." Gundam says, earning a fearful shriek from Souda ("A BOMB?!").
"If they, whoever they are, were going to blow up the island, why would they bother with a timer?" Togami crosses his arms.
"Th-th-then what's it counting down to?" Tsumiki asks, fidgeting with her apron.
"Dunno." Owari glances in the direction of the hotel, and the restaurant, with a look of longing.
"Vewy stwange indeed." Sonia screams at the voice, which causes Monomi to scream in response. This makes Souda scream, which makes Monomi scream. The rabbit and the mechanic trade screams for about a minute, before Togami silences them both with an intense glare.
"M-Monomi!" Hinata looks at the rabbit in surprise. She turns to him.
"Yes?"
"Why are you here?" Koizumi asks. Gundam holds back the answer about to slip from his lips. He has to keep a low profile.
"I just wanted to see what's going on. I heard you guys talking and came to see what was going on." She cocks her head. "Why do you ask?"
"C-cause you died!" Souda screeches. Monomi just laughs.
"Oh, that's what you're concerned about?" The rabbit just giggles. "Aww, you guys cawed about what happened to me? How sweet! It's okay, I didn't actually die! I can't, after all."
"Ah, you come from the underworld then? Splendid, I rarely have the chance to domesticate the beasts from bellow." Gundam chuckles evilly, making the rabbit sweat.
"Monomi's just a program...med robot, right? You can't kill something that isn't alive." Nanami asks, using her seemingly slow nature to play off her folly. Everyone buys it.
"Yeah... yeah that makes sense. It's obvious she'd have spares." Souda scratches the back of his head, trying to play off his folly of screaming at said rabbit. Nobody buys it.
"S-spare? I don't wike the sound of that..." Monomi blubbers.
"Alright enough." Togami dismisses the rabbit with a wave of his hand, then reconsiders. "Actually, hold on. I need to ask you something. What does the countdown mean?" He nonchalantly waves his hand at the bomb-object.
"Countdown?..." Monomi looks in confusion at the machine, then gasps. Gundam can tell from the get-go that she's lying. "Howawa, that thing? I... I'm so sowwy! I don't weawy understand it."
"You really don't know?" Koizumi sighs in disappointment.
"Weww... no... but we can find out together, wight? We can dwive this Monobear off of the island if we work together!" Togami scoffs at her.
"You're useless. Go away."
"B-but..."
"Go." Togami points toward the hotel and Monomi sulks away.
"Do you think... maybe we were a bit too harsh?" Sonia clutches lightly at the bow on her chest.
"Sonia-san! Can I call you Sonia-san? I'll call you Sonia-san!" Souda excitedly points at the retreating rabbit. "We shouldn't care about her! She's probably in cahoots with Monobear, ya know!" Koizumi rolls her eyes at the mechanic. Togami shakes his head.
"None of this matters right now. It's just one more mystery piled upon our current stack of unknowns. Why these islands are empty aside from us, why this thing is here, why we're here for that matter."
"Ugugu... too many mysteries! Ibuki's head is going to explode!"
"Yes, there are a colossal amount of mysteries." Before he can continue, the group launches into an argument about the potential answers to these mysteries.
"It's obvious that they were run out!" "Please... it was probably a massacre by those Monobeasts." "R-really?!" "Don't just believe everything you hear!" "What are we even talking about again?" "Seriously?" Togami sighs.
"Enough!" He silences everyone with a shout. They stop, turning towards him. "While we do not know everything, we can be sure about one thing." He pauses for a moment, letting that sink in.
"What are you saying?..." Hinata asks.
"I'm saying it wasn't just some kids from the drama club that organized this. It's obviously the work of a powerful organization." He crosses his arms and snorts. "Monomi, Monobear, the Monobeasts... it takes lots of expertise, not to mention wealth, to be able to create something like these. Plus, whoever is operating these machines is likely also watching through the surveillance cameras scattered around."
"Yeah, but like... I can't think of any big organizations..." Owari scratches her head. Togami groans in exasperation.
"I can. Several, in fact." He scrunches up his face. "The Novoselic kingdom. The Kuzuryuu Family. My own Togami Conglomerate. Any organization as big as these would be able to do it."
"Wha-?!" Sonia gasps.
"Whatever. Think what you want." Kuzuryuu scoffs, sticking his hands in his pockets. A few cries of outrage come from the crowd, mainly in defense of Sonia. Togami rolls his eyes and scoffs.
"Please. I was just giving examples."
"But they all certainly count as powerful organizations..." Pekoyama points out. "And even if one did exist, what reason would they have for doing this?"
"Hey, hows about we turn the topic towards something a bit more realistic, like lunch?" Hanamura chuckles nervously. Togami ignores him.
"Potential reasons are unknown to me. Once we know who exactly they are, that will change, of course. Basically, I'm saying that our first priority should be finding out who exactly did this." Gundam glances away. Saionji plays with her kimono. Komaeda stares at the sky. Nanami fiddles with the game device in her hands. Togami glances at each of them before going back to talking. "...Anyway. As leader, my first course of action is this." Togami jabs a finger out dramatically. It catches Souda in the eye, the mechanic stumbling back and whimpering. The imposter heir glances at him for a second before continuing. "We must explore every nook and cranny! There must be a clue, however small. We must search like our lives depend on it. And they very well could."
"Yeah! Let's do it!" Owari cracks her knuckles in excitement, then grins stupidly and puts a hand on her hip. "What are we doing?"
"A-Akane-chan, were you listening? We're going to look for clues to the enemy's identity."
"Hah. Do not worry, lithe one." Gundam lets out a chuckle. "I will pick up the slack which you so carelessly create! The Four Dark Gods of Destruction will gleefully aid me in this task!" Gundam flings his arms out, putting on a show, and his hamsters leap from the folds in his scarf, posing dramatically on his outspread limbs. Most of the kids just chuckle or roll their eyes, but Sonia squeals in delight.
"Aha! His cute little hamsters popped out of his scarf! That's so precious!" Gundam feels heat rise to his cheeks at the princess' comment. He retracts his arms, quickly yanking his scarf up over his cheeks.
"Huo... Uh... Thanks." Mioda leans forward with a laugh.
"Haha! Look, he's blushing!"
"Speaking to Sonia-san so freely... I'll have to give him a beating later..." Souda mumbles to himself, jealousy evident on his face.
"Hehe... you beat somebody up? While your personality may not be much, at least you're an alright joker." Saionji giggles menacingly, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Tha- wait a minute, hey!" Souda glares at the dancer.
"Enough. I have one final announcement to make." Everybody shuts up and turns to Togami. "This will be a very time-consuming task. As such, there is no room for very much free time. This includes murder. If you lot have no idea what to even do, then at least pretend. It's possible for even a broken clock to be right two times a day. And most importantly, follow my guidance. I will keep you secure. Now get going. This is an order." With a final huff, Togami turns away.
"Kyahaaaa! So coooooool!" Mioda cheers.
"Ha! When he moves around, he's all wobbly! We should call him 'Mr. Porkfeet'!" Saionji says.
"Mr... Porkfeet?" Togami seems to consider this, then chuckles. "Hmm... I don't think anybody has ever had the audacity to give me such a nickname..." Hinata goes on to ask him about why he's not angry about it, and the imposter heir launches into a tangent that Gundam tunes out.
"Well then, like Togami-kun said, if we work together, we'll make it through this! As friends! Comrades!" Komaeda smiles happily.
"Ooh, Big bro Komaeda, you sound like a total dork again!" Saionji informs him, rather bluntly.
"Ah, sorry. I had a feeling it was a bit hammy." Komaeda laughs it off, and the students disperse. Togami gives Gundam a stare of suspicion before walking away. The animal breeder sighs. He turns to look at Komaeda and Saionji, interested in discussing the current situation, only to find himself with a face full of Sonia Nevermind. The princess smiles at him cheekily.
"Uh... may I help you?" Gundam raises an eyebrow at the girl. She takes a step towards him, nearly pressing herself up against him. Gundam takes a half step back.
"Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted to come investigate with me."
"Well I uh-" She cuts him off by grabbing his wrist and pulling him along.
"Great!"
"Huo-!" As the princess yanks him after her, Gundam catches a glimpse of his two companions standing next to the pedestal. Komaeda has an amused smirk on his face, while Saionji's arms are crossed in annoyance. He feebly waves at them before finally being pulled out of sight by the hyperactive foreigner.
After hours of 'investigating' (which was really Sonia investigating Gundam's interests over a cup of tea or ten), an announcement comes over the monitors.
"Um... this is the Hope's Peak Academy's Field Trip Executive Committee. It's time for some long awaited recreational activities! It's making me jittery just thinking about it! Come down to Jabberwock Park for the mandatory school activity!" The announcement ends with a hiss of static. Gundam sighs.
"Oh. I guess our investigation is over, Tanaka-san." Sonia cocks her head and smiles unhappily.
"Aye. Let's get moving." Gundam, reluctantly, extends a hand to her, which she gladly takes. They walk to the park together. Gundam grunts when he realizes they're early, the only others there being Togami, Nanami, and Nidai. The animal breeder shoots a fleeting glance at the empty stage sitting in front of the pedestal. Other students slowly trickle in. Saionji dragging a somewhat flustered Koizumi. Mioda and Tsumiki. Owari and Souda, the latter glaring at Gundam as he passes. Hinata is, like always, the last to arrive. He walks with Pekoyama, surprisingly.
"Hmph. I smell a touch of cowardice here." Both of the new arrivals stare at the imposter heir blankly. He rolls his eyes. "Whatever. It looks like we're all here now."
"Man, what does Monobear want now?" Souda slips a hand under his beanie to fist a hand in his hair. Kuzuryuu laughs at him.
"If you're just gonna stand here and bitch about it, then you shouldn't have come." The gangster smirks. Souda just glares at him.
"Sh-shut up, dude! Who knows what would have happened if I didn't come? Monobear said it was mandatory."
"Y'know, that's a pretty good question. Why don't you pussy out now, just so we can see what happens?" Kuzuryuu takes a step towards Souda, eyes glinting intimidatingly. The mechanic takes a timid step back.
"That's quite enough! I bet you only came because you were scared." It's Koizumi of all people who decides to stand up for Souda. Said boy nods vigorously.
"...Eh? What'd you just say? Sorry, I don't understand bitch." Kuzuryuu turns his glare to the photographer. She puts her hands on her hips.
"Well I never! " Koizumi clicks her tongue. "Hmph. I'd bet even a high and mighty 'gangster' like yourself couldn't even handle Monobear." The gangster's face turns red.
"Oh yeah?!" Kuzuryuu reels back his fist. In an instant, Gundam is between them, catching the boy's fist in his hand. With a quick shove, Kuzuryuu is sent stumbling back. He manages to balance himself out, then grunts. "Hah. You stupid shit."
"Oh? You were the pathetic mortal attempting to hit one weaker than yourself." Gundam crosses his arms and closes his eyes, cracking one open to stare at Kuzuryuu after a second thought.
"Hey! Weaker? What are you implying?" Koizumi glares at Gundam, who snorts.
"All I'm saying is that human females are typically weaker than the males. That is all."
"Oh ho ho, look at this. Mr. White Knight is getting told off by the stupid slut he was trying to protect." Kuzuryuu spits a glob of phlegm at Gundam's feet. Both the animal breeder and the photographer turn to him in anger.
"You dare?" "S-Slut?!" The three quickly start shouting at each other, stopped only by Togami, Hinata, and Komaeda physically pulling them back.
"Guys, guys, please! We're all friends here, we shouldn't be fighting." Komaeda nervously utters from behind Koizumi, holding the fuming girl by the shoulder.
"Feh. Friends? Hah, don't make me laugh, you idiot." Kuzuryuu slaps Togami's hand off of his shoulder, glaring at the imposter. "Let me make myself clear, you shit heads." He smirks, staring at Koiuzmi and Souda in particular. "I will not even hesitate to murder one of you."
"Wh-wh-what?" Hanamura stutters out, clutching at his shirt.
"Why... why would you say that?" Tsumiki blubbers, already wiping away her tears.
"Why do you think, dumbass? I don't give a shit about any of you. Not a single one. Am I clear here?" Kuzuryuu crosses his arms with a satisfied harumph.
"Crystal." Gundam stares down the gangster, who glares right back. The crowd is silent for a moment, when Hinata of all people speaks up.
"Y'know Kuzuryuu... how about you calm down a bit? Fighting isn't going to do us any good." The boy glances over at Koizumi and Gundam. "You guys too." Gundam scoffs. Koizumi huffs.
"Don't say my name so lightly. You know how easy it would be to cut your fingers off on and sell them on the black market? Individually?" Hinata takes a surprised step back, bumping into Gundam. "Ooh yeah, not so tough now, are ya, Mr. No Talent? That's what I thought. You idiots have no idea where I came from. These rules that Monobear guy came up with? So much easier than that old 'become friends' shit. I fuckin' grew up like this. Don't test me."
"Don't test you?! There's no need for that when we've already determined how much of a prick you are!" Koizumi jabs a finger at Kuzuryuu, who just rolls his eyes and looks at the rest of the silent crowd.
"Oy, somebody shut this whore up, would ya? I'm getting' sick of this bull." Koizumi's mouth opens and closes silently, making Kuzuryuu chuckle.
"...Enough with this petty name calling. It's getting us nowhere." Pekoyama stands still, surprisingly. Or that's how it would seem to somebody unaware of her affiliation with the gangster.
"Shut up. Why should I take part in this messed up activity where we all 'pretend' to be friends? Nobody here is friends, you all know that damn well." Gundam scoffs at the gangster's words. Mainly because there are people with friends. He lets the yakuza heir keep talking though. "Hell, I don't give a rat's ass about these damn rules either. Someone try to kill me, right now. I dare you."
"Ooooooh yeah! A challenge! Let's go, right now!" Owari takes a step forward, glaring excitedly at Kuzuryuu. He shifts into a fighting stance. Gundam sees the experience in it and wonders if the gangster really does have more than just his bark.
"...Are we done here?" Togami stares at Kuzuryuu, who falls back into a neutral pose.
"...Huh?"
"Kuzuryuu, I understand how you think. I too once thought that way." Togami crosses his arms with a cocky smile.
"Yeah? Who cares, fatso?! Don't treat me like a kid!"
"Oh, believe me Kuzuryuu, I'm not treating you like a child. You're doing that for me." Kuzuryuu grunts angrily, clenching a fist, but Togami keeps going. "But use that peanut brain for a moment. I doubt you even read the rules. If you can't hide the murder, it will be you who dies next. And with all these witnesses here, do you really think that it would be wise to kill here? Or perhaps, that's what you want?" The imposter heir's eyes connect with Kuzuryuu's. "You want to be found out and executed? A roundabout way of committing suicide so you can escape this predicament? Because that would be truly childish."
"Y-you... you..." Kuzuryuu goes blue in the face, but can't sputter out anymore.
"Listen here. I am your leader. I will not let a single person die under my command. That includes you, Kuzuryuu," The heir turns to glance at Koizumi, "you, Koizumi," Next, Togami's gaze bores into Gundam's retinas, "and you, Tanaka." He nods and faces the rest of the group. "And all of you lot as well."
"D-don't act like such a pretentious bastard..." Kuzuryuu's voice has lost most of its zeal, his words ringing hollow.
"Hmph. That is a good point, Kuzuryuu. Had I been a normal person, this would just be some reassuring talk that would leave your minds the moment I finished. But I am not a normal person. I am Byakuya Togami, the Super High School Level Heir. And I can make it happen."
"Kukukukuku... so cool! Ibuki's going numb..."
"Ah, on the contrary! I'm getting all tingly!" Both Mioda and Hanamura are shushed by a glance from Togami.
"Feh. You can't tell me what to do. I'll do what I want..." Kuzuryuu looks unsure of himself, staring passively at the sky.
"Of course. As long as what you want does not involve murder." Togami dismisses Kuzuryuu, then turns to Monobear. "You may speak." Everyone turns, surprised, finding the bear standing there in a blue suit jacket.
"Ah, I wasn't really sure when to come in, since you guys were having such an interesting conversation and all..." The monochrome bear rubs the back of his head guiltily. "But uh... anyway..."
"What's with the outfit?" Nanami cocks her head curiously.
"Oh, this? It's for today's recreational activity, of course."
"Does that mean..." Saionji trails off, waiting for the bear to finish. He takes the bait.
"Yup! It's a hilarious comedy act fit for a tropical island! Isn't that right, dearest Monomi?" He steps to the side, revealing the sniffling rabbit in a poofy, frilly dress. Gundam chokes back laughter, and judging by the sounds made by the group, so do a few other kids.
"Hmm... I figured as much..." Nidai snorts, picking at his ear.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright you bastards, prepare to laugh your hearts out, maybe even literally, at 'Monobear's Amazing Super Cool Dual Comedy Act'!" The crowd is silent. Monobear was clearly expecting applause. "What's with the silence?"
"...You must be joking." Gundam sighs, pulling his scarf up. Monobear just laughs.
"That's the spirit!" Monobear drags Monomi onto the stage, cackling all the while. When he reaches the platform, the curtains swing closed for a moment. When they swing themselves open, Monobear and Monomi stand behind a microphone, with a string of lights hanging over them. "Good evening, ladies and gents, I'm Monobear!"
"A-and I'm Monomi..."
"Together, we're the Monobearz!" "Together, we'we the Monobeawz..." Gundam snorts. This is ridiculous. What's the point of this charade?
"Alright, let's start out with my special mind reading technique! I call it, the All Seeing Monoeye!" "That's a pwetty widiculous name..." "Anyway... Think of your favorite food!" "I-I'll give you a hint. I'm a wabbit..." "I think it's... ca-" "Go on!" "-davers!" "Wah wah wah what?! I don't eat dead people!" "Yeah uh huh, okay. Oh no!" Monobear glances down at his wrist, then thrusts it out towards Monomi. "Look at the time!" "B-b-but you don't have a watch!" "Look closer!" When Monomi leans in, Monobear uses his other hand to bop Monomi on the head. "Ow! That weawwy hurt..." "Oh don't cry so much. I'm just ending the show." "But it's onwy been a few minutes!" "You want to keep going?" "..." "Yeah, that's what I thought." Monobear throws out his arms. "Tadaaa! That's for watching Monobear's Amazing Super Cool Dual Comedy Act!"
"..." A pin dropping could be heard. Monobear slowly falls back into a resting position, staring at the sixteen unamused faces staring at him. The bear slaps himself in the face.
"Ugh, jeez. Fine I'll keep going. Kids these days, so hard to please..." He puts his arm around Monomi threateningly. "So Monomi, how about we talk about you?"
"M-me?" Monomi looks nervous, glancing around. "Wh-wh-what about me?"
"Oh... you know... just how rude you were to these kids. Not very nice what you did." The group glances around at each other, confused. "I mean... that's some serious stuff."
"I-I-I don't know what you're talking about..." Monomi frantically looks at the kids, wiping off some sweat.
"You don't? Hmm... I could have sworn them having their memories stolen was your doing, after all."
"Howawawawa?!"
"And they weren't even dumb memories either! No, it wasn't silly things like falling in the shower or not being able to pay for lunch because you spent more than you had. It was actually..." Monobear leans forward, his red eye glinting evilly. "Your entire school life. That's right, you bastards! All those years you spend at Hope's Peak? Gone!" He cackles in amusement, smashing Monomi roughly in the head with his fist. "That isn't even an original plot device!"
"..." The kids are silent, this time for a different reason.
"H-hey now..." Hinata anxiously holds a hand out, then lets it drop to his side.
"Well well well, are you bastards amused now? I worked really hard on that routine, you know. Although could it be that you're not laughing because my comedy is too high-brow?..." Monobear jumps off of the stage, removing his suit jacket and tossing it haphazardly onto the ground.
"Oy... what was that all about?" Togami tries to hide his surprise and shock.
"What was wha- ooooh, you mean the comedy act?" Monobear chuckles. "I'm telling you, maybe it was a bit too high-brow."
"Not that, you dumb shit! The memories thing!" Kuzuryuu clenches his fist, waving it aggressively in Monobear's direction.
"Oh. That. Well it's simple. They were taken away. Jeez, how many times to I have to say it?"
"Well uh... that's not true though... right? Ibuki's first day at Hope's Peak was today..." Ibuki plays with her hair, anxiously looking around at the others. "...Right?" A few of the others hesitantly nod in agreement.
"Yeah, but that's what they want you to think, you know."
"H-hold a moment... but that's... impossible?" Sonia says unsteadily, playing with her bow.
"Dunno. But if it is true, how much time do you think has passed? What's happened to all of your friends and families, I wonder?" Monobear shrugs. "I think the worst part is you probably won't ever get to find out." Horrified gasps sound out. Gundam clenches his fists. This isn't right. Why does this bear have all the information it does? It's not like it's part of the program.
"What... what do you mean?" Souda chokes out, clutching his beanie in his vice-like grip.
"Eh? Oh, I mean... this bomb looks pretty dangerous, doesn't it?" The bear casually motions toward the giant timer on the pedestal. Someone screams, and a few accusing glances are shot at Togami. "It sucks, doesn't it?"
"D-don't wisten to him, childwen! He's lying!" Monomi flails her arms about wildly.
"Yeah, you bastards! Don't listen to me! Listen to the punk who stole your memories instead!" Monobear throws back his head and laughs while Monomi sputters. "But I think I have a deal to offer you. It's much better than anything that rabbit can do!" He spins around on a stubby foot with a cackle. "I know a way out of here! I'll bring you bastards with me!" Everyone freezes up, staring at the bear.
"N-n-now hold on!" Koizumi stutters out. "We don't even know if it's actually a bomb or not!"
"That much is true! But are you sure? Would you bastards bet your lives on it?" Monobear snickers at the silence. "That's what I thought. Back to my benevolent offer..." He spins around again. "I'll really get you guys out of here, but on one condition!" Gundam knows what's coming, but it still horrifies him to hear. "I want a murder. Just one little killing. That, mon amigos, is my one, nonnegotiable condition!"
"Hey! Shut up!" Owari glares angrily at Monobear, face contorted in fury. "You've been sayin' too much for way too long!"
"Ack, so cruel! I just wanted to help you guys!" The bear acts offended. "But look on the bright side! Now you have a motive to kill! All you guys needed was a little push, I'm sure!"
"Fool! You think anyone will kill just because of your mad stories?" Togami clenches his fist and points angrily at Monobear.
"Y-yeah! I don't even believe your dumb stuff anyway!" Owari takes a threatening step towards Monobear.
"Okay. You might not. But somebody else might." Monobear chuckles.
"Wh-what's that supposed to mean?!" Souda shouts, and Gundam can tell he's on the verge of tears again.
"I mean, you bastards know next to nothing about each other." Monobear throws back his head in a maniacal screech. "I mean, you haven't even noticed the traitor among you!" Gundam freezes up in shock. A quick glance reveals the same look on Komaeda and Saionji's faces. "Only fifteen of you were supposed to be here! Which means one of you is a filthy traitor!"
"Oy! Tell us who it is, you fuckin' toy!" Kuzuryuu shouts angrily.
"Ah, don't yell at me! I don't know! I mean, it's not like I can see everything here! This traitor must be really crafty though! I mean, messing around with you bastards like it's a game! Treating you like animals, making you do silly dances for their amusement. Hoo boy. Good luck finding out who they are though." Monobear puts emphasis on a few words. Words that would seem random to most of the others. Not to Gundam though. No, those words are all too clear to him. Monobear knows.
"Y-you're lying!" Koizumi accuses, raising her arm to point, but slowly dropping it back down to her side when the bear just keeps giggling.
"Maybe I am! But who knows? They could be scheming a murder right now! Ahahaha!" With an explosive laugh, Monobear walks away, his laugh echoing through the air for a few moments before fading out.
"I-is one of us really the traitor?..." Tsumiki asks before glancing around. She then pulls up her arms in front of her face and wails. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to accuse anybody!"
"TRAITOR! REVEAL YOURSELF AT ONCE!" Nidai roars, letting off that intense aura of his.
"Enough! Both of you! There is no traitor. Why would there be? Monobear is just saying that to scare us." Togami chastises the two and crosses his arms angrily.
"Y-yeah... that's obviously right... there's no traitor among us... None of this is real anyway..." Hanamura fidgets, pushing his fingers together.
"Monomi can answer our questions, right Mono-" Pekoyama turns to where Monomi was standing, only to reveal an empty space. "mi?..." The students glance around for the pink and white rabbit. Nothing. Gundam swears under his breath. That coward. They needed to talk. The monitors crackle to life.
"Um, This is an announcement from Hope's Peak Academy's Field Trip Executive Committee… It's 10pm! Rest peacefully to the sound of the soothing ocean waves. Pleasant dreams, and good night!" As the announcement fades away, the group stands silently, almost waiting for something to happen.
"Feh. Fuck this. I'm out." Kuzuryuu walks away, mumbling something about traitors and rabbits.
"...He has the right idea. This is an order from your leader, people. Go to bed. We'll need it. Tomorrow. Also, we will start gathering for breakfast in the morning at the restaurant. No exceptions." And with that, Togami hustles away, a few other students slowly following him. Gundam feels himself trudge after the imposter heir. Before he knows it, he finds himself in his cabin. He lands on his bed face down with a 'wumph'. He barely feels the hamsters scurry out of his scarf, just in time to avoid the second weight falling on top of him. He hears his door shut and the area next to him dip. Gundam just closes his eyes.