"You not gonna sleep yet?" I ask, desperately trying to dry my hair.

"No, I have to write a few more emails." Usami replies.

"Alright. Just remember to sleep at a somewhat appropriate time. It's no good working on fumes." I say as I start rubbing my hands through my hair. Long hair's a pain. "Hey, is there a barber or something somewhere?"

"Yes. If I remember right it's on the second floor, a bit further than the cafeteria." She replies as I finally finish. "Would you like me to take you there tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Actually I might end up forgetting everything again so just prepare for that, okay?" I reply, sitting on my mattress. I see her nod and I lie down. "Thanks. Good night Gekkogahara."

"Good night, Strategist."

"Junko. Oy, Junko!" I shout.

"Hmm?" She hums as she turns to face me. "Oh! Afternoon, upperclassman! Do you want to talk?"

"Isn't that obvious? Follow me." I say, turning around. Walking up the stairs, I hear her footsteps behind me. Of course, that's not all I notice. "Mukuro, no point in hiding."

"Seriously sis? You're getting sloppy you fat ugly moron." The fashionista says. I just barely hear the soldier's feet hit the floor.

"Sorry, Junko. I just wanted to make sure he didn't try anything." The soldier says.

"We're here." I announce as we arrive at the top.

"The roof! What an interesting choice of location!" Junko says, leaning on a railing, her sister standing behind her on constant alert.

"You're unusual, Junko. You have more than one talent. Isn't that right; Fashionista, Analyst and Despair?" I say. Mukuro audibly inhales, obviously shocked.

"Hmm? What's this? Someone's figured me out? Well, I'm shocked! You discovered the truth before the Ultimate Detective!" She says, clapping. "Now what will you do, hm?"

"Nothing. It's pointless to try and prevent you from doing what you'll do, so go ahead with your plans." I reply.

"Seriously?! You figure out everything and you don't wanna do anything about it?!" She shrieks.

"Of course not. I'm the Ultimate Strategist. You may be the Analyst, but I know numerous ways to stop you. However, that would be pointless. You are also Despair. You should know that for there to be despair there must be hope." I say.

"Huh?"

"So I will let you continue with your plans. And at the end of it all, you will feel the despair you so desire." I say, turning to the exit.

"Hahahah! You think I'll mess up?!" She says, laughing.

I stop at the top step, turning my head to look at her. "Of course. It's in your heart."

Kyosuke Munakata. Although he's called the vice chairman, he dictates most of what happens in the Future Foundation. Junko's game will be over soon, and the survivors will begin working for them. I wonder what that will lead to? Are they all capable of working together, or will infighting result in Junko's overall victory?

The mutual killing is ending, but the war between hope and despair is far from done.

"Daaaaad!" Here comes her product. "I'm booooored!"

Obviously. He throws a punch, and I dodge it. He kicks, and I catch his leg, throwing him. He adjusts himself in midair to land on his feet. He's on the ground for less than a split second before immediately sprinting at me, his left hand reaching for my neck. I move to the side slightly, and as he misses I grab his arm and flip him, forcing him to the floor. Our eyes meet and he smiles.

"As good as ever, dad."

"If you're in need of entertainment, talk to Junko. She can give you a task."

Assuming she's not occupied. "Good idea! See ya later!"

I wave my hand once at his retreating figure.

Why is this happening? In two days I got partnered up with an amnesiac, the base was attacked, and I was dragged into the cafeteria. I'm surprised I'm still sane. Deep breaths, Miaya. Inhale... Exhale. Inhale... Exhale. Well, looking on the bright side, he's a nice guy. He's as intelligent as I'd expect from the Ultimate Strategist. He's selfless, almost got himself killed to give us a chance to survive. To be honest, I kind of like him. I mean, as a person! He's a great person! Above all... He's stuck with me. Despite never speaking to him, he still happily chats with me. He's been the first person that I could really call a friend. I can't let this despair that's enveloped the world bring him down. I want to enjoy the new world, rid of despair, with him.

He's been with us for two days, and he already gives me hope.

The following morning

I sit up and yawn. That was strange. A dream, or a memory? Well, whatever. Guess I better check the time. Standing up, I walk over to the computer table and feel for what might be a power button. Finding something circular, I press the button and the screen lights up. A picture of Usami appears with a space to enter a password beneath it. At the bottom right of the screen are a digital clock, an option to turn off the computer and something I don't know. Apparently it's... 7AM. Wait... Yup, I heard that right. Turning around, I see the small figure of Gekkogahara shifting around to wake herself up.

"Mmmm.." She hums, before yawning. She's sitting up now, stretching her arms high above her head. I've yet to actually see her sleeping attire, but it's just a set of black pajama pants and a matching tank top. Speaking of which, her stretching combined with that shirt is... She's oblivious to me right now, isn't she?

"Gekkogahara?" I say aloud to attract her attention. Upon speaking she freezes and turns slowly to me, the light behind me illuminating her scared blue eyes. At a ridiculous speed, she brings down her arms and covers herself with her blanket up to her neck. "Sorry, I guess I woke you up. Want me to get your towel so you can bathe?"

She nods and I enter the bathroom, grabbing her slightly wetter towel again and returning to her bedside. Handing it to her, she covers her exposed skin with it and walks to the toilet, locking the door. That was an eventful morning. Using the light from the computer, I make my way to the light switch next to the door and flick it on. I guess I should save my own bath for after I get my haircut. I sit down on her significantly softer bed and look around. On her bedside table are her tablet and some sort of book. I crawl over to it and bring it with me to my previous position. 'Hades', huh. Interesting book name. I'll just read this while I wait.

I wonder how they can save her... someone's shaking me. Oh! Looking up, I slam the book shut. "Uh, hi Gekkogahara! Sorry, I started reading without your permission." She shakes her head and smiles, heading for her computer. I quickly stand up, realizing something. "Gekkogahara? How do I remember all this?"

Pausing for a moment, she runs Usami's program. Shortly after, the cheerful bunny starts to talk. "You're right. How much do you remember?"

I think for a second and notice it. "Everything. At least everything this week. Fighting off Ultimate Despair, getting the map to lead me here, fighting them again, getting captured and immediately rescued, and the past couple days."

"Interesting. So for whatever reason you are remembering more and more while with us. I guess we're doing something right. Let's not think too hard on this since we have no leads. Let's go to the barber first." Usami says as the Therapist stands up, walking to the door. I nod and stand up, following her outside.

"Alright, thanks Gekkogahara! I remember the way, so you can go back to work now!" He says, smiling as he sits in the waiting room. I raise my hand slightly and wave it a bit before turning and leaving. Upon closing the door behind me, I sigh. I hope I didn't seem cold or anything. But more importantly, I have to let Munakata know. I start to walk, pulling out my tablet and sending the vice-chairman a message.

The Strategist seems to be regaining some memories. This is not causing any problems.

Send. I'm in the lift now, and I take it down to my floor, switching off my tablet and keeping it under my arm. The doors open and I start walking. So first I should check the systems for any general problems, then I'll check email, and finally I'll ensure no one has been hacked into. Ah, I'm here. As I enter the room, my mind wanders. It's fun, having him as a partner. Ever since the Tragedy it's been nothing but work, and everyone's so serious all the time. It's uplifting to have someone like him, serious but still able to smile and joke around and relax. He reminds me of how things were before despair enveloped the world. I sigh as I unlock my door and sit in my wheelchair, powering up the attached computer. Time to work.

"Thanks a bunch!" I say, waving at the barber as I leave. Man they did a good job! Time to head back. Wait... which way was it? I look left and right but don't find anything to help me. I don't have one of those tablets either. Guess I should just walk around for a bit, I might be able to find a sign or something. How about... Left! I walk down the hallway and find another split. Who designs a building with this many splits? Right. Walking down this much longer hallway, I see a tall guy carrying some boxes. Asking him is the fastest way to find out. I walk up to him and speak up when nearing him. "Hey, Sakakura!"

He stops walking and turns around, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

"What's in those boxes?" I ask, maintaining my smile.

"Stuff." He says, and I notice him avoiding eye contact. "Is that all you came to me for?"

"Nah, I was gonna ask where the lifts are. I wasn't paying attention when Gekkogahara brought me here."

"Oh, they're over there." He says, gesturing past me. As I open my mouth to thank him, I decide to try something. "Hey, Sakakura?"

"What now?" He asks.

"Are you Munakata's right hand man or something? You're always hanging around him when you're not working and you two seem to know each other well."

"Wha?" He stumbles a bit, and the box on his shoulder wobbles and he quickly lifts his other hand to balance it. He clears his throat. "No, I'm just protecting this world's hope."

"I see. You value him over yourself, don't you?" I ask, and he nods. "Admirable. Few people can truly be selfless, and although your methods are quite aggressive and sometimes violent, you've gained my respect. Thanks for the directions, I'll see ya around."

"Yeah." He says as I turn my back to him and walk. "Hey, Strategist?"

"Hm?" I turn my head to look at him, and his eyes are looking into space.

"I'm not selfless. I'm just a tough-ass screw-up." He says, his free hand clenching.

"That may be the case, but even if you make horrendous mistakes in the past, you have the future to make up for it." I reply, smiling softly. He snaps out of his trance, locking eyes with me for a while.

"Yeah. The future." He says, turning and walking away.

I turn back and walk down the hallway. Based on that, I'm sure he's safe. Although through questionable means, he does fight for hope. I continue my walk to our office, and eventually arrive at our door. Knocking twice, I open the door and see Gekkogahara typing away in her wheelchair. She's so focused she doesn't even notice my arrival. I tiptoe behind her and put my hands on her shoulders. Upon contact, she freezes and doesn't move for a solid 5 seconds. I start to apply slight pressure and massage her, and she takes a second to relax. "It's busy being a leader, huh?"

She hums in agreement as I massage the back of her neck. After a minute I let go and step in front of her. "How was it?"

She doesn't respond but upon realizing something she sits up and uses her scarf to try and hide her blush. "It's fine, partner. There's no need to hide anything. I'll shower and then we'll talk about work, okay?"

She nods slightly and I walk into our room, removing my pajamas. Wait, pajamas?! Looking at the clothes I threw to the floor, I confirm that I had just gone for a haircut and spoken to the most terrifying man in the building in pajamas. Crap. Well, what's done is done. Sighing, I walk into the bathroom and turn on the lights, looking at myself in the mirror. Thanks to Despair's child I'm even more bruised now. Barber did a good job. I walk into the shower and turn on the water, relaxing once more as the warm water rains down. Junko, huh? If my dreams are memories, this means I knew something. She was the Ultimate Despair, so she was obviously up to something. According to that dream though, I knew how to stop her and prevent this Tragedy. However, why didn't I? Was I afraid? No, It's undeniable. My own words hold the answer. I was arrogant. I let her do what she wanted. But why did I?

"I've been wondering." I say to Mom. "Who am I, or rather who was I?"

She laughs. "Well I won't tell you! You have so much power you should be able to figure out something this simple!"

I smile at her. "Of course it's like that mommy. I'll go find out then." I stand up and leave the monitor. Although I expected that, I suppose being that hopelessly predictable is her desire. On to my true question though, who am I? Who... was I? Before this. Before them. What was I? A regular student? An Ultimate?

"Has your existential crisis finally arrived?" I turn to the source of the voice, my father. Truly predictable, though not like mommy who tries to avoid it.

"Yes, it has." I reply, sitting on the floor. "Are you going to help me?"

"No." Of course. "This must be discovered by you and only one other. Only then will you both accept the truth, however I know it won't go well."

"Why don't you stop it if it's so bad? Why didn't you stop the Tragedy? Why didn't you stop mom?" I ask, my voice getting louder and... angrier?

"Because it is not my place to interfere in these affairs." He replies, turning and walking away.

Why was I angry?

AN Stuff

Hey guys, assuming anyone is still interested. Sorry for disappearing on all of you and I'm so sorry for being about a week late but next chapter will be the last Saturday of February. I hope this wasn't too lacking, writer's block is a real tough thing to get through. I'll do my best though, so I hope you all bear with me! See ya next time!

A picture is worth a thousand words
But a thousand words can paint a picture