AN: And now for chapter four! It's a little later than I would have liked but I didn't have to resort to my two week rule for posting chapters. Anyways I do not own Danganronpa but beyond that here's the chapter.

After the first day, John and his fellow classmates fell into a routine, of sorts. They would all assemble into the cafeteria slowly, John usually waking at seven when the morning announcement played. It wasn't much, a video of Monokuma telling them to rise and shine and to go out and do their best. But other than that, the bear did not make much of an appearance. Shi-ru, on the other hand, could be seen daily. After the one building the store had finished, one was left behind to monitor it, and was usually found, dozing, John supposed, in a chair behind the counter wearing a wide brimmed hat that read 'clerk'. It seemed to be a thing with the penguin.

In the morning John usually arrived to find Ferris, Rowland, and usually Alexander and one other student who had awoken earlier than usual. He usually walked in to Ferris badgering the others to do something, often appealing for them to invoke their talent in some way. Like one day, John had walked to the cafeteria and stopped when he heard himself speak. From inside the cafeteria. He had looked in to see Ferris laughing as Perdita mimicked his voice exactly, suddenly switching to Paris's stuttering and quiet tone before smoothly moving into Adam's booming stage voice.

Rowland would also join Ferris in his exploits, sometimes piling on to his pleas for amusement in a dry tone. He would sometimes offer suggestions as to what should be done, most notably when Mary had joined the early risers on the fourth day.

Ferris was hanging back on his badgering because she was not morning person, when Rowland suggested that she sketch them, as she always had a sketchbook about her person. She thought for a moment then asked them to pose. Rowland took a seat across from her and sat straight up, a small smile on his face, one arm resting on the table. Ferris on the other hand, stood behind him arms splayed out. Laughing John moved behind Ferris, throwing up a peace sign.

Mary began sketching away, the pencil moving with a scritch, scritch sound. John heard the door open. He them heard footsteps behind him as someone else joined the picture. The door opened two more times before Mary said, "Done."

Rowland joined those present as they crowded around the artist, looking at her handiwork. She had drawn them all so extremely lifelike, even if it was only pencil. She had captured him, Ferris and Rowland perfectly, adding herself leaning over Rowland's shoulder. Behind John, Alexander had appeared; he must have been the first person to come in after she had started. He was giving a perfect salute, as Amelia stood posed with her arms crossed and eyebrows raised at Ferris's eccentric pose, which may have been an attempt to stimulate photobombing the sketch. The other person in the sketch was Wilbur; the quiet pilot was giving a small wave.

Ferris laughed at the sketch obviously enjoying it before suggesting that they hang it up somewhere. The others agreed, and they ended up sending Mary and Rowland to get tape from the Shi-ru at the store. As they left Amelia had turned to Ferris.

"What; didn't like my pose?" the chemist had said teasingly.

"No, it was fine," the actress responded, "you just look so peaky."

"Uh, yeah that's just how I normally look, sickly," Ferris said in a confused tone.

"Well! Then you should start taking better care of yourself! If you had, you probably wouldn't be so pale; you may even have grown a few more inches!"

"I take care of myself! Well-now, I admit that I could've done better in the past but-."

"Are you eating enough?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Last time I checked my mother wasn't Russian."

"Hmm and when was that? The last time you had a proper meal?"

"Hey, lots of scientists thrive on delivery!"

"Are you trying to prove me right Ferris dear? Because you are."

John laughed at this point, drawing a disapproving look from Amelia, and he ducked into the kitchen to avoid the earful Ferris was receiving. Mary and Rowland eventually returned, taping the picture up in the cafeteria.

But beyond Ferris and his attempts to lighten everyone's morning, the days dragged on. There really wasn't much to do beyond grabbing books from the library, and run laps in the gym. Still people formed bonds, mainly with the partners they had picked. Mary warmed up to Rowland, who became slightly more sociable, actually realizing when he was expected to maintain a conversation, sometimes. Paris eventually became more comfortable around John and stopped stuttering. Chloe became slightly less hostile, and Alexander tried using the others names without using the title 'Citizen'.

But, beyond Ferris's attempts to build bonds, the pairs tended to stay isolated. This continued for five days after they first awoke, and finally Ferris decided to do something about it.

Cafeteria, 0752 Hours: Day 6

"Paris, I haven't ever seen you play soccer."

Paris looked towards Ferris, surprised the tiny chemist was speaking to her. After hesitating a moment, she said, "Well, we don't exactly have a field-."

"We can use a gym and can get a ball from Shi-ru at the store."

She blinked.

"W-well it won't be as fun if it's just the two of us."

"Atsuko will be there, and Rowland and Mary are also coming. Alexander and Chloe might show up as well."

"Oh, alright."

"Great," the tiny chemist beamed.

Ferris stood up and moved to Atsuko before saying to the scattered groups in general, "We'll get the ball and meet you guys there at eight."

They left as Louise turned her gaze towards Paris, "What are you guys doing?"

"Oh, we're going to uh, um, play a soccer match."

"Ah, mind if we join, there really isn't much to do?" Louise asked her, Wilbur nodding agreement in the background.

Paris stuttered for a moment before John interceded on her behalf from where he had been sitting beside her.

"I don't think it'd be a problem."

Louise nodded before standing up and smoothing her white coat and exiting the cafeteria followed by Wilbur, the pilot remaining silent throughout the encounter.

Adam strode forward, addressing the timid soccer player in such a booming voice that she shrunk before him.

"I would also like to partake in this endeavor! And I am sure that the one known as, Billy, would find it enjoyable as well!"

The behavioral analyst rolled his eyes at Adams back, saying, "I know we've talked about when the stage voice is alright, and when talking to the timid is not one of them."

Adam sputtered as he usually did when scolded for his actions, and John interceded before another fight could break out.

"All of you are welcome to join," he said, grabbing Paris's hand gently and bringing her to her feet with him, "Anyways, Paris and I were just heading out right?"

She nodded, uncomfortable with all the attention and speed walked out as John did his best to match her pace without looking hurried. Once they were out of sight, she gave him a thankful look, which he waved off. It was only a short walk until they arrived in the gym, Ferris bouncing in place on his feet while Atsuko sat on the bleachers. She looked up as Paris and John entered, and giggled and nudged Ferris, whispering and pointing at them. It was at this point that John realized that they hadn't stopped holding hands.

Releasing his hold on her hand he walked over to the shorter pair of students. Atsuko was smiling, and John could sense the leer in it. Stealing a glance back at Paris, he could see her face had turned bright red and had to stifle a laugh at how she looked. Turning back to front he saw Ferris tossing a soccer ball to himself as he walked.

"Everyone else wanted to join the game," John told him as they neared each other.

"Of course, that was the point," Ferris responded with a sly smile, "it's a good chance to break down any problems people have with each other and it's a good distraction which is what we really need right now."

John nodded at his words, turning to Atsuko who was moving to join them, Paris slightly behind her out of the range of the shorter girl's vision, probably wanting to avoid being leered at.

"Are you playing in a skirt?" John asked a note of incredulity in his voice.

"Yes, why?" Atsuko responded.

"Aren't you afraid of it riding up or getting flipped over your head?"

Now it was Atsuko's turn to turn red, Ferris letting out a loud peal of laughter as Paris hid a small smile at the lucky student's discomfort. Before Atsuko could counter with a comeback or anything the doors opened and admitted Louise, Wilbur, Mary, and Rowland.

The Brit was uncharacteristically excited, clapping his hands together and discarding the trench coat he usually wore.

"Who's ready for some football?" he said, limbering up.

Wilbur let out a short grunt before saying, "You don't really strike as one for sports."

John rifled through his memory, once again trying to place the pilot's accent. But as the other times when the pilot spoke, it was not enough for a reliable guess.

"Ah," the tall Brit responded, "you'd be right at anything else, I'm rubbish at sports but, well, I have the height advantage at basketball but I digress, football! Now that is a sport."

As he continued to speak, John looked up as another group entered, announced by the click-click of Amelia's high heels. Jane was not far behind the actresses, and Billy and Adam accompanied them.

Adam strode forward once again announcing his presence with his booming voice.

"We have arrived for a rousing game of soccer! May we commence at once!"

He was cut off from further monologue by Amelia putting a hand lightly on his shoulder.

"Adam dear," she said, a slightly pleading tone mixed with her accent, "please tone the volume down, you're going to rupture someone's eardrums."

Adam opened his mouth to sputter indignantly but he closed it with a click and schooled his features.

"Alright, fair Amelia," he said in a lower tone, "if it is the wish of all present that I lower my voice than I shall lower my voice."

There was a chorus of agreement, which Adam wilted at, but recovered quickly. He moved forward into the group as Amelia peeled off her heels clicking as she walked and took a seat in the bleachers, unprepared to play in her heels, only present to spectate.

John heard the door open again as the last four students arrived. Alexander, Chloe, Barry, and Perdita entered, Perdita sweeping off to the bleachers, obviously only here because if Barry had come alone Alexander would have tracked her down, dragging Chloe along for the duration of the hunt. The laid back musician on the other hand walked along to the rest of the group along with the tactician and the survivalist. This meant that they would divide into two teams of seven, ignoring Amelia and Perdita.

As Ferris opened his mouth, in what may have been an attempt to organize the teams, he was interrupted by a shrill blast of a whistle. All heads turned to locate…a Shi-ru wearing a referee's hat, black and white stripped; and sporting a whistle.

"Alright," the Shi-ru drone said, "who wants to be captains?"

Rowland and Alexander both raised their hands at the same time. The penguin nodded and gestured to either side of him, Rowland going to one side Alexander going to the other.

"Alright, call it."

"Heads," Alexander said quickly.

A coin materialized bearing the likeness of Shi-ru on one side and Monokuma on the other. The coin landed Monokuma side up and Shi-ru looked to Alexander.

"Paris," the tactician said, automatically claiming the best player.

Rowland took a moment to think over his choices as Paris joined Alexander's side before responding, "Ferris."

Ferris bounced as he walked to Rowland's side. Alexander frowned a moment before saying, "Wilbur."

As soon as he said this Rowland said, "John," catching the boy off guard.

Uncertainly he moved to join Ferris and Rowland, Alexander once again made an unhappy noise, before saying, "Billy." "Louise."

Once again, names were called in tandem, and the two players joined their respective sides.

"Chloe." "Adam."

"Jane." "Atsuko."

"Barry." "Mary."

The teams divided, Shi-ru sent them to their respective sides, with nets already set up while the selection process had taken place, probably by another set of Shi-rus. Shi-ru, the one designated as referee, walked to the middle of the field and motioned the captains forward. He handed Rowland the ball and retreated to the side, and play began.

It soon became obvious of the skill gap. Jane and Atsuko both played at a moderate level, along with John, Adam, Chloe, and Wilbur; despite the fact the two girls wore skirts. Mary, Barry, Billy, and Louise all mostly milled about; kicking at the ball any time it drew near them. The only serious players were Paris, Rowland, Alexander, and surprisingly Ferris. The small chemist kept pace with the others fairly well, although Shi-ru called him out several times for breaking a rule. Even so, Paris still had the others by quite a stretch, easily appearing wherever the ball was seconds after it got there, and usually knocking the person who had it to the side.

Even so, people were enjoying themselves, Amelia was cheering from the side offering words of encouragement and Perdita was even smiling. The game went on for about an hour before John was moving towards scoring a goal. It would be the first of the game that he scored personally although he had assisted Rowland and Ferris in scoring a few. He looked over at Ferris as the boy was shouting a warning at him, and looked back in time to see Paris charging at him.

John watched the world go by. He noted Amelia's stunned look and Perdita's smirk as the gym rotated upside-down. He caught site of Atsuko's horrified face and Ferris's simplify wince as he slammed into the floor, time finally returning to it's usually pace. His vision turned white for a moment, blinding him. After a few minutes, the ringing in his ears went away and he could hear concerned voices as his vision began to return.

"Well, at least we know who killed him."

That sounded like Barry.

"I-I di-dn't mean-n to- to hit h-him s-o hard!"

That was Paris.

"Aw, I was only joking."

"It was in very poor taste."

There was Amelia's accent.

"Alright, voice of reason time; shouldn't someone be getting ice? Or a steak?"

Ferris.

"I-I'll get-t it!"

Paris again.

"Get an icepack."

Rowland.

John finally opened his eyes, to almost everyone surrounding him. Once it was noticed his eyes were open, he was assisted into a sitting position. Rowland crouched down in front of and requested that he do a few things to make sure he didn't have a concussion. Once he was sure John was fine beyond some bruising, he told the others to help John to the bleachers. Paris had returned and was hovering, juggling an ice pack between her hands, handing it to John when he was seated.

"Now who is going to sit out on your team?" Rowland said, eyeing Alexander.

"I'll-l sit-t o-out," Paris said, "I d-don't want to play anymore."

"Doesn't matter, games over, the 'principal' has an announcement," came Shi-ru's voice.

Turning their focus from the bleachers to the center of the gym…where a stage had been set up again. Somehow. And Monokuma was once again standing on the podium.

"I am disappointed in all of you," The bear said, "six days and not one of you has tried to kill anyone! But, I should have guessed that! You all aren't properly motivated yet!"

And before anyone could speak, Monokuma set something on the podium. It looked like a pill container, although it was unmarked. But the sight of it caused a visible reaction in Ferris. The chemist's skin turned a sickly unsettling grey color.

"Ferris," came Louise's voice from somewhere within the group, "isn't that yours?"

"Upupupupup," Monokuma laughed, "Yes! They are! As motivation, I am cutting everyone off from their medication! That includes Ferris's homemade drugs for everything wrong with him, the recreational drug that someone indulges in," a needle was set down next to the capsule of Ferris's pills, "these allergy pills, which might not have been that big if I wasn't going to pump a lot of pollen and stuff into the air now," another, labeled, pill bottle joined the other two items on the table, "and finally all these prescribed drugs, you know, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some blood clot thingy, better not get cut! I'll return everyone's medicine when someone dies!"

And with that, Monokuma vanished, taking the various drugs with him.

There was silence. Eyes turned to Ferris, who was still a sickly shade of grey.

Slowly Ferris turned to Alexander and walked to the tactician.

"May, I, have, a watch?"

Alexander looked at the chemist, whose smile, while still in place, had lost the happiness behind it. Very slowly, Alexander reached into his pocket and gave a watch to Ferris.

Nodding, Ferris turned to Atsuko and said, "I need to lie down, if that is alright."

She nodded and the two left. After they vanished from view, the group dispersed. John saw the time read that it was a little after eleven and decided it was close enough to noon for lunch, although he felt as though there was a weight in his stomach. He stood up shakily and began walking. Paris noticed he was standing and moved to his side. She offered to help but he waved her off, stating that the ice was helping.

When they reached the cafeteria, it was around eleven thirty, and they saw Atsuko sitting in the cafeteria awkwardly. John joined her as Paris offered to fix their lunch, and while John was feeling better, his head still hurt a little and standing up wasn't helping.

As she vanished into the kitchen, a few other students entered the cafeteria but John did not see them because Atsuko had spoken to him, grabbing his attention away from the door.

"How is your head?"

"Fine, better now. Is Ferris alright?"

"I don't think so. It looked like Louise and Alexander recognized whatever was in that pill thing, and it seemed to unnerve both of them."

They fell into silence after that, both concerned for the friendly chemist. Paris joined them in their silence, carrying plates for all of them, with slight difficultly. They ate in silence, John finally noting that Alexander and Louise had joined them and were whispering quietly while Chloe sat by Wilbur at another table, the survivalist trying to get the silent pilot to talk despite his obvious desire to be left alone.

Louise suddenly stood up and said, "If he wants to tell them he'll tell them, it is not our place to spread the details of his personal life around."

She stormed out, Wilbur following her eagerly to stop Chloe badgering him. Alexander sighed, cursing slightly before moving to Chloe and talking to her for a minute before leaving. As the three, John, Atsuko, and Paris; ate, Barry wandered in and entered the kitchen. He joined them after he grabbed a plate of food.

Silence reigned as lunch was eaten. Only the occasional clink of silverware broke the silence. Barry eventually bade them good bye before leaving the kitchen, moving away from the dorms, John noted. Shortly after the departure of the musician, John finished his meal, lapsing into inactivity. It was only when Paris offered to take the dishes back that he moved, telling her he would do it and using the excuse to get moving.

After putting the used dishes in the sink, Barry's was among them, he had left it there and John wasn't sure if it was on accident; and he returned to Atsuko and Paris talking in hushed voices. They had yet to notice his return so he started walking towards them. As he was nearing the table he noticed that Paris's face had turned bright red.

He started ask what they were talking about, but the words died in his mouth when Paris suddenly shrieked, "NO! N-n-nothing like-e t-that!"

"Like what?" John asked.

Paris tumbled from her seat in her attempt to stand at the sound of his voice, falling onto Atsuko who squeaked in surprise. John chuckled as he extended his arm down to Paris, whose face was bright red as he helped her to her feet. Atsuko had scrambled to her feet the minute the taller girl had been hauled off her, dusting herself off and grumbling about John eavesdropping on a private conversation.

Rolling his eyes John asked them what they wanted to do. Silence returned again before Atsuko said she was going to try and go to bed now, she had been having trouble falling asleep and she would probably try to kill some time reading some books she had taken from the library. She left after bidding them goodbye, and after a few moments of standing around, John and Paris decided to follow her lead and return to their dorms.

As they walked, they passed Alexander who was standing by one of the bathrooms scattered about the school. He called out to them as they passed.

"Were either of you affected by the motive?"

Paris shook her head while John responded with a quiet no in an attempt to not disturb the heavy silence that had seemed to fall.

Alexander grimaced at their response.

"I can't believe he would put out a motive that would only effect Scientist Ferris. No one that I have asked has admitted to needing any of the others beyond Citizen Jane admitting the allergy medicine was hers."

John shrugged and said, "I really can't prove it to you but none of that medicine was mine, there was some generic stuff in my medicine cabinet but nothing that was prescription."

Paris nodded in agreement, saying a silent ditto to convey that John's statement was true for her as well. Alexander fell silent, waving them forward as Chloe emerged from the bathroom. The pair remained behind, Alexander discussing something with the survivalist as John and Paris left hearing range. The rest of the walk to the dorms was in complete silence, even their footsteps seeming to have a muted effect.

As they reached Paris's door the soccer player paused before opening and closing her mouth before blurting out, "Can I come to your room? I really don't want to be by myself with this-this-funk that has come over everyone."

"Yeah, I understand. It wouldn't have been so bad if so many people hadn't reacted so negatively to the motive. I mean, Ferris, Louise and Alexander aside, I noticed quite a few of the others came this way after they left the gym and haven't come back since," John responded after a moment of surprise.

The soccer player gave a quick smile before scanning her ID and running into her room, muttering about grabbing a few things quick. John stood nearby waiting for her. He turned when the door across the hall and one closer to the end of the hall with the dorms opened and Adam emerged, clutching his hand. John felt his breath hitch when he noticed the blood on the hand, and stepped back as the thespian closed the door.

Adam turned and began walking down the hall when he saw John.

"Ah," Adam said in a more subdued voice, "I did not see you there, but now that I have a must ask: where is Rowland? I lost my temper when the bear appeared in my room and I smashed a mirror, and have cut my hand something dreadful and require his assistance in tending the wound."

"No, you may want to try the nurse's office," John suggested after a tense moment.

Adam nodded, bidding John farewell as he walked towards the other end of the school. John considered stopping him and suggesting he get Billy when Paris appeared from behind him. He pushed Adam from his mind, deciding to only state what he saw later if it was important, and as a lesser reason to not worry the fidgeting girl.

They walked, the atmosphere still slightly subdued until they reached his door. John looked at the small bag Paris had squirreled away her stuff in.

"Did you get that from the shop?" he asked even though he already knew the answer.

He continued studying it as she gave a quiet yes. The bag was decorated with images of Shi-ru, a strange rabbit that had pink on one side instead of blue or black, and unfortunately Monokuma. He wondered why she brought a bag when his door finally unlocked. As he was about to open it a voice came from down the hall.

"Hey John, hey Paris."

Mary and Rowland were coming from the cafeteria, stopping at Mary's door which was across from John's. Mary had seen Paris's bag and was smiling quite broadly at the two, causing John to wince internally. Shifting his gaze to the towering Brainiac, John was surprised that Rowland's usually passive and disinterested expression had a glint of suspicion as he was eyeing Paris.

As Mary opened her mouth to possibly inquire as to what they were doing the Brit spoke out.

"Amazing how things may hinge entirely on one part of a plan going flawlessly, how a completely successful mission may become catastrophic simply because an unimportant thing at the time was lost and was now of dire import or because there was simply someone in the wrong place at the right time to foil something."

Rowland fell quiet before saying, "Anything you wish to add, Paris?"

The soccer player jumped at Rowland's inquiry and quickly shook her head.

Rowland blinked with the slowness of a lizard at her response before saying, "While some may wish to leave this place there are better ways then what appears to be the only way out, I leave you all with that thought."

Rowland then turned on his heel and walked towards his room, but John stopped him and told him of Adam, the brainiac changing direction and vanishing towards the nurse's office.

The other three remained in silence until Paris said, "D-did, did he just accuse me of planning to murder John?"

Mary snapped to life at that.

"Why-that British prat did, didn't he? The nerve of that is-."

"Calm down Mary, he was concerned for my safety and was trying to convince Paris to rethink murdering me-which I know hadn't crossed your mind-what is it that Amelia keeps saying, 'it's his way' right?" John cut in before the artist thought to go drag the Brainiac back and make him apologize.

The artist bristled a few seconds more before calming down.

"He could have done it a little less-I don't know…"

"Its fine," Paris said, "While, I am s-slightly insulted that he thinks I would k-k-kill someone," she gave a nervous laugh, "I d-do appreciate that he was trying to c-change my mind, e-even if i-it was from something I wasn't going to do in the first place."

"Out of curiosity," Mary suddenly asked, "What is in the bag?"

"Oh, uh," Paris said, trying to arrange her thoughts, "a book, and some other things."

"Hmm," Mary offered as a response before entering her room.

John turned to Paris who was standing by his door in thought.

"Do you think everyone is-ah, um, you know what, never mind," she said after a moment.

John gave her a look before entering his room. Paris walked in after him, blinking when she saw the poster featuring her was still hanging up.

Seeing her expression, John explained, "Every time I've tried to take it down Monokuma puts it back up."

"Ah," Paris said, looking away from the poster.

John's room was still underwhelming, the only thing showing that he had actually tried to personalize it was an armchair that he had gotten Shi-ru to install from the school store. The place had almost anything someone could want, nothing that could be used to attempt to escape of course, not that they wouldn't be caught anyways since Monokuma made sure they knew he could come out from anywhere.

Paris had sat down in the armchair and had taken out the romance novel she had gotten on the first day and began reading through it while John found a manga that Ferris had forced on him. They read like that for a few hours attempting conversation sporadically when John moved between the issues of the manga because Ferris had given him the first twenty books.

Paris eventually put her book back into her bag and stood to leave, pausing at the door and biting her lip, thinking about something, but deciding to just bid John goodbye. John waved to her before deciding now would be the best time for him to use the shower before the water was turned off.

After he got out of the shower and had switched into his sleepwear, John opened his medicine cabinet, checking to see if the aspirin was still there. As expected it was gone, and there was taunting note by Monokuma left in its place. Discarding the note in disgust, John brushed his teeth before turning in for the night, the events of the day still weighing heavily over him.