Heaven With You (Part 2)

Monokuma giggled as he watched the monitors, showing his captives. Most of them were sleeping, probably having dreams of their family, or nightmares of the situation they were in.

"Little do those brats know, they're about to play another game of mine…" He remarked, fiddling with some sort of tool.

"And it's going to tear their friendships apart!" He added with his signature cackle.

I woke up to a knock on my door.

"What time is it?" I mumbled.

"Ahem, this is a HFH Enterprise official announcement! It is now 7 AM, which means that nighttime is officially over! Time to get up out of bed. Let's all welcome this new day with an open heart and mind!"

Well, that answers my question.

I yawned, slowly trudging over to the door. Let's see who's bothering me before I've had the chance to brush my teeth.

I opened the door, to reveal a very cheery looking Evelyn.

"Buenos dias, Seizo." She smiled, looking not at all tired.

"Um, good morning." I nodded, smoothing my hair in an attempt to make myself slightly more presentable.

"Sorry for bothering you this early," Evelyn sheepishly said. "But, I wanted to let you know not to get dressed in your normal clothes!"

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

"I mean, this!" Evelyn suddenly pulled something from a bag she was carrying, and threw it into my hands.

I picked it up, observing it.

It was a pair of red swimming trunks, with little white stars on them. The back also bore the word: ACTION in white...

"We're going swimming this morning." Evelyn announced with a bright smile.

"Is that so?" I remarked. "What happened to our morning meetings and the team building activities? Or looking for an escape?"

"Well, I'm sure we'll still have morning meetings," Evelyn said. "But as of today, the whole concept of team building activities and looking for an escape have been abolished, per Takahashi's request."

"Really?" I asked, surprised. "Why?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Not sure, and I don't particularly care. I just asked Takahashi if it was okay to gather everyone up to go swimming this morning, and he said yes. Then, he told me what I told you about the team building activities and looking for an escape."

I also shrugged. "Well, looking for an escape was always going to prove fruitless, so I'm glad he came to his senses on that. Plus, anything we do together can be considered a 'team building activity', to be honest. And, I think the team building activities are a grim reminder of what happened to Silver..."

Evelyn nodded with a sad smile. "Genau…"

"Hey, how do you think swimming will be like with these on?" I asked, gesturing towards the rather heavy ankle bracelets.

"It'll be fine," Evelyn claimed. "Monokuma explained that they're waterproof. Anyways, I have to go wake up everyone else, but be ready by 7:45, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded.

"Perfect." She smiled and went next door to wake up Hiiro.

I closed the door, looking at the swimming trunks again. Where the hell did she get these?

Hm, something she said gives me an idea...

"Monokuma." I called.

In just under a second, the bear in question appeared in front of me.

"Geez, you guys must be obsessed!" Monokuma cackled. "Everyone's been calling on me lately!"

"Like Evelyn, right?" I questioned.

"Exactly!" Monokuma nodded. "She requested 18 swimsuits for all of you guys! I picked them out special for each and every one of you, in your exact size and something that I think you'd love. Do you know how much hard work it was for me to dig them out of my closet? I had to-"

"I don't care." I interrupted. "Anyways, now that I have you here, can you give me a pair of flip flops? I don't want to walk around the pool area with my sneakers."

Monokuma frowned, but disappeared.

Less than a minute later, he came back with a pair of black flip flops.

"Hey, you don't have anything designer?" I frowned. "These look like something from the discount store."

"Don't be such a brat, Mr. Morine." Monokuma advised. "It really impacts your popularity rating!"

I sighed. "Okay, I guess these will have to do…"

"Yes, they certainly will!" Monokuma huffed. "Anyways, is that all you need? Can I go get some much needed rest now?"

"One last question," I said. "If someone wanted to get something from you that could be used to kill someone, would you give it to them?"

Monokuma giggled. "Why, Seizo? Planning on offing one of your buddies?"

I rolled my eyes. "Of course not! I was just wondering. Me and Takahashi went through all that trouble to board up the equipment room, after all."

"Well then, to answer your question: no! I am well educated on the art of murder, and if I feel like someone is trying to abuse my good graces, than I reserve the right to refuse their request!" Monokuma answered. "Anyone who wishes to kill must do everything themselves."

I nodded. "Good to know. Thanks, I guess."

"Anytime, old friend!" Monokuma cackled, disappearing.

It was reassuring to know that Monokuma wouldn't outright help anyone with committing a murder. Well, besides giving us motives and stuff.

I got dressed in my swimsuit, and left.

In the hallway, I ran into several of my classmates.

Francesca, Nadia, and Leonia were all conversing amongst themselves.

Francesca and Leonia were both just wearing simple swimsuits. Francesca had on a green bikini, with cartoon bones on it, while Leonia had on a white one-piece, with black hearts.

Nadia, however, was donned in one of the craziest get ups I've ever seen, especially for someone of her age. She was not only wearing an indigo one-piece swimsuit, but also a pair of large round swimming goggles, flippers, one of those duckie floatie things you wear around your waist, and a pair of water wings…

"Good morning, ladies." I greeted, walking up to the trio. "Excited to go swimming?"

"Definitely," Francesca beamed. "It might not be the same as deep sea diving in the Indian Ocean trying to find pieces of Gondwana, but I'm sure it'll be fun."

"It will be nice to relax on the bleachers." Leonia nodded. "Hopefully no one gets too crazy, however...I'd hate to see someone being injured because of foolish behavior."

"I-I'm really excited," Nadia claimed. "I just want to make sure I'm safe, though. T-that's why I'm wearing all this protective gear. So for whatever stunts I do, I won't get hurt!"

I chuckled. "You all have very different perspectives on how you're going to enjoy your time today."

Francesca laughed, tilting her head. "Kinda, huh? Well, whatever our differences, I'm just glad we're doing something together. Hopefully this brings us closer!"

"I agree, Francesca," Nadia smiled. "I-It's definitely nice to hang out with everyone."

"Please, call me Fran!" Fran said. "It's much easier to say, right?"

"Fran." Leonia repeated. "If that is what you wish, then I will respect it."

"You had one of the longest names here, and now you have one of the shortest." I joked.

"True," Fran giggled. "But, I don't mind. Everyone back home calls me Fran, so I figured you guys should too."

"I think it's almost time!" Nadia suddenly exclaimed.

Fran nodded. "Right. We don't want to be late! Come on, girls!" She and Nadia both took off in the direction of the pool.

"Be careful, you two!" Leonia frowned, following after them. "You'll hurt yourselves if you trip!"

I shook my head with a laugh as I watched the three. All totally different, but they get along nonetheless.

That's the way it should be for everyone here. If only certain people could abide by that…

In the dining room, I ran into a tired looking Hiiro and Koko.

Koko was wearing a cherry red one-piece, with strawberries on it (the fact that they're not cherries makes my blood boil) while Hiiro was wearing frost colored swim trunks, with little pink stripes.

"What's the matter?" I frowned upon seeing their exhausted expressions.

Koko said nothing, while Hiiro sighed, looking up at me. "Koko had a nightmare last night. It involved Ritsu, so she started feeling sad again and couldn't fall back to sleep. She came to my room, and I talked with her, trying to calm her down."

"I just miss her…" Koko whispered. "And it hurts knowing she wasn't exactly the person she acted like...I wonder if we would've been friends if she was honest from the start."

"You can't think like that, Koko…" I sighed, putting my hand on her shoulder. "Think of the happy memories you two shared. I'm sure that even if she wasn't the cheerful girl she acted like, she still enjoyed her time with you."

"Exactly what I've been saying." Hiiro nodded, allowing Koko to lean on his shoulder. "You can't focus on what would have been or could have been. It'll do nothing but drive you crazy, ok?"

Koko said nothing, staring at the floor with a sad expression.

"Come on, Koko," Hiiro said, taking her hand. "Let's go to the pool. Some time with others should cheer you up."

Koko slowly nodded, allowing Hiiro to lead her out of the dining room and into the announcement room.

Shit, I feel so bad…

Koko clearly cared for Ritsu. From the moment they met, the two clicked just like peanut butter and jelly.

Ritsu's revelation of her true nature and intentions devastated Koko, and are still haunting her to this day. I can only hope that she feels better soon…

"S-Seizo." A voice called from behind me.

It was Satoko, who was currently wearing a rosy pink one-piece, with rather childish looking frills on the ends. Her blushing face was almost the same shade as her bathing suit.

"H-Hi," She nervously smiled. "N-nice day, isn't it?"

I chuckled. "Yes, it is. Excited to go swimming?"

Satoko nervously twiddled her thumbs. "Yes...I don't go swimming too often back home, so it's a little foreign to me, but I think I'm ready."

"Of course you are," I assured her. "It'll be fun, I promise!"

Just then, the door from the hallway opened, and Jack appeared, wearing a purple swimsuit with the various suits of a deck of cards decorated all over it.

Satoko's blush intensified upon seeing him, and she hid behind me.

"Looking good, Jack," I joked as he approached us.

"You as well, Seizo." Jack nodded, playfully punching me in the shoulder. "And you know I can see you back there, Satoko. Come on out so I can properly compliment your childish looking swimsuit."

"I don't need or want your compliments." Satoko protested, latching onto me and trying to pull me away. "And my swimsuit is not childish!"

"How cruel," Jack sighed. "You wound me."

"I don't care," Satoko huffed, continuing to pull me away. "Go bother some other girl!"

"Why would I bother someone else when I have you?" Jack sarcastically questioned.

Satoko tensed and dug her nails into me, which hurt quite a bit given that it was into my bare skin. "Y-you don't have me! Quit being an idiot and go away. Me and Seizo were having a conversation like two intelligent people before you rudely interrupted us."

"Such an insolent girl," Jack frowned. He crossed his arms and started walking towards the announcement room. "I don't need that kind of negativity in my life, so I'll be on my way now."

And with that, the Ultimate Dealer took his leave.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "That guy has the driest sense of humor I've ever seen."

Satoko let go of me, moving in front of me. Her face was now red as a beet, and she couldn't bear to meet my eyes. "Sorry you had to see that, Seizo. Jack is such a dumb jerk, right?"

"Oh, he's just teasing you," I smirked. "Probably because he has a crush on you!"

Amazingly, Satoko's face went from red as a beet to fire engine red!

"Not true!" She protested. "And even if he did, I'd never like a cheating liar like him."

I teasingly ruffled Satoko's hair. "You just keep telling yourself that, Satoko. Maybe if you say it enough times it'll come true?"

Satoko frowned, and she stomped away without a word.

Oops, guess I made her mad.

No problem-o, she'll get over it soon enough!

I was able to make it to the second floor without any interruptions! I made my way over to the pool, only to see Clara, Takumi, and Sonoda, kneeling on the ground in front of the door…

Clara was dressed in one of those swimsuit dresses, in a dark red color, Takumi in a white swimsuit with purple dots, and Sonoda in black swimming trunks, with dollar signs all over them.

"What's up guys?" I asked, making my way towards them.

Clara and Takumi looked up at me.

"We're searching for Monocoins!" Takumi said excitedly. "Apparently, if we find all one million, Sonoda is going to treat us to a prize!"

"All one million?!" I repeated in shock. "But that's surely impossible! I'm sure some of the others have already found some."

"WHAT?!" Sonoda sprang up and looked at me with a face of horror. "I didn't think of that! Grr, they're probably all hoarding them like a bunch of greedy children!"

"Like you're doing…?" Clara whispered under her breath, nervously smiling at me.

"I'll need to track everyone down and ask them!" Sonoda nodded. "I'm sure they'll understand and give me their Monocoins once I explain my goal."

"And what goal is that?" I inquired.

"To establish a stable economy on this ship: The HFH Enterprise official bank!" Sonoda revealed. "If we truly are going to live here forever, then we need a sense of normalcy. And just like on Earth, I propose that we start charging people for things! Not just for the items in the shop, but also for food in the kitchen, or the use of the washers and dryers."

"I don't think that's a very good idea…" I nervously chuckled. "I mean, we're doing just fine using things for free. Why don't we just keep it that way?"

"Because, my dear friend," Sonoda started, putting his cold hand on my shoulder. "Then, it'd be chaos! People will become gluttons, eating all the food we have! And people will overuse the laundry machines, breaking them and turning them into hunks of metal! We wouldn't want that, would we?"

"No, I guess not…" I nodded. "I see where you're coming from. But, who would get all these Monocoins? Monokuma?"

"Why me of course!" Sonoda chuckled. "After all, I am the founder of the HFH Enterprise official bank! I think it's only fair, right?"

"And what exactly will you use them for? And how are you going to distribute them anyway?" I raised a brow.

"Well, I have no use for them, so I'll just keep them in my room!" Sonoda smirked. "And people can do little favors for me if they wish to earn some. It'll all be for the good of all of us, of course."

I slowly nodded. "Well, sounds like you've thought everything out. Though, I'm definitely not the person you should be telling this to. Takahashi's the one you need to propose your idea to."

Sonoda's expression turned from a confident smirk to a defeated frown. "Oh yeah...Taka is the leader, huh…?"

"I'm sure he'll listen to your idea." Takumi assured. "He may be a jerk, but your idea sounds completely foolproof."

"For someone as smart as you, you're kind of thoughtless…" Clara mumbled, shaking her head in disappointment.

"You're right, Takumi!" Sonoda nodded, ignoring Clara and patting the Ultimate Escapist on the back. "That's why you're my business partner!"

"Business partner?" Takumi repeated with stars in his eyes. "I've never been involved in a business before...Thank you Sonoda, I'll be sure to make you proud."

Takumi then embraced Sonoda, to which the Ultimate Salesman looked incredibly awkward.

"Heheh, sure thing…" Sonoda mumbled, patting Takumi on the head.

"If Takumi's your business partner, then what am I?" Clara questioned. "You did rope me into this whole thing after all."

"Why, you're my accountant of course!" Sonoda declared. "You're in charge of keeping track of all of the Monocoins that come into our possession."

"That sounds like a lot of work…" Clara commented.

"What, you're not up for the challenge?" Sonoda asked with a sly smile. "I thought you'd do anything to make people forgive you about what you did to poor Takahashi."

Clara blushed, and bit her lip. "Ok, ok...I'll do it."

I frowned. That was a little below the belt…

Sonoda smirked and patted Clara on the back. "That's my accountant! Now, I declare an official company break! Let's go to the pool!"

And with that, the trio that composed the unofficial HFH Enterprise 'official' bank, entered the pool room.

I finally entered the pool room, probably a little late.

Everyone was either swimming or playing around in the pool, or relaxing on the bleachers, talking to each other.

Nadia in particular looked like she was enjoying the pool. She stood at the top of the diving board, and without any hesitation, dived head first into the pool! Then, she shot up and did a backflip! Damn, you'd never know this girl was one of the shyest people here!

Isami, wearing a black one-piece swimsuit, with the design of fire lining the edges, and Norikazu, wearing green swimming trunks decorated with paint splatter and a white t-shirt, were both sitting on either side of Shiro/Kuro, who was wearing swimming trunks, one side being white while the other was black (kinda like Monokuma, minus the creepy red eye).

Norikazu strangely had his arm around Shiro or Kuro's neck, pinning him down so he couldn't move.

A very concerned Fran approached them. "Um, what are you guys doing to poor Shiro?"

"I'm not Shiro!" Kuro yelled. "These assholes won't let me go!"

"We're waiting until he changes back into Shiro." Noirkazu explained. "We don't want the insufferable Kuro causing any trouble…"

"Yes, he is quite loud and annoying…" Isami commented. "I don't know why he can't just stay as Shiro all the time…"

"It doesn't work that way, you drugged up bitch!" Kuro snarled. "Like it or not, me and Shiro share the same body, and you're going to have to deal with both of u-"

Norikazu covered Kuro's mouth with his hand. "My God, can you please shut up?"

Kuro simply glared at Norikazu in response.

"Ah, finally, silence…" Isami said with a small smile. "Maybe now I can take a nap…"

Fran slowly walked away from the three, a slightly horrified expression on her face.

"I just don't get that girl." Mari sneered, wearing a revealing blue bikini, that was probably a size or two small for her. She was sitting next to Takahashi and Sonoda, with the former wearing orange swimming trunks with dark pink planes decorated all over them.

Takahashi raised a brow and turned towards her. "...Get what girl?"

"Her." Mari replied, pointing at Clara, who was swimming around in the pool with Takumi. "Why should she be able to be close to any of us after what she did? She's a murderer! I don't feel safe with her around…"

"Careful, that's my accountant you're talking about…" Sonoda chuckled.

"Mari, if I don't care, you shouldn't either," Takahashi shrugged, leaning back. "Get over it already."

"How can you be so nonchalant about her?!" Mari frowned, crossing her arms. "The bitch tried to kill you!"

"But she didn't," Takahashi yawned. "Now, can you please shut up? That pretty face of yours makes you interesting enough to keep around, but your voice annoys the hell out of me."

Mari glared at Takahashi, leaning away from him and continuing to stalk Clara.

"Why am I friends with them again?" Sonoda muttered.

Watching my classmates was fun and all, but it was time for me to get in on the action!

I started walking towards the pool, but was interrupted by a loud noise.

"Boo!" A voice yelled from behind me.

I jumped in surprise, and turned around, to see Akumu, who looked quite proud of himself.

"I scared ya, didn't I?" He smiled. He was wearing dark blue swimming trunks, with claw marks decorated all over them.

"Hell yeah," I frowned, putting a hand over my heart, which was beating fast. "I thought I was about to get murdered or something!"

Akumu laughed. "Oh, you're so dramatic, Seizo! I'd never murder you, don't worry."

I shook my head. "Well, sorry, but I can't say the same!"

I picked him up, and threw him into the pool.

Then, I jumped in after him.

"H-Hey!" Akumu exclaimed after he swam up to the surface. "It's not very nice to throw a half-blind guy into a pool!"

I chuckled. "Oh, you're so dramatic, Akumu! I didn't kill you, did I?"

Akumu smirked, shaking his head. "You're the meanest, Seizo!"

"Why, thank you!" I grinned, splashing him with water.

Unfortunately for me, Fran happened to be behind him, and she also got a face full of water.

"Uh oh…" I mumbled, as the Ultimate Archaeologist slowly turned towards me.

"Oh, it is so on!" She exclaimed, using both of her hands to send a wave of water at me!

I quickly swam out of the way, but was still hit!

"Ahh!" I screamed. I blinked open my eyes, and sent a splash towards her.

"I got you, Seizo!" Akumu remarked, turning around and also attempting to splash her.

She moved out of the way with excellent speed, dodging my splash. Akumu managed to hit the person behind her, however, which was a very angry looking Hiiro.

"Hey!" He frowned. "No splashing in the po-"

His words were cut short by yet another splash of water hitting him, this time from behind him.

It was Koko!

She giggled, innocently smiling. "Sorry Hiiro, but this looks like so much fun!"

"So this is what's going to cheer you up?" He deadpanned, nervously glancing at Fran, Akumu, and I.

"Yup!" She nodded, splashing him again.

"Don't think I forgot about you!" Fran suddenly exclaimed, sending a splash towards me. I moved out of the way this time, and used all my strength to send the biggest wave of water I could form towards her.

She couldn't move out of the way this time, and was hit with the blast!

"Ahhh!" She screamed, flying backwards and bumping into Clara and Takumi.

"Ouch," Takumi frowned. "That wasn't very nice, Seizo!"

"Oh, she's fine!" I said dismissively.

True to my word, Fran quickly recovered rubbing her eyes and moving her hair out of her face.

"I'll get you back for that!" She declared, preparing to splash me again.

"We got your back!" Clara added, moving next to her and also preparing to splash.

"Yeah!" Takumi nodded, doing the same.

"Uh oh…" I mumbled.

The three all sent their splashes towards me at once, and I was hit with the full force!

The impact pushed me all the way to the other side of the pool, and disoriented me for a few seconds.

"Are you ok?!" Satoko frantically questioned, swimming over to me.

"I think so," Jack answered for me. "He doesn't look hurt."

"That was way too hard, guys!" Leonia frowned, watching us from the bleachers, and glaring at Clara, Takumi, and Fran.

"Please be careful!" Evelyn added, sitting next to her and wearing an orange bikini, decorated with marigold flowers.

"Sorry!" Takumi nervously smiled.

"It won't happen again!" Clara added.

"Hehe, won't it?" Fran whispered under her breath.

"I'm ok," I assured them. "And I'm ready to get back into the action!"

"I advise against that." Satoko frowned. "If you get hit like that again, you might not be so lucky."

"Yeah, you could die." Jack joked.

"Don't be ridiculous!" I protested. "I'll be more careful, I promise."

Satoko looked at me with a disapproving expression. "Seizo…"

"Satoko," I whined. "Pleaseeee let me play with the other kids!"

"Yeah, Satoko, let him play!"

We all looked up, to see Monokuma standing in front of the door.

He had black swimming trunks on, which was the creepiest thing I've seen since I've been here.

"Don't be such a buzzkill, Ms. Ultimate Prodigy!" Monokuma advised. "It doesn't do a whole lot to make the fans like you!"

Satoko rolled her eyes at the mechanical bear. "I don't know what fans you're talking about, and I don't really care about anyone liking me."

"What are you doing here?" Takahashi frowned, standing up from the bleachers. "I really don't want to hear that god awful voice of yours this early in the morning."

"Hey, a music producer once said my voice would be perfect for narrating audio books!" Monokuma claimed. "He said The Communist Manifesto would be perfect for me!"

"I doubt anyone would listen to an audio book narration of The Communist Manifesto, especially from a voice as annoying as yours…" Isami said.

"I think I'd rather listen to nails scratching a chalkboard." Norikazu added.

"Well, there goes my hopes and dreams…" Monokuma sniffed. "You guys destroyed them for me...and to think I came here to give you guys a gift."

"Another gift?" Takumi frowned. "Sounds suspicious…"

"Yeah, we don't want it." Fran nodded. "Especially since it's coming from you."

"Well, too bad!" Monokuma dismissed, crossing his arms. "You guys have no choice! Come to the announcement room in the next 10 minutes or face punishment!"

Andddd he was gone.

We all looked at each other with slightly worried expressions.

"If it's a gift coming from Monokuma, it's not a gift at all." Evelyn frowned.

"Exactly," Leonia sighed. "This can't be good."

"Well, the past two gifts he's given us were kinda nice." Akumu reminded us. "Silver's prize and the second floor. Maybe it's something like that!"

"I dunno, Akumu…" I said. "I don't have a good feeling about this…"

"This is so annoying." Mari whined. "I'm trying to relax by the pool and now I have to walk all the way to the announcement room?"

"You're so goddamn lazy." Kuro, who was now free from Norikazu's grasp, sneered. "Can't you do all of us a favor and just off yourself?"

"Geez, that was uncalled for," Sonoda commented.

"Totally." Mari agreed, glaring at Kuro. "Who asked you for your opinion Mr. Hyde?"

"No one," Kuro shrugged. "But I'm sure we're all thinking about it. You're the biggest mega bitch I've ever seen. You make Monokuma look like a saint."

"I do not!" Mari protested. "You're one to talk, Kuro. You're foulmouthed and have nothing nice to say. You're the mega bitch here, not me."

"Enough." Takahashi suddenly yelled. "Kuro, shut the fuck up and keep your opinions to yourself. Mari, arguing with him isn't going to help anything, so just try to ignore him. Everyone, let's go."

Takahashi started walking towards the door, with an annoyed Mari and snickering Sonoda following him.

One by one, we all exited the pool, quickly drying ourselves off with towels that Evelyn had brought, and following Takahashi to the announcement room.

Just as I was about to leave, I noticed Kuro was still sitting on the bleachers.

He looked completely uninterested in what was going on, and just sat there doing nothing.

I sighed, approaching him. "C'mon Kuro. Like it or not, we have to listen to Monokuma and Takahashi."

"Fuck off," Kuro spat. "I don't take orders from some ginger flight attendant, or from some talking stuffed animal."

"You might not want to, but you have to." I frowned. "Otherwise you'll get yourself killed. And even though you're one of the most negative people here, I doubt you'd want that for yourself."

Kuro rolled his eyes. "Tch...I wonder what'd happen. If I died."

I raised a brow. "Uh, well, I guess it depends on your beliefs on life after d-"

"That's not what I'm talking about you idiot," Kuro glared. "I'm just wondering if I die, will Shiro die too…"

I nodded. "You share the same body, so yeah."

"We may share the same body," Kuro said. "But we're two different people, y'know."

"Is that really how split personalities work?" I inquired.

Kuro snickered. "Oh, no one told you? I'm not just some split personality brought on by a traumatic incident Shiro went through or some shit. I'm a spirit who inhabits his body to protect him from assholes like Mari and Takahashi."

…

…

"That was the lamest joke I've ever heard." I frowned.

Kuro shrugged. "Believe it or don't believe it, I don't care. Ask Shiro if you want. He'll tell you his version of the story."

"If you really are a spirit, then how come your names are so similar?" I asked.

"Kuro's not my real name, dumbass." He responded.

He stood up and started walking towards the door. "Anyways, I'm getting tired of talking to you. You're dumb as fuck."

I rolled my eyes at the Ultimate Occultist. He's an asshole spirit who shares a body with Shiro in order to protect him from bullies? Give me a break, that sounds like the plot of a bad manga.

I finally made my way over to the announcement room, to behold quite a strange sight.

Instead of the chairs that were usually there, there were now 18 small booths, that look like those weird voting things in America.

Everyone was standing around, looking just as confused as me.

"Are we going to vote for the next leader maybe?" Clara suggested.

"Hell no," Takahashi disagreed. "Remember, the rule says I'm the leader, no matter what. Well, unless someone made another rule without consulting us…"

I checked my e-Handbook. "Nope. There are no new rules that cancel out the one you suggested to Monokuma."

Takahashi smirked. "Good."

"Shouldn't we make one though?" Norikazu suggested. "After all, Takahashi has proven to be quite unworthy as a leader. Silver and Ritsu are both dead after all."

"Fuck you." Takahashi glared.

"I don't mind Takahashi being the leader." Akumu shrugged. "Just means that the rest of us don't have to worry about any diplomatic duties!"

"True…" Isami nodded. "Remember, Takahashi had to get all of that stuff from Monokuma for the party…"

"And he was supposed to pick up Takumi after his time in the infirmary was over." I brought up. "It seems like Monokuma is relying on Takahashi for everything just because he's the leader."

"Yeah, and I don't mind unlike some of the lazy asses in here." Takahashi shrugged. "Now can you all shut up about me and start focusing on the actual problem at hand?" He added, gesturing to the booths.

"Is this the gift Monokuma was talking about?" Takumi wondered.

He walked on over to a booth, and pulled aside the curtain.

"Hey, be careful!" I advised, quickly following after him.

He opened the curtain, revealing a screen.

On the screen was displayed:

Jack Masaki vs. Mari Tamatsuki

Jack,

SPARE

ELIMINATE

"What the hell…" I muttered.

"What is this?" Takumi questioned.

Everyone also gathered around to see.

"Oh look, it's me." Jack commented.

"Versus me?" Mari frowned.

"And he has the choice to spare or eliminate you." Hiiro read.

"Ooo, now's your chance, Jack!" Kuro smirked. "Get rid of her once and for all!"

"Yes, make the choice!" He said. We all turned around, to see Monokuma standing behind us. "Spare your friends, or eliminate them! It's all up to you."

"Monokuma, what is the meaning of this?" Takahashi frowned. "Is this a game or something?"

"A game indeed!" Monokuma nodded. "Traitor/Truce to be exact!"

"Traitor/Truce," Leonia repeated. "I assume truce relates to the spare choice of the game, while traitor relates to the eliminate aspect?"

"Exactly!" Monokuma said. "The rules of the Traitor/Truce game are as follows:

You will be randomly partnered with one of your classmates. This partner can be anyone, you don't get to choose!

Your partner and you will both be given the same choices:

To spare them, or eliminate them!

However, it isn't so simple…

If Girl A chooses spare, while Girl B chooses eliminate, Girl A is eliminated!

If Girl A chooses spare, and Girl B also chooses spare, then the two both stay in the game.

Similarly, if Girl A and Girl B both choose eliminate, then the two both stay in the game.

Eliminate your partners one by one and become the Traitor/Truce game winner! Or, spare them, and stick together!"

"Hey, this actually sounds kinda fun," Takumi grinned. "It's like the Game of Life!"

"...How, exactly, is this like the Game of Life?" Evelyn nervously laughed.

"What happens to our partner if they are eliminated?" Koko questioned with a concerned frown.

"You'll just have to wait and see!" Monokuma cackled.

"And what's the prize of becoming the winner of the Traitor/Truce game?" Norikazu inquired.

"You'll just have to wait and see!" Monokuma cackled.

"Why are we even playing this…?" Isami sighed.

"You'll just have to wait and see!" Monokuma cackled.

"Are we playing right now or something?" I asked. "Is that why you've gathered us here?"

"You'll just-Oh yeah," Monokuma nodded. "The first round of the Traitor/Truce game starts right now!"

"Right now?!" Satoko frantically repeated.

"Right now." Monokuma nodded. "Go find your booth, and make your choice! And you better only vote with your booth, otherwise you'll be punished!"

We all frantically scrambled, looking in every booth until we found our name.

Finally, I found mine, close to the end of the line of booths.

I nervously entered it, feeling anxiety in the pit of my stomach. Something about this didn't feel right…

My screen displayed the following:

Seizo Morine vs. Isami Kanagi

Seizo,

SPARE

ELIMINATE

Well, this was an obvious choice. I wasn't going to eliminate someone without knowing what would happen to them. Especially Isami.

I pressed 'spare'. As soon as I did, a voice sounded from a speaker in the screen.

"You've chosen spare. Please do not leave the room until instructed to do so."

I frowned. Well, this was slightly concerning…

I could do nothing but wait, however. I didn't want to see what would happen if I disobeyed the voice.

…

…

…

A few minutes later, the voice finally spoke again. "Please exit the room. Please go in front of the stage, where voting results will be displayed for all participants of the Traitor/Truce game. Thank you."

I quickly left, and saw everyone did the same.

We all stayed quiet, wordlessly making our way to the stage.

There was now a large screen in front of the podium.

Monokuma was standing next to it.

"Round 1 of the Traitor/Truce game is now over!" He announced. "Let's see what choices everyone made this time around, hm?"

The screen powered on, and one by one, our voting results were displayed…

Nadia Levitsky vs. Shiro/Kuro

Nadia: SPARE

Shiro/Kuro: SPARE

Satoko Kiyomizu vs. Evelyn Bryant

Satoko: SPARE

Evelyn: SPARE

Jack Masaki vs. Mari Tamatsuki

Jack: SPARE

Mari: SPARE

Norikazu Kanno vs. Francesca Croft

Norikazu: SPARE

Francesca: SPARE

Akumu Tsubasa vs. Takahashi Jirou

Akumu: SPARE

Takahashi: SPARE

Leonia Taylor vs. Koko Kagawa

Leonia: SPARE

Koko: SPARE

Hiiro Sayoama vs. Sonoda Eisen

Hiiro: SPARE

Sonoda: SPARE

Seizo Morine vs. Isami Kanagi

Seizo: SPARE

Isami: SPARE

Clara Odette vs. Takumi Kyoshi

Clara: SPARE

Takumi: SPARE

I breathed a sigh of relief. None of us were eliminated…

"Hmph," Mari huffed. "I'm surprised. I was willing to bet money that Kuro would eliminate his partner."

"I wouldn't eliminate people like Nadia." Kuro glared. "She doesn't deserve it, unlike you."

"Thanks Isami," I smiled. "For not eliminating me."

"You haven't done anything to annoy me…" Isami said. "So there's not a reason to eliminate you…"

So if I annoyed her she would've eliminated me?!

"Wow, you spared me, Takahashi?" Akumu smiled. "Thanks!"

"Shut up," Takahashi said. "I only did it because I don't know what'll happen if I chose eliminate…"

"Aw man," Monokuma whined. "I thought for sure that one of you would've been a snake and chosen to eliminate your partner!"

"Hell no," I frowned. "We're all in this together. No matter how we view each other, we won't betray each other."

"Upupupu," Monokuma laughed. "Are you forgetting what Ritsu did to Silver?"

"Of course not," I sighed. "I'm just saying that none of us will make that mistake again."

"That's what you say now," Monokuma ominously said. "But you'll change your tune soon enough. This whole killing game is a game of survival, just like the Traitor/Truce game is! You guys aren't friends, you're enemies! Like it or not, someone has to come out on top and be the one to leave this place! And you'd be lying if you say that you didn't want that someone to be you."

We all glanced downwards, feeling a sense of distrust among each other after Monokuma's words…

Ugh, fuck him! Yes, we all want to be the one to go home, but I'm sure as hell not willing to kill someone just to achieve that! Killing someone doesn't just destroy one life, it destroys their friends, family, and even accomplices. I'm not selfish enough to stoop to that level, and no matter how mean or shitty some of the people here are, I think they feel the same way!

Ritsu didn't kill to leave, she killed because she thought Silver was the mastermind who put us all here! If we stay strong, and use logic instead of force like Ritsu did, I'm sure we'll all make it out of here alive.

"You're right, Monokuma." Takahashi suddenly said. "I do want to be the one to leave this place. And I'm sure everybody else does too."

"Takahashi…" I whispered, frowning at the Ultimate Pilot.

"The thought of killing someone has crossed my mind once or twice," He revealed. "It's crossed everyone's minds, whether they admit it or not."

"But, rest assured, you little shit," He continued. "No matter how many people are going to die, I'm going to survive. And I'm going to find out who's controlling you, beat the shit out of them, and steer this ship back home to Earth."

"My, my, you sound confident!" Monokuma remarked. "I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, Mr. Jirou! You underestimate my power."

"And you underestimate mine." Takahashi shot back. "I'm Takahashi Jirou, the Ultimate fucking Pilot. And I'm going to be the one to put an end to this killing game."

A/N: Woop woop, part 2 is done and over with! I'm really enjoying chapter 2 so far, what about you guys? I think it's easier to write now that our characters have formed friendships with each other.

There's a few important things to note about this chapter...Let me know if you can guess what they are! Also, what do you guys think about the Traitor/Truce game? Are you surprised Monokuma introduced it this early? Do you have a theory on why Monokuma introduced it?

As always, thank you guys for reading, and I'll be seeing you in the next one! :)