Chapter 2: The Solace of Hate and Envy (Daily Life #04)

Warning: This fic contains intense violence, lots of cursing, character death, gore and blood, sexual innuendos (thanks Maggie), and possible spoilers for the Danganronpa series, most notably the first one. But hey, everyone lurking in this fandom has at least played the first Danganronpa so no need to worry much there!

With that said, please enjoy!

"Be careful of the Walker boy," they said.

"He's trouble," they said.

"You see what he did to him?" they asked. "That guy is bad news."

You take away a man's greatest love and he'll spend the rest of his life avenging it. Never had Haruto believed those words to be so true than the time he pounced on Ronald Charger with pure rage in his eyes. The moment he had learned that he had not only lost his spot on the team for some bullshit reason– apparently the coach mentioned something about basketball not being fit for him which was factually untrue —he had lost his spot to Charger, a wet pussy who couldn't even land a three-pointer shot without falling flat on his face. He was an insult to basketball. He was an insult to his pride and his rightful place as a member of the middle school Cougars' basketball team.

So what if he marched into the tournament during the half-time and slammed Charger's face into his own locker door?

So what if he dragged Charger off the locker and threw him straight toward the ground?

So what if he pummeled the crying pussy with his bare fists until the guy was beaten black, blue, and red?

He didn't care. He didn't care what would happen to Charger. He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve to take his place as one of the team! It was his team! Not Charger's! Motherfucker!

The thought wildly bounced around in his mind as Haruto had to be restrained by four of his former teammates. Charger had to sit out the rest of the tournament at the nurse's office. Later, the hospital. Apparently, he needed 32 stitches for how badly Haruto had ripped him apart in that locker room. The parents were pissed. Coach was too. And his former teammates? They steered clear of him like he was some wild animal that shouldn't be disturbed.

And Haruto? He was supposed to spend some time at the clinks. Downtime at juvie. Daddy's money got him out of it, though.

So there he stood, in front of his father, the aggression yet to leave his body as he clenched his fist. He could feel his blood rise in temperature. The heat could only exhaust so little of Haruto's temper as he glared daggers at the man he hated so much. The quiet man who only let out simple sighs here and there, countering the discourse that was inhabiting Haruto's body. Simple sighs yet Haruto knew just how disappointed Daddy was. What was this bastard waiting for? Haruto was ready to lay it on this guy. Tell him that everything was all his fault.

If he hadn't butted in like he normally did, Haruto would've still been on the team and Charger's parents wouldn't be filing for any lawsuits against Daddy's shit parenting.

"...So," Dad finally spoke up after looking away from his computer. His disappointed gaze was stern and commanding. Almost threw Haruto off balance from how serious Dad's eyes were. "You sent a boy to the hospital today and now the boy's parents are looking to sue me for some compensation over the hospital bills. Are you proud of yourself… you little shit?"

Dad stood up, pinching the narrow part of his eyes as he gave him a deeper sigh.

"Always causing trouble for your father," Dad muttered to himself. "Why can't you be like Shiota? Obedient. Doesn't question authority. And especially doesn't throw tantrums like a fucking five-year old."

Boy would Haruto give anything he had to land a fist into Daddy's face. But it was the authority that mattered. It was the authority that was stopping him from attacking him like he attacked Charger. Fuck the authority. The authority was what was making his blood boil. Dad noticed it too.

"You wanna punch your old man, huh?" Dad questioned with a glare. "You wanna put me in the hospital like that Ronald kid, huh? Over what? Your silly dream of being an all-star basketball player? A life like that has no future. Cause you know what those NBA bastards are actually? Punks. Juveniles. People from bottom-feeding lives. You are not a bottom-feeder. You are my son. You are part of a wealthy family. And I have done everything I could for you to live under my roof. So, start acting like you deserve it or I'll fucking kick you out myself."

"...Fuck you," Haruto muttered.

"Say that again," Dad's face twitched. Haruto looked away, staying unnaturally silent. He let that slip out a little too early. "You have guts to embarrass your old man in front of a middle school but you're still a pussy in front of him. Say that again. Go on. I know how much you want to say it. So fucking say it."

Haruto clenched his fist.

"Say it," Dad's face was also getting increasingly angry. Again, Haruto remained silent. Father and son stared off against one another for a little longer before the father relinquished in a sigh. "I fucking knew it."

Dad pocketed his hand and turned off his desk lamp as he prepared to head to bed. Haruto stood still. The rage and aggression in his mind were swarming with vengeful thoughts. Perhaps he should push the fucker down the stairs. Perhaps he really should beat him black, blue, and red like Charger. But he never did it. Instead, he let the authority control him once more.

Once more as he listened to his father's final quote of the day:

"You know, if you actually had any sort of balls," Dad spoke up loudly as he brushed past his own son. "You'd say what you wanted to say to my face like a man instead of saying it behind my back like a pussy."

Haruto's eye twitched.

"Get some sleep," Dad finished. "We'll talk more about this in the morning."

It wouldn't be until Dad left that Haruto would use up that entire night to punch that desk lamp. An entire night to make his own fists black, blue, and red…

(Cafeteria)

Mayu couldn't help but shed a tear as she witnessed the soft bread of her sandwich slowly absorb the coffee that had so shamelessly been spilled on top of it by a careless Haruto.

"Shit, sorry, fuck," Haruto cursed, his hands trembling a bit as he sighed bitterly to himself.

"H-How could you?!" Mayu exclaimed. "That was an innocent sandwich! It had a life of its own in my tummy and now you've ruined it! I can't eat a coffee sandwich! They don't match! That's practically junk food!"

"I know, I know," Haruto placed a hand on his head as he sighed. "I'm fucking sorry, alright?"

There was no morning Cafeteria meeting today. Unusual sight really. After all, they always had a Cafeteria meeting one way or another. But today was different. For starters, Jared wasn't around to announce anything today. No platitudes regarding finding a way out. No solution to the one problem on everyone's mind. Escape was unlikely.

And naturally, after the reveal of Chihiro's box yesterday, it placed the five people in the Cafeteria on edge: Haruto, Ina, Maggie, Mayu, and Zuri. Evidence of such a case was Haruto's careless knockdown of his own coffee cup onto Mayu's breakfast.

"It sure is a lot quieter here than it normally is," Zuri looked down. Of course, part of her was thinking about how Holland was doing the previous night. "Even Jared isn't here and he's always here at least in the morning."

"I'm sure he's just doing his own thing," Maggie tapped her cheek slightly. "Though, knowing him after last night…"

"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Jared frowned. "It can't be a coincidence, Arthur. You were the one who brought attention to the first box when we had our chat in the Evidence Room. And now the second box shows up in front of your room of all places? You have to know something!"

"I think you're a little too quick to suspect Arthur, Jared," Mayu scratched the side of her cheek. "I mean, maybe it really is just a bunch of coincidences. I mean, that first box was located in the Evidence Room, wasn't it? Maybe it was meant for you to find."

"Man was riled up after Chihiro's box was found," Haruto sighed. "I wouldn't blame him if he needed to take a breather today. Especially since he seems to think that bastard Arthur had something to do with everything that happened to Chihiro and that Sayaka chick."

"Do you guys think that Arthur did have something to do with what happened?" Zuri asked. "I mean, it could explain the coincidences Jared had been noticing."

"Oh yeah," Mayu nodded, sliding the coffee-stained sandwich away. "He definitely did something. He's rich. He's so full of himself. And he's suspicious. All signs of a natural-born killer."

"None of that is viable evidence, however," Ina sighed as she listened to everyone theorize before raising an eyebrow toward Mayu. "Actually, Mayu. Weren't you the first one to defend Arthur from Jared's accusations?"

"Actually, I pointed out that Jared was just being too hasty!" Mayu stated. "I never said I didn't think he could've done it! Big difference!"

"...I see," Ina nodded.

"Yeah well, even if Arthur is a fucking rich suspicious scumbag, I doubt he'd be able to pull off exactly what White Collar is pulling off here," Haruto rubbed the back of his neck. "If whatever happened to them is happening to us right now. Like you said, everything's just speculation!"

"What is speculation?" a sixth party entered the Cafeteria with a questionable look on her face. The sudden presence of Cassandra was enough to tense up the entire atmosphere, especially since Haruto outwardly groaned at the sight of her.

"Oi… not this fucking bitch," Haruto grumbled.

"Geez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today," Cassandra rolled her eyes toward Haruto. "I haven't even done anything… yet."

"Exactly, and we don't want you shitting on our day to make it worse, now get lost!" Haruto growled.

"Please calm down Haruto," Ina sighed. "You're only causing a scene the more you tell her to outright leave. Now, to answer your question Cassandra, we were just talking about Jared suspecting Arthur of having something to do with those kids that went missing five years ago."

Cassandra looked at Ina, curious rather than scowling like she normally would be. That was an interesting topic to be brought up in the morning. And now that she noticed, Jared wasn't even around like he normally would've been. Shit must've been serious. And not only that…

"...If you say so," Arthur shrugged, crossing his arms again. "Truthfully Cassandra, I don't really care about whatever it is you're doing or what motive you have for doing so, but I only ask you to do one simple thing for me…"

Cassandra didn't realize it, but she began to bite her thumb, gritting her teeth as she did so. Perhaps she was going to have to retract that earlier thought over how unbearable Arthur really was. And this single action confirmed everything Arthur had suspected. She was doing something but what exactly was it? And in Cassandra's case, how did he even know?

"Oh yeah, what's that?" Cassandra asked Arthur.

Arthur took a step closer and loomed over her with a cold inflection of himself.

"...Don't ruin this game for me…" Arthur coldly stated.

…Arthur was a psycho the last time they talked. The timing could not be more coincidental. Cassandra hated to admit it, but that police officer could be onto something. And even more to her chagrin, she might actually have to pay him a visit later. Fuck…

"...Why does he suspect him?" Cassandra took a deep breath. She had to play her cards right. It would do her no good if she outright told everyone what Arthur had said to her. Not like any of them would even take her seriously, anyway. She can make do with what she knows herself.

"And suddenly this asshole wants to play Nancy Drew," Haruto grumbled. "Why do you even care? You don't even come to our meetings anyway. Let's just stop talking to this bitch and-"

"Jared thinks it's too coincidental that Arthur's been in the presence of two of those evidence boxes!" Mayu exclaimed.

"D-Did you just fucking ignore me?!" Haruto looked at Mayu with the most irritated expression ever.

"...Huh, I see," Cassandra stated, merely. "That's interesting. Where's that cop, anyway?"

"Again, why do you ca-" Haruto was about to say before Ina cut him off this time with her own response.

"He never came to the morning meeting today, unusually," Ina answered. "Perhaps he is still in his room. Or his Ultimate Cell. He does like to hang out there a lot. But those are the two places I can think of that he would most likely be in."

"Thanks," Cassandra stated casually before she walked away from the Cafeteria. Just like that. Suddenly. Quick to the chase. Done with her time in the Cafeteria.

"You guys…" Haruto glared at Mayu and Ina for spilling such information to Cassandra of all people. "What the fuck?"

"Hey hey, don't look at me!" Mayu nibbled on a more edible piece of her sandwich. "You ruined my sandwich!"

"I was only telling her where to find Jared," Ina stated. "Nothing more. Nothing less."

"Besides, did you guys notice?" Maggie looked a little uncertain as she stared at the Cafeteria door that Cassandra had left from. "Cassandra acted a little differently than she normally did. It was… strange."

"Do you think she might know something?" Zuri blinked.

"Hah, know something about Arthur?" Mayu stated with a cheeky smile. "I doubt it! Arthur may be suspicious, but I know rich guys like him. They're always the hardest to leak secrets from. Comes from experience!"

"And even if she did, it's not like she was going to tell us," Haruto scratched the back of his neck with a growl before looking back up to his peers. "Which brings me to my next point. Seriously, what the fuck guys? Leaking shit to her like that…"

"Hey hey, don't look at me!" Mayu raised her hands in the air this time. "You still ruined my sandwich!"

"I only told her Jared's possible whereabouts," Ina stated, closing her eyes. "Nothing more. Nothing less."

"Some morning meeting," Zuri sighed to herself as she stood up from her Cafeteria table seat. "I'll catch you guys later. I'm just going to go pack a sandwich back to my room."

Lies. She wasn't going to pack a sandwich back to her room. Where she was going specifically was to a place that Maggie already caught on to, as she had given the bassist a rather foxy smirk. Where else? But…

(#66's Cell)

Holland weakly opened his eyes. If he had "spend 24 hours in solitary confinement" on his to-do list, he would have definitely accomplished the task by now and what 24 hours they were. Holland had done nothing but sit in that same spot by that metal door the entire night. His jacket could only protect him oh so much from the cold. And he had long gotten used to the flickering lightbulb in his room as well as the cockroaches that called this place home. Heh. He was amazed at how he had not yet started going batshit insane in this hellish room.

In a way, it kind of reminded him of his own room back home. It was just as dirty as this room, except instead of bugs and dust littered around, it was a bunch of empty cans of energy drinks and unfinished snack bags. The cell's flickering light was reminiscent of the gloom that was his own room. Dark and no source of light except from his computer screen monitor. Just the way he liked it. And of course, he too would have visitors back at his room. His mother.

Mother…

Holland had so much to think about and yet his own mother hadn't popped into his mind ever since the Trial. Couldn't blame him. He had his own peers to deal with. The peers that hated him. The peers that weren't… Zuri.

Zuri…

Even after everything, Zuri was still giving him a chance. He thought long and hard about their talk last night. Specifically what Zuri had said to him before she left. The one thing that was most important to the hope he so desperately was grabbing toward.

"No no," Zuri shook her head with a small smile. "I did mean what I said. I think you deserve a second chance Holland. But… I think when it comes to us being friends, I think it'll take a while for us to properly be friends again."

It'll take a while, she said. But she was still willing for them to be friends again. That was the hope he was looking for. That was the one thing he was looking forward to. And if it meant he had to stay in this cruddy cell for however long it would take for them to escape from St. Esther's, that was fine by him. Fine by him…

"It's strange to see someone look hopeful in a place like this," a voice quickly caught Holland's attention as his slightly impaired vision revealed Monohebi, sitting coiled on the nasty mattress. "Especially when it comes to someone who barely shows emotion like you, Mister Delaney."

Holland didn't say anything. Instead, he questioned her presence. Why was she here? And how long had she been here for? All questions that Monohebi easily perceived to be on his mind at that very moment.

"Relax Mister Delaney," Monohebi watched the video-game designer closely, as if he were a mouse ready to fall into a deadly mousetrap. "I only came here because I felt as if you needed company."

"...Is that really the case?" Holland stared at Monohebi, a little suspicious of her true intentions. "...Why don't I believe you?"

"...Your intellect does not match your skills in emoting," Monohebi stated. "You've caught my lie. In truth, I was the one who needed the company. And what better than a cell where we can be alone together?"

"...What do you want from me?" Holland stared at Monohebi with the blankest expression. It read that he didn't care, even though his words clearly stated otherwise.

"What is your relationship with Miss Auraline?" Monohebi asked, bluntly.

Holland hid his look of surprise especially well. Why would Monohebi be curious about that about all things? It was just so sudden. But he had to ask himself that same question. What was his relationship with Zuri? Or rather, what did it mean to him?

"...Why do you want to know?" Holland didn't look amused.

"Out of everyone here, you two seem to be getting along the closest," Monohebi merely stated. "I only want to know what your relationship is with her. Can't a snake be curious?"

"...Curiosity killed the snake," Holland glumly stated. "Please leave."

Monohebi observed Holland. Was this a touchy subject for him? She couldn't understand why. After all, she just asked a simple question. It should've been easy to answer and yet… He was acting exactly like Master White Collar: pushing her away from knowing how they truly felt. Asking her to leave. But she couldn't leave. She just couldn't. It was not her duty to leave things as they are. It was her duty to fulfill a promise…

"...I must know because I wish to understand…" Monohebi stated.

Holland shared a glance at the snake's piercing red eyes. He felt slightly unsettled by the constant observatory looks she was giving him, but he never showed it. He never showed any weakness. That poker face of his remained on.

"...I may be a snake, but I am actually a rather sophisticated artificial intelligence developed to help serve Master White Collar's every need," Monohebi explained.

"...Then did he put you up to this?" Holland asked. "...A way to taunt me?"

"...No Mister Delaney," Monohebi shook her head. "I came here of my own accord. As I said, I wish to understand."

"...Understand what?" Holland looked at the snake blankly.

"Your relationship with Miss Auraline," Monohebi stated. "How is it different between Master White Collar and me? How is it similar? How can I make Master White Collar treat me the way she treats you? It's… confusing."

Holland blinked. That was the reason why Monohebi wanted to know? To understand it? That was odd, even by Monohebi's standards. But the more he questioned it, the more he began to understand and realize. Monohebi had done nothing but try to please her Master and yet it never seemed like he acknowledged her the way she wanted to be acknowledged. It was a similar feeling to how he was feeling now. Outcasted and yet yearning for that acknowledgement that Monohebi was looking for.

Friendship. Right?

"...Zuri and I are just friends," Holland finally answered. "Though, we're still working on it… Happy?"

"...That answer does not satisfy me," Monohebi stated. "I still do not understand."

"...How you want your Master to treat you is based entirely on him," Holland stated. "You can't force it. You can never force these kinds of things…"

Holland's mind went directly toward his crime. Yeah. That's right. That's why he broke in the first place. He was trying to force an escape for his own life, back to his mother. But the plan to escape should've been based entirely on his trust with his allies. Trust that they could escape. He never had to attack anyone in the first place. He never had to.

Maybe then, Kane and Titus would still be alive.

"...I see," Monohebi merely stated. "I'm afraid your words have been unhelpful. I apologize for wasting your time Mister Delaney. Please excuse me."

"...What about you needing company?" Holland asked the snake before she had uncoiled herself to leave. "Or… was that a lie?"

Monohebi had already turned to the corner and had prepared to slither off before she heard Holland's question.

"...Unfortunately, I should not have been engaging in personal matters with Master White Collar's prisoners," Monohebi stated. "Or rather… any matter for that regard…"

"...What was that last part?" Holland raised an eyebrow toward the snake.

"...It is not of your concern, Mister Delaney," Monohebi stated. "I shall see you later tonight."

With that, the snake slithered off, leaving behind a confused and curious Holland. The video-game designer could only contemplate so much about his strange encounter. This would also seem like something he would tell the others, but he already had so much on his plate. So much to do to make his 'allies' trust him again.

A soft knock forced him to feel a vibration emit from the metallic door he leaned against. And then a soft voice caught his attention.

"...Hey Holland, how are you holding up?" came the voice of Zuri from the other side. "I made you breakfast."

Holland was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"...Could be better," Holland honestly stated. "Thank you for checking up on me Zuri."

(Jared's Room)

Cassandra couldn't believe it.

Never in a million years would she have ever gone to a cop for anything. She always said to herself that they were no help. A nuisance that was only established to make sure people did what they were supposed to and follow the rules and stuff. And yet, here she was, knocking on the door belonging to the room of the Ultimate Police Officer. She inwardly groaned as she braced herself for the possibilities that might occur.

Perhaps Jared might outright arrest her for disturbing his slumber.

Perhaps Jared might question her until she broke.

Perhaps Jared might start showing her files of her life, including the hell her dad had to go through.

No. No. This prick better not do anything like that! He shouldn't even have anything of the sort. He doesn't live where she lived! He had no jurisdiction to arrest her! And he certainly shouldn't have anything on her anyway, either! Cassandra took a deep breath. She needed to calm down. Jared may be a cop, but he's a cop with no evidence.

No evidence of anything.

The door opened. Cassandra furrowed her eyebrows and held her composure. And out came a surprised Jared who seemed much more untidy than usual. His blue hair was a mess. His police hat wasn't on his head like it normally was. His police uniform was unkempt and unproperly dressed. And it also seemed like he got little sleep as well.

"C-Cassandra?" Jared blinked, rubbing his eyes. "Is that you or is this some sick dream?"

"If it were a dream, I would've killed you and thrown your body into the horse's feed by now," Cassandra frowned, pushing past the cop as she entered his room. That was when she widened her eyes at what she saw. "What the fuck is this?!"

Just like Jared, his room was messy as well. The bed hasn't been made. Chairs dragged all across the room. And the wall. God the wall. It was filled with writing in red marker charted like a web, like a whiteboard with evidence that one often sees when detectives plan out their next course of action or how a suspect gets tied into a bigger mystery.

Except this time, the words pertained to mainly Arthur and the evidence found in the evidence box as well as different information about the Tragedy of Hope's Peak Academy. This also included the names and whatever the files had said about them, though birthdays and blood type and such were written in the corner with a circle circled around them and the words: "What does it all mean?"

"No one was supposed to see it!" Jared exclaimed, shutting the door behind him. "A-And especially not someone like you! Why are you here in the first place? I'm busy."

"Busy being a kook, no doubt," Cassandra rolled her eyes. "I guess everything on this wall tells me everything I need to know about Arthur so…"

"W-Why are you suddenly interested?!" Jared glared at Cassandra before widening his eyes. "D-Did he put you up to this?! Was this his doing?! Are you a spy?! Is that your secret Ultimate talent?!"

Cassandra flatly stared at Jared. Then without warning, the palm of her hand connected to the officer's cheek almost all too quickly.

…

"I see, so Arthur told you that did he?" Jared looked at Cassandra, seriously, rubbing his cheek as the unknown talent recounted her encounter with the snowboarder the day before (of course leaving out the stuff that rich scumbag said about her). "I knew he was suspicious, but I didn't think he would be the type to actually enjoy this game- No wait. Actually, I did. I had a strong feeling he was that type of person. And this clearly won't get him off my suspect list for a long long time."

Cassandra couldn't believe that her slap still stung Jared's cheek. It had been a little over 20 minutes since she slapped him and explained how creepy Arthur was yesterday. Perhaps she could use that as something to slap some sense into Zuri or Maggie. Clearly, she also didn't care what Jared thought as she had been thinking of nothing but how much pain she had done to the cop.

"But why come to me about it?" Jared asked, snapping Cassandra away from that pleasurable thought. "I mean, this kind of information sounds like something you would keep a secret for the hell of it. And don't you dare say something like 'I just wanted to' because both of us know that isn't going to be a possible excuse with me involved. It's also an obstruction of justice."

"You have no jurisdiction here," Cassandra flatly stated.

"Untrue," Jared frowned. "I can throw you into Cell #66 and give Holland a roommate. You know what? I probably should! You literally just assaulted a police officer! That's a major offense!"

"God, you cops are always so high and mighty about everything," Cassandra frowned. "It's disgusting. I only came here to trade information. I told you what Arthur said to me, in return, you give me everything you know about your suspicions on the guy."

Jared stared at the unknown talent. Was information all she wanted? Sounds like something plausible but the main concern here is what she would want the information for. Cassandra hasn't made her motivations clear.

"What do you get out of this?" Jared narrowed his eyes. "For all I know, you could be leaking information to Arthur as his ally."

"Are you kidding me?" Cassandra frowned. Coming here was a mistake. "If I was allied with him, why would I reveal something like that to you of all people? It's like hosting a Cafeteria Meeting and being all, 'I know who White Collar is, guys!'"

"...Do you?" Jared raised an eyebrow.

"No!" Cassandra groaned. "Look. I just want information on him. Anything. I want to understand who this guy is and what his deal is, because something's not right about him and you seem to be the only other person who thinks that. I've never begged cops for anything so hard in my life. So please."

Jared clasped his hands together and hummed. He gave it a thought. She did raise a valuable point. There was no reason for her to come over and reveal such crucial information. They could've easily kept it to themselves and sailed through the game as one. But she defaulted from that. So literally, there is no chance that she could be allied with him. At the same time, he was still unconvinced regarding her motivation but…

"You know, it's kind of illegal for a cop to leak evidence," Jared scratched the back of his head. "But as you said, I don't have jurisdiction here and if we want to get to the bottom of things, then I might as well have a partner."

"Okay, first off, we're not partners," Cassandra pointed out. "Nor are we friends. Or acquaintances. Or anything. And we will never be anything. Got it?"

"...I feel like I just got rejected even though I never had any intention of asking," Jared said to himself, almost dejectedly. He cleared his throat and started again. "But about Arthur. I don't have clear concise evidence. Everything is circumstantial and baseless. But your testimony might be something of a push to get some sort of investigation started."

"You going to tell everyone about what I said?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

"Not the best idea," Jared shook his head. "Arthur can't know that you came to me about this. Plus, if people found out that this information came from you, they'd question it. You're too unreliable as a witness."

"And yet, you seem to believe me," Cassandra crossed her arms.

"...Call it a hunch that I know you're telling the truth here," Jared pointed out. "Either case, everything involving the Tragedy and Arthur seem like some sort of pattern. It could be a coincidence, but as I said, I have a hunch and it's telling me that Arthur was involved somehow."

"Involved with the disappearance of 16 kids?" Cassandra scoffed. "How can one guy make 16 kids disappear? And according to that right bottom corner of your map, you also think he might've thrown them all into a Killing Game like we're in. You really think one guy can pull that off?"

"White Collar is one guy, isn't he?" Jared looked at Cassandra.

"Well yeah, but he has that fucking snake to help enforce the rules," Cassandra bit her lip.

"And who's to say that Arthur wouldn't have had something like that snake help him out?" Jared theorized. "Not only that, but he's also rich too. That would've helped out for funding a big game like we're in."

"Okay, then you think he's White Collar too?" Cassandra asked Jared.

Jared rubbed his chin at that thought. Arthur as White Collar? That doesn't seem possible. It always seemed more like…

"No, I don't think he's White Collar," Jared shook his head. "But remember what White Collar's reasoning was for selecting all of us? We all sinned. And kidnapping 16 Hope's Peak Academy students and getting them to kill each other is a big enough sin as it is."

"...It happened five years ago, didn't it?" Cassandra frowned. "The Tragedy, I mean?"

Jared nodded. Cassandra sighed.

"Okay, then tell me this," Cassandra crossed her arms. "If Arthur was responsible for a Killing Game five years ago, that means that 16 students of Hope's Peak Academy were killed in a game created by a 16-year old. You see the problem here?"

"Ah!" Jared saw the problem here.

"Unlike White Collar, who's a grown ass man, Arthur would've been a teenager and no teenager could've pulled off a mass kidnapping like that," Cassandra rolled her eyes. "He might have had something to do with the Tragedy, but he's not the one who masterminded everything."

Could a sixteen-year old really pull something like this off? Jared thought about such cases involving culprits around that age. Most of them ranged from kids who couldn't handle the pressure of their parents to kids that made too harsh of mistakes. Smaller scale cases but nothing as big and horrible as the Tragedy. Jared sighed.

"I… I guess you're right," Jared sighed. "I guess it's back to square one then."

…

Jared began to erase certain aspects of his evidence wall as Cassandra watched him. She couldn't help but think about how they just had a civil back-and-forth over theories on what Arthur's deal was. Jared might've believed him to be the mastermind of some deranged plot, but Cassandra believed something else. Something she hadn't bothered to share. After all, he never asked and as far as their deal went, she never said anything about specifying what her actual thoughts were on the matter. She chuckled to herself as she watched Jared clean up the red markings.

"Erm, is something funny?" Jared had stopped to look at her. Ah. She kind of outed herself didn't she. With a clearing of her throat, Cassandra responded:

"Are all you cops usually this crazy?" Cassandra smirked.

"Crazy?" Jared blinked before looking serious and shaking his head. "Please. We have to be sane if we're to do our job right. Do you usually have a negative mindset about cops in general?"

"Gee, what gave that away?" Cassandra rolled her eyes as she leaned back against her chair. "Let's just say that cops and I don't get along well. Never have. And never will."

"Because of your Ultimate talent?" Jared narrowed his eyes. Cassandra rolled her eyes once again.

"Exactly why we don't get along," Cassandra frowned. "You guys ask way too many questions. And whenever you get the answers, you don't understand them. So, what's the point?"

"...We got along earlier, didn't we?" Jared asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You really think us theorizing over what Norman Bates-shit Arthur was into could be classified as bonding?" Cassandra scoffed as flatly continued with, "You are a fucking riot."

"You have to admit though," Jared smiled to himself. "It was the first time you and I spoke to one another without any conflict or drama-related things or insults… Okay, maybe some little insults here or there but still. You get the point."

Cassandra blankly stared at Jared before looking away as she crossed her arms. Bonding with a cop? Absolutely disgusting. Big ew on her part.

"You know, I know us cops can be pretty intolerable sometimes," Jared sighed as he continued to wipe the red marker from his wall. "But we're still human. We make mistakes. And sometimes, we even act like the same pieces of shit we're meant to fight against. I've been guilty of that several times."

"What, you kill someone?" Cassandra joked.

Jared stopped wiping his evidence wall. It told her everything she needed to know.

"...Ah, oh," Cassandra looked away. Well, that was fucking awkward.

"An unwarranted shooting," Jared answered. "Culprit was unarmed, and I shot him anyway. It was the first time in my life that I let my emotions overtake rational decision-making. Still haunts me to this day."

Cassandra blinked. He really just told her that he shot an unarmed suspect. Was he really that happy with her company? With their civil conversation?

"Maybe I just told you this so I can assure you that us cops aren't demigods or anything special like that," Jared chuckled to himself. "I imagine you only hate them cause of how they acted in your hometown right? It's a pattern I've been seeing when I've talked to some people here."

Jared of course referred to his conversation with Haruto about those abusive cops back at his hometown. He sighed.

"I can't imagine how the cops at your place are like," Jared clenched his fist. "I might be a hypocrite for saying something like this, but cops that break their code of conduct don't deserve the badge they proudly carry. They're nothing but criminals in my eyes."

"Pft, like you?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

Jared paused for moment. He sighed before nodding.

"Yeah, like me," Jared frowned, looking down. "Truthfully, I don't think I deserve my badge either, but I still try hard to make sure there is peace in our society and that justice has been delivered."

Cassandra sat still as she took into account everything that Jared had said. Truthfully, he was nothing like those cops back at home. Nothing like those cops in her motive video. Nothing like those cops who cared more for a job well done than actually helping the people around them. Nothing like those pieces of garbage.

"Tch, your sense of pride is gross and toxic," Cassandra scoffed before sighing. "But you're right. The cops at my place are shit. They're shit at their job, and they're shit people."

Cassandra looked away before looking down.

"But maybe if they had a cop like you there, maybe things would be a little better," Cassandra muttered to herself. She said it quietly so that the cop wouldn't hear it.

Unfortunately, he did. And he smiled upon hearing that. Maybe Cassandra wasn't such a bad person after all.

Maybe Cassandra and Jared grew closer together. No. They did. They so did and Jared can hope that they would grow closer…

Straining her own body was natural for Abigail.

She huffed and puffed more than usual. Her legs were tense. She got little to no sleep last night on account of those shitty nightmares. And now she was feeling dazed and completely out of it. It would be incorrect to say that she had been hallucinating now. More so rather getting flashbacks as she completed a jog all around the horse-racing stadium found beyond her cell.

The sand crumbled underneath her boots as she felt herself sweat. The images that kept popping in her mind as she let it wander began to feel real and real. Flashes of old memories she would've liked to keep buried inside. But instead, it was like they were resisting against her will. Fighting to haunt the secrets that she was hiding.

Images of a ceiling girder.

Of a knocked over chair.

Of a hanging body.

Of Mom's disappointed face hidden underneath a downcast face.

Of that girl that she kept seeing over and over in her dreams.

Ashlen…

(Ultimate Equestrian's Cell)

Abigail felt as if she was being suffocated. Her throat had tightened, and her heart had been thumping louder and louder as if her fight-or-flight response had suddenly been triggered by an invisible force. She chugged down some water, desperate to cleanse herself up after that nightmarish jog he had.

She took a deep breath to maintain control of her senses. As if she already didn't have enough problems on her plate, now she had to dread seeing her past come back to haunt her during her daily routine. She poured the rest of her water directly over her head. A clear effort to wash her face and wake herself up back into reality.

The reality that was equally as nightmarish as what she had to go through…

She felt a hot air blow past her shoulder. Turning around, Judas had been watching her. Studying her. Judging her. Why? She followed Judas' gaze towards her water bottle. Ah. Judas was thirsty, wasn't he? Guess he ran out of water.

"...Shit, sorry Judas," Abigail patted Judas on the head. "I'll go and get some more, alright?"

Never in a million years did she think she would ever say 'sorry Judas', but here she was, patting Judas on the head and promising him water even though someone like him didn't deserve it. Pause. Abigail had to remember that the Judas she was thinking of wasn't this sweet horse that was merely asking for water.

Judas brayed and reared, kicking his front legs into the air as he stood on his hind ones.

Spoke too soon Abigail. Abigail leaped out of the way as Judas began to thrash about, neighing and making a sound as if it were in distress. Rushing toward its size and trying to make sure Judas' legs never hit her square in the face, Abigail held out her hands in order to try to calm him down.

"H-Hey, hey, what the hell is the matter with you?" Abigail blinked, confused as she attempted to find a moment for her to latch a soothing hand onto the horse.

Judas began to kick and whinny. The hind legs made a good impact onto the wooden planks of his stables and over and over the horse continued to thrash. Thrash. Thrash. Break. One of the wooden planks was kicked straight off and Judas continued to thrash around.

"Jesus Christ, Judas, stop!" Abigail frowned as she jumped in and hugged the horse. She felt the strength of Judas but never ceased to hold him back as she caressed the horse's stomach. "There, there. It's alright now. Okay? Just calm down. Please. I don't want you making a mess of this place."

Judas seemed to understand what Abigail was saying and immediately stopped thrashing around. Abigail blinked to herself and sighed.

"...It's really come to me making friends with a horse of all things," Abigail mumbled to herself, tiredly.

"What was the matter with it?" a voice suddenly popped out from behind the equestrian, forcing her to jump in fright.

"Jesus!" Abigail yelled, turning to see Ina. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? How long have you been standing there?"

"...Before the horse started jumping around," Ina pointed out.

Ah. That probably explained why Judas was acting the way he did. Abigail didn't blame him. She had practically done the same thing. And if she were pissed off, she'd probably make a mess of the place as well.

"Well, next time, knock or… something," Abigail sighed to herself.

Ina examined the equestrian closely. She noted the sweat (or at least her wet face and hair given that she had poured water over herself), the out-of-breathiness, the fatigue on her face… It was enough to cause some sort of worry for the revolutionnaire.

"Are you alright, Abigail?" Ina asked. "You seem… out of it."

"When am I not out of it?" Abigail frowned. She paused for a moment before shaking her head. Best not to get all snappy. Her problem with her sleep schedule was her business and her business alone. "Nevermind. I'm just tired since I just ran around the horse-racing stadium a couple of times."

"By yourself?" Ina raised an eyebrow.

"Well yeah, who else would I run with?" Abigail asked.

Ina directed her gaze towards the numerous horses (and one donkey), residing in their stables peacefully. She didn't have any clue why Abigail would be jogging around her own stadium but the more she thought about it, the more she began to realize that every time Abigail mentioned anything about her talent, she never once mentioned anything regarding riding horses. Or rather, never once mentioned anything about her riding horses.

"...Sorry, I thought you might have been training just because you were the Ultimate Equestrian," Ina looked away. "But… you were not. Were you?"

"...I might be the Ultimate Equestrian…" Abigail sighed. "But I would rather not be. It's not even a talent that I really want."

"Why is that?" Ina asked, curious.

"Because I hate riding horses," Abigail answered with a frown. But the closer Ina examined that frown, the more it seemed like that frown was filled with some sort of deep resentment.

An Ultimate Equestrian that disliked riding horses? That was certainly odd! For Ina, it was like being the Ultimate Revolutionary and disliking conflict and rebelling against governments! Abigail seemed to have caught on to Ina's inner thoughts as she tiredly crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, yeah," Abigail sighed. "What kind of Ultimate Equestrian doesn't like to ride horses? I've heard that before. But really, it's just not for me."

"...Then, how exactly did you become the Ultimate Equestrian in the first place?" Ina asked, confused.

Abigail rubbed her chin. For some reason, it took a while for the horse-riding hating equestrian to formulate any type of response. But once she did, Abigail relinquished her folded-arm stance and gave Ina a casual shrug.

"Honestly, I have no clue," Abigail yawned. "I guess it's just a natural talent I picked up from…"

Abigail bit her lip. She didn't dare go further. She cleared her throat and started again, hoping Ina didn't press further on what she had nearly let slip.

"...Nevermind," Abigail muttered. "It's just a natural talent. But I hate it and I want nothing to do with it."

Abigail looked down. Her face was starting to look a little stressed. Miserable.

"Fuck," Abigail mumbled to herself. "I wanted nothing to do with my talent. So why? Why am I even here in the first place? What the fuck does that devil mask wearing piece of shit want with me?"

"...According to that 'piece of…'" Ina raised an eyebrow, not even daring to curse. "He has constantly referred to us as sinners. So perhaps we did something to wrong him. Or… something wrong in his eyes."

Abigail rubbed her arms as she looked away, slightly pained by that implication. Ina examined that carefully. Could it be that Abigail knew exactly what White Collar had been referring to when he mentioned sins? But what could she have done? Ina was curious but she didn't dare to say anything.

"...Have you ever had a strong desire for something?" Abigail asked Ina, suddenly. "Something you really really wanted?"

It was an odd question. Odder even that it just suddenly came out of the blue. But Ina was quick to respond. After all, only one thought had come into her mind. Something very important. Something she had been obsessed with for a long, long time.

"Of course," Ina nodded, closing her eyes. "My father."

"...Your dad?" Abigail blinked. "What about him?"

"...I do not know who he is," Ina slowly responded. "...I... was left under the care of a group of nuns at an orphanage because of him. And for a long time, I hated him."

"So, your dad abandoned you basically," Abigail tiredly stated before scoffing to herself with a small smile to herself. "Tch. Same here. I hated my dad too."

"Ah, but you still have him, though?" Ina asked.

"...No, not really," Abigail shook her head, chuckling to herself, not out of amusement but out of slight bitterness. "He got caught cheating on my mom. Couldn't control himself with one of the maids. And when he got caught, well, my mom sent him packing. So, I guess you can say that he kind of also abandoned us-me... Too."

Ina remained silent. So, she had a father that also left her behind? Ina never expected that. In fact, she never expected someone here to have a similar type of father as she did. She scoffed.

"At least you knew your father," Ina said. "I, on the other hand, do not."

The two girls paused from their conversation. They glanced at one another. Abigail bit her lip the more she thought about her father. And Ina clenched her fist tightly as she thought about what her careless old man would be doing during her time being imprisoned in this horrid Killing Game.

"...Do you still hate your father?" Ina asked.

"Oh yeah, big time," Abigail stated. "You?"

"With a passion," Ina nodded. "That's why I want to know so desperately who he is. So I can finally put a face to the man who left me behind all those years ago. And then finally, one of my life goals shall be complete."

"Oh yeah?" Abigail quirked an eyebrow. "And what are your other life goals?"

"Demolishing the current state of our democracy and government," Ina stated confidently. "As well as purging the world of all demons."

"...Pfft, good luck with that," Abigail chuckled. She had to admit, it was certainly nice having a conversation with someone like this on a deep and heartfelt level. It had certainly been a while. Been a while since she last… Abigail's small smile shifted back into that moody teenager outlet. "Yeah, the reason why I asked is because I was curious."

"...What is your strongest desire then?" Ina asked Abigail.

Abigail thought long and hard about it. But really, there was no need for that. She already had an answer. A strong one. Something she wanted to do for a long, long time.

"Escape," Abigail smiled to herself, the thought of her greatest desire pleasing her to no end. "Escape everything, really."

"...Admirable," Ina merely responded as they stayed within each other's presence for a long while.

No doubt, Ina and Abigail had grown a little closer together. Grew a little closer through the shared bond of terrible fathers and strong desires…

(Ultimate Basketball Player's Cell)

Swoosh.

Another one in the hoop and still counting. Haruto found himself lost in the moment as he landed three-point shots back-to-back. It was a simple cycle really. Haruto would dribble the basketball a couple of times, catch it in midair, aim, and then throw that sucker into the hoop away from the line. And he did it over and over again flawlessly.

Over and over again. Each hoop. Each shot. Flawless. Nothing in his mind but the concentrated thought over his father. Over what Dad had done to him. Cutting him off the team was bad enough but doing it during the tournaments was a shot to his pride. He was the Ultimate Basketball Player god damn it. This was his right. His right to have played in that tournament. His right to play basketball in general.

How dare his old man take that from him?!

Haruto gritted his teeth as he missed for the first time in a while. The basketball had bounced off the backboard and landed a few feet away from the court. He let his emotions get in the way of his 60-shot streak. His frustration and anger took control over his strength. It's an issue he had for a while now but who could blame him? He was just a young man filled with rage.

With a sigh, Haruto went to where the basketball had rolled off toward in order to pick it up and restart his streak. However, what he didn't expect to see was a nervous Carter handing it back to him.

"...Ah, you, the dweeb," Haruto blankly stared at Carter. He rubbed the back of his neck. "The fuck are you doing here?"

"...O-On my way to the pool, I g-guess," Carter looked down. "A-And I'm guessing y-you're just taking away y-your frustration by sh-shooting hoops?"

"...Nah, just practicing," Haruto lied as he looked away.

"I-I s-see," Carter stuttered.

There was an awkward silence between the two boys. If anything, it was natural for them to be so awkward to each other. They hardly had much time to interact with each other and even if they did, one would've been a stuttering mess and the other would be hella pissed and annoyed by that character trait.

Carter cleared his throat. Best he be on his way. After all, he didn't feel as if he were wanted or anything here. Compared to everyone else who's made connections, (even Cassandra and Arthur had made connections even if they weren't the good kind), Carter has made nothing of the sort. And the closest one he had made was with Ina, but that was only a courtesy on her part due to her role in him getting that sick motive video.

He shuddered over the thought of that video again.

"Oi, you wanna throw some hoops with me?" Haruto asked, as he dribbled the ball slowly. That was surprising. He wanted him to join him.

"...Ah, but… I don't play b-basketball," Carter looked down, bashfully. He pushed his glasses up nervously. "O-Or, at least, I d-don't think I'm good at it…"

"Surprise me," Haruto held out the ball for Carter to grab. Guess instead of the pool, he was going to learn to play basketball, eh? Carter gulped. It was just a ball. Couldn't hurt him, right?

…

"Wow, you're really fucking bad," Haruto stared down at Carter who was covering his nose on the floor. As it turned out, his weak strength and trajectory forced the ball to hit the end of the hoop and bounce back straight into his nose. "You alright?"

"N-Never better," Carter groaned. "I… I t-told you I don't play b-basketball."

"Yeah, should've listened," Haruto grumbled with a sigh. "Sorry about that. I just got really lonely so… Guess I needed the company. But if the company is gonna get hurt by my ideal sport then it ain't worth it."

Carter rubbed his nose. If he could see himself right now, he could see that his nose was definitely red but no nosebleeds or anything like that. Thank goodness because that would be hell to clean up. Once he realized he was alright, he looked back at Haruto and got back up to his feet.

"Ah, y-you alright?" Carter carefully asked.

"Idiot, does it sound like I'm alright?" Haruto growled toward the opinion columnist.

"N-No," Carter was taken aback by Haruto's sudden stress and anger.

"Shit, sorry," Haruto sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Look. I'm just under a lot of stress and stuff and everything going on with what we're in isn't making things a hell lot better."

Carter eyed Haruto carefully. He pushed his glasses up as he bit his lips.

"Th-Then is there anything I can do to help?" Carter asked carefully. It was like he was treading his words carefully. Understandable. After all, Haruto was quick to anger, and any wrong words might as well get him killed. Good thing he was an opinion columnist!

"Yeah, being here and making sure you don't add anything to the list of things that pisses me off," Haruto grumbled toward Carter.

"Ah… d-dare I ask what exactly pisses you off?" Carter sheepishly asked.

"The list is fucking long," Haruto muttered. "But so far, it includes White Collar, his fucking pet snake, that fucktard Cassandra, this entire fucking Killing Game, grrr… You asking me what pisses me off which just gets me even more pissed off having to even mention the things that piss me off!"

"A-Ah, sh-shoot, s-sorry!" Carter trembled, nearly feeling himself fall to his knees.

"...Guess it can't be helped," Haruto muttered. "I'm just naturally in a shit mood. Unlike you who's trembling like a little pussy."

"Ah… th-that's not very nice," Carter noted.

"I'm not a nice guy," Haruto frowned.

Carter sighed. This conversation was turning into one big circle really quickly now. He was no psychologist or therapist, but if there's anything he could do to help, it was to relate. Carter let his trembling hands push his glasses back onto his face.

"...Y-You know, it's not easy for me too," Carter looked down. "I- I m-mean… Th-This entire place has been nothing but hell for me too s-so…"

Haruto and Carter began to sit down in the middle of the basketball court. The basketball player held the ball he had been dribbling still for once as Carter felt nervous sitting next to a naturally angry guy so casually.

"L-Like, I got a D-Disadvantage in the last Minigame, I got h-harassed by a m-mannequin, and m-my last conversation with T-Titus was about m-my passion as an opinion columnist," Carter looked down. "S-So for him to leave us so quickly was…"

"...What was your Disadvantage anyway?" Haruto asked. "Someone you care about in your life was going to get killed if no one died?"

"...Y-Yeah," Carter nodded sadly. "A t-teacher."

"Jesus Christ, you really are an A-class definition of a fucking nerd," Haruto deadpanned toward the nerd. Of course, a nerd would find a teacher to be their closest person in their life! "This teacher your mom or something?"

"...N-No, just someone who gave me the c-courage to openly speak about my opinions," Carter looked a little saddened upon remembering Mr. Rowan.

"Courage to openly speak- The fuck?" Haruto looked surprised to hear that. "You're shitting me, right?"

Haruto took one look at Carter and all he knew of the guy was that he was a nervous wreck, can't get his own words straight, and was a loner. How could that guy be someone who had the courage to openly speak about their own opinions?!

"...W-Well, maybe now I don't but back then…" Carter gave Haruto a small smile. In fact, the smile seemed to be a smile related to him reminiscing to a better time. "Back then I was happily saying whatever I wanted. Whatever I believed in, I would tell the whole world about it. 'This is what I think'. 'This is my view on the matter'. 'This is what I believe in'!"

Noticeably, Carter wasn't stammering as much as he went on and on about his past. For a little while, it actually gave Haruto an insight to who Carter was before. But before Carter could brighten himself back up, he shrouded himself back under that blanket that he so desperately tried to hide himself in.

"...B-But I guess I just stopped," Carter looked down.

"Why?" Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Not going to lie man, if you kept an attitude like that, I would be less pissed with your fucking habit of not getting your words out quick enough."

"...W-Would you really?" Carter looked at Haruto, somberly.

Haruto blinked. It seemed that the columnist had more to say on the matter.

"...Th-The problem is that open opinions aren't a good thing," Carter stated. "Open opinions that you openly share with people are also called 'brutal truths'. Some might like that but not everyone do. And... mostly everyone don't appreciate them either."

That was when Haruto understood what might have possibly happened. He didn't need to explain more. He imagined it well. This fucker took it too far and now was paying the price for it. Paying the price by completely hiding that other side of him deep inside him. The basketball player could only fiddle with his fingers as he listened to Carter explain about the idea of opinions.

"I get it," Haruto sighed. "So that's your story huh?"

Haruto couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't a really funny story, yet he seemed to have found some sort of amusement regarding it. Carter would've felt insulted, but he let Haruto have his laugh as he waited for him to stop.

"It's funny," Haruto chuckled. "I never thought that you and I would ever have something in common. And yet here we are."

"In c-common?" Carter blinked, glancing at him in confusion.

"You got carried away with your shit," Haruto told the shy young man. "You had all that confidence to say shit that you believed in and then it backfired on you. I get it. Really. I do."

"A-Ah, y-you must've done something similar," Carter shared a small smile as he looked down. A connection in an interaction like this? Who would've thunk!

"...Yeah," Haruto frowned. "I beat up a kid and sent him to the hospital."

"Y-You what?!" Carter immediately turned back to Haruto in shock and surprise.

"The kid survived," Haruto waved his hand as if it wasn't a big deal. "Don't worry about him. Just needed stitches and shit."

"Th-That… r-really doesn't make things better," Carter wondered how many times he was close to being that kid when he stood near Haruto. "Um… w-why'd you do it?"

"My own fucking pride," Haruto scoffed. "That's why. I was a huge basketball nut back in middle school. Maybe even obsessed with it. And I was going to make it big. I was the team's all-star player until suddenly, well… I got kicked off."

"B-But you were the star player?" Carter looked confused. "W-Why'd they kick you off?"

"...My dad," Haruto grumbled. Even the mere mention of his old man was enough to leave a nasty aftertaste in his mouth. "The old man thought it was a good idea to just suddenly take me off the team. Something about it being a distraction or something. Nevertheless, they had the kid I beat up replace me for the tournament and… Well..."

Haruto didn't say anything after that, and he didn't need to. Carter could infer much as it was. Haruto's sense of pride and love for the sport was his undoing, just like Carter's love for his courage and confidence to say whatever he wanted. Now he was a shriveled-up mess. And now Haruto was an angry bull ready to charge if he's even slightly provoked.

"I messed up that kid's life for sure," Haruto sighed. "But that doesn't change what we are and what we were before. Even now, I'm still that fucking little shit my old man had to deal with and I'm still going to be, even if he doesn't give a shit where I am right now. The same should go for you, aight?"

"W-What do you mean?" Carter blinked, a little confused by Haruto's message.

"I don't know what exactly you said that might've made you a nerdy mess, but you really don't gotta hide anything from any of us," Haruto assured Carter. "I'm certain that what I did was way more fucked up than what you did. So, try and bring that old 'I don't care what I say, I'll say it' attitude back, alright? It'll do you a lot of favors if you're trying to make some friends here."

Carter blinked once again as he listened to Haruto's advice. Then with a small smile, he nodded toward the basketball player.

"A-Ah, th-then… I'll do my best," Carter smiled.

Haruto nodded back toward Carter… before he groaned and cursed to himself.

"Fuck," Haruto cursed.

"A-Ah what?" Carter looked at Haruto, even more confused now.

"I got sappy there," Haruto muttered. "Ignore that but don't forget what I just said, aight?"

"...H-How do I ignore essentially the same thing…?" Carter asked with a sheepish expression.

Never did the two boys think they would have something in common and yet, here they were, sitting in the middle of the basketball court as they bonded over their troubled pasts. In a way, one could say that Carter and Haruto grew a little closer together. And what a grow for Carter that was as well!...

...

...Then a voice rang out across the facility's intercom. A recognizable voice that reverted Haruto back to his more pissed off nature that everyone was more accustomed to.

"Attention all prisoners," came the voice of one Monohebi. "Please report to the Auditorium for a special announcement from your warden and my master, White Collar. Attendance is mandatory. That is all. See you soon."

"Fuck... what does he want this time?" Haruto growled.

"I... have a b-bad feeling about this," Carter shivered.

(Auditorium)

White Collar intently watched the remaining 14 prisoners gather together into the Auditorium. He stood firm and proud, leaning only slightly against his own cane as Monohebi remained coiled up by his side. The two of them said nothing for a while. Only watching as Arthur arrived first, an entire gathering of the prisoners coming next, and finally Holland and Jared arriving last (mainly because someone had to unlock the door to #66's Cell).

"Fourteen," White Collar counted, throwing his cane up and catching it firmly with one hand. "We're all here. Perfect."

"Hmph, let me guess," Arthur didn't seem very amused. "No one has broken themselves into your game so you'll be forcing someone to play along. Another Minigame-type game I assume. Am I wrong?"

White Collar stared at Arthur, his jagged eye glinting as it watched the snowboarder carefully.

"Acquainted with the game you are, Mister Kingston," White Collar spoke through his sinister, distorted voice. "A little too acquainted if I do say so myself…"

Cassandra and Jared shared a look. If this wasn't another addition to Jared's nearly erased wall of evidence, then they didn't know what White Collar was exactly hinting at here.

"It's obvious what your intention is," Arthur frowned. "Why else would you bother calling us here in the first place?"

"I do not think I like your tone when you speak to my Master, Mister Kingston," Monohebi slithered closer toward the end of the stage. She hissed, as if it were her being provoked by some silly child.

Monohebi would've moved up a little further had White Collar not held her back with the end of his cane. Though the masked devil never bothered to share a glance with her as his eyes remained entirely directed toward the snobbish suspicious prick. It was clear now to Jared and Cassandra as they watched their interaction closely. There was something going on between the two. Some sort of… history.

White Collar stood still for a while before turning to the rest of the prisoners, extending his arm as if he were posing like Jesus on the cross. He slammed his cane down onto the ground, formulating a sort of clang sound on the floor.

"You are absolutely correct, Mister Kingston," White Collar stated. "An intelligent being like you had no purpose of being an Ultimate Snowboarder."

Arthur's frown deepened over that comment.

"Yes, as Mister Kingston has so correctly stated…" White Collar continued, announcing what he had wanted to say to everyone in the room. "No one has sent someone to their pitiful graves in quite a while now. There's just been a lot of… self-reflection... if I can even call it that. But I'm displeased with the lack of bloodshed. So why not participate in yet another Minigame?"

"What is the Minigame this time?" Ina frowned, glaring at the devil. "Or… will it be the same as last time?"

"Precisely!" White Collar pointed the sharp point of his cane toward Ina. "A gold star for you Miss Hamamura. It's to Trust or to be Distrusted! Surely you all remember how to play, don't you?"

"Last time, if two people picked Trust, nothing happened," Jared rubbed his chin. "If two people picked Distrust however, they both would've received videos."

"And if one person picked Trust and the other chose Distrust…" Abigail sighed, a little tired. "The one who chose Trust would've been given a video and a Disadvantage along with it while the one who chose Distrust would've been given an Advantage to the Killing Game. Does that sum up the Minigame itself?"

"You remembered," White Collar chuckled sinisterly. "I'm touched. Really. I am."

"So then, what the fuck is it going to be this time?" Haruto glared at White Collar, clenching his fist. "Last time you decided to show us people close to us. Gonna be the same thing again? Because, it ain't gonna work this time! We don't need to see what the hell is going on with our families!"

Haruto thought about specifically his own family. His own father. Tch. That bastard probably didn't even realize he was missing.

"...Do I really seem that unoriginal to you?" White Collar perked his head slightly. "While I do have videos to share, it's not of your families or friends or anyone close to you. Whoever didn't get those videos, missed their chance to see old faces. That's all there is to them now. No no. Our next batch of videos is quite the opposite you see…"

White Collar jagged eye started to slightly spark and shine. It glinted profusely as White Collar's jagged mouth tightened itself into a monstrous grin. Sinister, cruel, and twisted was enough to explain how exactly their captor was feeling at this given moment.

"...Enemies, the hated, yes, I have here videos of the ones who mean so much in your life... in the complete opposite direction," White Collar held up three DVDs in their respective disk containers. "The ones who you would love to see suffer. The people in your lives that you so closely despise… That is what you are playing this Minigame for."

The prisoners seemed taken aback by this revelation. Videos of people they hate. People that they wanted to see dead. People they just couldn't stand. Now why would anyone want a video like that?

"H-Hey, what makes you think any of us would want a video of someone we hate?" Zuri frowned, bravely speaking up toward the man wielding their videos. "I mean, we hate them, right? So… there's no reason why we should really…"

"Oh?" White Collar's grin never faded from that hellish red mask. "No reason? Are you sure about that? Aren't you curious to see what your enemies are doing back at home? Aren't you curious to know what high-class lifestyle they'll be living in while you sit here and participate in a game of life or death? If you really think there is no reason for anyone to want a video like that, then by all means, choose Trust in your Minigame and see if your opponent shares your view on the matter."

Zuri quieted down upon hearing White Collar's reasoning. It did kind of make sense. But at the same time, it really came down to whether anyone would choose Distrust. They played the game once already. They knew the risks. They knew how these videos were distributed. So, no doubt, it was time for people to select Trust… right?

Zuri looked around.

Mimi was shivering, hiding behind Maggie, who bit her lip, thinking about the conundrum that White Collar had placed. Jared lowered his police hat. Perhaps he too was also thinking about what White Collar was offering here. Yuumi sighed, shaking her head. To her, everyone had been too caught up to what White Collar was implying. Best it be her to give back everyone's rational thought.

"Come on guys," Yuumi frowned. "The Minigame is centered on how well we trust each other. Not on whether we want to see the videos or not."

"S-She's right!" Jared snapped out of it. "If anything, we should all strive to pick Trust! We wouldn't want to make a mistake like last time!"

"...No making deals to give someone a motive this time either, right?" Holland asked.

"Of course not!" Jared declared. "No conundrums like that! If we want to beat White Collar at his own game, we all choose Trust. That's that!"

"Trust, got it!" Mayu exclaimed, looking determined.

"Yeah, I think we had more time to trust each other as well!" Barracuda gave a thumbs-up. "So, this game should be a piece of cake. No thinking required! We all pick Trust!"

"I wonder about that," White Collar chuckled once more. He clearly found their optimistic preach a little too amusing for his taste. "You see, I'm not finished yet. Monohebi hasn't even announced the pairings for this round of the Minigame."

"P-Pairings?" Carter blinked. "Y-You mean… I-It's not going to be the same this time?"

"Of course not!" White Collar declared. "That wouldn't make the game all interesting now, would it? You all have new pairings this time around. And I do wonder if that mentality you all have about picking Trust will certainly hold up…?"

White Collar slammed his cane onto the ground once more.

"Monohebi, if you will," White Collar nodded toward the snake for her to make the announcement.

"Of course, Master," Monohebi nodded. White Collar glowered over her. Oops. She made the mistake again, didn't she? Monohebi mentally cursed herself for that before quickly listing out the pairings for the second round of the Minigame:

"Pair A: Abigail vs. Mayu

Pair B: Arthur vs. Jared

Pair C: Carter vs. Barracuda

Pair D: Haruto vs. Ina

Pair E: Holland vs. Zuri

Pair F: Maggie vs. Cassandra

Pair G: Mimi vs. Yuumi"

"As always, you are all given ten minutes to discuss among yourselves whether you should continue this mentality of yours," White Collar clasped his hands together with a sinister chuckle. "Trust or Distrust? It's your choice in the end. Take your pick…"

"Ten minutes until Prisoner's Dilemma begins," Monohebi announced.

Abigail and Mayu stared at one another when Monohebi announced the new pairings for the next round of the Minigame. Of course, it was hard for them to judge whether they could trust each other or not, especially since the two have had minimal interactions prior to this insane round. Not only that, but their choices in the previous round were very straightforward for both at the time: Abigail didn't trust anyone since they had all just met each other and Mayu had Cassandra as an opponent.

This time, it was a difficult choice. A difficult gauge on the trust meter for each other as the two girls looked at each other awkwardly. They remained silent for a while before Mayu took the initiative to enact their discussion over what they would end up choosing.

"So, are you going to choose Trust?" Mayu asked, watching Abigail carefully.

"Depends, are you?" Abigail countered.

A simple discussion that was definitely not going to go anywhere if that was the way they were going to do it. The two girls maintained an awkward stance and silence as Abigail had sighed.

"You know, we should just choose Trust," Abigail told Mayu. "I mean, we're trying to prove White Collar wrong here, right? So…"

"Yeah, that's true," Mayu looked away. "But how can I be sure to trust you? I mean, you are kind of like Cassandra 2.0…"

"...Har har, did Maggie tell you that one?" Abigail didn't look amused by that comment.

"Huh?" Mayu blinked. "Maggie said the same thing? Didn't know she had a great mind like mine!"

Mayu winked toward no one in particular. Abigail sighed. She wasn't going to get any favors if she was going to be known as Cassandra 2.0.

"Look, roll the dice and make your choice," Abigail told Mayu. "Unlike Cassandra, I'm not an asshole. I'm just really really tired."

"Hmm, I would like to take you up on your offer," Mayu rubbed the sides of her cheeks. "If you choose Trust, I'll choose Trust. If you choose something else, I won't forgive you… ever!"

"...Roger roger," Abigail yawned, agreeing to whatever the terms that had been established.

...

That bastard White Collar knew exactly what he was doing when he pitted Arthur and Jared together. As soon as Monohebi announced the pairing for Pair B, the snowboarder and police officer couldn't help but share glares with one another. Though, Jared started it with his insistence on trying to prove something here to the suspicious rich scumbag. Arthur returned it mainly because he was getting tired of this tête-à-tête.

"...Let's just settle this as it is," Arthur sighed as he folded his arms, staring down onto the cop's hat, which kind of covered his eyes. "We clearly don't like each other. Nor do we really trust each other. Let's just pick Distrust and get this over with."

"...As much as I really want to go on with my principle of choosing Trust, there's no way in a million years that I would ever trust you," Jared lowered his hat. Was it right for him to say something like that? He had a whole conundrum choosing Distrust for Holland but for it to be so easy to choose Distrust against Arthur- No. This was the right call. All the evidence on his wall (that had been somewhat erased) says that Arthur wasn't someone to be trusted.

And besides, this man pulled the wool over his opponent last time too. He wasn't going to have a repeat of that this time!

"So, Distrust?" Arthur folded his arms, clearly displeased that he wasn't going to be getting that Advantage this time around.

"Yeah, Distrust," Jared muttered to himself, displeased that he was going to have to pick Distrust… albeit forcefully.

...

Barracuda? Carter got Barracuda as an opponent? If he knew Barracuda well, this teddy bear was practically the nicest person here! And if Carter remembered correctly, Barracuda also chose Trust in the last round… then again, his opponent was Maggie but that didn't matter. Carter lucked out! This was an easy choice for sure!

"Hey, Carter, you're… you're going to choose Trust, right?" Barracuda looked slightly worried. Unlike Carter, Barracuda had no idea what to expect from Carter. He hadn't seen him around much and given that himbo personality of his, he also didn't remember that Carter had also chosen Trust in his previous round. So naturally, he had no one idea what Carter might choose.

"O-Of course!" Carter looked hopeful. "I-If you're going to choose Trust as well that is!"

"Of course, I am!" Barracuda declared. "I wouldn't ever choose Distrust!... Unless you're untrustworthy, I guess. But I know nothing about you. Double but, you seem nice!... Man, this is hard!"

"A-Ah, just choose Trust!" Carter pleaded. "D-Don't scare me with your second thoughts!"

"Okay!" Barracuda laughed, oh so casually.

"Ah, w-was that really all it took to convince you?" Carter blinked, surprised. A true kind heart, Carter figured. And for a moment, he considered whether he should take advantage of Barracuda's trust and faith like that.

Was he really that type of person? The thought made him shudder.

...

Haruto looked toward his opponent once they had been announced. Ina huh? If he had remembered correctly, Ina had voted Distrust back during her round against Carter. Heck, the guy mentioned it to him only a few moments ago. Naturally, she was going to be someone to extensively question whether or not she would flip on him because as far as he was concerned, Ina was a little unpredictable with what she probably believed in.

But if she was going along with Jared's logic of voting based on how badly they want to defeat White Collar, then she would have to choose Trust, right? Haruto swallowed and opened his mouth up to ask.

"Oi, Ina," Haruto folded his arms. "You're voting Trust, right?"

"Just a second there, Haruto," Ina looked at the basketball player, seriously. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Huh, what?" Haruto responded, confused.

"You said you would throw the next Minigame because of your vote against Mimi last time, remember?" Ina raised an eyebrow toward Haruto. "There was a whole fight over it and everything."

"Ah, shit!" Haruto had completely forgotten about that! Or, actually now that he thought about it a little more, he intentionally forgot about it, so he didn't have to go through it. It was so like Ina to catch him out of that little ploy. "Fuck. You're right. I did say I would choose Trust… D-Does that mean you'll choose Distrust?"

"Choosing Trust doesn't make sense if you're going to throw this round," Ina pointed out. "It would be better for you to choose Distrust. That way, you get some form of punishment for your actions last round."

"Ah, you're right," Haruto looked down. So, he was going to get that motive video, nonetheless. That was disheartening… until he realized. "Wait. Then what the fuck are you going to choose?"

"Distrust of course," Ina folded her arms as she looked away. "You're lucky you got paired up with me however."

"How the fuck is this lucky for me?" Haruto deadpanned.

"...I too needed some punishment for this round as well," Ina stated. "I did something unforgivable to Carter, so I think it's right if I shared the punishment with you."

Haruto blinked.

"...Dude, that is so meta," Haruto stared at Ina. He wasn't sure if this was pure stupidity, an impressive sense of honor, or some sort of sad self-flagellation. He sighed. "But I guess there's no way around it. We're both choosing Distrust."

"Yes, we are," Ina nodded in agreement.

...

Holland tensed up when he saw that he was up against Zuri. This had to be done intentionally! This just had to be! There was no way around it. Given his logical reasoning and knowledge of game theory, just hearing the pairings helped him realize that all these pairs were created for the sole purpose of pairing people up with who they were closest to… with some exceptions here or there.

And of course, Holland just had to be paired with Zuri. Crap! Would she trust him? Did she actually trust him?! This was the moment of truth and Holland always figured that he would feel fine if she didn't… but would he really?

All this freaking out, and Holland never showed any of it on his face as he tucked his hands inside his pocket. That was when Zuri came along with a small smile.

"H-Hey, you okay?" Zuri asked Holland with a reassuring smile.

"...White Collar did this on purpose," Holland looked away from Zuri. "...Look, Zuri. I won't blame you if you chose Distrust, but I'll just let you know that I'll choose Trust no matter what, so no need to worry…"

"...That's a relief," Zuri sighed. Pause. Then she smiled at Holland. "I was going to choose Trust anyway."

"...Are you sure?" Holland stared at Zuri. It was clear that he was surprised by how adamantly she said it too.

"We're supposed to go against the Killing Game, remember?" Zuri smiled. "Both of us choosing Trust will do just that. So don't worry too much and let's just choose Trust together, alright?"

Holland took a deep breath and gave Zuri a firm nod. Still nothing on that face of his but it was fine. Things were going to be just fine in this round. All Holland had to do was not screw it up.

"If anything, I'm more worried about everyone else," Zuri referred to the other pairings that were definitely not going to end well.

"...Ah," Holland nodded in agreement. "White Collar must've personally assigned these pairings himself… Some sort of manipulation of accurate decision making I would say…"

"...That bully," Zuri frowned as she gave White Collar a nasty look that the latter was fully unaware of.

And Holland suddenly remembered what he had to fear the most about this round…

...

If looks could kill, Maggie and Cassandra would've killed each other right about now. Neither seemed happy with the fact that they were paired up with each other. Made sense. They never really had a happy moment with one another. And as such:

"Why you?" Cassandra groaned, silently mumbling curses as she shook her head in slight distraught. "Why did it have to be you?"

"Yeah, I'm not happy with this either," Maggie frowned. "Can I switch partners? Maybe to like… Barry instead?"

Maggie sure looked hopeful for that, but Monohebi only shook her head in response.

"You may not," Monohebi merely stated. "I do not see what the problem is anyway. It's just a one-minute decision of whether or not you trust your opponent. No need to cause a hassle by switching."

"B-But it's Cassandra!" Maggie whined. "I don't like her!"

"Yeah, I don't like you too bitch, but you don't see me complaining about it," Cassandra retorted with a glare.

Monohebi sighed as she watched the two begin a back-and-forth over who's the bigger bitch instead of actually discussing what decision should be made. But hey, if that's how they'll play the game, it shouldn't really matter to her or Master White Collar.

...

Mimi hadn't spoken to Yuumi since the slap she had given her, and now fate had decided to pair her up with her for the next round of the Minigame. Yuumi had held Sailor Penguin tightly as the little witch girl slowly approached her. What should she say? Mimi wasn't too sure. She'd never been in a fight with a friend before. But she had to say something.

They had to agree to Trust each other. At least, just this once… right?

"Um, Y-Yuumi?" Mimi asked. "A-Are you going to choose Trust?"

Yuumi turned to Mimi. For Yuumi, all she could feel when she looked at Mimi was regret. How could she have slapped Mimi across the face like that? That wasn't like her. She wasn't the type to do something like that. And even now, Mimi was still coming to her. Coming to her like she thought they were still friends.

How could they still be friends? Nothing she knew about Mimi was the truth. Not only that, but she had also been lied to by so many others: Arthur, Holland, Kane… Mimi… How could she trust anyone for that matter? They were all keeping secrets.

Secrets of who they really were... Yuumi hugged Sailor Penguin. She wasn't sure at this point. Mimi was still trying so hard but, would she accept it? Could she accept it?

"M-Mimi I…" Yuumi began to say before she looked away. She turned back and took a deep breath. Then she gave Mimi an apologetic look. "I'm sorry Mimi… for… Slapping you…"

Mimi didn't say anything. She just watched Yuumi patiently apologize to her. It seemed like it was hard for Yuumi. Hard for her to say sorry to someone she called a friend. She wondered why that was…

"...But yes," Yuumi gave Mimi a smile. "I will choose Trust."

"Y-You will?" Mimi blinked. Was this hope? Was this what she was looking for? Was Yuumi finally… "I… I'm glad! D-Does that mean we are friends again?"

Yuumi didn't say anything. She held Sailor Penguin tightly.

"Y-Yuumi?" Mimi called out to Yuumi.

Then the voice of a certain snake interrupted the two, announcing the following:

"Ten minutes have passed," came the voice of Monohebi. "The Minigame: Prisoner's Dilemma will begin now. Please step inside the Voting Chambers within the next two minutes. Anyone who is not inside the Voting Chambers within the next two minutes will be unable to participate in the Minigame and thus, their vote will automatically be set to Trust by default. At least one person of every pair must vote otherwise, both members of the pair will be punished. That is all. As a reminder, please step inside the Voting Chambers within the next two minutes."

Hearing Monohebi's announcement, the prisoners hurried to snag a Voting Chamber. Mimi took one last look at Yuumi, who had already been off to her respective Voting Chamber, before entering one of her own.

Everyone had scanned their eHandbooks over the Handbook readers, letting the red lights flash green and waiting for the doors to open. Once the doors opened up, they hurried in.

…

Two minutes passed.

…

The doors closed. Everyone made it inside the Voting Chambers. Two simple options were still there on that Voting Tablet: Trust or Distrust.

…

…

…

…

…

Once the votes had been cast, the Voting Chambers opened back up for the prisoners. One by one, they exited as a projector was turned on. Another round of the Minigame had been completed. Now, it was time for the results.

"Here are the results for the Minigame: Prisoner's Dilemma," Monohebi announced. "Results have been accumulated thanks to the votes submitted by our participants. Thank you for playing the Minigame and good luck."

"Pair A: Abigail [DISTRUST] vs. Mayu [DISTRUST]

Pair B: Arthur [DISTRUST] vs. Jared [DISTRUST]

Pair C: Carter [TRUST] vs. Barracuda [TRUST]

Pair D: Haruto [DISTRUST] vs. Ina [TRUST]

Pair E: Holland [TRUST] vs. Zuri [TRUST]

Pair F: Maggie [DISTRUST] vs. Cassandra [DISTRUST]

Pair G: Mimi [TRUST] vs. Yuumi [DISTRUST]"

When the results came out, Abigail and Mayu only stared at each other. There were no looks of discontent or disappointment or even anger. Abigail's expression was flat and Mayu could only chuckle sheepishly over this turn of events. And after they had their discussion to choose Trust too!

"Heh, I guess I didn't sell my point as well as I wanted to, huh?" Mayu chuckled sheepishly. "You saw this coming, didn't you?"

"Actually, I just didn't trust you," Abigail flatly stated. "And I guess I made the right choice this time. Hm, not going to lie, I'm relieved."

"That you're going to get a motive video?" Mayu blinked.

"No, more like you chose Distrust as well," Abigail told the heiress. "If you chose Trust, I would've felt like shit for the rest of the day. So, thanks for saving me from the guilt trip."

"Hm hm, fair play then Equestrian!" Mayu snorted, huffing and beaming as if she were proud. "It was a valiant duel we just had!"

"...I didn't even think we were dueling," Abigail deadpanned as she sweat dropped over whatever strange things Mayu was spouting.

...

Arthur distrusted Jared. Jared distrusted Arthur. The two boys stared at their results with the flattest of expressions. Their results were as plain as day. As obvious as coffee and milk. As straightforward as a pencil being made of wood. They both made a sigh and shared a glance.

"Who could've seen this coming," Arthur and Jared flatly responded to one another.

...

Carter hadn't felt this relieved since Mr. Rowan said how much he liked his research paper about the treatment of animals at the local zoo. For the past few minutes or so, Carter's heart had been pounding nonstop over his choice. There was always that lingering thought in the back of his head that Barracuda might choose Distrust for the simple reason that he just did not trust him.

And here he was, absolutely glad that Barracuda had chosen to Trust him. And even moreso, Carter was absolutely glad that he didn't up and betrayed Barracuda by choosing Distrust. For a large teddy bear, he was unsure if such a guy could get angry. And if he did get angry, had he selected Distrust, Carter was definitely going to be the first guy on his list to be pummeled for that decision.

Carter felt a lot calmer now as he stood next to Barracuda.

"T-Thank you," Carter thanked the personal trainer, feeling his pounding heart calm down for a moment.

"I knew I could trust you!" Barracuda laughed. "Had me worried there for a second!"

Carter had to regain his composure from how nervous he was as Barracuda laughed nonstop over their result. Truly a relieving result.

...

Haruto rubbed his eyes. He had to make sure he was looking at the scoreboard right. Given what they had agreed to, they both should've distrusted right? He didn't hear wrong. He didn't imagine their entire discussion. Yeah. That's right. Right? If that's so then… Why the hell did Ina's name say TRUST at the end?!

"I-Ina, w-what the fuck did you do?" Haruto looked at her, almost horrified.

Ina sighed as she looked at Haruto, solemnly.

"D-Did you push the wrong button or something?" Haruto tried to wrap his head around what logic Ina was using. "You did, didn't you? Damn it! How could you make such a dumbass mistake like that?!"

"I assure you, I did not choose Trust by mistake," Ina pointed out. "I only did it because I wanted to. That was all."

"I… Y-You're making no sense!" Haruto growled toward the revolutionnaire. "You're going to get a huge fucking Disadvantage over this you know!"

"...Maybe, but in the end, it'll all be worth it," Ina stated. "As I said before. I chose Trust because I wanted to. That's all there is to it."

Haruto still couldn't wrap his head over what the fuck Ina was up to. Maybe the shock of seeing the results also contributed to how seriously confused he was as well as he watched Ina walk off elsewhere. Though, before she had left Haruto's side, she glanced back at him with a slight apologetic look.

"I'm sorry for making you do this to me," Ina apologized. "But I will take all the responsibility for this round. So please forgive me."

Haruto watched her leave blankly. He was still so unsure about what was going on. Why did Ina do that? That was the number one question on his mind. The other thing on his mind?

"...I got fucking swindled," Haruto muttered in shock and in a slightly impressed tone. Once again, he couldn't decipher whether this action was plain stupidity, impressively honorable, or just a sad case of self-flagellation. Couldn't wrap his head around it at all…

...

Almost as obvious as Jared and Arthur's result, everyone saw this result coming as well. Maggie and Cassandra were no different as they took one look at the scoreboard and turned away from each other. Maggie was more relieved that she no longer had to deal with Cassandra's shit any longer and Cassandra snuck a couple of flipped birdies her way.

They never didn't bother sharing a single word with one another…

...

Holland had never felt more grateful for anything until now! If his face could express such emotional expressions of delight, Holland would look cheerful, happy, and maybe even downright excited for what the future holds between his and Zuri's friendship. Unfortunately for him, it didn't seem like Zuri was feeling the same way.

"...Z-Zuri?" Holland blinked.

In fact, she was completely distracted from the scoreboard regarding something else. Her worry had been transferred directly to the result of the final pairing.

"Oh no…" was all Zuri could say.

...

Mimi didn't know how she felt.

She had done nothing but stare at the scoreboard, helplessly. She blinked once. Twice. She tried to make heads or tails of it. She tried to tell herself that it simply wasn't true. She tried so hard and yet… the results were given to her as plain as day. Her vision blurred, as if hiding the sight she couldn't stop staring at.

Mimi chose Trust.

And Yuumi chose Distrust.

That was what happened. Tears enveloped her eyes as she turned to Yuumi, betrayed and heartbroken. Yuumi never turned to match her gaze, only hugging Sailor Penguin uncomfortably over what she had done.

"...Y-Yuumi," Mimi whimpered. "W-Why would you… I thought we were…"

Yuumi didn't say anything. Instead, her eyes had been downcast. Her face never matched hers. To Mimi, how Yuumi felt about this result was unclear. Finally, after a brief moment of silence, Yuumi opened her mouth.

"...I'm sorry," Yuumi said.

"S-Sorry, but but," Mimi began to shake and shiver. "H-How could you do this to me? Y-You lied to me. You you… M-Maybe you wanted the Advantage. I-If you wanted it then you could've just told me. I would've still voted-"

"...Please Mimi, stop," Yuumi bit her lip as she looked away. "Just stop. I'm sorry I did this to you but…"

Yuumi turned to Mimi, tears in her eyes. And Mimi realized that even she was crushed over her own decision. That happy Yuumi that she was best friends with was still there… but she was hiding. Hiding to let out a Yuumi that didn't trust anyone. That… couldn't trust anyone.

"I can't trust you or anyone else," Yuumi hugged Sailor Penguin. "I can't alright? I just can't!"

"Y-Yuumi," Mimi looked at Yuumi without much soul left in her eyes.

"I'm… I'm sorry," Yuumi bit her lip as she hurried off with Sailor Penguin under her arms. Mimi tried to reach out her hand, but it was too late. Yuumi was far too quick to get out of there. To get away from all of the judgmental looks she was getting for her decision.

...

"That girl," Arthur scoffed. "She's the only one here who's taking this entire Killing Game way too seriously."

"That's pot calling the kettle black," Jared turned to Arthur with a frown. "Weren't you the one who betrayed her in the first place and called it 'playing the game'? Who was taking the game too seriously then?"

"...Is this about last night again?" Arthur sighed, shaking his head.

"We're talking about that again?" Mayu frowned with a small pout. "Come on. There's already enough tension here as it is!"

"And whose fault would that be?" Arthur turned to Jared with a cold stare.

"Hey, it's not me, I didn't start shit this ti- Oh, wait," Cassandra raised her hand before realizing that no one was really accusing her of anything. She cleared her throat and stepped back. "Sorry. Continue."

"Look man, you can't really blame Jared here," Haruto stepped up to protect his bromantic cop partner. "You are like the definition of a suspicious son of a bitch."

"And yet, none of you have any evidence or reason to suspect me of anything," Arthur frowned. "So, I don't understand where all your hostility is coming from."

"Guys, please, let's just leave it," Zuri quietly spoke up. "We're just tearing ourselves apart here… And besides, I think Mimi needs some company so…"

"This is going to continue whether we like it or not," Maggie frowned. "I'll take Mimi away from here. Come on Mimi. We'll head to the Cafeteria."

Maggie hurried out of the Auditorium as Mimi begrudgingly followed behind her. Clearly, Mimi wasn't in a really good emotional state right now, so leaving a tense environment was a good choice.

...

"So, what was that mentality again?" White Collar's voice had finally spoken up as he observed the discourse behind the group. "You would all pick Trust just to beat me at my own game, was it? Unfortunately, I failed to see a majority of you all choose Trust in the first place. What happened to that mentality?"

"...It was nonexistent to begin with Master White Collar," Monohebi answered the man behind the devil disguise.

"Precisely," White Collar extended one arm out with a sinister grin.

"...Why do you make us play your stupid ass Minigames anyway," Abigail glared at White Collar. "Just to see us argue? Cry? Squirm?"

"...Of course not," White Collar touched the tip of his cane, callously. "My Minigames serve as a reminder to you all. Be careful of who you trust in this game. Because you never know what your closest allies may be thinking. And certainly, no one knows just what sins are burdening the deepest parts of your consciousness except you yourself..."

"You keep saying stuff like us sinning or us being sinners or stuff," Mayu frowned. "But you never tell us what we actually did wrong! Maybe things would be a lot easier if you just upped and said it yourself!"

"...Only those that complete self-reflection can truly live on to God's heavenly kingdom," White Collar raised both of his arms out as like the cross. "And none of you have completed that self-reflection."

"...You speak much like a pastor from a church," Ina narrowed her eyes. She looked surprisingly offended by what White Collar had just said. "How dare you desecrate those beliefs with your twisted mentality?"

The masked man went silent, but that never stopped that sinister grin from leaving his face.

"Hmm… desecration," White Collar mused. "What a nice word. It connects me to the rest of you. I may have desecrated my belief but you… you all have desecrated your very existence. Why don't you all keep that in mind? Might bring you one step closer to your path to self-reflection…"

White Collar slammed his cane onto the ground as he glanced toward Monohebi.

"Now then, it's time Monohebi," White Collar stated. "It has indeed been quite an exciting night for all of us. But even the most exhilarating of nights have to come to an end…"

Monohebi nodded as her voice suddenly began to present herself throughout the facility.

"Attention all prisoners," Monohebi's voice announced. "It is now midnight. Curfew hour begins now. As such, all prisoners must report to their confinements. Anyone who is caught outside of their confinements will be punished accordingly. Be sure to review the rules on the Rules App of your Handbook. That is all."

"Let's hope this little game of ours gets moving," White Collar pointed the sharp end of his cane toward the remaining prisoners at the Auditorium. "Otherwise, I would be very much displeased…"

That was the last thing White Collar had said to them that day as the prisoners, once in an argument against themselves, collectively turned to their bigger enemy with a glare.

…

And not a single one of them could do anything about him or to this game that they were stuck in.

A death was coming.

And White Collar was going to claim yet another victim soon. What were they going to do?...

DANGANRONPA: CORRUPTED HOPE

Another Daily Life installment to Chapter 2 and the motive this time has been revealed! Maybe some red flags popped up here and there but only I know who's going to die ;D Who do you think is gonna bite that dust?

This has been my longest chapter so far, reaching a whopping 18K words! I certainly have upped the ante with the Free-Time Event scenes since I'm also trying to include more understanding over who these characters are and their past, so I really do hope y'all liked the interactions that have been set in this chapter :D I also feel like the last few stuff after the motive might be rushed since I cranked a lot of it out all in one day but if not, then that's good for me! :0

Special announcement however! I have successfully created my Discord server and almost everyone who has a character in this story should have gotten an invite. For those who have joined, thank you guys so much for joining :D But if not, I'll gladly send the link right here:

discord . gg /v6yCeWSq

I am not sure if the link will pop up so... here's hoping! Anyone else who's reading my story, feel free to hop in and join along for the ride! We're always looking for more people to join :D

Either case, let me know what you guys thought about this chapter. Criticisms? Things I need to fix for certain characters? Lay it on me and I'll do my best to fix fix fix! We're almost there to the next death and the climax to Chapter 2! :D (I need to finish writing the Trial ;-;)

Prisoners Remaining: 14

Abigail Ellsworth - The Ultimate Equestrian (oddlyillregular)

Arthur Kingston - The Ultimate Snowboarder (SinWriter7)

Barracuda - The Ultimate Personal Trainer (Weekaro)

Carter Franklin - The Ultimate Opinion Columnist (armadas)

Cassandra Mura - The Ultimate ? (ExtraMeme)

Haruto Walker - The Ultimate Basketball Player (theotakureader101)

Holland Delaney - The Ultimate Game Designer (Sempi)

Ina Hamamura - The Ultimate Revolutionary (VividIsSleeping)

Jared Ceartas - The Ultimate Police Officer (Otterplay)

Maggie LaDroubi - The Ultimate Supermodel (Project Drama)

Mayu Mashiro - The Ultimate Heiress (zetsunaflame)

Mimi Kazoo - The Ultimate Fairytale Writer (Idraegan)

Yuumi Kizuchi - The Ultimate Sailor (Shamelles410)

Zuri Auraline - The Ultimate Bassist (CandleFire45)