Chapter 2: Part 16

Sayaka and Sakura were the final two contestants of the art contest and both were in the middle of drawing a pot of flowers. Sayaka drew a very simple pot, not even bothering to add any depth to it. She started adding details when she got to the flowers. She only had time to draw three, but she made sure each flower was different. One was a rose, one was a daisy, and the third was a water lily. Each one she drew, she put an excessive amount of detail with their pedals. It was pretty…it's just Sakura blew her out of the water. Sakura managed to draw five different flowers, four roses surrounding a water lily. The placement brought to mind how actually floral shops would arrange their bouquets.

Angie smiled brightly at Sakura. "Nyahaha! Your art skills are exquisite, Sakura!"

Sakura had a slight smirk across her face as she gently put down her pencil. "Why thank you. I was worried my style wouldn't work as well."

"Don't be silly, Sakura," Sayaka smiled at the martial artist. "You're very talented."

The giant muscular Sakura surprisingly blushed at the compliment.

'Oh my God, she's so cute,' Sayaka giggled.

"Well, we're done with the contest!" Ibuki cheered. "Did you all have fun?"

"You know what?" Kaito spoke up. "Yeah. I had a lot of fun."

"Dude, Team B totally kicked our asses," Leon complained.

"Maybe you guys should know how draw next time, bitch!" Miu laughed her ass of.

"Some of them did well, as expected from Ultimates," Nagito said in awe.

"While I'd hardly consider any of the pictures to fit my taste, I will say most of you have some impressive talent in drawing," Celestia commented with a sinister smile.

"Time to move onto our next activity!" Ibuki said.

"Ugh, do we really have to go to the library?" Hiyoko whined. "There's nothing fun to do there."

Mahiru frowned. "Hiyoko, don't be like-"

"Don't be so sad, Hiyoko," Angie interrupted Mahiru to kneel down next to the small blonde. "There might be plenty of art books I can show you."

"Oh, okay!" Hiyoko smiled.

"Come on!" Ibuki said loudly. "Quit screwing around and follow me!"

Ibuki charged right out of the art room. Not willing to make the rock star angry, the students filed out of the room after her.

It only took half a minute for all of the students to enter the library, but that still didn't stop Ibuki from tapping her foot impatiently.

"Jeez, guys," Ibuki whined out. "You guys are slow."

"It hasn't even been a minute," Leon responded. "I mean, do we even need to hangout here? It's kind of boring."

"Never mind that," Taka said as he stepped towards the front of the group. "Can you not see how the library is one of the greatest locations ever created? They are filled with knowledge, art, and potential!"

Miu rolled her eyes and performed a mocking jerkoff motion.

"Yeah!" Ibuki cheered. "I mean, I didn't want this room to go to waste, so let's hang out!"

With the only proposed activity being "hang out," the group broke up into even smaller groups. Celestia's clique, of course, moved away towards a far-off desk in the corner. Gonta, Chihiro, Nekomaru, and Shinji sat down at another table with Miu and Nagito right next to them. Kaede, Kaito, Sayaka, and Tenko entered one of the isles. Angie led her group towards one of the other isles. Before Taka could run off to skim through the selection of books, Mondo grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Bro," Mondo said with a smirk. "You should try hanging out with Angie now."

Taka blushed. "B-bro, are you positive that I should try this?"

"Bro, trust me," Mondo pat Taka on the back and shoved him into the isle Angie was on. "You got this."

Taka stumbled slightly before regaining his footing. He straightened his posture and slowly approached Angie as she was the middle of presenting an artbook to her group. He waited for when there was a pause in her lecture before speaking up.

"Excuse me, Yo- Angie," Taka said loudly.

Angie had been holding a book open in front of her group, but when Taka approached her, she shut her book and turned to face him. "Ah, Taka!" she said with a smile. "Is there something I can help you with?"

'Ok, do it like Mondo said. Be natural, be cool,' Taka thought. "Angie, I just thought I'd ask you to explore the library together. Its vast inventory should have other books worth reading through."

Angie turned her attention back to her followers. She knelt down in front of Hiyoko and whispered. "Do you think you can finish the rest of this lesson?"

Hiyoko nodded. "I know I can. I'll tell them what you told me."

Angie smiled and ran her hand through Hiyoko's hair before handing her the book. Angie stood back up and returned her attention to the group leader. "Why I would love to explore the library with you."

Taka smiled. "Great! Let us commence forth!"

With that, Taka led Angie out of the isle. Taka briefly caught sight of Mondo sat at one the desk. The biker had a giant smirk across his face and giving an approving nod. Taka blushed as he kept walking with Angie. As Mondo leaned back in his seat, Mahiru sat down next to him.

"What are you doing?" the redhead asked with an irritated tone.

Mondo raised an eyebrow. "What? I'm just helping my bro out with the ladies."

"With Angie?" Mahiru's irritation grew as she spoke.

"Yeah. I mean, they were already hanging out a lot and I saw them holding hands once."

Mahiru pinched the bridge of her nose. "First, the only reason they were 'hanging out' was because Angie was under watch. You know? Because she's crazy. And now you guys all just fine with letting her walk around? You're even trying to set up Taka with her?"

Mondo scratched the back of his head. "Taka doesn't seem to think she's a problem anymore."

"That's because he's an idiot," Mahiru snapped. "Ugh! Are guys always so distracted by sex?"

"Hey! My bro's not an idiot and he's the last person to focus on sex," Mondo growled before crossing his arms. "Still, I guess you are right. Angie is kind of a crazy chick."

"So, what are we going to do?" Mahiru whispered.

Mondo scratched the back of his head again. "You know what? This whole thing might be what we need."

"What do you mean?"

"I got my bro spending time with her. She'll probably be thinking that they're just dating or something, but Taka will actually be keeping an eye out for any weird shit. Every time I ask how the dating's going, I'm actually going to get intel."

Mahiru stroked her chin. "Ok. That's not a terrible idea…Still, can we really trust Taka to keep a secret?"

"I'll make sure he'll keep his cool."

Mahiru sighed. "I hope you're right about this.

Chiaki had been by herself since the group split up in the library. She was fine for that for the time being. She would have time to be with her friends later. Luckily for the Ultimate Gamer, she was about to find a shelf full of game guides. She pulled one out, seeing it was about Devil May Cry 3. As she opened the strategy guide, someone tapped on her shoulder. She shut the book and turned to see Rantaro and Mikan standing behind her.

"Oh, hello there," Chiaki said in a rather dry tone, but she still had a polite smile. "How are you, Mikan?"

"I-I'm doing well," Mukan smiled sheepishly. "U-um, Rantaro wanted to talk to you about something. I-if that's ok."

"Of course it is," Chiaki smiled at the nurse. "There's nothing to worry about, Mikan."

Rantaro smiled at Mikan before facing off with Chiaki. "I have been thinking a lot lately, Chiaki. The class trial, the building's layout, Tsumugi's journal…and you."

Chiaki tilted her head to the side, "What about me?"

"You told us you're an AI." Rantaro took a step closer to Chiaki. "Chiaki, either you're a very good liar, or this whole place is a simulation. Just like how you said Jabberwock Island was."

"Rantaro, I'm not lying to you. I am an AI, but I can't say this place is a simulation. I can't interact with any coding like I could in my killing game."

"Then we have to be willing to accept the possibility that Tsumugi was telling the truth. That this is all just a lie and our memories aren't real."

Chiaki frowned. "Rantaro, you know that's wrong. You proved that yourself. And I've already explained that you can't fake memories."

Rantaro sighed and crossed his arms. "Look, I'm sorry if I'm coming across as intense. It's just…after all the research I've been doing, I just feel like I'm the only trying to figure out what's going on here."

"Y-you haven't gotten as much sleep as you should," Mikan gently placed her hand on Rantaro's back.

"I understand your concerns," Chiaki said with a sigh. "Tomorrow, I'll help you with your research. We will be able to find out the truth….I think."

Rantaro let out a polite laugh. "I'll take you up on that offer. Maybe I'll feel better then. Well, I'll leave you to your reading."

Rantaro waved Chiaki goodbye and walked away with Mikan trailing close behind him.

"I am quite curious what literature the rest of you indulge in," Celestia said to the rest of her group.

"As in what have I read for fun?" Peko asked. "If I must be honest, I hardly ever had time to indulge in myself. Outside of training, I spent most of my time guarding my master…"

"But since you spent so much time with him, you must've at least seen what he has read," Celestia responded.

Peko crossed her arms. "I suppose I have. When my master wasn't focusing on his family business, he liked to read mystery stories. I suppose it would be cliché to say that genre is my favorite as well."

"You haven't read tales of the samurai?" Gundham asked.

"I have, but most samurai stories I've only seen through film," Peko said, blushing from embarrassment.

"Oh, don't be so embarrassed, Peko," Celestia said with a smile. "We all have soft spots."

Gundham tilted his head upward as he looked at the gambler. "Is that so? Does that even include you, gambler?"

"Of course," Celestia said as she twirled the end of her hair around her finger. "At a young age, I found myself rather immersed in vampire stories. It didn't matter if it was a horror story or even a romance, I just found myself attracted to the aesthetic."

"That certainly does explain somethings," Kirumi commented. 'It's more childish than I expected from her.'

Celestia side eyed Kirumi as she kept up her smile. "I certainly hope none of you will judge me for my tastes."

Kirumi gulped. "O-of course not. I mean, it's not like our own styles were much different from yours, Miss Ludenberg."

Celeste leaned forward towards Kirumi. "I'm quite curious about you read, dear Kirumi. I mean, a maid with your aesthetic, with all the people you've work for, and acting as the prime minister? You must have a wide taste in literature."

'Ok, you're calm again…I hope," Kirumi thought. "I would say so. Most of my time was spent reading various history books, sometimes I'd read children's story while I babysat, but in my free time the books I read the most are…" Kirumi blushed, "If I may admit, romance."

"That's certainly a surprise," Celestia said.

"I never would've imagined someone as stoic and focused as you would read romance novels," Peko commented as well.

"Some could say the same for you and your love, samurai," Gundham commented.

Peko blushed once again.

"Well, what about you, Gundham?" Celestia asked. "What books do you enjoy?"

Gundham chuckled. "So, you wish to understand my secrets? Very well. Due to my respect for you, witch, I shall reveal to you the truth!"

Gundham stood up from his chair, snatched a book from the shelf, and slammed it onto the table. "Behold one of many books of the dark arts I have used to conquer the beasts of this world!"

All three girls leaned forward to see that the book Gundham had slammed down…was a book about the sleep patterns of pet birds. Celestia would've laughed at him if she wasn't pretending to be vulnerable.

Gundham held his bandaged hand up against his scarred eye with his scarf flowing in the light breeze the fan blew. "Books such as this are the very keys to my mastery over familiars!"

As Gundham cried out, his pets once again popped out of his scarf and coat, almost striking poses themselves. Peko stared at Gundham's tiger cub, Khan, for a moment. The cub's fur looked so soft. She had a thought that running her hand through its fur would be similar to Fuyuhiko's buzzed hair. A bit prickly but soothing in its own way. She slowly reached her hand towards the cat.

"Halt, samurai!" Gundham snapped his attention Peko, making her pause. "While I as well as many others would trust you, my dark disciples will need more time to judge your character."

Peko frowned and slowly lowered her hand.

"Well, what would change that for your disciple?" Celestia asked. "I too wonder what your strategy for grooming pets is. Surely, that can't all just be from books."

Gundham sat back down in his seat and smirked. "Of course not. These books were only the start of my mastery. Listen well, as there will never be another point where I'd share these secrets! Allow the training session to begin!"

Ibuki had not being reading books or even searching for something to read. Instead, she had been snatching any and all random books and setting them on the floor in a semi-circle. She would sit down and cross her legs before smacking on the book covers like they were drums. She let herself zone and just imagined she was already performing for the rest of the group. She almost couldn't hear someone call out her name. Almost.

"Ibuki….Ibuki!" Leon called out to the rock star.

Ibuki stopped drumming on the books and looked up at the baseball player standing over her. "GYAH! Ibukisconscintrationhasbeenshatteredthatshecantspeaknormally!"

Leon blinked. "What?"

"Nothing!" Ibuki said cheerfully. "Come, sit with Ibuki!"

Leon was a bit put off by Ibuki's energy, but he was still willing to sit down opposite of Ibuki.

"What's up?" Ibuki asked with a smiled. "You want to flirt with me again?"

Leon frowned. 'Shit! She does still remember that! Really wish I could go back and try it again…I wonder if Ibuki has her tongue pierced too. No! Focus!'

"N-no," Leon said sheepishly. "I just wanted talk to you while I had the chance, ya know? I mean, you're going to play with Kaede and Sayaka tonight, and….well, I'm still not on speaking terms with her."

Ibuki raised an eyebrow at Leon's comment, but she chose to put that topic off. "What did you want to talk about?"

"You know, music," Leon responded. "I haven't had a chance to really explain it, but I've really been wanting to change my talent from baseball player to rock star… Never really got a chance to do that."

Ibuki nodded as she listened to Leon. "Hmmm, Ibuki sees. So, what instruments do you like to play?"

Leon scratched the back of his head. "That's kind of what I'm stuck on. I know I'd totally kill it as a front man for a punk band, just screaming and all that, but playing guitar totally gets the chicks wild."

Ibuki put her hands hand together and inhaled through her nose then exhaled. "You… aren't into music for the right reason."

"Wh-what? What is that supposed to mean?"

"You think that music is just a way to pick up girls, right?"

"N-no way! Getting the crowd chanting and dancing, that's what I want."

"Do you really think punk music is about screaming?"

"Yeah. I mean, what else would it be?"

Ibuki sighed and shook her head. "Maaaaan, you're really way off. Look, can you make me a pinky promise? Listen to what the lyrics of our songs are tonight. If you get what they are trying to say, come talk to Ibuki."

Leon was puzzled by Ibuki's request. He scratched the back of his head and huffed. "Ok, I guess."

"Awesome!" Ibuki cheered. "Now, Ibuki's gotta get back into her mojo!"

Ibuki returned to drumming on the books surrounding her. Leon rose to his feet and wandered off.

'Man, I didn't expect her to get all deep and shit with me,' Leon thought to himself.

"Personally, I always preferred stories where the heroes overcome their troubles through their own hard work and determination," Taka told Angie.

The two of them were alone in one of the isles, both of them looking over several fantasy books. The two of them were close together, their shoulders almost rubbing up against each other and their breath and scents becoming much more noticeable to each other.

"Not to insult your preference in stories, Yonaga, but the idea of a god coming out of nowhere to save them…it just doesn't fit with my ideals."

Angie chuckled as she shook her head. "You're misunderstanding the message. You see, these books are actually about the heroes' faith. Because they never lost faith in their god, their god rewarded them with the strength."

Taka tapped his chin. "I can see how that can have an impact on you." Taka paused for a moment before returning the book to its spot on the shelf. "Do you really believe that Atua does everything for us?"

Angie kept up her smile as she placed her hand on the boy's shoulder. "Your own personal strength truly matters to you, does it not?"

"Of course. My whole reason for becoming an Ultimate was to prove that my hard work could overcome something like natural talent." Taka sighed. "And I apologize. I do hold you in high regard, Yonaga. You are intelligent, you have a bright perspective on this situation, and I admire your talents for art. But…I also can't help but worry."

Angie tilted her head to the side.

Taka continued. "The idea that it's this Atua that has decided my destiny, the fact that my successes weren't because of my own choices, but because he willed it…it hurts."

"No, no, Taka," Angie interrupted her friend. "Your choices are important. Atua does have his plans, especially for you, but it is up to you to make those decisions. And sometimes, those decisions will be difficult, so your strength does matter, you have proven yourself. Your eyes are simply focused on the wrong goal."

Taka still frowned but kept looking at Angie. Her words seemed to be getting to him. Angie took a step closer to Taka, which made him blush. They were already so close that Taka couldn't help but catch a whiff of her scent just trying to breathe. She smelled like a mixture of vanilla and lavender. Taka gulped.

"HEY, EVERYBODY!" Ibuki shouted from the middle of the library. "It's time for lunch! Put everything back up so we can eat Teruteru's food!"

Taka sighed. "Must Ibuki really shout? This is a libray."

"Nyahaha, pay her no mind, Taka," Angie said. "Today is a day to celebrate. Come, we should go eat."

Taka nodded before he followed Angie out of the isle. However, Angie stopped in her tracks and looked back at Taka.

"Oh, and I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to call me by my last name, Taka. You can call me Angie."

Taka blushed and nodded. "Understood…Angie."

Angie smiled before walking again. The two of them met up with the rest of the group and left the library with them.

As to be expected, Teruteru's meal was immaculate. The meats were crispy but not too rough with a perfect shade of orangey-brown. The vegetables were warm, but not too hot. All of the spices, sauces, and condiments were strong enough to be noticed, but not overwhelming. All the ingredients came together to create the perfect flavors and tastes. Teruteru had a smug grin across his face watching his friends eat.

'Look at all of them, putting my meat in their mouths,' Teruteru thought to himself. 'And of course they're getting all of the juices too. My, my, it's so easy to get myself excited here.'

Teruteru especially kept his eye on Celestia Ludenberg sipping her milk tea. At one point, Celestia missed some of the milk, getting some of the white liquid on the side of her lip and cheek. A shaky breath left Teruteru's mouth before he watched Kirumi take a napkin and wipe Celestia's mouth clean.

'Oh, my gothic queen,' Teruteru thought to himself. 'One day, you will be mine.'

"Teruteru!" Angie called out.

Teruteru turned his attention to Angie's table where Hiyoko and Hifumi were also sat at.

"Come here," Angie said. "You should be eating too."

Teruteru walked over to the table and sat himself down. Angie looked over at Hiyoko, and without even uttering a word, Hiyoko understood what Angie wanted. Hiyoko rolled her eyes before taking a spare plate, dumping some leftovers onto it and handing over to Teruteru.

Teruteru smiled but attempted to slide the plate back. "Please, there's no need for-"

"Of course there is," Angie said. "A chef should be allowed to enjoy their own cooking, no?"

Teruteru watched as Angie pushed the plate back towards him. With a shrug of his shoulders, Teruteru began to eat. Hifumi would finish his fifth bag of chips and his chicken before looking over at his group leader.

"So, Ms. Yonaga, what were you and Mr. Ishimaru up to?" Hifumi asked.

"Oh, please, Hifumi," Angie smiled. "You can just call me Angie."

"But seriously, why did he have to drag you off?" Hiyoko pouted. "I…I wasn't that go at teaching."

"He simply wished to speak to me," Angie answered. "We have been spending a lot together since I was under watch."

"A-are you going under watch again?" Hifumi gasped. "I just joined your group, I don't want you to go away again."

Angie held her hands up. "Oh, no, no, no, Hifumi. I still have my freedom. It's just that I have formed a bond with him."

"A bond, you say?" Teruteru wiggled his eyebrow.

Hiyoko ignored Teruteru's obviously suggestive comment and leaned closer to Angie. "So, if he isn't watching you, what's he doing?"

"Being a friend," Angie said. "And I'm returning his gestures by showing him the way."

Hifumi gathered all of his trash and placed it onto his tray. "You want Mr. Ishimaru to join our group."

Angie nodded. "He will be the perfect addition to our group. He is determined, altruistic, and he's willing to listen. With him, we can take more precautions with the blackened." Angie's smile grew wider, "With him, we can enact our will."

Lunch would come to end around forty minutes later and Ibuki immediately pushed everyone out of the cafeteria. Ibuki's enthusiasm would've normally been too much for the rest of the group to keep up with, but the game room was enough to excite everyone. The moment everyone stepped foot into the room, they all split off into different areas, ready to get lost in the games. Some went to the back to play darts, some went to the poker table to play cards, and some went to the arcade machines to play video games.

Mondo and Taka were the first to make it to the back. They both lined up in front of the dart boards as they picked up their darts.

"So, how did it go?" Mondo asked he grabbed a random handful of darts.

Taka individually picked up each of his darts and lined them up neatly in his hand. "It went well. Angie discussed about her favorite kinds of books."

"Finally going on a first name basis?" Mondo asked with a smirk.

Taka blushed. "I-I keep telling you are misinterpreting our relationship."

"Dude, I'm just messing with you," Mondo laughed. "Seriously though, things go ok?"

"Of course. Angie is as insightful as always. The way she views everything through her faith is certainly interesting. She even used to reassure me my hard work does matter."

Mondo raised an eyebrow. "That's weird, what is she trying to convert ya?"

"Covert me?" Taka asked.

"Never mind. Sounds like you had a good time," Mondo said to change the topic. "You use any of the moves I showed you?"

Taka shook his head. "I must apologize, bro, but I couldn't find an appropriate time to put my arm around her."

"Sup, guys," Leon said as he stepped over the dart board and picked up his own set of darts. He effortlessly twirled one of the darts around his finger as he lined up with the other two. "What are you talking about?"

Mondo would've just ignored Leon, but Taka chose to speak for them.

"Greetings, Kuwata. Mondo and I were just discussing my interactions with Angie."

Leon turned to Mondo. "What, you're setting him up with that weirdo? Wait, you're setting people up? Dude, why haven't you helped me out? I'd totally down to go out with Ibuki, Kaede, Miu-"

"Kid, I ain't some match maker," Mondo interrupted. "I was just helping my bro out."

"Ok," Leon scratched the back of his head. "So, what do I gotta pay you for advice then?"

"Kid, you don't even know what chick you wanna get with. Don't try to bribe me."

"Are you all just going to stand around or do you actually want to play?"

All three men stopped and turned to see Mukuro was standing right next to them with darts in hand. All three of them jumped slightly at the sight of the soldier holding sharp objects.

"Oh, uh, y-yeah," Leon said. "We were. We just got distracted."

"I could tell," Mukuro said dryly. "So, who wants to go first?"

"Wait, I do!" Kaito said as ran to the group. "I want to play too. I could totally school you guys at darts."

"Hate to break it to ya, but I've spent enough time in bars to kickass at darts," Mondo explained.

"Uh, yo," Leon waved his hand. "Ultimate Baseball Player here. I got the best aim by default."

"You really think you can beat my aim?" Mukuro asked.

Leon looked back at the soldier and smirked. "Maybe I can. I didn't need a scope to strike out batters." Leon turned his attention to the dartboard, took aim, and threw the dart like a rocket, immediately striking a bullseye.

Mukuro nodded, impressed at how effortlessly Leon took the lead. "Not bad. Still won't her own. "I may have needed a scope for a rifle, but I can still hit any target with any weapon."

Leon gulped. Mukuro would be more of a challenge for him than he thought.

Celestia was obviously the first person to seat herself at the poker table, both Kirumi and Gundham on either side of her. Ibuki had dragged Peko off somewhere to potentially discuss playing some drums for her concert later. Celestia allowed it for the time being. She could always punish Ibuki later. She took the deck of cards from the card box and shuffled it as she waited for others to join her. Perhaps due to her menacing aura, it took around seven minutes for others to sit with her. First, it was Ryoma. Then came Miu dragging Nagito along by his leash. After that, Shinji and Kiyo sat themselves down. Finally came Angie with all three of her followers.

Celestia smiled. "I'm glad all of you decided to join my for a quick game."

"Video games are hardly my thing," Shinji responded. "Although, it has been a while since I've played poker."

"Is there a particular story behind that?" Celeste asked. "Did you disguise yourself to compete in a tournament?"

Shinji nodded. "Another case of someone becoming too sick to appear."

"I always figured a master of disguise would commit more crimes," Ryoma commented.

Shinji shook his head. "I've always tried to avoid that line."

"I say you're a fucking idiot!" Miu spat out. "I mean, what the hell is the point of dressing up a rich prick?"

"I actually admire that set of morals, Shinji," Angie said cheerfully.

"It's not uncommon either," Kiyo said. "There has long since been a history of celebrities and high-ranking officials sending body doubles when necessary. A popular example these days would be the musician Slash from Guns and Roses."

"I believe you've all stalled for long enough," Gundham growled out. "It's now time for you all play the game of riches and chance with the dark witch herself!"

Celestia held up her hand. "Stay at ease, my dear Gundham. This is meant to be a friendly game after all. Although, if you all wish for something…interesting, we could wager something of our own."

"Well," Teruteru broke off from Angie to seat himself at the table, "if we're wagering, why not go for a game of strip-"

"Like hell am I going to let you take my manslave from me!" Miu shouted as she tugged on Nagito's leash.

Hifumi leaned over to Angie. "I-it's a bit sad she treats him like property."

Celestia sighed. "I guess we'll just stick to the chips then. Kirumi, will you be a dear and pass out the chips?"

Kirumi nodded and retrieved the box of poker chips. However, one more person stepped towards the table, and upon locking eyes onto him, they all went silent. The mischievous purple-haired boy, Kokichi had finally arrived.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if there was room for one more player," Kokichi said with a shit-eating grin.

"Where have you been hiding?" Ryoma asked.

"Hiding?" Kokichi hopped into a seat. "I've just been in my room. I don't why all of you guys always act like I'm planning something like spiking your drinks or poisoning your food."

"Wh-what?!" Teruteru gasped.

"Nihihihi, just kidding!" Kokichi smiled.

"Can I just kick this guy already?" Hiyoko asked Angie.

Angie held Hiyoko's hand. "Pay him no mind, Hiyoko. He won't be a problem during this game."

"Oh yeah?" Kokichi asked. "How can you be so certain?"

"Because you will never be able to beat me," Celestia answer.

"Oooooo," Hiyoko snickered.

Kokichi locked eyes with the Ultimate Gambler. "Things are about to change. By the end of this, I'll be the King of Lies and you'll be on your knees-"

"Oh yes, please," Teruteru said.

"-kissing my feet!" Kokichi finished his threat.

'So, I'll be up against a master of disguise, a man in a mask, a cult leader, a stoic tennis player, the Ultimate Inventor, and the only boy to beat me in blackjack,' Celestia thought as she eyed her competition. 'I may finally have a challenge.'

"Kirumi, pass out the chips," Celestia ordered. "Gundham, deal the cards."

Kirumi opened the poker chip box and began to evenly distribute the chips to each player before Gundham dealt cards out for them.

Chiaki was obviously going to be the first to go to the arcade. There were so many options from shooters, racers, fighters, to beat 'em ups to choose from. As she thought about what to play, her eyes wandered off to see Ibuki and Peko at a whack a' mole machine. Although the "moles" in this case were various, different colored Monokumas. The two of them took turns with the toy hammer. Despite Ibuki's quickness, she just couldn't keep up with the cackling bears. When Peko took over, she swung the toy hammer down with such force that it actually smashed the green Monokuma in half. Peko's eyes widened. She dropped the toy hammer and nervously backed away like nothing happened.

Chiaki sighed. It was great to see Peko finally enjoy herself, but the gamer was still stuck trying to choose what game to play. That wasn't until she saw that Chihiro walk over to a Turtles in Time arcade cabinet that Chiaki joined him.

"Oh, hello, Chiaki," Chihiro said with a polite smile. "W-would you like to play with me?"

Chiaki gave the programmer a warm smile in return. "Of course."

Chihiro smiled and made space for Chiaki to play with him. At the character select screen Chihiro picked Donatello and Chiaki picked Michelangelo. As the two of the began to button mash their way through the hoards of robot ninjas, Chihiro turned to Chiaki.

"So…you are an AI?" Chihiro asked.

Chikai nodded as her eyes stayed locked on screen. "Yes…" she said as she tossed an enemy towards the screen. "Like I said, there was a real Chiaki Nanami, but I'm created from the same programmer that you used to create Alter Ego."

Chihiro blushed a bit. Even smashing an enemy back and forth in the game wasn't enough to calm him down for the next question. "S-so…does that sort of make you…my daughter?"

Chiaki paused for a moment.

"If anything, me being made from Alter Ego would make me your granddaughter…I think."

Chihiro chuckled nervously. "Th-that's a bit weird to think about. I mean, I'm still sixteen."

"Eight-teen. You and your class had two years together."

"R-right. And our memories were erased… Why don't we just focus on the game?"

Chiaki turned to face Chihiro, but she actually noticed someone standing right behind the programmer. Chiaki grew a slight smile and looked back at Chihiro. "Sure, but I think there's someone that wants to join us."

Chihiro turned around and saw just who was behind him. It was Tenko, who was still nervously fiddling with her fingers as she faced Chihiro. Despite the handshake they shared earlier, he couldn't help but still be nervous around Tenko.

"H-hey, guys," Tenko said. "Is it cool if I…you know, play too?"

Chiaki smiled and placed her hand on Chihiro's shoulder. Knowing that Chiaki would be there to keep the peace, Chihiro nodded.

"Y-yes," Chihiro said.

Tenko smiled back at Chihiro before pressing a button to join the ongoing game, choosing Raphael as her character. With that, all three of them continued the game.

Meanwhile, Sakura and Nekomaru made their way over to one of the more unusual games at the arcade. It was a punching machine, a standup cabinet with a ball hanging down in front of a screen with numbers on it. Both bulky giants knew what the purpose of the game was. The two looked towards each other, a fiery competitive gleam could be seen in both of their eyes. Nekomaru held his hands up for Sakura to step forward, still maintaining proper manners for the time being.

Sakura pulled her arm back and flexed her muscles as if to pump herself up. When she finally threw her first punch, it was with such speed and intensity that it appeared as if her fist was on fire. The ball was sent back into the machine, and after a few moments of calculation, the screen showed just how strong her punch was. 964.

Nekomaru whistled. "964 is damn good, Oogami! I can see why you absolutely dominated the martial arts scene."

Sakura smirked slightly as she took a step back. "Thank you, Nekomaru. I just hope I didn't scare you off."

"Scare me? Hell no!" Nekomaru flashed his purely whites as he smiled. "That just pumped me! Stand back and let me show you what I'm made of!"

Sakura took another step back as Nekomaru stepped forward. Just like Sakura, he pulled his arm back and tightened his fist, pumping himself. He threw his punch, which moved so fast that lightning seemed to emanate from it. Just like with Sakura, the ball went backwards and calculated. 998.

Nekomaru turned back to Sakura, standing tall and proud. "998! You put up a good show, but my training just paid off more, Oogami!"

"Are you sure about that?" Sakura asked. "What if I told you…I was holding back?"

"Wh-what?!" Nekomaru gasped.

Sakura stepped forward once again. She balled up her fist tightly, pulled her arm back, and threw a massive punch at the ball. The was steaming as it went backward and calculated Sakura's punch at 1200. Nekomaru's jaw dropped at the site in front of him. Sakura took a step back and smirked at Nekomaru.

"You don't look so confident anymore," Sakura teased.

Nekomaru gritted his teeth. "OK…that may have surprised me, but I'm still not backing down!"

Nekomaru cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms out. After prepping himself up, he threw another punch, his fist crackling with electricity as it smashed against the ball. The ball went back and calculated Nekomaru's punch at a 1201. Nekomaru let out a sigh of relief and turned back to smirk at Sakura, but to his horror, he saw her step forward to go again. This contest wouldn't be done anytime soon.

Sayaka had been playing with the slot machines for some time and was rewarded with some Monocoins. With only one way she could think of to use them, she made her way over to the front corner of the room where the Mono Machine rested. Just as she reached the machine, Miu came over while dragging Nagito by his chain.

"Move over, bitch!" Miu snapped.

Sayaka let out an audible groan. "Can you go five seconds without being a bi-" Sayaka stopped herself. "Can you be patient? I was here first."

"Well, too bad," Miu said as she shoved Sayaka aside. "That goth bitch kicked my ass at poker, so I deserve a pick me up!"

Sayaka glared at Miu, but Nagito walked over to the idol. "Sorry, Sayaka," he said with a smile. "With Miu, you have to just let her by to avoid any trouble."

"Damn straight!" Miu said as she reached into her cleavage to grab her Monocoin. She put the coin into the Mono Machine, turned the crank, and out came a capsule just big enough to fit into the palm of her hand. Popping it open revealed a small pill bottle. Miu's eyes lit up as she shook it. Yep. It was full.

"FUCK YEAH," Miu shouted. "Oooooh, babies. Mommy missed you."

Sayaka tilted her head to the side. "What… is that?"

"Pain killers," Miu said. "I can finally get high off my tits after dealing with you dumbasses."

Sayaka rolled her eyes while Nagito smiled at the inventor. "I'm glad to hear you're happy, Miu. Do you mind if I get something from the machine too?"

"Huh?" Miu snapped to Nagito. "Oh…yeah, sure." Miu slipped her hand back into her cleavage to pull out another coin. She tossed it over to Nagito.

Nagito tugged on his chain to move closer to the Mono Machine. He put the coin in, turned the crank, and out came his own capsule. He popped it open to see that inside was a mini keychain with a small doll at the end. It was of a boy with spikey brown hair, a bit like Makoto, but he had a white shirt and green tie.

Nagito's eyes lit up. "Wow…this…this actually really-"

"Ok, you got what you wanted!" Miu yanked on Nagito's chain. "Let's fucking go already!"

Sayaka watched as Miu dragged Nagito off to another section in the room. Sayaka turned her attention back to the Mono Machine, finally able to try it. She reached into her pocket and pulled out too coins. 'Can't be too greedy.'

Sayaka placed the two coins into the Mono Machine, turned the crank twice, and received two prizes. The first capsule she opened gave her a magnifying glass. It was cute. For a brief moment, the image of her dressed up as a Sherlock Holmes playing detective went through Sayaka's head. As comical as it seemed, a magnifying glass could help for investigating. She slipped it right under the waist band of her skirt. The second capsule she popped open gave her a key. More specifically, the heart shaped key for the Love Suite. Sayaka blushed as she stared at it.

"Hey, Sayaka."

Sayaka yelped lightly and hid the key behind her back before turning around. She saw that the person that spoke to her was Rantaro, who had Mikan by his side.

"H-hello there," Sayaka threw on her best smile. "Sorry, I was just messing with this thing. I'll get out of your way."

"Oh, don't be sorry, Sayaka," Rantaro said with a polite laugh. "I was the one that scared you."

"W-we just want to use the machine too," Mikan said.

"Of course," Sayaka stepped aside.

Rantaro smiled at Sayaka before stepping up to the machine. Like Sayaka, he too put two coins into the machine, turned the crank twice, and got the two capsules. He opened them up. The first one was a crown of roses. Rantaro was quick to place it onto Mikan's head. The nervous nurse giggled slightly. The second capsule was a key, just like Sayaka's except with a silver metal instead of gold. Rantaro quickly slipped it into his pocket.

Deciding that she didn't need to spy on the two of them anymore, Sayaka turned around and headed off to do something else.

"Alright!" Ibuki shouted after a few more hours of play. "Ibuki says it's time for us to eat dinner! Now, let's G O O, GO!"

I really tried to have this part finished last week, but of course things didn't go my way. I've been tired and depressed lately. Work, my life, I just keep staying in the dumps. So, I haven't been as proud of these last two parts as I hoped I would. I feel like I've become too tell and don't show, I feel like the pacing has died down, and that my characters' dialogue and personality are just bleeding together and are no longer 3 Dimensional characters.

That said, I have done some good. Finally doing more with Angie's cult. It took too long to have all of them together in one scene together. We'll see more of them soon. Got to do more dudebro stuff with Mondo and Taka, that's always fun. Also, I am trying to keep up the mystery more as we go. Also more Sakura action is fun. Having her with Nekomaru was fun. Also, you guys begged for more Leon and wanted a scene with him and Ibuki, so there you go. I am trying all I can, guys.

Please leave any and all thoughts in the comments/reviews. I love seeing you guys comment. Next chapter will probably be out faster since it's singing songs, and God knows I can't write an original song. So, see you then.