Chapter Text
Akiba for the 7th time today, attempts to put his hands behind his head as he leans back. And for the 7th time today remembers he's handcuffed to someone much shorter than him and quickly drops his hands.
Isono would laugh if it didn't mean her wrist was constantly being pulled around. She would find her partners constant gestures endearing if he just wasn't so strong. Really the amount he talks with his hands is impressive. She thinks he'd make a good streamer. Very captivating when he talks.
“So like. What's up with all the orange? That has to be your favorite color right? I don't think i've ever seen this much orange in one room in my life. Seriously. It feels like we're inside a pill bottle or something.”
And then he makes comments like that and she doesn't think he’d last a week before breaking twitch violations.
She still laughs though. Its not everyday she gets comments like that about her style.
“Its just my brand, you know? That's how branding works. You pick things that represent you and then push those things as hard as you can. So people associate you with those things. Just business really.” she sighed.
“So……it's not even your favorite color?” he sounds deeply concerned as he asks
“Heh! It is! I chose it. But. the reason its used so much was due to branding. Although I'm kinda starting to see your point. It is…..a lot…..of orange. “
“Does that branding stuff even work anyway? Like do people just watch your stuff then boom! See and orange wall and go oh my god this is just like the streamer i watch? And then watch more of your streams? Because of a color??”
“I mean- I don't know. We’ll have to ask Wada later.” she chuckles as she imagines the boy following the actions in the hypothetical scenario. It's not that she thinks he's like crazed and obsessed or anything but……he's definitely had similar reactions to certain references.
“Right. I’ll keep it in mind.” He hums and spins around a little in the chair at her desk. Not all the way but enough to get his feet moving. He was getting kind of restless. When they had chosen to come in here after the announcement he didn’t put up much fight because he was still super tired after everything. But he was a lot more talkative now. “All this talk of oranges is making me hungry. We did kinda skip breakfast.”
“I mean…..i guess. Did Tsuno make anything?”
“I have…..no idea who that is.”
“Uhm- she's the one with the cape and the dyed hair! She's really sweet. One of the nicest people in here. She makes food all the time. But usually if shes making something big she’ll send someone to knock on peoples doors to let us know. I was….kinda waiting for that.”
“Well. if she didn't we should still eat, right?”
“Yeah probably.”
“Right. To the kitchen it is!” he shoots up and out of the chair.
She stumbles after him…..silent.
She…..supposed……food did happen to be stored in the kitchen. And that was a reasonable place to want to go……
It would be fine. Just. grabbing food. Something quick. Just enough to get them through the day, or night or whatever time it was. She didn't know. She hadn’t known. She just struggled with cooking herself and latched on to those who tended to make extras. Sasaki hadn’t seemed to mind all the other nights. They met up multiple times. And it was fine. it had been fine. it has to be fine. There was no way just entering the kitchen would like…..kill her. Obviously. That's not how rooms worked. But the phantom pain was giving her a headache and her vision was swarming as she imagined falling- or was she just actually falling she- was-
“Jesus! Ok! Hi! Uh-.......you alright?” Akiba caught her hands and helped her back to her feet.
“I….y-yeah.” she didn't look him in the eyes. He was strong. She bets he could knock her out with a single swing if it came to it. Would that be better or worse than waiting for the final blow? Watching her own blood pool around her? The uncertainty if she’d make it out or not the feeling of breath leaving her body and reaching an end. Only to have it be ripped from in front of her and air slam back into her lungs and her head slam against that wall in the stupid laundry room and-
“You really don’t seem alright though. We can sit down for a minute more if you need.”
“I-......can food wait?”
“Uh- yeah?! If its going to make you all crazy then yeah. It can wait. Seriously, you look like you're going to be sick or something.”
“I might be.” she mumbled. As she was gently guided back down to the bed. Eyes still not able to focus properly and head throbbing.
“Do you want me to grab someone? There's a doctor here you know?......Why do i get stuck with all the weird ones. Had to drop off Tei yesterday due to some eye shit and now you're like……..i don't know.”
“It's fine. I'll be fine in a second. Just-...waiting for it to pass- if it passes. I mean the headache passes. Not me. I don't want to pass. I cant- i- i died last time.” she admits fingers digging into her skirt. She needed to hold something. She needed to feel something in her hands. Grounding? She thinks it's called. She needed to ground herself.
“That's……heavy.” Akiba struggled with his wording for once.
“I died in the….in…..in the kitchens.”
“Well…….that makes sense. And that means we're not going there.”
“But we need food.”
“And we can find someone else to get it. Or- if you need i can disconnect and get it. If you don't want to go into the room you died in? That's a pretty reasonable request and I'm not gonna like….make you?! That would be shitty. I mean you made it pretty clear earlier you aren't a big fan of leaving your room anyway. So why would you leave to go there? That's just- yeah. Have a breather.”
“T-thanks” her voice was shaky. Breather. That was a good idea. She should really do that.
That's what Tsuno would say too. She's seen her help Wada through things like this before. Was there some kind of pattern? She didn't know it but she knew breathing helped. So. she just took a lot of deep breaths. Praying the fresh air would clear out the visions in her mind.
It did help. Her chest no longer felt pounding and she could read the text on the screen across from her clearly. But her hands still shook and there was still a dull ache in her skull.
“Who are your friends again? If you don't want to see doctor guy we should at least talk to someone, right? I- doubt I'm doing any good at this. Plus then we can ask them to grab us snacks or something.”
“Wada and Tsuno are the ones i think i'm like closest too……... .There's snacks in the storage room? Maybe we can grab some from there instead?” she can actually stomach looking at him again.
“Now that! Sounds like a fantastic idea.” he smiles, pony tail sliding off his shoulder and falling behind his back. “Do you know where the storage room is?” he asks nervously, putting a hand on his neck.
“Yeah…..it’s probably best if we grab some things. There's snacks but there's other stuff too. Maybe we can find some cards to play with or something. “
“Ooooo, do you think they have work out stuff?”
“I'm pretty sure! Although that might more so be in the gym? I think Hayashi tried a few things…..before she was to tried."
“Sounds like a plan! You feeling ok enough to go? I mean if not I could carry you or something.”
“Heh. I'll pass.” the idea of being carried? Anywhere. Just felt….uncomfortable. She wasn't a huge fan of physical touch unless it was from people she was close with and Akiba really wasn't on that level yet. Plus that felt awkward and weird and everyone would just end up making fun of them. “Thank you, but i think I can walk fine now.”
She proves this by standing up and offering him a hand instead.
“Sick. lets roll.” he clicks his tongue and goes to open the door.
The hallway is surprisingly empty. It used to be the social hotspot for everyone. Easy access to things in the dorms and if things got out of hand there was always people around to hear.
There was a pretty large crowd in the med-bay that they could here. Isono remembers something about Sasaki and Hiroaki having a meeting in there with Ken and Okazaki.
Her stomach drops a little at the thought of the two. She could only remember nervous, yet genuine smiles, or a sly quip and soothing stare. She couldn't see either of the two of them as something violent. Then agian……..it was still hard to imagine someone as put together as Sasaki being violent either.
Well it wasn't hard to imagine-
It was hard to………accept? Maybe.
Hard emotionally. She could just as easily imagine crazed eyes behind askew glasses gripping a pan with white knuckles as she could a gentle hand on her shoulder and a voice of reason in a crowd of chaos. No one else seemed to put too much blame on to her. But- its not fair! Isono hadn’t gotten the same amount of sleep. Everyone had! And she never even once thought about killing someone for it. She’d sooner just pass out like Wada had. What ever that punishment really was surely hadn't been as bad as death right? Was….it really death?
It was difficult to think of the space between blanking out on the floor and sitting up in the laundry room. It feels like there should be something there right? Time definitely passed. You could see in the hunted look in kens eyes, and Tamba's intense posture or the way Ojima's hair was slightly longer. Time passed.
But not for her.
That was…..too much to think about right now. Instead she focused on another loud group gathering in the laundry room. She thinks she can pick out Chiba's high-pitched laugh but it's hard to tell in the mix of jovial uproar.
“What do you think is going on in there?” Akiba pauses squinting at the door.
“I have no idea……might be best to let them be though.” She considers knocking on the door. Seeing what was going on. But. she doesn't think she's heard anyone laugh since waking up yesterday. She’d feel bad if they had to stop whatever they were doing to address them. Whoever it was probably deserved a moment of peace.
“Fine by me” Akiba sighed and they continued to march forward.
The storage room door was already open when they finally reached it.
“I swear we had the spices last time! I remember them being right here.”
“I'm sure we’ll find them Ms. Tsuno, and if not! I'm confident whatever you make will be great to eat regardless!”
“Agreed! Even without those damned spices, the talent and care that comes with your very fingertips, combined with my magic blessing will be sure to add to the malevolent taste of our concoction.”
“Don't….say concoction…..its….just soup.”
“What is soup if not a delightful concoction of selected ingredients and prepared specimens. It is an elixir at its finest.”
“I thought your whole thing was being a…..goddess? Not witchcraft?”
“Things overlap.”
“Huh. I didn't think potions and elixirs would be one of them.”
“I mean both are magical right? So it makes sense!”
“Thank you Hidemi. Megumi, you could learn a lot from your sister in faith.”
“I-.....didn't sign up for this.”
Isono was happy to see Wada and Tsuno sorting through the shelves. The other two were a……surprise.
Not really….they were expected due to the whole motive thing but she just- hasn't adjusted to seeing all the new kids around yet.
Wada, after finishing his defeated sigh due to whatever teasing his cuff partner had started, turned to the door and met her eyes. “Oh! Ah! H- oh….hey…. Isono! uh-.....hi!”
Something hit the floor.
He…….seemed scared. More than anything. His eyes flickered around her body in shock. She supposes she's not the only one adjusting to her being alive again.
“Hey.” she says gently not wanting to startle him further.
“Yo.” Akiba nods beside her, squinting through the shelves to find the 3rd pair in the room. Which happened to include a frozen in fear tsuno, struggling to recollect herself while whatever bottle she had been holding rolled around at her feet.
“Is that one…..Tsuno?” the blonde tilts his heads and points. “Cape and dyed streaks? But from your group. Not…..her.” he gestures between Tsuno and Wada's partner.
“Yeah- sorry. I didn't realize there was another person that fit that description.”
“I have a name too!” the blue group girl huffed.
“Isn't it like super long or something? Look i'm bad enough with names, i'm not remembering your full ass title.” Akiba discouraged.
“What? But Miss Ogura is Her most powerful Two-dimensional goddess of beauty and grace. I don't think its that hard to remember?” Tsuno’s partner with the strange accent and pretty hair spoke up.
“Yeah. no. i'm not doing all that. I’ll stick with Ogura.”
“D….do i have to remember all that to? What like….are the rules for the being a girl thing?” Wada turned to the center of discussion.
“ I would highly recommend following in my footsteps when ever possible, however, there are no real requirements to join my league. I am a goddess well renowned for patience and forgiveness. I do not condone consequence or punishment. So no. there are no set rules. But effort is appreciated.”
“I will keep that in mind. I guess……hey! Tsuno you find those spices yet?”
“Oh- i- ummmmm. Yeah just give me another second- sorry.” she finally snapped out of her haze and started to sort through the shelves once more.
“So what brings you both to the storage room Mr. Akiba and Ms……?”
“Isono.” she filled in with a polite smile.
“Its not fair that you remembered everyone's names so fast. I- i don't think i even talked to you like once. How did you remember my name?” Akiba grunts.
“Oh! Its ok! I just have a lot of practice keeping track of names. If you forgot, My name is Tsukigata.”
“Hidimi.” Ogura added.
“Taksugiata Hidimi!” He nodded and laughed.
“Alright………….” Akiba raised a confused eye but didn't actually ask any questions on the matter. “So. you guys grabbing spices to make soup?” he asks instead.
“Yep! And! There right here!” Tsuno grins proudly as she pulls out a few containers from under a rag. “I have no idea who hid them or why though. But hopefully they wont mind.”
“Well if your making soup would you mind dropping some off at our room later?” Akiba shrugs.
“Huh! You just want us to deliver it to you!? You want us ladies to do all of the hard work and effort just so men like you can lay around lazily?! NO! I demand that you shall get no soup at all for having such a disgusting mindset.”
“No- no no- its not like that.” Tsuno puts a hand on Ogura's shoulder. And looks up at Isono.
Isono looks away. She…..doesn't like asking for things directly. Out of everyone here there was no reason she deserved special treatment compared to anyone else.
“Is that what you would prefer Isono? Instead of….going in there?” Wada pins down the problem. She talked to him for a WHILE yesterday after all. She mentioned how uncomfortable the atmosphere in the dining room was but how she didn't want to leave without Tsuno. He probably remembered that.
“I….you don't have to? But it would be……preferred.” she answers, gripping the edge of her skirt again.
“Then of course! We will lay ways to your requests Ms. Isono. We shall make it our utmost priority to have it delivered with as much diligence and grace as possible!”
“What! She gets to request soup! But i cant!?”
“Of course. She's a lady.”
“I…..that's not…..fair.” he huffs and looks away.
“Oh Ms. Oguraaaaaa! I think i have another good idea!”
“Hidimi are you thinking what i'm thinking?”
“I believe so”
They both turn with devilish smiles to Akiba.
“Nope! Not happening. Not doing the girl shtick. I’ll pass. As long as I get food later I'm fine. I really don't need all the dramatics.” he starts slowly backing up.
“Not so fast Takako!” Ogura narrows her gaze and points at him. “Hidimi has suggested you join our ranks! And that is enough to persuade me! I cast my fuchsia forming blossom spell upon you! Feel your new found femininity in your veins and embrace it! Dear soft Takako!”
“Im-......really. REALLY. Not interested-”
“Takako is kinda fun though!” Isono does not aid her partner's despair and stays with her feet planted, giggling.
“I promise you. I'm fine.” He still insists on denying the name.
“Welcome to the club.” Wada sighed.
“Hey look on the bright side! We should all have a big sleep over later! I’d love to style your hair Akiba!” Tsuno invites.
“Ohhhh! Do you think we could color it?” Tsukigata tilts his head.
“Nope. not happening.” Akiba swears off.
“Come on, at least let them do your nails or something. Just to fend them off for a while. It's…….actually not that bad.” Wada jumps in on the idea.
“Traitor.” Akiba sneers, Wada giggles.
“Pleaseeeeeeeee Akiba! It will be fun! These are my two friends. And I promise I won't let them go too overboard.” Isono pleads, grabbing his wrist and smiling sweetly.
“I trust those two. But miss anime goddess or whatever i don't think can be stopped.” Ogura erupts into manic laughter. “Aren’t we like in a death game or some shit. Why are we planning sleep overs? And messing around.”
“Because we don't want to feel like we're in a death game. How else do you suggest we cope?” Tsuno shrugs.
“I….dunno…….uhg. Fine. if i'm still alive later or whatever, and Isono wants to. I’ll go.”
“May my blessing stick with you as we await for your moment of true color to be unraveled, my soft Takako” Ogura says with a menacing glint in her visible eye.
“Great. Sure. uh, good luck on the soup. Grab us when its done. Can we go now? Shes seriously freaking me out.”
“Heh. yeah sure.” Isono nods. “You two promise to swing by later ok?.....i….miss you.”
“We missed you to.” Wada’s eyes soften.
“We’ll be sure to stop by your room before we offer any to anyone else!” Tsuno nods. “And then maybe come by after lunch is over too.”
“Sounds great.” Isono smiled, and turned to leave.
Maybe things………really weren't going to be as bad as last time.
She had expected that the early motive introduction and new cast of students would drag everyone down. But…….a lot of people seemed to be having a really good time.
It filled her with something she hadn’t had in a really long time.
It filled her with hope.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chiba smiles at Harada across from her.
It was nice to see him again. Last time they talked she was too busy climbing to get a good look at his face. She was worried as she was dying that she wouldn't have been able to remember it right. So she takes the chance now to try her best to commit all his freckles and curls to memory.
He seems so guilty.
His shoulders sag and he doesn't smile as much anymore. All of the shining hope she had found in him last time had been dulled.
And it was her fault right?
That's what they had said yesterday. That he died. Even though he didn't kill her. It wasn't fair!!! And she had some choice words for that rabbit about it!! If that bunny ever crosses her path again she won't hold anything back.
She wished she knew a better way to cheer Keizou up. They grabbed snacks, found a quiet place to sit down. And…..were just kind of waiting it out. Making easy and polite conversation.
Tei was braiding and unbraiding his hair silently beside her. And Nishiguchi stared between the three of them with suspicion.
“We should play a game" Chiba whined and stretched, accidentally pulling Tei's hand and messing up his braid. Or maybe not accidentally. He’ll never know how amusing the pout on his face was.
But it would be better if it wasn't alwaaaaaays there.
“Like what?" Nishiguchi rolled her eyes.
“I mean I think….there's….cards and board games in the storage room? If we want to go back there?” Tei offered.
"I dunno. Games are……..well….they can be pretty scary." Harada looked away.
“Not those games!!! Why would I want to play a game like that!" Chiba threw a near by empty bag of chips at the brunette.
That got a soft laugh out of the Zoologist.
“Fine, what do you suggest we play?"
“Hmmmmmm……truth or dare!" That's a popular game right? Lots of kids play truth or dare at parties and sleepovers. Right?
“I'm not sure……I really don't want anyone getting hurt.” Harada readjusted his goggles.
" I- I second that.” Tei mutters.
" Ok……what about……the one with the lies and the truths?” She struggled to remember the name of the classic get to know you game.
“Two truths and a lie?" Nishiguchi scoffed.
“Yeah!" Chiba beamed.
“Doesn't that one always just turn into everyone trauma dumping in the end?” she rolled her eyes.
“Eh. More entertaining that silence and…..I kinda don't want to get up and lose our spot.”
" Thank you keizou.” she nods.
" I'm fine with a round or two. Then if it gets out of hand we can do something else.” Hm. Tei is very sensible, she thinks.
She's not really sure how she feels about the whole cuff thing. She wished she could have been handcuffed to Harada or Hama because those were her friends!! Or Denden from yesterday because she was really really nice!
Tei was just…..scared. sensible but scared.
“Fine. But I'm not starting." Nishiguchi finally agreed.
“Can I go first!?" She asks with wide excited eyes. She loves being first! It makes her feel important!
“Sure!" Harada nods.
“Ok- hmmmmmm. The most Famous movie I'm in is Floral Fiasco. I was nearly cast in, Sweet Bro and hella Jeff: Beeware, Beelieve and Beecome and my hair isn't actually blonde, it's dyed!"
" No way you were nearly in a SBAHJ Movie! What role would you even play??? That's the lie.” The blonde crossed her arms and sneered.
"Floral Fiasco was pretty big for a second but I swear I've seen you in bigger stuff.” Tei mumbled.
" both of you are wrong.” Harada grinned. " I know for a fact your hair is not dyed.”
" Keizou wins!” She giggled.
“Well that's not fair- he like knows you!”
“To bad! He wins so its his turn! Try to think of something i wont guess!” she teases.
“Alright i can try………uh…hm. Oh!” he pulls up his pant leg. “I got this scar from working with a bear cub.” he pulls up his shirt sleeve.” I got this one from working with an owl!” and then he twists out his left hand to show a scar across his thumb, “And this one from a tortoise.”
“How did a tortoise leave a scar? They don't have anything sharp.” Chiba tilts her head and blinks.
“You…..suck at working with animals if you have that many scars. Who keeps letting you take car of them?” Tei scanned over the plethora of cuts and bites.
“I'm actually really good with them now! These were all from years ago. Training programs. False warnings. Improper gear, the eagle talon one was because i was doing this show thing, but the gloves they gave me were super cheap knockoffs and Bullseye cut right through the glove.”
“Well i'm going to guess that the owl one if fake then since you just called it an eagle.” Nishiguchi sat up proudly.
“Oh- i…..whoops. Ha ha. Yeah we’ll your right. Guess I shot myself a bit there.”
“No but seriously how did you get to work with so many animals aren't you like…….17?!” Tei continues to be a bit panicked.
“I'm good with them! Its…..what i love doing. I have internships and scholarships and its just…..when you have the right training and connections its easy!”
“Huh. think you could hook me up when were out of here then? Working with birds and bears sounds a lot easier than the cafe 9am rush. “
Harada laughs, “Sure. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Hey! Its my turn now right? So both of you shut it and listen. Alright. Ahem. 1. I made my own clothes. 2. I have 3 older brothers. And 3. I'm unemployed.”
“Oh. ok. That one might take a second to think about……….if the making your own clothes thing is true you should find Hiroaki after this, you might get along. But for now im going to go with you didn't make the suit.”
“Pfft. I think it's rather obvious. You have a job. You have calluses on your hands and take this shit way too seriously.” Tei sighed.
“You’d be right. Tei wins.”
“Where do you work?”
“Family business. Pizza place.”
“Cute.”
“No. Not. Cute. It's a family legacy. Anyway, Hurry up, it's your turn.”
“I….really don't have anything interesting going on.”
“I doubt it!” Chiba calls out. “We allllllll have something big in our lives. That's why we were all chosen. For being weird and stuff!”
“Yeah but seriously. I like…….i dunno. I have 5 jobs. I don't have time for any other fun activities or fun facts.”
“Ok then make us guess what those jobs are or something?! Come one you're ruining the game” Nishiguchi was weirdly getting into it. A tad competitive too.
“Uhg! Fine uhm…….I own a cat? I own a tv? And i own 4 different pairs of shoes.”
“That's……boring.”
“You told me to say something!”
“Do you really have a cat?! Like a real one!? What's her name!? Can i meet her when were out of here!”
“i-......no…..i …..i don't own a cat i just sat your overalls and got inspired.”
“Oh.” Chiba frowned.
She liked cats! Maybe not……tigers….anymore. But like! She's always wanted to own a cat. But she's never home long enough to take care of one and mom says their dirty and stuff. But! When she's done with acting she's gonna get an entire shelter worth of cats and go all crazy knitting sweaters for them and everything!
That thought cheers her up a bit.
Before she could start to think of her next set of facts there was a knock on the laundry room door.
“Keizou? Airi? Are you in there?”
She met eyes with the zoologist and they both smiled at the familiar voice.
“RAN!” she bounced up excited pulling Tei along with her as he stumbled up much less gracefully.
She swung open the door to find their dear friend and his blue student counter part waiting outside.
“Hey!”......y….yo…yokoi????? She wants to believe is the girls name. She's nice! She hangs around Sasaki a lot but….she seems really sweet!
“Hope you don't mind if we join you. Big meeting was being a bit too much.” Hama walked in and he and Yokoi sat down, completing their circle.
“Its no problem! Were happy to see you!” Harada smiled….but his eyes were still sad.
“Isn't the meeting thing kind of important though?” Tei asked looking more so at Yokoi. “Did…..anything productive happen?”
She made a displeased noise.
“.....well……it was…..we spent a lot of time arguing where to even have the meeting because a lot of people didn't like the gym. And we ended up going to the med bay. But Kumada kept trying to throw a fit about being there and kept threatening to disconnect from Hasegawa and that didn't go over well and then Hiroaki and Sasaki got into a pretty big fight and said a lot of mean things about each other and it got to a point where i suggested we all take a break but Hiroaki didn't seem to like that very much and there were more arguments before everyone except Haesegawa, Okazaki, and Sasaki were allowed to leave., Sasaki had to stay because of the not wanting the murderers to be on the loose. But i think both Hirose and Yaitabashi are still connected. Not sure about Kumada but………..we didn't need to be told twice to book it out.”
“It was a shit show.” Hama stated bluntly. “I don't know why we keep letting Hiroaki and Sasaki try to do things together. It……didn't work last time. We should try to prevent it. But they just keep circling each other. i think they might be cursed."
“Yeah i’ll take playing two truths and lie with these losers over……whatever the hell you both just went through.”
“Oh? Your playing two truths and a lie? Can i join in?” that seemed to perk Yokoi up a bit. She definitely looked like she needed the distraction.
“Yeah! It was about to be my turn but you can go instead if you want!”
“Oh?....like….right now?” the brunette blinked and looked around.
Chiba nodded with an exaggerated effort.
“Ok….uh…….i’ve flown to America over 25 times. I prefer salty over sweet snacks. And my favorite subject is English!”
“Ew. no one likes English.” Nishiguchi complains.
“I like English!” Chiba chimes in.
“How do you afford to fly to the states so often? I'm calling bluff on that.” Tei scoffs
“I mean…….it makes sense that her favorite subject is English if she travels a lot. I feel like that would come in handy. So im going to go with the second one.” Hama announced.
“Congratulations! Your correct!” Yokoi clapped her hands together and turned.
“Your turn Hama!”
“I'm pretty sure you both already know like. Everything about me though. It isn't fair to the new guys. You’ll probably figure it out super fast.”
“Hmmmmmm…….then……make it about…….something that happened……later?” Chiba offered a solution.
“What do you mean?”
“We’ll…..you were around for a long time when we…..weren’t. I want to guess what you did during that time! Did you go into our rooms at all? Did you still work out? Who else did you talk to? You know. Stuff like that.”
“Are you sure?”
“Its the best way to make it fair!”
“Alright then…….uh………..I started a book club. I once got into an argument about the ethicalness of raising a killer robot. And…... .during the cold motive i managed to get completely by with nothing but my badass jacket.”
The room was quiet for a second as they all questioned the statements.
“I……don't think that last one is possible. With how Hiroaki was describing the cold earlier. Like-.......you would have……not been able to manage that.” Yokoi squinted at him.
“But. I have demons. So I'm not like everybody else.”
“Were the demons really able to keep you that warm though?” Harada raised an eye.
“......No……Nakamigawa got me to wear a shirt eventually. But the demons helped.”
“Yeah. Wait, can we pause? I was actually really curious about that. What demons????” Nishiguchi sharply raised a hand.
“My demons. The ones I fight. Some of them are too powerful so I have to trap them in my tattoos till I'm stronger.”
Nishiguchi huffs in complete disbelief. Tei has an undoubtedly similar expression, although slightly more concerned.
“Who did you get in a fight about robots with? Why?” Chiba, ever bored, was now lying on her stomach with her legs behind her looking up and the demonologist with wide eyes.
“Watari? I think……it was a while ago. I don't remember only that it was stupid. And we shouldn't build any robots. They always end up going rogue.”
“I doubt evil robots are going to be on our list of concerns at the very least.” Tei sighed.
“Yeah, most Ai can't be trusted.” Yokoi nods.
“The hell would anyone bring any of that nonsense in here for?! That would be stupid.”
“Well…..there's tigers and bounty hunters and god rabbits. I really don't see what's off limits sometimes.” Harada admits.
“Maybe we’ll all get like magical powers from radiation surrounding this place or something. If anything's on the table." Chiba thinks back to some cartoons she watched.
“That would be fun but I doubt it.” he chuckled
“I mean……we got revived though right? So there's definitely magic involved.” She looks him in the eyes as she asks. It was a weird way of trying to get the information she wanted. But it was better to ask something like this subtly.
She had been wondering…….how Keizou died.
She knew it was after her. And she knew it was an execution like…..Sasakis. But…..she wanted to know more. She didn't know why but- she wanted to know what happened to both her friends. So she can stop it from happening again! And stop them from being scared!
Like how he locked Sawa away that morning. When she froze up and started screaming at the beast. Because it killed her.
She wants to know what hurt them. So she can hide it or lock it away or jump in front of it if need be.
Her friends are awful! About letting her help with stuff. So its not like she can just tell them that. They’d just tell her not to worry about it. But she wants to worry about it!
They both look so sad! She doesn't want them to look haunted forever.
So she does this slowly. Bring up magic, segway magic into revival. Try to keep the topic on that as long as possible until hopefully one of the newbies is brave enough to ask for her. Her bets on Nishiguchi.
“Yeah….its…..something weird.” he looks away with shaky eyes.
“I'm just not thinking about it. This place's evil energy is so powerful I can't even comprehend it. And at this far, I don't think I want to anymore.”
“Wait so…..all three of you died?” Tei was surprisingly the first to ask and get roped in. Chiba kept quiet to see how much the boys were comfortable saying first.
“Yep.” Ran nodded. And the room fell into awkward silence.
She really has to do everything around here.
“No at the same time though. It went me. Then Harada. Then Hama like a lot later.”
“So what were you all murdered?” Nishiguchi shrugged. “Somebody here killed two people right? Was it you two?”
“No.” Hama interjects. “The whole situation is kind of complicated. And I don't want to bring it up unless it's actually important. If you need to know. We’ll tell you. But right now. Let's talk about something else.”
“I-i- i second that.” Yokoi fixes her posture beside him with a stuttering nod.
“Fine. What did you want to do instead then?”
Drat. she should have forced the conversation further. But it's fine. She's sure she’ll have plenty of other chances to try. Because she's making sure they all stay safe this time. If she can't get everyone out via the vent. Then she can at least do her best to protect these two instead.
Maybe she’ll just ask them straightforwardly later. When they're alone. Maybe they’ll understand……and if they don't?....she wont stop trying anyway. Because these were her friends! And she's going to do what it takes to help them stay safe!
—------------------------
Isoda tugged another oversized sweater on and shook the last of the water out of their hair.
This is the part where they would usually sit down and doom scroll for a few hours in bed. Maybe fiddle around with their guitar if they're really bored or work on any assignments if they have anything Major due.
But now they didn't have any of that.
They had a recording set up connected to a laptop that was almost completely useless. And a more retro I- pod thing with some ear buds. That was probably the only thing of value in their room. Had a ton of music. New stuff too. That they actually listened to frequently before getting kidnapped.
They are hit with a strong pang of fear as they paused to consider how, whoever set this up knew about the specifics of their music taste.
Different topic.
They wondered what Kamimura was up to.
The two of them had gotten pretty bored easily so he left about…..40? Minutes ago if the timer on their cuff was to be trusted.
He left to go try and find the suit guy. He seemed to be the only person who liked him. Everyone else was scared of the ex-murderer. But Kamimura had a more nuanced opinion on the guy. Even if he wouldn't tell them what that opinion is.
They hope he's doing alright and getting that whole……thing…..gets sorted? Maybe then the crime scene cleaner would tell them after.
Hm. Maybe. Probably not.
He didn't seem like the type to share shit. And they weren't the type to pry.
With a sigh they select an album they haven't played yet and lay down. They did have much else they wanted to do on their 3 hour break. Just shower and maybe nap.
Maybe they should talk to other people or something but that's not really their style. Plus after basically getting a full rundown and tier list from Kamimura about how crazy everyone in his group was enough to keep any curiosity they had satisfied.
The wall paper around their room was a dark maroon. which clashed severely with their white ceiling. Most of the furniture was silver. They think that's the same for every room. Kamimura had the same desk and bed frame, and white ceiling.
But his walls had been a softer blue. And their chairs were different. Isoda had a black comfy streamer chair to match the recording set up but Kamimura had an almost lounge-like block chair with cushions.
Their wardrobe set up was pretty nice. If it wasn't so creepy. That so many of their clothes from home just ... .showed up here. Without them noticing……without…..anyone noticing.
Gosh. Maybe they shouldn't spend so much time in here. Everything seems to mock them somehow.
But? Where else would they go?
The answer to that question doesn't come easy. Not till a few more songs shuffle past and they manage to bust out the imaginary air guitar. Not until a loud thud breaks through their headphones and makes them sit up in such a rush of adrenaline the headphones fall off.
They pause looking around the empty room for the source of the noise.
It rang out again. Coming from the shared bathroom. Metal hitting……..something.
Isoda’s first thought is to double check their door is locked and stay silent. But then Tamba's voice comes crashing through and they think they might have a different type of problem.
The gymnast wasn't really making coherent sentences, just mumbles and grunts and whines.
Isoda, with a newfound flare of curiosity set in from their past hour or so of boredom, cautiously pokes the door open.
Tamba is sitting on their counter. In an odd position. Seemingly trying to push off the cuff on her wrist with her foot? And trying to slam it down on the counter top in the process?
She stops when she catches Isoda's glare.
“Sorry. I…..didn't think you were here.”
“Its chill.” they shrug. “Whatcha doing?”
“Seeing if theirs a way to get these stupid things off! I have to reconnect with Ikeda in 25 minutes but I really really don't want to. I told Hayashi i was going to fiddle around with it until I absolutely had to meet up with him and then see if i could drag him back to our little group in the gym. But I don't even know where he is! He could be anywhere on this whole floor and I have 25 minutes to find him!!! I hate having him as a partner! It's so stupid!”
“Wow….weren't you guys together for like……less than 10 minutes or something. Did you really decide to hate him that quickly?”
“Have you met Ikeda Diaki? Have you been able to handle him for more than 10 minutes?”
“I….can’t say i really have no…..uh……i know where his room is though if that helps? Can we start there?”
“Id rather just get the cuff off!”
“I don't know if that's even an opt-”
“I would not recommend tampering with the proximity cuffs Ms. Tamba.”
“Jesus fucking christ-” Isoda flinches back hard. Gripping onto the door frame behind them with white knuckles. “Where did- you? It-? The-....what?!”
The rabbit. The one who gave out the motive and spoke to them yesterday was just sitting in their sink. And Tamba just…..rolled her eyes?!
“Well maybe I wouldn't be tampering with them if you didn't stick them on us!”
“I did not force the cuffs on you. All students selected and attached cuffs themselves.”
“You know what i mean!”
“Why is it here?!” Isoda asks again, but does not get a response.
“What i would suggest instead Ms.Tamba is finding your proximity partner Ikeda Daiki as your timer seems to be getting fairly low.”
“I know! Ok! I know that! We're working on it! Can you give me a break for 5 minutes! I go a whole year without hearing your silly voice or weird ears and now I have to listen to you boss me around again. It's really not fair!”
“I didn't select the-”
“We know you didn't do shit! I know! But I'm still going to be pissed anyway because thinking about that- that- that rat! It just makes me pissed off!.”
“I see.”
“Sure you do. Now would you mind giving us some space, I think you're scaring Mion. who was nice enough to offer me help instead of just sitting there and taunting me. They were about to lead me to Ikeda's room. To follow your instructions.”
“Ikeda Daiki is student 4B. Meaning he shares area space with Kamimura Kazutoshi, student 4A.”
“That's……that's just not at all what i asked but- thank you i guess. Can you shoo now? Go bother Ojima or someone.”
“As you wish. I hope you reconnect your cuffs swiftly. Sorry for the intrusion Tamba Ruiko.”
“Where the fuck did it go?!” Isoda blinked at the now empty sink.
“It just does that.”
“H-how?”
“It's the rabbit. We don't……it's not worth questioning. It does as it pleases. Its pretty annoying if you ask me.”
“It can just…..pop in and out? Like out of nowhere??? Anywhere???”
“Yeah.”
“.......is it even like….an actual rabbit?”
“I don't know! I kind of have a bigger problem to deal with right now! Ikeda better be in his room or we might both die! And i did not make it this far to die on day 2! To some loser like him!” Tamba hopped off the counter gracefully, using a lot of arm strength to mount off in a fashion one wouldn't typically see. Only to wince loudly and she pressed weight into her left leg when standing again.
“It's ok…..take your time.”
“I don't have time! We need to find Kamimura's room! Now!”
“Its a little ways down the hall, but not that far, I was literally just in there.”
“Huh. you two are partners too right…….wonder if that means something.”
“I dunno. maybe?” They confess while hesitating in Tamba’s door way, the gymnast hustled through her room and seemingly expected Isoda to follow.
So they did. They'd certainly rather run out through Tamba’s room than let the blonde into theirs.
On their way out they do manage to sneak a quick glance at her work station. There were a few water bottles along with mats and…gloves?
Isoda didn't have a lot of time to really take it in but they suppose it makes sense for a gymnast if the desks correlate to their hobbies or talents? Like Kamimura was talking about.
They are suddenly very grateful that despite choosing to help Tamba, that they are not handcuffed to her. They don't think she's bad by any means just…..energetic. And loud. Isoda is struggling to keep up. And they're literally just walking across the hall.
“4b?” Tamba raises an eye for clarification.
“Sounds right” Isoda nodded as the blonde reached the door.
With no other warning the other student 13 began banging on the door.
“IKEDA!!! ARE YOU IN THERE??”
No noise.
Tamba began to pound rapidly. Knocking on the door thunderously, with a passionate rage in her eyes,
There was still no response.
“Is….Is he even inside?” Isoda doubted the gymnast.
“He- where else would he be!? He left the gym and then….like- if he went anywhere else people would have told me when i asked earlier!!!”
“Well it doesn't sound like he's in there. Shouldn’t he be looking for you too?”
“I don't know! It doesn't seem like he cares at all!”
If he doesn't care, and is willing to get them both punished…..what does that even lead too. What will happen to him and Tamba?
They wouldn't like……die right? That feels way to fucked up.
But just in case that's the punishment. They decide to act a little bit irrationally. While Tamba is still pounding on door 4B. Isoda slides over and swings over 4A. He left it unlocked for them just in case they needed to come in here later. With the expressed condition to, not tell anyone. And not let anyone inside.
But Kamimura can get mad at them later. This is an emergency.
“Over here!” they yell and gesture Tamba in. She pauses for a split second as she recalls who the room belongs to. But also seems to decide this is more important.
They run through his room and through the connected bathroom to find Ikeda's door unlocked.
Tamba stands in the center of the red heads room out of breath.
Ikeda sits unamused on his bed with his legs crossed.
“What's got you all worked up?” he teases.
“WHY DIDNT YOU ANSWER YOUR DOOR WE HAVE LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LEFT!”
“Why were you being so loud?! It was unlocked to begin with!”
“What?”
“You were pounding and wailing on the door, you didn't even try opening it!”
“You didn't tell me it was unlocked!”
“Why would it even be locked!?”
The two squabble and bicker and Isoda decides that yeah. This. isn't their problem anymore.
It shouldn’t have been their problem to begin with honestly.
They did their honorary part. Got Tamba to the room. And it's not their fault if these two get too busy screaming at each other they forget about the bombs around their wrists.
They back up quietly wishing with gritted teeth that they would have stayed out to begin with if it was going to end like this anyway.
As they make their subtle escape, they do thankfully hear the sound of their cuffs reconnecting.
That's definitely enough adventure for one day.
—------------------------
They were the very last pair to leave the gym. Tamba ran off to find Ikeda when her timer got to an hour left. They stayed with Hayashi and Shishikura for a bit before the apparent bounty hunter left to go sort out something that seemed to be going on down by the medbay.
She's thankful she ended up with someone who's a lot more of a pushover.
She doesn't plan to manipulate him or anything. That’d be crazy.
though……….it would be easier to use Yanagi to her advantage than it would be with someone like Hayashi.
But only if it really came down to it.
Which it wont! 32 people can find a way out. She's positive about that. All they need is someone to come up with a plan and boom. They're out and she can go home and everything will be fine. She can stay strong till then.
It was easier not to think about it now that Shishikura wasn't in the room…..he had just sweet eyes and long hair. It tugged slightly on her heart as she distantly compared the boy to her………sister. Is what she had said earlier. More acceptable that way. She didn't get questions. She could just focus on keeping her safe.
Focus. right.
With the trio gone in just left her and Yanagi to their devices. The gym felt too big for the two of them so they set out on a different path. They slipped right into the dorm hall.
“Would you rather take the time to reside in your room or mine?” Yanagi asks.
“I don't mind either!” she smiled at him. She needed to play easy going now. Let him make the easy stupid choices so that when she needs to make larger important ones, He's easier to guilt trip.
in case of emergency that is.
which there won't be.
Ouno turned to the actual hallway and away from the figure skater. Her room was probably closer but she wanted to double check.
she meet with the sight of Tamba and one of the red haired guys from her group darting Into a room.
“W-was that Ikeda? I……that was Kamimura's room. I don't know what they'd be doing in there”
" I dunno” she honestly couldn't tell you who either Kamimura or Ikeda was so she really didn't have any input to give on that particular matter. “my rooms right here though!”
she offered tilting her head towards the 1B door with a bright smile.
“ that settles it then i suppose. i do have to admit i'm curious about your work station Ms. Ouno. is it similar to Tamba's?”
“well…..i've never seen Tamba’s so i don't know! but if what we were talking about earlier is true, than, yeah, maybe?” She pulls him towards the door and placed her free hand on the handle.
The other one still holds the weight. She found it in her room as part of a set. It was the perfect size to carry around comfortably while still being able to do damage if it came down to it.
She uses hypotheticals a lot more than she thought she did. It's just really hard to trust anything here. And desperation does a lot to people.
She's not desperate yet though. She still has hope. It's pretty weak but. There's 32 of them. People will be looking. She was saved before she can be saved again.
She supposes then the problem was less about herself getting saved. More about if anyone out there would be saving…..
Focus!!! She has to focus.
Back to the door she was about to open.
Before she could fully enter her room. The door beside them flew open with two figures bumbling out.
“GOOOOODBYEEEEEE! TAKAKO!!" was screeched through the hall as the girl with space buns waved her hand up dramatically.
But. Stumbling out next to her was a shorter boy who curled in on himself as he laughed. His eyes were closed in bliss and he had one of the most innocent laughed she had ever heard as his white curls bounced along side him.
When he opened his eyes his stare locked with hers. And all she could she in that moment was how curious and sweet those round eyes were. All she could see in that moment was not the color residing inside, but the childish nature of their frame. All she could see in that moment? Was Maria.
She flattered. And blinking as time returned to its normal pace but she couldn't shake the comparison from her mind.
“Hi?" She offered. He hadn't looked away either although his expression was one more so off hesitant distrust than the eager curiosity she was brimming with.
“Uh….hi? Are you ok?”
"We're fine. We were just about to head to Ouno’s room, what were you both doing in Isonos?” Yanagi asks leaning forward.
" AH HA! We were completing a very ambitious quest tasked to us by Ms. Isono herself! She has requested we deliver her and Ms.Takako a serving of Ms.Tsuno and Ms.Hidimi's delicious meal!!! “ as Ogura???? She…..thinks????? As the girl spoke her hands flew every which direction as if she was the lead in a stage play.
“you really don't let go of those names do you? Neither Hidimi or Takako is in the room. do you ... .really just- stick with that???”
“Of course Megumi!!! it is my duty after all. to stay as loyal to my subjects as they are to me.”
“i really don't think Akiba is as loyal as you believe.” he sighs.
“I CAN ALSO STILL HEAR YO-” Ogura shut the door on the screaming man.
“Nonsense. Takako is just as fit for belonging as you and Hidemi.”
“Can i…….ask…..what this is?” Yanagi sounded slightly concerned and slightly curious as he twirled his finger between the duo in front of them.
“I am collecting a legion of followers that will accompany me on my many quests and adventures.”
“C-....collecting?” Yanagi was still very lost on the concept.
“Mmmm.. it seems you are to incompetent to understand. No matter it wont me worth some one like you’s time anyway!” she sneered and crossed her arms. “I’ve been observing you, Yanagi Shigeki-”
“Wh- Huh!? When?! I-”
“This morning i saw how you treated Ms. Ouno and that…Shishikura guy. Not to mention how your gaze is constantly traveling to the likes of Ms. Tamba and Ms. Hayashi. I know exactly what you are scum. My Magic thaumaturgic eye of truth sees right through your icy lies. You behavior does not deceive me! I know exactly what filth you harbor.” She spits out each line like Yanagi killed her family or something.
He pauses for a second, completely falling back into his head to analyze the girl. He opens his mouth to say something but all that comes out is a series of offended mumbles.
“Exactly. Stay speechless at my presence and weep. Now, come dear Megumi, we must not waste anymore time with this vermin.”
" W-wait hold on! Ogura I think you have the wrong picture. Yanagi is really nice! I promise! He helped me a lot last game! He's never hurt anyone!.....er-.....never like…..killed any one I guess."
“He hurt someone?" Ouno asked with rising suspicion towards the blonde. Taking quick steps back to avoid being in close contact with him.
“I- that was like once. And had more to do with the adrenaline gas than it did my actual self. Plus Nakamigawa already forgave me."
“Really?" Megumi? Asked with a dead pan. Megumi was a really cute name. It even started with the same letter.
"Well….as close to forgiveness as you can get from Nakamigawa. I promise you he does. He just also would sooner have his face beat again than say it out loud.”
“So you admit to causing destruction and chaos!” Ogura pressured him..
“I’ll admit I shouldn't have resorted to violence and that was highly unacceptable behavior on my end. But he had been……..i had a reason Ms. Ogura I assure you. He had stolen a dead woman's diary and read it leisurely. I couldn't stand to let him do that. Especially when she…did not think very highly of him.”
“So you………fought him? To get the book back and follow her wishes……even when she had passed?” she asked with a more serious tone.
“Indeed.” Yanagi nodded.
“Hm…….it seems i may have been mistaken about you Yanagi. You still don't have my favor. I think all of your respect has to be compensating for something. Men don't act like you do without nefarious reasons. But for now i will refrain from causing you any further trouble. My eye of truths will do the work for me. I will be watching your every move. Don't prove my suspicions correct, for your own good. If you do let that evil with in you escape, it will be my duty to correct it after all.”
“I will……keep that in mind Ms. Ogura. I will hope to not disappoint you.”
“You are a very wise Yanagi. But attempting to gain a goddess favor will take more than that! NOW! Megumi! We have yet to complete the final act of our quest, we must return to Tsuno and Hidimi and alert the others that there is lunch in the kitchens.”
“Can we stick with you guys?” Ouno asked quickly. They looked like they were about to head off, but she couldn't bare to see Megumi walk away like that.
“I wouldn't mind.” Megumi responded.
“WHA- Megumi! Were supposed to take a dramatic exit. I like- i ended the conversation with the Yanagi guy i don't want to talk to him anymore.”
“You truly are very…….tactful with your intentions.” The figure skater mumbled looking slightly offended.
“Well…..i do? I’ve been meaning to talk to him for a while. After all we were both…….survivors. I uh- wanted to catch up.” he looked up at the blonde with those same wide shaky eyes. Like his eyes alone were begging and desperate for connection and safety.
He had made it out to? But…..he was so frail? And scared! And defenseless. And yet he still made it out? No one killed him?
Maybe it's twisted by her. And maybe it's the wrong place to look. But……….that idea. That someone like Megumi could survive the killing game. Then maybe…..maybe Maria could survive out there? It was the only idea that brought her comfort. So she clings to it.
“Oh? Yes. we really do need to chat Masanari. I’ve been……I apologize for neglecting you like that. Here, would you like to disconnect to have our conversation privately?”
“Uh…..yeah that would be nice……if you're ok with that Ogura? This is kind of important.”
“I may not trust Yanagi. But you have my blessing to initiate the disconnect if you truly consider this important to you.”
“Ah! Ms. Ouno! Is it alright if I use our three hours for this? It is rather urgent.”
Ouno bit her lip. She didn't really like the idea of using the 3 hours so early. And she didn't like the idea of Megumi? Masanari? She’ll have to ask for sure later. But the thought of him running off alone made her heart squeeze lightly. But she didn't have a real reason to say no …..so
“Yeah that's fine! Make sure to stay safe. And don't do anything too shady I don't want to be blamed for letting you run off"
Yanagi smiled and pressed the button by his wrist, before moving his now free hand to her shoulder, “I promise you I won't cause any trouble. And if something does arise I will take full responsibility and accountability. I hope you will be safe to, Ms Ouno?"
“Mhm!" She gives him a hum and a nod.
The small white haired teen followed similarly. Breaking off of Ogura and following Yanagi. The self proclaimed anime goddess glared at the figure skater with disdain the entire time. Even when he was out of eye sight she kept keen eyes on his lean shadow.
“I do not envy you Ms. Ouno.” she hummed once they were for sure out of ear shot.
“You……made that pretty clear i think”
“If you ever need assistance. Whether about him, or any of the other creeps in here. I want you to know that you have my blessing. And that i will come to your side if needed.”
“Thank you but i can handle myself pretty well.” her fingers curl tiger around the weight.
“I see. Your are very resourceful. That's a good skill to have. With our combined abilities we’ll be sure to get out of here soon.”
“I hope so.” she sighed and faces back down the hall to where their cuff partners were bound to be having an interesting conversation. Every thought of Megumi caused resurface of memories of maria.
She doesn't pray anymore. Hasn't since she left. But…..right now she wishes she had something to give her strength and hope. Someone, out there to ask to look after her daughter.
Ogura nods at her and turns away. Likely to head to her own room.
Ouno does the same.
She’ll make it out. She has to.