I was surrounded by darkness. An old yet familiar voice whispered in my ear. Was this... my voice?

???: Did you think you could get away? That it was all over? It's coming you know? And this time... you can't escape~

I woke up in a cold sweat. Breathing heavily as if I just had a nightmare. Mononeko woke up on my lap.

Mononeko: You okay, Sora?

Sora: Yeah... just a strange dream...

Ding Dong! Bing Bong!

Monokuma appeared on the intercom.

Monokuma: "Goood morning everyone! It is now 7 am! Time to rise and shine for another beautiful day!"

It turned back off as I got out of bed and got dressed.

Sora: We should head to the Dining Hall.

Mononeko: Yeah.

Ding!

Before I could leave, I heard a noise on my E-Handbook. I take a look and see... a text?

[Kanzen: "Hello everyone"]

[Kotone: "What is this?"]

[Anna: "Weird app appeared on my screen"]

[Kanzen: "I installed a texting function on all the Monopads! That way we can keep in contact and become the best of friends! You can even do private messaging! Aren't I the best~❤️?"]

[Kotone has left the Chat]

[Artoria has left the chat]

[Strawberry has left the chat]

[Mia has left the chat]

[Eve has left the chat]

[Alicia has left the chat]

[Chris has left the chat]

[Satoka has left the chat]

[Prix has left the chat]

[Anna: "Ouch, that's gotta hurt."]

[Kanzen: "🥺"]

[Sora: "👍"]

[Angel: "Um guys? How do I leave the group chat on this thing?🧐"]

I put my E-Handbook away.

Mononeko: What was that?

Sora: Just an app Kanzen installed on the E-Handbook. Nothing special.

Mononeko: I see...

Sora: Come on. Let's get going.

We made our way to the Dining Hall where everyone else was already seated.

Kotone: Oh, you're here.

Sora: Yeah...

Kanzen: Did you like the little text feature I gave for you all?

Strawberry: I think it's a little too late in the story to rename the E-Handbooks "Monopads"...

Kotone: You can text but can't take pictures or play video games? Honestly 2006 had better technology.

Kazen: Now don't say that. I worked hard on these things. Spent $30,000 just for one of them...

Kotone: Seriously? That much?

Artoria: Well at least we know not to break one... that's a bit too expensive...

Says the king...

Mononeko: Not to worry. The Monopads are pretty much unbreakable. Unless put under extreme heat. That's why the rule is not to lose one. Because losing it will be a lot more likely than breaking it.

Crimson: Well, that's good at least.

Mia: ... Are we... going to be okay?

Sora: Hm? What do you mean?

Eve: Are you okay sis?

Mia: Yeah. I just feel like we haven't made any progress...

Eve: Don't worry sis! Eve is sure we'll find a way back!

Mia: I know but still...

Kanzen: I don't see why you even need to bother. If you want to leave the island, all you need to do is kill someone and get away with it. It's as simple as that.

Alicia: Seriously, don't cha ever shut up?

Mia: ... I'll... be in my room...

With those words, Mia left the kitchen.

Eve: Sis! Wait up!

Eve followed her right behind.

The rest of us stayed quiet.

The thing is, she was right. We've been here for a minute yet still haven't made progress on escaping. I guess we all just felt... hopeless...

After eating breakfast, I got up and quietly returned to my room.

Sora: Well... I guess I have some time to spare...

Free Time (Frostwing)

I went to approach Frostwing.

Frostwing: Oh! Sora?

Sora: Hey. You wanna train a little?

Frostwing: Hmm... sure, I don't mind.

We spent some time training at the beach.

Frostwing: I must say Sora, I'm a bit surprised you wanted to train with me.

Sora: Sorry, after what Mia said about you, I kinda assumed all Saiyan's like to do was fight and train.

Frostwing: Well, we do still train a lot but we did kinda evolve out of that phase... most of us did at least.

Sora: And you?

Frostwing: I joined the Time Patrol. Basically helping defend other timelines. But I'm still a rookie in my field.

Sora: Really? I couldn't imagine anyone stronger. Honestly with the intense training, I was always under the impression that you and Artoria were the strongest ones here.

Frostwing: Ehehe... honestly, I wasn't always this strong. I even got my butt handed to me when I first started.

Sora: Hm? By who?

Frostwing: An Ice General. I'll tell you more about her when the time comes. For now, let's get back to training.

I nodded and the two of us trained a bit more.

I'm honestly surprised. I wonder who this Ice General was that could give him a hard time. I guess I'll ask him about it some other time.

Hope Fragment Received! Frostwing: 2/5

After a bit more training I returned to my room.

Hmm... I still have a bit more time left.

Free Time (Strawberry)

I walked to Strawberry's door and knocked on it.

Strawberry: Sora?

Sora: Hey, wanna go eat together?

Strawberry: Sure. I don't mind a little bit of dessert.

The two of us spent some time in the dining hall enjoying ice cream. I got a regular vanilla ice cream while she got a strawberry sundae. I opened my mouth to speak.

Strawberry: Yes I like strawberry's. No it isn't cannibalism.

Sora: Wow, it's like you read my mind.

Strawberry: Knowing you, it was definitely something you would have said. Too bad, you wouldn't be the first to bring it up.

Sora: But why the cannibal bit?

Strawberry: It's just something people say for some reason. Just because I'm named Strawberry doesn't mean I am one.

Sora: You are as cute as one though.

Strawberry: Wha- You- S-Shut up dummy!

Strawberry pouts and continues to eat her Sundae. I couldn't help but giggle a little. She then gave me a worried look.

Strawberry: Still, are you going to be alright?

Sora: Hm? What do you mean?

Strawberry: I mean your memory. You randomly woke up here with no memory of who you are or what the outside world looks like. Then you're randomly placed in a killing game. I'm worried it might affect you mentally.

Sora: Hmm... I honestly didn't really think of that.

Strawberry: So, how about this? If you ever feel like you're lost... come to me okay? We only have 3 more Free Time events so we might as well make the most of them.

Sora: Hm? What do you mean?

Strawberry: Oh, nothing. Anyway, let's get going.

Sora: Right.

I don't really understand it, but I can definitely say that Strawberry is a caring person.

Friendship Fragment Received! Strawberry Pie Wilson: 2/5

After spending a little more time with Strawberry, I head to my room.

Free Time(END)

Ding Dong! Bing Bong!

The intercom's turned on, revealing Monokuma.

Monokuma: "It is now 10 pm! Has anyone died yet? No? Well that sucks. Anyway, lock your doors and shut your eyes! Have a wonderful night and sleep tight! And if you're not dead then good for you! Good night!"

The intercom turned off as I sat on my bed. Mononeko hopped on too.

Mononeko: Looks like it's bedtime. I hope Mia's doing okay.

Sora: You worried?

Mononeko: Of course I am. She's still my student. I may lack human empathy but I do wish she wouldn't lose hope so soon. I wonder if there's anything we can do for her...

Sora: I guess we'll see tomorrow...

With those words, I laid down and went to sleep.

Monokuma Theater

Monokuma: Y'know something? Kids scare me. Why, you ask? Simple. They're far too honest. Unlike us learned adults who know how to lie and pretend in order to make our society function, kids blurt anything that comes to their minds without filters. They lack tact. And while some find that honesty endearing, I am utterly mortified everytime a kid gets near me and calls me a fat, stupid, useless old bear who no one would miss if I died. Because they're voicing what they really think. What they really see about me, no filters or regards for tact or appearances. Children are... truly frightening creatures.

Monokuma Theater (END)

Ding!

I woke up to the sound of my Monopad. I look to see I got a text from Alicia.

[Alicia: "Meet me in the Dining Hall. Bring Mononeko."]

I go to look at the time. It was still 6:30 in the morning.

Thirty minutes before the morning announcement. What's she up to?

I go to shake Mononeko awake.

Sora: Hey... Neko...

Mononeko: Mmm hm?

Sora: Alicia wants to talk to you.

Mononeko: Mmm... another one? Man being a teacher is difficult with all these meetings.

Sora: Well, might as well see what's up. Let's go Neko.

Mononeko: Hm? Neko?

Sora: A nickname. Don't like it?

Mononeko: Yep! I never had a nickname before! ... I think.

We both walked to the dining hall. Once there, almost everyone else was already gathered. The only ones not here were Eve, Mia, and Kanzen.

Sora: Wait...

I see Seiketsu sitting down eating.

Sora: You're here too?

Seiketsu: I come here early to eat before everyone else. Wasn't expecting others to come early as well.

Alicia: Sorry, I wanted to get everyone here before Kanzen came. Sadly I couldn't get Mia.

Crimson: I mean, I get Mia, but Eve too?

Eve: Oh, Eve is right here!

Alicia dug between her chest and pulled out a tiny Eve.

Satoka: Woah, is that Eve?! She's way smaller than the huge girl from yesterday!

Strawberry: Don't be rude. And Eve, why were you in her chest?

Alicia put Eve down and Eve grew back to her regular 7 foot high.

Eve: Eve was still sleepy so she asked Alicia to carry her.

Strawberry: Still that doesn't mean you should rest there.

Eve: Hm? Why not? Eve does it all the time, plus Alicia didn't mind.

Strawberry: Well... nevermind...

I giggled a bit.

Looks like Eve was a bit too innocent to understand.

Mononeko: So, you needed me?

Alicia: Yeah, I was wonderin' if we could use the old buildin' near the Hotel.

Mononeko: That rusty old thing? Why do you wanna use that?

Alicia: I was plannin' on throwin' a party.

Sora: A party?

Alicia: Everyone seems down in the dumps. I feel like a party is the perfect to wash all that away.

Seiketsu: We're in a game forced to kill each other and that's your first choice of action? A party?

Crimson: I think it's a good idea. I mean, the closer we are the less likely we are to kill each other, right?

Mononeko: That sounds like a great idea! Though um the old building is a little rusty.

Eve: That's fine! Crimson and Eve volunteered to help tidy it up!

Alicia: Yeah I kinda already talked to a few folks about it. Eve and Crimson volunteered to clean up the place while Anna and Chris are makin' the food.

Strawberry: Hm? You too Anna?

Anna: Yep! I'm gonna make lots of sweets!

Chris: And I'll be helping with regular meals.

Mononeko: Oh! There's some booze in the building too! Can we-

Alicia: No...

Prix: Certainly not...

Strawberry: Absolutely not...

Mononeko: Awww...

Mononeko seems to be... pouting?

Honestly, never thought she was that kind of teacher.

Seiketsu: Sorry, but I won't be taking part in this thing.

Satoka: Oh c'mon 'Ketsu, a little fun won't hurt nobody.

Seiketsu: What a drag. Have fun all you like, but the sooner we get off this island the better. This party is gonna be nothing more than a waste of time.

After saying that, he got up and left.

Kotone: He'll come around eventually. Don't worry about it.

Angel: So when does the party start?!

Alicia: I want it to start at 7 pm and end at 9:50, right before the Nighttime Announcement.

Crimson: Good idea. Don't want anyone getting locked out the ship at night after all.

Alicia: Yep! And be sure to bring Mia. She's the reason I'm throwin' this party after all, so it'll kinda suck if she's not there.

Eve: Eve will make sure she's there!

Ding Dong! Bing Bong!

The intercom turned on, revealing Monokuma.

Monokuma: "It is now 7 AM! Time to rise and shine and have a bloody beautiful day!"

It turns off and we look at each other.

Frostwing: Looks like it's morning.

Artoria: I already cooked up some breakfast. Let's eat before Kanzen gets here.

We sat down to eat, having a breakfast that was a lot more lighthearted than usual. After we were done, I went to my room with Mononeko.

Mononeko: A party! I can't wait!

Sora: You seem pretty excited.

Mononeko: My mom was the life of the party... it was like, her defining factor.

Sora: Well we have plenty of time. I might as well spend some time with someone while I wait.

Free Time (Anna)

I went to approach Anna. Or rather she approached me.

Anna: Hey Sora, I found a cook book in the Dining Hall! Wanna come bake with me?

Sora: Hm? Sure.

We spent some time making a cake together. I was making a little bit of a mess.

Anna: Ehehe... you really do suck at this, don't you?

Sora: Well to be fair, this could be considered my first time baking.

Anna: True. Here, let me help.

Anna helped me bake some cookies and a small cake. We then started eating together.

Sora: Oh! These are really good.

Anna: Thanks! I used to bake with my mom all the time.

Sora: I'm guessing she's a natural?

Anna: Definitely, but I'm still pretty good myself.

Sora: Right... so what's your mom like?

Anna: She's the best! She's energetic, kind, sweet... everything you could ask for a mom. She's also way smarter than she looks and she's constantly trying to make new friends!

Sora: That so?

Seems Anna likes her family a lot.

Sora: You seem pretty energetic yourself, Anna.

Anna: Well I kinda have to be. You never know when something bad might happen... like that day...

Sora: Hm?

Anna: Oh um it's nothing. Anyway, I better get going.

Anna then walked away in a hurry.

What was that? I don't want to make any assumptions but was she... sad? No, this is Anna we're talking about. Still, I wonder what got her so worked up.

Friendship Fragment Received: Anna Pie Wilson: 2/5

After my talk with Anna I returned to my room and looked at the time.

Sora: I still have time before the party.

Free Time (Anna)

I walked over to Anna.

Anna: Hm? Need something Sora?

Sora: Yeah. Wanna hang out?

Anna: Sure. Let's go to the Ranch.

The two of us walked to the ranch and checked out the animals. She seemed to be enjoying herself.

Sora: I see you like animals.

Anna: Hm? Of course I do. Especially the ones you can keep as pets.

Sora: I see. Do you have a pet?

Anna: Yep! My mom takes good care of him too!

Sora: Good to hear... I wonder if I had a pet in my life before this one...

Anna: Don't you already have one?

Sora: Hm?

Anna: Mononeko. You two are so close she might as well be your pet.

Sora: I consider her more of an acquaintance. She's using me and I'm using her.

Anna: Is that what you call it? You two seem as close as sisters.

Sora: I definitely won't go that far...

Anna: Well even if you are only using each other, a bond is a bond. You should at least hold onto that bond because you may never know when you might lose it.

Anna smiled at me and I smiled back.

It's odd... it almost felt like Anna was talking from experience. I wonder... is there something more to what she's saying?

Friendship Fragment Received! Anna Wilson: 3/5

Anna: Anyway, it's getting late. Let's get going.

We talked on our way back to the ship before going our separate ways.

Free Time (END)

I sat on my bed for a bit and looked at the clock.

Sora: It's almost time for the party. Neko, let's go.

Mononeko: Got it!

The two of us walked to the old building by the hotel. Once we got there, Alicia was already at the front door.

Alicia: Oh, Sora, there you are. We're still waiting on a few more people but you can step on in.

Sora: Thanks.

We got to walk into the old building and have a look around. I even glanced into the storage room out of curiosity. I saw a few irons on and unplugged them to avoid a power outage. We then stepped into the room where the party would be.

Once inside, we saw a bunch of food, snacks, and drinks as the room was fully decorated. Eve, Strawberry, Anna, Chris, Crimson, and Angel were all there already.

Chris: Oh, you're here.

Sorra: You did all this?

Anna: Yep! We made all the food!

Chris: I hope you enjoy.

Eve: Crimson and Eve worked on the decorations!

Sora: Honestly I'm surprised what you've done with the place.

Angel: They did really good, right?!

Angel tried to pat Eve's head but couldn't reach, so she grabbed a chair and used it as a stool to pet her that way, causing Eve to smile.

Crimson: Well it was a mess but we managed to get it done somehow.

Strawberry: Hey Angel, is Prix not with you?

Angel: He's just running a bit late.

As if on que, everyone else managed to get here at around the same time.

Alicia: Looks like everyone's here!

Prix: Everyone but Kanzen of course. Seiketsu also decided not to come.

Artoria: I'm sure it's fine if it's just those two.

Mia: Seriously though, I know I was getting depressed and all but you didn't need to throw a whole party.

Kotone: We didn't, but we're doing it anyway.

Satoka: Alright! Let's get this party started!

Frostwing: Hold on.

Satoka: Aww why?

Frostwing: With us all getting together like this, the possibility of a killing happening will decrease and Kanzen or Monokuma could possibly interfere. We should have someone on lookout just in case.

Mononeko: Leave that to me!

Sora: Hm? You sure, Neko?

Mononeko: It would be weird as a teacher to stick around anyway. Though can you leave some food for me at least?

Angel: Don't worry kitty, Eve and I got you!

Eve: Yep! Eve and Angel got you!

Once Mononeko left for look out as lookout, the party began. It was honestly pretty nice. It was peaceful for 30 minutes until Satoka and Kotone suddenly slammed their arms on a table.

Kotone: Hic! Alright Satoka or whatever your name is, arm wrestle me right now! Hic! I'll show you who's stronger!

Satoka: Bring it on! Hic! I'll s-show you! You're just a girl anyway! Hic!

Crimson: W-Will you two stop... you're so... so loud...

Kotone\Satoka: S-Shut up! Hic!

Angel: Um... what's going on? Half of the party is acting weird.

Artoria went to drink the soda.

Artoria: Hmm... seems someone switched some of the soda out with booze.

Strawberry: Dammit Mononeko, I told her no alcohol. Eve! Angel! Don't drink anything!

Eve: Okay!

Mia: Good thing I didn't drink anything... will everyone be okay?

Anna: Don't worry, Strawberry and I have hosted plenty of parties!

Strawberry: Right. We'll keep everything under control. Including for those who are already drunk. Let's go, sis!

With that, we managed to enjoy ourselves even with the sudden turn of events thanks to Strawberry and Anna. The party lasted about an hour.

Strawberry: Alright, everyone who isn't drunk can head to bed. You too Anna.

Anna: Hm? You sure you don't need help bringing the drunkards to the ship?

Strawberry: Most of them are already half asleep anyway so I'll be fine.

Anna: If you say so...

Mia: Hm? Where's Eve?

Strawberry: Oh, right here.

Strawberry points between her chest where Eve had turned pocket sized and fallen fast asleep.

Mia: I should have known. I'm so sorry, Eve may be big and in her teens but she has the mind of a child so she honestly doesn't know better.

Strawberry: It's fine. I'll be sure to bring her to her room once I'm done here.

Mia: Alright, thanks.

Everyone who wasn't drunk then stepped out of the old building. I nearly stepped on Mononeko, who was fast asleep on the ground.

Sorra: Honestly...

I go to pick her up and return to my room. I laid her down and sat on my bed.

Ding Dong! Bing Bong!

Monokuma appeared on the intercom as always.

Monokuma: "It is now 10PM! I know you all had an amazing party, but don't forget you need your rest! Good night!"

The screen turned off.

He knew about the party and didn't interfere? Just what is that bear up to? Still, hope Strawberry managed to get the others inside in time.

With that thought in mind, I laid down and fell asleep.

Mononeko Theater

Mononeko: Hm? You expected Monokuma theater? Sorry if you were looking forward to it. But I am still a teacher so I need to teach. So, our first lesson will be on one of the Seven Deadly Sins, gluttony. Gluttony is defined as excess in eating and drinking. Although eating and drinking for pleasure is not seen as sinful, eating or drinking to excess beyond reason is a sin. Drunkenness, which is caused by excessive consumption of intoxicating beverages, is considered a type of gluttony. But it's not a sin if you want to feed a lover... right?

Mononeko Theater (END)

Ding Dong! Bing Bong!

I woke up to the sound of the Morning Announcement.

Monokuma: "It is now 7am. Time to rise and shine! Hope you have another beautiful day!"

The announcement turned on as I got up to stretch. Mononeko woke up as well.

Mononeko: Mmm... did you save some food...

Sora: I dunno. Let's go find out.

The two of us stepped out the room and bumped into Mia.

Mia: Oh!

Sora: Mia? What are you doing out here?

Mia: I'm looking for Eve. She sent me a weird text asking me to go to the Hotel. But Eve doesn't know how to text.

Sora: Strange... let's go together.

Mia nods and the three of us walked out the ship. Once we did, Mononeko looked up.

Mononeko: Um... what's that?

We look at what she was looking at and see smoke.

Mia: Wait... smoke?!

Sora: It's coming from the hotel! Let's go!

We hurried to the hotel. Once we did, we saw Strawberry unconscious by the pool. The pool was the source of the smoke, and once we looked inside, our eyes widened in shock.

Mononeko: That's...

Mia: No... No... NOOOO!!!

Down there... at the very bottom of the pool, Eve Mioda lied in the bottom of the water... burned to a crisp...

To Be Continued

(Deadly Life)