Monokuma Theater

Monokuma: You know what the best food in the world is? It's not steak or cheese. It's manga meat. The way it tastes and smells. Even the main character can't resist its unique flavor. Of course, it's not like you can take my word for it. After all, you can only enjoy manga meat in a manga. Now watch as I enjoy this scrumptious dish in front of you.

Monokuma Theater(End)

*I woke up fully rested. I don't know why, but something felt off... yeah, something was definitely off. I looked at the clock*

Anna: It's 15 minutes past 7? But why didn't the Monokuma announcement air?

... No... I shouldn't worry about that. I should head to the cafeteria for now...

*I got out of bed and headed for the cafeteria. That's where I found everyone at. Everyone but Collin and Elijah of course.*

Pix: Hmm... interesting...

Anna: Huh? What's interesting?

*Everyone turned to face me.*

Ruby: Ruby found out her powers have returned! Apparently, Pix's and Joseph's are back too!

Anna: Huh? Why?

Lisa: Tch. Probably a way to screw with us... to make it easier for us to kill each other.

Anna: I see... then why was there no morning announcement?

*And right after I asked, Monokuma popped up to answer.*

Monokuma: You called and so I appeared!

Nebula: Nobody called for you!

Monokuma: Every day you guys wake up to the morning announcement. What am I? Some kind of alarm clock?! I decided until the awful demon is killed, I'm going to stop playing the morning announcement. In fact, I'll be replacing the morning announcement with something special pretty soon. Along with a special surprise for a special someone.

*And once again, Monokuma leaves us with just more questions.*

Lisa: Tch. What the hell?

Ruby: What can we do now? Ruby doesn't know how long she can last...

Pix: For now, all we can do is endure as we search for a way out.

Lisa: Right. For now... Ponygirl, how are ya feelin'?

Anna: Huh?!

Lisa: I ain't no zoologist but I have done research on how long certain creatures can live and die without food and water. For humans it's three weeks without food but three to four days without water. You're half pony and ponies are in the same category as horses. Meaning you should live a full month without food... but only forty hours without water...

Anna: .... .... ...

Ruby: Forty... hours...?

Joseph: That's less than two days!

Lisa: Of course, I could be wrong. Just tell me if you ain't feeling well, Alright?

Anna: ... ... ...

It was true that despite me fully rested, I was feeling the effects of this motive faster than anyone. Sure, my sister could have probably handled this, but for me, it was a lot more difficult than it looks. Still, I can't have others worrying about me. Not in a place like this...

*I looked at Lisa and nodded, telling her I was alright.*

Ruby: ... ... ...

Lisa: Good. Now let's go everyone! If you find anything tell someone!

*We all agreed and went our separate ways. I headed back to my room.*

Anna: Man... this is probably going to get even worse... gah!

*My vision suddenly got blurry as I sat on my bed. Everything went hazy for a second but eventually, that feeling disappeared.*

... I wonder how long I'll last...

*I sat out of bed as I needed to talk to someone to get my mind off things.*

Free Time

I decided to hang out with Celestial today.

Celestial: ... ... ...

*Celestial was staring up at the ceiling. I could see an almost saddened expression on her face.*

Anna: ... Um... Celestial?

Celestial: Hm?

*Celestial turned her attention back to me*

Anna: I've been wondering... even before your sudden personality change, you'd always stared blankly at the ceiling. I was wondering why.

*Celestial giggled. Her saddened expression immediately disappeared.*

Celestial: What an unexpected question to ask, especially after our last discussion. I doubt you would truly understand, but I'll answer your question anyway.

*Celestial then looked calm. It was as if she was putting up multiple masks at a time.*

Celestial: Ever since I was a child, me and my brother would go out and watch the night sky. But now that I'm cramped up in here, all I can do is look up in fear that I will never see a star again.

Anna: I see... sorry, I didn't-

Celestial: This is something I told Aqua. But that is no longer the case.

Anna: Huh?

Celestial: If that were the case, I still would have been my same weak self.

Same weak self?

Celestial: Now then, if we are done here, I will be on my way.

*And with that, Celestial left.*

I was hoping hanging out with her would bring us closer but... now I'm just filled with even more questions.

*After parting ways with Celestial I headed to my room.*

Anna: I better conserve some energy...

*I took a look at the clock.*

Anna: I still got time...

Free Time

I decided to spend some time with Joseph.

Joseph: ... Hmm...

Anna: Is um something wrong?

Joseph: Anna, tell me, how strong are you?

Anna: Strong? Well, me and my sister trained as agents of shield. Although my sister was a bit better at it than me.

Joseph: I see...

Anna: What about you?

Joseph: Heh. I trained to be the strongest man in the world.

Anna: The strongest? Really?

Joseph: Yeah. To me, that's where my path starts and ends. I want to make it to the finish line and nobody is gonna stop me!

Anna: I see. That's an interesting goal to have.

Joseph: Yeah. That's why we need to get out of here fast. After all, I can't face the best of the best if I don't.

Anna: Hehe... that is true.

Joseph: Well, maybe one day I'll see how strong you are too.

*And with those words, Joseph turned and left.*

I think I've got to know Joseph a little better now.

*I walked away and returned to my room.*

Anna: ... *sigh*... what time is it...?

*I looked up at the clock. It was near ten.*

Anna: I better not conserve any more energy... I'll head to bed early...

*I turned off my light and laid on my bed. I heard a loud growling coming from my stomach.*

How much longer... can I take this...?

*With that thought in mind, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.*

Monokuma Theater

Monokuma: Hamburger, waffles, pancakes, bacon, fish, beef, sandwiches, sausages, turkey, ham, chicken, crab, lobster, ribs, sushi, shrimp, and humans are all in the food category for me. Why? Because bears only eat the finest of meals.

Monokuma Theater(end)

*I woke up as everything seemed blurry. My body could barely move as I stared blankly at the ceiling. It took Monokuma suddenly getting in my face to wake me up.*

Anna: Aah!

*I quickly jumped out of bed.*

Monokuma: Puhuhuhuhu! What a splendid reaction!

Anna: What are you doing here?!

Monokuma: Hm? Aw boo hoo... it's only been one day and you've already forgotten what I said...

Anna: Huh?

Monokuma: I have something planned to replace the Monokuma announcement until the next murder. Now then, everyone must meet in the gymnasium ASAP!

*Monokuma sprouted those words and disappeared.*

The gymnasium? What does Monokuma have in store for us this time?

*I got out of bed. My head was still fuzzy but not as fuzzy as before as I headed to the gym. Once I did, everyone else, besides Elijah, was already there.*

Lisa: Ponygirl, ya here.

Anna: Y-Yeah...

Collin: But it seems that bear hasn't shown up yet. Nor has that fool, Elijah.

Joseph: He's not a fool. He made a mistake is all.

Collin: Mistake?

Ruby: Elijah tried to attack the bad bear but failed! Now he's in hiding to avoid getting punishment until someone else kills someone! The problem is none of us are going to kill anyone...

Collin: Are you so sure about that?

Joseph: Hm?

Collin: Are your brains so small that you so easily forgot the current situation at hand? There is no food or water that can be found here until another murder occurs. And I wouldn't doubt one of you are plotting something as we speak.

*Nobody said a word... because we all knew he was right. We couldn't deny the reality of the situation. We stared at each other in silence until someone suddenly broke it.*

Celestial: *giggling* That sure is an interesting theory you have there. Then I would assume you plan on becoming the next blackened?

Collin: I will admit, it is only a matter of time before I win this game. However, if I killed someone just because I was hungry, it would make me look like more of a coward than that fool, Dole. I rather kill someone with my pride still on my shoulders.

Celestial: I see. And I can't wait to see whatever it is you have in store for us once you do.

Lisa: Tch. You two are still talkin' like that?!

Celestial: It is only natural. After all, this is a survival game.

Nebula: Tch...

Monokuma: Hey hey hey hey hey! Don't start arguing yet!

*Monokuma suddenly popped up before us.*

Anna: Monokuma...

Pix: We are here as you have ordered. Now, what will you need?

Monokuma: Well, I realized that you are all students. Therefore you must stay in shape. That's why you all will be taking 15 laps around this entire gym as fast as you can!

Ruby: H-Huh?!

Monokuma: Now, go go go go go!

*We suddenly found ourselves doing 25 laps instead of 15. Once we were done, we were all low on energy as our hunger and thirst got worse. I put my hand on my head as my vision got worse and things felt fuzzier.

Monokuma: Whoops. I wanted 15 but I made you do 25 instead. Don't worry, tomorrow will be 30.

Anna: Why... huff... do we... puff... have to do this...?

Monokuma: Isn't it obvious? This is the replacement of the morning announcement until the next death occurs!

Ruby: Huh?! But that's not-

Monokuma: Not what? Not fair? What's not fair is that I've been waiting so long and nobodies killed anyone! So if you truly want to get some food in your bellies, I advise you find that demon and start killing. Oh, and from now till then you better start coming to my exercising ritual... or I will count it as all of you breaking the rules and I'll kill you all myself. Puhuhuhuhu!

*With that, Monokuma disappeared again.*

Lisa: Damn...

*Everyone's eyes looked down in despair.*

We have to do this until the next murder? I don't know if I can last that long...

Collin: Hmph. Look at you all... still standing there looking like buffoons I see.

*Everyone turned their attention to Collin, who was as calm as ever despite our situation.*

Nebula: The fuck you say asshole?!

Collin: Instead of just standing there, shouldn't you be searching for the demons and killing them?

Ruby: Huh?

Lisa: Like hell we're doing that. All it's gonna do is give that dumb bear what he wants.

Celestial: Hmm... but there is some truth to his words...

Lisa: What was that?!

*Lisa suddenly walked up to Celestial and got in her face.*

Celestial: All I am saying is, the more we sit around waiting the sooner our hunger will get to us. So unless you've found a way out, I suggest we search for the demons and kill them. Or would you rather us all die just because you refuse to do what we both know is our only option?

Lisa: Tch, you little!

*Lisa grabbed Celestial by the shirt, but before things could get too far, Ruby stepped in and got between them.*

Ruby: Stop! We shouldn't fight!

*Lisa backed up as Celestial showed her usual smile.*

Celeste: Right. Instead of getting mad at me, you should be planning your next move.

Lisa: ... ... ...

*Lisa stayed quiet for a moment, but then she looked back at all of us.*

Lisa: Actually, I already got my next move ready.

Anna: Huh?!

Lisa: Alright, for everyone who actually gives a shit, follow me. I'm sure you know who has something for us.

You know who?

*We all looked at each other. We immediately knew she was talking about Amber. We all nodded and everyone went to follow Lisa. But once I took one step forward, my vision went blurry again for a second. I felt like I was going to pass out but someone's voice shook me awake*

Ruby: Anna? Are you okay?

Anna: Y-Yeah... let's go...

*I followed Ruby, or at least a really blurry image of Ruby, towards the Bathroom. There we saw  the computer opened, and the one beside the computer was Elijah.*

Elijah: Sup.

Ann: Elijah! You're here!

*Is what I wanted to say, but no words came out of my mouth as was were all a little shocked. Joseph suddenly grabbed Elijah by the shirt and yelled at him. I could barely hear what they were saying, but I could tell Joseph was pissed at Elijah's recklessness... I think.*

Still... if someone doesn't stop them from fighting...

*I go to step forward, but as soon as I did, my body gave out on me. The last thing I heard was someone screaming.*

???: Anna? Anna!

*After that... everything faded to black... I woke up moments later in the nurses' office. Celestial and Ruby were right there by my side as I got up.*

Celestial: Ah, look who rose from the dead.

Ruby: Are you okay?!

*I got up and held my head.*

Anna: Yeah... how long have I been out...?

Celestial: Only a few hours, but at the right time. If you hadn't passed out when you did, Joseph and Elijah would have never stopped fighting.

Ruby: Too much was going on so we decided to talk to the computer later... Celestial is the one who brought you here and fed you.

Anna: Fed me?

*That's when I noticed a small taste in my mouth, one that I didn't recognize.*

Celestial: Right. I had no choice so I cut your fingers, cooked them, and fed them to you.

Anna: Huh?!

*I looked at my fingers and saw that they were healing*

Celestial: Don't give me that. It was the only thing I could do. If it were anyone else I wouldn't be able to have that option, but you can heal your wounds so a few fingers won't be a big loss. However, it doesn't make for a proper substitute, only delaying the inevitable. You may end up back in that state again soon.

Anna: I see...

I don't know why... but I felt a small hint of concern in Celestial's voice.

*Before I could say anything though, Ruby suddenly spoke up with sadness in her eyes.*

Ruby: ... Ruby is sorry...

Celestial: Hm?

Anna: Sorry? There's nothing to be sorry about. None of this is your fault.

Ruby: ... But Ruby feels like it is... because... well... Ruby is one of the demons the evil teddy bear is talking about...

*Ruby said it clear as day. I couldn't help but get this uneasy feeling as I was shocked by what Ruby had said.*

Ruby... is a demon? Does that mean... if we want to stop this motive... we need to-

Celestial: So what?

Ruby: Huh?

*Celestial looked at Ruby with a scary, pissed off voice.*

Celestial: What I want to know is why you would reveal yourself in the first place.

Ruby: ... Um... well...

Celestial: What you are doing is not only going to put you in danger but also put the other demon in danger too.

The other demon... it must be...

*Celestial walked up to Ruby and pat her on the head gently. Her angry look turned to a kind one in a split second. *

Celestial: Just make sure to tell nobody else okay?

*Ruby was quiet for a moment but slowly nodded.*

Celestial: Good. Now, I'll be off to my room.

*Celestial turned and left with a smile.*

Anna: That was... weird.

Ruby: ... ... ...

*Ruby looked a bit down so I placed my hand on her head.*

Anna: Hey, cheer up. I guess it's just been on your mind for a bit. It's understandable that you'd want to tell someone you trust. As long as you stay strong I'm sure everything will be alright. Right?

Ruby: Right... yeah. You're right! As long as Ruby can stay strong there's nothing she can't pull through!

*Ruby slapped her cheeks as her face was full of confidence. She then looked at me.*

Ruby: Thank you, Anna.

Anna: No problem.... say, may I ask if you have a power of your own or is being a demon all there is?

Ruby: Hm? Oh, Ruby can make herself look like other people... but...

Anna: But?

Ruby: Yesterday, Monokuma walked into Ruby's room and gave her some arrow. He said something about it enhancing Ruby's abilities, but Ruby decided to throw it away.

Anna: I see. Good call...

Still... what is Monokuma plotting to give Ruby some arrow?

Ruby: Anyway... Ruby's starting to feel tired. She'll see you tomorrow.

Anna: Yeah. Me too...

*I tried to get up but as soon as I did, everything got blurry and I nearly collapsed. Ruby quickly caught me.*

Ruby: Are you okay?

Anna: Yeah... Celestial was right... it didn't take long at all...

Ruby: ... How about Ruby takes you to bed...

*Before I could reply, Ruby walked me to my room. I laid on my bed and she left, closing the door behind her.*

Anna: ... ... ... *sigh*

Ruby is too innocent... why did someone like her end up in a situation like this?

*As I laid down thinking about it... a few minutes passed. My stomach started getting worse as all I could think about was food. An hour swung by... I could barely keep my thoughts together*

Anna: ... This.... this is bad...

*Another hour passed... then two... eventually I lost track of time and had only one thought in my mind.*

Anna: ..... I....... need....... to.......eat........

*I finally sat up.*

I can't take this anymore! I need to eat! I need to eat something or I'll go mad!

Anna: But Monokuma won't let us. Not unless a demon dies...

...That's right... ... ... a demon... I know what I must do...

Anna: ... ... ... I must... kill... Ruby...

*I got out of bed and walked out of my room with staggering footsteps.*

Anna: I must.... go.... to... the kitchen...

*I walked towards the cafeteria with staggering footsteps. I got inside and headed to the kitchen. There I found the knives hanging on the wall. I quickly grabbed the biggest one.*

Anna: With this.... I... can...

Lisa: Do what?

*I turned around and saw Lisa. She had a concerned look on her face.*

Lisa: I saw ya walkin' by... your expression looked troublesome so I came to check. Looks like I made the right choice...

I looked down at the blade in my hand and quickly dropped it.

Anna: What... am I...

Lisa: Must've been the negative effects of eatin' your own flesh... that, and a mixta of your hunger... I knew there was a limit to how much you could take mentally. Especially if ya find out who the demon is.

*I looked at Lisa a bit surprised.*

Lisa: I don't know who it is personally... but you looked like you already had a specific target in mind. Considering how smart you are, I ain't gonna be surprised if you knew all along... but I'm also not gonna ask who it is. I just wanted to stop you... before you did something you'd regret.

Anna: ... ... ...

*I dropped the knife as I had a look of despair on my face.*

Anna: ... ... ...

Lisa: Hey, don't worry about it. It's understandable, even you have a limit in how much you can take mentally. C'mon, let's go back.

Anna: ... Right...

*I tried to lighten up a bit. Lisa led me to my room and I walked inside. I watched her leave, but it almost looked like she was staggering.*

Anna: ... She must be hungry too...

*I laid down thinking about what just happened.*

Anna: ... I'll tell Ruby... and apologize to her tomorrow...

*I slowly closed my eyes... and drifted off to sleep*

Monokuma Theater

Monokuma: This year sucks! All it's been was friends starving to death and parents eating their children! I still remember the old days when it was parents eating their children and friends starving to death! Hmm... thinking about it now... it's as if nothing really changed this year at all...

Monokuma Theater(End)

*I woke up exhausted while someone was banging on my door. I got up and went to open it as it was Celestial, with a face as white as a ghost.*

Celestial: Come with me! Quickly!

*Before I could ask where, Celestial grabbed me by the hand and quickly dashed towards Joseph's room. I saw that his door was open. We stopped infront of it as I felt my heat sank. I looked at Celestial who had hesitated but slowly opened the door. Once I did, I was shocked by what I saw. It was Ruby's body with Elijah's sword stabbed into her chest.*

To Be Continued

(Hello! Sorry for the late updates! I'll be sure to try updating more frequently next time!)