There truly is a God, because I FINALLY got this picture done. I will get the other two done tomorrow. This will probably be the last time I will ever have to create so many OC's and believe me it ain't easy. Speaking of religion... yeah I did kinda stretch it out a bit with Angie's religion, though I did research on Polynesian gods that might associate with Atua, but Atua literally is Polynesian for "god" and not any one in particular, unless you were talking about um... I think you get the point. The pagan gods in Polynesian myth usually were often the god or goddess of certain elements, weather, land, ocean, etc. like most pagan gods. Just like most Danganronpa characters, Angie is a character that pokes fun of cult leaders in a lighthearted fashion like how Tenko pokes fun of man-hating feminists. It's no surprise Angie's so called "religion" has just as many Christian elements as it does with pagan elements. Using Atua instead of a real Polynesian god is supposed to represent any sort of god(s) the cult leader worships, who is often made up or copy and pasted from the Christian God.

Take it how you will, I'm just letting you know that I am aware that Angie's god Atua is a pagan god that has no association with the Christian God. I just couldn't think of any other religion to parallel this one to. Though, if you can find one, feel free to comment.

I groaned, wondering if the sleeping gas took effect. I realized that we were all awake as soon as I checked my wristband and saw the timer restarting once more. God, I feel so hungry. I also smelled food. Trying to regain back my vision, I saw a brown bag with my name on it. Immediately, I took it, then checked inside, spotting a burger neatly wrapped up as if it came from an American restaurant. It didn't take long for me to bite into it. Oh my god, this was so good! I don't know who made it, but if it was God, than thank Him for this delicious food!


I heard others waking up. Rantaro was the first to wake up, seeing me eat my burger. He noticed a bag with his name as well. Everyone seemed to have their own bag with a food and drink inside. One by one, everyone started eating, not really having second thoughts, except Kimiko, Mana and Noboru, maybe Norio. Norio did eat, but at the same time, he was inspecting the area. His eyes seemed to focus on the door to the restroom for some reason. Kimiko seemed to catch something too.


"This is good. It must be from Kirumi, but how did she make all of this? I thought all of us woke up at the same time," Rantaro mentioned. He's right. Speaking of the devil...


"Where is Kirumi?" I wondered. Everyone seemed to turn pale. Angie clasped her hands together, then whispered in an unfamiliar language. She must be praying to Atua.


"Kaede, you and the others seem to know more about this game we're playing. What happens after the sleeping gas is turned on. Do all of us fall asleep?" Norio asked.


"Monaca said clearly 'Everyone, besides one of you, will be asleep, and unless someone is killed, no one will wake up,'" I replied surely.


"How interesting that you would remember it word for word kekeke," Kiyo said. Rantaro seemed to be staring at me in amazement.


"Ya got me. I don't know how you were able to remember everything word by word," Rantaro responded.


"It was very clear. I told you I have photographic memory, so I remember everything visually and clearly," I replied bashfully.


"Photographic memory, huh? You have a gift," Norio replied with a small smile. He showed a small frown. "Unfortunately, that means someone has died."


I paused, finishing my burger before nibbling on an apple found in my bag as well. I couldn't help it, I was soooooo hungry. Norio was eating as well, but thinking at the same time. Kimiko was deep in thought, though there was a sense of pure hate in her eyes. Mana seemed to be shaken, while Noboru seemed to show the same kind of hate in his eyes Kimiko showed. Was it because of Kokichi? Did they think Kirumi killed Kokichi? But, what reason would make them believe that?


"I-I'm sure Kirumi found a way around it. I mean.... even if she did.... kill, I doubt it would be Kokichi," I said.


"Certainly not. She killed me, because I had no reason to live. Though, don't be fooled into thinking she isn't capable of murder. Judging by how hungry we are, I doubt we were asleep for just a few hours," Ryoma said surely.


"What do you...?" I asked before seeing something in my bag, a note. I dug it out. It seemed to be folded neatly.


"A note? What's it say?" Norio asked.


Unfolding it, I read it aloud, "Dear Kaede and my fellow team,


"What you are about to read is a summery of what has happened in the past two days all of you were asleep. Yes, two days. Monaca meant every word when she said that no one would wake up, until someone was killed. Admittedly, I had intended on leaving all of you behind at first and taking the Prime Minister with me, but I thought back to what Ryoma said. This team is just as important as the rest of Japan. I couldn't do it. So, I stayed behind to find a way to wake all of you up before sending the Prime Minister back home.


"I had cared for each person on the ship to the point I knew every route of this ship by heart. I've built a stronghold for each of you to prevent any Monokumas from attacking and killing any of you. I also have cared for all of your needs such as toiletries and cleanliness. I would advise you not to ask or find out how. It was messy. Also, I've made sure each of the hostages weren't left alone, so even if they are not synced to anyone, they'll at least have someone with them.


"I tried looking around to find any sort of stimulant medicine to wake you up, but as soon as I found it, I realized how much power Monaca had over me. Those wristbands not only have the power to release poison if you broke a Forbidden Action or attempted to remove it, but if you try to add any sort of chemical into your body, your wristbands will sense it and release poison. In fact, Monaca could do it manually anytime. One of our classmates was almost poisoned, because of Monaca, but luckily I found my way around it. I will not go into detail for the sake of this classmate.


"I wish I had been given more time to find a way of escape, but time was limited and there isn't any supplies for me to work with to force feed any of you. I am very sorry. Though, I do believe all of you can find a way to beat Monaca at her own game. Even if all of you are separated, all of you are working for a common cause, to defeat Monaca's killing game. So, trust in each other, even if you are keeping secrets. All of you have a forbidden action and revealing any part of yourself can mean life or death.


"If you find a man in a black jumpsuit, trust him. I know who he is and have since the start of this game. Don't question his identity.


To Kimiko, Mana and Noboru: Don't hide Kokichi's identity. Tell the team the real truth. Your former leader's true identity and history is important, due to hi... her forbidden action. To lie about it may put her in grave danger?" The last sentence wasn't a question, but my voice made it sound like a question as I looked at Kimiko, whose eyes darkened and her face turned away. Mana looked horrified, while Noboru seemed both sad and angry at the same time.


I continued, "to Rantaro: your sisters are safe and sound. Four of them are with Keebo's group. I sent the younger ones to Kokichi's Team or... well the three DICE members will tell you. The slightly older ones I have split among the group for protection. If one gets too many in sync, it would be easier for Monaca to eliminate. I can't promise the safety of all your sisters, but they are with those I know will protect them with their life. For now, you will see four of them. They are safe in the bathroom closet with the mysterious man I mentioned. I would suggest to allow one synced per person and trusting the stranger with the oldest of the four." I looked at Rantaro, who seemed very relieved, but also saddened. I was glad he could at least get to see four of them and we can keep two of them safe.


Continuing, "To Ryoma, even if you don't have anyone important as a hostage, that also means Monaca doesn't have anything to hold against you. That is your greatest strength, so use it well to save our classmates." Ryoma seemed more determined than ever, smiling contently. "To Norio: Keep yourself alive. Even if you don't have Shuichi, You still have us.


"To Kaede: There are four different stations on this ship. I would advise you to take the one in the East Wing. There, you will need to contact Dean Mokoto. The other groups will be contacting other people of different groups from the other three stations that are still attempting to rescue this ship. Dean Mokoto is with Future Foundation. I am sorry I have to leave all of you to your own, but as the rules stated, someone has to die for everyone to wake up. Please, don't let my sacrifice be in vain. I love all of you.


"T-To yours.... Kirumi the Ultimate Maid."


At this point, everyone was quiet. Did Kirumi...?


"No..." I whispered. I couldn't handle this, not another friend dying. This is just too much!


"H-Hey, Kaede. It's alright," Rantaro told me gently, wiping the tears from my eyes I didn't know were there.


"Why? ... Why does everyone have to die!?" I cried, sobbing aloud as I covered my face and cried bitter tears.


Before I knew it, I found myself in Rantaro's arms. I held onto him tight, wanting to release all of my burdens and grief. It was just too much. I could feel Rantaro rubbing circles along my back, trying to comfort me. Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't it have been me? I died in the first trial, but now my friends are dropping one by one. First, Shuichi and now...


"Monaca really is the devil. I hate her," Kimiko seethed through her teeth, her fists shaking.


"Aw Kimi, don't be like that!" Mana whined, wrapping her arms around Kimiko's arm and laying her head on Kimiko's shoulder. "All that hatred is going to turn you into the Grumpy Monster."


"Let it. That devilish woman is the reason we've been living in hell for so long and now she's targeting my sister! I can't take this! We were supposed to be a happy family and she ruined it!" Kimiko shouted in hatred.


"Sister?" Norio asked. Actually, didn't Kimiko say she had a little brother, Kokichi? Did she have a sister too? I peeked out from Rantaro's chest, face still tear-stained.


"I'm sure Monaca did something, but... Kokichi's real name is actually Kumuchi Aroma. We changed our identities as a matter of security so to speak," Kimiko explained. "My little brother is actually my little sister."


"So, Kokichi is a trap. Heh, that's interesting," Ryoma teased, showing a slight smirk.


"..... that doesn't sound right," Angie stated, her finger on her chin.



"You call her that one. More. Time," Kimiko threatened with death-like eyes.


"K-Kimi, sweety, you're going all scary mode again," Mana said with sweat on her face.


"Please, no fighting," Angie pleaded.


"Um... let's calm down for a sec, okay," I said, trying to keep peace in the group. I then turned to Kimiko. "What exactly did you mean by security reasons?"


"Koki was a target for assassination by our uncle," Kimiko said with death-like eyes.


Everyone's eyes turned into saucers and I whispered, "wh-what? Why!?"


"Because, while inside those Monokuma helmets, Monaca was controlling us. Forced us to kill our parents, grandparents, even our Aunt, who was visiting our grandparents at the time, our Uncle's wife. Until that moment, he was sweet and kind. After what happened, he told us to our face we were no longer family to him, that we were monsters, Kumuchi the most, because she killed our parents and Aunt, while I only killed our grandparents. From then on, he had been trying to kill us, so we ran away into hiding. We were homeless for several months. Then, he found us and- no, not just him, but his brother too tried to kill Koki in her sleep. They had knives. We were lucky to have escaped, but there seemed to be nowhere to hide.


"Finally, while in hiding, some police found us. They were part of Future Foundation. We told them our situation and they send us to a group called DICE, founded by Kotoko Utsugi. She took us in and changed Kumuchi's name to Kokichi Ouma. I kept my first name and changed my last. From there, she warned us that we might need to be adopted by two separate parents. I argued with her about it, but after hearing it from her, I realized arguing was futile. My sister's safety came first. So, Koki was adopted by Kotoko Utsugi and I was adopted by Yoshiie and Nagase Ino. Even though we lived in two different families and households, we worked in the same branch of DICE, who did more for us than the rest of Towa City," Kimiko confessed.


"Wait, you mentioned Kotoko Utsugi. She was a former member of the Warriors of Hope called Little Ultimate Drama before disappearing suddenly. If your sister was 8 at the time of the incident, that would make Kotoko 12 or 13 when adopting your sister," Norio said, looking shocked. I was more shocked by the fact that Kok- Kumuchi's mother was a former member of the Warriors of Hope that was led by Monaca. I think everyone else was too.


"She was. In Towa City, the safety of children was so bad that no one over the age of 18 was considered trustworthy. Many of them would purposely adopt children to murder them. Thus, DICE created some very strict rules and checks. You have to be a member of DICE to adopt from DICE. Most of us members at the time were under 16 years old, because only a few of us above that age were considered trustworthy. Thus, we had to lower the ages of adoption and place strict security. Having 10,000 members, it's possible to do," Kimiko explained.


"Wait, hold on, are you saying Koki- Kumuchi was telling the truth about being the leader of 10,000 members!?" I asked with shock-filled eyes. Were there 10,000 members in this ship!? Wait, didn't Monaca say he only lead 10 and it was a small group?



"Uh... no? DICE has 10,000 members, but it's a big organization. Koki doesn't lead the entire place. That would be Kotoko Utsugi. She only leads a small group, a branch in charge of bringing food to starving children. DICE works in all levels like adoption, schooling, jobs, you name it. It was created by kids, for kids to help them struggling in Towa City," Kimiko explained.


"Geez, leave it to Kokichi to make things more confusing than they already are!" I groaned before realizing my mistake. "I mean Kumuchi."


"It's fine."


"I also have another question. Kotoko Utsugi was a member of the Warriors of Hope. I'm assuming that she created DICE as an atonement for the massacre in Towa City?" Norio asked.


"Something like that. She regrets strongly for what she did. Why do you ask?"


"If Monaca considers Kotoko Utsugi a traitor and she is your sister's adopted mother, it's possible that Monaca could have targeted Gofer as part of her revenge against Kotoko Utsugi. In many criminal cases I've tackled, there's often some sort of personal vendetta or reason to kill or torture. Even Junko and her followers had a reason to kill that was personal. No doubt the Warriors of Hope felt this way when they attacked Towa City. I don't think this is any different; perhaps on a grander scale. What better way to punish the one that betrayed you than putting her child, all of his friends and those she considered family in a killing game, while the traitor watches."


My body began to tremble. While... she watches? Does that mean...?


"Hm... I don't think it's just against her, but possibly those that stopped the massacre itself. If I remember correctly, the Ultra Despair Girls that stopped the massacre was Komaru Naegi, who happens to be the..." Rantaro pointed out before Norio cut in.


"The younger sister of Dean Mokoto Naegi."


We all paused for maybe a minute or two before I finally stood up, then said, "either way, we shouldn't waste anymore time. We've got two hours to figure out what to do from here. We already wasted one hour. Come on, let's not allow Kirumi's sacrifice be in vain and find this East Wing." I looked at the letter and found another piece of paper on the back. It was a map to the East Wing and the area to contact Dean Mokoto. Thank you, Kirumi. "Let's go check the bathroom closet."


Everyone nodded, then got up from the floor before leaving the restroom. The restroom was locked tight. Kirumi did a good job in keeping us safe, while also making it possible for us to escape. The door had a bolt lock, which wasn't there before, that had a pass code. It was in the letter from Kirumi. First, though, we needed to check the bathroom closet, which we did.


Entering inside the bathroom closet, we saw four girls and a tall boy close to my age in a black jumpsuit with goggles covering his eyes, perhaps used as night vision goggles, and a mouth piece covering his mouth. I could only assume was a voice changer. Why would this strange boy need to disguise himself this much? Then again, Kirumi told us to not ask. There must be a good reason. I trust Kirumi.


Rantaro stared at the four girls, his eyes looking as if they were about to water, as the youngest one, who looked to be 13 ran to him and hugged him from the waist. She was sobbing heavily.


"Big brother! I missed you!" The small girl cried. Immediately, Rantaro's wristband made a beeping noise and was synced to Rantaro. He knelt down, then hugged the young teenage girl.


"Rantaro, I'm so glad you're alright!" The oldest one grinned, walking up and hugging him. I realized no beeping sound was made, telling us she was already synced to someone, but who? I looked at the strange boy. Was he? But, that was impossible! Or, were there others like us that weren't in the office? I suppose that was possible.... maybe.


"The same," Rantaro replied with a smile, looking up at the strange boy. "We got a letter from Kirumi. She says she knows you."


"... she must have known before the game started," the boy replied in a strange voice. Just as I thought, a voice changer. "So far, the only person I'm aware that knows my identity is Kumuchi Aroma."


"You've seen Koki?" Kimiko asked, walking up to the boy.


"I have. Sh-She's alright, I promise. She's trying to keep me safe. Unfortunately, I can't reveal my identity. Monaca will kill me, if I do," the boy said. "For now, call me Doctor."


"Doctor?" Kimiko asked.


"Ooh! Ooh! You mean like Doctor Who!?" Mana asks excitedly, squealing like a fangirl.


"Uh... not really," Doctor replied awkwardly. "Anyways, I will stay with all of you for now. I expect we will be running into Monokumas very soon."


"Yes, yes, we should all stick together and pray for protection," Angie said.


"Angie, you haven't mentioned Atua since coming here. Not to be nosy, but is it because..." Rantaro asked as Angie's face turned pale, her arms shaking.


"I-It's true! I am not allowed to mention my religion! I am ashamed I cannot proudly profess my faith without death. This must be the curse of Believers!" Angie broke down, hugging herself in shame. I couldn't help, but feel sorry for her. I wanted to speak up, but I didn't know how.


"Don't," Norio stated as Angie looked up at him. "I know for certain Atua is Polynesian for 'god,' but if this is who I think it is, this should sound familiar, Blessed are you when men insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way."


"Yes! Yes! Are you His child too?" Angie asked excitedly, eyes glittering. Huh? Wait... I know that! But, I thought...


"That's a Bible scripture," I said. Everyone was quiet. I thought.... Atua was just a pegan god worshiped on Angie's island. I didn't think it was...


"Oooooh, is that what it's called. On my island, we call it 'Word of Atua.' I thought 'Holy Bible' meant something else," Angie confessed. I suppose that explains everything.


"I thought as much and yes, I am. There are more. Don't give up or lose faith. People will mock you for your faith, but it is not something to be ashamed of. I am sure Monaca is trying to use that against you, but I also saw you pray. Even though you cannot mention Atua or Kami, that's what we call Him, then your actions will speak of your faith. If you want, we can all pray together," Norio said.


"I believe in Kami too! I always kept praying that He would unite me with big brother! I'll pray with you too!" The middle sister exclaimed joyfully, walking up to Angie, then taking both her hands. A beeping sound was made. She was in sync with Angie.


"Nyhaha! Then, we shall all pray to Kami together!" Angie said excitedly.


I began realizing the loophole Angie found. If she mentions someone else's religion, then she wouldn't be poisoned and since she used Kami instead of Atua, it was technically not her religion, but Norio's religion. I suppose Monaca was thinking Auta was an island pagan god instead of the Christian God like me. I kinda feel embarrassed and it seems everyone else is too. Though, it could work to Angie's favor. The Christian religion is very well known in many different languages. I wish I had known or else I could've helped Angie. At least she's found help now.


We all prayed with Angie together in silence before leaving out the door. Angie seemed to be in higher spirits than before.


I used the code on the back of the letter to open the lock and allow us to exit out of the restroom. I stared in horror as I saw so many robotic monokumas in pieces. Kirumi must've done this when we were all asleep. Staring at the timer, I couldn't allow Kirumi's sacrifice to be in vain. I had to figure out a way for all of us to escape. I held a newfound hope. Even if we were all split up, we were still fighting for the same cause. We were still a team working together to escape this killing game. That's what I believe.


I looked to this mysterious stranger, who was with us. It seems he has a map of his own. I noticed it led to a different station. I suppose all of us are trying to reach contact to different people. Will he be alright with just him and Rantaro's sister, or at least the oldest out of the four of them with us? I looked at them with a smile.


"So, what are your names?" I asked.


"My name is Serena Anami," the youngest one replied, the 13-year-old with wavy blond hair, sea green eyes and freckles. She wore a yellow frilly skirt, a white and yellow striped tank top and white flip-flops. She seemed to have a gentle personality and a sweet smile.


"I'm Tara Armstrong," the middle girl, who looked to be no older than 15. Her hair was black, tied in a bun, with dark brown eyes. She seemed to be wearing a pair of skinny jeans, black boots and a printed blue shirt with some sort of strange fish symbol. She seemed to be carrying some sort of bat with her for protection, probably against the monokumas. Considering her last name is different, I'm guessing she must be a step sister or half sibling.


"I'm Stephanie Armstrong," the oldest one introduced. She had slightly darker skin, dark green hair, black jeans that looked to be somewhat torn, a blue hoody over a black printed shirt that showed a skull on it, some brown boots and black fingerless gloves. She carried a crowbar with her and showed a scar across her right cheek. She looked to be no older than 14.


"I'm Chie Anami," The second to oldest one introduced. She had the same color hair as Rantaro, only in a side french braid that was over her right shoulder. Her eyes were yellow with light freckles. She wore a white headband, jean shorts, black boots, a white short-sleeved shirt with forest trees circling her shirt in a single row and what looked to be like a handmade beaded necklace with the colors of brown, white, tan and yellow. She seemed to have not yet decided on whom she'd be synced to.


"Nice to meet all of you," I replied with a bright smile. Then, I turned to Stephanie. "So... what happened to your um..."


I noticed Rantaro seemed to show a sorrowful look, almost one of guilt, though this couldn't be his fault. Though, she answered, "I was attacked by a jaguar. I was lucky to have survived."


"Wait, you were attacked by a jaguar and survived!?" I gasped in both amazement and shock.


"Yes. I was bitten on the leg before he scratched me. I managed to use my good leg against its neck to keep his teeth away from me before I escaped using the river. I almost died, not just from the animal, but from the leeches that managed to get inside my wound. It's just a mark that proves that I survived," Stephanie replied with a small smile.


"I'm sorry," I heard Rantaro mutter in a cracked voice.


Stephanie sighed, rolling her eyes. She replied, "don't blame yourself. I got separated from you, because I was careless and naive. I wanted to find our family and ended up becoming a victim myself. Monaca just took advantage of my weakness of my desperate need to survive. It won't happen again."


"Wait, how was Monaca involved in all of this?" I asked curiously.


"When Rantaro lost our sisters, she knew where he would go and used the environment and their weaknesses against them. For me, it was my recklessness. I thought we could split up and I could handle myself. I was armed, was good with self defense, knew first aid and knew how to survive in the wilderness through Girl Scouts. When I was attacked, all my supplies were gone and on top of that, I had a wounded leg. I had to build a fire to get rid of the leeches. Though, because I was wounded in the leg, I couldn't move anywhere. I set up traps and tried searching for food, but couldn't find any. Monaca later told me that she purposely poisoned all the berries and animal life, so I wouldn't have anything to eat and barely to drink. I was so weak that I was at her mercy by the time she found me. That's how she captured us. Not just us, but all of us, including the members of DICE and a Detective. She found a way."


I stood quiet, looking at the other hostages, who showed me expressions that told me that Stephanie was right. Norio sighed, shaking his head. He glared, "she found my address and managed to use my poisons against me."


"Poisons!?" I almost screamed.


"Figures she'd use their weapons against them," Doctor replied. "Poisons are lethal and can serve as the perfect weapon. Easy to kill without anyone pointing who the murderer is."


"W-Yes, but why would you have poisons inside your home!?" I asked, almost freaking out.


"I specialize in creating poisons. I'm guessing you do too, Doctor?" Norio asked, his eyebrows furrowed.


"Yes. The kind of poison Monaca is using is very lethal. It's an instant kill with symptoms such as rash, swelling and foaming of the mouth," Doctor replied. Well, now I can see why he prefers to be called Doctor.


Norio sighed, showing a relieving smile on his face. What's so fascinating about poisons? I asked, "why poisons? I mean I suppose as a Detective, you need to know about different ways of murder, but why?"


"Hm... that's a secret I'm afraid I can't reveal. From what I can understand, Monaca has control everything, even whom to poison. How would she know if anyone has broken their forbidden actions? I assumed it could be security cameras, except non of them have sounds featured. She may know if anyone broke the forbidden actions through actions, but considering Angie's forbidden action, it would mean she'd have to speak about her religion. That means she must somehow able to know what we are saying, even now. It's possible that our bracelets may include a recording audio feature," Norio replied.


"Wh-What!?" I cried in shock, staring at my bracelet. A recording audio feature?


"Hm... I speculated that too. She must somehow able to know our every move, including if we are tampering with the wristbands or not," Doctor said.


"That's insane! Are you telling me that Koki is at the mercy of that bitch!" Kimiko almost screamed in anger.


"Teehee, sounds like it, Kimi~" Mana gleefully sang. She looked at Rantaro. "Hey Randy, would it be consider sexual harassment, if I poked your butt?"


"What!?" Rantaro responded, distancing himself from Mana, who giggled.


"Relax, I'm just messing with you, teehee~" Mana replied bubbly. A part of me was annoyed, but most of me was just... confused.


"That wasn't funny! Leave big brother alone!" Serena cried with puffed cheeks before Mana poked her puffed cheeks.


"You look so cute with those little cheeks. They're like marshmallows. Squish! Squish!" Mana squealed.


"Hmph, she sounds as annoying as her leader," Ryoma stated.


"You call Koki annoying one. More. Time," Kimiko threatened with a very grave voice.


"U-Uh Kimiko, it's okay, calm down. I'm sure we're just a little overwhelmed right now with losing our friend," I said, trying to cool her down. She faced me with a smirk I swear I have seen before.


"Oh, trust me, you haven't seen my scary face..." Kimiko said, putting her finger up to the corner of her lips before showing a rape face I've seen in Kokichi during the trails.


"AH!" I replied, almost falling backwards.


"Hehe you really are related to Kokichi- I mean Kumuchi," Rantaro said.


"Hm? Oh, all of us in DICE have it. It's a required feature to show you are a member. Even I have it," Mana said, putting her finger to the corner of her lips, then showing that same rape face. "See~"


"AH!" I gasped, sweating.


"Is it some sort of signature expression or something?" Doctor asked.


"Rather that or they're just crazy," Chie muttered.


"Y-You could say that," Noboru replied shyly. Actually, he hasn't talked to us at all. Neither has Chie, but... "E-Each of us h-have a signature expression to sh-show we are of DICE."


"We have code names too~" Mana said gleefully. "It's named after our biggest flaws or weaknesses we use as our strength. My code name is Flirt. Teehee~ I looooooooove flirting with cute looking boys~" Her eyes were dancing with hearts. She kinda reminds me of the clean version of Miu. "Nobi's code name is Shy and Kimi's code name is Anger. We always let everyone know who we are by our flaws and weaknesses by focusing on using that. Even if the guys don't swoon over little ol' me, they'll always know me for being a Flirt and Kimi for being Angry Girl~"


"And... Kumuchi..."


"Her code name is Liar, but you already knew thaaaaaaaat~" Mana replied bubbly.


"But, why would you focus your personality on that one flaw? I mean it's good to have a flaw and talk about it, but it... um... how do I say this? People... may not like you," I explained.


"So?" Kimiko replied deadpanned. "Do you think we give a rat's ass what anyone thinks about us!? Most of Towa City want us dead anyways! By giving away our one flaw, we no longer have weaknesses or personalities, except that one flaw."


"In other words, no one would know your strengths or weaknesses. You use your weakness as a wall," Norio realized.


"Just like Kumuchi uses lies," Ryoma realized.


"Koki's weakness can no longer be in use, so now she's vulnerable. Her shield is now weak. Monaca is truly a witch," Kimiko seethed with an unforgiving expression.


Just thinking about it made me feel sorry for Kumuchi. Lies must've been her best attack and defense and now she has neither. It made me regret ever wishing for her to stop her lies in the past, especially with her lie about us having met in- wait, was that even a lie? I mean we had technically have known each other through the Gofer Project, but how would Kumuchi remember? Were we friends? With my fainted memories slowly coming back, I can't really know right now.



As we took a turn and walked across a hallway, we heard a banging noise from one of the doors. For a second, I saw what looked to be like a swarm of bugs entering through the vent. We all jumped, being the banging was so loud from where we were. We heard some yelling too.


"HEY! GET ME OUT OF THIS HELLHOLE, YOU DEGENERATE ASSHOLES! I SWEAR TO GOD, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU AS SOON AS I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!" A screaming was heard that I thought was Tenko, but the voice sounded.... male.


"Wait, I got this," Doctor replied, cautiously approaching the door. He approached the door. "Excuse me! I'm going to get you out! Hold on!"


"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!?! ARE YOU THE DEGENERATE THAT'S CONTROLLING THOSE FUCKERS THAT PLACED ME IN THIS FUCKING HELLHOLE!?!" The male asked furiously, banging on the door some more.


"No, I'm a friend! Hold on, while I get you out! Save your strength!" Doctor called out.


Doctor inspected the door, then looked up at the ceiling where we saw a vent. It looked big enough for a robo monokuma to fit through or Doctor. He looked at Rantaro, then asked, "could you give me a lift? I'm going to see if there's an opening vent in that room."


"Good luck," Rantaro replied, cupping his hands for Doctor to step on before lifting him up to the vent. Doctor popped opened the latch to the vent, then climbed inside.


We waited, I heard some noise on the other side from the man, shouting, "you stay back!"


"I-It's okay! I'm a friend!"


"LIES! You're probably the degenerate that locked me in this place!"


"No, listen! I promise I'm a friend!"


"PROVE IT!"


There was some silence after that. I heard some murmurs, but nothing. Afterwards, we heard the lock unlock before the door opened. Before us was Doctor and a young man about our age, maybe a little older. He had red hair, light freckles and wore a blue robe with a samurai sword wielded in his belt. He bowed to us.


"My apologies for my actions. I didn't know you were friends of my disciple Tenko," the man replied, showing a dorky smile.



"Disciple? Are you Tenko's master?" I asked, flabbergasted. For some reason, I expected Tenko's master to be... older.


"Yes. Did you expect me to be some crippling old man?" The man asked dorkly, showing a cocky grin. "My name is Master Shin, Nio-Akido Master!"


"Ooooooh~ He's cuuuuuute~ He looks like one of those cutie class clowns at school~" Mana squealed.


"Who is this?" Shin asked, clearly annoyed.


"H-Her name is Mana. She's... kind of a flirt," I said, rubbing the back of my neck.


"Boo," Mana replied, folding her arms and showing a pouty face.


Shin groaned before sighing, "do any of you know where Tenko is?"


"Sorry. We all split up as soon as the game started," I replied.


"I do have one question. This is out of mere curiosity, but I heard you say degenerates. Tenko often referred to males and I'm assuming that is what you are referring to, but are you not a male yourself," Kiyo asked as my face slowly turned pale, especially when Shin's face turned deadpan.


"First, I am aware the one controlling those varmints that locked me in that room was a female, I do not deny that fact. Second..." Shin replied before giving Kiyo the bird.


"Oooh."


Rantaro's sisters laughed before Stephanie smirked, "I like this guy."


"Same," Kimiko replied with her own smirk.


"Unfortunately, this is where we will have to split. I'm going to be contacting Kyoko Kirigiri," Doctor said.


"I'll be going with Doctor," Stephanie replied.


"I shall go too," Shin replied, sighing.


"Are you sure?" I asked the two.


"Steph..." Rantaro muttered sadly.


"I'm sorry, Rantaro. Doctor... he's in bigger danger than the rest of you. I promised him I would be his guard," Stephanie confessed.


"After some talking, I also promised to be his comrade... I owe him," Shin muttered almost reluctantly. These two were definitely hiding something.


Norio smiled, then said, "I wish the three of you luck. Be careful, okay."


"We will!" Stephanie promised, showing a determined face before looking back at Rantaro sadly.


We watched as Doctor, Stephanie and Shin left. It was a sad departure, but I knew it was for a good cause. I hope and pray that they will be safe. I could tell Angie was too, being she was muttering in her Native language.


Atua, if you do exist, I pray for their safety.

I told you I was stretching it with Atua being the Christian God. As for Tara Armstrong, I did originally create her to be a Christian character to be someone for Angie to connect with as far as being a loyal, devoted follower of her own God, who often gets ridiculed for believing in Him and talking about Him, because she brings in followers. While Angie's religion in the game does have pagan aspects, one of the things I noticed is how some other students like Keebo and Himiko become followers of Auta and suddenly Angie gets treated by Tenko as if she committed a crime. Christians in real life are given this very similar treatment, even though the religion they follow isn't remotely close to cult religions that do commit crimes, kidnap children and force women into marriage. The crazy thing is that they're given this treatment by said people that claim they believe in God. Personally, think it's insane. Everyone has the right to believe in whatever they want to believe and spread whatever religion they want to believe as long as they're not pointing a gun to the person's head and do stop if told to. Most Christians do stop talking, if they're told to stop, because that is what their religion teaches them to. The bad rep on Christians are often from a small minority that are louder. This is why I'm glad the game included Kiyo, who in my opinion represents the dangerous cult religion Christians are often accused of acting like, whereas Angie represents the religions with very kind people that try to bring peace and hope, but are often persecuted as being dangerous cult leaders.

Anyways, I hope all of this isn't becoming too distracting. I am trying to focus more on the story and characters than the Christian or religious aspects I'm putting into this.