Danganronpa: Despair Hidden Behind the Veil/Chapter 1

Hey guys, Kosuke here. I am putting this here as a author notice that this chapter is very long as it contains four parts so you don't have to miss any of the action. Hope you all enjoy, or feel its Despair.

## Chapter One: Return of Despair - Daily Life. (Told In Elle Romanova's POV.)

I jolted out of bed, running my hands through my hair. So… it wasn’t a dream… I am still stuck in this school, in this game. I shook my head, getting dressed and leaving my dorm room to go to breakfast. I still was pretty scared of everything and everyone here, but… a girl’s gotta eat.

Already sitting in the dining hall was Eric, Mona, Chen, and Michiko. “Ah, good morning, Elle.” Mona said, smiling. She was surprisingly wearing no makeup…..she was beautiful without it.

“Good morning, Mona,” I said, smiling back. At least some people were still pleasant with all this tension in the air. “Anyone care for tea? I’ll fix some.”

“That would be nice. This situation we are in needs an icebreaker.” said Eric.

“Though, this would be a-mew-sing if it wasn’t a killing game.” Chen said, getting a dirty look from Michiko.

“Don’t even joke about that. It’s not funny, and it certainly isn’t ‘a-mew-sing.’” she said.

“Well, perhaps I should make that tea now…” I said, “It would calm everyone.” I went to the kitchen to quickly fix the tea, but waiting for the water to boil was taking forever.

Chen walked it, tail low. “Seriously? One joke and I am told to come help you….” he said. He was so…….adorable!

“Is that so bad?” I asked, tilting my head a little as I looked at him. “Besides, Michiko and Kosuke are a bit tense about the situation… more than everyone else… B-but not important, I suppose.”

“Trust me, I would prefer an optimistic opinion than a harsh one.” he said, before grabbing some cinnamon and egg nog. “Here, heat this instead, then mix some tea into it. It may sound disgusting, but it it delicious.”

“...alright, I’ll give it a shot.” I said, doing what he told me. “You know, you aren’t that bad… You’re actually really cute. N-not like that, I mean, just… ugh, ignore me… I’m no good around guys.”

“I understand what you mean. Being a cat person isn't easy. Especially if people are constantly trying to touch my ears and tail-” he started until i felt his ears. “.....”

“S-sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I-it’s kind of like what Kagome did with Inuyasha, you know?” I asked, letting a bit of my anime fan sideshow.

He smiled. “Well, its very interesting. A Princess knowing anime.”

I blushed. “I have hobbies… It’s better than my friend, Sonia… She loves some pretty weird things involving serial killers… I just like anime.” I said, looking away.

“Well, good thing you know me!” he said, smiling. He was really carefree, like a child. Seeing him like that made me smile.

“It is a good thing,” I said, laughing a little. “Most people would think I’m more uptight, but… I think we can get along well.”

“Yep.” he said, as we walked out with the tea. The occupants were the same, meaning everyone else was out.

“Hm, and here I was hoping everyone would come to breakfast.” I said, “But no matter. We have tea.” I carefully set the teacups down, and poured the tea. Thank goodness for all those etiquette lessons.

Everyone took a drink. “Wow, who knew that combo worked together.” Eric said.

“It is surprising… is this a family recipe?” Michiko asked.

“It was Chen’s idea.” I replied. “I was a bit doubtful, but the water just wouldn’t boil fast enough.”

Chen smiled. “It’s nothing.” he said, before walking back into the kitchen and brought out some scones. “Here we go.” he sat the plate in the middle of the table. “It looks like we won’t run out of food anytime soon.”

“Scones for breakfast?” Eric asked but didn’t question it any more. “Well, looks like they have some delectable delights.”

“Um, don’t most people have scones for breakfast…?” I asked, before being met with silence. I looked down, a slight blush of embarrassment dusting my cheeks. “...Okay, I guess it’s just me then…”

“Not everyone’s a princess, Elle. Don’t you know how ‘commoners’ work?” asked Michiko, crossing her arms.

“...I don’t call them commoners.” I said, still looking down.

“Well, technically, aren’t we all commoners?” said Mona. “Just some of us had a better upbringing.”

“She does have a point.” said Eric. “Especially now that we are under the same roof. Making yourself higher than another could prove fatal.”

“...perhaps you’re right…” I said, rubbing my arm.

“Hmph, you sound upset about that.” Michiko said.

“I-I’m not, honestly!” I said. “I’m just...embarrassed and…” I trailed off. I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t a commoner. All I wanted was out of this place with everyone still in one piece and alive. Some friends along the way would be nice, but...with the way things are going, that doesn’t look likely.

“Well, lets just explore this place and get an idea where we are. Before we start losing our minds.” said Chen. “Because this will not bode well if we let someone take the first step.”

“Yeah, you’re right…” Michiko said, “Though I should check up on Kosuke… so, I’m guessing the princess will lead the exploration?”

“M-me?” I asked, tilting my head.

“I'll go with her.” said Eric. “Should we all take a path and meet back here after we are done with our section?”

“That sounds good to me.” I said.

“Yeah, as long as you guys don’t take too long.” Michiko said.

We got up and looked down the paths. “Well, looks like we are in the dorm. I guess we take a side of the school? Because i doubt anyone else is up.” he said.

“Yeah, and I’d hate to disturb anyone.” I said, leading the way out of the dorms. “Not everyone is exactly...thrilled with mornings.”

“Yeah.” he said, “Well, let's start. If either of us find a map, that will help.”

“Right… a map…” I said, before beginning to walk. “Which I kind of doubt will show up anytime soon…” “So… Um… I guess we could talk a bit while we’re exploring… Find out more about each other?”

“True.” he said. “Well, why don't you start.”

“Well…” I started, “What do you want to know?”

“Let's start with what you like.” he said.

I bit my lip. “Well… I’m a fan of several animes, and learning other languages is a bit more of a hobby than a necessity… Oh, and I love being able to cook and sew without having a maid do anything for me. It gets sort of annoying after a while.”

“Wow. it seems like you wanted to do your own thing and were denied being able to.” he said, as we passed a suspicious red door.

“Oh, no, it’s not that at all,” I said, “It’s just, with the coronation and balls, and...being a literal princess- what is that?” I asked, noticing the door. I went to open it, but it was locked. “...weird.”

“Might be useful later.” Eric said.

“Maybe. It’s just...suspicious… Like there’s a reason it has to be there…” I said, before shaking my head, and beginning to walk again. “So… what about you? What do you like?”

He got a huge smile on his face. “Sweets!” he said.

I laughed, “Well, I’m sure we all enjoy those…” I said. “Kinda like Honey-senpai. Only… a bit cuter.” “Anything else?”

“Well, honestly, iu enjoy books. Mostly science fiction.” he said, smiling as we reached a grated off area.

“Hmm… guess we can’t go past this…” I said, trying to lift the grate, and failing. “Well, let’s see… I think I saw another hallway this way.” I said,turning around and walking again. “...So… out of curiosity, any girlfriends?”

He shook his head. “No. i am not much of an outgoing person.”

I looked down, smiling slightly. “I understand that… Me either…” I said, messing with the end of my sleeve.

“But after this whole game is done, i am going to kiss someone because i would be happy to be alive.” he said.

I nearly laughed, but I kept myself from doing so because of the whole situation. “...I hope all of us get through this… not just one or the other. Whoever thought of this was a psychopathic ‘sicko.’”

“True. whoever did this must have messed up thoughts.” Eric said.

“...or they want to ‘help’ with the world population, but that’s...not important… who’d want to kill innocent students?” I asked, shaking my head, as we approached a door with a tiara on one side, and a fashion runway on the other. “Hm, weird…”

“Wait. this is important!” eric said. “It looks like some sort of lab.”

“...and if I’d have to guess… mine and Mona’s.” I said.

“I would assume so. But why specifically pair you two together?”

“Excellent question!” Monokuma said, popping up out of nowhere.

“Ah! Where did you come from?!” I nearly yelled, jumping and hiding behind Eric.

“Hell.” laughed Monokuma. “Now, to answer your question, we pair together students who could benefit from being together...or sometimes to rise tensions whenever there’s fights going on.”

“You sick bear.” Eric said.

“Eh, I’ve been called worse.” Monokuma said, shrugging. “But seriously, Mona and Elle would probably benefit being together...being all...girly and stuff.”

“....do you even know me?! I can drop kick someone in a heartbeat if I was angry enough!” I thought.

“Still, this is one weird way to do this. Efficient, but stupid.” Eric said.

“Well, you’re with the lawyer, so I think you’re safe.” Monokuma said, shrugging again. “Besides, this isn’t the motive. I’ll get to that...after I think of it.”

“Just go, you stupid bear.” Eric said.

“Yeah, yeah.” Monokuma said, disappearing.

“...I’ll never get used to him popping up like that…” I said, shuddering. “Makes me wonder if he comes into certain rooms at night…”

“Probably not. He is probably watching the cameras.” Eric said. “When i woke up, i noticed a camera hanging from the ceiling.”

“...so that’s what it was… creep…” I said, shuddering. “Let’s find your lab, then.”

He nodded. We kept walking around, finding two others, one with a paw and a fish and another with two skulls. “Looks like Chen and Coralia, as well as the goths.” he said.

“Fitting for them to be together…” I said, “Chen and Coralia would get along… and the goths are already always together…”

“Yeah.” he said, as we found a lab with a gavel and an inkwell. “There we go.”

“Hopefully you can get along with Veronica…” I said, almost feeling jealous. She was talented. I was just raised well.

“Maybe. But with how serious she is, i doubt it.” He said.

“Well, I guess you could always come to me for an escape if you need one?” I suggested, smiling a little as I leaned on the wall.

“Definitely.” he said, as he put his hand in his pockets. “Wha?” he pulled out a key card and a tablet with the school’s crest in the middle.

“Hmm? What’s…?” I started, before realizing that my bag did feel a little heavier this morning. I pulled out a different key card, and the tablet as well. “...guess these are ours now?”

“Looks like it.” Eric said, but looked at the keycard. “Could it…..” he put the card in the slot and slid it down. The door opened. “Hm, interesting.”

“So, we all have our own key cards to our own specific labs…” I said. “That is good to know… assuming that they don’t all just open.”

“Well, let's have a look.” he said, entering the room.

I followed. “Are you sure we should enter this without Veronica…?”

“She wont know a thing.” He said, smiling. “Knowing her, she is probably still asleep.”

“If you say so…” I said. “...wait, you know her?”

“She helped me out. I was stuck in a plagiarism case.” he said, casually.

“A plagiarism case?! That’s a really big deal…” I said, “...you didn’t actually do it, did you?”

“No. i was given full rights to use any font to do my work. For some reason, the Old English Script is protected by the British themselves.” He said.

“...wow… good to know.” I said.

“Yep. now come on!” he said, smiling.

I laughed, following him. “Okay, okay…” I said.

The room was divided into two. One side had different fonts everywhere as well as different tools. The other was covered in bookshelves filled with law books as well as a desk to sit at. “Cool.” Eric said.

“It is…” I said, looking around. “...I didn’t know you’d need so many tools to write in different fonts…”

“There are different scripts to different languages.” he said. “I'll look into this all later. Lets head back.”

“Okay,” I said, smiling. I turned around, leaving the room.

He closed the door after we left, and we returned to the dining hall. Everyone else was up, sitting together.

“Well, there they are.” Seraphina said.

“Be nice…” Veronica said.

“Sorry.” Eric said. “We were exploring to see what was around.”

“And what did you find exactly?” Michiko asked.

“A locked red door, a grated area we can’t get to yet, and there’s labs for pairs of us.” I said.

“Labs?” Chen asked.

“So it seems like we were paired up without our consent.” said Kosuke.

“More or less.” I said, “Mona, you’re with me. Alyss and Dragomir are together. Chen and Coralia are together, and…”

“Veronica and I.” Eric said.

“...why am I not surprised.” Veronica said. “Anyone else?”

“No, we haven’t found the other labs yet. They might be in other areas that we cannot access yet.” I said.

“I see, so until they unlock, not all of us can reach our labs.” said Shiro.

“That’s what it sounds like,” Yuki replied. “However, with this knowledge, it seems like we cannot go outside?”

“As of right now, we cannot even reach the courtyard.” Eric said, rubbing his hair.

“Interesting…” Michiko said, before looking at Kosuke. “Any ideas?”

“It seems we can’t get to new areas until murder occurs.” Kosuke said. The silence afterwards was us realizing we had no choice.

“...D-don’t say something like that.” I said, finally. “We don’t have to resort to treating someone like an animal out for slaughter!”

“i am not. It seems like whoever did this purposely set this up so we had no other choice. And have you read the rules?” he replied.

I faltered. “...N-no…” I replied.

“Everyone, take out your tablets.” he said.

All of us took out our tablets, pulling up the rules. Rule #1: Students may reside only within the school. Leaving campus is an unacceptable use of time. Rule #2: "Nighttime" is from 10 pm to 7 am. Some areas are off-limits at night, so please exercise caution. Rule #3: Sleeping anywhere other than the dormitory will be seen as sleeping in class and punished accordingly. Rule #4: With minimal restrictions, you are free to explore at your discretion. Rule #5: Violence against headmaster Monokuma is strictly prohibited, as is destruction of surveillance cameras. Rule #6: Anyone who kills a fellow student and becomes "blackened" will graduate, unless they are discovered. Rule #7: Additional school regulations may be added if necessary.

“...that bear…” I started, putting away the tablet. “It isn’t right…”

“You see. This was set upm against us.” Kosuke replied.

“How do you know this, Nyah?” asked Chen.

Kosuke turned away. “Because i have been in this situation before.”

“What?!” I asked.

“Both of us have.” Michiko said. “And being in this situation again… we know what’s going on.”

“You mean….you had to participate in a killing game?!” Ace said.

They nodded. “Yes. it was set up in a computer program. Where in order to save Michi, i had to make it look like she killed herself.”

She looked down. “I already was in the process of suicide, I was being driven crazy in that place…” she muttered.

“I know. So we did it together.” He replied.

“Ah…….So you have more experience in this……” said Shiro.

“...Perhaps we should elect a leader…” Coralia said, “And someone with more experience could be beneficial…”

“Yes. that would work.” Jason said.

“So, Kosuke, Michiko… which one of you would want to be leader?” asked Alyss.

They looked at each other. “Well, allow me. I helped stop the mastermind then, and i will now.”

“And I can be backup if anything happens.” Michiko said, smiling. “I was your backup then, and I will be now.”

“So, it’s decided.” I said, smiling. “What’s our first move, then?”

“Well, nothing until a motive is announced.” Kosuke replied.

“Oh… Well, the bear said he had to think of one…” I said, pouting a little. I wanted to do something. It got boring after a while of not being able to move or something.

“But for now, let's just explore some more on our own. Maybe we could uncover more.” Kosuke said. “It would make time for us to get to know each other.”

I nodded. “Right.” I said. “I’m going to start with my lab. I didn’t get a chance to look in it yet.” I turned to leave, pressing down on my skirt. “Excuse me.” I walked out of the dining hall.

“Wait!” yelled Mona. “Let me join you, considering we share a lab.”

“I’d be glad to have you join me.” I replied, smiling, as I began walking with her. “...You’re quite beautiful, even without makeup…”

“You are too kind.” she said, blushing. “It is true but the media never saw natural beauty. So they forced me to wear makeup.”

“Well, I believe that the makeup enhances the beauty, but… not everyone needs it.” I said, “But I understand. Most of the questions media asked me were of the designers of my gowns, not...me.”

“Which were quite beautiful on you.” She replied. “Maybe your stylist could design for me.”

I blushed. “Gladly.” I said, “I actually… well, sort of designed most of them… I sew from time to time… The few that weren’t were my coronation gown, and some gown supposedly meant for my wedding… whenever that is… Not like I have a suitor…”

“You would make a pretty bride.” She said. “But it not your time yet. Not right now.”

“That’s what I tell everyone.” I said, “I’d rather find someone who loves me for me… Not just some...prince from who knows where.” I shook my head, as we approached the door to our lab. I pulled out the keycard. “Now… let’s see what this is all about, shall we?”

She nodded, as i slid my card. The door opened to the scent of perfume.

“Mm, I know that scent.” I said, entering. Half of the room was designed to be a fashion runway. The other half was..similar to my bedroom, minus the bed. A sewing machine set up next to bookshelves and a closet full of gowns and tiaras. “...whoa.”

“Seems like we have been set up with very nice items.” Mona said, walking over to her side.

“It does seem that way.” I said, going over to mine. I picked up a perfume bottle that was on a desk. “...they even got the names right… Whoever set this up did their research.”

Mona jumped behind a screen and changed into a stylized maid outfit. “Who did this must have.” she said stepping out.

“Whoa.” I said. “You could pull off anything.” I smiled a bit. “You’d have to give me a makeover sometime… You always look so stunning and your hair is always…” I shook my head, blushing. “T-though you probably get that all the time…”

“Yes, but flattery is still nice to hear.” she said, walking over. “You know, we could ask Eric if he could design.”

I blushed darker. “E-Eric? W-what brought him up?” I asked, knowing my voice went up a pitch.

“I may be a model, meant to show what love is, but i understand love more than most.” she said, hugging me. “And i have seen how you are around him.”

“T-that obvious, huh?” I asked, hugging her back. “I may have just met him not too long ago… but… I feel like I’ve known him forever…”

“I understand. But i know that if we do make this out, i’ll be your maid of honor.” she said, as the tv above the division of the room turned on.

“Huh?” I asked, looking up.

“Students, the motive has been decided!” Monokuma said, “Please, come to the gym for a proper announcement of this motive!”

“This soon?” Mona asked.

“I guess he wants to get things going…” I said, pulling away from Mona. “I guess we should go…Oh, and you’d totally be my maid of honor.”

She smiled, as we went to the gym, which was closer than we thought. All of the others were already there. “Well, this is new.” said Kosuke.

“Yeah, our first never happened that quick.” said Michiko.

“So, the motive wasn’t revealed the first day?” Veronica asked. “Interesting…”

“Look, I could care less if the motive was revealed or not. I just want to get out of here. Now.” Vixen said.

Monokuma jumped up behind the mic. “Welcome, everyone.” he said, a bit too cheerfully.

“Well, he’s chipper…” I whispered.

“Well, what is the motive, you fucking bear?!” yelled Eric.

I blinked, surprised at his language. But I shook it off. It’s a tense situation. Anyone would curse.

“The motive, you see, is ten million dollars.” Monokuma said. “Whoever kills first gets the money and graduates. That is...if they aren’t caught.”

Everyone tensed. “Money?!” we all said.

“Yep. Money.” Monokuma replied. “So, hurry up and kill someone.”

“Really? That’s the best you can come up with?!” Michiko yelled. “A bunch of money?!”

“I’m sure someone will take the bait.” Monokuma said.

“...No way.” I said. “We wouldn’t stoop that low!”

“Guess you’ll have to prove that, Princess.” Monokuma laughed.

“We will.” said  Kosuke.

“If you say so,” Monokuma said, before disappearing. We looked around at each other.

“...so, now we have the motive.” Veronica said. “Now what?”

“We wait. If someone gets murdered, then we find out more.” Kosuke said. “But for now, let's go our separate ways. We will find out in the morning.”

Most people followed his orders, however, I just stood there, thinking through everything. This was an odd situation to be in, knowing someone could die, and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Eric was still there. “No one will fall for this that easily.” he said.

“I hope not…” I replied, looking over at him. “It’s too simple…”

“But we don’t know right now.” he said. “But we should wait. I’m heading to my room. Like hell i will be accuse of murder.”

“R-right…” I started. “Um...Mona had a question for you…” I turned to him, looking down as I bit my lip. “Or… I guess… It’s a question from me that she suggested…”

“Really? What did she ask?” he said.

“...If you designed things other than cards and other calligraphy things…” I said, “She wanted to see if you could design something for me… Makeover or something…”

“Well, i have never tried to design fashion. But i can try if you want.” He said, smiling. “Don’t expect it to be perfect.”

“Even if it isn’t, I’m happy you at least tried.” I said, smiling back. “Um… we should get back to our dorms though… I’m pretty sure it’s getting late…”

“Yeah. lets head back.” he said. We walked back and Eric entered his room.

I went into mine. For a while, I was fine. I drew in my sketch book for a while, but I just couldn’t fall asleep. I hated to admit it, but I was scared. I sighed in slight annoyance and got up to wander around for a few minutes. Eventually, I found myself in front of Eric’s dorm room. “...Just knock…” I told myself. I knocked a few times, before stepping back.

“Wha?” I heard him say. I heard the door unlock. “Who wants me at this ungodly hour?”

I stifled a laugh. “It’s just me. I couldn’t sleep.” I replied.

“Oh, Elle.” he said, slowly opening the door.

“Don’t worry. I’m unarmed.” I said holding my hands up so he could see that I didn’t have a weapon. “I just…” I looked down, pulling my arms around me. “...was really scared….”

He looked at me. “I understand. I was when the motive came.” he said.

“Y-you were?” I asked.

“I was. Ever since we got here, i've always been trying to keep my eyes open for an attacker.” he said, opening the door wider.

“Why would you have to?” I asked, coming a little closer. “It’s not like anyone would attack you…”

“You never know how someone would act.” he said. He had his umbrella in hand.

“...Mind if I come in…?” I asked, “Like I said… unarmed. Besides… I’d never attack anyone…”

“Sorry. I was afraid Jason was near.” he said, letting me in. his room was a mess, due to the abundance of paper everywhere.

“Whoa… what happened here? It looks like a tornado tore apart a book…” I asked, trying to keep the conversation off of possible attackers. It wasn’t like I wasn’t already afraid of Jason, and a few others.

“Im a bit…..disorganized.” he said, before walking back to his desk, which had several design ideas on it. “The only problem is the cut…...hmmmmm. Hey, Elle, do you know your dress size?”

“Normally I’m a size 16…” I said, “But that’s without corsets… which I despise…”

“Those things are terrible. No one likes them.” he said, before drawing a bit more. “Well, that should do it…...no, the frill is missing!”

I laughed a little. “You know, you’re not much different than I am when I’m designing…” I said, walking over to his bed and sitting on it. “Maybe Mona is right…”

“Ok, here we go.” he said, turning to me. He was holding a picture of a beautiful frilly princess dress that had an arrow pointing to it saying “Color: Red? Blue? Magenta?”

“That’s…” I started, speechless, “Amazing… Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”

“No. i am a good artist, but it doesnt help me a whole lot.” he said.

“Well, I think this is amazing… Perhaps a magenta would be lovely with this…” I said, feeling a bit more relaxed. “Though it would look great in the other colors, too.”

He smiled. “Thank you.” he put the paper back down. “You look tired. You should sleep.”

I looked down. “I should, shouldn’t I…?” I started, getting up.

“Yes.” he said, hugging me. “Besides, we can start the sewing later.”

I hugged back. “First thing in the morning.” I said, yawning. I started to pull away, losing my footing a bit, tripping.

He grabbed me. “Elle.” he said, before pulling me up. Though, it was a bit too powerfully and my lips touched his.

My eyes widened and I pulled back, covering my mouth. “I-I’m sorry,” I said, my voice muffled.

He just stood there, in shock. I fled from the room, hiding in my pillow.

“I can’t believe I… m-my first kiss… His first...probably…” I thought, my face red. I shook my head. “Stop thinking about it. Just… go to sleep. Everything will be fine in the morning. You’ll talk to Mona and start sewing and… everything will be okay.”

It took me a few minutes to get to sleep. But when i did, it was quick.

“DING DONG-BING BONG”

“Good morning everyone. It is currently 10 A.M. Time to rise and shine!” i heard Monokuma say from the TV.

I yawned, getting up and getting dressed. I went over to the dining hall for my standard morning tea. “Morning everyone.” I said, without even thinking.

“Morning.” Ace said, smiling. Everyone was there…..Except Mona.

“Where is Mona?” Eric said, coming out of the kitchen.

I felt my face flush and looked away. “S-she might just be oversleeping or is getting ready…” I said.

“Or she is already at the lab.” he suggested, sitting down and eating a plate of fresh eggs.

“E-exactly. I’ll… go see if she is…” I said.

“What’s with you being so nervous?” Seraphina asked. “Did you do something last night?”

“She got scared. I comforted her and made sure she went to sleep. She was freaking out.” Eric said. “But all of us probably were.”

“I know i was the first night after Monokuma showed up.” Kosuke said.

“Not quite as much as I was, though… I wouldn’t leave your side.” Michiko said. “But, go, Elle. Make sure she’s okay.”

I nodded and walked to the lab. I opened the door, and the sight in front of me made me scream.

“ELLE!” i heard Eric yell as He turned the corner, followed by Michiko and Chen. “W-What the?!” he said

It was tough to describe. But…..it was Mona, stabbed by a blade and lying on an open umbrella, her arms bound. What was worse was that it looked like a painting, due to the blood being spread in the shape of a frame.

“N-NYAH!” Chen yelled.

“This is impossible. So soon?” Michiko said.

“M-Mona…” I whispered, shaking. I felt tears well up in my eyes. “No… p-please tell me this is a joke…”

“It's not.” Michiko said. “The killing Game has finally begun.”

## Deadly Life - The Investigation

“A body has been discovered! After a while, a class trial will begin. Please look over your E-handbooks for new regulations.” Monokuma said over the speaker.

“No…..Way.” Eric said, looking at the scene.

“...whoever did this…” I started, wiping at my eyes, trying not to cry, “will pay for what they’ve done.”

“They will. We now have a blackened. A culprit.” Michiko said, before walking towards the body, her handbook in hand. “Seems like her death lasted for several minutes.”

“...Mona…” I said, walking over to her body. “...wait… I recognize that umbrella… It was,” I looked over to my side of the room, where several parasols and umbrellas were. “Over there yesterday.”

“Interesting.” Eric said. Soon, everyone was at the lab.

“Mona?” said Vixen.

“Yep.” said Jason. “The first dead.”

“Killed with an umbrella….” muttered Seraphina, “and who has the umbrellas in this room?”

“It wasn’t me!” I yelled, “She was pretty much already a best friend, why the hell would I kill her?!”

“Well, it was your shared lab. And none of us have the same keycard.” Ace said.

“She isn't the only one who has suspicion on them.” Eric said, as he told Phantom and Jason to stand guard so no one else could tamper with the crime scene. “Well, it looks like who did this must have made quite the mess on themselves.”

“With all this blood…. Yeah…” I whispered, still looking at Mona.

“She’s gone now…” Yuki said, “Why are you so upset?”

“Because out of most of you, she was the only one who didn’t think to avoid me.” I said. “She became a best friend in an hour.”

“Hm?” Eric said, as he pulled a piece of fabric off the stage. “Looks like who did this had some trouble.”

“Totally looks like something Elle would wear.” Seraphina said.

“Shut up, you-” I started before calming down. “...let me see it?”

He nodded, handing it to me. It looked like half a heart.

“No...this definitely isn’t mine…” I said, more to myself. “Looks familiar, though.” I handed it back to Eric.

“I also think this rope is from the back stage.” Eric said, before noticing footprints. “Odd. looks like whoever it was didn’t cover their tracks.”

“Definitely odd…” I said, “Simple mistake, but it is a vital one… analysing the footprints wouldn’t be that difficult..”

“Wait, Ace, did you have access to the trashroom?” Eric asked.

“Yeah. Why?” he asked.

“Because maybe the culprit had to destroy evidence.” Eric said.

“I doubt it, i made sure it was locked before i left. But when i checked for the key earlier, it was gone.” he replied.

“So someone could have stolen it…” I said. I pulled out the Monokuma file. She was killed around 1 A.M. Huh, that was when I went over to Eric’s dorm… meaning there was no way that this was me.

“Let's check the Trash Room. I have this feeling the killer did something there.” Veronica said.

“Wait, we need to get alibis.” Eric said. “I have a feeling that someone might have something.”

“That’s probably the best course of action.” I said, nodding. “So, let’s begin with you, Veronica.”

“Huh? I was asleep. Honestly, I didn’t know anything was going on.” she said.

“What were you doing, Elle?” Seraphina asked.

“I was with Eric…” I said, “I was scared and couldn’t sleep. Remember? We went over this already.”

“I can attest to that.” Eric said. “She was scared and needed someone to calm her down.”

“But why him and not,” Vixen started before looking at Mona’s body, “her?”

“I don’t know, I just...went to him without really thinking much.” I said.

“And as for my alibi, i was in my room, designing something that Mona had requested.” Eric said.

“Mona requested you to design something…?” Yuki asked.

“Yes. A dress.” Eric said. “Probably for my skills with letters made her think i could draw.”

“Which you can,” I said, “I told you that last night when you showed it to me.”

“Hm… interesting that she’d think that…” Alyss said, “When she could have come to Dragomir or me.”

“Well, lets get everyone else’s alibi.” Eric said. Mostly everyone claimed to be asleep.

“Ace, where were you last night?” I asked.

“Well, i was in the trash room, cleaning the incinerator. Took forever. Afterwards, i locked it up and went to bed. But when i looked for the key this morning, it was gone.” he said.

“Odd…” I said, “You don’t think Monokuma would have a spare, do you?”

“He said there was one in the office next to the gym.” Ace replied. “I can get it if you want.”

“If you could, it would be really helpful.” I said, smiling. “It could lead us to any other clues.”

He nodded, walking away. “U-um, Elle? Do you think somehow…..well…..” Chen said, nervously.

“Hm? What is it, Chen?” I asked, not sure what he was trying to say.

“That, well, Jason did this?” he finished. “It just that, I went to the supply room for some snacks and I saw him near your lab, trying to break in.”

“...” I fell silent. “While it is possible… I don’t know if he did.” I finally replied. “It could still be possible that the culprit is someone else, and I wouldn’t want to cast suspicion on an innocent.”

“I understand. It just felt…...odd that he wanted into that specific lab.” Chen replied.

“Actually, hang on.” Eric said. “Did you see anyone else out last night?”

“I did.” Chen replied. “On the way there, i saw Ace running to the Trashroom, holding what appeared to be a bundle of clothing. And on the way back, Vixen was trying to get into your room.”

“Mine? Whatever for?” Eric asked.

“Maybe we could get more information from her.” I said, trying to make my voice sound sweet, but inside, I wanted to hit her. Why would she go to his room?!

“Maybe. I'm going to keep looking around, see if i can find more evidence.” Eric said, as he kept an eye out while checking the entire lab.

I first went over to Jason. “So...what were you doing last night?” I asked.

“Well, i got up and went to the supply room because i needed some washing items. But on the way back, i heard a struggle from your lab. As if someone was going to kill.” he started. “But i couldn’t get in without one of the owner’s keycards. I was going to come find you, but that's when i met Ace exiting his room, wearing his signature suit…..except for the colors were inverted.”

“...so that’s why Chen saw you struggling to get in… Okay, that makes more sense now.” I said, smiling. “And Chen saw Ace with a pile of clothes… If I’m to believe this… Ace changed his suit…” “Thank you, Jason,” I said.

“No problem. Seeing a person i just met get killed…...harsh.” he said, walking off.

“Okay… now Vixen.” I said, walking over to her.

“What do you want, your majesty?” she asked.

“What were you doing outside Eric’s room last night?” I bluntly asked. “Chen saw you, so don’t try hiding it.”

“Seriously?” She asked, “I saw you go into his room. I thought it was weird, so I tried to get in. Until I realized there wasn’t anything going on.”

“Of course there wasn’t.” I said, “I was unarmed, terrified, and couldn’t sleep.”

“Well, I didn’t know that!” she said, “God, don’t be such a mega-bitch.”

I slapped her. “Don’t you dare!” I said, “You don’t know anything about me.”

“Ladies!” i heard someone yell, next thing i knew, Dragomir and Alyss were next to us. “This is not the time for a cat fight.”

“Well, tell her to watch her mouth, then, Dragomir.” I said.

“I understand the situation is making everyone tense but don't cause more drama, bitchlet.” he replied, as Vixen looked like she had been slapped.

“You little-” she started, clenching her hand into a fist.

“Ah, ah. Now is not the time for a fight.” Alyss said. “Besides, Elle was just asking a question.”

“Exactly.. Just trying to tie up loose threads, so to speak.” I said, looking away.

“Well, we did a little investigation ourselves.” Dragomir said. “And we found this jammed in Mona’s door.” he held out a key card with a runway on it. “I doubt she would leave this lying around, or in the door jam.”

“I highly doubt it…” I said, “It’s..like someone took the key from her….”

“That’s what we thought.” Alyss said.

“Well, we shall keep looking. Whoever did this needs to learn their place.” Dragomir said. “Especially after i was hoping to give Mona a makeover.”

“Well, we can always do it on Elle here.” Alyss suggested. Oh, boy. A goth makeover?

“W-we’ll see.” I said, backing away from them.

“We could, but please, no crazy pastels. Last time, she looked like a cheap toy.” Dragomir said, as they discussed on the way towards their lab. Eric then ran forward.

“Whoa, slow down there.” I said, backing away for a moment.

“Sorry. Just got back from the trashroom. And we found the original key. So whoever did this wanted something not to be found. Like, this.” he held out another scrap of fabric, this time it was visibly burnt.

“Hm.” I tilted my head. “I’ve got a theory, but… I’m not sure it’s accurate…”

“Hm? What’s your idea?” he asked.

“...come with me… I don’t want to say it where anyone else could hear.” I said, turning to walk to my room.

He nodded, following. We soon reached my room.

“Okay… I know it sounds crazy, but…” I started, “all the clues match up… Chen saw Ace holding clothes while he was heading to the trash room… Jason saw Ace in a different suit a few minutes after…”

“And only Ace knew about the spare key….” Eric continued. “There no doubt. He could have done it.”

“...The fabric has half of a heart on it, Eric… I don’t know anyone else that has that kind of fabric.” I said.

“Yeah, i hate to say it but you might be right.” he said. “But why would he do this so hastily.”

“Think about the motive…” I said, “Money. Ten thousand dollars. He’s… probably a bit of a gambler… Or has trouble back home...”

“maybe …..actually yeah, i remember hearing something about how he was in a lot of debt from Kosuke.” he said.

“So that’s why… To pay him back.” I said.

“Well, lets go finish this.” Eric said, as Monokuma spoke over the speakers.

“It’s time for the class trial!” Monokuma said, “Would everyone please go through the red door.”

“...It’s time…” I said, leaving my room to go to the door. “...Oh, and after this...remind me to ask you something… it’s been bothering me a little…”

“Sure.” he said, as we approached the red door. “Here we go…..the trial.”

“So do we just...go in?” asked Yuki.

“Yep.” Michiko said. “Most likely, it’s an elevator…”

We all walked into the elevator. “Well, this is….different.” Shiro said.

“Different how?” I asked.

“Most schools don’t have elevators.” he replied.

“...oh…” I said, pressing my back against the wall. “Well, maybe not here… but...elsewhere?”

“Yeah.” he said.

## The Class Trial - All Rise!

The elevator lowered, soon opening to the trial room. There were 18 pedestals set up in a circle. But what was weird was that they were floating.

“Pedestals?” Ace asked.

“I assume we’re meant to act as our own witnesses and lawyers.” Veronica said.

“I guess so…” I said, walking forward. I saw one pedestal that had Mona’s picture on it. “...” I looked down.

“Don’t worry.” Eric said. “We got this.” he took a place next to Mona. “She may not have known me that well, but i will not let her death mean nothing.”

I nodded, and took the pedestal next to him. “Exactly. Let’s get this trial through with.”

Everyone took a pedestal. “So...what now?” Vixen asked.

“Now let's give a basic explanation of the class trial. So, your votes will determine the results. If you can figure out "whodunnit" then only they will receive punishment. But if you pick the wrong one... then I'll punish everyone besides the blackened, and the one that deceived everyone else will graduate!” Monokuma said.

“Well, what now?” Shiro asked.

“...we debate.” Veronica said.

“I still say it was the Princess!” Seraphina said, pointing at me.

“Hold on, shouldn't we look at the crime scene first. Most clues are there.” Sun said.

“Yes.” I said, “She was killed around one in the morning, in the Ultimate Model and Ultimate Princess’ shared lab… with an umbrella.”

“Well, lets begin” said Kosuke.

“Eric, you discovered something on the end of the umbrella, right?” I asked, looking at him.

“Yes, it was a scrap of fabric.” he said.

“Thats it? Some fabric?” Michiko said.

“Sounds like Elle must have a torn shirt.” Seraphina said.

“Except she wasn’t in the room at the time.” Jason said.

“Now how do we know that? She could have Snuck in when no one was looking.” Vixen said. Wait, someone was watching the room.

“Impossible!” I said, “There was no way I could have snuck in. Jason had been outside of the room, as was Chen. Right?” I looked at the two of them.

“Yeah, I heard someone scream from inside.” Jason replied.

“And I was watching after i saw Jason trying to break in. Probably after hearing that scream.” Chen said afterwards.

“So, it would have been impossible to go into that room unnoticed.” I concluded. “Besides, I was with Eric at the time of her death.”

“Oh. I see now. Sorry, Elle.” Vixen said.

“But that begs the question, when did the scream happen?” Kosuke asked. “Finding that out will tell us more about who was out before then.”

“Well, it was around 1 am.” Jason said.

“So, drawing from our alibis… Jason, Chen, Ace, Vixen, and I were out.” I said. “And...obviously..Mona.”

“So we have our suspects.” Said Sun.

“But i….i have an alibi!” said Ace.

“Chen and Jason saw you around the same time, but not directly… that still would make you a suspect…” I said.

“Unless your ‘alibi’ proves otherwise.” Veronica said.

“I was in the Trash Room, cleaning the incinerator. It looked very ashy and I spent a while cleaning it.” ace said.

“You are wrong!” said Eric. “When we checked the trash room, i found ash coating the sides of the incinerator as well as new ash on top of it.”

“Sounds like you suck at cleaning.” Dragomir said.

“And are still a suspect.” Alyss said. “So, unless you want to tell us what you were really doing, might be best to stay silent.”

Ace opened his mouth to retort. But fell silent.

“That’s what I thought.” Alyss said. “...well, I think Jason and Chen are innocent.”

“Agreed.” said Shiro. “It looks like they were willing to stop the killing.”

“All i wanted was snacks.” Chen mumbled.

“And you got them, didn’t you?” Vixen said.

“Though, it does bring up why you were out, Vixie?” asked Yuki.

“Don’t call me that!” Vixen yelled.

“Well, let's hear it Vixen.” Eric said.

“......I was out going to take a walk. That's when I found Mona’s Keycard, lying in a trashcan.” Vixen started. “I picked it up, and went to Elle’s room, hoping she could return it. But she wasn’t answering. Then i went to Eric’s, to see if she was there. But no answer as well. So i stuck it to the door frame of Mona’s, mostly because I was starting to get pissed the fuck off!”

“...And that matches with what Dragomir and Alyss pointed out earlier.” I said, “So that means Vixen is clear.”

“But that doesn’t mean you are.” Seraphina said.

“Actually, it does.” Eric said.

“Huh?” Seraphina asked. “What do you mean? She was out who knows where!”

“She was with me.” Eric said.

“Exactly.” I said. “I wasn’t in my room because I was having problems sleeping, and decided to go take a walk. I ended up in front of Eric’s room and decided ‘why not, he might be able to help.’”

“And i did. She seemed really scared, like she would be the first victim. So we sat together for a few minutes, and she felt better.” Eric said.

“Sat together?” asked Michiko, “Honestly, I kind of doubt that’s all you did.”

“Michiko….” Eric said.

“Wait, i still think she is guilty!” Seraphina said. “She could have put on a facade and ran to kill Mona after you let her leave!”

“Seraphina, I’m not an actress. I can’t hide anything. Besides, I was nearly tripping over myself when I left.” I said, “He had to catch me before even leaving.”

“I did.” eric said.

“Sounds more like he tripped her.” Alyss said.

“It was not like that!” Eric retorted.

“Well, we weren’t there, so we don’t know.” Yuki said.

“Guys,” Coralia started, “Leave them alone…”

“Well that leaves Ace.” Chen said.

“I am Not the culprit!” he retorted.

“I agree.” said Sun, “no way he could do this.”

“So you think I did?!” I asked, “When we just proved that I couldn’t have?”

“It seems we are split…” Eric said. He was right. Coralia, Eric, Chen, Jason, Vixen, Dragomir, Alyss, and Michiko believed me, meanwhile Phantom, Seraphina, Kosuke, Shiro, Yuki, Sun, Ace and Veronica backed Ace.

“Split? Did you say Split?” Monokuma said, delighted.

“You’re happy about this?!” I said, looking up at the demented bear.

“I now present the School for the Prestigious’ monumental Morphing trial grounds!” he yelled.

We began floating up, lining into our respective sides. I faced Ace, Eric was facing Seraphina, Coralia was facing Shiro, Michiko facing Kosuke, Jason against Phantom, Vixen against Sun, and the goths against Yuki.

“She could have done it when Jason left.” Sun said

“Impossible, Jason would not have left by that time.” Vixen said.

“But if she used a Distraction.” Veronica said.

“Didn’t matter if a distraction was used, I was still there!” said Chen.

“Then it was done earlier, when Jason and Chen weren't there.” said Phantom. Which was shocking but we didn’t care.

“Dude, i was there since 10:30.” Jason replied.

“So what? She could have Knocked you out!” Shiro said.

“She wouldn’t have done that. She is too kind.” Coralia said.

“But if she did it later, then she had all the Time she needed.” Kosuke said.

“Except by that time, Mona was already dead.” Michiko said.

“But we wouldn’t have known, considering that she had the only other key.” Seraphina said.

“Not if she was with me. And Mona’s was missing.” Eric said.

“But who else would have had the other key before then?” asked Yuki.

“The Culprit would, after taking Mona hostage.” Dragomir said.

“Which could have been discarded as soon as the deed was done.” Alyss said.

“Well, this doesn’t make me the Culprit!” Ace yelled.

“Then why does all the evidence point to you?!” I yelled back.

We pushed hard, soon making the others understand.

“So that makes Elle innocent.” Eric said.

“...So, what was this ‘evidence,’ Elle?” asked Coralia.

“The scrap of fabric… it has half of a heart on it.” I pointed out, “And Ace had been seen by Chen and Jason. Chen saw him carrying clothes to the trash room. Jason pointed out that he was wearing a suit with the colors inverted. And Ace was the only one with access to the trash room in the first place.”

“S-so!” Ace yelled. “Then what about the Key? EH? I lost it in the morning, remember!”

“Yes, but you were the only one to know of the spare key. And we found the key in the Trashroom, meaning you left it there to put blame on someone else.” Eric said.

“And by the choice of murder weapon…” I started. “Me.”

“UGWAAAAAAAAAH!” Ace yelled.

“Whoa, what is he-?!” started Alyss.

“That doesn’t explain how Mona could have phesebly saved herself by pushing herself off the Umbrella? Now how do you explain that?!” Ace yelled.

“Simple.” Eric said. “You used rope from behind the runway to bind her so she could not save herself.”

Ace went silent.

“Well?” I asked, “Are you just going to go silent on us?”

“You still have no end proof! STUPID! STUPID STUPID!” he yelled.

I growled. No one calls me stupid. Ever. “You want end proof?!” I yelled, “I can prove you did this!”

“Like you have a chance!” he said “Come on, where is it? We want to see the final hand. STUPID! Your authority has no place here!” every sentence he spoke was shot down as the beat continued. Finally he said one last thing. “How can you possibly conclude it was me?! Nothing can prove the Truth!”

“To repay your debt!” I yelled at him. “You have some sort of debt to Kosuke you need to pay off, don’t you?! The incentive of getting money for killing someone was enough to drive you to go through with it.”

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Ace yelled, falling to his knees.

“I see, I knew he had forgotten.” Kosuke said. “Seven Million dollars is the amount he owes.”

“Which would have left three million for him…” Veronica said.

“...Do you have anything to say for yourself?!” I said, looking at Ace.

Ace stood, holding the pedestal. “Why should I? The debt is years old.”

“...Fine. Let’s go through this case once more to make sure we understand what happened.” I said. “The culprit had taken Mona hostage in the shared lab of the Ultimate Model and the Ultimate Princess. He had tied her up, and set her to fall on an umbrella - the Ultimate Princess’ umbrella to be precise. It snagged on the culprit’s clothes, leaving a scrap of the fabric laying on the stage. When Mona had fallen, she must have screamed, as Jason heard her from outside, and tried to get in to stop the killing from happening. Chen had noticed this, as he saw Jason trying to open the door. Eventually, Jason left, leaving the Culprit a chance to escape. However, Chen noticed him carrying clothes to the trash room. The Culprit burned the clothes in the incinerator, leaving the key inside the room to make sure no one else could get in, though there was an extra key in the office. Jason had noticed the Culprit in a new suit on the way back to his room. Along the way, the Culprit had left Mona’s key to the lab in the trash, which Vixen picked up. She had tried to return the key to me, or Eric, but eventually left the key in Mona’s door.” I finished. “And the only one who could have done this task...is you, Ace Queensland.”

Ace slipped back to his knees.

“Whoa. So weak, he can’t even defend himself.” Jason said.

“So Ace did it to pay Kosuke off. I wonder why.” said Vixen.

“He borrowed it after he won a tournament. Some douche jumped him and stole the money. So i gave him some to win it back. But it looks like he lost and fled.” Kosuke said.

“The King at Cards lost…” I said, crossing my arms. “You know, I have so many things to say to you right now.”

“Well, it's time to vote.” said Michiko.

We all looked down to the tablets on the pedestals. It had images of all of us, with Mona’s x’d out.

A few minutes later, and Monokuma said, “Looks like all the votes are in!” A slot machine appeared, and it went to three pictures of Ace. “And the vote is unanimous. And you’re cor-rect! Ace Queensland is the blackened!”

“Still can’t believe you did it.” said Sun.

“It was …...weakness.” Ace said.

“Well, I have a very special Punishment for Ace Queensland, the Ultimate Card Player.” Monokuma said.

“Punishment…...wait, doesnt that mean…..” Ace said.

“Execution.” Michiko said.

“Nononononononono!” Ace yelled.

“Wait, execution?!” I asked, “Can’t we have at least a moment?”

“NOPE!” Monokuma yelled.

A Chain grabs his neck, dragging him through an open door. He is then seen standing on a platform above beds of spikes. A tower of cards stood in front of him, leading up to a hole in the ceiling. An image npoppd up, calling this **Queen's Gambit.** Ace smirks and starts to climb, gasping as the edges cut him. As he climbed, random die hit him in the back, cutting him more. But he was very determined to escape. He reached the top and reached out for the hole, soon revealing to be a mural. He looked shocked as a giant Monokuma dressed in a dealer's outfit knocks him down off the tower. He reached up, despair in his eyes. he landed on the spikes, impaling him as he coughed up blood. the cards landed on him, covering him as one final lands where he was.......The Ace of Spades.

I was wide-eyed, covering my mouth with my hands. “...t-that…” I started, backing away.

Eric backed away. “So brutal.” he said. I looked at everyone else. All of them were shocked.

“AHAHAHAHA! A fitting end to the Ultimate Card Player.” said Monokuma.

“You… you’re crazy!” I said, turning to leave. I felt nauseous, and needed to sit down. “I didn’t want anyone dead!”

“That’s the game,” Michiko sighed.

“We had to do this. Do you honestly think we want this?” Kosuke asked.

“None of us did!” Chen yelled.

“..hey…. You don’t look too good, Elle…” Yuki said, starting to come over to me.

“Let’s get out of here. We need to decompress from what we just saw.” Vixen said.

“Y-yeah…” I said, entering the elevator. As everyone else walked in, I let myself slide down the wall into a sitting position.

“How can we get past this……? None of us wanted him to die.” said Shiro.

“Its was whoever was behind this game that set us up. We had no choice.” Dragomir said.

“Exactly.” Michiko said. “Just...play the game… It sucks, but we have to.”

“But for now, let's go to the dining hall. We need something to calm down.” Kosuke said, as we got off the elevator.

“...I’ll fix some tea…” I softly said.

“...Eric, go with her.” Michiko said. “She looks like she’ll pass out any minute.”

He nodded, as all of us walked to the dining hall, which was still open. Good thing it was, we needed to calm down. Eric and i walked into the kitchen and we started making tea.

## Class Trial - Aftermath

“Hey…..Elle…..are you sure we did the right thing?” Eric asked.

“...no…. But we didn’t really have a choice…” I said. “I can’t believe…” I trailed off. “Mona and I were talking only hours before her death about her being the maid of honor whenever I actually get married… now…” I let out a sigh, looking down.

“We never knew how the motive would affect each other. But i have a suspicion.” he said. “Before you say what you wanted to before.”

I looked up at him. “Yes?” I asked, tilting my head a little.

“Do you still think it was odd that Vixen went to our rooms?” he asked. “Because, think about it, she is a thief locked inside a building. She could have just as easily killed one of us if you didn't come to my room.”

“Well… she’s a Witch… And it does seem a bit odd that she was trying to get into our rooms…” I said.

“Which means we should watch her carefully.” he said. “But there was something you wanted to say to me after the trail?”

“...” I looked at him. “Why did you react the way you did? When we…” I started. “Y-you know…”

“Kissed?” he asked. “Because i was surprised. We had only just met the day before so how else could I react?” I turned away. “But.” he moved my face to his. “That accident might have made something perfect.” he then kissed me.

I let out a small squeak in surprise, but soon relaxed, kissing back. The moment was soon ruined by the whistle of the teapot. “....damn it…” I whispered, pulling away.

“Shot down by a tea kettle.” Eric said, smiling.

I giggled, “Yeah, seems that way.” I said, before getting the pot. “Let’s get this out to them before another fight breaks out…”

“Agreed.” he said, picking up the glasses. We walked out, setting a glass out to everyone while I filled each with water.

“Where’s the tea?” Vixen asked.

“Here,” I said, grabbing a teabox. “There’s different ones to choose from, so I thought… hot water, and you all choose your teas.”

“A g-good idea.” said Chen. he was shaking, like the execution made him extremely scared.

“...Here…” I said, picking up a chamomile tea bag. “This will help you relax.”

He nodded, putting the bag in the water. “No one would want that to happen to anyone. Not even my fans online.”

“It was dark…” Alyss said, “And I know dark.”

“It was unnecessary…” I said, as everyone else picked out their tea. I sat down, wrapping my arms around me.

“So, Princess,” Vixen said, “What was taking you two so long?”

“None of your business…” I said.

“Which means it is my business.” Vixen said. “Eric?”

“Vixen, don’t push them…” Michiko sighed. “Besides, I think it’s obvious.”

“Besides, should we be trying to keep together after what just happened?” Eric said.

“Keeping together is very different from getting together.” Vixen said. I felt my face turn red. “So that is what happened.”

“S-shut up…” I said, looking down, “Does it really matter how we stay together?”

“She is right.” Kosuke said. “Staying together helped us.”

“But when anyone can die…. Is it really such a good idea?” asked Alyss.

Eric looked away. So did Chen as well as Coralia. “You wouldnt understand.” Eric said. “After all, you have had Drake.”

“Drake?” Dragomir asked. “Oh…..i get it.”

“Hey, I’m just trying to point out...you can lose anyone at any time.” Alyss said, looking down. “Even if Elle is a princess, she’d be a target for anything. Just like we are.”

“You are right.” Kosuke said. “But you think that going solo will help you? It would, if you are good at manipulating those around you. But here, we are already paired up by our labs. So we might as well work together or it will end in chaos.”

“I wasn’t planning on working alone.” Alyss said. “I’ve been around Dragomir for years now. I’m just saying trying to start a relationship in this hell…”

“You think it wouldn’t work out and someone would go berserk?” Michiko asked. “Because believe me, while it can happen… it’s not always likely.”

“nyah……” whispered Chen. Even after drinking some of his tea, he was still scared. “C-can we just go back to the rooms…….”

“I’m for that…” Coralia said, standing. “I’ll walk with you, if you want?”

He nodded, standing. They walked out, leaving the rest of us alone.

“Chen…...he was really scared.” Eric said. “Even more than we are right now.

“...some people are just good at hiding it…” I said, knowing I was pretty scared too. “But it is probably best to follow suit and head to bed…”

“Agreed.” said Phantom. We all looked at him. “...?”

“Sorry,” Alyss said.

“We’re just not used to hearing you talk,” Veronica said.

“A ninja must be silent, to avoid detection.” he replied. “But rest will calm us as well as the spirit. Ace was a good man, but with faults like all of us.”

Eric nodded. “He just made a mistake.”

“A bad one,” I added, “but it was a mistake nonetheless…” I stood, “Well, I’m going to head to bed. Hopefully I can sleep better than I did last night…”

“Yeah.” said Sun.

“Mind if we join you?” said Dragomir, standing.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t mind at all.” I said, smiling.

Eric stood up. “I am heading to my lab…...i...i need to decompress…...alone.” he left the room, in a bit of a hurry.

“Huh, that’s a bit odd…” Alyss said.

“We’re all shaken by this…” I said, “Besides, we all deal with grief in different ways…”

“Agreed.” said Dragomir. Him, Alyss and I left the dining hall. “On the way, we need to make a stop.”

“Hm?” Alyss asked, looking at him.

“Alright, where?” I asked.

“Our lab.” He said, smiling. First thing that popped in my head, “Oh no…...the Goth Makeover!”

“Oh, right!” Alyss said, “Totally slipped my mind.”

We walked past Chen and Coralia’s lab, which had sounds of cats as well as water. “Hope Chen doesn’t eat fish.” Dragomir said.

“Well… that’s a bit dark…” I said.

“We think darkly… Sort of comes naturally.” Alyss said.

I shuddered. Soon we reached the lab, which had scissors and what looked like crayons above the door. “Ready?” Dragomir asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Alyss said.

“No.” I thought, but smiled and nodded. “Go right ahead.”

Dragomir slid the keycard, the door opening. And my mouth dropped. It was like a mix between a makeup studio and gothic church. “Perfect, just like my studio.” Dragomir said, running to his side. “OOH, the very best for styling!” he was very excited.

“Of course,” Alyss said. “We are the best, after all.” She walked into her side. “Pastels and black… perfect.”

I walked slowly, taking in how…..amazing it was. Dark, but sophisticated and artistic.

“So, should we do the makeover now or later?” Alyss asked, looking over at Dragomir.

“It depends on our customer.” he said. “She must make the decision if she wants it or not.”

“....well…” I started, “It could get my mind off of things.” I walked closer to them. “Do your best.”

They both looked at me. “Alyss, lets make her look-” he started.

“Fabulous?” asked Alyss. “Gothic with a hint of girliness? She is a princess after all.”

“Why not…...Sophistication but mixed with a hidden wild side. Like that one time.” he said.

“Ooh, I remember that one!” Alyss said. “On it.”

I gulped. “Oh no!”

“I'll start the design for a style just for her. Shouldn’t take long.” Dragomir said, as he started drawing up mock designs. “So, Elle, what exactly is the side you don't normally show?”

“Huh?” I asked.

“You know… your hidden side?” Alyss said. “Everyone has one.”

“...Well…” I started, “I guess I try to hide more...emotions than anything else… I have a slight anger problem… and I get jealous easily…”

Dragomir’s hand was moving at a fast pace. “Ok, how about your likes? No ‘princess’ likes, your likes. Anime? Gaming? Books?”

“Oh, I love anime!” I said, “Video games are fun, but I’m not really good at them… and as for books… depends on the writer’s style.”

“Perfect!” He said, as he started going over the fabrics he had. “Alyss, you are up!”

“Hm, well, you probably prefer more simple makeup, right?” Alyss asked.

I nodded, “I don’t really wear much…” I replied.

“Alright, so let’s just pin back your hair for a moment, and…” she pulled out some makeup. “Get started now, shall we?” She started with a pale foundation, which ended up matching my skin tone pretty well. Then she moved on to the eye makeup, a slight bit of blush under the eyes, then a red lipstick. She then started doing my hair, straightening it and pulling it back into a black bow. “There… get that French makeup style out of you, and into more Japanese ones.” She moved me in front of a mirror. “So, what do you think?  It is your decision in the end.”

“...whoa… is that really me?” I asked, surprised.

“Yep.” she laughed.

“I love it!” I said.

Dragomir walked over. “Hate to ask but i need to get some measurements.” He said. “WHAT?!”

“W-w-wait, what?!” I asked.

“It’s standard, Elle.” Alyss said. “Just calm down, he’s not going to do anything…. I’d hit him before he could.”

“Alyss, you would still hit me even if i didn’t” he said, taking out a measuring tape. “And don’t worry. It may seem awkward at first but designing clothes requires …...this.”

“I s-see…” I said, softly. “Just tell me what to do then.”

“Well, lets start with the waist.” he said, asking for me to pull my skirt down slightly to get the right measurement.

I blushed, but did what he requested.

Then he got my arm length, leg length, stomach, neck and ‘bust’. Soon, he stopped. “Ok, i have all i need.” he said, returning to the fabrics, and started cutting, sewing and knitting the beautiful lace and sewing it on the dress. “It feels good to work again.” he said, as he placed it on a mannequin and pinned several areas. “Hm…….this is missing something. Maybe it leggings? I honestly do not know.”

“...No, not leggings… socks…. And platform heels.” Alyss said.

“Aha! What would I do without you!” he said, hugging Alyss before running to the socks and shoes, a skip in his step.

“Probably still be stuck on one of your other makeovers?” Alyss said, laughing.

“Hey, that time, the customer wouldn’t stop criticizing my work. ‘The frill is too long, the shoes are flat, the fabric itches.’ It was one thing after another! How can i work with my client making it like a celebrity cooking show?!” He exclaimed.

“...you like him, don’t you?” I softly said.

“H-huh?” Alyss asked, “I mean, he’s my best friend, so… how couldn’t I?”

He walked back out, with several pairs of socks and two pairs if identical shoes. “Man, finding identical pairs was interesting.”

“Well, let’s see what you picked.” Alyss said, back in professional mode.

He sat down the socks first, all of them were white but with different styles. Poofy, flat, rolled, etc.

“Well, she’s short, so long ones wouldn’t do…” Alyss said. However, I felt slightly drawn to a pair that had lace on the end.

“What about that pair?” I asked, pointing to them.

“Actually, that is perfect.” Dragomir said, smiling. “Seems like the princess has good eyes.”

I smiled, “I dabble in fashion every once in a while…” I said.

“Now for the shoes?” Alyss said.

He put the shoes on the table. Now i noticed that they were different styles, one proper, the other, more lolita style.

“Hmm…” Alyss started, “Now this is the difficult part.”

“Sophisticated, or gothic.” Dragomir said.

“....I like the more lolita pair.” I said.

Dragomir smiled. “Lolita it is!” he said, as he finished the hem work on the dress and handed it to me. “Now, to see it in full.”

Alyss took me to a dressing room, allowing me to change in private. I stepped out as soon as every piece was in place. “Well, well… don’t you make a pretty goth?” Alyss said.

“Like a lady expressing her true self.” Dragomir said, smiling. “I have to say, we have outdone ourselves again.”

“I agree. It’s amazing how much our teamwork helps us in the end.” Alyss said, as I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrors. I was shocked. They were right, this was actually really nice on me.

“I love it…” I said, smiling. “It’s amazing.”

“Now, all we have to do is see other peoples’ reactions… But that would be in the morning.” Alyss said.

“True.” dragomir said, putting his supplies away. “We do need to get some rest.”

“Right,” I said, “Thank you both so much. It was fun.”

“It’s nothing. Maybe one day I’ll give you a pastel goth makeover.” Alyss said, smiling as she headed to the door.

We left the room, and headed back to our dorms. I almost wanted to check on Eric, but kept myself from doing so. Instead, I just curled up in my bed for the night.