Fanganronpa: Epigone

Chapter Three- Partners in Crime II

The next day, Masaru was glad to say he felt like himself again as he made his way to the dining hall. It was morning and he hoped he could observe more of the game room now that he was feeling better.

Masaru walked in and saw Mizuno, Toma, and Matsuyama as usual but this time Nao and Shoji were also present although Shoji looked extremely cranky at the fact that he was up this early.

Masaru could feel the gloom in the atmosphere as he came closer for some reason which was particularly coming from Mizuno and Matsuyama.

"What's wrong with you two?" He asked.

Nao must have left Pinku in her room and she side eyed Mizuno. "Go on. Tell him."

"Yesterday when we were at the pool," Mizuno started, "I know you all saw Monokuma show up but you didn't hear what he said."

She fell silent and Matsuyama continued for her.

"Supposedly we're supposed to receive our next motive today."

"Already?" Masaru questioned, "I wonder what it will be this time."

"Don't entertain the thought," Mizuno told him.

"This is sad and all," Shoji yawned, "but it doesn't distract me from the fact that I'm still hungry."

Mizuno looked to Matsuyama with puppy eyes. "Will big brother Matsu cook us breakfast to make us feel better?"

Matsuyama chuckled and sighed before standing up and heading to the kitchen. After a while, the others joined them in the dining hall and Mizuno broke the news to them.

"This is just splendid," Priscilla mumbled.

"Alright, when are we going to kill that thing?" Seto asked, irritated.

"I'm gonna go crazy if I spend another second in a class trial," Valini said shutting her eyes and Herb rubbed her back.

"What are we going to do?" Winona asked.

"What do you think?" Shoji rolled his eyes, "wait for the next murder."

Masaru didn't want to admit it but the guy was right. Unless they could magically find an exit in the next two minutes they'd be reliving everything all over again.

Everyone ate the breakfast that Matsuyama brought out with the help of Winona and the table was silent. Some people tried to make small talk but there was no use for it.

Then just like before, Monokuma appeared then frowned once he read the atmosphere.

"Why aren't y'all in a good mood?" Monokuma complained, "I was hoping to ruin it."

"What do you want?" Umeda snapped.

"Oh you already know!"

Everyone at the table groaned and they indeed already knew where to go. Mizuno tapped Masaru's shoulder as they all walked to the gym.

"After whatever Monokuma has planned for us, meet me in the game room."

Masaru narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Just do it," Mizuno whispered, "I'm inviting a few others but don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

Masaru shrugged and entered the gym after everyone else. Once he stepped inside, he felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but think of Arata. This was the place he tried to get the others to have fun but now he's gone. He even told them not to continue this killing game but here they were, in the same predicament.

Monokuma took his place on the podium and addressed his students, getting straight to the point. "I'm sure you already figured but the last motive's theme was justice! However, today's theme is friendship!"