Uncertain [YTTD]

[6 - Tense Anticipation]

A/N: I know Kanna and Sara talk outside of the game room, but I don't really understand why Mishima was there so I'm making them talk outside of the bar to make things quicker (and I guess easier to understand). Apologies!

~~~~~

As [Name] was busy despairing, they heard a few voices outside of the bar, making them lift their head up. Peeking outside but not stepping into the conversation, they saw Sara and Joe talking to Kanna, who was now awake.

"...Could Kanna...have saved her?" The girl asked in a soft voice.

"Oh...we're at this part. I see."

The high-school students stayed quiet, until Sara looked like she was about to say something. Before she could, Mishima tapped [Name]'s shoulder, making them step aside.

"Oh my, miss Kanna. Reko and Nao were looking for you, you know?" He interrupted, making all eyes turn to him.

"I probably shouldn't interrupt this." [Name] decided, heading back inside the bar. "I'll wait till they're done talking, I guess."

"Is everything okay out there, meow?" Gin asked.

"Yeah, they'll be fine. Kanna just woke up and is talking to Sara, Joe, and Mishima now."

"Oh, big sis Sara and big bro Joe are okay? That's good, woof."

[Name] nodded, slumping in their seat. "I'm a bit bored...I guess I can start writing in the notebook now."

Uncapping the pen, they brought out the journal they held around and opened to the first page. They spent their time diligently writing notes on everything that happened so far in the game, and some extra analysis on the participants they met along the way.

"Maybe I should write stuff in code too in case someone gets their hands on this..." They muttered.

"Oh! You have paper, big sib [Name]?" Gin asked, hopping on a stool next to them. "Can we play tic tac toe, meow?"

"Huh? Oh...sure, okay." After writing a quick note, they ripped out a sheet of paper and placed it between themselves and Gin. The two continued to play until Sara and Joe walked into the room after Mishima.

"Haha, nicely done Gin. Didn't see that." [Name] hummed, marking the total number of wins 6-5, Gin in the lead.

"You're pretty good too, woof!"

"What are you guys doing?" Sara asked.

"Playing tic tac toe." They responded in unison.

"It is pretty boring here, huh?" Joe sighed. "The dartboard was just a challenge to get another doll limb." He held up a left leg.

"It's still creepy how they look pretty realistic, meow." Gin nodded.

[Name] tuned out the boys talking and turned to Sara, who was now talking to Mishima. The professor seemed to be happy as she handed him a cigar and a lighter. She sweatdropped, nodding at whatever he said, then headed to the doorway to leave the room.

"Hey, Joe, let's go."

"Hold up a minute Sara, there's something else here." Joe looked at [Name]. "Uh, can you move for a sec?"

"Oh, sorry." They got off the stool and moved it to the side, revealing something below the counter.

"A sliding door!"

"Heheh, glad I saw that before we left, huh Sara?" He gave a playful grin to her, making the girl roll her eyes. "Anyways, lemme see if I can open it up."

He crouched, grabbing the handle, and slowly pulled it open. Grinning, he stood up, wiping his forehead with his arm. "Whew...that was one stiff door!"

"And to think Sou couldn't even open it, haha." [Name] internally laughed.

Sticking an arm into the dark space, Joe pulled out a cigar cutter and handed it to Sara.

"There's something bigger in the back...alright, what's this—?" He yelped as he pulled out a right leg.

"Looks like this one's a doll limb too. Take it, Joe."

"Wh...why are you so calm...?" He whined.

Mishima noticed the cigar cutter in her hands and asked if he could take it, which led to them asking if he wanted to smoke. They eventually opened up the cigar to discover there was a 1000-yen bill inside, causing the professor to slump and hand back the lighter and bill. The two left the bar shortly after to use the vending machine outside.

After a few more random paper games with Gin, they stood up. "Well, I'll be going now. I'll see you guys soon." [Name] waved to the two and ended up in the central hall.

Most of the group was there, and Keiji (once again) noticed [Name] and walked up to them.

"Hey, [Name]. Joe said to head to the pink room, they got all the doll's limbs. Almost everyone has assembled, so you can go while I get Gin and Mishima."

"Alright, thanks." They started to walk to the cafeteria, slightly trembling.

"There's a few more things I need to do before I can ensure his safety...hopefully this will work."