-Recap-

Akemi:Hey everyone! Akemi Minako here. In the last episode, we found out Sayaka was trying to murder someone so she could frame it on Makoto. Unfortunately, her plan failed. And she wound up killed by the very person she sought to kill. After a very heated debate (that mostly consisted of Kyoko and I trying to convince everyone of Makoto's innocence) that person turned out to be Leon Kuwata. He killed Sayaka, and disposed of his bloody shirt in the trash room. Or so he thought. It turns out a scrap had burned off, leaving evidence linking him to the crime. 

After our assumptions were confirmed, Leon was executed right in front of us. And just like that, they were both gone. It was as if they had never been there. We didn't even get a chance to mourn their deaths because of Monokuma's stupid rules! What more can Monokuma do to make us kill? What more can he take away from us?! Will someone kill again, or will we all be okay? Whatever happens, the remaining students are all in this together! And we won't be lead to kill so easily!

-Story-

Akemi:*I yawned as I woke up and heard Monokuma's usual morning annoucement. Mondo was already out of bed, brushing his teeth. I smiled and wrapped my arms around him*

Mondo:*smiles back* What was that for, Akemi?

Akemi:*I smiled* I'm just in a really good mood, that's all.  And after what happened yesterday...Well, I think a good mood is the right thing to have. *Just before we were about to head to the Dining Hall as usual, Monokuma's face appeared on the monitor again* 

Monokuma:*smiles, holding a glass full of wine* Good news, chickadees! Every time you sad sacks survive a death match with Lady Justice, you get a shiny presie(present). It's a whole new world! Don't you dare close your eyes! ((Nice song reference Monokuma! Lol.))*bares his claws* As much as I'd like to split you open from chins to cha-chas, it's my principally duty to stimulate that oatmeal you call brains! Happy huntin' chillins! And don't say I never gave you nothin'! 

Akemi:*The screen went dark again and I looked at Mondo* A whole new world? Could this mean...?

Mondo:*finishes my sentence* An exit outta here?!

Akemi:It's worth a shot! Let's go! *We met up with everyone else and discovered that the stairwell Sakura and Hina were talking about at our first meeting was now open to us.*

Hiro:*disappointed* "Whole new world"? It's a stairwell. 

Makoto:Looks like he gave us the second floor. 

Kyoko:*checks her map* And that has been updated as well.

Makoto:In that case...I guess we'd better head up there and check it out.

*As we all looked around, Hina tried giving Makoto some encouragement* 

Hina:Turn that frown upside-down, Naegi! If we work together, we'll find a way out of this place! I'm sure of it!

Byakuya:*scowls* Please! Spare us your blandishments, woman! One of our compatriots has butchered another! Once you cross that line, further villainy is assured!

Toko:That dead girl really screwed us over, didn't she?!

Akemi:*I tuned the rest of the conversation out and walked to the stairs for the second floor were Mondo and Taka were. There was a gate over them and Mondo growled*

Mondo:This is...Total bullshit!!!!

Akemi:Mondo...Please calm down. *I put my hand on his shoulder gently*

Mondo:How can you be so calm at a time like THIS, Akemi?! We're stuck here with NO WAY OUT!!!!!

Akemi:*I hugged him close, crying as I did so* I'm not calm...I'm just as angry as you are, believe me. But...The point is...Even if we didn't find an exit, it just gives us incentive to keep moving forward, right? 

Mondo:Akemi...

Akemi:So please...Calm down. Everything's gonna be alright, I promise you.

Mondo:*smiles and hugs me back* You're right. Thanks, Akemi. I needed that.

Akemi:*I simply smiled at that* It's my job as your girlfriend to cheer you up. Anyway, let's join back up with the others. *When we re-joined the group, I heard Byakuya arguing with some of the others.*

Byakuya:*yells at Hina* Quiet you! Lest we ALL drown in your naivete!

Hifumi:Care to explain?

Celeste:What he MEANS to say is...Whoever kidnapped us has more cloud at their disposal than at first. He's out of our league! 

Sakura:What are we supposed to do then? Give up?

Byakuya:The bear has been very frank with us. In order to graduate, one need only deceive his classmates. And considering MY classmates, there's nothing to it.

Chihiro:*in tears* But...It's deceiving them about MURDER! *tears fall down her face* I don't wanna kill anyone! I can't!

Akemi:*I hugged her* Don't listen to a word Byakuya says, Chihiro! He hasn't taken into account that we won't kill anyone, because we've seen what happens if we do! And after witnessing something like that, it's dumb to even THINK we'd try something like what Leon did! 

Byakuya:I see...So you're going to be ignorant to the end, Akemi Minako? Let me tell you this right now...*he stepped toward me until I was backed against a wall* You may think everyone won't kill again, but someone will. Eventually. And judging by the way you and Fujisaki are acting, I wouldn't be surprised if one of you are the next victims!

Akemi:*Those words hit me like a bullet to the heart. Byakuya was being so cruel towards Chihiro and I! I sobbed a bit and slapped him* If ANYONE is going to be murdered next, it's you, you bastard!!!!!!!!!! *I ran off and locked my room*

((AN:This next segment is gonna be in Mondo's POV, then back to Akemi's. Thanks. :)))

-Mondo's POV-

Akemi:If ANYONE is going to be murdered next, it's you, you bastard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Mondo:*I gasped as she ran off* Akemi!!!! *I quickly chased after her. When I got to her room, I heard someone singing.* Is that...Akemi's voice? *I leaned in closer and heard her clearly as she started a new song.*

((AN:I decided to have her sing the Danganronpa theme song. Thought it'd be fitting. Video on the top if you need (or want) to hear it.))

Male voice on tape: Reality slips far away

Fiction comes alive, we start to play it.

Hope is no more behind a closed door 

As we drift away from where we were before

Hope and Hopelessness become one

It's already meaningless we've already begun

Yup, we are all one and the same.

Never opposites we play the same game

So I listen to the world, know right from wrong

Stay focused so I could stay strong

If you ever wonder why I'm trapped inside,

It's probably just because I told a pack of lies.

Maybe a dream, maybe it was pride

Maybe for myself, I often wonder why.

Until our very last breath

We're runnin' after life, trying to beat death

We walk a thin line between hope and despair

Runnin' from the truth, but it's already here

Told so many lies, I don't know if they can find me!

Only one life to live, so choose wisely!

Heads or tails, do you even know what side you're on?

Does it really matter if it's on the same coin? 

If you wanna achieve, you gotta believe!

The time's right now!

There's the door, here's the key.

Akemi:*starts singing the female part*

Just gotta chase the pain away

Let it fade away

There's a ray of hope beyond despair!

Move on...

Look for the truth in this world!

(Only one life to live so choose wisely)

Slip through the confusion, find a solution

Beat the twisted evil things!

Just do it, go for it!

Never (say never)

Mondo:*I gasped as I heard Akemi singing. The rumors were certainly true. Akemi really does sing like an angel. A voice truly worthy of the Ultimate Singer. I didn't want to interrupt her, so I listened to the rest of the song*

Male voice:Don't be hopeless 

Stay focused

Got to grind every time, 'til they're open

Got to climb real high where the rope is

It is written in the sky

See the opus

And you know this

Please don't lose hope

Try to progress, keep your eye on the scope!

For yourself or do it for your folks

Dedication gotta swear the oath

From this day forth, stay on course

No despair, got to have a heart

Take no loss, every step costs

Everybody wants to see if you'll fall off

Keep your eyes on the prize

Been through the worst

Even cried on the side

No lie, never know what you'll find

Gotta believe, let's keep hope alive!

*long instrumental break*

Akemi:*comes in after its over* 

Ohhh!

Don't throw yourself away

Wipe all tears away

Even if the future seems uncertain

Survive, find true happiness 

In this world

(Dedication, got to swear the oath)

So have strong intention 

And change direction

'Cause the sky is the limit!

Just do it, go for it!

Never

(For yourself or do it for your folks)

Slip through the confusion 

Find a solution

Beat the twisted evil things!

Just do it, go for it!

Never

(Gotta believe, let's keep hope alive!)

*End song*

Mondo:*After I heard her sing, I knocked. She turned off whatever she was singing along with and answered*

Akemi:Who is it?

Mondo:It's me, Mondo. Can I come in? *There was a click as the lock turned and she opened the door, allowing me inside*

-Akemi's POV-

Akemi:*I turned to Mondo* So what did you want?

Mondo:I..came to check on you. You were crying and I...I couldn't stand to see you hurt or upset like that. So I came here. Then I...I heard...

Akemi:*My face turned red and I knew what he meant. He heard me singing.* I...I see...You heard me singing. Well, it's like Byakuya said, my singing is nothing special. You probably hated it.

Mondo:No! Are you kidding? I LOVED it. Your singing is so beautiful. And...You're so wonderful at it! And if Togami throws one more insult at you, I'll beat that son of a bitch to a bloody  fuckin' pulp! 

Akemi:*I blushed deeply* Mondo...Did you really...like my singing?

Mondo:*nods and smiles* Really. It's the best sound I've ever heard. And I mean it.

Akemi:*I cried and hugged him close* Thank you...You're the only person...Who's said that and truly meant it. Besides my family, that is. 

Mondo:*smiles and hugs me close*

-The next day-

Akemi:*The next day, everyone gathered in the library on the second floor. I marveled at all the books on music and grabbed every single one I could find. Maybe this would help with my singing technique and make my music sound better! I saw Hifumi struggling to find a book and walked up to him, pointing out one.* How about this one, Hifumi-san?

Hifumi:Read it. 

Akemi:*I pointed to another one* This one?

Hifumi:Read it.

Akemi:*I was growing slightly more frustrated* Ooh! Here's one. *I showed it to him* It's an amazing story about...

Hifumi:Read it.

Akemi:*My frustration was ascending to rage, slowly but surely. Was there ANYTHING in this library he hadn't read?!* Fine. How about this book? It's got pictures in it. 2-D pictures, at that! *I smiled on the inside as he flipped through the pages. Surely I'd helped him! I'd finally found one he hadn't-!*

Hifumi:*puts it back on the shelf, shuddering* Read it. Hated it.

Akemi:*I groaned in frustration and utter rage and threw my hands into the air* I GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *I walked over to where Kyoko, Byakuya, and Makoto were standing. Byakuya was pressing the switch of an old computer, trying to turn it on, but to no avail*

Byakuya:*groans* It won't even turn ON. Cut-rate piece of junk!

Kyoko:Not that I believed we could Google our way out of this mess, but it did cross my mind.

Byakuya:*turns to Makoto* Well? Any luck?

Makoto:*pulls something from the drawer. An envelope* "Hope's Peak Academy...Principal." 

*Our eyes widened at those words*

Makoto:This envelope...Says it's a note from the principal. Let's see what we got here. *reads it to himself* Huh?! Judging by what I see here, this isn't even a SCHOOL anymore!

Akemi:Not a school anymore?! What do you mean, Makoto? What's it say?

Makoto:It says here..."School operations will resume...Once the issues have been resolved."

Akemi:*The letter left me with so many questions* Issues? What issues? This makes no sense!

Kyoko:Apparently this stopped being a legitimate school before we set foot on campus.

Makoto:I don't know how it was for YOU, but it looked plenty legit when I saw it.

Akemi:*I nodded in agreement.* Same here.  *Byakuya started to ramble again, so I walked away and back to where Taka was, until Mondo walked up.* 

Mondo:Akemi...There's something we need to talk about. I need you to come to my room tonight. Okay?

Akemi:*I nodded* O...Okay.

Byakuya:*smirks and finishes his ramble* ...The least we can do is enjoy ourselves. 

Makoto/Akemi:What...the hell?

Mondo:*steps up, angered* That little pissant's treating it like a GAME! You're in danger too, ya know?!

Byakuya:*smirks* It is a game, you philistine. 

Celeste:A zero-sum game, correct? Whatever you win, you take from another. Vying for spots at a good school, promotions at work, and in this scenario, the prize is life itself, but only for one of us.

*Everyone gasped and some whimpered at those words*

Akemi:No, that can't be true!!! *I buried my face into Mondo's chest, suppressing my sobs* It just can't!

Makoto:Yeah, thanks for that.

Celeste:*turns to Byakuya* Honestly, the thought that you may not survive has never crossed your mind, has it?

Byakuya:*smirks* No, and why would it?

Akemi:*I clenched my fists at Byakuya's words* You jerk! Do the people who died the other day mean NOTHING to you?! We lost two of our friends!

Byakuya:Because they were weak. Leon's stupidity turned out to be his undoing, and Maizono's hesitation, hers.

Akemi:You son of a-! *I tried to hit him, but Taka held me back* 

Taka:He's not worth it. Calm down.

Akemi:*I sighed and lowered my hand as Celeste spoke*

Celeste:I would expect no less from the heir of an elite conglomerate such as the Togami Corporation. But the world must look different to you. For the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, games like this serve as accolades to be won. Even with your life on the line, you don't waiver.

Byakuya:*smirks* So you do understand me. *turns to the rest of us, scowling* Should I spell it out for the rest of you plebeians? You'd better try your damnedest to win! Nothing bores me more than a bunch of QUITTERS!

*Everyone was silent. Until...*

Chihiro:No, I can't! This is just WRONG! *tears fill her eyes* Why are you talking about it so CALMLY?! It's horrible...FRIENDS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO KILL EACH OTHER!!!!!!!

Akemi:*tears filled my eyes as well.* Chihiro...

Byakuya:We are NOT friends. We are STRANGERS, deadlocked in a fight for survival! 

Chihiro:But that's so...RUTHLESS!!!!

Byakuya:*pushes up his glasses* You voted Kuwata guilty with the rest of us.

Hina:So good thing he got what was comin' to him, ya know? Would've been our necks with the cut hairline on them instead.

Akemi:*I nodded, gently putting a hand on Chihiro's shoulder* She's right, Chihiro...Had we voted for Makoto, we would've all died.

Hifumi:Yeah! They're right! Assuming you don't get off on that kind of stuff, don't blame yourself! 

Makoto:Listen to them, Fujisaki! Even Kuwata...wasn't totally at fault! Whoever took us...This is on their hands!

*Monokuma's face flashes on the monitor behind us*

Monokuma:*claps onscreen*Right on! You pass that buck! You're telling me Leon played "Hide the Cutlery" with Maizono and it's NOT his fault?! Oh I get it! "She was going to kill him if he didn't beat her to the punch!" Bye-bye freewill? Whatever helps you sleep at night, darlings! *monitor goes black again*

Hiro:*eyes narrow* Man! That bear is a DICK!

Akemi:*Chihiro fell to her knees, crying and after hearing that, I did the same*

Mondo:*looks at us both, concerned and speaks gently* Stop that! You're just givin' him what he wants. 

Byakuya:*smirks and scoffs* Taken up coddling the weakest links, eh?

Mondo:*growls angrily and cracks his knuckles* That's it! I'M FEEDIN' THIS DUDE HIS TEETH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akemi:*I quickly stood up and ran to Mondo as Taka grabbed him* Mondo, no!

Taka:Calm down!

Mondo:Let go!!! *throws him aside*

Hina:Hey! You need to CHILL OUT, Oowada!

Akemi:*I hugged him from behind* Mondo, please...Calm down. He's not...worth it. Please...

Mondo:*growls*

Byakuya:*scowls more* As enthralling as it is to watch you beat your chest like a caged monkey, I'm sick of this sham. *walks away* 

Mondo:*yells after him* Runnin' like a BITCH, huh?!

Toko:*grabs her head* Togami is right! I can't trust anyone! 

Hina:Really?! Now is when you finally decide to lose it?!

Toko:N-No one gives a damn! Whether I'm alive or dead! You could find me torn to pieces....and y-you'd say...At l-least it w-wasn't me!!!!

Makoto:*reaches out to her* Fukawa...Nobody wants you dead! Just calm do-!

Toko:*yells at him* LIAR!!!!! IT'S IN YOUR EYES, ALL OF YOU!!!! *runs out* 

Hiro:*blinks* Man...There's CRAZY, and then there's that chick. 

*Everyone nods in agreement*

Akemi:Mondo...Are....you okay...now?

Mondo:*nods* Yeah I am. Come on. There's something I want to tell you. *leads me to his room*

Akemi:Mondo...*I was shocked by how suddenly he'd changed. Did something...hurt him?* 

-Mondo's Room-

Akemi:*I looked at Mondo, concern brimming in my eyes* Mondo, what's going on? What's this about?

Mondo:There's...something I need to tell you. Something...that's been hurting me for a while.

Akemi:*I touched his face gently* Tell me. 

Mondo:A-are you sure? Akemi, this is super serious. You could...You could want nothing to do with me after I tell you.

Akemi:*I kissed him quickly* Mondo, there's nothing you would say that would make me want nothing to do with you.

Mondo:R-Really?

Akemi:*I nodded and smiled* I love you too much to treat you like that. Now tell me what's wrong. What's been hurting you?

Mondo:Akemi...I...

*Right when he was about to explain, the door bust open. (Mondo forgot to lock it.) Standing outside it was a VERY FURIOUS Taka.*

Taka:A-ha! Caught in the act! How dare you two engage in such vulgar activities after what just happened! I'll have you know this is in violation of school rules!!!

Akemi:*My face went red. The stupid pervert! What the hell was he THINKING?!* We were just talking, Taka! That's not against the rules!

Taka:A likely story! But I know no good can come from a girl and a boy being alone in a room together! We're only in high school! That's too soon for you to be sexually active!!!!! 

Akemi:*I turned an even darker red than Celeste's eyes.* 

Mondo:Jackass! We weren't doing anything INAPPROPRIATE! We were just TALKING!

Taka:Enough of this nonsense! Ms. Minako, go to your room! And as for you, Mondo...I'll have you reported for this! 

Mondo:*sarcastically*Oooh! I'm sooo scared! Anything but that! Why don't you call my mom too, Mr. Hall Monitor!

Taka:*growls angrily and stomps off, cursing under his breath*

Mondo:*mumbles under his breath, before turning to me* Akemi, I'm really sorry about this. I didn't mean for you to be embarrassed like that. Least of all by him. 

Akemi:It's okay. We didn't do anything for us to get punished. There's no rule that says a guy can't take a girl to his room for a private conversation. 

Mondo:*smiles a little* Yeah, that's true. Man, I love loopholes! Goodnight, Akemi. 

Akemi:*I kissed his cheek gently* Goodnight. *I walked back to my room and sighed, laying down.* Taka's being such a jerk. He's never acted like this before! Does that mean...He hates him? No...Maybe he just dislikes his attitude. *I yawned and after a few minutes of tossing and turning, sleep found me.*

-The next morning-

Akemi:*I yawned as I woke up and heard voices from the dining hall. Taka's and Mondo's voices to be exact. I walked inside and saw them talking to Makoto*

Taka:Ah! Naegi, Minako! You're timings are impeccable! 

Makoto:What's going on?

Akemi:Yeah, what's up with you two today?

Mondo:We need a ref and since you two showed up first, you get the job. Goody-two-shoes over here keeps shooting his mouth off! Thinks I lack self-control or some CRAP!

Taka:Well, of course you lack it! If you HAD self-control, you wouldn't solve every challenge with your FISTS!

Mondo:Yeah?! Says the guy who YELLS all the damn time?! I got more self-control than YOU, a-hole! 

Taka:That'll be the day!

Akemi:*I was going to speak. To tell them to take it easy. But Mondo's right hook on the first day taught me to keep my mouth shut when it comes to an argument amongst men.* 

Mondo:*gets in Taka's face* You talk a big GAME, poindexter! Let's see if you got the BALLS to back it up!!!!

*Suddenly, Mondo and Taka teamed up and grabbed Makoto, carrying him down the hall.*

Akemi:*I sighed and followed. No way was I gonna let Mondo or Taka get hurt! Regardless of what happened yesterday, Taka was still my friend! We arrived at the sauna*

Mondo:To prove I'm the best, I'll go inside the sauna with ALL of my clothes on!

Taka:*eyes widen* ALL OF YOUR CLOTHES ON!? That's SUICIDE!!!!!

Mondo:Maybe, but it'll prove I can last longer than you. That I can take more that YOU can!

Akemi:*After that spat, Mondo and Taka stepped into the sauna. A few minutes later, I started to get worried about them* Think they're okay?

Makoto:I'll check. *calls through the window of the sauna* So, you guys? It's been, like, 40 minutes! You still okay in there?

Akemi:*From inside, we heard voices* 

Mondo:You're lookin' pretty pink there, Pollyanna! How's that self-control treatin' ya?

Taka:*growls angrily* This is my REGULAR COMPLEXION!

Mondo:You're sweatin' like a stuck pig! 

Taka:*laughs* This level of heat is CHILD'S PLAY!!! Let me know when it ACTUALLY warms up!!!!

Makoto:*smiles nervously* Why don't we call it a tie?

Akemi:He's right. There's no point in this. You guys have nothing to prove!

Mondo/Taka:THE HELL WITH THAT!!!!!!

Makoto:Don't you think we'd be better off in our rooms? It IS after 10!

Taka:Winning this duel is all that MATTERS!!!!

Mondo:That's too bad for you then! I've faced more heat than the Devil's nutsack! Naegi! Akemi! We got this! You can go!!!

Makoto:Alright! Be careful, you guys! *starts to leave and turns to me. Akemi? You coming? 

Akemi:Hold on a second, Naegi. *cups my hands and yells loudly* Hey!!!! Mondo!!! Taka!!! Don't you dare die in there!

Mondo:No way in hell I'm gonna die! I have to keep....my promise to you!

Taka:And I...Have so much more to live for! I won't die, either! 

Akemi:*I smiled and left with Makoto* They'll be fine, I'm sure. 

Makoto:I sure hope so. Night, Akemi.

Akemi:Goodnight, Makoto. *I flopped onto my bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.*

-2nd Free Day, Morning-

Akemi:*I walked into the Dining Hall and heard laughing. I rubbed my eyes and looked up and was shocked to see Mondo wrapping his arm around Taka's shoulders, and them laughing like best friends!* Huh?!

Makoto:What's...going on here?

Mondo:*grinning widely* Ah! You're such a kidder! 

Taka:*doing the same*Maybe you just have a great sense of humor, friend-o! 

Mondo:*looks at me and Makoto* Ah! Hey Naegi! Akemi! How's it hangin'?

Taka:Thanks for helping out with our little duel!

Akemi:*My complete and utter shock quickly turned into happiness.* What got into you two all of a sudden? Yesterday, you were at each other's throats, and now you're friends! Brothers, even! I'm happy. *I smiled at them*

Taka:Your girlfriend's an amazing girl, bro! 

Mondo:I know, bro! Isn't she great?

Akemi:*I smiled and laughed a little*

Makoto:So...they're FRIENDS now?

Hina:*sighs heavily, putting down her teacup* Who knows? But it's hella creepy whether they're faking it or NOT.

Mondo/Taka:*both laugh*

Taka:As if a GIRL could understand the bond forged between two MEN! Akemi can't even comprehend it!

Akemi:*My eyes narrowed at that sentence* Hey!!!! I do so!

Mondo:Relax, hun. He's only kidding! That's why I love my bro so much!

Taka:Ours is a friendship tempered in flames itself!

Mondo:*laughs* Man, I love it when you get poetic!

Makoto:*smiles at them* So? Which one of you left the sauna first?

Mondo:*smiles proudly* That's all water under the bridge now, little man!

Taka:Put our duel out of your mind! *moves his hands around wierdly* Kame-hame- FORGET ABOUT IT!!!! ((AN:Points if ya get THAT reference! Lol.))

Mondo:You're over NINE THOUSAND!!!!!!! ((Points if you get THAT one too!!!! XD)) 

*The two of them laugh in unison. Suddenly, a crash rang out throughout the Dining Hall. We all turned to see Celeste had thrown the tea Hifumi made for her against the wall*

Hifumi:*trembles slightly* The...Milk tea wasn't to your liking?

Celeste:Serving me this swill is a culinary slap in the FACE!

Hifumi:*gasps*

Celeste:Henceforth...My royal milk tea will be simmered in MILK, and not just sloughed into a cup!

Hifumi:This is a lot of work!

Celeste:*loses her composure and yells at Hifumi* GO MAKE IT AGAIN YOU CORPULENT BOOT-LICKER!!!!!!!!

Hifumi:*screams and runs into the kitchen* Yes! At once! Your boot-licker is on the case, milady!!!!!!!

Celeste:*regains her composure* I'm so glad we had this talk.

*Everyone just stared in awe at Celeste's attitude change when all of a sudden...Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse...*

*Ding dong, bing bong*

Monokuma:*appears on the monitor* Sup! How about you expendable little spit fires do Principal Monokuma a solid, and head over to the Gym, yeah? We're gonna have ourselves a Pep Rally! Come on meatsacks! Show me some HUSTLE!!!!

*A hush came over the room as Monokuma's face disappeared from the monitor*

Akemi:*I was afraid. The last time Monokuma announced a Pep Rally, two things happened. One was we found out that one of us killed Sayaka, and the other was Junko's death. I whimpered and shook all over. Mondo had a short temper. He proved that yesterday when he jumped at Byakuya. What if...Monokuma kills him next?!*

Mondo:*looks at me, concerned* Akemi? Are you alright?

Makoto:*concerned as well* Akemi?

Akemi:*I sobbed* How can he...do this again? The last time this happened...What if it happens again? What if one of us winds up dead like Junko?! 

Mondo:*hugs me close* There's no way that's gonna happen to ANY of us! And if Monokuma tries ANYTHING, I'll protect you! No matter what! You understand?! No one's gonna die again!

Akemi:Mondo...Thank you...*I smiled a little*

Mondo:*smiles as well* Come on...We'd better head to the Gym.

Akemi:*I nodded*

-Gym-

Monokuma:I'll give it to ya straight, since I've still got a lotta drinking to do. I look out at you kids and you know what I see? I see a bunch of teenagers who AREN'T dead! Major bummer! That's why I'm gonna light a fire under your butts to keep things MOVIN'! Maybe a REAL one. Don't tempt me. That in mind, today's theme is...Embarassing moments! Or, the past secrets you want KEPT secrets! *throws several envelopes in the air*

Akemi:*I quickly grabbed the one labeled with my name. I ripped open the envelope and screamed* Th...THIS CAN'T BE!!!!!!! HOW DID YOU KNOW?!?!?! *My screams of rage turned into tears of pain as I re-read the secret in my envelope* "Akemi Minako, the Ultimate Singer whom you believe is sooo innocent, killed someone!" *I sobbed more* It wasn't my fault! It was out of self-defense! That guy was gonna rape me! I had to do something! 

Monokuma:Skeletons in the closet aren't my forte, me being a stuffed bear and all, but every human has some of 'em swinging around their closet all secret-like! *he laughs* Time's a wastin' chillins! If I don't get a murder in 24 hours, all of your skeletons will become front-page news!!! And trust me, we've got some real juicies in here! Well! Smell ya later! *disappears* 

Hina:Yeah so...No one's gonna go on a killing spree to keep their secret a SECRET, right?

Akemi:I...I...I have to go!!!!!*I cried and ran away, running to my room. Halfway there, Mondo stopped me* Let go of me, Mondo!!!! 

Mondo:Not until you tell me what's wrong with you! Why are you crying? Is your secret that bad?

Akemi:*I screamed* N-NO!!!!!!! I can't tell you!!!! You'd just judge me like everyone else!!!!! 

Mondo:AKEMI!!!! *his voice broke, but became gentler* Listen to me...I'd never...ever judge you. No matter what your secret is...You're too important to me for that! Please...Just tell me. 

Akemi:Fine, but...Not here. *I looked at the Gym doors, then back at Mondo* Someone might overhear us. Let's go to my room. 

Mondo:*nods*

-My (Akemi's) room-

((Warning:This next moment between Akemi and Mondo is a very SAD one. Have tissues ready!)) 

Akemi:*I opened the door and Mondo and I stepped inside. I locked it and sighed, sitting on the bed beside Mondo*

Mondo:Now tell me...What's wrong?

Akemi:*I swallowed my pride and looked Mondo in the eyes* Mondo...Back when I was in Jr. High...I was picked on easily. Everyone targeted me because they knew I wouldn't fight back. It got so bad to the point where I bought and carried a pocketknife. *I showed it to him* One day, I was taking a shortcut home through an alleyway. A strange old man grabbed me by the arm and forced me against a brick wall. *I was in tears at this point* 

Mondo:Akemi...If it's too painful for you...

Akemi:N-no...I can do it...Otherwise, how will I get past it? 

Mondo:*nods* Go on...

Akemi:*I continued* He forced me against a brick wall. "Don't worry," he said. "If you make things fun for me and do exactly what I tell you, I won't hurt you!" I didn't know what he meant, but...I was too young to understand. Suddenly, the man reached up my shirt and grabbed my breast. I slapped his hand away and he slammed me against the wall. He just continued to touch me. He wouldn't STOP, no matter how many times I begged him!

Mondo:Wait a second...So he was...Trying to RAPE you?!

Akemi:*I nodded* Y-yes. At one point, I managed to push him away. But when I did that, he took a broken bottle and came at me with it. I was scared... I was so scared, I didn't know what I'd done until it happened! When the adrenaline rush wore off, I saw blood everywhere. It wasn't my blood. It was the old man's. He was dead in a pool of his own blood at my feet. That's what my secret is..."Akemi Minako, the Ultimate Singer who you think is sooo innocent...Killed someone." I-if anyone found out about that....They'd all judge me...A-and I don't wanna lose the friends I've worked so hard to keep by my side...Makoto and the others...They're all too important to me...to lose! You're too important to me! *At that moment, I felt arms wrap around me* M...Mondo.... *I hugged back and sobbed into his arms*

Mondo:*holds me close to him* That's...A really heavy burden...But...It wasn't your fault! You only acted out of self-defense. He was going to rape you...You didn't have a choice. I understand. And even if the others found out, they would too. You've gotta let it go, Akemi. It wasn't your fault. It was self-defense, okay?

Akemi:*I nodded and dried my tears* O...Okay...Thank you...Mondo...You're the only one...who understands my pain.

Mondo:*smiles and holds me close* And you mine. Maybe that's why...we're meant to be together! *he brushed my hair back gently and smiled, pulling away* Anyway, I'm going to bed. Night, Akemi.

Akemi:Goodnight, Mondo. *I smiled after he left and quickly fell asleep*

-The next morning-

Monokuma:*appears on the monitor for the morning announcement* Top of the morning, everyone! While you were all busy drooling into your pillows, one of your classmates just got a little HOMICIDE! I wonder who bit the big one?

Akemi:*My eyes widened* Someone died again? No...Oh God no! Please...Please don't let it be someone I care for! Please let it be Byakuya this time!!!! *I rushed to the Dining Hall, where I saw Makoto, Hiro, Sakura,  Hina, and, to my disappointment and horror, Byakuya.* Who's missing?! *I was hoping and praying Mondo was okay.* 

Hiro:*looks away, saddened* It's too soon to say yet, bra. 

Sakura:But yet again, one of us has turned into a killer.

Hina:Do you really believe that? Who'd kill someone over a dumb secret?!

Byakuya:It's dumb to YOU, perhaps. But not all secrets are created equal. Let's look for clues. Naegi...You're with me. 

Akemi:Oh, hell no! You think I'm just gonna let you take off with Makoto?! No way! I don't trust you...Maybe YOU killed to keep YOUR secret! 

Byakuya:Why you insolent little-! *raises his arm*

Akemi:*I flinched*

Makoto:*smiles* Akemi...It's okay. I'll be fine. You just go find Mondo. I know you're worried about him. 

Akemi:*I reluctantly nodded and watched as Byakuya lead Makoto away.* Makoto...Please...Please be careful! I still don't trust Byakuya. He could be up to something! *Shaking that thought out of my head, I went to find Mondo. I ran to his bedroom and knocked* Mondo!!!! *I turned the doorknob, and to my horror, it opened. He usually had it locked!* Just like Sayaka...Please don't tell me that Mondo's-! No, he can't be!!!! *I walked inside and saw the bathroom door was shut. I began to fear the worst, until...*

Mondo:Akemi? 

Akemi:*I turned and gasped happily as I saw him, drying his hair. He looked like he'd just washed it.*  Mondo!!!!!! *I wrapped him in a hug, crying my eyes out*

Mondo:*hugs back* Hey...It's okay. Where's the fire, Akemi? Why are you crying? 

Akemi:*I sobbed more* S...Someone was killed last night! I...I thought it was you! I looked everywhere for you! 

Mondo:*eyes widen in shock* Someone was murdered?! Who?!

Akemi:I...I don't know, but... *My sentence was interrupted as Taka opened the door, a look of pure horror on his face* Taka?! What's wrong?

Taka:C-Come to the girl's locker room on the second floor! Hurry! It's Fujisaki! 

Akemi:*My eyes widened in shock* Ch...Chihiro?! Is she alright?! 

Taka:No time to explain!!!! Just follow me! 

Akemi:*We nodded and without hesitation, followed him inside* Chihiro...Please don't be dead!

-Girl's locker room-

Akemi:*I gasped in horror at what I saw. Chihiro's body was suspended and blood was on her head, face, uniform top and skirt, and her legs. Above her, written on the wall in blood, were the words "Bloodbath Fever". Tears filled my eyes at the sight* Ch...Chi...Chihi..ro...NO!!!!!! CHIHIRO!!!!!!!!! *I buried my face into Mondo's chest, sobbing harder against him* It can't be true!!! Sh-she was so nice! Who would do this?! 

Byakuya:Didn't you listen to the bear last time a murder occurred?! It was one of us, Minako! 

Akemi:*As much as I didn't want to believe it, he was right. One of us was staring at our own handiwork. And we needed to find out who that person is at all costs! For Chihiro's sake, as well as our own!* Makoto...Read the Monokuma File to us...Please.

Makoto:*nods and reads it aloud to us* "The victim is Chihiro Fujisaki. Time of death, roughly 2:00 A.M. The corpse was found on the second floor in the Girl's Locker Room, near the classroom area. The fatal injury was a blow to the head by a blunt object. Death occurred instantly." 

Akemi:*I looked around for something resembling a blunt object and gasped as I saw a blood-stained dumbbell.* Makoto! Look at this! *I showed it to him* 

Makoto: You found the murder weapon? *looks the dumbbell over* Yep, that's definitely the murder weapon. It's gotta be! Good job, Akemi.

Akemi:And they must've killed her right here. *I pointed to a blood stain on the carpet.* That explains the blood splatter on the carpet.

Kyoko:*gets a closer look at the body and gasps* That's not rope...It's an extension cord. 

Makoto:Extension cord, huh? Wasn't there one in the Library?

Akemi:Yeah, there was! 

Kyoko:Yes...I do seem to remember seeing it there.

Makoto:Hey, you don't see her e-Handbook around, do you? It's gotta be here somewhere!

Akemi:*I looked at the wall. On it was a picture of a large-chested swimsuit model* That swimsuit poster shouldn't be on our wall. We're girls! Why would we wanna see THAT when we change?! *I stayed around the locker room for a while and tried to look for more clues there.* Hm...It doesn't look like there's anything else worthwhile here. *Just when I was about to leave to search more...I heard..it.*

*Ding dong, dong ding!*

Monokuma:*appears on the monitors* I know the idea is to give you toddlers a chance to figure out whodunit, but this is like watching paint DRY! Enough shuffling your feet! It's time to trial! 

Akemi:*I sighed* I hope we're ready... *I quickly boarded the elevator with everyone else* 

To be continued..!

Surviving Students:12

Next time:Secrets of Despair! The Second Class Trial! 

((AN:I would like to thank my good friend TheSaiyanJedi5 for helping me come up with ideas for this chapter. Thanks so much! You're the best! :)))