Home is where the Heart is

When she was handed back the note, Karin neatly folded it and tucked it back into her pocket, keeping it safe for the trial in case they ever needed it. Who knows, what if Mayu left something for them. But..the only people who leave things are…the ones who chose the die. Death by suicide, your own hand. 

Ever since the two suicides from a while ago, she felt a pinch of pain every time she thought about how it happened. They were pushed over the edge and couldn’t take it anymore. Sure, Karin didn’t know their own thought process of the time it happened, but she felt that they just wanted this: a peaceful escape. 

She thought about this as she made her way to the shrine, not even blinking to make sure Mari had caught up to her. As she reached the garden area of the shrine, she gazed up at the sky to look at Hayato, her hand blocking out the sun. “Alright.” Karin mumbled to Mari as she felt her presence leave her side as she continued staring at Hayato. The bird looked like he was circling the area for a while, never landing. She sighed, she guessed she would never get the bird down, she didn’t know how to in the first place anyway.

Karin was about to give up when she narrowed her eyes at the sight. Hayato’s normal appearance was different, no..there were splashes of blood he was covered in, especially the area of the beak and talon. She balled her hands into fists as she turned her gaze down, disgusted by the sight. Now, what the ever loving fuck was that. 

Two gloves. One brown which she recognized to be Mayu's... And another glove, a much plainer one which she didn't recognize. Picking up the two, Mari turned towards Karin as she came over.

"You bet I did. Take a look at these."

Mari handed Karin the two mismatched gloves before looking up at Hayato again. So he was attracted to his owner's belongings? Whatever it might be, she had no idea if she could get him down or not... But even then if they were able to get that bird down, what would they do with it? 

"You find anythin' yourself? Also, what'd you think about where the other glove came from. Not the brown one... Was Mayu missing a glove or something when you found her body?"

Speaking of the glove... Maybe... Just maybe...

"Hey, let me see Mayu's glove for a sec."

Taking the brown glove back from Karin, Mari stared at it before reluctantly slipping it on. Even though this wasn't really desecrating the dead, she hoped Mayu wouldn't feel offended for her trying on her glove... It fit kind of tightly on her hand, but this was for the greater good, right? She might as well try this.

Looking up to the sky, Mari paused for a second, did she know what she was doing? Hell no. She wasn't a falconer. The only pet she'd ever had was a goldfish named Fluffy, and he died the week she got him. Taking in a deep breath, Mari held up her hand with the glove on it and took her other hand, placing her fingers in her mouth as she gave a loud whistle. People did this in the movies to call their animal companions... So hopefully this would work. Would Hayato even want to come near her though? She only hoped it would work.

"... H-hey boy. Hey Hayato-chan-- Come here boy. Come here~ Uh-- We got nice tasty treats! Yeah! The tastiest uh... Food a falcon could ever want!!!"

With the wounds on Kikyo’s throat, the clawed out remains of her life, she could only guess it was Hayato— the only animal located at this mountain that she ever saw. Karin liked seeing Hayato soar, it reminded her of the times she was in the sky once, flying to the moon, away from her troubles. Now..she wanted to take the damn bird down. She gritted her teeth, her voice relaxing as she spoke to Mari again. “..It’s a theory and a risk I’m willing to take.” She paused, staring at Hayato flying above the garden. “Kikyo would do anything to protect her dear friends, that even means resorting to murder.” Karin remembered seeing the hand-made arrows in her quiver, she knew in her heart that would leave to her downfall one day, she hoped that her gut feelings weren’t true.

Karin began to tell Mari what she found—- the animal marks on Kikyo’s neck, the arrow, the range details and the letter, which she took out of her pocket to hand to Mari. “…Thanks for helping, Ma— Ikemizu-san. Let’s go now, I want to finish this as soon as possible.” She needed to avenge Kikyo after all.

Biting her lip as she nodded along to Karin's reiteration of the clues she'd found. It'd all made sense, the wound on Kikyo's neck was not just one clean slash, but more like the multiple scratches from an animal. Taking the note from Karin, she furrowed her brows, wincing almost at Karin's words. Ikemizu-san. A twinge of discomfort shot through her heart before she shook it off. Now wasn't the time to be petty. Karin must have her reasons for distancing herself. 

Looking down at the note, reading over its contents before handing it back to Karin, her arms folded in thought. Everything pointed to Mayu having attacked Kikyo... It looked to be a premeditated situation, but... Mayu was dead as well. Mari gripped her arms tightly. There was always... That. Mayu's secret along with the events of the last trial, they couldn't rule out suicide.

Suicide.

Gritting her teeth, Mari shook her head. She needed to focus. Now wasn't the time to cry anymore or mourn. They had to find more clues with the precious time they had... Blinking as Karin was already heading out towards the zen garden, what looked to be the general area Hayato was circling.

"H-hey, wait up Kari-- ..."

Not bothering to finish her sentance, Mari let out a sigh before running after Karin, coasting on her heelys every few steps till she caught up with the astronaut.

Walking along in silence, Mari glanced about the shrine area as well as when they entered the garden. Looking up towards Hayato, still flying overhead, she frowned. How indeed were they going to get that bird down here... But since Hayato had been circling for a while, perhaps there was a reason as to why he was doing so.

"... I'm gonna go see something."

She kept on holding onto Kikyo, if she let go then she would really be dead, she couldn’t walk and talk and Karin wouldn’t watch her shoot her own arrows. Arrows. Karin kept her head down into her arms, but she quickly lifted up her head to scan Kikyo’s body.

She slowly got up, every move felt like she was stabbed in the arms, but she kept on going. “..Where are her damn bow and arrows?” Karin whispered, narrowing her eyes at the sight. There was a single arrow left in her quiver, a trace of blood on the fletching, dribbling onto the shaft and quiver as well. Karin reached up to feel the blood dripping down her nose, she wiped it up with her hands as she sniffed, tasting the bitter taste of blood and the salt of her tears. 

She stood up now, patting the dirt off of her elbows and knees. She wouldn’t speak, but she knew this. If Kikyo wasn’t dead, they would get to investigating the corpse, they would do it together. Now..she was dead and Karin was left alone with the others. Soon enough, she heard another ringing bell of a dead body announcement— Mayu’s body. She heard a small ping from her ID card, reaching into her pocket and taking it out.

”..Nothing?” She muttered, her eyes gazed at the two files. Quickly, she kept this information in her mind, there was a twenty minute difference between both deaths. Both in two separate locations, both had different causes of death. She gazed down at Kikyo and kept her grip on the ring she had received from her. Now, it was time for Karin to move on, whether she liked it or not.

Karin glanced over the the rest of the range, seeing Mari still stood away near the doorway with a bloody nose. She turned back around, she would give her something to clean that up with later, right now..she needed to investigate more.

She knelt back down to Kikyo’s body, whispering a quick apology before patting her available pockets. She felt like something like this gave a little disrespect for the corpse of her friend, but she needed something. The time was five in the morning, two hours before the morning announcement. She lead this up to a simple conclusion— someone called Kikyo in the morning to meet them.

She patted her left pocket, a small crinkling noise. Bingo. She reached in with careful hands in order to not disturb the peace of the body, un-folding it to read it.

Sorry if I woke you.  Couldn’t sleep.  Could we start a little earlier this morning?  I’ll wait for you at the range.

Well, that theory was answered. Karin put the piece of paper in her pocket, getting back up on her feet. She started to search around the area of the range, the shed, the field and targets. Anything that could give her a clue or a sign. Walking past Kikyo’s corpse, she noticed something odd about her neck wound.

She took another look, noticing the different marks on her neck. It was too messy for it to be done with a sharp object, something enough to go at her throat, but not enough to fully kill her..

Debating whether to follow after Yukio as she heard the dead body announcement across the intercom system, or leave Karin behind alone with Kikyo's body. Mari stood in silence, juggling both ideas around in her head. She wanted to confirm Mayu's death with her own two eyes and pay her final respects... But Karin. She couldn't just leave her alone with the dead body of one of their friends. It would just be cruel and selfish of her to do so. Mayu would understand her choices if...

She were still among the living.

Saying a silent prayer for both Kikyo and Mayu, clenching her fist tightly, she looked towards Karin once again as it looked that she'd gotten to work in investigating. Taking her student ID from her pocket, she decided to have a read over the files before joining her friend. At this point she'd forgotten even her bloodied nose which was already starting to dry on her face. What was important now... Was to find the killer. The truth and to bring them to justice... It was the least they could do for their fallen friends now.

Mari blinked in surprise as she was wrenched from her thoughts by Karin. Standing there for a moment in a daze, she shook her head frowning. What... Why was she talking to her like this? Now wasn't the time to get snippy over such things but, Mari couldn't help but feel slightly hurt by her friend's tone. But it wasn't something that she couldn't understand herself. Looking up to the sky, shading her eyes with a hand, Mari scanned the skies for any sign of the large bird.

"No."

Her voice was equally curt as Karin's had been. Short and brisk before she folded her arms and turned to look at the trees around the shooting range as well. She wondered why of all things Karin'd ask about that bird... Perhaps it would provide some clues? What were they going to ask the bird to testify as to who murdered the two of them?

Fat chance.

But it was then a possibility popped into her head. Could it be... Hayato? But wouldn't that mean--

"Karina-san. Are you thinking what I think you're thinking? That Hayato and Mayu..." She trailed off, turning to look at Kikyo's body once more. Could it really have been possible? Yes, but... Would Mayu really be one to attack Kikyo, of all people? And... Mayu was dead as well.

It was quiet. When there had been sixteen of them, there had always been someone coming or going — footsteps crunching on the gravel path during the night, the muffled drift of conversation from friends taking a walk in the distance. Now, down to nine, silence reigned; and silence, as always, was danger.

The survivalist couldn’t have told you how much time passed before he heard the scream, or how long it took him to throw on his things and sprint from his cabin, boots skidding on the gravel as he follows the sound, past the lodge, past the range, to the shed, to Mari Ikemizu’s sobs, to Kikyo Ayase’s body dead on the ground.

None of them have ever been found outside in the daytime, yet. The sun glints off the blood pooling from the archer’s throat. He tears his eyes away, swallowing down nausea, lightheadedness, here we go again, and pushes it down one more time, trying to keep his expression from twisting unpleasantly as he approaches Mari, placing his hands heavy on her shoulders and giving her a harsh shake.

"Y-you’re right. We, we need to… we need to find— find— Sorry… I just—"

She breaks off, glancing over at Kikyo’s body once more before looking away in the other direction. The smell of blood hung in the air pulling Mari back to the reality of the situation. Kikyo Ayase was dead. And it was up to them to find the killer… Rinse. Repeat. Until they were all dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead—

Shaking her head as she got up from the ground, not bothering to dust off her knees. Staring at Kikyo’s body, she realized…. She wasn’t the only one to have been missing from the cafeteria this morning.

Mayu. Mayu Takagi. The one who suggested the morning meetings in the first place. She wouldn’t have missed it… Right? She’d been there every morning—

"… Takagi-san…"

Mumbling to herself, she looked over at Yukio once more, her face pale in realization of the situation. “Y-yukio-kun. Takagi-san… Mayu-san, she— She wasn’t in the cafeteria this morning— She usually is… she usually… aha… no…”

She knew Kikyo went to the range on a daily basis, she often check in on her shooting after she visited the shrine and watched her shoot arrows. It was a beautiful sight. She ran outside of the lodge, going as fast as her legs could carry her. Karin was breathing heavily as she grabbed the handle of the door and— 

A loud banging noise echoed in the room as she hit Mari directly in the face with the door. “Oh— Shit!” She cursed in English, seeing Mari injured. “Oh my Mars— are you ok—” Her sentence was cut short upon seeing the colors of Kikyo Ayase on the ground..and the color of red, a color she never hoped to see on Kikyo. “…No.” She walked past Mari and Yukio, her expression void of any hope.

"…Kikyo-chan?" She asked, expecting an answer from her fallen friend. Her face looked peaceful, a masterpiece on a canvas with a dash of red on her neck. If it weren’t for her limp body and the blood splashed on her neck, she would believe she was simply asleep.

Before she knew it, she was on her knees, the dirt digging into her knees as it left marks. “..Please answer me..” She couldn’t cry, not now. Not in front of Kikyo, but she couldn’t help it. She fell more into the ground, holding Kikyo’s right hand as she sobbed. Karin felt her elbows scrape against the grass and dirt, but she didn’t care.

Unlike any of the other times someone witnessed Karin crying, it was almost..mesmerizing to watch. Slow drops of tears fell from her face and she cried silently, she never cried out. But..this time she screamed. She screamed for Kikyo to come back, to smile at her again and to call her a friend. Her cries were scratchy and inaudible, but it was clear what she was repeating over and over again.

Kikyo’s name. She called out for her so many times as she buried her head into her hands that held Kikyo’s, the ring on her finger shining. This was too unfair, the last time she talked to Kikyo, she had given her a gift.

She should have been grateful, but she wasn’t. Karin was pained of the idea of a silver wedding ring with a diamond, she was glad for Kikyo considering her enough for this gift but..

Mari yelped as she turned to leave the area, only to be smacked in the face by something... Or rather someone. 

"Ow, that fuckin' hurt! Watch where you're--"

Mari blinked as she realized the one that'd ran headlong into her face, was none other than Karin Watanabe. One of the only people here she could say she trusted the most. Frowning she realized the reason as to why Karin was here. She noticed that Kikyo was missing and--

"Wait hold on-- No, no, no-- Karina-chan, slow down--"

Her eyes widened. Mayu... Dead? Akimitsu-- Huh--?? Karin's speedily given explanation of what was going on almost went completely over her head. Just as she was about to open her mouth for further clarification to the situation, Karin had already noticed Kikyo's dead body leaned on the shed behind them. Watching solemnly as the astronaut went over to the archer,  crying her eyes out... Just as she had tried to do moments before.

Feeling herself slowly regain her roots to the reality of the situation, Mari watched her friend, eyes serious, mouth pursed. The reason why she'd wanted to work with the others was to find a way out. For them together to be free of this cycle of trials and tribulations. And she'd almost lost herself once again to her own emotional weakness. 

... She had to find who killed them. Both Mayu and Kikyo. It was the only thing she could do. Like Yukio had said. Now wasn't the time to lay broken and battered. But to stand up and avenge her friends.

It was quiet. When there had been sixteen of them, there had always been someone coming or going — footsteps crunching on the gravel path during the night, the muffled drift of conversation from friends taking a walk in the distance. Now, down to nine, silence reigned; and silence, as always, was danger.

The survivalist couldn’t have told you how much time passed before he heard the scream, or how long it took him to throw on his things and sprint from his cabin, boots skidding on the gravel as he follows the sound, past the lodge, past the range, to the shed, to Mari Ikemizu’s sobs, to Kikyo Ayase’s body dead on the ground.

None of them have ever been found outside in the daytime, yet. The sun glints off the blood pooling from the archer’s throat. He tears his eyes away, swallowing down nausea, lightheadedness, here we go again, and pushes it down one more time, trying to keep his expression from twisting unpleasantly as he approaches Mari, placing his hands heavy on her shoulders and giving her a harsh shake.

"Y-you're right. We, we need to... we need to find-- find-- Sorry... I just--"

She breaks off, glancing over at Kikyo's body once more before looking away in the other direction. The smell of blood hung in the air pulling Mari back to the reality of the situation. Kikyo Ayase was dead. And it was up to them to find the killer... Rinse. Repeat. Until they were all dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead--

Shaking her head as she got up from the ground, not bothering to dust off her knees. Staring at Kikyo's body, she realized.... She wasn't the only one to have been missing from the cafeteria this morning.

Mayu. Mayu Takagi. The one who suggested the morning meetings in the first place. She wouldn't have missed it... Right? She'd been there every morning--

"... Takagi-san..."

Mumbling to herself, she looked over at Yukio once more, her face pale in realization of the situation. "Y-yukio-kun. Takagi-san... Mayu-san, she-- She wasn't in the cafeteria this morning-- She usually is... she usually... aha... no..."

"Good morning, you bastards! It’s 7 in the morning! Time to wake up! Let’s all strive to do our best today”

The drone of the morning announcement sounded throughout the resort once again, causing the remaining students to wake up and start their daily routine. However, as the day goes on, some of the students notice that something is off…

Not all of the nine living students were present today. Perhaps they were just in their room and hadn’t come out? Hopefully that was the case, but the thought of something worse loomed over them. In an attempt to satisfy their paranoia and get to the bottom of things, a few of the students decided to go looking for the unaccounted for….

Or at least that's what she hoped to do anyhow. It was certainly a struggle to get up every day knowing that she or another one of her classmates might meet their untimely end at the hands of another... Though she personally felt this current motive to be one lacking of substance, it was a motive none the less.

Exiting her room, she headed towards the cafeteria for the daily morning meeting that Mayu had suggested a while back. But as she entered the room, she noticed that something wasn't right. Some people were missing when they'd usually be here. Biting her lip, she hoped it was just because of some little thing such as they over slept, or were going to the bathroom, or--

Her mind was abuzz with all the different scenarios that could have been the cause of her classmate's absence, the thoughts getting darker and darker as she continued to think. Though she knew it was paranoid of her to do so she decided to check around.

"I'll be right back... Just gonna make sure everyone's alright."

Nodding to the other students left in the cafeteria, Mari went over to the cabins, knocking on the doors of the remaining surviving students. A sense of dread chilling her to the core as there was no answer from any of them. She then tried the doors of those already deceased... But that proved fruitless as well. Going into a panic, Mari then ran towards the new area. Heading into the Shooting Range, she didn't know what she'd accomplish, but she had to find her classmate there, right? Or if not maybe somewhere... Anywhere... They had to be there, alive.

Though. Upon entering the Shooting Range... All her hopes were smashed into tiny little pieces. Her face paled as she struggled to keep herself standing on her feet.

She’s one of the people he wants to talk to, yes, but… not for a positive reason. Ever since the trial, this one particular girl’s had him all messed up and confused, a solid worldview that he’s carried through this whole sick game so far shaken and stirred upside down. Funny how that turns out, right? Hell, he had vouched for her innocence in the matter before the damning evidence was put out — and why had that been?

Because, despite everything and all his proclamations to the contrary, Yukio… if not trusted her, had a strange kind of faith in Mari. He hasn’t spoken to the speed skater as much as some other people, but her boundless optimism aside… he enjoys his time with her, when he has it. He likes her as a person, despite that she seems to think he should think of her as scum. 

And then the bright, optimistic girl that he had that little bit of faith in went and did the exact same thing that should make him hate her. He should hate her, he should. She nearly got them all killed; he should be shunning her like he shunned Rai, sending her away without even a chance to explain.

Instead, he closes his book and stands up to face her.

"…Mari-chan," he begins, keeping his gaze as steady as possible. "Before you start any of that — I’m not gonna forgive you. What you did was stupid— irresponsible,reckless — I’ve been thinking I was right before when I said you had a death wish."

A pause, before his expression softens and he looks away, his face clouded with a peculiar expression, brows furrowed.

"…But just because I’m not gonna forgive you— doesn’t mean I hate you, or that I don’t wanna understand. Hell, I’ve…  been trying to figure out why you did it since the trial, believe it or not. So."

He sits back down, then, sitting against one corner of the reading nook and indicating the other with his head; a nonverbal invite to sit down.

Ah... She'd always wanted to be friends... But, maybe in another life.

"... Good. I wouldn't want any less. I hope I don't fail to help you understand what was going through my mind."

Pulling up a chair, Mari sat across from Yukio in his reading nook, giving him a nod of thanks before pausing for a moment... Ah how would she begin...

"I understand you did not like Rai-kun. And for good reason... You both acted accordingly to each situation you were in. Rai-kun, he... Didn't have any friends. No allies other than Genkou-san. Not even himself. I wish you and the others could understand how alone he was... But, that's really not the main point of why I acted like I did, I guess..."

Looking down at her hands, Mari sighed. "I acted on anger and frustration. I was sad and upset that Rai had been driven to death through misunderstandings and unforgivable actions... And no one was there to save him. Though he might have acted horribly he was still human.... And so was Suzuhara-san. Both of their deaths were meaningless. Oh so meaningless... That's what gets me the most. We could have been looking for a way out this whole time and all of us were focused on our own problems and our own survival more than working together."

Her gaze was once again trained on Yukio, she folded her hands neatly on her lap as she stared at him without faltering. "Tell me. What information have we even found? Remember when we first got here... Most of us were working together to find a way out, find out why we were stuck in this place, who put us here.... But as soon as the motive was given... Things went to hell. Since the first trial we haven't been working together at all."

"... I did what I did... Because I wanted everyone to see how pointless all of our selfishness was. Rai-kun and Suzuhara-san... Both died because we didn't do anything. We can't say we're 100% free of guilt. I... I just wanted to show everyone the truth. We've gotten zip, nadah, nothing... NOTHING done at all..." Mari grew silent as she held her gaze. 

"Hello, Mari-san. Yes, this is quite a lovely range indeed-it reminds me of the one my family owns…although a bit smaller. But I will take what I can get, and this is acceptable under such circumstances."

She wasn’t sure what to say to her. She’d been trying to think up different ways to breach the topic of the trial’s proceedings, but nothing had come to mind that didn’t sound outright accusatory, or completely emotion-filled. She had hoped to think of something while practicing but it seemed Mari just wasn’t going to wait that long. 

She saw Mari’s eyes rest on her arrows for only a brief moment before returning to focus on her. Out of the three people who had either known, or acknowledged them she was one of the ones who had openly confronted her about it, asking her what she hoped to accomplish by making them and then showing them so publicly. At the time, she had looked about ready to give her a good talking to but the investigation of Shuu’s murder had been underway so it had been delayed, then forgotten. Now, two bodies later, it seemed she would finally get that lecture and she was ready to defend her choices.

"Of course I have time, Mari-san. Is there something I can help you with?"

"... I'd, I'd like to apologize for my actions during the trial and-- I... I just let my emotions get away out of control. This isn't any excuse for what I did though." She paused again waiting for Kikyo to return before continuing on.

"If it's alright, I'd like to give you an explanation... I... I couldn't stand to see Rai driven to kill himself because of how the others were demonizing him.... I understand why they'd hate him but, he's human as well." Mari closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The image of Rai's and Mariko's lifeless bodies filled her mind as she slowly opened her eyes once again to stare straight at Kikyo, her gaze unwavering.

"That's... Not the main point however. I make the same argument as Yasu-san... But that's not just the point. Yes we should all understand we had some part in everything but if we don't learn from it nothing will change. We're just going to go on killing each other when we could should come together as one... Everyone has been only out for themselves since the beginning and this is why... We know nothing. What do we know about this place we're trapped in? What day of the year is it? Who trapped us here? Why are we trapped here? We know NOTHING DAMN IT--!!"

Mari broke off as her voice increased in intensity with every phrase. Glancing at the ground she sighed, rubbing her arm with her hand. "I'm sorry, I got carried away again... The point being my actions were extreme, but I was so frustrated. Rai and Mariko's death... They were the last straw. I never want to be the cause of someone's death again just by standing there. We might feel that it's not our job or in our authority to do anything... But it is. Over all as a whole we need to stand together... I just, wanted everyone to see. I'm sorry... I-- I don't ask for forgiveness. I don't deserve any."

Bringing her clear blue eyes to gaze at Kikyo with certainty and determination, Mari gave her a weak smile, holding out her hand. 

As Mari continued, she noticed her Ema was in plain sight, she bit her lower lip, Mari really did hope that all of them would get out together. She couldn’t believe how hopeful she was, after all that happened, she’d think Mari would give up..but that was the main reason she liked Mari in the first place.

"…" She kept her silence as Mari kept on talking, once she stopped, she turned and gave her a weary look. "..I get you, Mari-chan. Everyone gets a little desperate at times, I mean.." Look at her, she was desperate for Ai Asahi to live.

"I have to admit it’s not the best method to get us to understand and you unintentionally threatened our lives.. I don’t believe it was foolish— at least you tried, even though nobody listened to you..but I’ll listen!" She paused for a moment when Mari wobbled, gripping the post with steady hands. A concerned look was on Karin’s face, both of them needed rest..but first…

"No problem, I’m always here for you Mari-chan, you can…" Trust was a strong word.. "Talk to me when you want to! First, let’s get something to eat, a small treat."

She headed to the dining hall, turning around every few times to make sure Mari was behind her. Karin entered the kitchen, ignoring the twinge of guilt she felt when she passed the areas her own classmates died at. She walked over to the pots and pans, grabbing a non-stick pan and going into the fridge. She set out four eggs, creamer and salt and pepper. 

Karin set them in a bowl, she turned to Mari while tying her hair up in a high ponytail. “If you don’t mind, I’m making you one of my sister’s favorite foods, it’ll cheer you up.” She turned back around, getting out a chicken thigh, onions, mushrooms, garlic and frozen peas. She stopped for a moment, taking out rice that was left in the cooker. “…Hey, I don’t think I told anyone but Rai this..” She kept on moving around the kitchen, getting ingredients around the room. 

Following after Karin, her pace slower than her usual stride, Mari flashed the other girl a smile every time she turned back to look at her, reassuring her that she was alright. As the arrived at the cafeteria, Mari leaned back on the counter, watching Karin set to work. "Your... Sister, huh?" She paused looking about the kitchen before her gaze came to focus on the ingredients that Karin was pulling out of the refrigerator. 

Karin had a sister, huh. Mari bit her lip as her thoughts wandered to the others. She wondered if they had siblings as well, or parents that would miss them and worry about their disappearance. Did her parents even notice her absence at all? ... Probably not.

She suddenly blinked as Karin mentioned Rai. So... He had a sister as well.

... He'd never told her about her. Perhaps, she wasn't as close with Rai as much as she'd thought she was-- Or really perhaps it was that she hoped-- Hoped that she was close to him. That she was as important to him as he was to her... That perhaps she'd be someone to give him hope. And in that she--

Failed.

"R-really?" Mari's voice cracked slightly and she paused for a brief moment to clear her throat. "... N-no... no I didn't... I-- I didn't even know. I didn't know Rai-kun had a sister." 

No matter how hard she tried, there was no use hiding the hurt in her voice. She really shouldn't be so upset over not knowing such knowledge but-- Mari couldn't help but feel a little...

"Hey, though! That's a great idea, Karina-chan! That way everyone can keep their memory alive... They won't be forgotten, ever." She forced a smile, her hands gripping the cloth of her shirt tightly. "H-hey Karina-chan? Do you mind... If you name one after me too should anything happen? It'd... Make me really happy... Happy to be remembered and to have actually held meaning somehow."

"... A-and... I'll do the same for you if-- i-if-- if--" 

Mari fell into silence once again as she held back her tears. Leaning against the counter, She looked away from Karin folding her arms.

Akimitsu had heard the ruckus from across the store, and wearily, made his way over to the commotion. And (barely) standing there with tears traveling down her cheeks, was Miss Mari. Goodness…

The girl had been through enough, it seemed. Akimitsu was sure she’d get out of this alive— a strong, brave person like her? There’s no way anyone here would be able to take her down. But at that moment, if he were somebody else, Akimitsu was sure he could have done so. She seemed to weak and frail and broken… Where was the courageous Miss Mari who punched first and thought later?

The trial presented itself to the forefront of his mind, and Miss Mari’s words rang through his mind. The trial went by in a blur, nothing seemed to make sense and everything was overwhelming… All he could really recount was that Yasu yelled too much and then hurt his friend, and that Mari had tried to take the blame for the murder. It appeared that she and Rai were close… What other explanation could there have been for her behavior in the trial? The way she spoke up for Rai, the way she fell apart, the way she was falling apart right now?

Without much warning, Akimitsu was beside her, and as gently as he could, he took her hand in his and placed it on his arm, hoping to give her something to steady herself with. He watched her with his usual concerned gaze, and somewhat awkwardly, patted her hand that was now placed on his arm. 

"There was nothing any of us could have done, Miss Mari. Now we know better, from the experiences had, how frail the human spirit can be. We must take what we’ve learned here and step forward into a new existence where there is still hope for you and our classmates… I need you to understand that more people will pass, and that there was nothing you could have done to stop it."

He looked away from her then, still making sure to remain steady for her sake. Akimitsu was aware that these words may very well backfire, but Miss Mari deserved the truth. If she couldn’t find a way to bury away the emotions like he had been doing his whole life, she would wind up like Mr. Maeda and Miss Suzuhara. 

"We are not what we seem, as the strongest, smartest species. We have evolved into a moving corpse, words weighing us down and the sun’s rays too cold for warmth and the rainwater too dry for relief. Humans are much, much more weaker than we give them credit for. The hardest life to lead is the one of bravery— because no matter what you do, there will always be those who are fearful of change, afraid of the future and those that wish to change it. It’s a difficult path you’ve chosen, but a noble one."

She gave him a nod of thanks regardless, her arm trembling as she gripped his. She simply stood in silence as she listened to Akmitsu's words, staring blankly at the ground as he went on. She felt the words go through her, their meaning a bit lost in the maze of her disarrayed mind.

Was there really nothing any of them could have done? Really? How often had she told herself that before? There was no use crying over spilt milk... However that still doesn't change the fact that it had happened. All the 'what if's and 'could have been's cluttered her mind as memories of the far and more recent past flooded her senses. Her grip on Akimitsu's arm tensed, the fabric of his sleeve gathered in her hand as the other one clutched at the hem of her skirt. 

"I know... I know I know I know!! I-- Just thought I could've-- should've-- would've-- All the things that just--!! I FAILED! I couldn't save Rai-kun or Suzuhara-san! I saw all the signs, I should have acted sooner if I had maybe they'd still--" 

Mari's body shook with sobs as she suddenly pulled Akimitsu into a tight hug, burring her head into his shirt She needed someone, anyone... She just needed someone's embrace. Someone to just tell her everything was alright. Someone to tell her pretty little lies about how it wasn't her fault... Someone to understand her.

"I-I, I'm a murderer. I, I didn't do anything and that's what killed them. M-my inaction led to their deaths. Even if it wasn't by my physical two hands... I killed Rai Maeda and Mariko Suzuhara. Yeah... Humans are weak. But I'm not only weak but I'm a fuckin' sham... All those promises I made before... They all got broken, just like that. Like hell I'm gonna give up. I'm never givin' up... But even if I don't give up, no one's gonna trust my scummy ass. I wanna say I can handle it on my own... But I know I can't." 

Slowly letting go of Akimitsu, Mari let out a sigh, wearily looking at the ground. "I'm... Sorry about that, Akimitsu-kun. I got a little carried away." Wiping away her tears, she sniffled, breathing raggedly as she looked up at Akimitsu's face. She bet she looked awful, eyes red and her face flushed... God she felt awful that he had to see her like this. "I... I'm not giving up. Even if the world's against me, I don't care anymore. Even if the gods themselves are against me... I'll... Keep forging ahead."

Mayu’s immediate thought, as she hits the water face-first, is that she’s being attacked.  She comes up gasping, whirls on her assailant, but can’t tell who they are with her fringe in her eyes..  Before she can react further they’ve dropped in to the pond with her and are swiftly wading over.  Well, that’s it.  Deaf to Mari’s words, she decides this is the end.  She’s going to be drowned by some mystery murderer - and so soon after the trial, too!  

But it’s not like she can say she’s surprised.

As they lay hands on her, she attempts a last ditch defence, planting her own hands firmly on their chest and shoving - the motion sends her splashing backwards in to the pond again, landing, this time, on her backside.

She pauses a moment, to push her hair out of her eyeline.  There,  just a few feet away, is Mari Ikemizu, weaponless and suitably taken aback by her reaction to what she now realises was an ill-fated rescue attempt.  Mayu turns immediately, deeply red.

"I am so sorry," she splutters, scrambling over to help Mari up the way the speed skater had just tried to help her.  "I’m so sorry, you caught me by surprise - that was a complete accident, are you okay?  Did I hurt you?"

"N-no it’s alright Takagi-san, it was all my fault I— Nah I’m alright, Are you alright? I’m so sorry—" Mari quickly brushed her wet and dripping hair from her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Mayu, blushing and looking genuinely sorry. Blinking as the other girl suddenly burst out laughing, Mari stared at the other for a moment before she herself couldn’t help but burst into laughter herself.

It all felt so surreal, the both of them apologizing profusely whilst standing in a pond— It wasn’t really anything to laugh about, but Mari couldn’t help but laugh until tears came to her eyes, doubling over slightly gasping for breath.

"Ahaha— Ahaha— Ah— … ha… M-mayu-san, I’m sorry but— pff—" Slowly, almost stumbling again as she tried to regain control of herself, Mari climbed back onto the bridge, reaching an arm out to help pull Mayu up from the water back onto dry land. Sitting there on the bridge, Mari breathed heavily as she smiled from ear to ear. It’d… Been what felt like an eternity since she’d laughed so hard. It felt as if a weight had been lifted from her as she closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh air of the garden.

Wringing out her hair, letting the water drip back into the pond, Mari took off her bandanna, doing the same as she did with her hair before placing it beside her on the bridge. She looked to Mayu next to her, her eyes once again clear and full of life. She… Wanted to thank Mayu for whatever she’d done. She wasn’t even sure what she should thank the other girl for, but… If anything she was glad for that laugh. Really glad.

"Hey… Mayu-san— Oh, uh is it alright if I call you that?" She smiled sheepishly as she reached up and picked a piece of what looked to be some sort of aquatic plant from Mayu’s hair, casually tossing it back into the pond. "… Ahah, well no use apologizing now, you got back at me so we’re even."

Looking back towards the still ripple filled pond, Mari let out a sigh, reaching down to take off her now soaked through shoes along with her socks, tossing them next to her. “I guess it also serves me right for what I did.” Her smile remained as she looked back towards Mayu, however Mari’s eyes gave her a silent apology as they filled with sadness.

"Hey… It’s alright if you hate me now. My actions are unforgivable… I doubt there’s much I can do to atone for all I’ve done, but… I’m gonna do whatever it takes to get us outta here. I swear on my life I’ll do it… Even if no one else believes my words, that’s alright. I can’t make anymore promises to others without breaking them. So I’ll make this one to myself— Ah. Sorry, I’m rambling…"

The trial had come and gone but the end result and the impact of its aftermath had left Kikyo at a loss of what to do or what plan of action to take next.

The killers of Rai Maeda and Mariko Suzuhara…were the victims themselves. In some sick sense, they had found and executed the killers well before anyone else. Still, the idea of someone killing themselves…Was it bravery or cowardice that led them too it? She would never know now.

Then there was the issue of one Mariko Ikemizu. She had nearly gotten them all killed by proclaiming to have killed Rai. She didn’t know why Mari had done what she’d done during the trial, but what she did know is that had they all voted wrong-and they nearly had-then everyone would have died. And there wouldn’t even have been a killer to walk free as they were already dead. 

And finally, there was the “execution” of the digitized form of Shuu Shizumiya. With his death, does this mean that the other dead students were liable to be killed as well? Would killing or destroying an Alter Ego count as murder? Could an Alter Ego murder?

Furthermore, there was what Shuu had gotten killed for, and the mention of hidden clues around the lodge that would evidently help them realize why there were here. This was the biggest concern of hers, and the reason she was walking towards the newly opened up area. She hoped that she would find as many of those clues as she could-whatever would ensure safety for her friends, she would find it.

She began opening up the various doors, sneaking quick peeks into them to see what was inside them. The administrator’s office was locked, but the others revealed such places such as a zen garden, a shrine, a sporting store-perhaps she would find some better arrows in there?-until she finally opened the door to a large shooting range.

A small smile worked its way onto her lips; finally, some familiarity in this place. With this place, she could get back into the swing of practicing as it had been far, far too long since she’d fired an arrow. She could also test out the solidarity of the ones she currently had, re-modify them to fix whatever flaws they had in them, and possibly get some new ones if it came to that.

Wasting no time at all, she set up a target a ways away from the line, stepped back began the line, and began to shoot. 

Address. Ready. Nock. Aim. Draw. Release and Hold. Listen for the sound of arrow meeting target. Repeat until your quiver is empty. Retrieve. Repeat procedure.  It was all a list of commands, perfectly orchestrated without a hint of spontaneity. Breathe. Clear your head. Practice. Focus. Everything would be alright-once she finished practice, she would continue to search for clues.

Not wanting to startle the archer, Mari continued to watch as she thought back to the trial. Kikyo had been one of those during the trial who had looked the most betrayed by her declaration of 'murder'. It made sense to her, as Kikyo and her had made a pact to have each other's backs... However, she had betrayed her trust... And that was something Mari truly felt guilty for.

However, Mari couldn't help but feel disappointing. She had felt that both Kikyo and Karin had lost faith in her as soon as the words 'I killed him' left her mouth. Though her main motive behind her actions was not to gauge the amount of trust the others had for her, she couldn't help but feel hurt.

But at the same time she understood... So many others had uttered the same words as she had, and they were all telling the truth. Any faith they would have had in her would have been dashed by three simple words. At this point their reactions were justified, after all seeing as the others before her had spoken the same.

As Kikyo eventually shot all the arrows in her quiver, Mari decided to speak up, clearing her throat. "Ah-- Kikyo-san..." Taking a few steps forward towards the other girl Mari smiled warmly, there were noticeable bags under her eyes. "This is a nice shootin' range, huh... Good to be back in your own sort'a element, eh?" Mari paused, looking about the range for a moment, her eyes stopping on the arrows for a moment before her gaze returned to rest on Kikyo.

'Bits and pieces hidden about the place', huh? 'Free to investigate', was it? What a load of absolute crap from the illustrious bear, as usual.

Of course, it could have been that Yukio hadn’t looked closely enough; as far as investigating the new areas went, he had spent most of his time looking for an entrance to the administrator’s office that didn’t involve excessive force. The cameras and the Gatling guns ever-present on the walls surrounding their luxurious prison made him too wary for that.

As it turns out, though, the office is locked up tighter than a bank vault… and try as he might not to feel discouraged, even as he shoots the cameras a dirty look, he certainly doesn’t feel like doing a thorough sweep of the rest of the lodge right now. Maybe later, when he’s in a better mood with less on his mind — he’ll enlist Mayu’s help, or maybe Akimitsu’s if he feels up to the walking, or go and talk to Mari and finally try to get some closure on all the things running through his head about what she did. 

For now, though, he doesn’t particularly feel like doing any of that. Mariko is dead, one of his friendships is in all likelihood down the drain thanks to that clusterfuck of a trial, and his confinement is wearing him down physically, mentally, the whole hog. Because of that… it’s probably okay to hang up the Big Damn Action Hero hat for a while and indulge in some good old fashioned escapism. It’s childish, yes — but at this point, he can honestly say he doesn’t care. Besides, at this rate, who knows when — if — he’ll get to do it again? And so that evening, he finds himself in the library.

He’s settled in a reading nook by the window, the warm glow of a lamp beside him. His hat and boots have been discarded off to the side of the table the lamp is on, along with the gift he received from the Machine That Continues To Spit Out Random Crap this time. Atop the table is a small collection of books; mostly for young adults and some classics intended for children, and exclusively action, adventure or fantasy. In Yukio’s hands is a well-worn looking copy of Robinson Crusoe, in English, and his attention is focused on it nigh-completely. The soft flip of the pages and his breathing are the only audible sounds in the dim room until the door opens, and it’s only then that he looks up, waiting to see who the mystery intruder is before he greets them. 

Her eyes widen as she sees she wasn't alone, though it was something she'd prepared for, Mari was still surprised to see Yukio of all people there. But then again, she didn't know enough about him personally to know if he would frequent Libraries often. He just never really seemed to be that type to her.

Giving Yukio a weak nod and a smile, she stands at the door for a moment, weighing what she should do... Mari decided that yes it would be for the best to go speak with Yukio, no matter how reluctant she was to face him. She herself had gone on about trust and look at her now. She must look like the biggest fucking hypocrite on this fucking mountain.

And honestly... Mari felt that that wouldn't be far from true. After all, actions speak louder than words. And her actions, no matter if they were done in ill will or for good intentions, they shouldn't be forgiven.

But that's not what Mari wanted. Perhaps she could never be forgiven, after all her sins extended beyond her actions on the mountain. It extended far into her past and far past this hell hole. Back far away in Kabukicho. Mari simply hoped that the others could at least understand her. Her thoughts, her position, her wish...

Even in the end should the others not consider her a friend, she still considered them her classmates. Other human beings who were much more than just caged animals, poised to kill each other for their own survival. 

Though she was weary and travel worn, it would take much more than this to have her lose hope in the others. No matter how little of a chance there was to get them to work together, no matter how tiny that glimmer of hope she had, Mari still had hope.

And now with the prospect of clues... Her hope only grew. Even if she couldn't find anything herself, this could be a chance for everyone to work together for the first time in forever.

Clearing her throat, Mari glanced at Yukio, looking away for a second, before once again returning her gaze towards him. 

"Oh, fickity-fuck.” 

The young gentleman stared into the empty box of cigarettes in his shaking grasp, eyes hurriedly inspecting object, as if he were hoping there would be another one hidden within the confines of the sleek, white box. However, there was none; just a vast emptiness that seemed to spread into the encasement of his own being, leaving him without a thing in the world to calm his nerves. Distressed, rejected, panicked, Akimitsu set the empty box down on his dresser and left his cabin, desperate for some sort of escape. 

The night previously, he had finally fallen asleep after three days of trudging around in a vacant, haggard state, the only rest he found being short naps spent in the library. His body had thanked him, replenishing his health (however poor it was in the first place) and the dark circles under his eyes had become only more apparent by the lack of slumber. The only thing the comedian had given up in exchange was the sunrise, but no matter. He’ll try and see it again, soon. 

Ever since Ai’s trial, Akimitsu had added a new item to his collection that he kept with him at all times. His notebook, his cane, his cigarettes, and now the knife Ai had forced on him so many nights ago. His coat pocket felt oddly barren without the box of smokes, and he was still getting used to the weight of the weapon hidden in his clothes, but he tried his best not to think about them. It would only cause him more stress, in the end. 

The young gentleman straightened his coat and was off to the lodge, knowing the routine by now. There would be a new area to explore, a sort of reward for staying alive, as he perceived. They acquired new areas to relax in at the cost of their own classmates, Miss Suzuhara’s blood painting the way down the path to the new area and Mr. Maeda’s death opening the door for him. A tragic fate, the two met, in the end. And by their own hands, no less… The topic wasn’t entirely something that Akimitsu wished to dwell on, it hitting much too close to home, what with his ‘secret’ and all… But perhaps, in the end, he wasn’t as alone as he thought he was?

It was too bad he realized this too late. There were so many things he could have spoken to Mr. Maeda and Miss Suzuhara about, so many words exchanged and hardships told… But it didn’t matter anymore. They were dead, and he was still surviving. How did this keep happening?

Lost in his reflection, Akimitsu barely noticed that after a journey from his cabin, he had reached the newly-opened path. This was one laid out very differently, rows of rooms leading up to a rather official-looking one at the back. 

Weary of going into such a room on his own, the young gentleman considered his other options. Finally, he found himself in the sporting goods store, the concept of a store raising the young man’s hopes in his search for cigarettes. However, he found himself in a state of dismay when there were simply none to be had. Oh, bother. 

She picks up some athletic tape, turning it around in her hands as she stared at it apathetically before stuffing it into her skirt's pocket. Moving on to the back of the room, she blinked slowly at all the different kinds of sporting equipment such as bats, tennis rackets, and many other things. Mari takes one of the rackets closest to her in her hand, running her hand down the length of its structure and fingering the wire netting. She looked about for a moment as she stood with the racket resting on her shoulder and her other hand on her hip, her eyes lighting up as she locates just what she'd wanted.

Tennis balls.

She'd never really played tennis before, but she'd made friends with a tennis player once during her stay in the Olympic village. She recalled that they had invited to teach her how to play a game. It was a simple offer that was probably never a serious one, but Mari had still been interested. 

Picking up the packet of balls, she frowns. How could she suddenly think of such a little insignificant memory at a time like this? Such a tiny memory that she had thought nothing of at the time of its occurrence, now to Mari... It felt like something foreign. 

The commonplace things in life, things she took granted for in her everyday life, things she'd even complained about in the past... All of it-- her memories-- all of it felt empty and yet also something she yearned to return to.

How long had it been since she'd arrived at this mountain? How long would her stay here be? Would she ever get out and return to a normal life? .... Would anything be normal again after all of this?

Gritting her teeth together, Mari took a tennis ball from its container and threw it up in the air, giving it a good solid wack with the racket as it fell-- Only to come back at with a loud nose as it bounced off of one of the metal shelves, hitting her square in the face. 

Dropping her the items in her hand in shock, Mari fell back onto the ground with a scream. She simply lay there for a moment before slowly bringing herself to a sitting position, hugging her legs as tears began to fall from her face.

".... I wanna go home."

She choked back a sob as she dragged herself back to her feet, gripping one of the shelves to help steady herself.

"... Fuck... As if I even h-have a home to go to... I... Don't have--- I don't have anything... Fuck... FUCK-- WHY CAN'T THEY FUCKING JUST SEE-- WHY-- WHY DOES EVERYONE I LOVE HAVE TO DIE?! WHY-- I-- I--"

Mari's strained voice rang through the room as she clutched her chest. Her hand grabbing a hold of the fabric of her shirt as her tears stained them a darker shade of pink, her legs threatening to give out once again.

They escape the trial in the early afternoon, this time, rather than late at night, like she’s accustomed to.  As a result, Mayu doesn’t quite know what to do with herself: it’s too early to go back to bed, yet she still feels drained enough - emotionally, moreso than physically - to merit it.  Dutifully she avoids the eyes of her fellow students as they ride the elevator back up to the lodge.  She can feel their gazes on her - some less forgiving than others - even when her back is turned.  Like a cold prickle at the base of her spine.

She’d been a fool, of course, to think she would get away with this.  When Maeda was found dead - just that morning, too, time dilated so much in this place - she’d thought it a sad, simple end to a problem she’d had ever since that day she’d lost it with him: what happens when he goes around and tells everybody what I did?  She wondered now what had possessed her to think anything could be so easy.  Even from beyond the grave he’d found a way to dick her over.

I should’ve come clean, she thinks, as she moves towards the newly opened area - outdoors this time, what a quaint twist - not knowing where she’s going or what she wants.  She’d been so determined not to let her temper ruin things for her, and look: though she’d never understood why, Maeda had had allies, and now they were her enemies by association.

Mayu doesn’t need to pop her head in to each room this time.  Simply by turning on one heel she can see everything new afforded to them.  She wonders how come none of them noticed this area before; notes the administration building, wearily; notes the shooting range too, and thinks of how happy it will make Kikyo.  None of it does anything to lift her mood.  Yasu is many things, some of them not so favourable, but it doesn’t make her totally wrong: like it or not, Mayu knows she is at least partly responsible for the suicide of Rai Maeda and, therefore, also Mariko Suzuhara.

Still, it’s not that which has condemned her.  Rather, by her reckoning, it was her actions at the trial that sealed her fate.  Normally it was easy to stay cold under pressure, for her, but there’s such searing anger in her now, constantly threatening to flare up and cause her to crack.  If I only hadn’t risen, she thinks - can’t stop thinking, in fact, as she picks a path that looks interesting and drags her feet down it, to the zen garden.

But it’s so hard to stay angry at herself, angry at the others, when she lays eyes upon it.  Against all expectations, it’s beautiful - a small, surprised smile leaps to her face - well looked-after and very neat.  She picks her way down the paths carefully so as not to disturb the sand, her regrets banished from her mind - for now, at least.

She chooses the small bridge to sit down, dangling her feet over the side so they don’t quite skim the water.  Mayu reaches up to pet Hayato, then - and though he has some inkling of her mood and is reluctant, she shoos him away.  He soars off to explore, and feed, more than likely, since she hasn’t had time to do it yet this morning.  There’s a tug at her heartstrings as she watches him fly away - a familiar sight, reminding her painfully of home - and an unbidden thought that springs to her mind: I am defenceless now - and marked, no doubt.

Walking down the main path, she went down one of the paths to her right. As she continued, she noticed that she had wandered into what looked to be a zen garden... Maybe it could serve a purpose and give her peace of mind... Mari thought back to when she once spoke to Kikyo and the archer had spoken to her about meditation.

Stopping to stare at the intricate and evenly raked gravel for a moment, Mari frowned to herself, letting out a deep sigh. The cycle was once again repeating itself, the things she'd done had all been in vain. In the end, the others still didn't hear her words, and now... Their trust in her must be tattered beyond repair. Was there really a point in trying anymore?

Looking away, Mari bit her lip and continued walking on, still lost in her own thoughts. A battle raged on in her mind-- of course it wouldn't be good to just give up. It wouldn't be like her to give up just like that. As long as she was alive and breathing, Mariko Ikemizu was the type to keep going on... Even if she had to drag herself to the task.

But in this moment, Mari didn't feel like Mariko Ikemizu... Or really even Mari Ikemizu. She just felt tired and dead. Not only had she failed in saving Rai or Mariko, she'd failed in her goal of rallying the others together. She knew it had been a hard task to begin with, but now it seemed neigh impossible. The way she looked at this, it felt as if this circle would never be broken. And they would all soon kill--

Mari stopped, abruptly driven from her thoughts as she feels something bump into her leg and the next thing she knows she hears a splash as she whips her head to look for the source of the sound. She doesn't have to look far as she sees someone in the pond-- Oh shit is that Mayu-- Mari's eyes widen as she comes to the realization that the bump she felt must have been Mayu and she'd--