Shona approached Cyrus's room, ignoring the chaos erupting in the hallway. It wasn't that she didn't care, but the knight knew that her intervention wouldn't stop anything. Shona lifted up her gauntlet and rapped on a door with her knuckles. “Are you available, Cyrus?” The E-handbook had everyone's room located on a map. She was quite sure this was the politician’s room. [color=D1c2bf] "Coming."[/color] Cyrus said mere seconds before he entered the door. He hadn't really bothered going out yet. Instead, he had been pondering most of the emerging questions first. As he saw Shona, he offered her a hand. [color=D1c2bf]"Ah, you're Shona, aren't you? I do not believe we talked before. But I hope we can work together to get out of this... 'game'."[/color] He said those last words with a special kind of disgust, someone who clearly despised the very notion of it. "Do you need me for something?" The knight nodded her head.“Mondatta is going to give a speech to everyone shortly. However, I wanted to talk to you about some things I've been thinking about.” She held out her E-handbook. “The rules in particular look very suspicious to me. I would like to talk to you in private about them before addressing the topic in front of the others. I think your background in politics would make you most capable of figuring this out.” Shona looked down the hall. It seemed as though the chaos had stopped. “Is your room alright, or would you prefer to talk in the...?” The knight trailed off, letting Cyrus finish her statement. [color=D1c2bf]"No please, do enter."[/color] The politician said as he stepped aside, allowing her to pass into his room [color=D1c2bf]"You're not the only one worried, these rule are very... disturbing to say the least."[/color] He followed after her back into his room, gesturing her to sit down at a very simple table with two chairs. On top of the table were a few office supplies and the orichalcum ingot. [color=D1c2bf]"Excuse me for the mess, I haven't had the time to organise this place yet. Anyhow, where should we begin? I think we have a lot to discuss."[/color] “Well, let's discuss the rules first then.” Shona brought them up on her E-handbook and set it on the table so that they could both look at the rules together... [indent][color=Magenta]1. [/color]Patients may reside only within the Hospital. Leaving is an unacceptable use of time. [color=Magenta]2. [/color]"Nighttime" is from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Some areas are off limits at night, so please exercise caution. [color=Magenta]3.[/color] Nurses and DR Killgood cannot punish patients who follow the regulations. [color=Magenta]4.[/color] Violence against Dr Killgood or the nurses is strictly prohibited, as is destruction of surveillance cameras. [color=Magenta]5.[/color] Loaning your e-Handbook to another patient is strictly prohibited. [color=Magenta]6.[/color] Forcefully entering a room that is locked by DrKillgood is prohibited. [color=Magenta]7. [/color]Anyone who kills a fellow patient and becomes "blackened" will be cured, unless they are discovered. [color=Magenta]8.[/color] The nurse staff and Dr Killgood cannot enter your room unless you give permission or violate a regulation. [color=Magenta]9.[/color] During the night of carnage (12 to 1 AM every day), rules 3 to 7 become NIL. You are still prohibited from destroying security cameras. [color=Magenta]10.[/color] Additional school regulations may be added as necessary. [/indent] “I find the ninth rule interesting.” Shona held her chin while she spoke. “Monokuma said he wanted us to kill each other, but that doesn't really make sense with this rule, does it?” [color=D1c2bf]"The ninth rule is disturbing in many ways."[/color] Cyrus mentioned. [color=D1c2bf]"While this makes it technically possible for combat to ensue, I am not entirely sure why they would want that. They want us to kill each other, indeed. Also, why is something called the 'night of carnage' happening every day for one hour? I have a feeling they want us to be locked up in our rooms during that time, for some reason."[/color] He scribbled some notes on their conversation into a notebook. [color=D1c2bf]"Also, someone can not become blackened during this period. They essentially make us unable to kill each other in that period. Why would they limit our options?"[/color] “Is it really limiting our options though?” Shona paused briefly to collect her thoughts. She hadn't expected Cyrus to be so ready with responses. Of course mental readiness would be a trait of the Infinite Politician. “There are just much easier ways to make sure we are in our rooms, don't you think? A simple rule that states that we have to be in our rooms during those hours would suffice. But they are allowing us to retaliate against them, loan our E-handbooks out, and forcing our way into locked rooms. And who knows what could be discovered behind locked doors?” The knight pointed at rule number seven. “This is the only one that doesn't make sense to me. Do they want us to work together during this time? [color=D1c2bf]"It gives us a timeframe in which we can not kill each other, at least not for our own benefit of becoming the blackened. Which is a limitation. Potentially rule 5 can be used to tamper with murder scenes, given the gender specific doors...but who would loan their e-handbook to help another commit murder to begin with?[/color] He pondered for a few seconds, [color=D1c2bf] Also, do these rules define loaning as giving your book to someone else or as someone else being in possession of your e-handbok? If it is the latter, the loaning party would be immediately punished the second the hour of carnage ends." [/color] He then shook his head as Shona pointed out the last of the rules. [color=D1c2bf]Either they want us to work together, or they want to cover up something. If someone is killed during the night of carnage, we won't know if it was one of us or one of the nurses. Perhaps there is a reason for that?"[/color] Shona was starting to smile. “I knew you were the right person to talk to about this, but you need to slow down a little.” the corners of her mouth returned to normal. “You said that no one would help a murderer, but what if they had an accomplice, or two people decided to work together to help become...” Their conversation was interrupted by a knocking on the door. “Can I come iiiiiiin?” That sickeningly cute voice could only belong to Monokuma. Cyrus sighed as he heard the voice of the psychotic killer teddy. He wanted to let it in, but he changed his mind. [color=D1c2bf]"Before I do so, answer this question. If I give my permission now, does that allow you to enter freely the next time or will you need to request permission every time?"[/color] Cyrus was nothing if not wary of the creature. “What? Do you think I'm a vampire?” The bear snorted. “I'm allowed to stay as long as I have permission. So as long as I have your permission, I can enter. However, if you ever took that permission away, I'd have to leave.” [color=D1c2bf]"If you were, that might make you intimidating." [/color] Cyrus snarled. [color=D1c2bf]"You're allowed in. And I hereby also declare you will not have permission to be in here during the night of carnage. So get in here and tell us what you have to say, right now.[/color] A small hole opened up in the floor, and out came the black and white bear. “Oh, I thought you guys were doing something else in here. You both still have your clothes on.” Cyrus simply rolled his eyes at Monokuma's perverted remarks, as responding was far beneath his station. Shona placed a hand on the hilt of her sword, just in case. “Surely that's not all you're here to say.” “Well, that was the most important bit.” He waddled forward a few steps. “But as your doctor, I can't have you walking around all confused either. You don't seem to understand how the game works, so I am here to explain the rules to you nerds.” He giggled and snatched Shona's E-handbook out of her hand. “She didn't lend it to me, I borrowed it! Now, had she loaned it to me during the night of carnage, she would not be punished. Nor would she be punished when it ended. You lawyer types really suck by the way! I'm pretty sure everybeary else knew that would happen.” [color=D1c2bf]"I can't help it that your ninth rule makes distinction between these definitions clear. If I didn't ask, you could've punished any of us who did it because we had no way of knowing!"[/color] “Whatever!” He chucked the E-handbook back into Shona's hand. “And you have some other problems with the night of carnage I presume?” Shona shook off her E-handbook and slid it back into her armor. “In particular, we don't see the advantage of removing the seventh rule. Don't you want us to kill each other?” “What was that rule again? Can I see your E-handbook?” Monokuma shook his head and growled. “Never mind, I'll just get my own!” He pulled out his E-handbook and looked at the rules. “Oh right, I guess that would seem a little mysterious at this time. Phu phu phu phu!” Monokuma opened his mouth wide and swallowed his E-handbook with a single gulp. “I believe that discovery is the spice of life, and I feel you'll discover an advantage to that rule when the time comes. Did you have any other questions, or can I get back to drinking my monokumalade?” The response to the seventh rule was something he completely expected.[color=D1c2bf]"No, I have one more. The eight rule states that you can not enter someone's room unless this person commits a violation. Let's say Shona would violate a rule while being in my room. Would this allow you to enter my room? By the current definition of the rules, this should not be possible."[/color] “Whoah!” Monokuma's eyes expanded. “That's actually a really good point! Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I like the challenge of punishing people without entering their room. It's actually very simple for me.” The bear tipped his head. “However, I may wish to hibernate, and that could pose a problem for my adopted daughters.” The bear lifted his paws up in the air. “I know! I'll just write another regulation!” [indent] [color=Magenta]10.[/color] Harboring a patient that has violated the rules is strictly prohibited. [/indent] “Thanks a bunch Cyrus! Here, let me pay you for all that hard work.” The bear tossed a coin at the politician, who was able to catch it before it smacked into his head. “Now I'm going to go back to watching everyone on my security cameras.” His body started to sweat. “I won't be looking in here, trust me...Just do what comes natural.” Monokuma was lowered into the floor, which closed over his head once he disappeared from sight. [color=D1c2bf]"You're welcome?"[/color] Cyrus said as the bear disappeared. “Well...” Shona looked away from where Monokuma was and at Cyrus. “Thank you, I feel like this was productive. Was there anything you wanted to discuss?” He turned back to Shona. "I guess to start with... tell me. Do you know anything of the past killing games?" He started pacing around the room for a bit. [color=D1c2bf]"Monokuma mentioned it a little during his therapy: killing games that happened a decade ago. If this is supposed to be the same as that, we might be a step ahead of the game by knowing what happened then."[/color] Shona shook her head. “I only know that they happened. I was a teenager when the calamity happened, and Ireland didn't get as bad as most other countries did. I remember the anarchists from the united kingdom were trying to come over on boat. I know that they were wearing black and white bear masks that represent the bear in this game, but I haven't said anything to keep everyone calm. Why, do you know anything?” [color=D1c2bf] "Let's just say that politicians have access to some secret documents."[/color] Cyrus told her. [color=D1c2bf]"To put it simply. Core orchestrators of the chaos that was paramount in the tragedy were a group called 'ultimate despair'. And as their despair spread, others started to copy their methods. Monokuma was a central symbol. There were a few central figures that orchestrated killing games. For example, in Australia a man by the name of 'Sinner Hector Ecclesia.' spread an extremely infectious virus that caused people to become uncontrollably angry and suicidal in later stages. In America, I believe there was someone named Neo Alexander. He persuaded the US army to turn on it's country, and eventually took the entire continent. But most important to us is the one who broadcast a killing game in Japan. This was a high schooler by the name Junko Enoshima. She was a young woman who.. well... she resembles the carnage sisters to a tee. What all of these masterminds have in common is that they hosted a killing game, all on varying scales. However, there are clear records of each one taking their own life. So it is impossible that any of them could have hosted this killing game."[/color] Shona blinked several times. Unable to fully believe what she was hearing.“Are you saying that whoever imprisoned us here is... some kind of crazed fan of these killing games?” Cyrus shrugged. [color=D1c2bf]"A fan, a long hidden ally, a remnant of whatever regime these figures had? Maybe they finally saw their chance when the infinity initiative popped up to do the deed themselves."[/color] Cyrus said before his expression turned grim. [color=D1c2bf]"Or if you want to be truly cynical... Perhaps the infinity initiative was something made with this killing game in mind? The Japanese killing game took place in a school for high schoolers with so called 'ultimate talents', something the infinity initiative was inspired by. Honestly, we have no way of knowing. I'd rather shun the thought that the infinity initiative is directly responsible for this. Though whoever set this up must have access to a great amount of resources if they could take us from Axis Mundi and put us in those elevators, if they weren't from the initiative themselves. Do you see what I'm getting at?"[/color] Cyrus said looking up at Shona. The knight sighed. “Yes... and I suspect you may even be right.” Shona held her chin in thought. “I'm glad you shared this with me, but I don't think this topic is ever going to be come more than speculation. Not without more clues. Having said that, I do have more grave news. You mustn't tell anyone however.” Shona folded her arms and looked away from Cyrus. “Davis confessed to me that he believes he's the reason we're all here. He didn't tell me how, as I was in a rush to get you as soon as possible. But he's emotionally unstable, and I feel like if left unchecked he might do something drastic, if not be killed himself.” Shona returned her gaze to Cyrus. “I'm just letting you know. I hope to get Mondatta to speak with him directly. I think he will have the best chance of reaching out to him. What do you think about this?” Cyrus scratched his head. [color=D1c2bf]"Sounds like that is best kept under wraps until this is either confirmed or refuted, indeed.[/color] He then sighed himself. [color=D1c2bf]"I'd try to help, but I doubt I'd make a good therapist. I think Mondatta might be a good bet. I don't think the monk is the type to murder. It's the nice thing about talents like yours and his. Your beliefs are part of it. I believe strong beliefs are part of mine as well, though people would debate the fact, surely."[/color] He sighed again. He waved away his own negative thoughts. [color=D1c2bf]"I'm not putting much value into the bear's words by the way. I think we should trust each other, though doubt is still a healthy thing. I hope these presents haven't thrown you off your game."[/color] the politician lifted his ingot. [color=D1c2bf]"If we distrust, we lose.[/color] Shona smiled, but had to look away in an attempt to hide it. “That's a fitting statement closer.” The knight squared her shoulders. “I hope to talk to you in the future about lighter topics, but for now, we should head to the break room. I don't want to miss Mondatta's speech.” Cyrus nodded in agreement and they left for the break room. [hr] Shona was standing in the corner of the break room, resting one hand on top of the mini fridge. Mondatta's speech was short, to the point, and powerful. He really earned his title of Infinite monk. It was a shame that Davis wasn't here. He must have locked himself in his room. This was just a problem that was going to get worse as time went on. Shona was about to approach Mondatta about the topic when she was stopped by Mary. [color=pink]"Hey, Sho-Sho! I got a bottle of ale from the teddy! Wanna get totally crunk?[/color] She asked while making a funny face with her tongue sticking out. While Shona didn't know exactly what crunk was, she did know ale very well. “Mary... It's still morning. You really want to start drinking now?” The knight sighed and smiled. It was hard not to in the face of such silliness. “If it's cold, then I might have a glass with breakfast, but I'd prefer to have two. Of course I'd enjoy having it with company even more.” You didn't get very far in Ireland if you didn't drink. And if you did, you typically did it with company.