Author's Note:

Greetings readers,

A bit of a shorter chapter this time. The events might appear out of character to some of you, but I wouldn't disagree. Either way, do enjoy.

Regards,

JokersMaze

Sonia sat peacefully on the edge of her bed. It was late in the evening now, and the dwindling sunlight illuminated her room through the small window. She stood up and walked over to the curtains, pushing them aside so that the room wouldn't be as dim.

She had to admit, her room had a wonderful view. She could see the pristine coast of the island, virtually untouched by human pollution. The ocean waves lapped peacefully against the sandy shores. Sonia reached down and tugged open the window. The cold ocean breeze immediately blew in and felt refreshing compared to the stuffy air. She rested her head on her hands and took in the peaceful landscape, blinking lazily.

A quiet knocking was heard from the door.

"Sonia-san?" said a muffled voice. "It's me, Souda."

"Come in, the door's open." she replied absentmindedly.

She heard Souda walk in and close the door behind him. It wasn't unusual for them to spend random bits of time together, at least not anymore. Moving slightly to the side, she made room for him to join her at the window. He leaned down and perched his arms on the windowsill.

"Nice view, isn't it?" he said.

"I agree." she answered quietly. Souda looked at her for a moment, but then turned away, leaving her to her thoughts. They stood soundlessly, listening to the ocean waves and garrulous birds together, before Souda moved back and stretched his stiff limbs.

"I've never had the privilege of seein' somethin' so beautiful before."

Sonia turned around and looked at him. "The ocean?" she asked.

"No," he said, still gazing out the window. "You."

Sonia studied him, perplexed. "What do you mean?"

He leaned back down next to her, not meeting her gaze. "I mean, you're a princess, and I'm just a dumb mechanic. It's a privilege just to know someone like you."

Sonia looked away, staring back into the multicolored distance.

"It wasn't my desire to be a princess." she sighed quietly. "I was merely born the child of my mother and father, the queen and the king. I must dedicate my life to the people of Novoselic."

Souda glanced at her.

"Still," she continued. "I mustn't complain. The life of royalty is a privileged one. It would be selfish of me to pity myself. My parents were good to me – everyone was, really, but there are many expectations of a princess."

She squinted at the horizon. "I wonder if this sky still exists back in Novoselic, or if it has been tainted by the smoke and destruction of despair."

Souda put a hand on her shoulder and she stiffened. He had become more serious since they had exited the New World Program – more weary of the world and all it held. He had left his hair black, its natural color, instead of dying it pink again. She grit her teeth.

"I've failed them all."

"Stop," he said calmly. "You haven't failed anyone."

"But I have! I truly, truly have!" she cried, suddenly turning to look at him with teary eyes. "I was the fated heir, and I have led my people to destruction! How am I to return home and face them?"

He lowered his hand from her shoulder and placed it on her back, raising his other arm to cradle her head. He gently pulled her into a hug, and allowed her to cry on his shoulder. They had become closer recently, with both of them watching over Tanaka's sleeping figure, waiting for him to wake up. Souda hated Tanaka, it was true, but if Sonia wanted him to wake up, then Souda wanted it too.

"Shh," he cooed. "It's alright."

"My a-apologies," she sniffled into him. "I didn't mean for this to be about m-me…"

"No." He hugged her tighter. "It's okay."

He ran his fingers through her pale blonde hair, enjoying the fine texture. She didn't seem to mind. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She found the motion comforting and buried her face deeper into his jumper. It felt as though Tanaka were holding her. She wanted to think that it was him, that he was alive. An innate feeling of guilt rose within her chest.

I'm only using him, she realized. He's only my replacement for Tanaka.

She bit down on her lip in an attempt to keep herself from crying again.

Souda, on the other hand, had accepted his position long ago. He had made his decision one afternoon, when he had been sitting in the testing room with Sonia.

It had been a few weeks prior to Nanami's awakening. Sonia had been sitting in a plain wooden chair, borrowed from a spare meeting room. Souda, returning from lunch, came up behind her and nudged her gently. In his other hand he carried a simple tray of food – a tidy plate of fish and rice sitting beside a bowl of miso soup.

"Here," he gestured. "Eat."

She ignored him and went back to staring at Tanaka's motionless body. Souda sighed and set the tray on top of the glass before pulling up a chair and sitting next to her. She wasn't saying anything, but the way she looked hungrily at the food confirmed Souda's guesses. Her stomach let out a noise of protest, and she covered it with her hand, eyebrows furrowing a bit in frustration.

It was ironic, the situation. It was the motive that the animal breeder had died for, yet Sonia wasn't eating, even though she could.

"He wouldn't want ya to starve y'know," Souda said quietly. Sonia looked at him hesitantly for a second, before realizing he was right and reaching to pick up the tray.

"Just use the pod as a table or somethin'. You're not desecratin' his body or anything so don't worry about it." he said. He looked at her face. There were bags beginning to form under her eyes, and she looked a bit paler than she had before. "Have you been sleepin'?" he asked.

She mustered a smile. Souda could tell that she was lying through her teeth. "Yes, Souda-san. I'm fine, really."

She picked up the chopsticks and slowly began eating. Souda stayed next to her, making sure that she finished the food before he left. He didn't understand why she wasn't taking care of herself. When she was done, she let out a tiny sigh of comfort and turned to look at him.

"Thank you, Souda-san."

He nodded and watched as she blinked slowly with fatigue. "You should get some rest too y'know."

"But –"

"Just'a nap won't hurt anyone. You should really sleep in your bed once n' a while though."

Sonia huffed in defeat. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort of a full belly. Gradually, her breaths became slower and her posture more relaxed. Her lithe body began tilting to the side, and Souda became alarmed at the fact that she could possibly fall out of her chair. He reached over and gently tilted her body to her right, so that if she did fall, she would fall onto him instead of the floor.

To his panic, Sonia's sleeping form latched onto his arm. She breathed softly onto his shoulder, and the sensation sent chills up Souda's spine. He made a mental note that she didn't snore.

Man. he thought. Everythin' about her makes her a princess.

A childish thought brought a smile to his face. A princess? I got a princess clinging to me! I wonder if she likes me?

The sleeping princess fidgeted slightly and mumbled something into his chest. He frowned, wanting to believe that he had heard her incorrectly.

No no no. Please let me be wrong.

"Tanaka-san…" she mumbled again in her sleep. He grit his sharp teeth together and fought back stinging tears, careful not to wake her up.

Just once. he thought bitterly. Why I can't I fuckin' outdo Tanaka just once?

It was immature of him, he knew, to act like this after they had gone through so much, but part of him still wanted to be the prince that swept her away. She was absent-mindedly clinging to his arm, but he knew that she hadn't meant to. Whatever the princess was dreaming of, it didn't involve Souda.

She moved rigidly against him, and Souda hastily wiped at his eyes with the back of his free hand. She yawned sleepily, before realizing that she was tightly holding onto him.

"S-Souda-san?" she exclaimed, alarmed at her position. "H-how long have I… I did not mean to…"

"It's alright." he said, making no move to free himself. He silently hoped that she would stay where she was.

Sonia righted herself and stretched her arms before sitting back down and leaning onto him again. He looked at her expectantly. She flustered, ashamed of her behavior. It was unfitting of a princess to act so improper, but she had to admit she enjoyed his sudden company.

"I hope you do not mind… this is a rather… comfortable position."

He began to grin at his small success, but stopped when he saw that she immediately set her sights back on Tanaka.

Ah, that's right ain't it? I only get to be second best.

Her body remained pressed up against his.

"Souda-san?" she asked, not looking up.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for taking care of me."

A warm feeling gushed inside of him. Even if he was only Tanaka's replacement, he would still have some time alone with Sonia. He beamed at the thought and smiled before replying.

"No problem, princess."

And now, here he was, with the crying princess in his arms. He had known his place from the very beginning, but only now had she realized. She had kept her feelings buried, not wanting to face her terrible remorse. The sun had almost entirely set by now, and the room was growing increasingly dim.

She was quietly sobbing into his chest, and his words echoed in head.

Everythin' about her makes her a princess…

It was true. He hadn't thought it possible, that someone could cry with such grace. She smelled faintly of daffodils, a scent that was lovely to him. Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks, shimmering in the light of the setting sun.

"It was not my intention to… to use you like this, Souda-san." she said softly, her voice hoarse from crying.

"Nah. It's not like that at all." he reassured, murmuring into her hair. He looked out the window at the darkening horizon. A cold wind blew in from the open window and he shivered. He gently loosened himself from her grasp and she looked up at him in mild confusion.

"It's gettin' dark. Lemme turn on a light or somethin'." She nodded and sat down on the side of her bed, flattening her ruffled dress with her hands. Souda closed the window before walking over and turning on the lamp on Sonia's desk. He lingered around her desk for a bit, thinking as he fiddled with the switch.

"I should probably go." he said finally. Sonia remained silent, so he moved to show himself out. As he made his way towards the door, Sonia's hand gently grabbed onto his. He stopped, and her green eyes looked up pleadingly.

"Stay, please." she said.

"It's gettin' late."

"Stay the night then."

Souda sat down and then glanced behind them. They were sitting on the only bed in the room. It was large enough to easily fit the two of them, but the thought of sharing a bed with the princess made him blush.

"A-are ya sure? I mean –"

"Yes," she answered confidently. "I truly did not mean to convince myself that you were…" she paused, unable to think of a fitting description. "You have done a lot for me, these past few months, and I have yet to repay my debts."

He slumped forward slightly, staring down at the floor.

"S'not a debt to be repaid."

She placed a delicate hand on his upper arm. Although his jumper made him appear skimpy, his upper body was actually quite muscular, due to his work as a mechanic.

"I enjoy your company, Souda-san. Not just your presence, but you as a person."

Face still slightly flushed, he grinned at her with shark-like teeth. Relieved that she hadn't hurt him, Sonia relaxed and laid down, arms folded under her head like a pillow. Souda joined her shortly after. The two rested there in silence, before Souda turned to look at her.

Sonia's eyes had fluttered closed and her chest rose and fell slowly. She was deep in a peaceful sleep.

Probably exhausted after what just happened. he thought. Best t'not disturb her.

He smiled to himself, enjoying the sight. He reached over to brush a stray strand of hair out of her face, but hesitated, thinking about how Sonia had distanced herself from him back in the simulation.

But that was then and this is now.

He sat up slowly, careful not to disturb her, and moved her arms out of the way as he placed a pillow under her head. He gently draped the covers over her and jumped when he saw something moving on the other side of the room. Souda turned, only to see a reflection of himself in Sonia's mirror. He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair and sighed inaudibly.

Man, I look like such a stalker! Leanin' over Sonia-san while she's sleepin'...

He looked back at her resting figure. There was a large space where he had just been, and the bed seemed pretty roomy without him.

Well she did tell me t' stay the night...

Taking off his jumper and revealing his plain white T-shirt, he settled onto the space beside her. Right on cue, she unconsciously latched onto his bare arm, and he braced himself for the upcoming line.

Here we go again.

"Tanaka-san…" she murmured in her sleep. It didn't sting as much this time, since he had been expecting it. When she said something else afterwards, however, Souda perked up. He eagerly hoped that she would say it again.

C'mon. Please.

"Souda-san…" she mumbled again. He smiled giddily to himself, ecstatic that he was there in her dreams. Even if he could never compare to Tanaka, it was enough for her to even think of him. As the moon began to rise in the dark sky, Souda fell asleep comfortably with the sleeping princess clinging onto him. It would only last until Tanaka woke up, if he ever did, but until then, Sonia was his.

Kamakura knocked on the door. It was late, he knew, but with the events of the day, he thought the circumstances would be understandable.

A boy came to the door shortly after, rubbing sleepily at his eyes. He was dressed in plain linen pajamas and had obviously not been expecting visitors.

"Oh, Hinata-kun, what is it?" the boy asked.

"May I come in?"

"Of course, make yourself at home."

Kamakura walked inside and looked around casually as the boy relocked the door to the room.

"So, what did you want to talk abou –ack!"

The boy's sentence was cut short as he was slammed against the wall. Kamakura's hands were immediately around his throat, and Junko's orders echoed in his head.

"So, Kamakura-kun, now that I'm back, there'll be some despairingly wonderful things I'll need you to do for me!"

Kamakura looked at her expectantly, waiting for instructions.

"It won't be anything hard," she had said. "Just a small… execution." She drew out the last word with painful emphasis, sliding her fake nails teasingly across his lips.

"Who am I to kill?" he had asked.

"Ahh, patience! It's no fun if you jump straight to the point!"

He glared at her in contempt. "I do not require trivial details."

She huffed in comical protest before continuing.

"Just one thing then. I know how despairingly awful your acting is, so after you execute my plan, I want you to forget everything. Just let that Hinata-kid or whatever take over –he won't remember a thing! Oh I hope they all blame him, he'll feel such sweet despair~!"

He nodded indifferently. She puffed out her cheeks, pouting.

"Alright, alright, I'll cut to the chase. Here's what I need you to do…"

The boy was struggling now, writhing and flailing in Kamakura's grasp. He was unable to speak, due to the tremendous pressure on his windpipe, but his eyes looked to Kamakura asking, "why?". The red-eyed student said nothing, only gripping the boy's neck tighter in an attempt to hasten the process. The boy's hands desperately clawed at Kamakura's wrists, trimmed fingernails unable to break the skin. His legs shot in every direction, but the attacker stayed well out of reach.

Gradually, the boy's movements slowed. His eyes were covered by a dull, lifeless glaze, and his arms were limp at his side. Kamakura kept his hands around the boy's throat for a few more seconds, ensuring that he was dead, before dropping the body to the floor and wiping the saliva off of his hands. He harshly kicked the boy, and the corpse crumpled into itself and fell to the side.

A sharp pang of regret shot through him, and he jumped to quickly repress the feeling. Hinata couldn't come back, not yet.

He hoisted the body onto his shoulders and walked over to what had been the boy's bed. Gently placing him under the covers, it appeared as though the boy had been sleeping. Marks had yet to form around the boy's throat, and weren't likely to appear for a full day. Anyone searching for him would assume that he was merely sleeping in late.

With his orders complete, Kamakura began heading back to his own room. In the morning, he would allow Hinata to regain control of their body, and join in the chaos that would inevitably unfold. Junko's plans had been simple enough, and he agreed with her that the event would bring great despair to everyone.

"Kill the Ultimate Hope." she had whispered wickedly.

He had done it.

Makoto Naegi was dead.