We all stood out of our chairs and went out the Dining Hall to search for Byakuya.

"Where could he have gone, I wonder? I have a feeling that he might be on the 2nd floor, but..."

Dashing up the stairs, ignoring the cries of Taka, I ran towards the library.

And, when I opened it up...

I was met with a sudden surprise.

"B-Byakuya...!?"

---------------

Lying in the middle of the library, smacked dab in his own pool of blood...

...was Byakuya Togami.

...

...

...

(A/N: Hah! Ya'll thought!)

When I opened the doors of the library, I saw Byakuya Togami, as casual as ever, sat down on a chair, reading a book. He also had a hand on a coffee mug, placed down on the table.

"What did I even expect?"

Apollo: So this is where you were, eh?

Byakuya: Tch. What do you want?

Apollo: To call you down for breakfast. Everyone here's scrambling to know where you've been. Some of them thought you died.

Byakuya: Psh. That's hilarious. 

Apollo: I'll say. Anyways, what are you even doing here?

Byakuya: What does it look like I'm doing? I'm reading, obviously.

Apollo: Save that for another time. We all did make promises to eat together at the Dining Hall.

Byakuya: ... A promise? (Sigh) Can't I get a second's peace and quiet around here?

Apollo: Nope.

Letting out another sigh, he closes his book shut and stands up.

Meanwhile, some others must've heard our commotion, as they all started showing up at the doorway one after another.

Taka: Byakuya! So this is where you've been hiding!

Leon: The hell are you doing over here?

Sakura: We were very concerned...

Byakuya: Well, you had no reason to be. I was just reading. I've never read such a... coarse novel before, but it might just prove useful at some point.

Hina: Wh-What were you reading?

Byakuya: A mystery novel.

"Yikes."

Apollo: So you're simply gonna absorb that book's knowledge and use it to kill one of us, eh?

Byakuya: Don't be stupid.

Makoto: Y-Yeah!

Byakuya: It's just something to keep in mind.

Makoto: Yea- What?

Byakuya: If I decide to fight, of course I'll come up with something original. Otherwise, this game of ours will be totally boring, right?

"Game...? Game...!?"

"Who the hell does he think he is!? Thinking this as just a game... It's plain wrong!"

Byakuya: It's not often you get to take part in such a high-stakes, high-tension activity. So if you're going to do it, you have to make sure it's entertaining. Mhmhmhm...

Apollo: You're... laughing... D-Do you not realize what situation we are all in...!?

He had a plain smile on his face as he spoke. He truly looked like he enjoyed every second of this.

Enjoying this... deranged killing-game...

I felt my fist ball up in anger.

Mondo: What the fuck do you mean, "game!?" That's fucked up!

Byakuya: But it *is* a game. It's a game of life and death, which can only have one winner. That's all there is to it.

Celeste: He is right. It's a zero-sum game.

Makoto: Huh?

Celeste: It is part of a game theory, a mathematical model. In game theory, what we are going through right now is called a "zero-sum game." In this type of game, in order for one person to gain something, another must necessarily lose something. In other words, it is a situation in which participants must compete for position or resources.

Sakura: You mean like... a kind of elimination match.

Celeste: Entrance exams, sports tournaments, job openings - most social interactions fall into this category. Everyone must scramble to obtain something which is limited. For you to succeed, someone else must fail. This also applies to the school life we have been subjected to here. In this case... our "limited resource" is that only one of us can successfully become the blackened. 

Byakuya: So, this game was designed from the beginning to force one of us to try and defeat all the others.

Apollo: That's... such a messed up mentality!

Celeste: This is why adaptation is so crucial. If those who want to escape were to disappear, there would be no reason to continue playing the game.

Byakuya: But why would I want to stop playing? It's so much fun.

He smiled again as he spoke. Yet... this wasn't your general happy smile.

It was full of malice and evil intent. It twisted his face to something inhumane.

Celeste: It sounds as if you do not acknowledge even the possibility that you may lose, am I right? 

Byakuya: Of course.

Celeste: You do not speak like the others. Exactly what I would expect from the Togami Heir apparent.

Apollo: Do all "Togami Heir's" talk like this...? Such arrogance...

Hina: You talk like that, but what if you end up dead!?

Byakuya: I won't. It's simply isn't possible.

Mondo: Who the fuck do you think you are!?

Byakuya: You know, I still just can't believe it...

Mondo: Believe what!?

Byakuya: That an uneducated, brain-dead, useless piece of garbage like you has survived this long. 

Mondo: I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!

Byakuya: Like I said, I won't die.

Apollo: Oh, take a look at this guy! Might as well stab him right now to prove him wrong, why don't we?

Leon: He keeps saying that, but-

Celeste: Do not bother arguing with him. For him, the concept of losing simply does not exist. He is the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, after all - a boy raised to succeed from the day he was born. He considers victory his destiny, and has lived his life accordingly. Tests and challenges are merely ways for him to stand victorious. Even if it is a life and death situation.

She then smiles at Byakuya, but it wasn't full of sincerity. 

It felt sort of sarcastic.

Celeste: Is that not so, Byakuya?

Byakuya: At least one of you seems to understand.

Celeste: It is because I am the same as you. Games are meant to be won.

Byakuya: Are you trying to suggest we're on the same level? Close that vulgar mouth of yours.

Celeste: Well, well. I do apologize.

Byakuya: Anyway, let me just say this to all of you. You all need to try harder. 

Apollo: Try... harder?

Byakuya: If an opponent isn't going to give it their best, where's the fun for me?

Chihiro: Th-That's a terrible way to look at it...

Byakuya: Hmm?

Chihiro: This... isn't a game. Our lives are on the line, you know...? To kill your own friends... is... is...! It's horrific!

Byakuya: Friends? Who decided that?

Chihiro: Huh...!?

Byakuya: We're not friends. No, quite the opposite. We're in competition - We're enemies.

Chihiro: B-But... you know...

Byakuya: But what? Stop trying to force your contradictions on me and just accept what I'm telling you.

Chihiro: U-Um...

Byakuya: Yes? If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, keep your mouth closed.

Chihiro: ...

Suddenly, she started sniffling. I could see tears start to form out of the corner of her eyes. 

"I... I'm sorry..."

Even though if this is just a game for him... Some of us can't handle that reality. Heck, I can't accept it just yet. 

I don't want to die, yet I don't wish to kill. 

"But... do I truly think that way?" 

It's that seed of doubt planted in our minds that we can't handle. 

And, one of us is taking it way too hard.

Mondo: Hey, shithead! You get off on bullying people that can't fight back!? You wanna try that on me!?

Byakuya: So, you're going back to pretending to be friends, huh? And how long do you think that's going to last?

Mondo: Fuck you!

Byakuya: ... Is that all you can say? It's unfortunate you would waste your breath on such empty gibberish.

Mondo: That's it! You're fuckin' dead!

He started walking up towards Byakuya, but some of us intervened.

Hina: H-Hold on! Just calm down!

Mondo: I AM calm!

Hina: How is *this* "calm"!?

Byakuya: Anyway... I don't have any intention of working with the rest of you any longer. To co-operate during an elimination game is... Well, frankly, it's a waste of time. And I hate wasting my time.

Apollo: Waste... of time...?

That's... what I thought about before...

My brain suddenly turned towards Makoto and Sayaka.

I worked with them, and what happened? 

I got backstabbed. I nearly got framed.

I stood there filled with realization and shock.

 And, what Byakuya said next didn't helped either.

Byakuya: I'm sure you feel the same way. Isn't that right, Apollo?

Apollo: I...

I glanced at Makoto and Sayaka. They both had their heads hunged down in shame.

And, as much as I hated to admit it at the time...

Byakuya... was right. 

It was a waste of time, and I nearly lost my life. 

We went nowhere during the trial, and I had to close it out on my own.

Byakuya: Enganging in "friendly" group meals is out of the question. Someone could easily poison our food. And I'd rather not become part of the Last Supper just yet.

Mondo: Quit talking like you're in a fuckin' movie or something!

Byakuya: All I'm saying is that, you are all free to do whatever you want on your own. Goodbye.

Without a second glance, he pushed us aside and turnt towards the exit.

But, before he could step outside, I blocked his way.

Byakuya: Hey, out of my way.

Apollo: ...

Byakuya: I said, get out of my way.

Apollo: No. I won't. Not before I ask you something.

Byakuya: Tch. What else are you going to waste your breath about now?

Apollo: You keep saying how you'll not die, how you'll never lose this... "game" or whatever. Why...? Why do you think that way!? 

Byakuya: As I said before, I-

Apollo: Enough of your bullshit! It's my turn to talk! 

I shoved him back a few feet, and he gives me a glare back.

Apollo: Why!? Why can't we all just... agree to work together to end this killing game! 

Byakuya: Hmm?

Apollo: THERE'S NO NEED FOR US TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MESSED UP KILLING GAME! WE CAN JUST END IT, CAN WE NOT!? WHY CAN'T YOU JUST WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND THAT FACT!?

I had tears rolling down my face. My bottled up emotions... are now spilling out. 

But, I didn't care. 

Apollo: I DON'T CARE IF YOU DON'T TRUST US! I JUST WANT TO FUCKING GET OUT OF THIS GAME! ALL I EVER WANTED IS TO HAVE A PEACEFUL FUCKING LIFE! I WANTED TO USE MY YOUTHFUL DAYS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT! I NEVER WISHED... FOR ANY OF THIS!

I punched the wall out of frustration, leaving a dent mark behind.

Apollo: Why...!? Why must we continue this game...? It's all... what the mastermind wants... for us to torture each other... kill each other... and hate each other...

I brushed my tears aside and glared at Byakuya.

However, he didn't seemed fazed at what I had just said. In fact, he seemed bored.

Byakuya: Isn't it obvious? To end the killing game, one must commit a murder and get away with it. 

Apollo: There has to be another way, dammit! THERE HAS TO BE!

Byakuya: Enough. Continue coming up with blank evidence, and you will die. There is no way of escape. Just accept that already.

Apollo: ...

Byakuya: And plus, why should I help you end the game? As I said earlier, I'm having the time of my life. Being a participant of games like these are what I thrive for. It's simply because you all can't accept reality that you can't enjoy this game we all play in. Enough said.

Apollo: I... I refuse to let that slip by. 

Byakuya: You're starting to get on my nerves. I'd recommend you close your mouth and accept reality. Now, move.

He shoves me aside, and without glancing back, he leaves our presence.

Yet... I can't help but feel disgust. I felt angry. 

His way of thinking was just beyond anything the rest of us could comprehend.

And... I hated that. I hate how he's always somehow above us all.

"But... this is a natural reaction, is it not?"

"Is it...?"

Leon: Was he... actually fuckin' serious?

Celeste: He was, without a doubt.

Mondo: Well, fuck him then.

Toko: B-But what he said... He might not be n-necessarily wrong... I mean, can you s-say for sure someone *won't* poison our food...?

Hina: Hey, come on! You too, Toko!?

Junko: Of course you would be the one to actually go along with his thinking. We're all friends, are we not? 

Hina: Exactly! 

Toko: Well, it's n-not like anyone would care even if I-I was gone, right...? Actually, I bet you all w-want me gone! You all think I'm d-disgusting!

Makoto: None of us think that...

Toko: You j-just *think* you don't think that! You all think I d-don't know, but I do... You all want me g-gone! And I'm s-sure... the rest of you want the same th-thing, don't you...!?

Junko: Oh. My. God. Would you stop playing the victim for just one second!? 

Toko: H-Huh?

She glances over at a very pissed off Junko.

Junko: Look here missy, I'm getting SOOO sick and tired of listening to your whining and complaining about junk we don't even think about! 

Toko: S-See! Y-You're getting m-mad at me! You really do w-want me gone!

Junko: Are you even listening to me!? You are SUCH a pain to deal with!

Toko: T-That just proves my p-point! If I r-really am such a p-pain to deal with... F-Fine! I'll g-go away and n-never come back!

Turning away sniffling, she starts sprinting out to the hallway.

Junko: Wh- Come back here!

She turns to take off, but I blocked off her way.

Junko: Hey! The hell you think you're doing!?

Apollo: Leave her alone. If you bring her back here, I don't think I can stand any more of her self-depreciating mojo. 

Celeste: Once she gets going like that, there is nothing you can say to bring her back.

Sayaka: I... feel bad for her though... You went a bit too overboard, Junko.

Junko: Oh, did I now? Well, excuse me princess!

She puts her hands up to surrender.

Sayaka: I'll... go to Toko's room. I'll try to cheer her up.

Sayaka then leaves the library.

Junko: You know what? I'm outta here too. 

Junko then leaves the library.

And soon enough, everyone starts leaving the library.

All except me, as I stood over the book that Byakuya was reading.

---------------

Byakuya: Anyway... I don't have any intention of working with the rest of you any longer. To co-operate during an elimination game is... Well, frankly, it's a waste of time. And I hate wasting my time.

---------------

He's right...

It really was a waste of time.

"Why did I even think about working together with them...? I nearly got myself killed and I single-handedly disclosed the case, did I not? I did get the culprit in Hifumi right, did I not?"

So, why do I even need to ask for help, when I can just do things by myself?

"Heh... Hehehe... Hehehehe!"

I started laughing uncontrallably.

"What was I even thinking!? Why did I even bother!?"

"Working together with others... Hah!"

"And friends!? Friends in a killing game!?"

"That's just a shortened version for a temporary truce!"

"A truce that can easily be destroyed! I mean, look at what happened to Hiro!"

"It's funny, really... Wasn't I the one who encouraged teamwork? Wasn't I the one who encouraged friendship!? The fuck was I actually thinking!?"

Laughing to myself, I slammed my arm down onto the desk.

I'm just so... bewildered. I'm bewildered at myself for thinking such a way.

But... There was one thing that still irked me.

The fact that Byakuya wished to play along the killing game...

I don't agree with him there.

Whatever the hell it takes, I will bring this game to an end.

Even if I have to do it...

By myself.

---------------

But, as I continued to laugh at myself, I heard someone step through the library.

I glanced over to see who it was, and I wasn't even surprised that it was none other than Kyoko.

Apollo: Huh? Kyoko?

Kyoko: You... don't truly agree with what he said, right?

Apollo: Huh?

She steps inside the library.

Kyoko: How working together is a waste of time. You truly don't think that way, don't you?

Apollo: You... heard everything, didn't you?

Wordlessly, she grabs the book on the table and puts it back up on the shelf.

Kyoko: You may think that its a waste, but I think otherwise.

Apollo: How so...?

Kyoko: You think that you only worked together with Makoto and Sayaka. But, if you hadn't worked together with Hina and Sakura that night... It would be undoubtedly true that Leon would've died, and with the disregarded evidence, you would be framed the murderer. And, that would've meant that we all would've died as well. 

Apollo: No, but the thing is, I found out about the missing knife in the kitchen. I just told Hina and Sakura out of it due to sheer panic. I would've been able to stop Leon and Sayaka by myself.

Kyoko: Is that so? Well, I suppose that stopping 2 students with weapons while you were unarmed would be an easy task for you, would it now?

Apollo: I... R-Right...

Kyoko: If Hina and Sakura hadn't shown up, theoretically speaking, Sayaka would've turnt her back on you and attacked you instead. Or, Leon could've attacked you. Worst case scenario, they both turn on you. But, because Hina and Sakura were there, it caused enough commotion that they had to stop their fight.

Apollo: ...

Kyoko: Also, without the help of others, we all wouldn't have been able to investigate the incident. Hina's account was the evidence how Makoto turnt out to be innocent and told us about someone entering the dining hall. Without that, the case would've been fulled with holes and blanks. 

Apollo: I... I...

Kyoko: Don't simply buy into his words and believe it. You have your own will, and no one should be able to change what you think. Your mind, your will, your decision. That's all there is to it.

Without another word, she walked out of the library, leaving me again with inner conflict.

What Kyoko had said, it rang true.

Was it perhaps my rage towards Makoto and Sayaka that I thought that way? 

They betrayed me, but they did sort of helped out in the trial. They also helped with the little things too, didn't they?

...

...

...

I don't even know anymore. I don't even want to think anymore. 

"I'm through with this shit."

Sighing to myself, I walked back towards my room, leaving a crazy morning to the dust.

---------------

Next time on Rebirth:

Chapter 21: Sports Day

A/N: Hey ya'll, Carter here! So, this will be the last chapter before I start re-editing my RWBY book! There won't be any updates to, lets say, a week tops, so apollo-gies to that! 

With my schedule, I'll have to alternate between re-editing and writing. So, I've made the decision to edit 5 chapters of my RWBY book, then write 3-4 chapters of my Danganropa book before returning back to re-editing my RWBY book. It's kind of a mess, but once I'm done with re-editing my RWBY book, I'll be on a charge to get this book to the end.

Anyways, how do you all like todays chapter? I'm sure that some of ya'll will be quite confused with Apollo and how he is feeling. Let's just say... He's pretty confused and lost.

Also, I hope someone can guess what'll happen for the next chapter! The title for the next chapter is kinda a hint, so guess away I guess!

That's all, I'll see you all later. Carter Out!