ACT I: THE TITANS, THE BEAR AND THE FORTRESS OF DESPAIR
Chapter 1: The long way to breakfast
Day 2
Tartarus Keep
Residence area
9:02
I woke up late in the morning, feeling more tired than ever. What transpired the night before had been quite tiresome and it had taken me two hours of ceaseless running and evading until the angry mob of people I had wronged finally relented. It appeared my impression was correct regarding the unforgiving nature of humans, though I was not at all thrilled when such was felt by myself. During the whole chase, Rin and Yume seemed to enjoy the whole charade and were eating popcorns. By the time I made it back to my room, not a single inch of me wanted to do anything else other than going to bed, which was exactly what I did with my teeth unbrushed and clothes unchanged. I slept like a baby.
I took a bath and changed into a new set of clothes, completely identical to the one I was wearing, much to my weariness (whoever imprisoned us here must have got either a twisted sense of fashion or severe sight issue that they could not distinct another human being unless every detail remained the same). After fully prepared, I headed outside to the main hall. It was too late for breakfast now, but I thought I could enter the kitchen and whip up something for myself. Worst case scenario, I might have to ask Yume to do it; the fellow looked quite bumped up at the possibility of baking.
As I walked out of my room, I bumped into the police officer who looked to be in surprisingly high spirit, though after what happened last night I could tell why.
"Good morning Amelda," she said. "By the way, you are late. As always."
"Morning to you too," I replied wearily. "I know it's nine o'clock, but you know what I have been through yesterday. And don't even think of performing a check on me, or I will have you sued for bodily violation after this is over."
"Wow, somebody is a bit grumpy today," said Rin. "I always thought you were the lawful type of person who would happily let justice takes its course."
"Not your kind of justice," I countered, remembering how Rin got the title Blue Devil in the first place. "Cut me some slack on this, will you?"
"This time," she admonished with a sharp voice. "It is important that we all meet at breakfast just in case, you know, someone take the Mutual Killing Game too seriously."
"I see," I admitted thoughtfully. As much as I failed to understand how this whole thing could not sound more ridiculous, the amount of effort the captors put into this was astounding and I would be foolish not taking them at their word. Killing someone just to get out seemed a bit excessive, but I knew for a fact that people cannot live in a complete environment with no contact with what they deemed familiar. Once homesickness kicked in, it could all go ugly. "Can't disagree on that."
"We have already had breakfast," Rin continued. "The food just came out of nowhere, and now it's all gone."
"There is a kitchen in there," I said. "I can manage."
"Good luck with that, then," she said. "There are sixteen of us here can I cannot have my eyes and ears on each and every one of us. If you find any suspicious, anything that makes you believe that someone is up to no good, then report back to me. Can you do that?"
"Sure," I replied reluctantly. If someone here was up to no good, then that Pranking Queen must be top of the list. I wondered how Rin, who had vowed to ensure our safety, would do about it. How many more victims would she claimed before justice was served? How much more anguish must we suffer before the horror of practical pranks came to an end? "Have you checked up on Ashley Wiltarrow?"
"Yeah, she's clean," said the police officer briskly.
"Really?" I asked, alarmed.
"I was afraid she might be dangerous as well," said Rin. "So, I went full Spanish Inquisition on her and found nothing wrong. She is as clean as a whistle."
"Well, that's a relief," I said. Two scenarios came to my mind. One, Ashley had been so meticulously prepared that Rin, despite going full Spanish Inquisition (not recommended under any circumstances), was unable to find any convicting evidence. Two, there was corruption in place. Judging by the smug look on the police officer's face, I could tell it was the latter. For all her hard and fast principles, it seemed practical pranks did not fall into Rin's category of serious offenses, whereas it did into mine.
"Right, carry on then," said Rin. "Good luck with your day."
Exhibition
9:24
That creepy gallery was a sight I would rather forget. Unfortunately, with it being right in the way between the residential area to the main hall, I had no choice but to look at it every day from now on. With the Mutual Killing Game having been announced, it felt more unnerving than ever considering there were sixteen empty spots as if waiting to be filled. What of us would eventually end up there I did not want to think about, but it could be nothing good.
Hokuto the Ultimate Miner was taking a strange interest in a robot prototype with the top of its head shaped like a crescent moon and jotting down on a note. Next to him, Kai and Inori stared intently at a half-eaten piece of expertly cooked ham that had been perfectly preserved in an airtight condition. Kai, in particular, seemed quite fascinated, and her expression not different from the people watching Gordon Ramsey. Honestly, I wouldn't be the one eating that unless it was the only food left in this world. Not only had it been left like that for God knew how long, but someone had also taken a bite out of that (a rather large mouth given the size of it, perhaps not even human).
"Morning," I said to them.
"Good morning, Ameldar," said Hokuto as I arrived. Though a participant of last night marathon, he had fared much better. This was no surprise, as proper scheduling and timing of physical exertion were important when working inside a mine. "You dirty fox. I didn't know you could run that fast. Although I am sure I could have caught you without all these equipment getting in the way," he indicated his voluminous mining suit and the variety of tools attached to it.
"It's just a game," I warranted. "No need to get all fussed up about it."
"Not anymore when the dice start rolling and the knife is passed," said Kai resolutely. "It's just like being a ballerina. For some people, it's Saturday entertainment taken for granted, but to us, it is a battlefield where blood and sweat are drawn."
"I would rather feed your brain to the undead," Hokuto grimaced. Apparently, winning and losing to some people actually meant a lot. That or they were under the impression I was manipulating them the whole time.
"But…I don't want to eat that," said Inori squeakily. "Human brains are full of cholesterol, you know?"
All three of us looked at her in confusion. Met with so many stares at once, the Ultimate Patient's face turned from sickly pale to the color of a tomato. "Forget what I just said," she said quickly.
"What are you taking notes on that?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, you mean this," said Hokuto with an air of excitement. "This is quite a refined robot prototype. I reckon if it operates, it could display both ample strengths and dexterity. If I could get some of these working down the mines, people will not have to endanger themselves so much anymore."
"That's great for sure," I said, though remained skeptical on the inside. Letting robots doing human work was the first step to Judgment Day where the machines would eventually grow fed up with being bossed around by lazy and incompetent humans.
"Perhaps it could aid you as well," said Hokuto. "Dancing robots does sound like a fanciful topic, doesn't it?"
"Hell no," said Kai grumpily. "The last thing I wish is some mechanical legs on the stage. Besides, a ballerina is not just about performing specific sets of moves perfectly, it's about being immersed and letting your passion takes over."
"I am not really into robots either," said Inori. "They are cold, unfeeling, and a little scary."
The Ultimate Miner sighed. "Well, I guess we all have different opinions. That's fine. Anyway, my plan on getting out of here has met a speed bump. I tried talking to Inu but that didn't work, only made him more agitated in the end. So blowing us out of here is out of the question."
"Not that the rules would allow it," I said. There were cameras and monitors in every spot and blowing up a section of the wall would inevitably damage them.
"So I have come up with a better idea," the Ultimate Miner declared. "I shall drill us out of here."
I wanted to slam by hand into my face after hearing that. But I did not. I slammed it into my gut instead. It had the same effect without making it too obvious that I was appalled by the idea itself.
"What's wrong?" asked Inori worriedly.
"Nothing," I said.
"I did not think about it before," said Hokuto. "But there are equipment and materials inside that warehouse. If there is not a ready-made drill, then I shall undertake the burden to create one myself. You know what? That's exactly what I am going to be doing right now. So wish me luck." He departed without another word. This fellow, when he got his head into something, he really meant it.
"I will help him," said Kai. "And make sure he does not kill himself. That is…," she swallowed before continuing, "if he does not kill me first."
"Good luck," I said. To Kai, not Hokuto. By the will of God (or in this case, our beary liege), the Ultimate Miner was bound to fail in his quest just like those people building the Tower of Babel. I just hoped he would not drag anyone else into the hole he was digging.
With them gone, I was left with Inori whose breathing had become more laborious as of right now. She must have held this off this until the others had left, but it had only worsened her condition. She grabbed hold of my waist and I supported her.
Hang out with Inori Hayashi?
Yeah, sure/Not now
"Are you alright?" Amelda asked worriedly. "Does it hurt?"
"Yeah," Inori moaned. "Argh... It happens from time to time."
At this point, she produced a bottle of pill from her pocket. Before she could take some, a surge of pain erupted, causing her to drop it. In quick motions, Amelda seized the bottle before it hit the ground.
"Nice catch," Inori commented, half-smiling.
"How bad it is?" Amelda continued.
"Usually not this bad," Inori replied. "The current situation must have gotten me worried a lot. It's not good for my health."
She took some of the pills. As their effect kicked in, she regained her balance.
"Maybe you should rest," Amelda suggested.
Inori shook her head. "I'm fine, at least for now. Thanks for your help. I don't know what could have happened if you were not around. That said, I don't want my condition to get in the way of my habits. Since it's not going anywhere, I might as well live with it. You don't need to worry. I am used to this."
Amelda wasn't convinced. "Prudence is important. Especially when it comes to health. If your condition gets worse, how are we to provide you with medical treatment?"
"That's kind of you," said Inori. "But, may I ask if it is part of your profession? You know, being pessimistic and all that."
Amelda nodded. "Yes. An accountant must always assume the worst when it comes to deciding which entry to put in and where should it belong to. If there is any chance that something bad will happen, it must be addressed with greater weight than anything good."
"Well, let's just say numbers matter little to me at this point," Inori replied. "My doctor said I had about five years left to live, but I think I can go on longer than that. God forbids, I might even last until childbirth. Let's just hope my children are free from the disease that plagues their mother."
"So this disease," Amelda changed the subject, "what exactly it is anyway?
"Let me see," Inori mused. "I don't recall it being classified. If the doctors have come up with a name, then I probably did not overhear. They tried to avoid talking about my condition when I am around. Not that knowing what it is called would help, though."
"It is true that nothing can be done about it?" Amelda asked. "No cure at all?
Inori shrugged. "That's what they told me. Since I am no medical expert, I have to take what they said as given. Can you believe it, though, in this day and age, with all the gadgets and techniques at our disposal, there comes a sickness that confounds us so thoroughly?
"I sure can," Amelda replied.
Inori tilted her head. "You know someone?"
"Yes," Amelda responded sourly. "And a maniac he is. He froze his own wife to delay her incurable heart disease while he researched for a way to save her. And by research, I mean putting a lot of other people on ice so he could experiment on them, plus getting the ransom money. He was caught a few years ago and made to pay for his crime. I was in his trial."
"That is quite tragic," Inori remarked.
"No." Amelda was resolute. "Your condition is tragic. His was plain delusion."
Inori sighed. "That is a sad way to put it. But perhaps you are right and people need to know their limits and not take their own pain on others. I would be upset if anyone were to go to that length to cure me."
"How long have you been like this?" Amelda kept asking. "If you are comfortable with our continued discussion of this topic, of course."
Inori smiled warmly. "It's all right. I cannot be certain, however, for I have always been a sickly child even before I caught the disease. My parents had to take care of me a lot and most of my classmates tried to stay away from me. I remembered one time I merely slipped on the playground and fell unconscious for a while. A lot of kids there thought I was dead, and they even held a makeshift funeral for me, too afraid to tell the teachers. That one caused quite a ruckus. While I don't know when I am infected, the time when my parents died of this disease was when I was eight. It came so quick, I thought they were just sleeping."
Amelda was skeptical. "Are there others like you? If this disease is so deadly, why don't we know anything about it?"
"I am not sure," came Inori's answer. "I was told all others in the village I grew up from succumbed to this disease. I am the only one left with it at this point. But as I said, I can handle it. I have good people, the doctors taking care of me now. So I'm glad what's left of my life won't be so boring and lonely."
"You have us as well," said Amelda firmly. "We are your classmates, your friends. Even if the school is a sham, we are on the same boat here. And we will be there to support you if you require it.
"That's very kind of you," Inori beamed, "though I still prefer to stand on my own. This is my battle, after all."
Hope Shard obtained!
Inori Hayashi
Inori was very frail as a child. Ironically, she outlived all the people she knew, including the kids who attended her funeral when they thought she had died. Though her disease is incurable and her clock is ticking down, she wished to fight on until the end. She is also quite independent and dislikes being pitied.
After my conversation with Inori, I continued to make my way to the kitchen in the hope of finding something to replace breakfast. I was stopped in my track by Tatsuya Toshishai who had another letter to deliver to me. Despite him being officially affiliated with Rin Yamamoto, the fact I just talked to her half an hour before gave away the sender's identity before I opened it.
Fitzgerald. And he wanted to meet me outside the girls' bathroom just outside the main hall. He said he had something important to speak to me, obviously regarding the prophecy of Hagakure and its implication in the Mutual Killing Game.
"Thanks," I said impassively to the Ultimate Delivery Boy who lightened up at the comment.
"It's an honor to serve," he replied and left quickly.
I walked next to the door to the girl's bathroom as requested and found nobody there. Fitzgerald did not look like the type of people who kept people waiting. Unless…
No.
It couldn't.
No sooner had the possibility came to my mind than the door sprang open and a pair of hands pulled me inside.
Common girls bathroom
9:56
The combination of shock, hunger, and embarrassment meant I was helpless against the Ultimate Private Detective dragging me into the forbidden territory.
"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded as I shrugged myself free of my abductor, readying to strike back with all the might I could muster. "What in God's name are we doing in this place? Do you have any idea where we are?"
"Quiet," he hushed and pulled me into one of the toilet booths before closing the door. Being locked in a tight space within the most prohibited sanctuary for men alongside a maniac was far from my ideal position. "This is the only place where there are no monitors or cameras. Our conversation is safe here."
"For the love of all things holy," I raged. "Why does it have to be in here?" Apparently, for a bear, Monokuma still retained some level of human decency, unlike the fellow I was staring at right now. Then again, the fact this was the only place without monitors and cameras meant the other bathroom did have those, and we were being watched and heard, me and the other guys in the group, while carrying out our personal business all this time.
"It does not matter," Fitzgerald urged. "Now keep your voice down or somebody coming here will find us."
"Damn it," I muttered a curse. "This had better be worth it."
"Better," said the Private Detective. "I can see you have good reflexes, for an accountant. The way you picked up that bottle of medicine was impressive."
I sighed, my eyes bright with the ghost of the past. "My employer provided me with some physical training. The firm has been attacked multiple times by villains and madmen in the past, so having a workforce that doubled as security was essential. Mostly, however, I managed to learn a lot from those summer camps I went to. After what happened, I couldn't afford to be slow ever again in my life."
"That is a good principle to live by," said Fitzgerald flatteringly.
"So about the prophecy," I got to the point. "Did Hakugare ever tell you about the Mutual Killing Game?"
"If he did, I could not remember," Fitzgerald replied. "But after that announcement from Monokuma, I cannot think all of this is a coincidence."
I hated to admit it, but this whole clairvoyant thing was becoming more real than ever. Perhaps, just maybe, it could lead us to the way out, or at least reduce the number of casualties. Our situation was desperate, and any beam of hope was welcomed no matter how dim it was (but not from Hokuto, obviously).
"Probably not," I agreed. "There is a chance we can get something out of it. How goes your deciphering?"
"Not much," Fitzgerald said, disappointed. "As you have mentioned before, prophecies are not meant to be fully understood so easily. It requires a lot of reading between the line, which I am currently underequipped to deal with. But as the world's greatest private detective, I have taken the burden upon myself to be the one who shall solve this mystery. You just wait and see."
"Good luck with that," I said blandly. While I couldn't stand his ego, Fitzgerald seemed like someone who knew what he was doing, which was a good thing given how confounding our situation was.
"You are a religious person," the Ultimate Private Detective went on. "What can you tell me about Iscariot. I know for a fact that he is a traitor. But who and why did he betray?"
"Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus's original disciples and the one who sold off his master for thirty pieces of silver," I elaborated. "He is quite famous and his name is often the synonym of treachery. If there is a ranking of the worse people in history, I would vote for him."
"Why?" asked Fitzgerald.
"He's the reason why my people have been persecuted for over two millennia." I stopped for a second as I realized where I was going. "Are you saying, one of us here is working against us?"
"Perhaps," said Fitzgerald thoughtfully. "Interesting. And the sack of Iscariot is laden with prizes. I believe it refers to the bribe already been made and the act already set in motion. In our situation, it could imply that, if we are Jesus's congregation, then one of us is the traitor."
"I don't believe this," I said. "We are all trapped here by these maniacs and someone is taking advantage of that. Still, not all portrayals of Iscariot have been negative. Some texts state that his action was fundamental in triggering the Resurrection of Jesus and humanity's salvation."
"That is quite insightful," said the private detective. "I will take note of that. Your assistance in this investigation is much appreciated."
"What about Rin?" I suggested. For all her extreme methods and twisted sense of justice (which, ironically, did not consider practical pranking a heinous crime), there was no other person here I thought could be a better ally in this than the Ultimate Police Officer herself. "I know revealing this to everyone is out of the question, but she is a police officer and she promises to keep us all safe. Should we tell her about this? She could help us uncover the identity of the traitor before any damage is dealt."
"No," said Fitzgerald frankly. "This matter is private. Usually, it is the people who give the biggest impression of innocence the one who betrayed. Liars are everywhere these days. That is why we must not trust anyone except those you can be extremely certain."
"Trust no one and end up an antisocial dickhead like you?" I sneered. One of the basic principles of auditing was the confidentiality of the audited information, but there were situations where the disclosure without consent from the client was allowed, encouraged, or even compulsory.
"You will see the merit of my actions one day," said the private detective calmly, unfazed by the venom I spat at him. "For now, as a token of our trust, I have this for you." He pulled out a magnum from his jacket, which caused me to almost jump in shock.
"You have a gun all this time?" I asked.
"Smith & Wesson Model 29," he said casually. "3-inch barrel. Old but sturdy."
"You did not answer my question," I barked.
"Not that I enjoy it," said the detective. "I personally prefer a sword or a knife."
"Then why do you have it?" I pressed.
"Because I have no talent with melee weapons," said Fitzgerald, unloading the gun and took out all six bullets, offering them to me. "Guns, on the other hand, I am a natural. Once got a serial killer from eight feet away with this baby. One-shot. Here, have these. They are the only ones I have."
Taking a deep breath, I took the bullets from his hand. As much as I did not want to carry them, I could not allow anyone to carry such dangerous a device around. Especially someone who I had trouble trusting. Especially in the middle of a killing game!
Item acquired:
Six magnum bullets
The fact someone brought a gun here filled me with concerns and holding his only source of firepower in my hand did manage not to alleviate them. Still, I had to honor his trust by taking these. Besides, I could not simply allow Dirty Fitzgerald to go about with such a lethal tool at his disposal.
"And don't tell anyone about this," said the private detective. "This conversation never existed. You got that?"
"Yeah," I replied reluctantly.
Corridor
10:31
No sooner did we got out than a black and white bear appeared out of nowhere in front of us. After the shock Fitzgerald gave me, I almost got a heart attack this time.
"And what are you two gentlemen doing in the girls' bathroom?" Monokuma asked in his usual high-pitched voice. "If I hear anything perverted, I shall have you both summarily executed in front of the whole class."
"We were snogging," said Fitzgerald coolly, which made me felt as though a boot had been shoved down my throat. I did not know which of these made me question humanity more: his explanation, the calmness with which he delivered it, or the fact Monokuma seemed to buy it instantly (the last one made me question bearhood as well). "It's a private thing between us two gentlemen, and all these cameras and monitors don't offer any privacy. The girls' bathroom is the only spot."
"You like snogging with him?" Monokuma asked, addressing me.
"Ah, yeah," I replied, silently praying God's deliverance from this madness. "Snogging is… a good way to relieve tensions, you know?"
"Well," said the bear. I could see he was blushing if that was possible for an animal, let alone a mechanical one. "I might try that sometimes. Carry on. But if I catch you peeping in the process, then it is the chopping block for both of you." With that, it disappeared.
I did not stick around with Fitzgerald for long. I was quite hungry right now and all this craziness from him had worn me down significantly. Without saying goodbye, I headed straight for the kitchen through the main hall.
Kitchen
10:45
I was greeted with the pleasant smell of freshly baked flour as I entered. Sure enough, Yume was there alongside Eliza, the former finishing his product and the latter examining his immobilized legs. I suddenly remembered the Ultimate Tinker (or Ultimate Inventor Wannabe) said she was working on prosthetic limbs. Perhaps if her project were to turn out fruitful (not that I had such faith in that considering what she had done so far), Yume's condition could be cured.
"Goodness, it's you, Amelda," the Ultimate Baker boomed to greet my arrival.
"Good morning," I said.
"A little for that," said Yume. "But good morning to you, nevertheless. You came just in time, too. I am just finishing up my cupcakes. I am hoping someone would be the judge of that."
"It is a pleasure to be your external audit," I replied amicably.
"Hold still, will you?" said Eliza. "If you don't notice, I am in the middle of a scientific breakthrough here."
"I see you have made a new BFF," I said, noticing how the Ultimate Tinker was looking at his legs in every respect possible.
"Oh, Eliza's a bit over-excited about me," Yume chuckled. "She's been doing this since early in the morning. I don't mind, though. Even if her inventions don't turn out well, I am happy that she tries."
"Hey, don't say that," Eliza admonished. "Whatever I put my heart and soul into, I will never give up until the job is done. You'll have your legs back, Yume. And you will open your tiny little eyes, Amelda."
"Anyway, these are finished, serve yourself," Yume said cheerfully, indicating the set of cupcakes on the table. Visually, they looked nothing short of amazing, the level even Gordon Ramsey would have given his two thumbs up. As for the taste, I could not wait.
"Thanks," I said, picking up one of the cupcakes. The Ultimate Tinker snatched another nonchalantly and shoved it into her mouth in one go.
"Oh dear, you shouldn't do that," said Yume. "I don't want my culinary to be the untimely demise of anyone. That would be horrible. And not in this killing game as well, for I might be branded as the murderer."
"How are you supposed to taste it if you just throw the cupcake into your mouth like a piece of coal into the furnace?" I asked disappointedly.
"Oo uch effit," Eliza blabbered with her mouth full. "Ot a lat tiam. Eary gud, by a uay."
I took a bite from the cake an a feeling of calm washed over me. The cupcake melted in my mouth. Its texture was just perfect and the rich chocolate that had been carefully pumped inside gave a heavenly feeling into it. Eating the cupcake was like being transported into another realm of existence altogether.
"I'm glad you like it," said Yume. I did not say anything, but my impression was a giveaway. "There's plenty more. Help yourself out."
"I will," said Eliza as she took another and did the same as the first. Inventors were like that, I thought, always in such a hurry and missing the points of many important aspects such as health and hygiene. But since she was here, I thought it would be useful to know a little more about her background. After all, I wanted to make sure whatever experiment she was doing on Yume was ethical.
Hang out with Elizabeth "Eliza" Piket?
Yeah, sure/No way
"Eliza, pardon me for asking," Amelda asked, but what is it that makes you so obsessed with putting your finger on everything?
"Whadda ya min?" came the unintelligible response from Eliza.
"Finish that mouthful," said Amelda.
Eliza swallowed.
"What on earth do you mean?" Eliza asked.
Amelda gave her a stern face. "You know what I am talking about."
"Well, I guess it runs in the family," Eliza replied. "My parents are like that, always trying to make something new or improve upon something old. Yet, for all their efforts, nothing they have created so far is particularly groundbreaking. I'm not surprised, though."
"Why is that?" Amelda asked.
Eliza became more vehement. "Because they are doing it wrong. They don't have the necessary imagination. They kept reading out from textbooks and trying to put themselves into the shoes of great predecessors like Edison or Bell, but those people exhausted their genius ages ago. Never have they looked outside the box and see what it really means to be an inventor."
Eliza took another cupcake and unceremoniously crammed into her mouth. In witness of such an act, Amelda pitied the food, and the person preparing it.
"And, in your opinion, what does it mean to be an inventor?" asked Yume.
Eliza: Ana enta…
"Swallow it up!" Amelda demanded.
The Ultimate Inventor as she was told, nearly choking in the process. Amelda began to question how this girl could have survived living apart from her family, let alone the Mutual Killing Game.
"An inventor's purpose in life should not be just about self-satisfaction or fame and glory," Eliza elaborated. "They should be looking at new and different ways to make life better. The technologies we take for granted today are priceless when they first came to be, and inventors back then created them out of needs. I fear it is the current state of complacency, the abundance of everything we thought existed only in our dreams a few decades ago, that is causing this stagnation is good ideas among private inventors."
Amelda his perception at the surprisingly confound motivation behind Eliza. "Then why don't you lend your ideas to a company? I know there are many that would appreciate anything fresh and doable, even if they are borderline ridiculous."
"Working for someone else isn't my thing," Eliza refused. "I prefer doing it alone. That way, I can be more focused. Besides, I am not fond of anyone asking me what I should be inventing. Not any businessman, not you, Amelda, and not that miner."
"Wow, no need for such hostility," said Amelda, taken back.
"So what is your proudest achievement so far?" asked Yume. "To gain the attention of Hope's Peak Academy, and that bear, you must have done something remarkable.
Eliza thought intensely about it for a few minutes, enough for Amelda and Yume to finish off the rest of the delicious cupcakes without her glutton interference. Amelda wondered if she had none to tell, or too many to choose from.
"The town I used to live in depends on electricity from a nearby power plant," Eliza began. "One day, a landslide caused damaged some of the generators and blocked the entries to the town so that no help from outside could arrive. There was a massive blackout, so I decided to step forward and have a go at it. With a few tinkerings here and there, I got the thing back online, with half the number of generators still in operation. They hailed me as their hero. The only problem was when the disaster was over and the mayor was about to give me the prize, the whole plant exploded."
Yume covered his mouth his shock. "Exploded?"
Amelda's eyes were wide. "Was it a nuclear plant?"
Eliza flapped her hand annoyedly. "Nah, just a hydro-electric one. I mean, it wasn't my fault. There were a million other reasons why it happened. You believe me, don't you?"
Amelda shrugged. "Sure."
"Of course," said Yume with a childish grin.
Elize's eyes narrowed on the two. "Somehow, I am not very convinced."
"So what happened?" inquired Amelda.
"They could not actually place the blame on me," Eliza replied, "but my parents and I knew we weren't welcome there anymore. We had to leave to find another place."
"That is quite an extraordinary story," Yume chuckled. "I like it. Hope you will find more successes on the path ahead. Just...refrain from detonating anything expensive next time."
"Thank you," Eliza smiled. "It seems I finally have someone who rightfully appreciates my work."
Hope Shard obtained!
Elizabeth "Eliza" Piket
The Ultimate Tinker has quite an unsuccessful streak of disastrous ventures and an ego to boost. Her imagination is only matched by her unholy appetite, something that impressed Yume. Still, I hoped her development of prosthetic limbs would yield results for it would indeed aid humanity.
Author's note: Alright, so we have another update here. There are two things I would like to warn you in advance. One, this story might progress rather slowly. I want to make the characters memorable before they bite the dust, and that means giving them adequate screen time. I hope I am creating enough content to keep you interested in these characters. Two, as I mentioned above, when you have lent me your character, you relegate the right to use them to me and, since this is a Danganronpa, not Pokemon fanfiction, most of the characters will die either as the victim or executed convict. I will try to make their deaths as least insulting as possible but be warned that your character has about more than 50% chance of dying by the end.
Anyway, if you have any couple in mine, put in the review and I will see what I can do. Of course, you can offer your characters in this.
I will see you soon.
Cheers.