Riju finds herself stranded in the vast open desert gawking at sparkling sand dunes. Each hill is covered in a surge of tinted ash and dust. The bold sun hangs halfway in the sky, baking travelers in the sweltering heat.
Riju comes across a fallen soldier adorned in yiga garb. The man is attached to a long chain that stretches into the great beyond. Every time Riju approaches the segmented corpse, the chain yanks the body just out of reach. The red and black carcass is dragged over pastel-coated landscapes and thick mounds of gravel. The battered body arrives at a gaping ravine. Riju dives at the ground, desperate to snag the swift-moving chain. Alas, the metallic rope slips through her hands as her palms melt to sand.
Riju wakes up.
"Dammit, I knew it was going to happen again."
You roll over to encounter a slightly upset Riju.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
It's okay; both of you were having trouble sleeping. The mystery of Maxwell's untimely death kept nagging at you in the back of your mind.
"How about we create a list of potential suspects. Hopefully, that can help us narrow down the culprit. There were six people present in the dining car during the power outage—Alice, Thomas, Mr. Plum, Mrs. Plum, me and you."
"Let's delve into each suspect."
"First up is the maiden in black, Alice. She was the one tasked to deliver the chocolate cake to our table. Was it all just a clumsy mistake, or is she pulling strings behind this operation?"
"Next up is Thomas; he seems like a nice guy on the surface. Could he be conspiring with Alice, or are we looking too deep into things?"
"Then there's the Plums. I think they went by Joanne and Christopher. Maybe we've fallen right into their trap. This could all be an elaborate scheme just to frame another passenger. Who knows, but it's best to weigh our options."
"Woah, look at the time, it's almost ten o'clock. Time flies when your measuring suspects. Let's get ready soon. I think I have just the person I want to speak to."
"What's up, fellas, good to see you little rascals around," Thomas greets, capturing the two of you in a strenuous squeeze.
"Hey Thomas, we're hot on the trails of a murderer. You wouldn't mind answering a few questions for us."
"Sure, I'll do anything for my favorite pals."
"Did you know Maxwell?"
"Maxwell, huh, that name sounds familiar. I can't quite put my finger on it. But I'm sure I've heard it somewhere."
"It's Mr. and Mrs. Plum's faithful companion, a husky with brown fur."
"Oh yeah, now that you mention it, I did hear those two squawking about some unruly pup."
"I noticed you were petting him too. Was it all just a ploy to get close to the mangy mutt?"
"No, I love animals, that's why I felt the need to soothe him. It hurts to see animals mistreated by their owners, so that's why I came in to save the day."
"So, about the power outage yesterday, do you know what could've caused it."
"I believe we were heading through a construction area. I think us knocking against some of those powerful sheikah tools is what sent the train into a tizzy."
"How many people were aware of the construction."
"Only the workers and the big wigs that are running the train. Most guests are still clueless as to what happened."
"The big wigs, huh. So our culprit must have known about the construction. I think the pieces are starting to fit together. I just need a few more scraps of information before making my final assessment," A confident Riju claims, heading into the familiar dining car.
After equipping her treasured lightning bow, Riju plops down on a seat next to the Plum couple, "Mr. Plum, can I ask you a simple question."
"Sure, I'm always up for trading information."
"You're said to be the steel industry pioneer, one of the most influential proprietors. I'm sure you've dabbled in a few short romps through the sprawling world of Hyrule. Considering your role, I'm sure you are well aware of any construction throughout the region.
"Absolutely, as my position dictates, any construction carried on without my knowledge is sure to be shut down."
"Thank you for the valuable information, Mr. Plum, you've been a big help. Now, could we round up all the guests? I have an important announcement to make."
Riju earns a small crowd of fans eager to see her sharp deduction skills at work.
It looks like she's really embracing that Sherlock Holmes persona. All she's missing is a deerstalker hat and old clay pipe.
"After some careful consideration, and a recent slog through my notes. I believe I've finally deduced the perpetrator behind this heinous crime—the puppeteer who's been pulling all the strings. The one person who fits the bill is...
Riju releases a short breath through her nostrils, "Thank you, mother, you've helped me see the truth once again."
...
...
...
"Mr. Plum! You are the culprit."
Mr. Plum breaks for the exit, pushing and shoving his way through a sea of people.
Riju withdraws her lightning bow, "You're not getting away that easy, not on my watch."
