Chapter 2: The Culling: Act Two
9:37 A.M Day One
Amusement Park
Despair Coaster (Station)
"What is this place you ask? Nothing like a name drop to get the blood flowing! Welcome to the one, the only, KUMA KUMA LAND! Let's just say it's the most despair inducing place on Earth. As for me, I'm the motherfucker who runs this part of the park, but you can call me Kurokuma!" The dark bear grinned wildly as his gaze flitted around the group.
"Is this a test run for a new type of toy? If so, then the design, voice, and personality could really use some work." Haruto mused with a thoughtful look as he tapped at his chin. "Though I'm far more troubled by this crude joke. Don't you realize such gruesome imagery can be damaging for a child?" He asked as he gestured at Annabelle. "I ask that you apologize immediately for this tasteless display."
"Bwhahaa. That's a fucking riot. You meatsacks really crack me up. Look I've got a lot to do for your arrival. I'll meet you at the bottom of this station. It should give you kiddos a chance to blow chunks and get acquainted!" He laughed wildly, before trudging out of sight.
"What kind of sick joke is this?" Dolly stammered as she clutched her puppet Becky against her chest as her shoulders trembled.
The Ultimate Love Guru folded her arms. "I'm not sure, but someone has a pretty terrible sense of humor and needs to be reported immediately. At least I hope this is merely a joke."
Lachlan planted a hand over his face. "You've gotta to be kidding me. You think someone would actually go to such lengths for a joke? Does no one watch the news? This is nearly identical to the Killing Game broadcast."
"Preposterous. I'm sure this is just some loser getting a good laugh at our expense. I do hope they're enjoying themselves. Because my father's lawyers will destroy them. If they're not jailed, they'll at least won't be able to pay for these cheap props. I bet those people who fell were nothing more than paid actors." The Ultimate Race Car Driver said with an arrogant smirk.
"Vous êtes un imbécile" The Fashion Designer murmured in french, before rolling her eyes. "No matter how badly you wish to believe otherwise, I'm certain that was very much real."
Utano meekly nodded his head at the girl's statement. "Y-Yes it felt very real to me as well. I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for Soo. He truly saved me." The Poet admitted as he gestured over at the handsome pale surgeon who stood a few feet away.
"You're too kind Utano, but I merely did what any normal person would do in that scenario. I do think this situation should be taken seriously." The Surgeon mused as he combed at his bangs.
"Whoa Whoa Whoa! You're tryin to tell me this shit is really happening? Damn I didn't think I was stone cold sober." Naruhiko muttered as he rubbed at the back of his head. "That was freaking gnarly and sick man. God damn I would have freaked the fuck out if I'd known this wasn't some bad trip."
The Ultimate Dominatrix offered the boy a sharp glare. "I realize we're all shaken by this news, but you will refrain from such vulgar language when around Annabelle." she said as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Yarr give the man a pass this time lass. I'm sure he wasn't aware of the wee one that's with us." Kaizoku said energetically.
Annabelle's eyes went wide in excitement. "Woah are you a pirate?!" She gasped as she stared at the teen with a giddy expression.
"Heh between the two of us I'm merely known as the Ultimate Sailor, Kaizoku Dokuro. Though you can call me Zoku the Ultimate Pirate if you'd like lass!" The boy offered her an encouraging smile.
"That's so cool! Hiya I'm Annabelle, and I'm..." she trailed off as she spotted a shiny figure standing towards the back of the group. "Woah that's so neat! Hey mister is that armor real?" she asked as she jogged towards the back of the group.
"Annabelle! You really shouldn't run, this place is clearly dangerous!" Tiana said in a chastising manner, as she followed after the girl.
Haruto blinked at the comment. "Strange she took the words right out of my mouth. I wonder if she's the Ultimate Mother Figure." he muttered under his breath as he scratched at his chin.
Following Kurokuma's departure the large group would begin to dispersing into smaller groups. Many of them desperately trying to figure out what to make of their situation.
9:41 A.M Day One
Amusement Park
Despair Coaster (Station)
The Ultimate Knight removed his hand from the pommel of his sword, as he saw a petite child bounding towards him.
"Mister is that actually real Novoselican armor? It's so shiny!" The blonde exclaimed jubilantly as she slid to a stop a few feet away.
"M'lady it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Sir Laris Nevermind, The Ultimate Knight and this was indeed forged in Novoselic." Laris offered with a curt bow of his helmeted head.
"Oh that's so cool. I never thought I'd meet a real knight! Hiya I'm Annabelle Lupin, it's nice to meet you Mr. Knight!" The girl said excitedly. "Oh and I'm the Ultimate Forensic Investigator."
"Huh that was a mouthful." A bob haired girl mused with a cheerful smile. The girl held out her hand, though it was slightly in the wrong direction. "My name is Shiho Jiyu, and I'm the Ultimate Runner. Can anyone tell me what just happened? I heard what that strange voice said, but this is some sort of crazy joke right?"
A boy missing one of his arms and legs, moved forward with the use of his crutch. "Unfortunately, I'm inclined to believe this is the real deal. The boy over there made an excellent point, this is very similar to the killing game that was broadcast from Hope's Peak."
"Yes but I'm not mistaken the bear on that broadcast was slightly different. Though it does seem that Ultimates are involved in this situation as well." Tiana said as she approached the gathering group, before standing protectively behind Annabelle. "In any case I suppose it wouldn't hurt to gather our bearings and introduce ourselves." She mused as she glanced around the platform. Several groups had formed as people were already beginning to converse.
"I-I'm not really good with handling introductions. S-So I-I'll just be brief." A dark haired girl said as she fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. "My name is Kanade Kanaka, and I'm the Ultimate Composer." she stammered as her gaze remained fixated on the ground. She honestly looked queasy, no doubt from the horrifying ride.
"Pleasure to meet you Kanade. Take a breath, I'm sure the nausea will pass." Sigmund said ,before gesturing with his one good hand towards Tiana. "I believe it's your turn next, ladies first." he offered, before adjusting his crutches slightly.
The wheat blonde offered a brief incline of her head. "Very well then. My name is Tiana Blake, and I'm known as the Ultimate Dominatrix. It's a pleasure to meet all of you, I do hope you'll keep an open mind. I assure you that I am more than just my talent, and my talent is more than what most perceive."
"Believe me when I say that I'm in no place to make rash judgements." Sigmund offered with a slight incline of his head. "My name is Sigmund Shiraishi, and before you ask I assure I have no idea why my parents chose that name. I'm certainly no Psychologist, I'm actually the Ultimate Paralympic Athlete. Though it seems I'm not the only one who hasn't let their condition hold them back. Shiho was it?"
"Yup that's me! Name's Shiho Jiyu and I'm the Ultimate Runner!" The buxom runner said as he planted her hands on her hips. "Normally my sensors are working, but they seem to be going haywire. I'm blind as a bat, but don't let that fool ya. I'm just like any other girl, except I'm just really fast!"
Annabelle quirked her head to the side as she crossed her arms. "Huh that's a mystery that needs to be solved." She murmured aloud.
"And what mystery would that be M'lady?" Laris asked as he tilted his covered head in her direction.
"How does someone with such big boobs run so fast? You'd think they'd work against her or maybe she binds them. Oh maybe we should test this for science." The girl suggested, before earning a slack-jawed look from several of the teens.
"Annabelle that is quite inappropriate, and can be quite embarrassing. Perhaps be more tactful?" The Dominatrix said in a slightly chiding manner.
The girl stuck her tongue out, before rubbing the back of her head. "Sorry I just tend to say what I think ya know? To get the right answers you have to ask the right questions."
The Runner offered an indifferent shrug. "It's okay. I don't really mind. I don't really get caught up with appearances and things like that. Though having a good sports bra is always a good idea!" Shiho said, before offering a thumbs up.
"T-This is not how I thought this conversation would go." Kanade managed timidly as she still fiddled with her hands.
"Yes it's most unexpected, but I suppose we all could use a distraction after what we just went through. Especially if this isn't a cruel joke." The Paralympic Athlete mused.
Laris took a steadying breath. "I assure you, this is no jest. I've seen enough bloodshed and carnage to know what's real and what's not."
Tiana's gaze flitted to the armored teen. "Excuse me? You said your name was Laris Nevermind correct? Would it be safe to assume that you're related to royal family?"
The Ultimate Knight tensed a moment. "I'm afraid that whether there is validity to that or not, it makes little difference M'lady. Novoselic has fallen into ruin."
"I would say the world has seen better days, but I guess I wouldn't really know." Shiho said as she began to preform stretches. "But we're still alive so anything is possible. I choose to believe the world will become a better place again."
"Maybe it's naive, but I certainly hope you're right. Of course who knows what lies ahead of us." The Paralympic Athlete mused as he peered out of one of the windows and into the Park beyond.
9:45 A.M Day One
Amusement Park
Despair Coaster (Station)
"Becky I'm really scared. I don't want to end up like those other people." The Ventriloquist said as she stared at her doll. "Dolls don't you worry about a thing, I'll mess anyone up who even thinks about fucking with ya." A second more gruff voice followed seemingly from the doll this time.
"Rest assured there is nothing to worry about Dolly. We're going to get to the bottom of this, we'll be out of this place before you know it." The Ultimate Parental Figure said as he offered the girl a sympathetic expression.
The frail girl offered a meek shake of her head. "How do you know that? We don't even know where we are."
Before the Parental Figure could respond, someone else interjected.
"Young men and little darlings, don't fret for I am Seikatsu Tabi. I am known as the Ultimate Tarotologist. The world may be a scary place, but there's nothing more powerful than loving each other. Now come give me a hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek. I'll look over you like a sweet Empress nurturing her children and followers." A busty raven haired girl exclaimed emphatically, as she rested her hands on her hips.
The Investigative Journalist raised an eyebrow slightly. "What are you going on about now? Look dial it down a little will ya?"
"Though she might be a bit eccentric, Miss Tabi does raise an excellent point though. We should take this chance to become more familiar with one another." Soo Yeong suggested as he gingerly laced his hands. "After all we've been through quite a harrowing experience."
"O-Oh well I've already introduced myself to you Soo, but for everyone else my name is Utano Kakimasu. I'm the Ultimate Poet." The boy uttered softly, before wincing. "Ouch that really smarts." the boy said as he brushed a hand along his knee where a long gash was visible. "Looks like I didn't get away without incident from that sick ride." he muttered lowly.
Seikatsu's grey eyes widening noticeably. "Oh my! What a long cut you have there young man! We need to find a big band-aid to treat that booboo. Tell you what, I'll cook a batch of fresh cookies to cheer you up! Would you like that?"
"Not to be rude, but you're starting to act too much like my grandmother!" The Poet said in a nervous manner.
"And what's wrong with that? Young man, you should be grateful that you have a sweet grandmother who thinks like me." The Tarotologist responded cheerfully.
"Enough of this bollocks. Let's get Utano patched up. We've got enough things to worry about without him bleeding everywhere." The Investigative Journalist said with a sour expression.
"Quite true. Leave it to me, I'm more than qualified to attend to such a simple task." Soo Yeong said as he began to rifle through his bag. "Oh forgive me, my name is Soo Yeong Moon, I'm known as the Ultimate Plastic Surgeon." he said as he removed some bandages from his personal effects.
"Well I'm pleased to note that we have someone with medical training on hand. From the looks of this place, it maybe sorely required." Haruto mused.
The Poet offered a bashful expression as the other boy knelt in front of him. "This is twice now you've helped me, how can I possibly thank you?"
The Korean teen offered a breathtaking smile. "I assure you that your words are more than enough. The world can be an ugly place, we have to do what we can to improve upon it."
9:51 A.M Day One
Amusement Park
Despair Coaster (Station)
"I'm trying to get to the root of this problem, but nothing seems to add up." Madison said to herself as she chewed on the end of a pencil. "There's too many variables to solve for. Why would someone do something like this? Unless of course it's not actually what it seems." The Mathematician said to herself, before adjusting her glasses.
"Worry not deary, this be nothing more than a bad tide. I'm sure we will navigate this wretched maelstrom." Kaizoku said as ran his painted nails through his mint green hair. "Are ye capable of sharing your name?"
The girl blinked as she tilted her head. "Um I-I'm Madison Maddox, but I usually just go by Maddie. Are you well? I've never heard anyone actually talk like that in real life."
The boy's demeanor softened slightly. "I'm not crazy enough to think I'm a pirate or anything. It's just fun ya'know? I'm Kaizoku Dokuro, The Ultimate Sailor." The teen offered as he crossed his arms.
"Kaizoku? Please forgive me if I forget your name. I'm terribly with names." The girl said meekly.
"Trouble with names you say?" A voice asked as a buxom girl stepped forward with a warm expression. She had long glassy black hair and violet eyes. "Here perhaps this might help you darling." She said as she reached out and gingerly took the girl's hand, before tracing her fingers very slowly across Madison's palm. "C-H-L-O-E B-E-L-L-E-M-O-R-T" She traced the letters slowly. "Ultimate Fashion Designer at your service dear, I hope you'll remember my name. I know I'll remember yours."
The Mathematician's eyes went wide as her face turned a maroon color. "I-I will try my best, just don't hate me if I forget." She stammered.
"Oh cutie I would never hate you." Chloe said with a sultry smile as she released the girl's hands. She very slowly bowed her head towards Kaizoku. "Bonjour pleasure to meet you. I do hope our situation improves, though I have my doubts following that ride."
"No kidding I'd rather be thrown in a mosh pit then ride that crazy shit again." A boy with silver hair said as he approached the trio.
The Fashion Designer quirked a brow as she eyed the boy. "Oh would it be safe to say that you're a performer then? You do seem to fit the bill."
"Yyyeeeoooww! It's me, who else could it be?! I'm none other than Naruhiko Murai! The motherfuckin' Ultimate Punk Rock Musician! Here to bring the most badass music to the world!" The boy exclaimed with a wild grin. "Don't ya worry, if you want an autograph I'm not the type to fuckin charge."
"Yarr I see our fateful voyage here hasn't damped your spirits friend!" The Ultimate Sailor said with a wide grin as he scratched at the burn on his left arm.
The Musician grinned. "Yeah not gonna fuck around, I totally thought I was seeing shit. Honestly still no entirely sure, this is some pretty trippy shit." He mused as he shoved his hands into his jacket.
"I assure you there is no trickery involved. For whatever reason, this is very much happening." Chloe offered as she gently smoothed a wrinkle out of her top.
"B-But why would anyone wish to do something like this? It just doesn't quantify in my head." Maddie said as she nervously chewed on her bottom lip.
Kaizoku's brow furrowed deeply. "Perhaps that be part of our dilemma deary. Tis no way of knowing what kind of scallywag would do such a thing, perhaps they're brain has rotted."
"That is no a comforting thought at all. If we're dealing with a madman, it makes predicting their plans all the more difficult." The Fashion Designer mused with a thoughtful expression.
9:57 A.M Day One
Amusement Park
Despair Coaster (Station)
The Ultimate Hockey Player let out a low whistle as a ran a hand through his orange hair. "This is really something else eh? I mean what kind of reality show goes this far? The budget must be insane."
Churi let out a relieved sigh. "Oh so that's what it is. Oh thank goodness. I really thought all of this was real for a second." The pink hair girl admitted before offering a cheerful smile. "Someone has a terrible sense of humor. Perhaps they're just missing a special someone in their lives."
"Are you still trying to delude yourself? If you would take even a moment, you'd realize this is not some farce. Clearly you're in denial." Tomoko offered bluntly, as she folded her arms across her dark red coat.
Otto rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, my family must be dying knowing that I'm missing. They'll send an entire platoon to come get me! I'm sure that even demented little teddy bears need to put bread on the table. Once he names his price I guarantee my family will pay it in full."
"Just who are you eh? Your ego is really starting to piss me off." Patrick said with an annoyed expression.
The other boy scoffed. "You must be as ignorant as you look. I am Otto Von Skylar, I am the heir of the Skylar Motor Company and the Ultimate Race Car Driver."
The orange haired boy offered an indifferent shrug. "Never heard of ya, but then again I actually am involved in real sports. I'm Patrick Walsh, and I'm the Ultimate Hockey Player. If you haven't heard of me, you will soon grease monkey."
"Say that again ginger, I dare you. With a snap of my fingers I could make you and your entire family disappear." Otto said as he took a step forward, before glaring at the much taller boy.
The Hockey Player cracked his neck, before popping his knuckles. "You wanna throw down? I think a beating might do wonders for your attitude. Bet you're not anything without your family."
"Guys please! We should be doing everything we can to avoid fighting. I'm sure you both just got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you both just start over?" The Love Guru suggested as she stepped between the two boys.
"Get out of my way amazon. No one talks about me or my family like that." Otto hissed as he stared at the abnormally tall girl that stood between him and Patrick.
"Yes by all means beat your chests like a bunch of monkeys. Clearly that is going to solve all of our problems." A girl with blonde and black hair said sarcastically as her gaze flitted between the two boys.
The Race Car Driver glanced over his shoulder, before scowling. "And who the fuck do you think you are to lecture me?"
"Introductions again? How tedious..." Tomoko sighed under her breath before looking at them, "Name? Call me Gisei. My talent is none of your concern. If you're quite done, it seems everyone else is departing. If any of you have any modicum of intelligence you'll follow suite and let this conversation end here." She said as she turned and began to follow after the larger group.
Otto's brow furrowed as he reached out to try and grasp her arm only to be suddenly stopped. Tomoko instinctively turned and grabbed the boy's outstretched arm, before gripping it tightly.
"As I said, our conversation ends here..." She said with a venomous undertone to her voice. "Do you agree?"
The boy gritted his teeth. "God dammit. Yes just fucking let go." he hissed loudly.
"Excellent. I'm glad we came to this understanding." The Shogi Player said as she released his wrist, before following after the departing group.
Otto offered a furious expression, before he stalked off.
"Woah that got surprisingly tense eh?" The Hockey Player mused as he rubbed at his chin.
"Yes I do hope we don't have anymore incidents like that." Churi said with a slightly deflated expression, before patting her cheeks. "No I have to think positive. This is all just some misunderstanding, I'm sure it'll be sorted in no time."
Patrick folded his hands behind his head as he followed alongside her. "Yeah I mean what else can it be? I mean I saw some of that junk on TV, but I mean what are the odds of it happening to us eh?"
10:02 A.M Day One
Amusement Park District
Courtyard
As the survivors of the Coaster exited the station they would be greeted with a slightly unsettling sight.
They stood in the center of a massive theme park, in what appeared to be a courtyard that contained a massive foundation and several benches.
In the surrounding area were dozens of coasters, and other amusement park attractions that lined the cobblestone streets. Standing guard in front of each of the rides were stuffed bears who wore security outfits. They slightly resembled Kurokuma, except they were a solid grey color with a single red eye, while the other was black.
From where they stood there were five distinctive districts visible at the end of five pathways. Large walls segregated each district. As to what lay beyond the other walls? They could only speculate at the moment. However the Amusement Park District was easily two miles in diameter.
The group was greeted by a familiar voice as they moved into the open courtyard.
"Fucking hell. Bout damn time. I thought you all decided to go for another ride on the coaster." Kurokuma grumbled as he hopped off of a bench, before waddling forward.
Patrick offered an irritated look. "You've got a lot of fucking nerve eh? How bout you drop this charade? Just tell us what's really going on." he said as he cracked his knuckles.
The bear groaned before pressing his paw against his head. "Jeez you lot really are thick in the head. I guess leaving things to chance didn't ensure the brightest would survive. Look I've already made it pretty damn clear. You guys were all candidates for the Class of 81-A. Since Hope's Peak went to shit along with the rest of the world, the guy in charge never got a chance to officially pick who would be invited. So this was our way of narrowing it down. Course the plan was sixteen, but I guess you have to make fucking lemonade from lemons. So congratulations you're unofficially Class 81-A, which means you're now ready to be thrust into a Killing Game."
"What do you mean we are in a k-killing game? " Churi stammered pititfully panic was clear in her voice as she shook her head vigorously. "No! This can't be! "You have no right to do that! We're just kids! Some of us aren't even teenagers, Please reconsider!" The Love Guru begged passionately.
"Upupupu... you being fucking kids just make this even more fun. What did you think I would go to all this trouble of bringing you here, just to change my mind now?" The bear cackled loudly. "What makes you think I would do something like that?"
"Because it's only the proper thing to do. This kind of violence is disgusting and uncalled for, children should not be witness to such violence and chaos." Haruto said in a firm tone as he stared harshly at the bear.
"Oh, and what's the problem with a little chaos and violence?" The bear questioned. "I'd say it builds character." he snorted loudly.
"But you just can't let that happen. We all have so much to do, to develop, to feel! You can't just... you can't just take that away from us!" Churi pleaded as tears welled up in her eyes.
"YUK YUK YUK. Sorry girlie but your tears are lost on me. Besides I'm not the one taking anything away from you. You're going to be the one's doing that. Because when someone kills and gets away without being caught they'll get to leave Kuma Kuma Land. How's that for some motivation? Off someone and avoid getting caught and you get to leave the most despair inducing place on Earth!" Kurokuma grinned wildly.
"P-Preposterous, t-there's no way this is real...I mean...I-I don't have any reason to kill someone.." Utano breathed weakly as he hugged himself in a comforting gesture.
"A killing game," the Shogi player muttered underneath her breath, "It doesn't seem like the bear is joking, nor there is no hint that this is all a set up for some prank."
Tomoko glanced around the group cautiously. "Regardless, I have no intention of dying by my 'classmates'. I will play this game to the very end and survive..." She mused quietly to herself.
"That's the spirit! Show some sportsmanship! Kuma Kuma Land is all about games after all!" The dark toned bear grinned fiendishly.
"How can you be so flippant with our lives? We're human beings." Tiana said with a aghast expression.
The bear howled in laughter. "Yeah and so were those other meat sacks that are beginning to stink up the place. Least you get a chance to play, I bet some of them would have given anything for this chance."
"Look I'm not sure you know who you're dealing with pal. My father could buy this entire dingy park without batting an eye, just name your price and he'll make it happen." Otto said as he offered a smug expression. "You said you only wanted Sixteen anyways right? So why don't you just take the money? I don't know these people, so I could care less about what you have planned for them."
Chloe rolled her eyes at the Racer's comment. "Well aren't you a class act? Though it doesn't surprise me that you lack manners. Your demeanor is as repulsive as that outfit."
"Listen bitch I could care less what you think. I'm already sick of this farce, so why don't you name your price bear?" The boy asked as he stared intently at Kurokuma.
The dark colored bear offered a wide grin. "You want to know what it will cost to leave? That's simple. I want to see murder. Shanking,Crushing, Poisoning, and Immolation are all fair game. In fact as long as I get a body, I don't care how you fuckers do it."
"Despicable. I've already bore witness to the atrocities one of these games, I will not give you any such satisfaction. I already failed my Princess, I will not allow any harm to come to these people." Laris said as he unsheathed his sword, before advancing on the bear.
Kaizoku offered a grin as he followed after the Knight. "Yarr Captain. I'm not interested in seeing any of the fair lasses here being hurt. Ye won't be alone!"
"Then let's get this stuffed reject eh? I'm not about to lay down and do what he wants." The Hockey Player said as he followed after the pair.
"I should warn you punks that attacking yours truly or any of the staff of Kuma Kuma Land is strictly forbidden. There will be severe consequences." Kurokuma said ominously at the trio advanced on him.
The Ultimate Knight's stride increased. "We will not be intimidated or bullied by you. We're going to stop this game, before it goes any further." He said as he swung his blade outward only to have it intercepted as one of the various Kuma's used their body as a shield. The stuffed bear's two halves landed onto the cobblestone street, before a cackling could be heard.
Kurokuma held up a revolver, before pulling the trigger.
A loud bang filled the Courtyard, before the sound of metal meeting metal could be heard.
Suddenly without warning the Knight collapsed to one knee, before a scream filled the space.
"N-No oh god he was shot." Kanade cried as she covered up her face as her shoulders trembled.
"Laris?! Are you alright? What happened?" Shiho called out as her head tilted warily to the side.
The Knight frowned as he reached up to touch his helmet. His vision was swimming as the sound of the gunshot still reverberated though his ears. The bullet was lodged into the thick piece of metal, but it was slightly dented now. "Save for my pride, I am unharmed." He responded as he slowly removed his helmet, revealing a very regal and effeminate face. Laris had soft blond hair and intense blue eyes. The boy tucked the dented helmet, under his free arm as he stared intently at Kurokuma.
Sigmund frowned as he adjusted his crutch. "Seems like he wasn't bluffing about consequences. It's fortunate your armor withstood that."
"YUK YUK YUK. I think I made my point. There's a small army here in this park, try something like that again and all that shiny armor won't save you or anyone else." Kurokuma snickered.
"How did you know that his armor would actually withstand that attack?" Lachlan asked with a wary gaze as he regarded the bear.
The dark tinted bear grinned wildly. "That's just the thing, I didn't know or really care. It was just about making a point. So are we done with this rebellion fellas?" He asked as his gaze flitted between Kaizoku and Patrick.
"If ya think that's gonna scare us off you're dead wrong." Patrick said through his teeth.
"Please I implore you to stand down. I was reckless for challenging him. It is clear we're in a disadvantageous situation. It seems martial might is not a sufficient solution." Laris mused in soft voice as he eyed dozens of other Kuma bears that stood holding various forms of weaponry, they seemed to be ready to strike at any moment.
Seikatsu nodded her head vehemently as her demeanor seemed to shift. "Let us heed the wisdom of the noble knight, less we meet a tragic fate."
The Sailor frowned. "Yarr it would seem the tides is against us for now. Further conquest would only put everyone in peril."
"Heya everyone should just take a deep breath kay? Just cus we can't fight our way out, doesn't mean we have to play his game. We'll find our own way of winning this game." Annabelle spoke up as she looked between the rest of the group. "Anything is possible ya know?"
"W-Well twenty five percent more people survived versus the estimate, so their calculations can't be perfect." The Mathematician murmured timidly.
"And when we do throw em off guard, we can kick em in the damn teeth." Naruhiko chuckled as he folded his hands behind his back.
The Ultimate Composer meekly stood towards the back of the group, as she found her voice. "B-But what if that's not p-possible? What if there is no way of escaping this place?"
"Pupupu that's the right train of thought sweetums. You're right to worry. There's a lot about this game that needs to be explained, but I think a reward is due first." Kurokuma suggested with a sickly sweet smile.
The Plastic Surgeon's brow furrowed slightly. "Why do I get the distinct impression this is a trap?"
"TRAP?! Oh you wound me Doc! Actually this is a pretty swell prize. You see you kiddos are standing in the center of Kuma Kuma Land. This is the Amusement Park District. A trial will follow after each murder is committed. After a trial, a new District of the park will open up for your exploration." Kurokuma paused, before jabbing his paw a large trolley.
"At the beginning you kiddos will only have access to this district, and the Resort District. If you take that trolley it will take you to the Resort District. There you will find every convenience you could possibly imagine within a luxurious hotel. I'd suggest you all make yourselves comfortable and explore your surroundings. I'll be by the Hotel Lobby at Seven Tonight for something special. So make sure you're there. I'd hate to have to kill you all in one go." The bear said with a wicked grin. "Any questions my future cadavers?"
The Ultimate Ventriloquist hesitantly raised her hand. "Mr. Bear sir? What are you getting out of this? I mean why are you doing this to us?"
"Bahaha. Mr. Bear is my father's name! Just call me Kurokuma or the Ringleader if you please! As for what I get? It's nothing more than entertainment. I could care less how this game goes, as long as it's not boring. Believe you me, boring is the last you want to be." The bear grinned wildly as his beady eyes bore into all of them.
No matter how badly they tried to fight it, another Killing Game was officially about to commence.
20 Survivors Remain
*AN*
Heya guys! Please have mercy on me for taking 3 weeks on this update. Though I do have some good news for you. I'm very close to finishing Final Horizon. When that fic concludes this one and Sea of Tranquility will move to a weekly update schedule. So that's something to look forward to. Also I just want to thank you all for these submissions again. These characters have so much personality and are really fun to write! =)
Anyways thank you so much for reading and I'll see you next time!
REVIEW SECTION:
DanganMachin
Haha I've actually seen all of them. So it does have flairs of that and Final Destination 3 included.
PettyPunk
Apologies for some of the janky bits in the first chapter. I've actually gone back and tried to smooth over large parts of that chapter.
MudkipOfDespair
Haha yeah I thought it would be a nice departure from the usual with a brutal opening. Also please don't be discouraged, I'd love to see you submit one again in the future!
HeavenlyDesBear
Hey I'm really glad you enjoyed the first chapter. If I'm being quite honest, the most daunting part of writing one of these fics is the beginning. Once characters and other elements have been established it becomes a lot easier in my opinion lol.
Trygve11
81-B Will be another SYOC in the distant future.
SqualinaTralala
Yeah so I went back and tried to smooth over some of the rough bits in the first chapter. I apologize for the shoddy approach I took to some of those elements. I know I can do better and I will going forward.
Blazerxz
It was a juggling act but I'm fairly pleased with how it began. Honestly the start of these fics is always the most challenging to me haha.
Altomi
Aww well I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really wanted to avoid having the same leisurely intro in all of my SYOC fics. So I thought this would grab people from the very beginning.
Danganfanboy101
For me I take great inspiration from Cased Closed/Detective Conan when I think about Annabelle. With the caveat that the gender is flipped and she is actually still a child and very bright eyed and curious about the world around her. I'm happy to hear you enjoy Laris, I do have some neat ideas in store.
FezzikTheMighty
Haha yeah it's a logistical nightmare when you have so many characters present. So it's why I try to segregate the group at times so I can focus on smaller groups. For those two I felt they probably needed the least amount of initial introduction as their demeanor and personalities are very front and center.
ThePLOThand
Well the amusing thing is most people would assume that Laris would be the one I'd put as the clear protagonist. However I didn't want to have my own character be the center of the universe. I mean I usually try to balance the narrative with multiple characters, but if you were going to set a Protagonist? Sure let's give that role to Annabelle.
The Eternal Carnival
It's always nice to have a fun balance of characters and Churi does make the world a brighter place! =)
TheRoseShadow21
Long live the #APS I'll become a member! ;)
NomadChild
Take a small break and just relax as everyone else suffers muhahaha.
The Kobold Necromancer
I have to say you really gave me a lot of inspiration with Annabelle to try something different. I thought it would be fun to establish a different tone by hitting the ground running with this fic lol
UltimateGaymer
Haha well thank you. I tried to put a lot of despair into that first chapter! xD
Solrac XD
Well technically you're the one with a screwy calendar as it was July when I posted that not June xD But yeah sometimes I get excited and can't help myself! Lol
Trust Me I'm Me
Well thank you! I wanted to establish a darker tone by showing Kurokuma and the denizens of the park aren't playing around.
SootyThunder
There might have been some inspiration there haha.
Forbidden Dreamscape
Well there was only 80 victims not 84 and 20 survivors not 16, but I know what you mean! :D
Cinderfall201
FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON TOTAL DRAMA DESPAIR PARK!
BouncingFish
It certainly is a juggling act, but I'm not going to panic about updates. I can only do so much as a human being haha.
Wintersmith23
There won't be a mass resurrection of some sort. I'm going to avoid playing that card anymore as it loses it's potency when it happens multiple times.
Natsukumo1000
Yup it will be a thing, but not for a long while. I'm going to pace myself better going forward.
Fee5H
Well thank you! I tried to capture that aspect of him to the best of my ability.
El Torro
My goal with some of these characters is to subvert expectations while others play more into what you might expect. Tiana clearly is more complicated then at first glance.
Jeptwin
Yes sir! I promise I'll balance my time going forward! xD
bellatrixshine
*Ahem* I have to say I really LOVE Tiana. In particular I enjoy subverting people's assumptions by having her defy what they expect.
pokemansuperallstar
Yeah I added that clarification because I didn't want everyone to be out for my blood haha.
doomqwer
Welcome to the most despair inducing place on Earth!