Chapter 4: Wild Card
6:51 P.M Day One
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Dining Hall)
Patrick peered around the extravagant dining table where each of the twenty survivors were seated. "So guys anyone feels like we'd need days to even explore the Amusement Park District? This is like Disney Land on steroids eh?"
The Ultimate Investigative Journalist sighed as he picked at his teeth. "Well if we omit the death coaster, and the homicidal bears I suppose that statement is almost true."
"Yup but aside from the creepy stuff, it's super cool!" Annabelle exclaimed as she kicked her legs back and forth. "Tiana, Haruto, and I had so much fun! We rode a bunch of stuff. I can't wait to see even more tomorrow!"
The Ultimate Mathematician blinked, before adjusting her glasses. "Wait you actually rode another one of those machines? Statistically speaking that is incredibly dangerous. Especially if this morning is anything to go on."
Haruto offered a weak smile. "Yeah, believe me, we had our concerns as well, but on the other hand we couldn't rightfully let her go on her own."
The Knight offered a soft incline of his head. "That is truly commendable of you M'lord. Seeing to those around you is an admirable quality, and I'm pleased to note that all of you seem no worse for wear." Laris offered as his soft blue eyes flitted between the trio.
"Yes well considering the situation we find ourselves in, I doubt our captor would allow us to be killed from faulty equipment or some mere trap. It seems they wish for us to do the dirty work from now on." The Ultimate Dominatrix said as she crossed her legs. "They do seem to possess complete control over our situation."
"That's not entirely true though is it? As I recall the bear made a point of being surprised, even frustrated that more than sixteen survived that demented coaster." Tomoko said with a bored expression as she rested a hand against her chin.
Kaizoku offered a toothy smile. "Yarr the lass is quite right about that. The Scallywag seemed quite upset by our fortunes."
"Fortunes? S-So what if we survived. I don't care much for people as a whole, but look at how many died. We were just lucky." Dolly managed in a shaky voice, before her hand tilted as her puppet's eyes flickered around the table. "Yeah it was just a fluke. So don't go blowing it out of proportion ya bunch of idiots."
"Tch I've had enough of you playing with that ridiculous thing." Otto said as he eyed the girl next to him, before suddenly wrenching to puppet away from her. "Act like a normal person and not some child. We already have one too many of those." The Race Car Driver said with distaste in his voice.
A look of terror filled Dolly's eyes, as her entire body seemed to go limp. She almost seemed comatose as she was parted from her partner.
Churi stood up suddenly as she held up her hands in a pacifying manner. "Otto please just take a breath alright? Dolly isn't hurting anything, so just give Becky back?" She asked in a pleading manner.
The boy rolled his eyes. "It's a damn doll. If anything I'm doing this loser a favor. Seriously who the fuck dressed up just like their doll? She must be a nutcase."
"Nutcase? Say that about Dolls again and I'll snap your neck." A voice said causing the group to fall silent, even Otto paused a moment as he regarded he puppet in his hands.
"Goodness that was quite impressive. I guess she's the Ultimate Ventriloquist for a reason." The Surgeon mused as he lightly preened at his collar.
"You think this is funny?" The Race Car Driver chuckled as he shook Becky forcefully, as he stared down at Dolly with a venomous look. "I wonder what you would think about me throwing this thing into the garbage disposal or maybe I'll just bash it's head against the table and make you watch." He suggested, before suddenly a loud cracking sound could be heard.
The motion happened so swiftly, however, one second Otto was standing there.
The next second his face was planted against the glass table, as Chloe stood behind him with her hand clutching his neck. Blood from his temple poured down his forehead. "Such poor manners from someone who takes such pride in their heritage. Now apologize to Dolly and Becky, or I'll do what you threatened to do to Becky," she said in a very calm accented tone.
"Fuck me! That was hardcore as shit!" Naruhiko said with a wild grin. "Sorry Otto my man, but damn she's laying down a smackdown."
"This sort of violence is entirely unnecessary. If you have no thought to your own morals, at the very least consider the example you're setting." Haruto said with disdain in his voice. "Please Miss Bellemort. I think you've made your point."
"But she was like over there! And then Bam wooossh she was suddenly behind him! She's like super pretty and a ninja!" Annabelle said earnestly with stars practically shining in her eyes.
Sigmund had to stifle a half-hearted chuckle. "Haruto I believe it may already be too late, but I can appreciate your point. Shall we all just take a breather?"
"Fine. Though if this one touches something or someone that's not his again, I'll break his hands." The Fashion Designer said as she thumped his head against the table once more for good measure, before collecting the puppet from the floor.
The Ultimate Race Car Driver seethed darkly however to his credit, he remained silent as he wiped at the blood on his forehead.
"Here it looks like Becky's outfit has a small tear, I could probably fix that for you." Chloe offered as she rested the puppet back into Dolly's arms.
The Ventriloquist finally seemed to stir again, as she meekly nodded her head. "Yes, please. I have to take care of Becky. She's my best friend. My only friend." she murmured quietly.
"Through the fires of our torment, perhaps a kinship will be born." Utano offered, before blushing as he realized he'd spoken his thoughts aloud. "Sorry I didn't mean to say that out loud."
Shiho offered a radiant smile. "Why are you apologizing? That sounded really cool. You should be more confident in yourself. No matter what our shortcomings are, we all have amazing gifts."
"Well said my darling! You're truly an inspiration to all those around you!" Seikatsu said in a very maternal manner as she clapped her hands together. "I am pleased to note we were able to resolve this dispute with minimal violence."
Kanade offered a timid smile. "Um, Seikatsu? Are you well? Y-You seem sort of all over the place."
"She suffers from multiple personalties," Chloe said as she slumped back into her chair before she began to smooth a wrinkle in her shirt. "Twenty-One in fact. All of which are various forms of the Arcana."
"Twenty One?!" The Mathematician sputtered as she adjusted her glasses. "That seems excessively high. What did you say your name was again?" She asked as she squinted at the Tarotologist.
"Seikatsu Tabi, she is known as the Ultimate Tarotologist. Though it would seem she personifies the Arcana in more than one way." Laris spoke up as he laced his calloused and slender hands. His gauntlets rested neatly in his lap.
"It is an incredible honor to be addressed specifically by you Sir Laris. You are a true knight in shining armor. Of course I mean that not in simply a literal sense, but far beyond that! The princess fantasy is one of the best kinds of fantasy, and I wish to make it true. Oh magnificent Sir Laris, will you honor me as your princess to serve in our darkest times? So that one day through your determination and inner strength you persevere and are rewarded with my hand at ruling a kingdom together? Even if our kingdom is small, it is one I will gladly use and share my bed if it is with you." Seikatsu said as her demeanor had shifted abruptly as she stared adoringly at the blonde.
"Ooooh! This is just like a good fantasy book!" The Forensic Investigator exclaimed as she leaned forward in her seat. "Come on! Mr. Knight. You can't leave a girl waiting for a response! You have to respond!"
"W-Well I don't truly know how to best respond to such a sudden declaration." The fair-faced boy murmured softly as a flush graced his face.
"Fuck me. This is a rowdy bunch! I like the cut of your gib though!" A voice exclaimed as Kurokuma could be spotted at the end of the table. He was seated in a chair with his paws behind his head. "Seriously though I could only watch for so fucking long. So what'ya say we get this show on the road?"
"Woah another ninja!" Annabelle said as her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Would it be asking too much for me to pet you? Maybe just once Mr. Kurokuma?"
Soo Yeong shook his head slightly. "And I believe this is why there are disclaimers about touching or feeding animals at a zoo."
"Bahaha doctor feel good is right! This bear doesn't need any snuggling. The only thing I need to warm me up is watching you all tear each other apart!" The dark-colored bear grinned wickedly.
Otto rolled his eyes in irritation as he wiped some blood off of his forehead. "Just get on with it already. I'm only still here because it's mandatory."
The bear chortled loudly. "Aww does someone have a boo boo? Should I kiss it and make it better?! Bahaha what a little bitch!" He laughed as he hopped out of his chair. "Now as much as I enjoy taunting money bags, I've got a mother fucking job to do." The bear said as he cleared his throat as another Kuma bear waddled into the room dragging two suitcases. This one was very different however. He was solid white and had a bandage over his left eye.
Kurokuma seemed to pay the bear no mind as he continued to speak. "Each and everyone of you will be given two very important items. I can't stress enough how important these are. The first is your electronic badge. These bad boys will be what grant you access to certain parts of the park later on. Also by tomorrow, I'll have your doors setup to read these. So as of tomorrow, the old keys to your suites won't work. I should also say these badges will be used for accessing places like locker rooms and changing rooms. So make sure you don't lock yourself out of your room." He said as he opened the first case, before revealing twenty badges. Each of the bandages were connected to lanyards and had each of their likenesses on it.
"Wait a moment. When precisely did you obtain these pictures of us?" Tiana asked as the other bear began to pass them out, her brow furrowed as she stared at Kurokuma. "I demand an answer immediately." She said in a sharp tone.
"Jeez don't bring out the whip! I swear it's not my kind of kink." The bear laughed as he clutched at his sides. "In order for yours truly to know who the real killers are, it's important that I have a bird's eye view. It is an Amusement Park after all. Of course, I'd have cameras all over the place."
"And pray tell just how invasive is this surveillance of yours?" Tomoko asked with a sharp stare. "Do we have any privacy at all?"
"Heh don't get your panties in a wad. I don't have any interest in watching what you brats do in the bathroom or a changing room. Beyond that almost everything else is fair play!" Kurokuma said before clearing his throat as he jabbed his paw at the other bear in the room. "Guess it's time to introduce my little brother. Well, don't just stand there moron, introduce yourself!"
The white bear rubbed his paws together nervously as he finished handing out the badges. "O-Oh I'm terribly sorry! You all must be absolutely exhausted after everything you've been through. Please if there is anything you require, I will do my best to make your experience here as painless as possible. Oh heavens how rude of me, My name is Shirokuma and I'm the caretaker of the Resort District!" The pale bear offered with a solemn bow of his head.
Churi offered a bright smile. "I think I like this one. He's a lot nicer than his counterpart. What do you say about helping us out of this place Shirokuma?"
"Oh, I'd very much like to help. However, I'm not allowed to meddle I'm afraid. You could say I don't have much choice in the matter." Shirokuma offered in a very soft voice.
"What num nuts is saying is if he steps out of line, he'll be blown into a thousand pieces." Kurokuma howled in laughter.
Lachlan's gaze flitted between the two bears before his brow furrowed. "Shirokuma what did you mean by being the caretaker of this district?"
"Oh well, that's because I'm in charge of this particular district. I hope you'll be able to find peace here if nowhere else." The bear said as it pressed a paw against its chest.
Kurokuma snorted. "Guess it's time that I explain a few more details of this game. Whenever a murder occurs it'll be the one in charge over that district that will preside over the trial proceedings. You can call me the big cheese, because I stick my nose into everyone's business. However the Amusement Park District is my top priority." He grinned wildly. "It's something for all of you to consider. As every Kuma will handle things differently. Some will be less strict than others. Some will allow for more time. There may even be unique rules implored by whomever is in charge. So maybe implore some strategy before brutally murdering someone." He suggested with an ear-splitting grin.
"Yarr so I reckon it be safe to assume there be more special bears of your sort in other districts?" Kaizoku asked as he thumbed along his chin.
"That's correct. There are six of us in total, and then, of course, the thousands of Gurekumas you've seen around the park." Shirokuma responded softly. "They serve the role of staff in all of the districts."
"Well, I can't say that I've seen any of them. Which reminds me, um can someone fix my sensors? I'm more blind than usual without it." Shiho said as she tilted her head in the direction of the two bears.
Kurokuma snorted. "Yeah jiggly bits don't worry about that shit. You're already a target enough without the extra handicap. Your replacement gear will be delivered to your room this evening." Kurokuma muttered as he tapped his foot against the floor. "Now enough dicking around. There's still some more shit I gotta explain and crap to hand out." he said before shooting a pointed look at the white bear.
"Oh yes of course!" Shirokuma stammered as he quickly waddled off, before opening the second suitcase.
"Well, it's at least clear who's calling the shots between the pair of them," Sigmund muttered lowly as he leaned against his crutch.
Patrick nodded his head slowly. "Yeah, no kidding. I kind of feel bad for the other one."
"Don't worry about this waste of space. He's less disposable then any of you are. Which puts in perspective how worthless you lot are." Kurokuma cackled as he jabbed his paw at the second suitcase. "Heh you're about to receive a state of the art Kuma Smart Phone! Now before you get any phone ideas, the range is limited to Kuma Kuma Land. So don't expect to call for help. Not that anyone would come anyway." The bear snickered as he paced back and forth. "But they will provide you all the ability to stay connected no matter where you are in the park. They also include text messaging, maps of the park, clues you've discovered for various cases, and plenty of other little gizmos. Just make sure to use the charger at night. I'd hate for you to be unable to consult details of a case because you forgot to charge your damn phone." The bear smirked as Shirokuma began to pass the devices out.
"Woah! My moms wouldn't even let me have a phone yet!" Annabelle exclaimed as she clutched the device tightly as she stared at it curiously.
Otto grumbled. "For everything else to be so damn tacky. These are actually sort of impressive." He mused as he flipped his on, before regarding it intently.
"Crap I have a bad track record with keeping up with phones! Shit, I hope I don't lose this damn thing." Naruhiko muttered as he quickly shoved the device into his white leather jacket.
The solid black bear snorted. "Don't worry your thrashing head over that kiddo. All of them have GPS devices built into them."
"So yet another way in which you can keep tabs on us? That is certainly comforting to note." Chloe said in a sardonic manner as she abruptly switched the device off.
Haruto's brow furrowed. "Well regardless of his intentions, it is a tool that could be beneficial. Having fast communication across such a large area is important."
"Well in the case of an emergency I could certainly see the benefits of such a device." The Ultimate Plastic Surgeon agreed as he rested the phone in his lap.
The Ultimate Knight just stared at the device that now rested next to his empty gauntlets. "Alas, I must admit I've never actually owned such a device. I pray that it's a simple endeavor to learn."
"Simple as can be! There's even brail for Miss Jiyu!" Shirokuma said in a warm tone as he finished handing out the device, before returning to Kurokuma's side.
"Good you brats have your new toys. If you have any more questions about em, bother this moron." Kurokuma said as he gestured at his brother. "But I've gotta finish explaining the rules, so we can get this game started properly."
"W-What rules are there left to explain? I-I think you made it pretty obvious already." Kanade managed in a quivering voice as her teeth found her bottom lip.
"Pupupu well there's still a few things left sweetcheeks. I explained that the only way to escape Kuma Kuma Land is to commit a murder, and not get caught right? and that requires the blackened to deceive his or her classmates in a trial. What I didn't explain is what would happen if the blackened is caught." Kurokuma said as his gaze flitted around the room.
"If one drew upon the facts before us, I would wager that the penalty would be harsh. Judging by the previous games? I'm assuming death would be the result." Seikatsu said as her demeanor was more composed and thoughtful now.
"Bahaha well, you've got a good reason to believe that. Though we're going to make things more fun in this Killing Game. If the killer is caught they will be subjected to a death game. However, this game will be designed so that survival is possible. If a blackened survives their death game, they'll be allowed to return to the game. Things will continue on as if nothing happened." The bear chortled darkly.
"And what happens if we don't find the right person? If we accuse the wrong person?" Utano asked as his fidgeted with his hands.
"Simple then the blackened gets to walk free and those remaining will be put through a death game. Anyone who survives that game will be allowed to continue on. However, I should point out that if you fail to reveal the blackened, you won't be granted access to the next district. Your generation is so used to getting rewarded with no effort, but around here you'll earn your rewards." Kurokuma grinned wickedly. "Any questions for yours truly?" the bear asked with a malicious look on his face.
"What are the chances of surviving such a death game? Are the odds insurmountable?" The Mathematician asked as she adjusted her glasses.
The dark-colored bear offered an indifferent shrug. "That all depends on the Kuma in charge of the death game. Each game has a greater chance of survival or death, but believe me, none of them are easy. If you'll take a look at your phones, you'll see the regulations for this game. I'd study up if I were you!"
Kuma Kuma Land Regulations
1. Students are prohibited from accessing other districts until permitted by Boss Kurokuma.
2. "Nighttime" is from 10 P.M to 7 A.M. Some areas of the park are off limits at night, so use caution. The showers in the suites are inaccessible after 10 P.M and will only be accessible beginning at 6 A.M.
3. Sleeping anywhere is permitted, however, is cautioned against.
4. With minimal restrictions, you are free to explore the Park at your discretion.
5. There are multiple areas of the park that are extremely hazardous The park attendants and staff are not responsible for injury, and or death. Proceed at your own peril.
6. Violence against Kurokuma or any other Kuma is strictly prohibited, as is the destruction of surveillance cameras or any other park property.
7. Anyone who kills a fellow tourist and becomes the "blackened" will be allowed to leave through the front gate. However, they have to deceive their peers in a trial.
8. Failure to catch the blackened or if the blackened is caught will trigger a death game. Survival of the death game will allow an individual to continue the killing game.
9. Additional school rules may be added as or if necessary.
The Ultimate Ventriloquist tensed as she held Becky up. "Alright ,pal we've got the message already. Can we leave already? I'm sick of this shit." The rough voice seemingly came from the puppet.
"Leave? Hah but then you'd miss the best part of this." Kurokuma said as an unsettling smile spread across his face.
"Meaning what precisely?" Haruto asked as he rolled up his sleeves as he stared warily at the dark-colored bear. "I believe we've had a harrowing enough day without any more excitement."
Shirokuma nodded his head empathically. "Yes, perhaps you should reconsider big brother? They've already suffered so much."
The darkly tinted bear snorted. "No one asked for your opinion so butt out!" He said as he adjusted his cap, before pulling out a cigar. "It's important to send a message ya see? I have to light a fire under their keesters so they know we mean business."
"You're talking about a motive aren't you?" Lachlan asked suddenly as his eyes narrowed. "It would make sense. In the previously streamed games, Monokuma always did that."
"Pfff don't compare us! That's very harrowing for my image sonny. Besides yours truly isn't just some puppet." Kurokuma groused. "Though you're right about one thing. I was talking about a motive. Because without that, you all could just live nice and comfortable in this fancy spread we got here."
"Whatever it is you have planned for us, we will not fall prey to your machinations. Many of us have watched at least some of the previous games. You're sadly mistaken if you think the same tricks will work on us." Laris said with an air confidence as he settled a sharp stare at the bear.
"You know what? You're right blue blood! We can't open this game in the same way as any other. That's why we're going to do something very special for this first motive. I call it the Wild Card motive. The curfew begins at Ten this evening. At that time each and every one of you will receive a motive, however, it will vary from person to person. For some of you it might be a secret, a loved one who's in danger, or perhaps your motive will be something more obscure." Kurokuma chortled.
"That's all you'll tell us? Perhaps a deadline or something more tangible would be useful?" Chloe suggested as her brow knitted together.
"Hey don't give him any more ideas!" Churi exclaimed as she peered around the dining table. "He's already twisted enough without any extra help you know?"
"Argh, I suppose I will spend the evening with a single eye open as I try to find shut-eye."Kaizoku mused as he laced his hands behind his head. "Yarr or perhaps I shouldn't let the scallywag get to me. I shouldn't think about what may or may not happen."
Kanade's shoulders trembled as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I-I don't want to die, but also don't wish any harm on anyone else. I just want to go home." She choked out as tears brimmed in her blue eyes.
"Bahahaa don't lose your shit Uguisu this game is just getting started!" The bear chortled darkly. "I wouldn't worry too much about some general deadline either, because like I said all of your motives will be different. Some of you may have deadlines, others may not. It wouldn't be much fun to ruin the surprise." Kurokuma said with a wicked smile, before he suddenly began to waddle towards the exit. "They're in your hands Shirokuma. Don't fuck it up."
The white bear seemed to wilt slightly as he hung his head. "Oh please don't take his words to heart. I'm sure you all are more resilient than that."
Despite his attempts at encouraging solidarity, the damage was already done. Following the meeting with Kurokuma, we all were left in different states. Some of us would wall ourselves off, while others wished to move on as if nothing had happened. We had no idea that this first evening in the Hotel, would also mark the last time all of us were together.
Despair has wormed it's way into our souls, and very soon we'd find ourselves faced with the next victim in this twisted game.
20 Survivors Remain
*AN*
As per usual, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for giving this fic so much love. I really have been enjoying fleshing out these characters, and I appreciate your support. It's really what keeps me invested in this setting and AU! =) Until next time guys!
Review Section:
Jayden Illusion Doe
Well I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! I figured it served the narrative better to give you all time to see this characters, before killing someone abruptly in the first chapter. Things can have much more weight to them, if you've had a chance to get to know these characters.
Solrac XD
Who's to say? I guess you'll just have to find out next time!
FezzikTheMighty
I totally agree with you. Fuyuhiko is one of my favorite characters because he does grow so much in the second game. Arguably much more than Hinata by comparison.
TheBlueCzar
Well now that we have the whole family together, it's time to butcher them! :D
DanganMachin
Stay tuned to find out the next chapter!
Hail2U
Holy Cow. You've really been dissecting these blood types. I swear it's been purely incidental if anything seems like a coincidence haha.
ThePLOThand
I thought about getting to his announcement last chapter. However the chapter turned out longer than I was expecting, and I sort of liked the lighter tone of that chapter. I knew Kurokuma's arrival would sour that.
Natsukumo1000
You do enjoy your asshole characters, don't you? Lol
StoryProducer214
Elaborate on it? Well I mean you always just read it and see for yourself haha.
Blazerxz
Yeah, I realized if you all weren't invested in these characters, that killing someone wouldn't have any real impact. So I decided to do an FTE early on in this fic.
Zoozibble
I know this isn't helpful to hear, but Lucian was one of my top choices. However one of my goals with Kuma Kuma Land was to limit the amount of returning submitters a bit and give a chance to those who've never had a character in one of my stories. I think I had 6 returning and 14 new people? Either way, I swear the deliberation process was a nightmare haha.
The Kobold Necromancer
Well, I've decided to write Annabelle in a certain way. She'll really shine and catch people off guard when her intellect is required, but I still want to play into that childlike innocence and excitement. That much death and stakes haven't really dawned on her like it would someone who was older. I wouldn't even say it's because she's ignorant, because we both know she's a smart cookie. But rather it just hasn't really registered yet. Though I think the first time she wakes up alone and realizes her family isn't there, it's going to hit her.
Cinderfall201
Lol, a bear infiltrator huh? Well it would be a twist xD
Fee5H
Haha, I try to picture Team Dad most of the time when I'm writing Haruto. I think it really helps me get into the right mode for his scenes.
PettyPunk
I'm pretty proud of this cast for being so diverse. You've got the shy characters, the loners, the group-oriented characters, and the unknowns.
Trust Me I'm Me
Lol sorry, I couldn't resist that scene in the diner. It really cracked me up!
pokemansuperallstar
Hehe glad you enjoyed those scenes. They brought smiles to my face while writing them.
bellatrixshine
Haha well without any stakes killing someone would be pointless to me. It's my job to make you all invested, before brutally taking someone away.
doomqwer
Yeah, Laris is still reeling over that death.