Chapter 5: Night Baron: Act One
8:32 P.M Day One
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Pool Area)
Following their meeting with Kurokuma and Shirokuma, everyone had reacted differently.
Some of the survivors found themselves quietly contemplating everything as they continued to search their surroundings, others had walled themselves off due to paranoia. However there were quite a few who had decided to make the most of the grim situation.
"Argh you're going down! Me and the young lass are going to send you Davy Jones' locker!" Kaizoku exclaimed with a wide grin as he waded forward through the swimming pool. The teen wore a pair of blue swim shorts with a cross-bone design on the back of them. The burn on his left forearm was even more noticeable now.
Annabelle offered an infectious giggle, as she sat perched on the boy's shoulders. "The Captain is absolutely right! Don't expect any mercy in Shoulder Wars!" She exclaimed giddily. The child wore a very simple blue one piece suit.
"Mercy eh? We don't need it anyways. You got this right Shiho? They're dead ahead of us. Ten feet ahead!" The Hockey Player said with a grin, as he supported the buxom runner on his shoulders. The Hockey player wore a pair of black swim shorts with a high-school logo on the front.
"Roger that Patrick!" The bob haired girl responded in a chipper manner, as she extended her arms out. The Runner sported a sky blue one piece that was modest, but it did show off her generous curves. On her hands were a pair of gloves with sensors on them, and she even sported matching waterproof shoes. "Do your very best Annabelle! I know I will!" Shiho called out enthusiastically.
"Hah you can't handle my best!" The child exclaimed as she extended her own arms. "Prepare to be sun-" The child was silenced as she suddenly found her face crushed against Shiho's bosom as the two sides collided into each other.
The Runner blinked as she felt something pressing against her chest, as she reached out with her arms. "Uh Annabelle are you alright?" she asked as she grasped the petite girl's shoulders, before shaking her lightly.
The Forensic Investigator wrenched her head free, before taking a sudden gasp. "Captain Zoku we have a problem! The enemy is resorting to a booby trap!"
"Yarr lass it seems our adversary is a true scallywag. Time to use our secret weapon! Let loose the big guns lass!" The Sailor exclaimed as he shifted slightly in the water.
"Roger that Captain!" Annabelle responded as she held up her hands, before letting her fingers drum through the air.
Patrick offered a slightly confused expression at the exchange. "Uh I have no idea what's going on Shiho, but it's time to sink the pip squeak!"
"You can count on me!" The bob-haired girl responded in a chipper manner as she reached out as she prepared to grapple the smaller girl.
A giggle escaped Annabelle as she weaved out of the way, before without warning pressed her fingers into Shiho's sides. Without warning she began to ticle the girl without mercy.
"N-No! S-Stop!" The Runner snickered as she found herself squirming on Patrick's shoulders as the little girl relentlessly tickled her.
"No way! You're going down! You should know my other talent is Ultimate Tickler! So you don't stand a chance." The child boasted with a mischievous smirk.
The Ultimate Hockey Player groaned. "Come on how bad can it be? Just hang in there. She's like half your size." He lamented as he felt the girl on his shoulders fidgeting.
"Argh ye should never underestimate the little lass. It's time to finish it. Consider it the Captain's orders!" Kaizoku exclaimed.
"Aye Aye sir!" The girl piped up as her fingers began to dig into Shiho's sides even harder, before the poor girl finally squirmed free as she lurched into the water.
Patrick rubbed the back of his head as he stared at the bob-haired girl a moment, before staring at the triumphant expressions on the other pair. "Well looks like round one is all yours, but Shiho and I aren't done yet."
"Bring it on! The Captain and I are unstoppable!" Annabelle exclaimed as she pumped her little fist in the air.
"Heh sounds like someone's ego is going to her head. It's time for a little revenge!" Shiho said as she offered a grin in Patrick's direction. "Kay I'll hold you this time, and you can be on top."
"W-Wait what?!" The boy sputtered as he stared at her incredulously. "Are you sure about that?"
The Ultimate Runner offered a dazzling smile. "Of course! Leave it to me. I'm stronger than I look!" she said as she flexed one of her arms for emphasis.
"Yarr bring whatever ye like. The Lass and I will still triumphant!" Kaikzoku chuckled as he offered a grin up at the girl on his shoulders. "Ain't that right?"
"Aye Aye Captain!" Annabelle responded with gusto.
8:41 P.M Day One
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Elevator)
"W-Wait please! Hold the door!" Utano stammered as he practically tripped over his feet, as he bolted towards the Elevator door.
Dolly hesitantly extended her hand, before pressing a button causing the door to pause before opening once more.
The Poet offered a relieved smile as he squeezed through the doors, before resting a hand against the wall. "Oh thank you. I'm sorry if I was a bit over excited. I just didn't want to wait on the elevator." The boy admitted.
"Tch would do you some good to get some exercise and use the stairs string bean. You could use some extra muscle." Becky quipped, before her handler offered an aghast expression. "Oh I'm so sorry. B-Becky just can't help herself sometimes. She always been blunt like that."
The orange haired boy shook his head. "Not it's alright. I mean it's all a part of your puppet show right? I mean she's the blunt one and you're the polite one right?" he suggested as the doors to the elevator shut.
"Puppet Show? I'm not sure I understand what you mean?" Dolly said with a confused expression as she looked between Becky and the Poet.
Becky crossed her arms in a frustrated manner. "Eh don't lose any sleep over it Dolls. This chowder head wouldn't understand."
Utano actually offered a nervous smile. "It's uncanny how good you are at that. I can't even see you moving your mouth. I guess you're an Ultimate for a reason though." He mused as he hesitantly reached out before pressing the fourth floor button.
"N-No I'm not special at all. Becky is the real special one. She's more precious to me than any person will ever be." Dolly said as she cradled the puppet fondly.
"Yeah I mean it's obvious how much you care. It's like you shut down when you were separated by that jerk Otto." The slender boy remarked as his gaze flitted to the digital readout, as the elevator began rising.
The Puppeteer nodded her head weakly. "Yes it's because I'm nothing without Becky. Life would have no meaning without her. I ceased to exist when we were separated."
"Don't worry Dolls. That fucker won't be long for this world. Especially not if he lays a hand on me or you again." Becky responded in a snarky manner.
Utano felt his throat growing dry as it finally dawned on him.
All of Dolly's conversations with Becky, and their back and forth. It wasn't an act at all.
The Ventriloquist was clearly unsettled and perhaps even dangerous.
In that epiphany the boy wished he'd simply taken the stairs, as he found himself anxiously watching as the elevator seemed to creep in a frustratingly slow manner.
However finally the ritzy gold elevator shuddered as the door cracked open.
"G-Goodnight." Utano stammered as he quickly strode out of the elevator and down the hallway.
Before the door shut he could make out the pair seemingly speaking to one another again.
8:58 P.M Day One
Resort District
Second Floor
Hotel (Massage Parlor)
"I've already begun calculating the innumerable dangers posed by this gathering. Without knowing what everyone's motives might be, there's a high chance of death." Maddie said in an almost robotic manner as she,Tiana,Churi, and Seikatsu all found themselves laying face first on a series of massage tables.
The Love Guru shook her head as she felt the Kuma attendant pressing its paws into the small of her back. "Hey let's not let ourselves assume the worst. We survived that horrible nightmare this morning, and we're gonna make it through this too. Let's just enjoy this surprisingly wonderful respite."
"That's easy for you to say," Seikatsu said in a sour manner as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I-I all but proposed to Laris. He must think I'm some sort of freak. I mean who does that with someone they've just met? I mean yes I have little control over my various personas, but how mortifying."
"Relax Seikatsu. Consider that an order." Tiana sighed blissfully as she felt the knots in her bare shoulders, being loosened. "Sir Laris seems to be an honorable man. I can't imagine him ever thinking anything like that. Besides it served as an excellent icebreaker in an otherwise tense moment."
"Laris. Laris." The Mathematician repeated a couple of times. "Was that the shiny fellow? The guy in the medieval armor I mean?"
"Girl you really do have trouble with names don't you? Heh I guess when you're so wicked smart, you can only store so much up in your noggin right?" Churi giggled softly.
Maddison offered a strained smile. "Yes that is my excuse I prefer to use. Not to beat a dead horse, but how can we be doing something like this? I mean isn't this risky?"
"What a massage?" The Tarotologist asked with a confused expression. "I mean sure it's kind of creepy to have these bears massaging us while we're nude, but I mean we've seen weirder stuff today don't you think?"
The Dominatrix chuckled in response. "I think Maddie thinks we should be more cautious of the motive. I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried, but I highly doubt anyone would act out in the open like this. So in a sense I feel safer in a group like this, then I would alone."
"There is that saying about strength being in numbers," Churi spoke up, before frowning slightly. "I keep thinking about Annabelle. I mean it's bad enough we're involved, but a kid? I mean this is the last thing she should be subjected to."
"Statistically speaking she's one of the most vulnerable here." Maddison offered quietly as she tensed slightly as oil was pressed into her back.
Seikatsu frowned. "I hate to admit it, but you're probably right. Poor kid."
"Don't you worry about Anna. Haruto and I have agreed to keep an eye on her. She's very insistent on not being treated like a child, but neither of us can bring ourselves to simply disregard her safety." The buxom blonde mused.
"Aww you and Haruto are standing in as her mom and dad! That is so sweet!" Churi gushed as she squirmed slightly. "You know I bet the two of you would make a real cute couple. In fact might I sugges-"
She was cut off by the Dominatrix. "Churi. Absolutely not. Even if I agreed with you, this is no time to consider something like that. It's important we focus on finding a way out of this place."
The Guru huffed indignantly. "Fine spoil my fun, but I'm not giving up that easily!"
9:11 P.M Day One
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Maid's Quarters)
"Hey the fucking bear called you Uguisu didn't he?" Naruhiko asked with a cheeky grin, as he planted his hand on the nearby wall. "God Damn I didn't think I would find the legend who's penned so many hits here of all places. Hell even I have you to thank for a few major hits." The boy chuckled. "I'd heard you were a reclusive type, guess it makes sense you'd be the Ultimate Composer."
Kanade's eyes widened as she waved her arms frantically. "Oh please I beg you, don't tell anyone. I don't deserve such praise at all. My songs would be nothing without people like you. People who have the charisma to light up a stage."
The Punk Musician snorted. "Yeah I guess I am pretty great, but you should give yourself more credit. I mean you must have been writing songs for Sayaka Maizono and Ibuki Mioda when you were in junior high. That's fucking nuts.
"M-Music just runs in my family." The Composer squeaked as she grabbed a towel, before hugging it against her chest. "B-But there's a big difference between being a creator and performer."
"Huh that's true I guess. So do you actually play any instruments yourself?" The boy asked as he eyed her intently.
Kanade meekly nodded her head. "Well yes I can play most instruments. It's part of how I create my songs."
The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "No shit? Well that's freaking rad. So what's it gonna take to get you to perform?"
"P-P-P-perform?!" The dark haired girl stuttered pitifully as she shook her head vehemently. "O-Oh I could never do that! I belong behind the scenes helping others achieve their dreams."
"Hah that's what we have to work on then." Naruhiko said as he rubbed under his nose. "You're like a pussycat and we've gotta bring out a lion. As soon as we get our hands on some proper instruments, we'll do a jam session together."
The Ultimate Composer paled. "Me play with someone else? I-I couldn't possibly. I would just be in the way."
"Sorry but you're not weaseling out of this!" The boy said with a fierce grin. "We're gonna turn Uguisu into a household name, just you wait."
"I-I must decline. I'm just not good enough and I would only be a bother to you." The girl said with a dejected expression.
Naruhiko scratched the back of his head. "Well I hate to do this, but you've left me no choice. If you don't practice with me, I'll tell everyone that you're the star maker Uguisu!" He said with a serious expression.
The raven-haired girl paled. "Y-You wouldn't! Please I beg you, anything but that!"
"Anything?" The boy asked with a small grin.
"Y-Yes anything." The girl responded in jittery manner.
The Punk Rocker chortled. "Then you'll agree to practice with me when we find a place to jam. It's either that or you go public, what do you say Uguisu? Do we have a deal?" the boy asked as he extended a hand.
The timid girl bit her lower lip as she fidgeted with the towel in her arms, before slowly extending a hand. "F-Fine I'll do it. Just don't be upset if I let you down."
"Nah you're fine! In fact I bet you'll blow the house down!" Naruhiko grinned as he shook her head empathically.
9:23 P.M Day one
Resort District
Fourth Floor
Hotel (Hallway)
"So it's really just our choice huh? Bollocks." Lachlan muttered as he scratched at his cheek with a thoughtful expression. "There's no shortage of options that's for damn sure."
"Yes that seems to be the case. It appears there are twelve suites on each floor, with half of those having balconies. While the other half do not." The Ultimate Plastic Surgeon mused as his gaze flitted between the numerous doors. "Do either of you have a personal preference?"
Sigmund who leaned against his crutch shook his head. "I really don't care. I'd just prefer a door relatively close to the elevator. I have no trouble getting around mind you, but there's no need in making things overly difficult for myself. I'm sure I'll require my energy for other things." he mused thoughtfully as his gaze flitted between the pair next to him.
The Ultimate Investigative Journalist jabbed a thumb at a nearby door. "Well Suite Two seems to be the closest. I'll be taking Suite Four myself. The lack of balconies just means there will be less means of access. It'll help me sleep better at night." He offered quietly.
"I would say that you're quite paranoid, but that seems like an understatement. I know we're all in the dark about the motives, but do you really believe someone would go to such lengths?" Soo Yeong asked as he raised a single brow.
"News flash! That's the point. We don't know jack squat about what Kurokuma's motive will do to everyone. If you're smart, you'll stay in your rooms after curfew. If you're wise you'll keep your head down and not take any unnecessary risks." The boy said before he trudged down the corridor.
The Ultimate Paralympic Athlete sighed softly as he watched the boy shrink out of sight. "You know I think in his own way, he was trying to be helpful. Though his social graces could use some work."
"Yes well this could all become very ugly in a swift manner. Admittedly I am very nervous about my own motive. However I couldn't imagine resorting to murder. My job is to make the place a more beautiful place, to give people the confidence they lack. The idea of doing something opposed to that, it makes my skin crawl." The Surgeon admitted with a slight frown.
"Heh I must seem like quite a grotesque sight for someone as polished as yourself." Sigmund offered a dry chuckle as he eyed the fair skinned boy next to him.
Soo shook his head in response. "Not at all. What they say about beauty being skin deep is true to a certain degree. I just give people the confidence that's been buried beneath the surface. It doesn't seem like to me that you suffer from lack of confidence Sigmund."
The amputee offered a weak smile. "Maybe I'm just good at playing the part of an extrovert. In any case I'm pleased to note that most of the people here seem to be decent people. The good definitely seems to outweigh the bad."
"That's true, but it's also possible for a bad apple to spoil the whole bunch." The Surgeon observed before sighing softly. "Though I suppose we can discuss such things tomorrow. We should get settled before curfew."
"Good point. I'd still like to get a shower, before it's too late." The Athlete said with a curt nod.
9:39 P.M Day One
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Lobby)
The Ultimate Race Car Driver had a deep-seated scowl on his face as he stalked through the lobby, and towards the exit of the hotel.
"And where precisely are you off to so late?" Tomoko asked as she peered up from a book she was reading, before eying him intently.
"Jesus Christ. Do you just live down here or what?" The boy spat as he crossed his arms in annoyance.
The Shogi Player shook her head. "No I plan to retire to my room shortly. However I typically find that you learn more from observing, then speaking. Which explains why you're such an ignoramus."
"Go fuck yourself. I don't need your damn permission and I certainly don't need your commentary bitch." The boy groused as he shoved his hands into his uniform.
"Careful. I believe you've already been warned that it's inadvisable to be so hostile to those around you. Burning bridges is not a wise idea Otto." The girl said in a low voice as she shut her book.
The boy rolled his eyes in response. "Every single person here has a reason for murder now. Why should I give a shit about making friends? It'll only lead to knife in my back."
Tomoko pinched the bridge of her nose. "I care very little for most people myself. However I recognize the value in maintaining a certain amount of diplomacy. "
"I never became the best by relying on anyone, and I certainly won't start now." Otto said quietly. "I have to survive this game. There's too much riding on it, so just stay out of my way if you know what's good for you." he said as he stalked forward once more.
The Ultimate Shogi Player shook her head, before slowly rising to her feet. "Don't say I didn't warn you." she murmured under her breath, before turning towards the elevator.
9:54 P.M Day One
Resort District
Fifth Floor
Hotel (Suite 5)
The Ultimate Knight leaned against the railing of the balcony with a somewhat somber expression.
"Sonia. I wonder if this what you felt when you were cruelly thrust into the first killing game?" Laris asked aloud before starring off into the distance at the illuminated park that surrounded the hotel.
The bright lights and distant carnival sounds, gave the entire setting a sense of innocence. However it was very much a lie.
Nothing about this place was as it seemed.
"Magnifique so my suspicions were correct. I knew that your features were too fair to be a red herring and though it was subtle, your body language gave it away." A voice offered causing the blonde to suddenly turn with a wary expression.
There leaned against the adjacent balcony was the Ultimate Fashion Designer. Her glossy black hair flitted in the cool night air, as her eyes stared intently at the Knight.
It was the first time Laris had been out of the cumbersome Novoselic Armor all day. The results were quite drastic as well. With the bulky armor cast aside, the individual underneath it was quite different.
For one 'he' was very much a she.
The fair-faced maiden stood at almost five feet seven inches tall. Her arms were defined with lean muscle that was visible beneath the short sleeved light blue tunic she wore. Bindings restrained her generous chest and no doubt was worn under her armor for practicality. The blonde also wore a pair of athletic black leggings that reached her calves. Her surprisingly dainty feet were bare at the moment.
Laris let out an exasperated sigh, as she clutched the railing with her calloused hands. "I knew it was only a matter of time till someone found out. Though I must admit I never anticipated it would be this soon M'lady. Though I suppose I have no one to blame but myself. I must have been distracted, I didn't even hear the door to your balcony open."
"Well as Annabelle pointed out, I'm quite the Ninja." Chloe offered a bemused smirk, as she rested her hip against the railing. "So you're certainly an interesting enigma. A female Knight with the last name Nevermind, that clearly has tried to obscure her gender. I imagine it was much easier when you had that bucket on your head, but your lovely face is a dead give away. So care to sate my curiosity dear Knight? or does a girl have to beg?"
The blonde shook her head before brushing a few bangs out of her eyes. "I mean no disrespect Lady Bellemort, but there are some things that are best left buried. Besides it's hardly fair considering it's quite obvious you're keeping secrets yourself."
The raven-haired beauty chuckled lowly. "Lady Bellemort? I rather like the sound of that." She chuckled as she wordlessly crouched, before springing across the ten foot gap that separated their balconies.
Laris instinctively reached out before clasping an arm around the girl's waist, as the other girl landed nimbly on the railing. "Has madness seized you? What would possess you to do something like that?"
"Well it seems you and I are neighbors. I'd rather speak face to face, then across the balcony. I really didn't need the assistance, but it's cute that you rushed to my aide." Chloe smirked as she extended her index finger before tapping the Knight's nose. "Now if you don't let go, you might give me the wrong impression. I didn't take you as someone quite that bold."
The blonde's eyes widened in realization as pink tinged her cheeks. "F-Forgive me M'lady." she responded as she loosened her grip, before taking several strides back across the balcony.
A chuckle escaped the buxom girl as she slipped onto the balcony, before watching Laris with an amused expression. "Why are you apologizing? I was merely teasing you Mon Cher. Which gauging your reaction, might just be my favorite past time now." She giggled as she rested a hand on her hip.
"I'm pleased to note that my suffering is so amusing to you." The Knight quipped as she finally turned before awkwardly crossing her arms across her chest.
"Oh don't be such a stick in the mud. You really should loosen up a bit. With the environment we find ourselves in, every day could potentially be our last." Chloe said as her smile faded slightly.
Laris offered a strained smile. "So many innocent people died today, and it seems it was for nothing more than the amusement of someone in this park." The blonde paused as her soft blue eyes stared off into the distance again. "There's so very little left of my homeland. I should have died with the rest of my people, and yet here I am. I have to believe there is a reason for that. For now all I can think of is what happened to Princess Sonia, and wonder if she had the same things floating around in her mind at the time."
"I couldn't help but note that you called her Sonia without honorifics when I first noticed you out here. Which means you're either being extremely rude to the late Princess or that you shared a close relationship." Chloe pointed out as ticked her head to the side. "Considering your last name, I'm inclined to say it's the latter. Look it's your secret to keep, but if Novoselic has really fallen what harm is there in sharing your connection?"
The Ultimate Knight was quiet for a few moments before shaking her head. "Because if I were to survive this nightmarish game, if people knew the truth they would expect me to be something I can't be. Please I know you're just curious, but I ask that you leave it be M'lady. It's a part of my life, that I'm still trying to move on from."
The Fashion Designer nodded her head softly after a moment. "Oui if that's the case then I will respect your request. Also though I don't know why you're hiding under that armor, but that'll be our secret too mm?" she suggested as she offered the blonde a playful wink.
"Thank you Lady Bellemort. That is kind of you." Laris said as she bowed her head ever so slightly.
*DING DONG*
"Ahem it is officially Night Time in Kuma Kuma Land! So ya know do whatever the fuck you want. Just be aware that certain areas are off limits, and the park staff isn't responsible for your untimely death!" Kurokuma howled over the loudspeaker. "Anyways Shirokuma has a room on the Fifth Floor. So pester that little shit if you need anything else. Night bitches!"
"Si vulgaire" Chloe murmured before shaking her head in response. "Though it might be a wise idea to turn in. There's no assurance one of our own might not succumb to Kurokuma's temptation."
Laris clutched at the hem of her tunic. "I wish I could deny such a possibility. However if watching the first broadcast was any indicator, anything is possible. Especially if my own motive is any indicator of the vileness of our captor."
The Fashion Designer eyed the other girl closely a moment, before offering a weak smile. "Don't let this place dull your shine lovely Knight. The world has become a darker place, we all could use a spark." She mused as she effortlessly sprang onto the ledge of the balcony, before lunging back to her own balcony. She rolled to her feet seamless, before brushing herself off.
"How do you do it? Even with my own training I wouldn't dare make that kind of jump so casually." Laris said as she took a step forward, before gazing over the edge.
"I jump because I have nothing to fear. A butterfly has it's wings after all." She said as she offered the knight a playful wink, before retreating back into her room leaving a very confused Laris in her wake.
12:14 A.M Day Two
Resort District
Fourth Floor
Hotel (Suite 6)
The Ultimate Parental Figure cracked his eye open as his phone, began to chime to life. He groaned as he extended his arm, before pressing the accept button. "Mm hello?" He murmured into the phone as he rubbed at his face.
"H-Haruto?" A small voice asked in a shaky manner.
The boy immediately sat up in his bed. "Annabelle?" he asked as he found himself wide awake once more. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
A pause followed before he registered a small sob. "C-Can you come here please? I'm scared."
"I'll be right there. You know I'm just across the hall. Just keep talking to me. What happened?" he asked in a soothing tone as he slung his legs over the side of the bed, before slipping on his slippers.
The girl sniffled. "I-I thought I heard a scream and I woke up. I-I tried to call out for my mamas, but they never came. I realized how alone I am, and I just want to see them again." She choked out over the phone.
The boy offered a somber smile as he let himself out into the hall, before crossing the room. "It's gonna be alright Annabelle. I don't know where your mamas are, but I swear you're not alone." He said as he lightly rapped at her door. "It's me." he added a moment later.
A few moments elapsed as the call ended before the door creaked open.
The Ultimate Forensic Investigator stood in the doorway wearing a pair of green pajama pants, and simple green T-Shirt with a magnifying glass on the front. Her eyes were red and puffy as she stared up at the teen. "Y-You don't think I'm a baby because of this do you? I-I tried to be tough." She sniffed.
The blue haired boy offered her a reassuring smile as he knelt in front of her, before resting a hand on her head. "Annabelle you have nothing to worry about. I think you're the bravest girl in this place, and even brave people can get scared sometimes."
"Really? Do you get scared too? Are you scared about all of this stuff that's gonna on?" The petite girl asked as she raised her head slightly.
"Of course I'm afraid, but it's not a matter of being afraid. It's a matter of what you do in those moments Annabelle. Fear only holds power over you, when you let it control you." He said as he tousled her head affectionately. "Why don't we get a midnight snack and talk till you feel like going back to sleep?" he suggested as he held out his hand.
"You'd really do that for me?" The girl asked as she stared at his hand curiously.
Haruto chuckled. "You bet I would. You'd be doing me a favor too, because I'm wide awake myself."
"Kay well then I'll do it for you." The girl agreed with a tiny smile as she reached out and grasped his hand. "But I want something super sweet!"
"Now Now. If you eat something too sweet you'll never fall asleep!" The boy said as he guided her towards the hallway.
The blonde puffed out her cheeks. "But I want something sweet!"
"Alright cookies and milk then, but you have to brush your teeth afterward alright?" The boy said as he stared down at the girl next to him.
"Fine." She muttered though a tiny smile graced her little face.
8:35 A.M Day Two
Resort District
First Floor
Hotel (Lobby)
"It would seem we're still missing a couple of people. I can't say I'm surprised Otto hasn't made an appearance after yesterday, but Shiho not being here is rather odd to me." Sigmund mused as he used his crutch to swiftly maneuver across the Lobby floor, before he slumped into one of the many leather chairs.
Tomoko offered an indifferent shrug, before crossing her legs as her gaze swept across the large group. "Well considering the motive dropped in our laps yesterday, it's likely one of them of them is no longer among the living."
"T-That's not funny! You shouldn't even suggest something like that!" The Love Guru sputtered as she paced back and forth. "Regardless of what is at stake, there's no way someone would actually resort to murder. I mean we're just teenagers who happen to be Ultimates, I refuse to believe any of us would go that far."
Lachlan sighed. "I'm afraid I can't share in your optimism. I can't attest to Otto's whereabouts, but I can say that I saw Shiho heading towards the stairs from the Fourth floor shortly before seven. She was dressed in her normal attire and jogging at the time, so I can only assume she was going for a morning run."
"That does make a great deal of sense, being that she's the Ultimate Runner she'd clearly take her talent seriously." Laris mused with a thoughtful expression as she traced a hand along her breastplate. "Still I don't like how long she's been gone. Could she really have been running this entire time?"
The Hockey Player snorted. "Dude you've seen her right? She's a little firecracker and full of energy. I'm sure she's absolutely fine, I think you're all just overreacting."
"Perhaps that's true. However considering what we endured yesterday, one cannot be too careful. The world can be an ugly place." The Plastic Surgeon said as he tapped at his chin. "I am pleased we agreed to meet like this though. It is a reassuring gesture."
"Yarr it does bring a great comfort to me as well." Kaizoku agreed as-as he scratched at his cheek as he gazed around the populated lobby. "How did ye all slumber last night? Despite the waves crashing in my head, I had no trouble in passing out."
Utano sighed softly as he rubbed at his eyes. "Ugh I wish I could say the same. I'm not sure if I ever fell asleep. The bed was extremely comfortable, but feeling someones eyes on me was so unsettling. I just kept tossing and turning all night."
"Bro that's fucking sucks! I hit the bed last night, and was like BAM! Out like a damn light! Fell asleep dreaming about a sick new riff, thanks to a certain someone." Naruhiko grinned as he rubbed under his nose.
Kanade immediately began to fidget with her hands. "I-I didn't have much luck either. I woke up once thinking I heard something, and then I couldn't get back to sleep."
"Wait you heard something too?!" Annabelle exclaimed as she slowly lifted her chin to stare at the Composer. "Do you know what time it was?"
The dark haired girl cleared her throat. "Well, it must have been shortly after midnight. It was muffled, but it sounded like someone yelling."
Tiana raised a single brow as she stared at Annabelle. "Anna you heard something strange as well? Is that why you look so exhausted?" She asked in a soft manner.
The Ultimate Forensic Investigator offered an almost sullen expression. "I-I heard something scary, that sounded like a scream. When I woke up, it finally hit me that this was all real. Normally when I have a bad dream one of my moms come to check on me, but this time they didn't." She said with a downcast expression as she eyed her feet. "I really began to miss them, but I feel stupid for being so weak when everyone else is staying strong. Fortunately right after that, Haruto was nice enough to keep me company a while."
"Hey you're not weak at all Annabelle. In fact I think most of us would agree that you're extremely tough. No matter what anyone says, we're all feeling the same kind of thing right now. It's going to be alright though. So long as we work together, and ignore this nonsense about killing we'll eventually find a way out of this park." Haruto said in a reassuring tone as he smiled fondly at the girl. "And I'm glad I could be there for you."
The Ultimate Mathematician frowned as she adjusted her glasses. "But there are just too many variables to account for. We don't know each other well enough to be certain of anything, and without knowing what everyone was facing it just makes it hard to be sure of anything."
Seikatsu flipped over a Tarot card onto a nearby table, before frowning. "I believe it may be wise for us to ascertain the whereabouts of both of them. The Arcana has revealed a very ominous warning."
"Bullshit no one buys any of that mumbo jumbo. So you can just drop that crap." Dolly said through Becky, before the Ventriloquist eyes widened slightly. "Becky please try to be nice? We don't know that for certain."
The Fashion Designer frowned as she slowly rose out of her chair. "Whether it's true or not, it's been forty minutes now. It's time we go look fo-" She was silenced by a chiming sound that filled the entire lobby.
"Good heavens! I'm terribly sorry to inform you all that a body has been discovered. Please report outside the hotel immediately! Your phones will be updated shortly, I'm very sorry for your loss." Shirokuma's voice echoed throughout the hotel.
"So all the naive optimism seems to have been for naught. Whether we want to face it or not, someone here is likely a murderer." Lachlan said as he stood up, before shoving his hands into his jacket.
"But most of us are here! So who discovered the body?!" Utano exclaimed with a fearful expression.
Annabelle offered a very serious expression as her demeanor hardened. "It stands to reason one of the two unaccounted for is the victim, and the other is the one who discovered the body. W-We should investigate immediately, before valuable evidence is possibly lost."
"So this is how it begins? I must admit even though I suggested as much, I never expected things to move this quickly. It seems one of us had all the motivation they needed." Tomoko said as her gaze shifted around the room.
8:44 A.M Day Two
Resort District
Outside
Courtyard
Lachlan eyes widened as he and several others emerged from the Hotel Lobby, and out into the Courtyard of the Hotel.
"Fuck me." Naruhiko breathed as his eyes widened at the sight they were greeted with.
The culprit certainly hadn't done much to hide their handiwork, as the mangled body was on full display in the center of the courtyard.
His body lay contorted unnaturally the signs of intense trauma. He lay on his back in a twisted state, with a copious amount of blood having seeped out of the back of his head.
The Ultimate Race Car Driver's lifeless eyes stared up into the otherwise beautiful morning sky. Otto's body was very rigid, and his complexion was extremely pale.
Sitting a few feet away from his body was Shiho with a muted expression. She seemed sort of drawn into herself.
The blind girl had her knees pulled up against her chest, and blood coated her palms.
A chiming sound filled each of their phones, as the files were updated on each their devices.
The game was truly underway now and with it, their first case.
Kuma Kuma Land Case File #1
Victim #1: Otto Von Skylar
"The victim has received several broken bones, as well as internal bleeding."
"Cause of Death is blunt force trauma."
"The time of death was approximately 12:11 A.M"
"The body was discovered outside the Hotel in the resort district at 8:40 A.M by Shiho Jiyu"
19 Survivors Remain
*AN* Hey you guys! I just wanted to say thanks for your patience! By no means have I lost interest. I've just been playing Dragon Quest 11 a little bit during my free time, but have no fear I have not forgotten you guys!
I hope you enjoy this chapter as I was quite pleased with it myself.
If you're interested feel free to submit a character for House of Horrors my next SYOC. The deadline will now be the end of September!
Review Section:
pokemansuperallstar
Yeah I thought it would be fun to feature multiple Kumas in a game finally. I feel like it lends itself well in this scenario.
bellatrixshine
For me part of the balancing act was juggling classic aspects of a killing game, along with some fresh and original aspects.
FezzikTheMighty
Yeah I realized it was important to make sure the structure always changes slightly from game to game. So that things are never dull heh.
doomqwer
Who can say? You'll just have to read and find out!
The Kobold Necromancer
Yeah, I have to admit that this group has quickly become a personal favorite. There's a lot of memorable characters for sure!
Fee5H
I have to admit your suggestion really gave me a great idea to work with. I'm quite pleased with the results! Hope you enjoyed it as well!
1Glimmershine
You got me! I've been spying on you this whole time! Muhaha. No seriously though I apologize for that. As for submissions? I tried to keep it reined in as far as the amount of returning characters. In perspective, only 6 were returning while the rest were entirely new. Honestly, though I sincerely enjoyed your application, though I have to admit it would have probably fit better in House of Horrors. Just because the supernatural/ strange elements are being dialed up in that one.
Blazerxz
Well, I thought it would be neat to showcase different Kumas in charge of various trials. I think it will add a new dynamic to the game!
Solrac XD
So I have to admit that I snickered to myself. TECHNICALLY this murder occurred on the second day. So the tradition has been foiled? :D
Soonai
Hey, no worries my man! Despite how much I write, I'm horrible about keeping up on giving reviews myself. I really have to fix that Lol
Trust Me I'm Me
I thought it would be interesting to have a motive where the details are entirely a mystery. Maybe you learn one person's motive, however, it only begins to scrape the surface. I have to really chew on this, to come up with something different from game to the game haha.
Hail2U
I think it's a common trait to see people trying to make connections, especially in a mystery setting. People tend to assume that everything could be a MAJOR clue or done to intentionally hint at something else. It's funny because sometimes they miss something major while speculating over something that was merely a coincidence.
PettyPunk
Lol, I really need to look up more nautical terms, so I can dig more into Zoku's pirate persona and do it justice.
StoryProducer214
Oh in due time my friend...
DanganMachin
Hey, it's definitely a possibility!
Wintersmith23
There's going to be a total of six bears including Kurokuma/Shirokuma. And yes the bears will be unique and not the kubs, because it wouldn't make sense for them to appear here.
BouncingFish
So I want to apologize. I recently started using Grammarly, but at times the app fails when I'm using it for corrections. I went back and edited the last chapter, but before I did there were tons of mistakes the app completely missed the first time I swept over the chapter. I'm not perfect clearly, but I am trying to do better.
Natsukumo1000
Well it takes all sorts ya know? I mean look at this way. At least you won't have to worry about him anymore. He came down with a case of death...
TheBlueCzar
It might have sunk in a tad too late. Our Race Car Driver has run his final lap in life!