Chapter 21: Jilted: Act Two
6:42 A.M Day Ten
Amusement Park District
First Aid Building
"So what's the verdict? Is pretty boy here gonna make it?" Naruhiko asked with a worried gaze as he watched Haruto continue to bandage the Surgeon.
The Parental Figure sighed. "I'm no expert, but I think he'll be just fine. It's fortunate that Utano avoided a vein or major artery. I have to say, when I became trained in first aid, this is not when I had in mind. Soo Yeong, am I doing everything right? How are you feeling?"
"Miserable, but I'll manage thanks to all of you. I'll be far better once those pain meds set in," Soo Yeong said with a slight grimace. "I tried to save Churi. I-I couldn't do anything, though. The light had already left her eyes."
Kaizoku scratched the back of his head with a sigh. "Since the waters have calmed for the time being, think you could give us the story from the top?"
The Plastic Surgeon offered a weak nod of his head. "I will relay everything to the best of my knowledge. As you know, you told me about Churi's attraction to me. I asked her out last night as a polite gesture. I had every intention of letting her down easily, but, to my surprise, we had a fantastic evening. Returning to the hotel had drifted to the back of my concerns. It was around seven that we both began our trolley ride, and agreed that we wanted to savor it longer."
"So that's how Utano caught you both, huh? You were more focused on each other and shit? What the fuck was he thinking?" Naruhiko vented.
Haruto offered an uncomfortable expression. "Yes, it was clear to me that Utano didn't understand boundaries. He must have been spurred by jealousy."
"The poor dear had said Utano threatened her life if she continued to pursue you. Guess it was no joke, after all." The Sailor shook his head solemnly. "We should have taken steps to prevent this ahead of time."
Soo Yeong glowered before tensing at the pain in his shoulder and thigh. "We are just as guilty by association as that little creep. Churi's blood is on our hands!" his voice was laced with anger and hurt.
"Woah, hold the fuck up! There's no way any of us could have thought a timid guy like Utano would actually go batshit crazy like that. You can't put that on yourself or anyone, man. That's on him alone," Naruhiko responded tersely.
"Either way, it's already happened. We're just wasting time, since it also doesn't answer the question about who killed Utano," Kaizoku said looking towards the Surgeon.
"Yes, you're quite right," Soo Yeong said as he shut his eyes. "I'll continue with what I know. It was well past nine, and after several trips around the park in the trolley, Churi and I agreed it would be our last. I-I had just kissed her cheek before I registered movement. It all happened so fast. I saw the glint of the knife and remember the pained expression on Churi's face, as well as all the blood. I-I couldn't do anything for her, and it all felt surreal. Then, of course, there he was, standing there with an ear-splitting smile." TRUTH BULLET
The Parental Figure shuddered slightly before walking over to wash his hands. "He was completely obsessed by you, wasn't he?"
The Surgeon merely nodded as his eyelids fluttered open to reveal tears burning in the corner of his eyes. "He just kept repeating over and over that he did it for us, that he would do anything for us to be together. I-I tried to ignore him and save her, but it was just too late. There was nothing to be done. I think ignoring him was the worst thing I could have done, though. He must have thought I was still choosing her over him, that's when he stabbed me in the shoulder. When I begged for him to explain why he'd done this, he just kept repeating those same words. Then he said he'd rather kill me, than let anyone else have me."
"Fuck me..." Naruhiko said as he shook his head. "So he killed Churi, then did that to you just because he was such a jealous piece of shit?"
"...I can't say I understand what was going on in his head. I spent several minutes trying to plead for him to stop, and he eventually seemed as if he might relent. He just asked for me to say that… I loved him and wanted to be with him." Soo Yeong said as he gritted his teeth. "I considered lying for my own well being, but I was just so furious, so I was completely honest. I told him that I would sooner die than say such a thing. I told him that I thought he was a repugnant cretin, and that I would never feel anything but resentment towards him. Clearly, that wasn't the answer he was looking for. He sobbed and seemed to be shifting between rage and sorrow. He buried his knife into my thigh before leaving me to my fate." the Surgeon explained.
Kaizoku ran a hand through his beard in thought. "So you said this was just a bit after nine last night? Why didn't you call anyone after he left you on your own?"
"Believe me, it wasn't for a lack of trying. I tried both my phone and Churi's, but I couldn't make a call, let alone send a text. I'm not sure if the signal was cut off or something else entirely," the Surgeon responded with a tired expression. TRUTH BULLET
"Wait, no reception? For real? Of all the rotten damn luck!" Naruhiko growled.
"Yeah, that's pretty odd. Still, it's a miracle you didn't bleed out, lad," Kaizoku muttered as he looked around the room. "You got everything under control here, Haruto? Cause I think Naru and I should try to get back out there and search before times up."
The Parental Figure offered a brief nod. "You guys go on ahead. I'll make sure Soo Yeong is alright. We've lost enough people already. Hopefully, I'll have him back on his feet by the time Kurokuma calls us to trial."
6:50 A.M Day Ten
Resort District
Hotel
Fifth Floor (Hallway)
"Everyone else is already investigating or gathering in the Lobby. What in the world is taking Seikatsu so long?" Laris asked as her lips pulled into a tight line. "Could she have been targeted by someone as well?"
Dolly offered a concerned expression. "You think there could be another victim? Sounds like we have some sort of serial killer on the loose."
"Jeez, you two are boring me to death. Fuck it, we're going in!" Becky said her limbs flailing as Dolly stumbled forward, as if she was being dragged by the doll.
The Ultimate Knight warily followed behind the pair. "Becky, what precisely do you have in mind?"
Becky's glassy eyes glowed with mischief. "Whelp, there's only one way to find out. We see if miss personalities is still alive or pushing up daisies!" she exclaimed as her leg kicked forward. Without warning, the tiny limb hit the door with a shattering amount of force, sending it tumbling backwards and into the room. "How's that for an entrance?"
"What sorcery is this?!" Laris exclaimed as she gripped at the pommel of her sword. "How in the world did you do that?"
"Don't worry so much. Becky is just really strong. Come on, we need to make sure Seikatsu is alright," the Ventriloquist responded timidly as she proceeded into the bedroom.
Laris sighed as she loosened her stance, and then she regarded the caved in door. The lock hadn't been engaged. "Why wouldn't Seikatsu lock her door?" she murmured to herself. TRUTH BULLET
Almost immediately, the pair were greeted by a turned-over desk, which lay on the floor with a stack of tarot cards. Pushed against the door of the closet was a large armoire. A muffled sound, along with a loud thump, could be heard from the closet.
"Heh, I wonder if someone is having trouble coming out of the closet. You get it?" Becky snickered, earning a sigh from the Knight.
"Your friend has a very warped sense of humor, Dolly," Laris remarked as she strode forward and pressed her shoulder against the piece of furniture.
The Ventriloquist offered a sheepish expression. "I would help, but I'd just get in your way. Isn't that right, Becky?"
"Yeah, leave the heavy lifting to our crossdressing knight. You'd just hurt yourself, Dolls," the doll responded.
The Ultimate Knight ignored the exchange behind her as she pushed the armoire away from the door. She steeled her nerves, and then she quickly flung open the door before. What she saw made a hint of relief color her features. There, in the back of the closet, was none other than the Tarotologist. She was completely bound by a series of sheets. They were woven around her entire frame and knotted like a makeshift straitjacket. A sock was stuffed into her mouth. She continued to squirm like an oversized worm.
"Sheesh, were you and Tiana having a session in here? I'm guessing someone forgot the safe word!" Becky howled in laughter as Laris quickly bolted to where the girl lay. She knelt next to her and quickly removed the sock. "Lady Tabi, are you alright? Do you require medical attention?"
"It doesn't matter how I am. I released a disaster onto this park," Seikatsu explained with a dour tone. Once Laris finished untying the bed sheet, the Tarotologist sullenly walked into the center of her room and looked over the scattered cards. "I have caused the Tower to come crashing down. I can only assume Soo and Churi are the bodies the bear announced a short while ago?"
Dolly shook her head in response before holding out her phone with her free hand. "Here, we just got this a few minutes ago. Looks like you're only half right."
Kuma Kuma Land Case File #3
Victim #1: Utano Kakimasu
"Cause of death is a broken neck"
"The time of death was approximately 9:45 P.M "
"The body was discovered in the Central Plaza of Amusement Park District at 6:27 A.M by Shiho, Naruhiko, and Kaizoku"
Victim #2: Churi Aikawa
"The victim suffered a single slash across her throat"
"Cause of Death is blood loss"
"The time of death was approximately 9:32 P.M"
"The body was discovered in the Amusement Park District on the trolley at 6:30 A.M by Shiho, Naruhiko, and Kaizoku"
"Eh toots, would you mind explaining whatcha meant about unleashing a disaster? Or better yet, how you ended up as a human burrito?" Becky asked.
Seikatsu's demeanor shifted to one of more confidence as she faced the Ventriloquist. "Can't believe an old Hierophant like me let a little snot-nosed brat like that get the jump on me," the tall woman explained with a deep sigh. "I foolishly decided to give Utano a love fortune, as a way of making amends. He didn't like what I had to say, so he pulled a knife on me. Then, like a coward, I made a deal with him. I told him where I had heard he could find Soo and Churi, if he let me live. Tch, I liked to think of myself as wise, but I sold those youngsters down the river. And for what? To save my own selfish ass. The punk knocked me out and I woke up in the closet where you found me," TRUTH BULLET
Laris felt her eyes widen. "That explains quite a lot. We admittedly don't know much else yet. I wouldn't take the burden upon yourself though, M'lady. Desperation can drive us to make terrible decisions."
"Eh, nothing wrong in selling someone out to save your own hide. That's just how this shitty world works." Becky remarked with an indifferent shrug.
Seikatsu shook her head as she handed the phone back to the Dolly. "I suppose there is some truth in that, but a kid like you wouldn't even know the half of it. I don't wanna to be too negative, but I've seen some shit your adolescent mind couldn't even imagine."
"Ladies, it's not a competition. We can discuss the baggage in our lives at another time. Right now, we need to focus. Some of the others are already down in the lobby. I suggest we join them and do what we can to help prepare for the trial," the Knight said in a stern manner.
"Yeah, you're right. We need to figure out what we can. Or at least what others claim to know," the Tarotologist mused as she rubbed her chin in contemplation.
Dolly nodded her head meekly in response. "Shall we, then? We're not going to learn much from standing here."
7:01 A.M Day Ten
Amusement Park District
Central Plaza
Lachlan softly groaned as he looked from the Runner back towards the body. "With Soo Yeong laid up for this investigation, I guess it comes down to me and the kid to examine the bodies," he muttered as he crouched down next to the Poet.
"I am sure little Anna will be able to handle the unfortunate remains of Churi just fine." Chloe walked over to Shiho and gently took the other girl's hand in hers. "Tell me dear, what do you remember about the discovery?"
Shiho bit the inside of her cheek as she gently squeezed Chloe's hand in return. "Not much, really. Naruhiko and Kaizoku insisted on joining me for a morning run. They said they wanted the exercise, but I think they just wanted to look out for me, especially after I hurt my knee." she explained before sighing. "We were having a blast, and just reached this district when Naru noticed Utano's body. Things sort of went fast after that. We found Soo, and I ran back to the hotel to find you guys." TRUTH BULLET
"I see, and you said that you all found Soo because he cried out, oui?" Chloe asked as she looked off in the direction of where the trolley had stopped.
"Yeah, that's right. We didn't know what was going on at the time, but we sort of figured that we couldn't do anymore for the dead, so we ran off to see if we could help. That's how we found Churi and Soo Yeong." Shiho replied with pained expression. "Do you think this could have something to do with the motive? That one of us did this?"
Chloe gave the Runner's hand one last squeeze before letting go. "That is hard to say. Let's leave such speculation for the trial for now. Lachlan, how goes the search?"
"Well I found somethin', that's for sure," Lachlan remarked as he gently rolled the Poet's head to the side so the back of it faced Chloe. His hair was matted with dried blood. "Boy's gotta nasty looking gash here. It seems pretty bad, too. Don't know what it means yet, though, especially since we know it's not the cause of death." TRUTH BULLET
Shiho tilted her head slightly in the Journalist's direction. "So what was the cause of the death? My phone is basically useless, since I can't see the case files."
"Geez, the bears couldn't be bothered to throw you a bone, huh? Anyways, it said that his neck was snapped, and going by how badly twisted it looks, I don't doubt it," the Journalist explained as he faced Shiho.
"He certainly seemed to have a rough night. Lachlan, what do you make of his clothing?" The Femme Fatale asked as she stood over Utano's body, carefully looking him over. "They seem rather wrinkled compared to how he usually kept himself, not to mention the blood and dirt on them. It is also a bit odd to see him without his hat, but it's nowhere around." TRUTH BULLET
The Journalist frowned. "Something stinks, and it has nothing to do with the body in front of us. Despite the blood on his clothes and person, the ground around him has next to no blood. With the gash on his head, there should logically be more blood here. It leads me to a single conclusion, this isn't where Utano died." TRUTH BULLET
"Woah, so he was moved afterwards?" the Runner asked as her mouth fell open. "But what would be the point in that?"
"Most likely to help the killer in some way. If I had to guess, it would be problematic for them if he was found where he died, so he was dumped here. However, I see no notable blood trail leading to this spot,"
Chloe explained as she studied the area around them. TRUTH BULLET
Lachlan nodded as his gaze surveyed the nearby area. "Seems like the plot thickens. We should expand our search, I think we've gathered all that we can from here."
7:14 A.M Day Ten
Amusement Park District
Trolley
"Another victim of this senseless game. I didn't know her very well, but she certainly deserved better than this," Sigmund remarked in quiet manner as he leaned against his crutch.
Annabelle's cheerful demeanor was nowhere to be seen. She knelt next to Churi's cold form. "I'll never understand why people do stuff like this. Hey Captain, did Doctor Moon say anything when you guys found him?"
"Aye lass. First thing he mentioned was that he thought he had heard people talking. Which I assume he meant us from when we found the lad's body," Kaizoku recounted as he looked to the spot Soo Yeong had been laying. "Then he told us that we had to hurry and catch Utano, as he ran off after attacking them."
The Paralympic Athlete frowned. "So they were attacked by Utano, who presumably ran off, only for him to end up sharing the same fate as Churi. Perhaps I'm just a natural-born skeptic, but how do we know that the culprit ever left the scene of the crime?"
"No! There's no way Doctor Moon would do something like that!" the Forensic Investigator exclaimed. "Don't forget he was really badly injured, right Captain? I'm sure we're looking for a different suspect."
The Sailor sighed as he scratched at the back of his head. "Normally, I'd agree with you lass. However, a few things about the doctor's story don't sit right with me. Now, I'm not saying I think he killed Churi, but I find it odd that he was as wounded as he was and just laid here for eight hours without bleeding out. Especially since he was still losing blood when we found him."
Annabelle felt her lower lip tremble. "Even so, I refuse to concede until I know for sure. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
"Fraid I can't share that optimism, and after the last trial, I think it's wiser to treat everyone as guilty until proven otherwise. We can't afford a repeat of last time," Sigmund mused thoughtfully.
Kaizoku placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder. "Let's just not turn a blind eye to anything. You don't have to agree with the idea, but don't dismiss any details because of that, alright Anna?"
"Kay, I won't Captain. I promise. Churi and Utano will both get justice, no matter who is behind it," the
Investigator responded. "Guess I should stop blabbering and get to sniffing out clues."
The Ultimate Paralympic Athlete watched as the girl pulled her googles down and inspected around the trolley again. His gaze slowly shifted to Kaizoku. "How exactly did you three stumble upon this so early in the morning, anyways?"
"Naruhiko and myself decided to start joining Shiho for her morning jogs. We made it into the entrance of the district when we noticed Utano's body. As we explained what we were seeing to the lass, we heard someone call out in pain. That lead us to here," the Sailor explained as he pointed out the direction they had come from. TRUTH BULLET
"Shiho seems to have a strange habit of stumbling across bodies. A rather odd coincidence," Sigmund said as he raised a single brow. "In any case, I don't suppose you can tell me when you and Naruhiko met up with Shiho this morning?"
Kaizoku ran a few fingers through his beard for a moment before answering. "A little before 6 in the morning, I went across the hall and knocked on Shiho's door. She answered after a little bit, and we headed to the lobby. A bit after that, Naruhiko joined us as well."
The Athlete nodded after a moment, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Very well, I apologize for being distrusting. However, after what happened with Maddie, one cannot be too careful. What I can't figure out is why Soo Yeong didn't call for help."
"Maybe he was having trouble?" Annabelle suggested as she continued to peer under the seats. "I know Tiana had to come to check on me last night. She said she tried texting and calling, but nothing went through. I checked it this morning though, and haven't had any problems." TRUTH BULLET
"Aye, that matches what Soo Yeong said as well. Speaking of which, lass, can you find Churi's phone for me?" The Sailor asked, looking down towards the Investigator.
The petite girl wiggled a bit before poking her head up with a grim look. She held up a bloodied phone with her gloved hand. "Um, I think this should be Churi's, captain. Watcha lookin for?"
Sigmund eyed the device curiously. "If I had to guess, you're trying to see if Soo Yeong even attempted to call for help. Is that about right?"
Kaizoku nodded as he carefully took the phone. "That's right. Like you were saying, lad, can't afford to leave any stone unturned, not after last time."
The Forensic Investigator nervously chewed on her lower lip. "So is there anything on there, Captain?"
The Sailor carefully looked through the device before before turning it off. He gave a tired smile as he looked towards Annabelle. "Well it looks like someone tried to call and sent a few failed texts starting around ten last night." TRUTH BULLET
"Then that proves it! Doctor Moon was definitely trying to get back up after getting hurt!" the girl exclaimed, seemingly relieved by the news.
"Or it simply means he was smart about covering his tracks. It's too soon to jump conclusions," Sigmund deadpanned. "The last time we jumped to conclusions, it nearly cost us everything."
Kaizoku walked in between the two and cleared his throat. "Well, let's just focus on the investigation for now. Save figuring out what everything means for the trial. Anna, you find anything else of interest in the trolley?"
Annabelle puffed her cheeks out as she stared at Sigmund irritably, then she shifted her gaze. "Nothing solid Captain, but I did find a pamphlet. Seems like the trolley has some sort of schedule. It takes twenty five minutes to circle the district, then stops for five minutes before picking up again, though it seems like the Trolley is only in operation from 8 AM to 11 P.M. I'm not sure if that's important, but considering it's the site of a murder, I figure it might be worth something." TRUTH BULLET
"Well, I'd rather have more information than less in this situation," Kaizoku explained with a shrug. "How about Churi's body? Anything else there?"
"Not that I can tell. Everything seems pretty clear cut, no pun intended. A brutal and clean stroke with a large knife," Annabelle explained as she straightened and removed her gloves. TRUTH BULLET
Sigmund frowned. "Then perhaps we should examine the surrounding area until the trial?" he suggested.
Kaizoku nodded as he turned to look around the district. "I suppose that be as fine of an idea as any. I won't be far, so holler if you need me."
7:25 A.M Day Ten
Resort District
Hotel
First Floor (Lobby)
Tomoko's sharp gaze settled upon Seikatsu. "Since you, Laris, and Dolly were last, perhaps you can explain where you've been? Excuse my bluntness, but you look like shit." she remarked noting the girl's disheveled appearance.
The Tarotologist waved her hand dismissively as she crossed her legs. "You'll have to excuse this tired old Hermit's appearance. Last night, I was rendered unconscious and trapped in my closet."
"What the shit? Are you for real?" Naruhiko asked as he leaned forward and stared at the girl with a wide expression. "You seem pretty chill considering what you've been through. How the hell did that happen?"
The Ultimate Knight cleared her throat. "It seems that Utano attacked her well before going after Churi and Soo Yeong, though I'll allow Lady Tabi to explain the details of what happened."
"Yes, it was quite the dangerous circumstance, but it's not the first time I've been in such a situation," Seikatsu explained as she interlocked her fingers. "Now allow me to impart the wisdom you all seek onto young minds. Last afternoon, Utano came to me seeking the truths of his love life. He unfortunately took exception to what the cards revealed and threatened me. However, one of my more pragmatic sides took control and offered the boy a deal. He would let me live if I told him where he could possibly find his love and rival. He agreed, though not before striking me down and tying me up. I can only surmise he did this to keep me from alerting anyone else." TRUTH BULLET
Tomoko thumbed at her chin. "So that set off a chain of events leading to Churi's and Utano's death? You truly have no control over which of your personalities surface, do you?"
"From what she has told us before, most of them change with her mood. Some, like Death, seem to have specific triggers," Tiana explains as she brushed a lock of hair aside.
Becky let out a dark chuckle in response. "Well at least we can remove basket case from our suspect list. She was bound tighter than someone in one of your bondage sessions!"
"Becky, please, that's not helping," Dolly said with a tiny shake of her head.
Naruhiko rubbed at the stubble on his chin. "So, uh, we know that Utano killed Churi, but we're still in the freaking dark about who killed him. Especially since the lone survivor was still on the trolley bleeding out. Any ideas?"
"It's simple, we narrow down our suspects as per usual," Tomoko stated as she crossed her legs. "Despite Becky's crude manner, she is right about one thing. Unless Seikatsu knows some extreme parlor tricks, she couldn't have tied herself up, so we can rule her out as a suspect." TRUTH BULLET
Laris' brow furrowed. "If we're removing suspects based on such things, would it not make sense to remove Soo Yeong as well? If Haruto had to help with medical treatment, I can't imagine anyone would stage something like that."
"No, I'm afraid that doesn't mean he is above suspicion," Seikatsu remarked with a shake of her head. "As upsetting as it is to consider, the boy could simply have inflicted the wounds himself and make himself appear as the victim."
Naruhiko scowled as he crossed his arms. "You didn't see him, though. I'm telling ya, he was half-dead when we found him. If he was trying to pull some shit, he nearly got himself killed. He even said he tried to call for help, but for some reason he couldn't get a signal."
"What a load of crap! He probably just made that up!" Becky snarked loudly.
"No, that actually makes sense," the Dominatrix said with a sharp look towards the doll. "Last night, I myself tried to get in contact with Annabelle. However, none of the calls or texts went through. Something must have happened with whatever is giving us signal."
Tomoko's eyes widened slightly. "So he wasn't lying about that. Fascinating. Though it doesn't explain the lack of signal."
"Ahem, I think I can explain that." A timid voice said as Shirokuma waddled into view with a sheepish expression. "Big brother thought it would be more fun to put a curfew on cellphone use in the evening. He started turning off the signal at 8 in the evening and back on at 8 in the morning." TRUTH BULLET
Laris frowned deeply. "No doubt to encourage foul play, though it certainly explains our circumstance well enough."
"Damn freaking bears!" Naruhiko growled as he jabbed a finger at the solid white bear. "You ain't keeping anything else from us, are ya?"
A bead of sweat formed on Shirokuma's brow, but, before it could respond, a chiming sound filled the lobby and echoed throughout the park.
DING DONG
"Ahem, it's that time, losers! Enough dicking around, it's time we get this show on the road. Nothing like some murder and despair to start your day!" Kurokuma's raucous laughter echoed before silence prevailed once more.
For better or worse, the survivors found themselves on the verge of the third trial. They could only hope they wouldn't be forced until another death game, as there was no guarantee they would survive another brush with oblivion.
Kuma Kuma Land Case File #3
Victim #1: Utano Kakimasu
"Cause of death is a broken neck"
"The time of death was approximately 9:45 P.M "
"The body was discovered in the Central Plaza of Amusement Park District at 6:27 A.M by Shiho,Naruhiko, and Kaizoku"
Victim #2: Churi Aikawa
"The victim suffered a single slash across her throat"
"Cause of Death is blood loss"
"The time of death was approximately 9:32 P.M"
"The body was discovered in the Amusement Park District on the trolley at 6:30 A.M by Shiho,Naruhiko, and Kaizoku"
TRUTH BULLETS
Soo Yeong's Account
Seikatsu was restrained
Annabelle's Autopsy
No Cellphone Signal
Seikatsu's unlocked door
Seikatsu's Account
Utano's Ruffled Clothes
Shiho's Account
Missing Hat
Kaizoku's Account
Moved Body
Lachlan's Autopsy
Attempted Calls & Texts
Seikatsu's Tarot Reading
Curfew on Cellphone use
14 Survivors Remain
OMAKE
Tiana was sitting behind her desk, tapping it impatiently. Haruto ran into view shortly after. "Where were you?" Tiana questioned. "You're late."
"I was getting something for us to eat once we're done," Haruto admitted. Tiana's gaze softened as a smile made its way across her face. Haruto gave her puppy dog eyes. "Am I forgiven?"
Tiana chuckled before leaning forward and pressing a kiss against his cheek. "You are."
"Ew," a young girl whined. "Tia, that's gross."
Tiana rolled her eyes. "You're going to do the same when you date someone, Anna."
"Uh, Tiana, Haruto, we're filming," Bella interrupted.
Tiana flew back into her seat, plastering her bright smile onto her face. "Hello, everyone, I'm Tiana Blake."
"I'm Haruto Shinta," Haruto stated.
"And this is the Post Game Talk Show," the couple introduced.
Tiana let out a nervous chuckle. "So, depending on how this interview goes, you all may or may not learn some…interesting things about me and Haru."
"And that's because we're interviewing the youngest members in the cast today," Haruto stated.
"Yes, today we're interviewing Annabelle and Kitai," Tiana introduced. The camera panned over to the couch, where the two child actors sat.
"Hiya, everyone," Annabelle greeted, waving wildly at the camera. Kitai was frozen where he sat.
"Kit, are you okay?" Haruto inquired. The young boy leaped over the arm of the couch and plopped himself right onto Haruto's lap. Kitai then hid his face in the crook of Haruto's neck.
"Aw, Kit, are you scared?" Tiana cooed. She reached over to the child and carded a hand through his hair.
Kitai shook his head. "I don't wanna do this."
"Don't worry, Sweetie," Tiana reassured. "If you don't want to do this, then you don't have to."
"Can I still answer questions?" Annabelle interrupted.
"Of course, Anna," Haruto responded. He turned to look at the camera, still consoling the seven-year-old in his arms. "Since Tiana and I get a lot of questions about these two, we figured we might as well answer them."
Tiana nodded. "Can we get the questions up on screen?" A television screen nearby displayed the first question as Tiana read it aloud. "Are Annabelle or Kitai related to anyone on the cast? How did they become a part of the series?"
Annabelle giggled. "Tia's my big sister, and Haru is Kit's papa."
"Adopted papa," Haruto clarified.
Tiana cocked an eyebrow. "I think they all already knew that. As for how these two got casted, well…"
"The babysitter we hired to look after these two on the day we were auditioning cancelled last minute," Haruto interjected. "Annabelle was just too charming not to cast, and Kitai refused to let go of me during my audition." He let out a small chuckled. "That's actually how I got casted as the Ultimate Parental Figure."
"Oh, oh, Tia, Haru!" Annabelle interrupted. She had her hand high in the air, bouncing where she sat. "Can I ask the next question?"
Tiana nodded, giggling at her sister's antics. "You can." The screen switched to the next question.
Annabelle gasped upon seeing the question, her eyes brightening. "This one's for me! It says, 'Annabelle, how did you react to Kitai's death on 'House of Horrors'?'" Tiana's and Haruto's eyes widened. Kitai perked up and stared at Haruto with tear-filled eyes. Anna turned to face the two young adults in a state too similar to Kitai. "Is that why you didn't let me see the episode?"
"Well, that and the sex scene," Haruto mumbled.
"Haruto!" Tiana hissed, hitting her boyfriend upside the head.
"I died?" Kit whimpered. "Is that why Auntie Jana gave me a giant teddy bear?" Before either Tiana or Haruto could respond, the two children began crying. Tiana shot up from her seat and rushed over to Annabelle while Haruto began comforting Kitai.
Tiana glanced up at the camera. "It looks like we're going to have to end the episode off here." Her expression darkened very quickly. "To whoever sent that question, I hope their tears on your conscious forever."
Haruto sighed. "This has been the Post Game Talk Show."
"We'll see you all after the next episode," the couple said in unison before immediately turning their attention back to their children.
*AN* I'd like to thank everyone as always who made this chapter possible and a big shout out to Petty for cowritting much of this chapter and Fee5H for betaing this for me. Bella thank you for this Omake! This is the sweetest thing I've ever seen. It melted my heart! =)
Review Section:
SqualinaTralala
Haha please don't have a heartattack! I am super stoked to see you in the reviews =) So it turns out I just have to scare you to get you into the comment section. I keep that in mind the future pupupu. Just kidding of course. I'd love to see you write an Omake in the future! I wouldn't worry about your English either, Omake's are for fun and shouldn't be heavily scrutinized. Anyhoo stayed tuned to find out what happens next when the trial rolls around ;)
StoryProducer214
I think I've heard you say that before hah xD
Blazerxz
I'm curious to see your thoughts after the investigation. *grins*
RandomStranger48
Hah I'm curious if your suspicion is just as high or if you've changed your mind after this chapter?
NSPunny
You're right about one thing. Getting spotlight is usually a bad thing for characters in Danganronpa lol
pokemansuperallstar
Lol the idea of seeing every cast interacting drunk would be hilarious and needs to happen! Lol
ThePLOThand
Why not mention Kitai? He's perfectly safe!...for now
doomqwer
Yeah murder has a way of ruining good things :P
bellatrixshine
It's up to you to tell me who killed them! =)
MudkipOfDespair
Stay tuned to find out. It won't be long now.
Fee5H
Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not. You'll get your answers soon enough!