Explorations and Free Time 2
Monokuma: And with that said, I'm gonna leave you bastards to deal with your combined existential crisis and your change in format and whatnot, so cheerio, losers! I expect to see murder and death by the end of the day! Later!
Monokuma: (*disappears behind the fountain*)
Ashley: …
Ashley: Well, that was…
Ashley: Weird.
Sasha: Yeah, no kidding! Now I know for sure that damned Pilot is behind all this crap!
Matthew: While I don't like jumping to conclusions, it does seem the most likely outcome.
Nico: B-But...But Yukari! She complimented me! We were friends!
Maya: Nico, don't you know? All compliments are just that: compliments. Words that carry no meaning and mean nothing in the end…
Jackie: Tch. As much as I don't like agreeing, she has a point there. Can't remember the last time I did zhat.
Hideki: I hate to interrupt this wonderful conversation, but there is something I must attend to first - Sasha, how do you feel, right now?
Sasha: Fine. Why?
Hideki: That's good...In any case, I should probably check to see if you have a concussion or anything worse.
Sasha: Don't you dare.
Hideki: ...Please don't resist. I wouldn't want to injure you further.
Sasha: Whatever happened to the Hippocratic Oath?
Xiang: (*sighs*) He's right, and not trying to harm you, Sasha. The Hippocratic Oath states that he can't hurt you.
Sasha: Bro, did you even hear my last statement? I know the hypocritical Oath.
Xiang: Sorry.
Hideki: I'm not going to hurt you, nor am I going to leave you alone until I am sure you are totally fine.
Sasha: I am perfectly fine!
Xiang: (*sighs*) Hideki, will you need any help? Because I'll happily volunteer.
Hideki: Do you know any first-aid?
Xiang: No, sadly.
Faen: Perhaps I may be of assistance, Mr. Kenta. I know basic first-aid, as is required by all men of our standing.
Hideki: Splendid! Xiang, you make sure no one else gets hurt. Faen, did you happen to see if there was a medical room aboard this airship?
Faen: I glanced at the other locations on our map - on the Electro-ID. I assume the red cross should indicate that it is a nurse's office of some kind, although be forewarned that we can't be sure without visiting it first.
Hideki: That will have to do. Sasha, if you please?
Sasha: Chort vasmi! Pochyemu ti mne eto delaish? Suka!
Ashley: I can tell that's rude without being able to understand Russian.
Xiang: Good luck, Sasha!
Hideki: ...Meanwhile, the rest of you should try exploring the airship. It would do much better if we were able to determine the logistics of our location as is.
Tien: We can handle it from here… I think.
Ava: Leave it to us! You will have my support!
Lucille: And you have my skill!
Todd: And Todd's axe!
Johan: You have an axe?!
Todd: Nah. Todd just wanted to say something relevant.
JJ: In any case, let's go. Split up and search for clues!
Matthew: Alright!
Maya: (*mumbles under her breath*) So we're the meddling kids, huh? (*leaves*)
Ashley: I'll be with you guys in a while - I'll just familiarize myself with the map, first.
= = Exploration Time! = =
Ashley: I think I'd better start investigating...Okay, let's see.
Ashley: Right now, I'm in the Atrium. There's a hallway leading to our rooms, and another hallway leading to the rest of the airship, I presume…
Ashley: Everyone's left through that hallway. I should probably go join them.
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Storage Room
Medical Room
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Dining Area - Ballroom
A fairly opulent ballroom, complete with round tables, a buffet line, and another door leading to what I think is the kitchen. The ceiling has been painted with Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Last Supper'...
Of course, all the faces have been replaced by Monokuma heads. How quaint.
Ashley: This place is very grand, if I say so myself.
Ashley: Perhaps it was used as an actual commercial airship for passengers before it was repurposed?
Ashley: Looks like Nico's on her computer - probably working on 'Vroom Vroom in the Jet Bridge' again. On the other hand, Jackie is pacing around the room…
Ashley: I wonder why?
Nico: You and me both.
Ashley: Huh?! How did you-
Nico: Talking out loud again, Ashie - you seem to be doing that really often, you know?
Ashley: O-Oh. So…
Nico: I'm not really working on it right now - not because I don't want to, but more because I can't. There doesn't appear to be any connection on board this airship, although I'm trying to reach a satellite uplink. No success, though.
Ashley: I see. Hmm...What do you think Jackie is pacing about for, anyhow?
Nico: Beats me. I wasn't with you guys when the chandelier came crashing down - maybe it has to do with that?
Ashley: Oh. Then I think I know what's gotten Jackie in such a tizzy.
Ashley: I might have a clue.
Nico: Then by all means, go right ahead! I'm sure she'll at least respond to you better than to me.
Ashley: Alright then. See you around, Nico.
Nico: Ciao, Ashie!
Ashley: I wonder...Do I still have them?
Ashley: Huh, I do!
Obtained: Songpyeons!
Goodness, I still have them on hand, well, in one of my modesty jeans' pockets - and so many of them, too! I guess I do always come prepared after all.
Ashley: Strange...Hideki's eyepatch, Sasha's pen and Faen's handkerchief aren't here with them...
Ashley: Must have fallen out while we were being transported, I guess. That's a shame.
Ashley: Okay, now, calmly approach Jackie. Let's not get her riled-
Jackie: Mademoiselle Jung, you are in my way.
Ashley: E-Eep! How did you catch up to where I was standing so fast?
Jackie: The real question is why you walk so slow.
Ashley: How do I talk to her without her getting even more pissed?
Ashley: I'm-I'm sorry!
Jackie: …
Ashley: And you look really great today! Not that you don't all the time or anything!
Jackie: ...
Ashley: Is there something on your mind, though? You don't always seem so...flustered.
Jackie: ...
Jackie: Tch. I do suppose there is.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Jackie?
[Yes] [No]
Jackie: Do you ever have that feeling?
Ashley: What feeling?
Jackie: It's like, someone does something good for you, and you just want to...thank them?
Ashley: You mean gratitude? Yes, most people I know have that feeling.
Jackie: Well...How...Um, how do you express gratitude?
Ashley: ...Huh?
Ashley: I don't know. I guess at the least you'd thank someone, maybe give them a gift. Just show them you appreciate it.
Jackie: It?
Ashley: Them, I guess. How you appreciated them helping you.
Jackie: How does one thank another, then?
Ashley: ...I'm sorry, what?
Ashley: Well, you just, uh...
Ashley: Oh my, she looks agitated.
Jackie: You are being the complete opposite of helpful as of this point in time, you know. I don't know why I stopped to give you the time of day.
Ashley: Look, I don't know. It's really hard to explain, but there's no one way to thank someone.
Jackie: (*raises eyebrow*)
Ashley: As long as you're sincere, your heart will speak for you.
Ashley: That's a good idea for a song lyric, actually - although Jackie almost certainly doesn't care about that.
Jackie: Sincerity...What a cheap word for a cheap emotion.
Ashley: ...Hmm. It seems like I need to be a bit more blunt to get the point across.
Ashley: Have you considered just telling them 'thank you'?
Jackie: I have...Though not in a language he might have recognized.
Ashley: He? Well, at least now I think I may have a solid idea of what she's so flustered about.
==Select!==
1. Ashley Jung
2. Johan Otto
3. Maya Metl
4. Hideki Kenta
5. Sasha Oryolov
6. JJ Jackson
7. Lucille DuCarde
8. Xiang Li
9. Nicolette Birza
10. Faen Skylark
11. Jacqueline Ressa
12. Matthew Tanner
13. Ava Tremblay
14. Eric Andrews
15. Phuong Tien Lam
16. Todd Dunham
Ashley: I feel like it must be this person.
Ashley: You know, you can just go up to him and say thanks. I'm sure Matthew would appreciate it.
Jackie: Merde! How did you- I mean...merde.
Ashley: Look, just tell him you appreciate him.
Jackie: But what if I thank him wrong? He saved me from being crushed under a tacky light fixture, and I'm afraid a simple thank-you can't possibly be enough!
Ashley: ...It's Matthew. I doubt there is any way that you could thank him and not have him be genuinely touched.
Jackie: ...
Jackie: Fair point.
Jackie: Je m'excuse, Ashley. I am simply not used to simple thank-yous in my line of work. A little bit is never enough.
Ashley: That's not true...It's the sweet, simple things in life which mean the most, after all.
Jackie: Mm...I suppose you're right. But I'm still unsure of how he would react...
Ashley: Just go for it!
Jackie: I...okay. I shall. But first, there's something I have to say.
Jackie: I've already thanked Matthew. And he was quite happy about it, just so you know.
Ashley: Huh?!
Jackie: Teehee, that look on your face! Impressionant! I was...how does the phrase go? Ah, oui, trolling with you.
Ashley: Oh dear...What have I gotten myself into?
Jackie: Ah, zhat was hilarious! And you fell for it bait, string and bob!
Ashley: You mean hook, line and sinker?
Jackie: The expression escapes me...In any case, je suis désolée, ma belle. (Translation: I'm sorry, my dear.) I did not intend to toy with your feelings, but I needed to affirm that you were someone I could act as myself around.
Ashley: ...
Jackie: Ah, don't look too surprised. We models never show our true personality quite so easily, no? Would it not be scandalous if such an elegant beauty such as myself were to be quite so...Gauche?
Ashley: I suppose...I mean, I must preserve my image as an idol as well. It certainly wouldn't do if I were to set a bad role model for our fanbase-
Jackie: Exacte! But, I suppose I must thank you. I may not have needed your advice, but it certainly was helpful.
Ashley: I see. You're very much welcome, in that case.
Jackie: Then I suppose I shall exhibit my way of thanking someone. Here, Mademoiselle Jung, are a pair of earrings from my latest collection - I know you will do them justice.
Ashley: A-Aah! These...These are very expensive! Are you sure you're willing to part with them?
Jackie: It's a paltry sum, zink nothing of it. In return, though…
Jackie: I must ask zhat you share a songpyeon. Like, now.
Ashley: Huh? How did you-
Jackie: I was watching you and ze Activist - Sasha, was it? - interact. I know you carry them around, and I would like something sweet to start the day better. If you please?
Ashley: Well, of course! I can't possibly turn you down. (*passes songpyeon*)
Jackie: Merci beaucoup, Ashley. May we endeavour to continue this friendship. I do verily like it this way.
Ashley: As to you, I guess.
Jackie: I suppose I shall take my leave. Au revoir.
Ashley: ...And she just left, just like that.
Ashley: To sit on a far table and glare daggers at me.
Ashley: What an enigmatic unni...
Shared: Songpyeons!
Jackie seems to love them for some reason or another...But how do I know she's not pranking me this time? Oh dear.
Obtained: Earrings!
A pair of earrings from the Ressa jewelry line. Ruby-inlaid and gold-encrusted, it might be worth even more than one year of my salary!
Jacqueline 'Jackie' Ressa - Level 1!
Jackie only lets her true personality show around the people she trusts. I appear to be one of them, but I'm not sure whether I should be honoured - or hoodwinked.
Nico: OH MY GOSH!
Ashley: W-Wah?! Nico, what's wrong?
Nico: EQUALS THREE PERCENT!
Ashley: Three per- huh?
Nico: MY BATTERY'S AT THREE PERCENT AND I'M FREAKING OUT AND I NEED MY CHARGER CAN'T TALK NOW ASHIE GOTTA RUN! (*runs off*)
Ashley: There she goes too...She has an uncanny ability to excuse herself from a conversation…
Ashley: Guess I'll go check the kitchen now.
Area unlocked: Dining Area - Kitchen! [Tien, Johan]
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Dining Area - Kitchen
A sparkling-clean kitchenette, complete with stove, deep-fryer, oven, sink, refrigerator, dishwasher...all your basic cooking needs. There also happens to be quite a decent selection of fruits and vegetables in the pantry, along with meat, cheese, bread-
(*stomach grumbles*) Oh dear. I have yet to eat breakfast, haven't I?
Ashley: (*sniff*) Mmm...Someone's cooking. And it smells divine.
Johan: Why thank you.
Ashley: Aloud again?
Tien: Yep. You must have had the habit from a fairly young age, if you are still caught unawares by your own nuances.
Ashley: It happens...Wait, um, you two can cook?
Johan: Well, duh. When you gotta take care of children, you ought to be able to know a few recipes. I just happen to know a lot more than most people - mostly because I have a lot of spare time on my hands.
Ashley: I see. So, Tien, I guess you know from food science, perhaps?
Tien: Apologies, but that is slightly inaccurate. I cooked as a hobby long before I ever got into the scientific realm, although I will say that my knowledge of both molecular gastronomy and kitchen chemistry has aided me greatly in my efforts.
Ashley: I...see.
Tien: Oh, do excuse me. (*giggle*) Where I work, everyone speaks like this, so I'm bound to let my grandiloquence affect me- ah, I mean, I tend to use more scientific and extravagant words in my daily speech. Just like you and your thinking-out-loud, it's become a habit.
Ashley: Oh, I- hey, it's not a habit, I just…
Ashley: You know, she is right…
Tien: I know I am. All of my conclusions have to be summarily logical, after all - I have a very good reputation to uphold, so naturally, they need to be.
Johan: Heh. I admire, but don't envy you. People like me listen to all manner of gibberish everyday, so I don't go around making sweeping statements. Being around little kids who still think the number 'sixty-nine' is funny will do it to you.
Tien: Fair enough. I don't suppose you'd like to try cooking together, would you?
Johan: Sure. I already thought we were gonna do so, which is why I got all these plates out.
Johan: Oh, right, sorry, Ashley, would you like to join us in making breakfast?
Ashley: Um...I'm afraid I have very little experience with actual cooking. I only know how to create desserts, mostly...
Ashley: I would rather like to watch you both, though. That, and I admit I'm a bit hungry, so I suppose I could help to taste-test your food?
Ashley: If you don't mind, of course.
Johan: Of course we don't. You might want to take a seat first, though - we aren't exactly professionals, so we might take some time.
Ashley: Sure! That's fine - not just anyone can be Chang Seok-ho.
Tien: Who?
Johan: I'm guessing the Korean equivalent of Gordon Ramsay.
Ashley: Who?
Johan: Nevermind.
Some time later...
Ashley: …
Tien: How's it taste?
Ashley: Mashisoyo! Oops, I mean, delicious!
Tien: Not my proudest work, but I'm glad you like it!
Johan: She's talking about mine.
Tien: Huh? Hey, that was my casserole, and you know it!
Johan: Is not. Your plate is over there.
Tien: Is too!
Johan: Is not!
Tien: Is too!
Johan: Is-
Ashley: Guys! Let's not argue here.
Ashley: (*moves over and tastes the other casserole*)
Ashley: Both taste equally delicious! Don't worry about who's is who's, you both really cooked up something mouth-watering, so be proud of that!
Johan: …
Tien: ...
Johan: That made much more sense than it should have.
Tien: Johan...I apologize.
Johan: Me too. We shouldn't have such a petty squabble over such a small pair of...casseroles.
Ashley: …
Tien: Ashley. Did you just, um, finish both casseroles in the time we spent apologizing?
Ashley: (*swallows*) I'm sorry, they were both just too delicious and I was so hungry and-
Johan: Heh. We get it. You don't have to keep explaining.
Tien: I suppose this means we're ready to cook lunch for the rest of the experim - uh, students. Could you fetch them for us?
Ashley: Oh! Sure thing. I'll be sure to get everyone.
Johan: Alrighty then. Good luck.
Tien: See ya later.
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Storage Room
A rather large stockroom, filled with boxes upon boxes of sealed and taped items, plus a random array of already-opened boxes filled with here-and-theres. There are pillows, blankets, buckets of paint...Quite an interesting selection.
Ava: What's that supposed to-oh, Jung.
Lucille: Bonjour, Ashie!
Ashley: Hello. What's up?
Ava: ...Nothing much. Just talking.
Lucille: We are merely just exploring this expansive storage room, and enjoying each other's company. Mostly the latter.
Ava: Indeed...Excusez-moi, Lucille, there is something I must discuss with her, in private, if you please?
Lucille: Oui, oui, I don't mind. (*walks off*)
Ashley: So, Ava, penny for your thoughts, what's on your mind?
Ava: Well, it's a bit awkward for me to say. But here goes nothing.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Ava?
[Yes] [No]
Ava: You are aware of Lucille's... proclivities, are you not?
Ashley: I'm sorry, her what now?
Ava: Uh...Her orientation.
Ashley:... Again, her what now?
Ava: Don't make this hard for me. I think she's in...the l-word.
Ashley: ...Love?
Ava: No! She's in lesbians!
Ashley: Is there something wrong with that?
Ava: Well, I don't exactly love her back. But how am I supposed to tell her that?
Ashley: Um, the same way you told me, I suppose?
Ava: But what if she doesn't understand?
Ashley: Why wouldn't she?
Ava: I don't know. Love can be unreasonable sometimes. Besides, I like Xi-
Ava: ...Forget I said that last part. Now.
Ashley: What's going on exactly? I need to delve deeper...
==Logic Dive!==
Does Ava reciprocate Lucille's feelings?
Yes | Not exactly | No
Why doesn't Ava reciprocate Lucille's feelings?
Ava is heterosexual | She's scared of commitment | Lucille is not her type
Then why does she sound so lovesick?
She is questioning her sexuality | She has a crush on someone else | She is angsting
Who does she have a crush on?
==Select!==
1. Ashley Jung
2. Johan Otto
3. Maya Metl
4. Hideki Kenta
5. Sasha Oryolov
6. JJ Jackson
7. Lucille DuCarde
8. Xiang Li
9. Nicolette Birza
10. Faen Skylark
11. Jacqueline Ressa
12. Matthew Tanner
13. Ava Tremblay
14. Eric Andrews
15. Phuong Tien Lam
16. Todd Dunham
Ashley: I can see the connection!
Ashley: ...Oh. So it's one of those romances again.
Ashley: I guess I'll approach it the same way. Now, how did I work it out last time?
Ava: You're staring at me with that puzzled look again. And this time, I'm not sure I-
Ashley: Ava, you wouldn't happen to...like Xiang, would you?
Ava: Mon dieu! I mean, how did you-
Ashley: And thus, you can't reciprocate Lucille's feelings for you because you're...straight.
Ava: (*low whistle*) I'll give you credit for that. Unfortunately, that's true, and while I would very much like to clarify with her on that matter, I'm afraid of breaking her heart.
Ashley: I'm sure she'll be fine. One day isn't long enough to develop that close of a relationship. I'm sure she'll get over it.
Ava: I know. But romantic feelings or not aside, Lucille has been a good friend. I don't want to let her down in such a way…
Ashley: Tell you what. I'll go talk to her in the near future, and I'll help to diffuse the situation, okay?
Ava: That would be much appreciated, yes. Thank you.
Ava: ...Heh. I usually don't thank people this often.
Ashley: Oh dear, not this again.
Ava: I can see the gears turning in your head, Jung, and I assure you, I don't thank my teammates because we already have an unspoken agreement of saving words for when they're really needed, not because I can't feel gratitude.
Ashley: H-Huh?! How did she-
Ava: We passed by the dining room on our way to the storeroom, and you two were very loud.
Ashley: Oh. Oops, my bad.
Ava: Don't worry. I am genuinely thankful to you for helping out. And considering I reserve that for very few people including my father, you should feel honoured.
Ashley: Your father?
Ava: Why, yes. He's the reason I'm a hockey player in the first place; he got me into the sport, after all. After Mum walked out on us before I could even remember her face, Dad and I had to be very close. He's a good man; poor athlete, but a good man nonetheless.
Ashley: I see. That's an oddly specific choice of words, if I say so myself.
Ava: It was meant to be. Dad wanted to be an all-star when he was younger, but he had chronic fatigue - he couldn't consistently put in the amount of effort everyone else could. So his hopes turned to me, and I'm glad they did.
Ashley: How so? I mean, most children don't like their parents living through them - I myself don't like it either...
Ava: Fair point. I'm just different that way - I yearn to make my father proud. And so I did - I am, after all, the Super High School Level Hockey Player for good reason.
Ava: Heh. Talking about my father like this, all of a sudden...I miss him a lot more, especially since we're in this stupid airship.
Ashley: Ah, uh, h-have faith. We will get out of here soon enough.
Ava: Hell yeah. First thing when I get out of here, I'm gonna give my old man a hug. He deserves it.
Ashley: That's sweet. Oh, and, um, speaking of sweets, would you like a songpyeon?
Ava: I suppose I don't mind. (*receives songpyeon*)
Ava: Hmm. (*chews*) Not half-bad. Did you make them yourself?
Ashley: Yeah, I did.
Ava: Figures. Thank you, in any case. I probably should just give something back, or otherwise I'll feel bad.
Ashley: Oh, um, it's alright, you don't have to-
Ava: I insist. Don't worry, it's nothing too special, just a little memorabilia from one of my better victories.
Ashley: It's round, smooth and small, but what is- oh.
Ashley: It's a hockey puck.
Ashley: Thank you.
Ava: Don't mention it. Seriously, don't, it's okay.
Shared: Songpyeons!
Ava doesn't seem to have any strong reaction towards them. She does appear to like them, though.
Obtained: Miniature Hockey Puck!
A collectible item - it's part of the merchandise to commemorate Ava's triumph at the Stanley Cup. It appears to be made of something like rubber.
Ava Tremblay - Level 1!
Ava respects her father and became a superstar hockey player thanks to him. She yearns to make him proud, and achieves because of this dedication. Wish I could learn that...
Ava: So, what did you come here for, anyways?
Ashley: Ah. Tien and Johan are cooking lunch for all of us, so they sent me to get everyone else to return to the dining room to eat.
Lucille: (*joins conversation*) Zhat is very considerate of them, no? We must not keep them waiting then. Shall we, Ava?
Ava: ...Sure. Let's go.
Lucille: Au revoir, Ashie! We'll see you back at the ballroom! (*both leave*)
Ashley: ...
Ashley: I know Lucille means well, but I should really talk to her about Ava's situation.
Ashley: But later, I guess. I should go find everyone else first.
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Medical Room
A pristine medical room, with drawers and shelves of bottles all around. There is a faint smell of what I think is antiseptic in the air...
Hideki: So try to limit your physical activity- oh, Ashley, welcome.
Faen: Ah, Ms. Jung! A pleasure to see you here.
Sasha: Wassup, Ashie?
Ashley: Hey there, Hideki, Faen, Sasha. How is your head?
Sasha: Absolutely fine. (*glares at Hideki*)
Hideki: While she isn't concussed, I'm still trying to figure out exactly why she resisted the sleeping gas-
Sasha: I TOLD YOU I'M JUST THAT COOL!
Hideki: ...
Sasha: So what're you doing here, Ashie?
Ashley: Wow. Talk about mood whiplash.
Ashley: Johan and Tien made lunch for us all, and sent me to get everyone back upstairs.
Hideki: Oh, I see. What did they cook?
Ashley: Casserole.
Sasha: Blech.
Faen: Is there something wrong with casserole?
Sasha: I'm vegetarian, kosher, and a picky eater on top of that. There are few foods I don't have a problem with. (*sighs*) I'll just ask for a plate of spaghetti or something.
Faen: Either way, we should get moving. It would be rude to keep such hospitable classmates waiting.
Faen: Would you mind if I carried you there? You do need to keep your exertions down, after all.
Sasha: Actually, yes, I would very much mind that. You heard Kenta - I'm not concussed. Now stop pretending that I'm some sort of helpless patient who can't walk on her own. Newsflash - I'm not! And - what day of the week is it?
Hideki: Uh...We flew off on a Thursday, so...it's Friday?
Ashley: Oh dear me, not that song again.
Sasha: Great, now I have to find a candle to light. If you'll excuse me. (*glares at Faen*) (*turns to Ashley*) Shabbat Shalom, Ashie. You two can go fuck yourselves.
Sasha: (*leaves angrily*)
Ashley: Well, that was...a gross overreaction.
Faen: I just feel terrible for angering her like that.
Hideki: Don't worry. It isn't your fault. She is just probably tired and irritable. If what Sasha said is true, she really does need to sleep more.
Ashley: Either way, food is waiting. And Hideki, is it really a Friday?
Hideki: I wouldn't know that any better than you. I just told her that so she would be quiet. From what little I know about Jewish traditions, I'm pretty sure she's supposed to be peaceful today.
Faen: I still can't help feeling as though we somehow caused her misery…
Hideki: Cheer up. She's just bitchy. Anyways, I'll see you later, Ashley. I should probably check to make sure her reign of terror doesn't spread. Ciao. (*leaves*)
Faen: I shall be taking my leave too, Ms. Jung. Fare thee well. (*leaves*)
Ashley: Alright then.
Ashley: Hmm, where to next? (*walks out*)
Ashley: Huh? What's this door?
Ashley: (*checks map*) The symbol shows a mop and bucket...So maybe it's a cleaning room?
Ashley: Well, only one way to find out.
Area unlocked: Janitor's Closet!
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Janitor's Closet
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Janitor's Closet
A small janitor's closet. Nothing much else to say about it.
Ashley: Wow, this place is dusty.
Todd: Welcome to Todd's humble abode, Ashley!
Ashley: Aah!
Ashley: Yeesh, he scared me.
Ashley: Todd, what are you doing here?
Todd: Todd's original room was too clean and the air was too fresh. Todd doesn't like that sort of environment, so voila! Todd is making this ja-nee-tor's closet his new home!
Ashley: Oh, I see… (*looks around*) Um, no offence, but isn't this, kind of, um, unbecoming?
Todd: Don't worry, Todd is used to this kinda gig. Todd's a circus performer, after all!
Ashley: But don't you think this is uncomfortable? I mean, the hotel rooms *are* really high-class...
Todd: Oh Ashley. Todd never liked staying in hotel rooms - Todd prefers the great outdoors of his childhood!
Ashley: Your childhood was spent outdoors?
Todd: Yep! Todd will share some part of the supremely magical epic of how he turned his rags to riches!
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Todd?
[Yes] [No]
Todd: Todd's legend dates back to the twelfth century, thank you very much- wait, no, sorry, let Todd try that again.
Todd: Todd graduated top of his class in the Navy Seals, and has been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Qaeda, and- no wait, that's not right either.
Ashley: I can't help but feel I've heard those stories before….
Todd: Okay, okay, Todd remembers. Todd was an orphan growing up.
Ashley: O-Oh...Did you ever know your parents?
Todd: (*shakes head*) Whoever Todd's parents were, they probably weren't able to afford Todd. Iceland did not have very many rich people, after all. So they left Todd with a group of...Mini-strels?
Ashley: Do you mean 'minstrels'?
Todd: You say potato, Todd says tomato. So anyways, Todd became something like a surry-gate son to all of them, and it made them happy, so Todd was happy!
Ashley: That sounds great, if strangely unnerving…
Todd: Oh, don't worry too much. Todd had a really great childhood, prancing around in meadows and having some freaky stuff applied to his body that made Todd tingly all over!
Ashley: …
Ashley: Um…
Ashley: That, just, um, I'm not sure how to respond to that.
Ashley: It's far beyond my idea of normalcy already...
Todd: What's naw-merle-see?
Ashley: Uh...nothing.
Ashley: So, how did you get into acrobatics?
Todd: Well, after Todd's body was done being tingly, there was this masky man who taught Todd to climb trees and stuff. He also stretched Todd's body to levels Todd didn't even want to believe!
Ashley: That's...cool.
Todd: So then Todd continued to do stuff until one day, some guy in a clownsuit or something came up and offered to purchase Todd. Since it would give them more money and make the other man happier, Todd gladly went with him!
Ashley: That's just awful! Who would sell their surrogate son?
Todd: Ah ah ah, Ashley. They didn't actually want to sell Todd. Todd let himself be sold for the cash to improve their way of living - Todd considers it a fair trade and a thank-you gift to them for raising Todd all those years.
Todd: In any case, Todd then joined the circus!
Todd: …
Ashley: …
Todd: …
Ashley: Is that...it?
Todd: Yeah, Todd can't tell you everything, after all. Otherwise, he'd have nothing to tell you in future Free Times.
Ashley: There he goes again...I wonder what he even means by Free Times?
Todd: In any case, Todd wants to get on with the gift exchanging, pretty please!
Ashley: H-Huh?! How did you-
Todd: Todd sees everything…
Todd: So please play nice and give Todd some sweets please!
Ashley: U-Um, sure! Here, have some of my homemade songpyeons.
Todd: Thank you! (*grabs two*)
Todd: These are really delicious! Todd's only ever really eaten a bunch of salty things and all, so he loves his sweet things, and it's am-peri-fied even more!
Ashley: I think he means amplified…
Todd: Thanks a lot, Ashley. Here, you can take this from Todd!
Ashley: Oh, I think I recognize this design.
Todd: You probably do. It's the callsign of Cirque du Luna, Todd's pride and joy. Todd will bestow it on you.
Ashley: Thank you very much.
Todd: Aw, don't mention it, you're making Todd blush.
Shared: Songpyeons!
Todd loves them - apparently, years upon years of eating salty food has made him appreciate and enjoy anything sweet.
Obtained: Keychain!
A keychain, fashioned in the shape of a smiling crescent-moon - the symbol of Cirque du Luna, Todd's troupe. I think I have one of these at home as well, but the gesture is sweet.
Todd Dunham - Level 1!
Todd is an orphan, and was raised by traveling minstrels most of his life, until he sold himself away to join a circus troupe. His acrobatic experience stems from some magical background...or perhaps, they just taught him advanced gymnastics.
Ashley: Anyways, Todd, we're having lunch at the Ballroom, and Tien and Johan are cooking.
Todd: Ooh, futbol teddy and glasses-girl are cooking? That should be good...Count Todd in!
Ashley: Well, I'll see you there, then. I'm just looking for everyone else, first.
Todd: Seeya then! (*leaves*)
Ashley: Alright. Hmm, where to next?
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Janitor's Closet
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Casino and Bar
A lavish casino with a stocked bar in the back of it. The walls are painted with the Hope's Peak logo. There is also a massive roulette right in the middle, with...sixteen stands surrounding it.
I wonder why?
Matthew: Ergo. That is how you beat the house at Blackjack.
JJ: As a lawyer, I can't exactly condone it. But as one of your classmates, not bad, man, you could win all of us a pretty penny.
Matthew: Haha, yeah, I know- Oh, hi, Ashley!
JJ: Hello, um, Ashley, what brings you here?
Ashley: We're having lunch upstairs in the Ballroom, and I'm just calling out to everyone to come get some.
JJ: Oh. Okay, well, I'll get going, then. (*leaves*)
Matthew: Oh, and thank you for talking to Jackie, by the way. (*earnestly nods*) I'm really glad someone else finally likes me, so thank you for that.
Ashley: Ah, you're totally welcome!
Matthew: Thanks again. See you later. (*leaves*)
Ashley: Well. That was significantly quicker than I'd expected.
Ashley: Hmm, where to next?
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Janitor's Closet
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Selected Area: Luxury Sitting Room
A decadent sitting room, with just about everything in it gilded, plated, or otherwise polished to the point of being painful to look at for too long. There's also what appears to be a slot machine in the corner; odd, since I just came from the casino...
Eric: OH COME ON NOT AGAIN.
Xiang: Doing it again and again isn't going to help, you know-
Eric: Shut it, I know what I'm doing- AH GODDAMNIT!
Ashley: Um...Wrong time?
Xiang: Oh, hello, Ashley. Not really - Eric just seems to get into the habit of amassing what appears to be dominatrix gear.
Eric: Don't remind me. It's all this stupid Monokuma Machine thingy's giving out!
Ashley: Monokuma Machine?
Xiang: Yes. Apparently, Monokuma thought it was a good idea to place a lucky-draw machine to entice us into a mindless obsession over getting some...items.
Eric: NOT ANOTHER ROSE WHIP AGAIN!
Xiang: ...So far, it seems to be working.
Ashley: I see. Um, Xiang, mind if I have a word?
Xiang: Shoot.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Xiang?
[Yes] [No]
Ashley: How...close are you with the other students on this airship?
Xiang: Interesting question...Well, I am friends with Sasha, and have gotten to know Hideki and Tien better, but otherwise, I'm just acquainted with everyone else. Why do you ask?
Ashley: Well...How do I phrase this?
Ashley: There is no way to make this not-awkward.
Ashley: Is there anyone else you're on good terms with?
Xiang: There is no one I completely dislike, if that's what you're asking.
Ashley: Not even Eric?
Xiang: I pity him more than I dislike him. He may be slightly obnoxious, but he's bearable.
Eric: OH BLOODY HELL!
Xiang: ...Most of the time.
Ashley: Hmm... Any girls you've got an eye on?
Xiang: Gender does not matter to me, but no, I can't say I do.
Ashley: Okay...So, what is your general opinion of Ava?
Xiang: Where are you going with this?
Ashley: Oh, nowhere. She was just the first person to come to mind.
Ashley: Note to self, think up better excuses.
Xiang: Well, she's nice. A bit blunt, but otherwise, she's an amiable person.
Xiang: And what was that about excuses?
Ashley: Eommaya! I mean, uh…
Ashley: Tell me about yourself, Xiang.
Xiang: Okay...Well, what do you want to know?
Ashley: How did someone like you become the Super High School Level Soldier, anyhow?
Xiang: I may not have a soldier's mentality, but I posses their skill all the same.
Xiang: My father was a general of China, and a fairly good one, at that. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps, and be a one-man army, in a sense.
Ashley: So both Ava and Xiang had fathers who wanted them to live through them...That's oddly comforting.
Xiang: From an early age, he pushed me through days upon days of training, very rarely ever giving me much time to rest. Looking back on it, most of his methods would probably not be considered very safe, actually. But I persevered, and won his approval, so here I am. Nothing more, nothing less.
Xiang: At least my sister didn't have to go through it, and for that, I am thankful.
Ashley: You have a sister? Do share.
Xiang: Sun is a year younger than me. She wants to be a chef, and I'm sure she'll be good as one. I just hope she's not worrying for my sake up here...
Ashley: We'll be fine, Xiang. Monokuma can't keep us here forever.
Xiang: I sure hope so.
Ashley: Either way, do you have any other interests?
Xiang: Painting, I would suppose. It's a nice way to escape from the horrors of war, especially since there isn't any violence involved.
Xiang: ...Except for that one guy who stabbed someone to death with a paintbrush, but I digress.
Ashley: That's unusually morbid...
Xiang: Apologies. Nothing but forgotten memories of stories long since told.
Ashley: I see...Would you like a songpyeon to take your mind of it?
Xiang: Excuse me, a what?
Ashley: They're small red bean cakes. I made them myself.
Xiang: I don't mind. Thank you. (*eats songpyeon*)
Xiang: Hmm. Tasty. I do prefer more substantial treats like cookies, but these will certainly do. Thank you, Ashley.
Ashley: You're welcome, Xiang.
Xiang: I'm afraid I don't have much to offer you in return...Well, except.
Xiang: I actually tried out the Monokuma machine first, before Eric.
Xiang: Of course, considering it was Monokuma who set the machine, I wouldn't be surprised if he tailored the gifts to each of us individually. As demonstrated, Eric is continually receiving...feminine products.
Eric: OH WHAT THE ABSOLUTE F-
Xiang: In any case, I received this, and while it can fit both males and females, I'm certain it would look better on you than on me.
Ashley: Oh, a hairclip, huh? I see his point.
Ashley: Thank you very much!
Xiang: You're welcome.
Shared: Songpyeons!
Xiang enjoys them, although he also prefers more hardened foodstuffs, like cookies.
Obtained: Kitten Hairclip!
A prize from the Monokuma Machine. A hairclip in the shape of a little kitty cat.
Xiang Li - Level 1!
Xiang was trained to be a soldier from young by his father, yet he is a pacifist...I wonder how he manages to balance both sides of the dichotomy? He also has a sister who aspires to be a chef.
Eric: Oh, I am so fed up with this blasted junk. That's it, I'm out. (*storms out*)
Ashley: ...Well, I guess I might as well give it a try...Perhaps I'll be luckier.
Xiang: Don't say I didn't warn you…
Give Monokuma Machine a try?
[Yes] [No]
Spinning, Spinning...Do the Wakudoki, Do the Wakudoki, UPUPU!
Item get!
Obtained: Silver Ring!
A ring made of very pure silver. There's a naturally-occurring pink tourmaline set into the back.
Ashley: A silver ring...Reminds me of Taeyang-oppa for some reason.
Xiang: Who's, uh…
Ashley: Nevermind. Anyways, we're having lunch in the ballroom, so, after I find the rest of our classmates, I'll join you upstairs?
Xiang: Sure. I guess I'll go get Eric too. See you later, Ashley. (*leaves*)
Ashley: I think that's everyone…Wait, I know I'm forgetting someone.
Ashley: Hmm…
Ashley: Ah, right. Maya.
Ashley: But I didn't see her at all just now...So where would she be?
Ashley: Oh well, guess I'll have to find her.
Area unlocked: Mysterious Door!
Atrium
Passenger Cabins
Dining Area - Ballroom
Dining Area - Kitchen
Storage Room
Medical Room
Janitor's Closet
Casino and Bar
Luxury Sitting Room
Mysterious Door
Selected Area: Mysterious Door
Where exactly am I going? All I know is that I'm descending further into the airship...
Ashley: Huh, that's odd… There isn't any corresponding room on the map, but is that a door I se-
Maya: It certainly is.
Ashley: Kyah! Where did you come from?!
Maya: What do you mean? I've always been here…
Maya: Watching…
Ashley: It's official. Maya creeps me out.
Ashley:
[Home] [Rules] [Map] [Call Monokuma]
Doo-da-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-u-pu-pu-pu-pu-pu!
Maya: That's an annoying ringtone…
Monokuma: Alright, which one of y'all bastards decided to call me here?
Monokuma: And make it snappy, I got a chandelier to fix and Sia ain't being helpful.
Ashley: Um, Monokuma-
Monokuma: That's Mr. Monokuma to you!
Ashley: Okay, Mr. Monokuma, where does that door lead to?
Monokuma: …
Monokuma: Just oooooooone beary little moment.
Ashley: What's he gonna do?
Monokuma: Nyeeeeeeeeeeeh, Monokuma Slap!
Monokuma: (*pulls a roll of police tape out of nowhere and affixes it to the door*)
Monokuma: There you go! Much bear-ter!
Ashley: …
Ashley: …The police tape says, 'DO NOT ENTER!'.
Maya: We can see that, captain obvious.
Monokuma: In any case, you bastards really shouldn't enter that door. Even I don't remem-bear what's behind it, but if I forgot to mark it, I probably didn't want to.
Maya: How mysterious...Surely you're tempting us to open it instead?
Monokuma: At your own risk, upupupupupupu! And don't call me Shirley! I'm out!
Ashley: ...Well, Maya, we're having lunch, would you-
Maya: Like to eat? Certainly...But this door remains intriguing.
Ashley: You know, Monokuma probably restricted our access to it for good reason. Let's not try to find out why.
Maya: Meh. Let's go, then. (*skulks off*)
Ashley: Hmm...This is all very confusing. What am I supposed to make of all this?
Ashley: (*gurglegurglegrowl*)
Ashley: …
Ashley: On second thought, let's just get some lunch first.
Ashley: Worrying about this can afford to wait.
Act 1-2 FIN
16 Students Remaining
A/N:
Okay, SD taking over the mic. We have a *lot* to go through and announce, so...yeah.
First off, amazing props to Khronovision/DespairFrost for his awesome work on making AFoFD's character roster and sprites over at his DeviantArt page. We have a link to it in Lime's profile (limenote: it's in the 'my stories-a flight of fancy despair' section, next to the summary), and I suggest you check it out, because he's done excellent work of everyone's character. Give him all your support, ladies and gentlemen (and those who are neither), because he really deserves it.
Secondly, our tumblr and AO3 are live! We will be posting the chapters minus commentary/review replies over on both sites, so in the event this site ever decides to implode (god forbid), you can still find this awesome story over yonder. Plus, the tumblr will occasionally feature other fanart, OOS (Out-Of-Story) Q&A with the cast (no story-related spoilers and/or some specific questions, though), and much more in the coming months as such, so check us out! You can find links over, again, in Lime's profile.
Thirdly, a big thank-you to everyone who's reading this story, but especially those of you who submitted a character. Unfortunately, me doing so can only mean one thing - next chapter, something big will go down.
Which brings me to my last point: next chapter. Sadly, our active student roster will drop to fifteen in the very near future, but here's where SD's QOTC comes in: who? And for that matter, why? Be careful, though - my 'about' section in our tumblr should be enough warning to you all. We will address all shoehorned guesses next chapter, when the inevitable happens. There is a poll on Lime's profile, for ease of tallying votes. But feel free to explain your reasoning here.
That's it from me. Have a nice week ahead, and look forward to the next chapter, I guess. Over to you, Lime, for the review replies. Cheers! - SD
Let'sTalkAboutMurder: I really appreciate that! Also, your penname is great and basically a summary of the Dangan Ronpa franchise as a whole so...yeah. Thank.
A Dingus With Sweet Shades: We already have sprites thanks to Khrono, but you're welcome to show us your interpretations of the characters as well.
Penumbro: You heard 'em. Faen's not getting sold.
Official Lapis Lazuli: Wouldn't you like to know? Upupupu~!
LongTimeReader19: Yes, but the ERB one was an accident. (Actually, I added that on purpose. :3 ~ SD)
HeroinOfDarkness: Well, I must say. I like Spitfire. You're getting a shoutout on the tumblr for that.
Eric is absolutely hilarious. Just not in the way he'd want to be. And we did have a little more Eric and Xiang interaction this chapter.
That's all from us. Thank you, and have a nice day. - Lime