Act 1-4: Investigations and Free Time 3
Nico: N-No! That can't be! We wouldn't turn on each other!
Lucille: Oui! I refuse to believe any of us killed poor Todd!
Monokuma: You'd better believe it, you bastards! But since I can't tell you everything, why don't you guys just go, I dunno, investigate or some crap?
Eric: Investigate?
Monokuma: Yeah, dumbass. Investigate.
Monokuma: What, you think just because the Acrobat went bye-bye, everything just becomes sunshine and rainbows?
Hideki: ...It's not over?
Monokuma: Upupupupupupupupupu! We haven't even gotten to the best part!
Faen: Somehow, I fear for whatever your interpretation of 'the best part' is supposed to refer to.
Maya: Don't we all?
Monokuma: In any case, it's time for you idiots to do some exploring! If you happen to find anything of importance or of note, your Electro-ID has a convenient little...camera.
Monokuma: Well, oopsie-daisie! I forgot to tack in that little app into your handbooks.
Monokuma: Okay, just gimme a second here, no hurry, I'm bear-y it'll be-
*bzzt-bzzt* U-pu-pu-pu-pu-pupu! *bzzt-bzzt*
[Home] [Rules] [Map] [Call Monokuma] NEW! [Camera] NEW!
Ashley: The Electro-ID has a new function added to its menu. Feeling around the back of it has revealed a slot pushed to the side, presumably for the camera lens-
Ashley: Wait, how am I still staying so clinical and detached?! Todd's gone, and one of these people are responsible!
Ava: Hold your horses, Ashley. We still can't prove that it was one of us that killed him.
JJ: Yeah! I mean, Todd was sleeping in the Janitor's Room - that is in direct violation of the third rule in our Electro-ID. So what's to say Monokuma didn't punish Todd?
Matthew: Hey, that makes sense! So, Monokuma, got anything to say to that?
Monokuma: Oh, I didn't punish him. I can only inflict punishment onto the students who actually fall asleep outside of their staterooms, so I couldn't have possibly punished Todd!
Jackie: I smell something fishy here...How can we be so sure you aren't lying to us?
Monokuma: I'm offended that you think so low of your darling headmaster! Why would I lie to you?
Johan: I can think of a dozen reasons why.
Monokuma: Pooh, fine, you cheap bastards!
[Rules]
#1: All violence against Headmaster Monokuma is strictly forbidden. Destruction of any surveillance cameras are illegal.
#2: "Night Time" is designated to be from 10pm to 7am. During "Night Time", there are places that will be out of bounds to students. The water supply will also be shut off.
#3: All students should be sleeping in the designated rooms provided. Anyone found sleeping anywhere else will be punished accordingly.
#4: You may investigate however you want, whenever you want. However, no locked doors may be broken into. All rooms, however, will be unlocked for investigation time.
#5: A culprit who kills a fellow student (or students) will "graduate", but only if they can convince the other students that they are not the culprit, and successfully pass the Class Trial. If the culprit succeeds, the culprit will be accepted into Hope's Peak immediately, however, all other students will be punished. If the culprit is proven guilty, only they will be punished.
#6: There can only be a maximum of two people dead per trial, so as to prevent default winning by mass murder.
#7: A "Body Discovery Announcement" will be made after three students find a corpse, followed by the release of the "Monochrome File".
#8: The loaning and/or borrowing of ElectroIDs is strictly forbidden. Both parties will be punished if caught.
#9: You are free to attempt to escape at any time. Be forewarned that your only exit is down. Straight down.
NEW! [#10: Headmaster Monokuma is not allowed to tell lies.] NEW!
#11: Rules are subject to be added at any time by Headmaster Monokuma.
Monokuma: There, you happy now?
Tien: ...Repeat your last few factual statements. Immediately.
Xiang: Where are trying to go with this?
Tien: You'll see.
Monokuma: 'Oh, I didn't punish him. I can only inflict punishment onto the students who actually fall asleep outside of their staterooms, so I couldn't have possibly punished Todd!' Now what were you trying to achieve with that, beyond wasting my time?!
Tien: And?
Monokuma: Whadaya mean, 'and'?!
Maya: There was another statement you declared rather matter-of-factly to us. Care to repeat that one, Monokuma?
Monokuma: Oh for the love of- Todd is no longer among you, and I'm willing to bet one of you bastards did him in! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?!
Monokuma: Any more smartass statements you people want to bring up? If not, I'm leaving, cos I ain't in charge of whatever shit you pull anymore! Upupu, Monokuma, out!
Monokuma: (*disappears into the kitchen*)
Ashley: …
Ashley: I can't shake the feeling that something seems suspiciously wrong here…
Eric: Perfect. Absolutely bloody perfect. One of us is a dodgy traitor, and we're all gormless to whoever the hell it is.
Sasha: I'd like to see you do something about it, you-
Xiang: Let us make finding Todd's body our top priority. There may be some clue as to what transpired yesterday night that led to his death.
Johan: Hear hear. I say-
JJ: Hold it!
JJ: I can't rest while the murderer still walks amongst us. I would like to request that I hold a one-on-one polygraph session with each and every one of you to ensure your innocence!
Sasha: You do know those are highly inaccurate, right?
JJ: They're the best we've got.
Faen: I d-don't suppose we would mind…
JJ: As your name is first in alphabetical order, Ashley, would you kindly follow me to the kitchen?
Ashley: Am I really first?
JJ: ...I'm doing this by given name, Ashley.
Ashley: ...Oh.
JJ: I'll expect to see the rest of you later.
Hideki: Fine. Let's just, uh, do something productive.
Matthew: Xiang is right - let's not waste any more time.
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: Dining Area - Kitchen
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with JJ?
[Yes] [No]
JJ: You were out late last night, is that correct?
Ashley: Yes, although-
JJ: Did you see, hear or do anything suspicious?
Ashley: What, no, I-
JJ: You got to have seen something, anything at all! I can't believe there's nothing to-
Ashley: JJ, you've got it all wrong! I only ever went as far as this ballroom and kitchen when I went to get water!
Ashley: Beyond that, I really, honest-to-goodness know nothing at all!
JJ: ...
JJ: You're right, I'm sorry. But I'm just so, ugh, frustrated by the lack of evidence.
JJ: How did Todd die? Who killed him? Why does no one know the answers to those questions?
Ashley: Because only the murderer knows, and they would never admit it?
JJ: Well, no kidding! But this is different - you and I both know that Todd is very hard to catch, and even harder to kill. This can only mean we're dealing with a trained professional...
JJ: So, um, do any of our classmates give off that sort of vibe? Anyone at all?
Ashley: You can't possibly be incriminating Xiang, can you? He would never hurt anyone!
JJ: Not just him. The sword fighter, the activist, and even the failure could have done it. Hell, the babysitter could have done him in!
Ashley: Well, Johan is pretty scary...
JJ: Aye, and I intend to question all of them. One way or another, I will find a lead and get to the bottom of this case.
Ashley: That's...great.
Ashley: How do I tell him politely that he's starting to freak me out?
JJ: Either way, stop getting me off topic. I'm the one interrogating you here.
Ashley: What's there to interrogate? I told you, I don't know anything.
JJ: That's what the guilty party tends to say. I've heard far too many people say the same thing in my line of work.
JJ: (*looks away and mumbles*) Even my parents.
Ashley: Your parents?
JJ: ...Kft. You caught that.
Ashley: Hard not to.
JJ: I suppose I'll have to elaborate
Ashley: It's alright, you don't have to if it makes you uncomfortable…
JJ: No, it's fine...as much as it pains me, at this point I may as well.
Ashley: You don't-
JJ: I was born and raised in lovely Edinburgh, Scotland. My family was nuclear, and I had an elder brother. However, there were...complications.
Ashley: What do you mean?
JJ: By the age of eight, I had convicted all of them.
Ashley: ...If you were already practicing law at eight, why do you even need to go to high school?
JJ: ...That's not important.
JJ: What matters is that justice is served.
Ashley: Okay...Um, am I still needed here?
JJ: Well, I did want to ask you something.
Ashley: Yes?
JJ: Did anything weird happen between getting gassed and waking up here?
Ashley: Well, now that I think about it I lost some stuff that was in my pocket earlier, but that's about it.
JJ: Hmm...Monokuma really is screwing with us.
Ashley: Uh, do I need to stay here?
JJ: No. But, I must make a request from you.
JJ: One of your songpyeons, if you please. I intend to perform a toxicology test to ensure they aren't remotely poisoned.
Ashley: Do you distrust me that much?
JJ: There is no 'trust' in 'justice'. I've had my trust abused for so long, only justice could save me. Now, the songpyeon, please.
Ashley: (*sigh*) Okay. (*hands him a songpyeon*) But I swear, there is nothing wrong with any of my songpyeons.
JJ: I'll be the judge of that. But, fair is fair. Here. (*tosses something*)
Ashley: Huh? (*fumbles and drops it*)
JJ: Oi. My badge. Don't get it dirty on the floor.
Ashley: It looks like an attorney's badge, although it doesn't look like the ones I see back home.
JJ: That's your collateral. If I can't find anything wrong with your songpyeon, you're free to keep it as proof that I've failed in my job.
Ashley: Isn't that a little...extreme?
JJ: I don't exactly need it on this airship. My title is already common knowledge - besides, when I return I can always get a replacement. I'm not losing my career, just my pride.
Ashley: Well, okay then...If you're sure. But seriously, neither me nor any of the rest of our classmates are involved in this. I can't possibly see any of them committing murder.
JJ: Then it's about time you open your eyes. You're free to go. Please get Ava next.
Shared: Songpyeons!
As he didn't actually eat them, I have no idea what he thinks of them. I'm certain they're not poisoned, though...
Obtained: Attorney's Badge!
JJ's badge. It looks like a sunflower, with the scales of justice in the center and has JJ's ID number (11037) and name on the back of it.
Jehovah 'JJ' Jackson - Level 1!
JJ has had a rough childhood…Something about incriminating his parents? I'll need to delve deeper when he's in a better mood.
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: Dining Area - Ballroom
Ashley: Well, that certainly was progressive-
Ashley: Oh. Ava and Lucille are over in a corner, talking.
Ava: So, please, I'm sorry. I know you mean well, and I do understand where you're coming from, but I'm just not interested in you.
Lucille: …
Ashley: Oh dear. She looks positively heartbroken.
Lucille: That's okay...I knew we would never work out, anyways. I do have a habit of going after incompatible ladies. Quite pathetic, non?
Ava: It's okay, Lucille. I'm sure there's someone out there that will definitely reciprocate. I'm just sorry it can't be me- oh, Jung, how long have you been standing there?
Ashley: Not very long. JJ wants to see you.
Ava: He's serious on cross-examining all of us?
Ashley: Indeedly so.
Ava: Well, ain't that a kick in the head?
Ava: I guess I'll just go humour him - or he's gonna bug the rest of us for the rest of the week, and then we'd get no rest at all.
Lucille: …
Ava: (*sigh*) Again, I'm really sorry, Lucille. But the two of us just aren't meant to be together. I don't want this to tear a rift between our friendship-
Lucille: Non, it's fine, it's fine, I understand completely. Just go, I guess; I'm sure keeping JJ waiting until he chews us out isn't going to help any of us.
Ava: Duly noted. (*leaves*)
Lucille: …
Lucille: ...
Ashley: ...She looks absolutely devastated. I should really console her.
Ashley: I'm sorry I can't help you out...I'm willing to listen if you want me to, however. Shoulder for you to cry on?
Lucille: Peut-être.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Lucille?
[Yes] [No]
Lucille: (*sigh*) To my extrême annoyance, this tends to occur too frequently.
Lucille: I can't help it - all the girls I fall for are always straight.
Lucille: What's a mademoiselle like moi supposed to do about it?
Ashley: There's no easy way to approaching this, I'm afraid.
Ashley: Cheer up, Lucille. I'm sure you'll find 'the one' someday.
Ashley: You just have to keep looking.
Lucille: I suppose so. It's just...I have had no luck elsewhere. My legions of fans mostly consist of boys who think I'm as quick in bed as I am on the road, while my female fans only aspire to be me, not to love me. My competitors are good people, but most, if not all of them are already taken…
Lucille: I grow weary of loneliness.
Ashley: How so? I mean, don't you have your family?
Lucille: ...They aren't here.
Ashley: Whoops. Touchy subject, let's veer away.
Ashley: Well, for someone of our age, being an internationally-recognized racer certainly has its perks, right? Who wouldn't want someone like you?
Lucille: That's true...My fanbase wouldn't be so large otherwise. I see your point.
Ashley: Well, if you don't mind me asking, how did you get so many fans in the first place?
Lucille: Eez simple, no? I gain fans ze same way you do - by doing what I do best.
Ashley: F-1 Racing...Must have been a dream for you since you were young, huh?
Lucille: Well, of course. My first word was voiture - zhat's how obsessed I was.
Ashley: Voi- um, huh?
Lucille: Oop, sorry, 'car', but in French. It happens.
Lucille: I lived in a rather small village, you see. I would always be in ze…how you say? Go-kart races and soapbox derbies. And I would always win - and everyone would always cheer me on.
Ashley: How'd you go global, then?
Lucille: Thanks to a few special people who were in attendance one day, I was granted entry into ze European Youth Racing Championship, zhat's all.
Ashley: I remember...You were the champion, weren't you?
Lucille: I'm afraid not. I barely passed ze last car at the finish line.
Ashley: O-Oh...Well, I guess everyone had to start somewher- Wait.
Ashley: …
Lucille: Ma belle, be honest, did you fall for zhat?
Ashley: ...I did. And I can't believe I did.
Lucille: Don't worry, you aren't ze first, and you'll definitely not be ze last. So, anyways, after zhat I took some time to practice - can't professionally drive without a license, after all, no?
Ashley: Yeah...Driving. (*looks away*)
Lucille: (*oblivious*) When I did get my license, I went and joined a small team named 'Team Constellar'. It took me some more time, but in ze end, the fame was all worth it. Recall that you called me 'F-1's Princess Charming' back at the airport; it is a nickname I am very proud of, myself.
Ashley: I was speaking out loud even then?
Lucille: Oui, you were. Are you sure you're unable to perceive this habit of yours?
Ashley: …
Ashley: Would you like a songpyeon? I need one myself.
Ashley: You know, to rebuild my crushed feelings.
Lucille: A-Ah, cheer up, Ashie. I didn't mean to be insensitive towards you. I just find it rather cute that you're so blissfully unaware of when you accidentally say ze things on your mind.
Ashley: I suppose...Wait, cute?
Lucille: …
Lucille: Yes, I would like a songpyeon, thank you very much.
Ashley: O-Oh. Here. (*offers songpyeon*)
Lucille: (*eats songpyeon*) Merci, Ashie. Also, yum, these are pretty good.
Ashley: Thanks. I made them myself, actually.
Lucille: Figures. In any case, thank you for helping me 'get over it'. I really do appreciate you listening, even if it's just to my rambling loons.
Lucille: I should make it up to you for ze teasing, though. Here, Ashie, you can have zis.
Ashley: Oh, is this-?
Lucille: A toy replica of my pride and joy - the Crimson Lotus. I do hope you'll accept it.
Ashley: Of course! Thank you, Lucille!
Lucille: Please, call me Lucy. It sounds sweeter that way.
Ashley: Alright then, if you're happier with that, Lucy.
Lucille: Merci. This truly will be the start of a beautiful rom- um, friendship!
Shared: Songpyeons!
Lucille seems to enjoy them. Nothing more, nothing less else to say.
Obtained: Model Racing Car!
A miniature Formula-One racing car, fashioned to look like Lucille's signature car: the Crimson Lotus. It even has mobile wheels and everything!
Lucille DuCarde - Level 1!
Lucille has been into racing ever since she was young. A series of victories in key racing championships have propelled her to where she is now.
Ava: Ugh. That sucked. A lot.
Lucille:
Lucille: Oh, and worry not. I have, how you say? Moved on. I'm confident that the two of us will remain friends, Ava.
Lucille: Besides...I have a new target. Teehee. (*leaves*)
Ashley: ...Eep.
Ava: Thank you, Jung. You've been of great help to me.
Ashley: Don't mention it. Was it really that bad, though?
Ava: You don't know the half of it. JJ is, well, a bit of a prick.
Ava: At least there's one thing I can take comfort in.
Ashley: What would that be?
Ava: Eric is next.
Ashley: Oh. Well, that's going to be a blast.
Ava: I know, right? Bet you they'll get into a dogfight and interviews wil be cancelled for the rest of us.
Ashley: One can only hope.
Ava: Ah well. See you around, Jung. I'm gonna try looking for Dunham as well as Andrews. See you. (*leaves*)
Ashley: I guess that settled itself amicably. Ava looks happier than she's been so far.
Ashley: Anyways, where to next?
Ashley: I should probably try to actually investigate.
Eric: Bloody hell, leave me alone! (*slams door, but is blocked*)
Eric: Just get Faen or something, I don't wanna deal with that wanker's bullcrap about slamming us like we are in the slammer!
Ava: Not my problem, Andrews. Now get over to Jackson, before I make you!
Eric: Meep! Yes mommy!
Ashley: Well. Guess I'll stay out of their way. (*ducks aside*)
Ashley: The search hasn't gone all too well, anywho. The others have found no clue as to Todd's whereabouts.
Ashley: ...Huh. Actually, this room looks familiar...
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: Janitor's Closet
Ashley: Right. It's the Janitor's Closet…
Ashley: Which means it might be Todd's last known whereabouts.
Ashley: I should search around here.
Ashley: …
Ashley: …
Ashley: Nothing. No clue as to where Todd could have possibly gone.
Ashley: I should have warned him. Should have brought up rule #3. Should have advised him to have stayed in his cabin room.
Maya: And now he's gone.
Ashley: Woah! Where did-
Maya: I've been in this room...searching. Did you not notice me?
Ashley: …
Maya: I could have sworn you were more observant than that. Mayhap I may have misjudged you. Hmph. (*starts walking to the door*)
Ashley: Hey, where are you going?
Maya: I'm just going somewhere...If you'd like, you can follow me.
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
Ashley: She's stopped outside this door again.
Maya: If my suspicions are correct, this door clearly has something to do with it.
Ashley: H-Hey! But it says 'DO NOT ENTER'...I really think we shouldn't be breaking any more rules-
Maya: Oh please. Rafe.
Ashley: Rafe?
Maya: Yeah. Rules Aren't For Everyone, genius. (*opens door*)
Area updated: Mysterious Room!
Maya: ...
Ashley: …
Maya: I don't know what I expected.
Ashley: Same here...This just looks like a replica copy of our staterooms.
Ashley: Except for that window in the far wall.
Maya: This...seems too normal.
Maya: Ashley, check around the room.
Ashley: Why me? If you want to scan the room, do it yourself.
Maya: Yeah, but I need a buffer in case anything happens, and I need to be close to the exit at all times. I'll just be here, leaning on the door and watching on. Now, go search.
Ashley: ...Okay, well, I don't really like the idea of searching in silence-
Maya: Eh, I guess we could talk. That's the only thing in excess here nowadays.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Maya?
[Yes] [No]
Maya: Get to it, then. Start talking, because it ain't me who cares how loud the room is.
Ashley: Uh...well…
Ashley: I hope this doesn't seem insensitive, but how can one become a SHSL Failure?
Maya: Simple. You fail. And fail again. And fail on such a epic level that Hope's Peak has no choice but to recognize it.
Ashley: But how do you do that?
Maya: (*shrugs*) I don't remember. Or maybe I do, but I don't want to tell you. Can't have you stealing my title, after all.
Ashley: ...You can keep it.
Maya: Wasn't gonna give you much of a choice in the first place.
Ashley: I was joking.
Maya: …
Ashley: …
Maya: Keep searching. You're doing a good enough job as it is.
Maya: That is to say, not at all.
Ashley: You know, you don't have to be so critical…
Maya: Can't help it. I'm the failure here, so it's my job to make sure everyone else doesn't follow in my footsteps.
Ashley: And insulting me helps that...how?
Maya: Well, if you're smart, you'd know that that's constructive criticism. You still have a lot of room to improve, and I intend to harp on you every chance I get until you do so.
Ashley: Thanks...I guess? But my question would be...why do you need to do that?
Maya: Why not?
Ashley: Please, just answer my question.
Maya: Sheesh, fine. Whatever you say.
Maya: High standards are a thing, yes? I've grown up around them for so damn long, I've gotten used to never achieving them.
Maya: But what could I do? I was one hell of a failure, and that's that.
Ashley: But why did you just accept that instead of trying to improve?
Maya: I'm not interested in helping myself. I'm not even worthy enough to be anyone's friend. I'm just another bitch in your way, and their way. So deal with it.
Ashley: You're not a bitch! You're not in my way, either. And I want to be your friend.
Maya: Yeah, that's what everyone says. Everyone wants a piece of you so they can just take advantage of you later down the road. Nobody wants me because I'm good - they just want me to compare so they can feel better about themselves.
Ashley: Well, then, I wouldn't compare myself to you in the first place. I'm not the kind of person who prides myself on being better than others!
Ashley: And besides, I'm sure there are a bunch of things that you're better at than me.
Maya: Name one.
Ashley: …
Ashley: …
Ashley: I… Okay, so… I'm sure you're better at cooking than me. I mean… Well, I can make desserts, but honestly, the last time I cooked anything, I accidentally undercooked the steak.
Maya: I burned down a restaurant.
Ashley: But were you trying to cook? - That is the real question.
Maya: ...Fair enough.
Ashley: See? So you should be more confident in yourself with things. You've probably got better cooking skills than me at least. I can't even make toast without it being at least slightly burnt, ahaha…
Maya: One time, I vaporized a slice of toast.
Ashley: Well, that's...unfortunate. But some people find an inability to cook very endearing.
Ashley: At least, in South Korea. Can't say the same for other countries.
Maya: Endearing, huh? Tell that to my parents.
Ashley: Huh? Wait, do you have such high standards because of them or something?
Maya: ...You could say that.
Maya: I kept messing up, you know. I couldn't make mom happy before she died. The most I've ever made my father happy was when the Hope's Peak letter arrived in our jail cell.
Ashley: Well, that's an accomplishment- Wait, he was in jail? What for?
Maya: 'We'. We were in jail.
Ashley: What did you do?!
Maya: Well, I was at home, upstairs, sitting in my room, reading a book.
Ashley: Go on.
Maya: And, uh, this guy walked in, so I walked up to him.
Ashley: Wait, another guy in your house-
Maya: And I, uh, I stabbed him thirty-seven times in the chest.
Ashley: …Maya-
Maya: To be fair, I fail at instant-kills, so I had to be sure.
Ashley: Maya, that kills people!
Maya: Yeah, no shit. So dad and I got thrown in for killing a robber, what else?
Ashley: On second thought, maybe that's enough backstory...How'd you get out, though?
Maya: Hope's Peak. Apparently, failing is considered a talent. Then again, so is 'Good Luck'.
Ashley: Okay...Well, there's nothing of interest in this room.
Maya: Crap. I'm annoyed. And when I'm annoyed, I'm hungry.
Ashley: Do you want a songpyeon, Maya? (*offers songpyeon-in-box*)
Maya: Gladly. (*takes the whole box*) Ooh, pastries, good.
Maya: (*eats them all*)
Ashley: ...Those are rather unhealthy. You may want to see Hideki.
Maya: Eh. Faster it kills me, the better. In any case, here, take this. (*tosses*)
Ashley: Huh? (*catches*) This is-
Maya: One of my Burr Puzzles. I've bored myself out of it, so you can have it.
Ashley: ...Okay. Well, there doesn't seem to be anything else of further interest in this room.
Maya: Nothing at all?
Shared: Songpyeons!
Maya finished off my last few ones - she definitely seems to like them much more than it appears necessary.
Obtained: Puzzle Ball!
A Burr Puzzle, shaped to look like a ball. I wonder how to get it open...
Maya Metl - Level 1!
Maya...has had a rough childhood. She apparently bungled up so badly on self-defense against a robber, Hope's Peak wanted her. Key word: apparently.
Maya: Tch. Fruitless, as I expected.
Ashley: There's nothing to be done about it, I guess...I just can't think of anywhere else Todd could be, though.
Maya: Hmph. Well, then I guess standing around here like a pair of deer in the headlights isn't going to do us any favours. Let's go.
Ashley: Where?
Maya: Somewhere. Anywhere. It's much more productive than to stand around like a herd of lost sheep. (*leaves*)
Ashley: …
Ashley: I suppose there's nowhere else I haven't checked but the Atrium...
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: Atrium
Ashley: It's currently empty...Except for Nico, who's just sitting by the fountain's edge and staring at it. She's changed back into her usual attire, it seems-
Nico: Oh. Hey, Ashie.
Ashley: Hi, Nico. Is something wrong?
Nico: No...Not much, at least. It's just...You know, the usual. Todd being gone and everything.
Ashley: You sound like there's more to it than that, though.
Nico: Well, I guess I should share.
= = Free Time! = =
Free Time with Nico?
[Yes] [No]
Nico: I'm just worried, right now. Todd was a great guy, and to know that someone targeted him...It's unsettling.
Nico: I mean, who or what is stopping our mystery killer from targeting me as the second-youngest here? Or you for being so friendly?
Nico: I'm actually kinda nervous…I don't want to die, not just yet.
Ashley: There are more conspicuous targets. Someone obnoxious like Eric or Sasha, someone weak-looking like Matthew, or Jackie, or Tien...or even me.
Nico: I have a feeling that I fit very loosely into both categories, though. I do know some people view me as annoying outside of my music, and I don't exactly look like a hard target - I'm the same height as you, for one.
Ashley: That's...gosh, that is true. Um, let's not worry too much, though. Todd should be fine, he's probably just...occupied.
Nico: I sure hope so. He doesn't deserve to die, not like this.
Ashley: Stop thinking he's dead, alright? Let's hope for his safe return.
Nico: ...You're right. This is no time to be pessimistic!
Ashley: That's the spirit! Fighting!
Nico: Fighting! (*laughs*) Thanks, Ashie, for cheering me up.
Nico: Hey, actually, do you still have any songpyeons left? I would like to try some!
Ashley: Sadly, no. Maya finished them all off just now.
Nico: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. (*sad face*)
Ashley: H-Hey, cheer up! I'm sure I have something else that you'd might like...
Ashley: My choices are...Well, one of these two gifts, I guess.
==Select!==
1. Silver Ring
2. Kitten Hairclip
Ashley: From me to you.
Ashley: I received this from the Monokuma Machine in the Luxury Sitting Room - I think you might like it.
Nico: Ohmygosh, it's gorgeous!
Nico: ...But, well, I can't accept it.
Ashley: Huh? But why-
Ashley: Oh. That's right. Your ring.
Ashley: Silly me...I forgot. Nico's engaged.
Nico: Yeah, I am. (*holds out hand, silver ring gleaming*) Not for long, though. When I get off this awful plane, Aidan and I are gonna seal the deal!
Ashley: Aidan...So that's what the A stands for.
Ashley: Well, I'm really happy for you! So this Aidan's the lucky guy, huh?
Nico: Yep! We've known each other for so long, I'm pretty sure we're practically married even before it's recognized!
Ashley: How is that so?
Nico: Well, for starters...He's my brother.
Ashley: Oh I- HUH?!
Ashley: Her...brother?
Ashley: No, it can't be like him. Aidan must have been infinitely nicer...right?
Nico: He sure is! I mean, he saved me, after all!
Ashley: Still, the question stands-is that even legal?
Ashley: Saved you? From what?
Nico: Well, you see, my real parents died in a building accident, and none of the rest of my extended family wanted me - at all. I was sickly and weak as a kid, and just a nuinsance to them, so one day, I just, well, ran off.
Ashley: Oh, I see. And then what happened?
Nico: They found me. He found me, to be precise.
Ashley: Aidan?
Nico: Yes. I was shivering, near-dead, just huddled in the streets under the rain...But then I remember a pair of warm hands grabbing me, and the next thing I remembered, I was resting in a luxury bed, a young boy by my side. Aidan said he had found me outside their home, and took me in out of pity.
Ashley: That's...nice of him.
Nico: Of course it is! Aidan's the kindest, sweetest, most angelic boy I've ever had the absolute pleasure of knowing, and that's why I agreed to marry him! You can't owe anyone more debt than saving you from the brink of death, after all!
Ashley: That's so sweet! When we get off this plane and you two get married, am I going to be invited?
Nico: Sure! I'll invite everyone here, even Eric!
Eric: (*enters*) Hey! (*leaves*)
Nico: ...Well. That was random. But in all seriousness, I can't accept the ring, I'm sorry. It's beautiful, but my love comes first.
Ashley: That's okay, I totally understand...I have something else for you, then.
==Select!==
1. Silver Ring
2. Kitten Hairclip
Ashley: From me to you.
Nico: Ooh, kitty! (*takes hairclip and puts it on*) Definitely works. Thanks so much, Ashie!
Maya: (*enters*) Oi. di Angelo. You're needed by the witless witness, Jehovah, for his interrogations.
Nico: Hey, you robbed me of tasting Ashie's songpyeons!
Maya: Not my problem I failed in self-control. Oh wait, it is, but what are you gonna do about it? (*leaves*)
Nico: ...Ah well, I guess we'll have to cut short this little chat of ours. For now.
Ashley: That's a shame...I wish I could have learned about your love life a bit more.
Nico: There'll be plenty of time for that next time. See you around, Ashie.
Ashley: Bye, Nico. I'll be heading back to my stateroom if you need me.
Nico: Alrighty then. Cheers.
Shared: Silver Ring!
Since I ran out of songpyeons, I've attempted to give this to her instead. She does admit it is very beautiful, especially due to the pink tourmaline, however...
Obtained: Silver Ring!
It cannot possibly take the place of her engagement ring. While it is much more extravagant and precious, Nico's ring is proof of her love, and as such, the gift is returned.
Shared: Kitten Hairclip!
She does like the hairclip though.
Nicolette Birza - Level 1!
Nico adores and loves her adoptive older brother, Aidan, with it being reciprocated, and the two of them are currently engaged. *sigh* Sounds like a K-Drama with an actual happy ending...
By the time JJ had finished badgerin- interviewing all of us, the sky had gone dark yet again. I had spent most of the time in my room, catching up on some much-needed sleep. It wasn't before the knocking on my door did I eventually get up to answer it.
"Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!" yelled Sasha, who was still lacking a vest and tie, but had gained a coat. Her hair was noticeably frizzy - probably a byproduct of investigation.
I could only manage back a flat, "What."
Sasha pouted. "It's a reference, Ashie. It's also dinnertime, and I got singled out to get you."
"Oh." I stood up. "Thanks, Sasha."
She scratched the back of her head and grinned. "It's no problem, really - I like walking short distances by myself. Helps clear my head."
"I, uh…"
"Contrary to popular belief, I'm an introvert. Sometimes I just need the alone time to reflect. But that's enough of that - let's get back to dinner, shall we? My kale chips are waiting."
"Kale chips."
"Yes, I'm aware how pathetic that sounds. Trust me, they're an acquired taste."
"Oh-kay…" Shrugging, I added, "Let's go, then."
I stepped into the ballroom, and was greeted with the delicious aroma of cooked food. A wide array of food lay on the buffet stands, waiting to be consumed. Grabbing a plate and filling it up with the foods I wanted, I returned back to the main table, where the rest of my classmates had already started to eat.
"Fine, I concede defeat," I heard Maya mutter from beside me, "I can cook, alright?"
"Yeah, no kidding." Johan laughed, "You should have seen her in the kitchen."
"She's simply incredible," affirmed Tien.
"See? I knew you were good!" I cheered.
Maya's response was a derisive sniff. "Yeah, yeah, now learn to actually cook."
That being done, we turned to the bigger conversation.
"-so unless Mr. Dunham is hiding or has been hidden in one of our rooms," Faen mused, "There doesn't appear to be anywhere else on this airship he could be."
"Hiding? In our rooms?" Jackie mimed throwing up, "Merde, do you really want me to lose my dinner so soon?"
"It's true that if he was in a room, there would be basically no way for three people to see him and trigger the body discovery announcement, though." added Matthew.
"That's a surprisingly well thought-out plan, if they did do that. This unsub may be craftier than we originally bargained," added Sasha.
"Well, we'd be able to catch this unsub much faster if someone co-operated." JJ growled. "Any luck on that, by the way?"
"None," Nico answered, "He's not responding to the [Call Monokuma] option."
"Great. Ain't that a kick in the nuts." He turned to address the rest of us. "I maintain my stand that it was one of you. Speak up now, or you'll face much harsher judgement when we end up searching our rooms."
"Do you honestly think Todd's murderer would straight up admit to his or her crime?," pointed out Eric
"Their crime," pointed out Sasha.
"Not the point," said JJ angrily. "And if they know what's best for them, they'll be cooperative and do so right now."
"That's the point, isn't it?" Lucille retorted, "If they were truly Todd's murderer, they would stand to gain more from not being cooperative and getting away with it, than to own up right now!"
"You shut your mouth!" he shot back, "We are all honest, upfront and upright Super High School Level students! I refuse to believe there is a backstabbing traitor amongst us!"
"Keep thinking that, man, you're being sooooooo helpful." Maya deadpanned back.
JJ, who was obviously getting more fed up by the second, yelled back, "Sarcasm has no place in a court of law!"
"Good thing we aren't in a court of law then!" Lucile retaliated.
"...Oh. I see what you're playing at." Standing up, JJ pointed an accusing finger at Lucille. "You know, that really sounds like something the culprit would say to derail the conversation!"
And then everyone began screaming.
"What?! How could you say zhat?!"
"Dude, do you even know what derailment is?" screamed Sasha.
"That's a bit of a leap to conclusions," pointed out Matthew.
"That's an entirely baselessly accusation!" screeched Ava.
"Guys, let's not jump to conclusions now…" Johan tried to offer, although he was
"Baseless, my arse." JJ hollered, with a tone that indicated his finality. "She's a filthy, lying, murderer!"
Oh dear. He can't have just said that, he can't-
My eyes turned to Lucille, who looked completely shell-shocked and on the verge of tears. "Je ne pas-"
"Oh, so you're using crocodile tears now?"
"SETTLE DOWN!"
Hideki slammed his hands on the dinner table, making the assorted dinner items wobble. "I will not stand for all of us to experience such disorder. We will settle this like the cultured, civilized students that we are, and not resort to shouting to get our point across!"
"Ugh. None of you people care about justice!" JJ pushed his chair away and stormed out of the room. A moment later, the door slammed.
Thump.
I looked over at Nico, and, with a singular exchanged nod, we both rushed over to Lucille, who had fallen to her knees. She was now openly crying, and looked the complete opposite of the cool big-sister figure that she had been up to this point in time.
Surprisingly, or, well, not-so-surprisingly, actually, Ava joined us in helping her up, and it was her shoulder Lucille buried her face in.
"Are you okay, Lucy?"
"..." If Lucille said anything, it was muffled out.
"For a lawyer, JJ sure doesn't like playing around…" Tien muttered, "What was he thinking?"
"That's an insanely cruel way to interrogate a witness," muttered Matthew, "Not to mention that he had no actual evidence."
Throughout all of this, I could only pat Lucille on her back and attempt to solace her, while she continued to sob.
"There, there, Lucy." Ava consoled, "You're not responsible for anything he says."
"...Oui." Lucille choked out, audible only for the rest of us who were close enough to hear it.
What she ssaid next, however, shocked me.
" ...But ze accusation is not ze reason I am crying."
"Wait, what do you-"
Lucille ran out of the ballroom, and her sobs grew quieter and quieter until they disappeared.
For several minutes no one talked. Ava, Nico and I stared at each other, unblinking, each of us silently considering her parting words.
Not the reason she is crying? Then...what could it be?
"What did she say?" asked Eric.
"Nothing I could ostensibly hear." Ava replied, shooting a quick glance at Nico, then me. The look in her eyes was quick, in an effort to hide it, but it threatened, 'Say it, and I'll gut you'.
...Meep.
"Nothing," agreed Nico.
I stared at the ground. "Ditto."
"How did we get to such a point? Why did we get to such a point?" Hideki muttered.
"I'm going to go talk to JJ." Xiang offered.
"I'll go with you," said Sasha. The two of them nodded and left the room together.
"I should check on Lucille, then." Ava looked at the rest of us. "If you will excuse me."
"I'll come with too. Lucy is my friend, and I'm not going to let some meanie-pants like JJ break her." Nico tagged along as they left.
The rest of us stood around awkwardly, before Tien started to pile the plates. "If you're willing to help Johan and I clean up, we would appreciate it. Luckily, we started cooking early, so…"
She shot a knowing glance at me. "There should be ample time left for one to shower."
I blushed, "Hey, it was a one-time thing. Please don't bring it up again."
"Bring what up again?" Eric inquired.
"Nothing you should care about." Johan laughed, stepping over to grab the forks, "In any case, all of you are free to return to your rooms or help us clean up. Is that okay with you, Hideki?"
"No quarrel there." Hideki glanced at all of us, before he left, followed by a few of the others. When all was well and done, only Faen, Maya and I remained with the duo.
For quite some time, we just packed in silence,
"Ashley, can you load those pans over there into the dishwasher?" I heard Tien ask, "After that, you're all clear."
"Gotcha." I nodded in return. Putting the aforementioned cutlery in, I turned the dishwasher on, letting the machine do its job.
"See you later, guys!" I waved them goodbye, stepping out of the kitchen. "Fighting!"
"Fighting!" I heard Tien cheer in return, before Johan faintly added, "Who's fighting?!"
Giggling, I returned to my room. This time, I had learned my lesson, and quickly took a shower.
"The time is now ten o'clock! Night Time is now in effect! Please return to your rooms and go to bed! Also, the water supply is now cut off!"
I settled under my bedsheets at the Night Time Announcement went off. I thought about Lucille's breakdown, and the words she had uttered. What could she possibly have meant?
Eventually, my consciousness wandered elsewhere, and I whited out.
Act 1-4 FIN
15? Students Remaining
A/N:
That question mark is intentional, by the way. We're finally gonna have a Body Discovery Announcement to lock it in, but until then, Todd's status remains unknown. Fear not, though, the mystery will all come to a head next chapter, and we can finally get Deadly Life started.
Also, come over to our tumblr! Alongside chapters, we've got a bunch of new content like art (mostly drawn by Lime themself), a certain hilari-awesome picture made by Khronovision (see for yourself what we mean) and...Well. In any case, keep checking our tumblrs for more updates, including but not limited to corpse/execution art, more fanart of the characters, HotShot oneshots, and, well, OOC character Q&As, I guess. (disclaimer: may not actually feature that last one, but we'll try.) Now, over to the review replies. Cheers! - SD
Let'sTalkAboutMurder: Hahaha, thanks. And yeah, Todd was actually my favorite character so I'm sad to see him go, but it had to be someone and Todd was...Todd. And yes, we have tons of ships which may or may not all be ending in tragedy.
A Dingus With Sweet Shades: Goodnight, sweet prince. Rest in pieces. And yeah, I saw your sprite and reblogged it to the tumblr. He looks hecka cool.
GinMerric: Yay, more non-submitter readers! And yeah, Sasha sorta was based on your average addicted tumblr blogger. I'll check out Adzan's story later. I saw the TVTropes page for their story a while back, I think.
And I'm whatever the gender-neutral term for sir/madam is. Sir is gender-neutral in the military, I guess, so I'll go with that.
dashunterman: I think most people like Todd, which is why he had to die. And how was Lucille in this chapter? We'd appreciate any feedback.
PowerPlayer: YEEEEE ITS MURDER TIME KIDDIES. Poor Todd. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight. And there are definitely clues, you just have to look fairly deep. And/or in this chapter, which should also help.
And he is not paid, although I wouldn't call him a workhorse either.
HeroinOfDarkness: I feel like what we can learn from this trend in the reviews is that people like energetic ginger acrobats who speak in the third person.
Will the ship sail? Who killed Todd? Will Lime ever learn to draw well? Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z! - Lime
(...Really? You had to go there? - SD)
Ssssssh. Don't get between me and my bad jokes. - Lime
(That wasn't even a joke- /shot -SD)
Shut the hell your mouth. - Lime.