Act 2-4: Can You Keep A Secret?

Uh...This time, it isn't transphobia, I swear. This time I gotta put up a body horror CW. Involving breasts. Long story, but it's fairly graphic compared to anything so far so...you've been warned.

-Lime

My name is Ashley Jubilee Jung. I'm an up-and-coming K-Pop idol - or at least, I hope I am. My friends and colleagues from Heartfuls are behind me all the way though, so I'm confident I'll make the cut.

My sixteenth birthday passed a while ago. The girls all decided to go the extra mile, and all pooled their money together to buy me my first motorcycle as a present - a Hyosung, model GT125R. That, along with my license that arrived in the mail early that morning, means I can finally ride a motorcycle on my own!

I was really, really stoked. I love the feel of the air whistling against me as I go against it. Normally, I'd only be able to achieve this euphoria through roller-coasters (Everland and Lotte World come to mind), but I can finally do it anytime I want!

I decided to take the motorcycle for a test drive. Since Seoul was rather packed, I decided it was best to do so over in Busan instead, where the roads were more wide, and the motorists more forgiving. It was a good time too - we were going over to Busan to record the music video for our next hit single, 'Loving You Dearly'.

The day we wrapped up, the other girls decided to go out shopping. Me, I went to the parking lot, where my brand-new motorcycle had been graciously transferred over by my manager. It was a beautiful shade of burgundy, like my hair, and I assumed that's why the girls must have bought it for me.

I put on my helmet, and adjust my elbow guards. I was required to wear them, partly for my own safety, and partly because the paparazzi would have a field day chasing me if I was recognized so easily.

Revving it up, I relish in the sound of the engine starting up. Adjusting my body to fit the contours, I bend myself forward, and adjust my grip on the two handles. It purrs in my hands, and I can feel the metal resonate with my heartbeat. My body is ready. I turn the throttle, release both brakes, and off I go.

I cruise down the streets of Busan at a very leisurely pace, feeling both the rush of adrenaline it gives me, and the wind blowing against my face through the open-visor helmet. It honestly doesn't ever get any better than this, I think to myself, as I turn a corner, deciding to start slowing down at the busy intersection ahead.

And then the dog ran out from the street.

I screech on my brakes, but am unable to slow down in time. The motorcycle skids, before slamming into the dog at full speed. The sudden, abrupt change in direction causes the bike to flip over, and I fly off it onto the asphalt road, landing hard on one of my ankles. On the other hand, the bike continues its path forward - and a car rams into it, causing that car to skid, along with the rest of the cars on the busy intersection.

CRASH!

I woke up with a start, sweating into my sheets.

That memory...Why did my dreamscape have to bring up that memory? That's-

...Oh. Right.

Our secrets.

That was my memory of the Busan incident...But the media would have told you otherwise. 'Motorcyclist kills dog, causes pile-up!' was all over the news, but the identity of said motorcyclist was always kept quiet. Our manager paid off the press and police to gloss over the fact that I was the motorcyclist involved, because otherwise, the scandal would have been devastating to my career. There's just no way to recover from something like that.

Luckily, no one was killed, though quite a lot of people were hospitalized, me included. The official story is that I was just in the area, and had fallen while running from the scene, explaining my twisted ankle. The girls visited me everyday, bringing with them gifts, tributes, and other dedications our fans sent to us to wish me good health. They assured me that the traffic accident would have no effect on my career, and I'd be up and performing with them in time for our international tour.

If only they knew...

Klonk. Klonk.

Somebody's at my door?

I got up and off the bed. Straightening down my bedc-head, I walked over to the door. I carefully inched the door open, wary of who it could be outside.

I gasped.

If it wasn't for the long blonde hair, I wouldn't have guessed that it was Nico who was standing in front of my door.

Her eyes were completely bloodshot - I couldn't even make out where her scarlet pupils were anymore. Fresh tear streaks marked her face, and her hair was dishevelled, as were her pyjamas. In short, she looked like she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep all night long.

She smiled when she saw me, but the smile looked completely out-of-place and forced. "Oh, phew, Ashie, you're awake. I was beginning to think this was one of my nightmares…"

"Why? What's going on?" I question.

"Like, nobody's awake. I went on a quick stroll around the airship, and there was no one at all. You were the first door I knocked on, so thank god you responded."

I was perturbed. "Isn't it a little early?"

"Hardly - it was half past nine on my computer's clock when I got out to walk. I'm also pretty sure Monokuma didn't sound the Morning Announcement either, because…"

"...Because..."

Nico's voice trailed off as she looked away. "I haven't been sleeping. I can't sleep at all, not after…"

Oh gosh, I thought, Was her secret that serious to frazzle Nico up so badly?

"It's nothing, trust me!" she hurriedly spoke, definitely too fast to pretend it was nothing.

"Oh, it's something, all right."

I flinched as the two of us turned to the end of the hallway, where Monokuma was walking down, probably having come from the secret passageway that revolved back into the far wall. "We chose the most painful, soul-shattering secrets the two of us could dig up in order to motivate you. And yes, Nicolette, we got in touch with that doctor. He was very willing to run his mouth for a quick buck - and Yukari threatening to slit his throat."

"Ataru," she hissed, although it sounded less angry and more anguished. "Do you have any idea how much this hurts? Do you have any idea how much pain the others must be going through right now?"

"Of course." Monokuma's expression was neutral. "Don't you know? I've been in your position too. My secret caused me despair to no end, and I was almost ready to commit murder when the Super High School Level Optometrist beat me to it. Yukari's had it worse; no one was willing to commit murder, so her secret - and everyone else's - were broadcast to the whole of Japan. Not that you would care."

I stared at the monochromatic bear, and the Co-Pilot - no, the Supporter behind the facade. Inwardly, I was torn between actually sympathizing for them, and remaining indifferent. They were our hosts, after all - as much as I could pity them, they were already responsible for screwing us over in the first place.

"In any case, I apologize. I woke up late today, and Yukari's still asleep, so we haven't broadcast the morning announcement yet. If you excuse me-"

"Goooooooooood morning, students! It's ten in the morning, so get ready to greet another beeeeeautiful day! But seriously, get your asses up, you bastards!"

Ataru- no, Monokuma, turned around. "My work here is done. Adios."

As he disappeared back into the secret passageway, a door opened to my front.

"Ashley? Nico? What's going on?" Hideki rubbed his head tiredly as he looked out of his door. "Why did the morning announcement come so late?"

We looked at each other. "It's...a long story."

"Okay. In any case, we should all meet up to discuss...the motive. I suggest you both prepare yourself...I have a feeling today won't be very pleasant." With that said, he closed his door on us.

"I'll...go take a shower. See you later, Ashie." Nico murmured as she left for her room.

1st Floor Aft

2nd Floor Aft

Selected Level: 1st Floor Aft

Atrium

Passenger Cabins

Dining Area - Ballroom

Dining Area - Kitchen

Storage Room

Medical Room

Janitor's Closet

Casino and Bar

Luxury Sitting Room

Mysterious Room

Selected Area: Dining Area - Ballroom

I sighed and walked down the hall to the Ballroom. While the shower helped clear my thoughts, it did nothing to improve my mood.

To my surprise, Hideki was standing outside it. His downcast expression visibly brightened when he saw me.

"Oh, Ashley. You're the last one." He cleared his throat. "Johan and Tien said they're in no mood to cook fancy, so we're all going to eat at the fast food place."

"Okay," I said with a nod. "Lead the way, then?"

He smiled. "Sure."

1st Floor Aft

2nd Floor Aft

Selected Level: 2nd Floor Aft

Swimming Pool

Changing Rooms

Arcade

Gym

Fast Food Place

Laundry Room

Selected Area: Fast Food Place

The fast food place was already full when we arrived, with two tables occupied. At the first table Jackie and Matthew sat passionately conversing about...something. Probably a mathematical concept, considering how much Matthew was dominating the conversation, or perhaps it had to do with his secret. Next to them, Faen and Johan ate in silence, Johan glaring at his plate. Lucille stared solemnly at her drink, looking as though she was internally sobbing. Maya leaned against the far wall, glaring at everyone.

At the next table over, Eric sat across from Xiang and Sasha, who all ate in silence. Sasha took occasional sips of what looked like green tea, but their pancakes were untouched. Their attention was instead devoted to a book - The Devil In The White City, the cover read. Nico sat next to Sasha. She hadn't even begun to eat, and was just picking at her food. I gathered a small portion of food from Tien, along with a cup of lemon tea, before I sat down next to her, Hideki to my left.

We all ate in silence, before someone spoke up.

Sasha stood up from their chair and shut their book. "Everyone...I have something to say."

Sasha looked visibly nervous. This wasn't right- a professional public speaker shouldn't look this nervous, especially with what they revealed to me that first day.

They sighed deeply. "I didn't sleep at all last night. Of course, that isn't exactly abnormal, but the specifics of what I did last night are. I didn't go for any walks. I didn't even look outside my door. And there is a reason." They paused.

"That reason is that I was scared. Really, truly terrified. As someone who's lived and breathed politics for years now, I know backstabbing. I know what people will do to preserve their secrets. And I knew at least one person was contemplating murder as I sat there. I never considered murder, but I was scared. I've spent so long hiding this, after all...but as I sat there and thought, I realized something. Secrets...they only have power over you if you let them. So, I've decided, I won't let my secret overpower me."

Wow...I guess I can see how they're so successful in politics - they're certainly a very motivational speaker. Sasha has so much presence it's hard not to take them seriously.

"I dunno. They're not that great," responded Eric.

"If Jung and Andrews will be quiet for a moment, you're throwing me off," said Sasha, unfolding a small piece of paper that they had removed from their pocket. "Ah, yes, and I quote:"

"To Sasha Oryolov: We know your secret, Mx. Oryolov. Or should I say, Mx. Cavendish?"

Tien gasped again, as did Eric, although there was something...different about the way he gasped?

Sasha continued. "My secret is that my father was Boston's Matthew Cavendish...better known as the Kitchen Knife Killer."

I looked around - Hideki looked mortified, Matthew as though he was about to cry. Faen looked strangely disturbed, Tien a mixture of scared and fascinated, and most others were somewhere between scared and confused.

"First instance the KKK isn't trying to be white supremacists." Maya drawled from the corner, "But by all means, go on."

Sasha sighed. "There. You all know my secret now. And I've just eliminated one-thirteenth of the motive. My father may have killed seventeen women, but I hope that, should we all confess our secrets, well- no one will have to die."

"How do we know zis isn't somehow tied to your murder plot?" Jackie asked, slightly paranoid.

"You don't. Not for sure. I'm just asking all of you to trust me- just how I trusted you with my deepest, darkest secret."

For several moments everyone stood in silence. There was really no way to react to something like that.

Then, Eric found a way. "...Does this mean you're a sociopath too?"

Sasha glared. "No, why on Earth would you think that?"

He shrugged. "Heard some mental disorders were genetic is all."

"Yeah, sure, some anxiety dis-hey, we're getting off track!"

"And what was the track?" asked Hideki.

Sasha shrugged. "I dunno. Figured my method of conquering my fear of having my secret revealed might work for others, I guess. Stupid in hindsight, I guess. I'll leave."

"No. Don't."

We all turned to Matthew, who cleared his throat. "I commend your effort, Sasha. Which is why I'll reveal mine as well."

Unfolding a note of his own, he read, "To Matthew Tanner: We know your secret, Mr. Tanner. We talked to a certain Nicholas White, and he still hasn't forgiven you for beating him up in eighth grade. In fact, he says you still owe him the bill on his ICU fees."

A gasp sounded from everyone but Jackie - me included.

Sasha raised their hands in a pose reminiscent of a certain astrophysicist. "Look out, we've got a badass over here."

"It's not that funny." Matthew paled, "It was the first time I ever lost control...The first time I let my emotions get the better of me."

"Eet eez okay," said Jackie as she stood up. "I am scared of spiders myself."

I stared at her. Somehow, despite her gothic lolita presentation, it wasn't much of a surprise. But that was really her darkest secret? That she was afraid of spiders?

Makes me feel like a chump in return...

Next, Tien stood up. "I once accidentally burned down the special laboratory I was borrowing from a colleague - Mutsuko Yukimura, I believe her name was - and I never repaid her."

"That's as bad as it gets?" Maya raised an eyebrow.

She flushed. "Hey, Mutsuko was a good friend of mine! Besides, she has connections all over the world - if she knows how I was responsible for that, my name would probably get dragged through the mud in every scientific community in the existance!"

"...Kft." Eric stood up, unfolding his sheet of paper. "I suppose I should go next."

"To Eric Andrews: We know your secret, Mr. Andrews. You have sex daily."

A confused "Huh?" echoed throughout the fast food place, before Eric blushed. "...I mean, 'You have dyslexia'."

"Oooooooooooooooh." Well, at least that made slightly more sense.

"For a moment there, I thought Eric was actually a pimp." Johan simmered, "Luckily, realism caught up."

"Hey! What do you mean realism? I'm a pimp for all you know!"

"Yeah. Keep on believing that." Maya snarked. "Best of luck when you fail at getting it up."

Evidently, Eric decided discretion was the better part of valour, and, not wanting a repeat of yesterday's fiasco, he quietly grumbled before sitting down.

"You people don't have very murder-worthy secrets," Sasha muttered quietly.

"Don't count on zhat..."

Lucille, who had likely heard them, huffed. "No one else seems very interested in sharing theirs."

"Johan Otto is a social failure compared to his family. There you go. That's it." Johan crossed his arms. "What about you, Lucille? What secrets do you have?"

In response to that, she sighed deeply. "On one hand, it would be in ze best interests of everyone zhat I tell you all. On ze other, I could very well be charged in ze courts should this secret be released to ze press."

"How bad can it possibly be, Ms. DuCarde?" Faen inquired.

"...To Lucille DuCarde: We know your secret, Ms. DuCarde. Dead men tell no lies, and Mr. Antonio Viera is not an exception to zis rule."

Her hands were visibly trembling as she continued to hold the paper and read. "The thugs he hired zhat night were very willing to run zheir mouths - zhen again, considering they were serving life in prison while you weren't, I'm not entirely surprised. While they, and by extension Mr. Viera, were responsible for ze deaths of your parents and ze subsequent permanent hospitalization of your comatose brother, it's a wonder how they were all charged in court, while you never were, for ze murder of Mr. Viera. We know how you sabotaged his brakes on ze day of his big race, causing him to lose control of his car."

Once she had finished, she concluded with a shudder. "My entrance to Hope's Peak, or any other educational institution, for zhat matter, will likely be withdrawn should this ever reach any ears but yours."

We remained silent for the longest period of time. Some of us were shocked, some others were merely speechless. We had not expected Lucille of all people to have such a grave secret.

Then Faen spoke up. "I, uh...I used to help my classmates on homework…"

Maya raised an eyebrow. "How is that bad?"

"No, I'm not finished! I helped them by letting them cheat off me!" He blushed softly. "It's embarrassing to admit…"

Maya raised her other eyebrow. "Point stands. Who does that leave?"

Sasha glared at her. "You, for one."

Maya laughed. "I'm not spilling. Your pathetic misguided effort isn't actually going to save anyone. Someone is going to lie, someone is going to murder. I'm not putting myself out there like that for no reason." And with that she turned and silently left the room.

Sasha frowned. "Well, that leaves...Xiang…Kenta...Birza...and Jung."

I felt myself begin to sweat as everyone turned to me. "I...uh...could I not?"

"You can do whatever you want. That doesn't mean it's the right thing to do," said Xiang as he stood up.

"Hey, where're you going?" asked Hideki.

"Nowhere, really. Just going to go meditate. This secret business is giving me a migraine. Good day."

"And a pleasant day to you as well, Mr. Li!" said Faen as he left.

"Thank you." Xiang closed the door softly behind him. Through it, we could hear him break into a sprint.

"..." Hideki stared blankly. "What just...happened?"

"I think we may have just let him get away without revealing his secret," muttered Sasha.

"Devious bloody bastard!" exclaimed Eric.

"So, then, I suppose I'll go next, if Ashley doesn't want to." Hideki stood up. "My secret is that I'm not actually German. In fact, I'm Japanese!"

Everyone just gaped. It was so clear that he was lying - there was no doubt about it.

"Perhaps you could tell us ze truth, no?" asked Jackie.

"What do you mean? T-That's the truth," he said, clearly flustered.

"I 'unno, mate. Doesn't sound like it. I know you well enough to know that you are a bloody horrid liar."

Hideki turned bright red. "Well, I-"

"Look, Hideki," Lucille said slowly, "It cannot be worse zhan-"

"Shut up! Shut up!"

Hideki slammed his hand on the table, shocking me, who had been sitting right next to him. "I swear to you, on my father's name, that I am telling the truth and only the truth, and that's final!"

With that said, he too stormed out in a huff.

We sat in shocked silence for several moments. With Hideki, Maya and Xiang having left the room felt painfully empty. Finally, the silence was broken.

"So...Ashley and Nico are the last to state their motives," said Matthew quietly.

"I…" I muttered, feeling all eyes on me, "I was the motorcyclist in the Busan incident."

"The say what now?" questioned Sasha.

"I hit a dog with a motorcycle, and caused a huge pileup, injuring dozens of people."

"And...how long ago was this incident?" asked Johan

"Less than a year…" I said slowly.

"Ah, yes, then. I believe I know which one you are referring to." Tien remarked, "There was a news report on that during one of the episodes of 'Nice Guy'."

She blushed when I looked at her. "What? I love K-Dramas, don't judge."

"That leaves, um...Nico." Everyone's attention turned on the EDM musician, who, having said nothing prior to this, was practically shaking in her seat.

"..."

"Your reaction was...most unnerving, yesterday, Ms. Birza." Faen put a hand on her shoulder, "Are you sure you're comfortable with telling us your secret?"

"...No." She shook her head. "I am most definitely not comfortable with sharing this secret. Ask me anything else, anything. I'll tell you the rest of my secrets, I will. I'm an orphan, I love my older brother, I wrote eighty-seven songs with the same chord progression!"

Her voice roared to a crescendo. "BUT ANYTHING BUT THIS! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

She collapsed onto the table, face in her hands. "I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRY! WAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Oh come on!" Sasha groaned, "How bad can it possibly be? We've already had condoning plagiarism, arson, violence and outright murder! Surely-"

"DOOOOOOON'T CALL ME SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIRLEEEEEEEEEY!"

Before I could console her, she was off, leaving behind a trail of tears on the ground as she ran out of the Fast Food Place.

I was stunned, to say the least. Part of me hoped that it was just an embarrassing secret like Faen's, but deep down, I was pretty sure there was so much more to it…

And that's not counting how Hideki, Maya and Xiang both left as well! Granted, there wasn't any doubt Maya was gonna leave, but still…

"I suppose I'll chalk that down as a partial success..." Sasha trailed off. "Oh! I gotta find Xiang!" And they left the room, leaving a copy of [The Devil in the White City] lying on the table.

"I should probably check on Hideki," Eric agreed, walking out a bit more quietly than Sasha had.

I picked up the book so that I could give it to Sasha when I saw them, and followed Eric out. For now, I had to find Nico. And fast.

Item get!

Obtained: Sasha's Book!

The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson is a book about...a serial killer, of all things. It belongs to Sasha Oryolov.

1st Floor Aft

2nd Floor Aft

Selected Level: 1st Floor Aft

Atrium

Passenger Cabins

Dining Area - Ballroom

Dining Area - Kitchen

Storage Room

Medical Room

Janitor's Closet

Casino and Bar

Luxury Sitting Room

Mysterious Room

Selected Area: Casino and Bar

It was by sheer luck I followed the sound of glass breaking to find her.

Nico was sitting on one of the bar's high chairs, sipping on something green, and chucking wine bottles at nothing in particular. I had to catch one of said bottles - partly because she threw it at me, and partly because it was a bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite - how the pilots managed to import a hundred-and-sixty-thousand bottle of wine onto this airship was beyond me, but that's not the point.

"Go *hic* away, Ashie. Please," she murmured, taking another sip of whatever it was she was drinking (looked like absinthe up close), and preparing a wine bottle. "I don't want to have to kill you with *hic* these wine bottles. Send someone like *hic* Sasha instead."

I rushed over, and wrenched the bottle from her hands, setting it down. "Nico, stop with this."

"You don't tell someone *hic* that and expect them to follow through." She picked up the bottle and smashed it against the countertop.

I wanted to remove that bottle again, before she did something I hadn't expected.

She held the end of the broken bottle to her arm.

"No, don't you dare!"

I grabbed the vessel away by its neck, as the first drops of blood escaped her skin. Nico turned to look at me, and sighed. "Just...do me a favour, Ashie."

Holding out her hands, she motioned at the broken bottle. "Two quick cuts. That's all I ask."

Is she seriously asking me to kill her…?!

I flung the shards away, and propped her up by the shoulder. "Not gonna happen. Never gonna happen. Come on, Nico, I need to get you back to your room."

Atrium

Passenger Cabins

Dining Area - Ballroom

Dining Area - Kitchen

Storage Room

Medical Room

Janitor's Closet

Casino and Bar

Luxury Sitting Room

Mysterious Room

Selected Area: Passenger Cabins

Swiping her Electro-ID against the door handle, I dragged her limp body through her own door. Avoiding one of the bags situated by the small hall, I brought her over to her fuchsia-coloured bed, and laid her down upon it.

"What am I going to do about you?" I sighed, before I took a look around.

Nico's stateroom was very basic, like everyone else's. Same flooring, table model and colour - in fact, only the things on our respective tables separated us apart. While I had my group's electronic badge and now-empty box of songpyeons on mine (I don't remember why I still kept that there, to be honest), Nico's signature headphones lay on a stand in the middle, while a picture frame was propped over to the side. Walking over to get a closer look, I saw a long blonde-haired girl being kissed on the forehead by a good-looking guy with black hair. Both looked to be in an extreme state of bliss.

I realized with a start who they were. It's Nico, and the guy must have been her beau...Aidan, I believe his name was.

"You're...right…"

I turned. Nico's eyes were fluttering, but it had definitely been her who had said that. "Nico, are you alright?" I asked.

"Barely," she coughed, "Can you...get me...some water?"

Reaching for one of the 'complimentary bottles' provided by the airship (which featured a smiling Monokuma wwwws on them), I passed it over to Nico, who held it with shaking fingers as she downed in all in one go.

"..." She remained stoic, before getting up to a sitting position-

"Bluugh!"

-and getting up for real, and running to the bathroom to throw up.

I patted her back as she blew chunks, though I didn't dare turn my eyes to the contents of the bowl. When she was done, she flushed the toilet, before holding out a weak hand. "PJs. Please."

I looked around again. Nico's pyjamas were hanging on a hook, so I unhooked them and held them out for her.

She seemed to ponder something, before taking the clothing, and groaned, "Alright...You win, Ashie. I just…"

She unbuttoned her jacket, before removing her vest, exposing a snow-white bra. "I can't take keeping this secret in any longer. It's yours to know and do with now."

The bra came off as she turned around.

Oh my god...My hands flew protectively to my own chest. That's...

In sharp contrast to the nearly-flawless exterior that showed through the rest of her body, her chest was a patchwork of scarred skin, covered through both breasts and even reaching to her back. Her nipples had been reduced to nothing more than stubs, as a mess of staples and sewing lines pierced the area and all around right through.

A new wave of tears had broken free. "It's only fair I explain to you how I got these scars."

= = Free Time! = =

Free Time with Nico?

[Yes] [No]

Nico: In case you were wondering, none of my family members were drinkers…

Nico: In fact, that just now was only the second time I got drunk.

Nico: But it's better to be drunk than needing to remind myself about that botched surgery any more than I had to be.

Ashley: Oh...Did that have anything to do with the doctor Ataru mentioned?

Nico: The very same. The thing is, down South, you're not legally allowed to undergo breast augmentation surgery until you're twenty, so no official doctor would take me up.

Nico: So...I did something stupid. I went to the black market.

Nico: I contacted a doctor who said he would get me the full-size boobs I wanted. And I believed him.

Nico: (*sighs deeply*) Look what that got me.

Ashley: ...Wow.

Ashley: ...That's...I don't know what to say.

Nico: No need to say anything, Ashie. I was a stupid girl then - I thought Aidan would never love me because I was as flat as a washboard. I thought I would never amount to anything more than a childish little sister in his eyes.

Nico: I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And now I'm still paying the price.

Nico: Everyday. In the shower. I can't even look down at myself.

Ashley: But why couldn't you get them removed? Surely there must have been some way to...take them off?

Nico: I wish, Ashie. I really wish there was. But that jackass of a medical practitioner didn't just fill my chest up with silicon...he injected the silicone straight into my muscles.

Nico: They had to burn my skin off just to get into removing all of that shit!

Nico: These stitches are the only thing keeping my chest cavity together anymore. Anything less, and my lungs fall right out. It means I can't take these off - I can never take them off.

Nico: These scars last forever, Ashie...I have to go through the rest of my life always seeing, always knowing they're there.

Nico: (*sobs*) You can't tell me I don't want this to be revealed to the entire world! What would they even think of me if they knew I was some abomination?!

Nico: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! (*bawls*)

Ashley: N-Nico…

Ashley: …

Ashley: I can't even react to that anymore. I just can't.

Ashley: How in the world did Nico manage to get through all that with a smile on her face for so long? How much pain is she even in right now?

Ashley: I have to console her. Somehow.

Ashley: Nico...I'm really, really sorry for you. No one deserves to ever go through that, especially you.

Ashley: You're beautiful even if those scars exist - let no one, not even the world, tell you otherwise, okay?

Ashley: It doesn't matter what imperfections you have on the outside - you are a beautiful person through and through on the inside, and that's what counts, so please, cheer up? For me?

Nico: …

Nico: (*huffs*) Y-You're right...I've already lived two years with this pain. I can handle a little more.

Nico: A little more…

Nico: A...little...more. (*collapses*)

Ashley: Nico?! Oh no, you're not gonna wilt away on me, I won't permit it.

Nico: I...I'll be fine. Really...Just, please bring me back to my bed...Please...

Ashley: I'll do it right now…

Ashley: …

Ashley: She's in her pyjamas, lying on the bed, sobbing into a pillow…

Nico: I-I'm sorry, Ashie...I dragged you into my own mess.

Nico: I don't deserve your friendship. I don't deserve to be anyone's friend. Not after betraying their trust like I did this morning.

Nico: Just...give me time, a pencil, and some paper...to write a suicide note.

Nico: Let me make it easier for you guys - no one has to commit murder…

Ashley: Don't you dare, Nico! (*screams*) Don't you dare kill yourself because of this.

Nico: But...it's the only way. My secret won't get out, and no one else's will either. They'll live while me and my worthless secret go out. Isn't that worth it?

Ashley: She's gone full-blown suicidal! I need to convince her away from the slippery slope, and I don't have time!

Ashley: Quick, an item! Any item!

==Select!==

1. Sunflower Seeds

2. Self-Erasing Cassette Tape

3. Absolute Tuning Fork

4. Crowbar

5. Tissues

6. Bandages

7. Sasha's Book

Ashley: From me to you.

Ashley: Here goes nothing.

Ashley: TWANG!

Nico: Ooooooooooooooow! What the hell, Ashie, was that for?!

Ashley: Nico. I won't ever forgive myself if I let you die like that.

Ashley: It's a secret, Nico. Granted, it's a very painful secret, but you have all of us! We support you no matter what happens.

Ashley: We promise.

Nico: ...

Ashley: Um, Nico?

Nico: (*light snoring*)

Ashley: Oh. Oh well, I guess…I'll just leave this on her desk.

Shared: Absolute Tuning Fork!

It had the power to send Nicolette Birza to sleep...Somehow, I don't think that was its intentional use.

Nicolette Birza - Level 2!

Nico's faced quite a distressing secret in the form of her chest. I don't think I could ever live with the guilt and reminder about that...

"Aw, what the hell? Why's your door open, Birza?"

I looked up, from where Nico had finally quietly dozed off in her bed. "Sorry. Forgot to close it, I guess."

"Wait, Jung?" Sasha exclaimed, "What are you doing in here with Birza?"

They closed the door behind them. I could see they were holding their coat in their hands, and had rolled the sleeves of their dress shirt up to their elbows. Their tie was loose.

"I was bringing her back to her room…" I sighed, "She's not in the best of moods.

They sighed. "In any case, it's almost like you have a death wish or something. Christ on a bicycle, there could be a latent killer loose on board the ship and none of you would even be the wiser!"

I sighed. "Don't you think you're being a little paranoid?"

"I lived with a murderer for half of the first thirteen years of my life, Jung. My paranoia is justified."

"Well, look, I'm safe. You can go now."

They frowned. "Okay then. Later, Jung."

"Oh, wait!"

They turned around. "What is it?"

"Look," I cut them off, "I just...wanted to tell you something."

They tilted their head to the side. "Is this going to be a dramatic reveal of your plan to murder me, Jung?"

I blanched. "Was that a joke? Because you seem awfully calm for someone who thinks I'm gonna try to kill you."

"I honestly think I can take you in a fight, Jung," they said, "but no, that wasn't a joke. Regardless, what did you want to tell me?"

= = Free Time! = =

Free Time with Sasha?

[Yes] [No]

Sasha: Look, Jung, make it snappy. I've got a meeting with Kenta and Lam in t-minus thirty minutes, so hurry it up.

Ashley: Well, I have a couple of things to talk to you about…

Sasha: (*facepalms*) Oy gevalt. Please try to hurry.

Ashley: Well, I just want to say that it was really brave of you to say your secret like that.

Sasha: Well, can I reveal another secret? It was all part of my master plan.

Ashley: ...Master plan?

Sasha: I don't know why I'm even telling you this, but I figured that if everyone confessed their secrets, it would narrow the suspect pool. At this point, murder is practically inevitable, and I just want to minimize casualties.

Ashley: So you sacrificed your secret for that?

Sasha: (*laughs*) Of course. It wasn't even a hard choice. My secret for several lives - it's a no-brainer. I knew from the moment I got that paper that I would be divulging its contents.

Ashley: Aren't you worried about your reputation if this gets out?

Sasha: Not really. It was bound to get out anyway - my name was all over the news during the trial. (*resentfully*) If anything, it'd earn me more sob story points. Make me an even better poster child.

Ashley: Poster child?

Sasha: I'll go into that some other day - assuming I'm not the next target. (*laughs*)

Ashley: Their laugh seems so insincere...somehow, I don't think they're telling the whole truth. And they're terrified of dying on the despairship, as much as they deny it...but regardless, there's something else I need to talk to them about.

Sasha: ...And that is…?

Ashley: It's about Nico...It's why she said those things to you last night, about not wanting that body of hers.

Ashley: Her chest...it's criss-crossed with scars. It's why she so protective of it and why she never wanted any part of it seen. Nico was the victim of a failed breast enhancement surgery - to the point where her chest could almost be considered concave.

Sasha: (*apathetically*) ...Oh.

Ashley: ...Don't you feel sorry for her?

Sasha: Yes, of course I feel sorry for her! What she went through sounds terrible...but that doesn't give her the right to tell me I shouldn't wish to be in her place…

Sasha: Look, I went through the exact reverse, with the added bonus of a psych eval, and my mother screaming bloody murder over the phone. I haven't seen the woman who raised me in two years, Jung, because she lives in a place where I'm not even allowed to drive because of who I am!

Sasha: And while that doesn't make what Nico suffered any less awful, saying that I should be happy that I'm only transgender, against a scarred body - I draw the line there, Jung!

Ashley: Even when they're were practically flipping out, Sasha's an amazing speaker...I'm not going to just roll over, though.

Ashley: Nico's surgery was botched, Sasha. Can you imagine having to live with that emotional pain for what amounts to the rest of your life?

Sasha: I don't need a botched surgery for that, Jung! Just looking in the mirror will suffice! I used to wake up every day miserable, not even knowing why, and when I found the source the best I could do for years was just avoid looking down!

Sasha: (*sighs*) Look, this isn't a pissing contest between me and Nico, though. What's much more important is preventing a murder from happening.

Sasha: So I have to ask you - do you think Nico is going to be alright?

Ashley: She's a suspect in your mind, isn't she?

Sasha: 'Course not. Takes more than just motive to make a killer. I've seen the psych profile the FBI put together on my old man, and even I fit huge chunks of it. I'm just wondering if she's gonna be okay - she seemed awfully disturbed.

Ashley: She's got a gigantic network of scars covering her chest! She looks like -

Sasha: Y-You don't need to tell me that! Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't know how much it hurts. Please pass on my...condolences and apologies to her when she wakes up.

Ashley: (*raises eyebrow*) Can't you tell her yourself?

Sasha: Nope. I gotta go talk to Kenta and Lam.

Ashley: Okay, but first - another thing.

Sasha: Yes?

Ashley: You forgot this.

==Select!==

1. Sunflower Seeds

2. Self-Erasing Cassette Tape

3. Crowbar

4. Tissues

5. Bandages

6. Sasha's Book

Ashley: From me to you.

Sasha: Oh.

Sasha: I guess that I shouldn't leave my stuff lying around like that, huh?

Ashley: It's about a serial killer...

Sasha: Well, yeah.

Ashley: You seem awfully interested in them….

Sasha: (*shrugs*) When you have a serial killer living under your nose for thirteen years, you want to learn more. As I said earlier, law enforcement has never been an option for me - I know an SHSL Criminal Profiler, and she lent me that. Now I'd say her preoccupation is rather unhealthy…

Ashley: ...One last thing, then.

Sasha: (*sighs*) Yes?

Ashley: Why do you call people by their surnames?

Sasha: I...what? That's a weird question.

Ashley: Well, the way you do it, it seems rather derogatory.

Sasha: It's meant to be...but at the same time it isn't. I like to visibly differentiate between those I'm close to and those I don't yet trust enough to consider friends or respect enough to consider a superior. It's nothing personal.

Ashley: ...I see…

Ashley: ...Makes me wonder what they must see the rest of us as now. I think I've said enough.

Shared: Sasha's Book!

A profiler friend of Sasha's lent them this book. It chronicles both the building of the Chicago World's Fair and the killings of serial killer H. H. Holmes.

Sasha Oryolov - Level 2!

Sasha was willing to reveal their secret to save the rest of us, and is already making plans to figure out how to catch the murderer.

"Regardless, I gotta go," Sasha said as they got up. "Kenta and Lam and I have something to discuss."

"The papers in JJ's room?" I asked.

They sighed. "Overheard that, didn't you - but yeah. That." They turned and left the room. "Be sure to leave Birza my condolences!"

I stared at their retreating form down the hallway, before returning into the room, locking the door behind me this time. I sat down at Nico's table, and sighed.

What have we become? What has this motive twisted our bonds of friendship into?

"...So that's...how it is."

I whipped around. Nico was on her back, and her face showed a rather vacant expression. "I messed up, didn't I? I screwed our friendship over again."

"No, you didn't." I consoled, in an attempt to soothe her. "Sasha forgave you for-"

"I was listening in, Ashie," she bit her lip, "I know what they said. Thank you for trying."

I shook my head. "You aren't going to be convinced until they tell you personally, aren't you?"

"Pretty much, yeah." She stood up. "I'll just...see you out. Somebody has to lock the door, after all."

She shuffled over to the door, as I moved outside it. We exchanged a glance.

"Thanks, Ashie. I'm sorry about everything."

"Stay safe, won't you?"

"I'll...do my best."

And the door closed, the lock bolting into place a moment later.

I sighed. Might as well find the others.

Atrium

Passenger Cabins

Dining Area - Ballroom

Dining Area - Kitchen

Storage Room

Medical Room

Janitor's Closet

Casino and Bar

Luxury Sitting Room

Mysterious Room

Selected Area: Mysterious Room

I found Maya exactly where I had expected her to be - the Mysterious Room in the bowels of the ship. The door to it was open as I stepped inside.

Of course, considering she tried to bash my head in with her sword as I stepped in, it was pretty clear she was in no mood to talk.

"Get out." Maya threatened, waving her wooden blade around, "Or I assure you I won't fail next time. I don't have to kill you, after all, just give you one hell of a headache."

"Um…" I blanched, "Stand down?"

"Not gonna work with me, Jubilee. Now, buzz off."

Not good...If this keeps up, Maya's never going to re-integrate herself with the others. I need to do something.

"What is your secret, Maya?"

Nailed it.

It, in fact, seemed to work, because Maya dropped her sword, and put her hands to her head.

"N-Not telling you! I-I-" she looked away, "Sh-Shut up! Get out!"

"No. I'm not going anywhere until you tell me."

"Argh!"

= = Free Time! = =

Free Time with Maya?

[Yes] [No]

Maya: I already told you! I shanked some dude thirty-seven times in the chest - that's my fucking secret, now get out of my sight!

Ashley: No. That's not it.

Maya: Oh yeah?! Fine! I also did that stupid fuck-up of a children's TV show, what the hell else do you want to know?!

WAshley: Maya, I know full well neither of those are the truth...

Maya: Oh yeah?! Well, who between the two of us knows my secret better, huh?! Evidently, it's me, so shut your stinking mouth before I silence it forever!

Maya: ...I can't handle this shit. Get out, and if you value your life, don't come back.

Ashley: Maya, please just tell me the truth!

Ashley: I won't tell anyone, I promise! And even if you do beat me up, I won't even complain.

Maya: You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!

Ashley: I can handle it, I swear! Please, Maya, just trust me!

Maya: ...

Maya: RRRRRAAAAAAAAARGH!

Maya: ...

Maya: Trust. What a strange word.

Maya: Me, trust you? Or anyone else? No. I won't stand for that. I hate you all, and I'd never give out my secret, not to you assholes.

Ashley: Well, we're all going to hear it tomorrow, anyways, so why don't you please just tell me now? Get the weight off of your shoulders.

Maya: Hah. As if. The day I tell you is the day I'll let myself get willingly sucked out of this airship.

Ashley: Look, Maya. No matter what you think, I'm your friend and I'm here for you...no matter what happened in your past.

Maya: I...I...

Maya: (*sigh*) I'm genuinely sorry, Ashley. I just…

Maya: I'm a Failure for a good reason. And I'm not about to let said reason be revealed so easily, unless it's the Airheads who are revealing the rest of our damned secrets anyways.

Maya: The problem is...I really need to tell someone. Get this fucking load off my chest once and for all.

Maya: But I sure as hell don't trust any of you. Don't get me wrong, some of you might be, ech, friends, but it ain't gonna fly. Not with me.

Ashley: Well, is there anything we can do to help? Anything I can do to help?

Maya: Unless you're volunteering to listen to my troubles, and die afterwards once you've finished hearing them, then no.

Ashley: So she just wants something to vent to, huh?

Ashley: I think I may have just the thing.

==Select!==

1. Sunflower Seeds

2. Self-Erasing Cassette Tape

3. Crowbar

4. Tissues

5. Bandages

Ashley: From me to you.

Ashley: According to the tag when I received it, this is a self-erasing cassette tape.

Ashley: If you want, you could always talk into it. Even if it doesn't erase itself, you can dispose of it someway later. It's not much, but it's all I can offer.

Maya: …

Maya: (*takes cassette tape*) ...Thank you. There, I said it.

Maya: Now buzz off. I have something to record, and unless you really want to be this Act's victim, I suggest you make like a banana, and split.

Maya: Oh, and keep the door open on your way out.

Ashley: (*leaves*) Well...At least she's coping, I guess. Better than braining someone.

Ashley: I think I'll just give her some time alone.

Shared: Self-Erasing Cassette Tape!

I'm certainly not going to be seeing this thing again - it'll either have erased itself, or be forcefully erased once Maya's done with it.

Maya Metl - Level 2!

Maya's biggest secret is how she became a Failure in the first place, and she isn't willing to have it revealed unless otherwise necessary. What could it be, though…?

Atrium

Passenger Cabins

Dining Area - Ballroom

Dining Area - Kitchen

Storage Room

Medical Room

Janitor's Closet

Casino and Bar

Luxury Sitting Room

Mysterious Room

Selected Area: Atrium

I took one step back into the Atrium to see Hideki on the escalators.

"Hideki!" I yelled on instinct. Come to think of it, that may not been the best idea.

Evidently, he agreed, because, without even turning back, he began to rush up the escalator.

"No! Come back!" I hollered, running as fast as my sneaker-clad feet would allow me to.

1st Floor Aft

2nd Floor Aft

Selected Level: 2nd Floor Aft

Swimming Pool

Changing Rooms

Arcade

Gym

Fast Food Place

Laundry Room

Selected Area: Swimming Pool

I slid into the swimming pool, barely manage to not fall over on the wet floors. I didn't see Hideki, but I did see a dry trail leading in the direction of the gym.

"Oh no you don't, you better get back here, Hideki!" I yelled, kicking my heels in that direction.

Swimming Pool

Changing Rooms

Arcade

Gym

Fast Food Place

Laundry Room

Selected Area: Gym

"Hideki!"

I burst into the gym, expecting to find our resident Surgeon, in some sort of apologetic state for trying to avoid me and all of us.

Instead, I found Xiang, who dropped his dumbbell in shock. "Woah!"

"Hey, Xiang." I said. Clearly between Nico, Sasha and Hideki, I was in an unusually sour mood, because he looked somewhat confused. He quickly shook it off, however.

"Hello, Ashley. What brings you here?"

"Nothing much."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I was chasing Hideki, but he vanished..."

"Perhaps he went to the male changing room, because he knows that you can't," Xiang suggested.

I sighed. "Probably. I don't get why he's avoiding me though..."

It was like a lightbulb had lit itself over my head. "Come to think of it…" I pondered, "Xiang, why did you avoid the rest of us?"

His neutral smile dropped into a frown very quickly. "If you excuse me, Ashley, I have something to attend to-"

"Xiang?"

"Yes?"

"You're a really poor liar." I stared.

He sighed. "Fine. I'll tell you, but you alone. Please don't reveal my secret to anyone else without my express permission."

= = Free Time! = =

Free Time with Xiang?

[Yes] [No]

Xiang: My secret is that I'm a coward. Plain and simple.

Ashley: ...That's it?

Ashley: That doesn't seem like a really serious secret-

Xiang: In detail, if I go to war, I won't actually fight. I'll simply lay down my gun, and wait for the enemy to shoot me dead.

Ashley: I...oh.

Ashley: Letting yourself die seems like the opposite of cowardice to me, though.

Xiang: You don't understand, Ashley. In China, it's considered the epitome of cowardice to give up without a fight.

Xiang: I was born to be a warrior...and yet, all I'm good for is a hostage.

Ashley: ...

Ashley: I have no idea how to respond to that.

Xiang: You don't have to. It's just my secret.

Xiang: ...I just can't fathom the thought of it being broadcast to the world, however.

Xiang: What would the public think of me now? What would Sun think of me?

Xiang: What would my father think of me?

Ashley: Xiang, it's alright. It takes much more courage to lay down your weapons than to charge on and fight.

Ashley: Your father may not like it, but I know you're doing the much thing that matches your morals, so please, don't worry. At least we know you're doing something right.

Xiang: Even then...I will have made my father disappointed.

Xiang: Bringing shame to your family is considered the ultimate taboo. I can't possibly forgive myself for committing such a cardinal sin.

Xiang: But I can't go against my own principles. In short, I'm bombarded from both sides, and there's no way out if my secret is revealed.

Ashley: Then you should at least be proud of your resolve.

Ashley: Not many would be so generous in admitting their faults.

Xiang: I...thank you, Ashley.

Xiang: Your words ring true. While I may have to disappoint my father, it was an eventuality. I suppose it's best it should be revealed now than later.

Ashley: He still doesn't look too convinced about himself, though…

Ashley: Perhaps a gift is in order?

==Select!==

1. Sunflower Seeds

2. Crowbar

3. Tissues

4. Bandages

Ashley: From me to you.

Xiang: Sunflower seeds?

Ashley: Um, yes, is something wrong?

Xiang: No, not really. It's just that, well, Jackie gave me the exact same thing a little while back. I'm more amused, if anything.

Ashley: O-Oh...Sorry.

Xiang: It's alright, you don't have to be. I do like these seeds myself...reminds me of the rations I eat when out and about on the field.

Xiang: ...I'm starting to feel unwell. Perhaps I should take a break.

?: Xiang? Are you in there?

Xiang: That should be my cue to hide. It was a pleasure to have talked to you, Ashley.

Xiang: Now if you will excuse me. (*leaves*)

Ashley: ...Huh.

Shared: Sunflower Seeds!

Note to self: give more original presents next time. At least Xiang likes them, otherwise, I'd be feeling really, really awkward right now.

Xiang Li - Level 2!

Should Xiang be sent to war, he would allow himself to be shut down instead of killing - something that goes against his father's ideals.

"Xiang? Xiang, are you alright? Where are- oh."

Sasha's face was darkened with worry. "Jung. Have you seen him? Xiang is avoiding me and I need-"

"N-No, I haven't."

They glared at me. "You're a worse liar than Kenta and Xiang combined. Now spill."

"He went to the male changing rooms!"

Nailed it.

Sasha's face fell. "Why won't he talk to me, Jung? Why is he avoiding me?"

I blanched. "Uh…"

I really didn't know how to answer them. Why was Xiang avoiding them?

They glared. "I have to search for him."

"B-But it's night soon! You could get killed!"

They stared straight forward as they walked off with resolve for what might be the last time.

"If I do get killed, so be it."

I stared helplessly at the spot they had been in. Oh gods, what's our idyllic peace coming to?

Act 2-4 FIN

13 Students Remaining

A/N: Alrighty then. Next chapter, somebody's gonna die, as per usual. Poll on my profile - guess who's toast. (Rinnote: GHOST?!)

Review reply time.

PowerPlayer: Well, if what you say is true the storm has officially begun. Who do YOU think is gonna be blown away?

Faen and Johan...taking bets for how soon we break that couple apart. Anyone?

Sasha has been getting progressively more and more unstable in the past few chapters. Mutual Killing Games do that to a person. By the way, I understand why people would mess this up, but PLEASE USE THEY/THEM PRONOUNS FOR SASHA.

So, who do you think is the likely target now? Likely murderer?

And the shipping name is Tessa, which was confirmed in the Forum. YOU SHOULD ALL GO TO THE FORUM ITS GREAT. AND ALSO ANSWER THE SURVEY.

Maya as a main character sounds like Hell. I know what the next bonus chapter could be, though.

A Dingus With Sweet Shades: You absolutely nailed that analysis. EVERYONE SHOULD SUBMIT AN ANALYSIS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE TIMES FOR THEIR FAVORITE CHARACTERS OR A SKYPE CONVERSATION WITH SD AND I.

HeroinOfDarkness : Sasha as a protagonist would be...interesting to say the least. And Hideki seems popular, for good reason.

Penumbro: Well, what can I say? People like Faen.

ezmonee6: Sure. I'm bad at summaries, though:

-Pool party

-Faen and Johan are dating

-Tien has psych profiles on Sasha; outed them

-Sasha now uses they/them

-Eric won the waterfight

-They played truth or dare

-Motive is secrets

-Yukari wears super revealing bikinis? Like wow

dashunterman: Mx. is pronounced 'mix'.

SDproductions: Agreed. EVERYONE REVIEW IF YOU READ THIS WE NEED LIKE 400 MORE REVIEWS TO BECOME FIRST PLACE KTHX. - Lime

In any case, the next death will be occurring next chapter. Feel free to theorize why and how we chose our intended victim. Cheers! - SD