A first class party aboard a luxurious and mysterious train. Fun, prizes, and cold blooded murder await. Will our passengers discover the truth behind their strange circumstances, or will this be the last trip they ever take?
We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that participated and followed Echo Express and Endless Expanse. Without all of you, none of this would have evolved into what the series has become today and we are so grateful. The friendships formed, the stories we were able to tell, and the fun we have all had is really something we hold dear and hope you all do as well. This truly couldn’t have happened without each and every one of you. We love you guys.
So, to all of the EE/X family, we would like to say again…
Somewhere, as we speak, a most marvelous party is being held aboard a luxurious cruise ship. It’s a place where dreams come true, wishes are granted, and lives are irreversibly changed! A ship so wonderful, the lucky few chosen to attend never wish to leave. That ship… is the Endless Expanse.
Or so the rumors say.
It’s a little known story, but an interesting one nevertheless. A ship so grand couldn’t possibly exist, and so most store the tale in the back of their minds to simply be forgotten. Just another silly rumor… Until invitations to the Endless Expanse’s fantastic party begin to appear.
The party is just about to begin… won’t you join us?
-
Endless Expanse, the standalone sequel to Echo Express, is a murder mystery role play with an original storyline inspired by a mix of classic mystery novels, mystery/investigative games, and anime.
After the countdown, the screen remained dark. The faint sound of machinery moving could be heard in the background. A single spotlight snaps to life revealing Fennec and Dot sitting together at a round table. Dot’s phonograph is sitting beside her.
“Allowing you to participate in this ritual along side me… Count your blessings, mortal. After your pitiful attack, I will not have mercy!”
Dot strikes a pose as she takes the needle in her hand and places it on the spinning disc on the phonograph. Fennec watches her, keeping a hollow smile all the while.
“This ritual is said to be your specialty… I won’t be letting my guard down! Nyeheheh…! Shall we?!”
Fennec motioned to the cards politely and nods. As he does this, several mechanical arms holding screens drop down from the ceiling and hang behind both Fennec and Dot. They flicker to life to reveal… each of their faces. On the screens behind Dot are zoomed in features of her body - her eyes, ears, mouth, hands etc. Behind Fennec is the same. Finally, another arm slowly lowers and holds a revolver to the side Fennec’s head.
“…After you, Miss Dot.”
[ x ]
The cards are dealt as music fills the room. Fennec scans his cards quickly, then meets Dot’s eyes again. Lying was a specialty of his, and he wasn’t about to let Dot beat him.
Cards fell on to the center of the table as the two claimed singles, pairs, triples. The stack began to pile up quite high when on the screen he saw a twitch on the screen—
“Don’t trust.”
Fennec smiled at Dot as a dinging sound rang out.
“Hah… The mortal isn’t so bad after all, hm?”
Dot scraped up the cards and added them to her pile, and the game began again. Fennec kept a close eye on the screens watching for any tells of Dot lying. Her face was perfectly still. The same creepy smile stuck on her face as she threw card after card down quickly. Then… another twitch.
“Don’t trust.”
Ding.
“Hmph… My protection spells aren’t working…?”
Dot begrudgingly took more cards into her hands and the game began again. Each time they began the game sped up and both players became more and more serious. Fennec could see out of the corner of his eye the gun inching closer… He wouldn’t give it the chance to fire. He wanted to end this quickly…
Fennec allowed lie after lie to pass as Dot laid down her cards. She never called him out once, but he thought nothing of it. The only thing that mattered was victory. If he couldn’t beat the other passengers, he would certainly beat Dot. As he stared at her with one card left in his hand, his smile grew wider. As she began to throw down more cards—
“Don’t. Trust.”
“Eheh…!”
Ding. Dot took the cards. At this point, Dot had the entire deck in her hand save for the one card in Fennec’s… Then it was over. Fennec played his final card as Dot stared holes through him.
“…It appears you had a hex up your sleeve, hm…? In that case… Your soul is free to roam in that realm of light once more.”
As she says this, a blinding light begins to appear from behind her. The sound of a large door moving vibrated through Fennec’s ears as he stood up from his chair.
“Thank you, Miss Dot. Better luck next time.”
Fennec made his way to the opening door, the light spilling in was brilliant. He couldn’t see through it, but it didn’t matter. He had won his freedom. Before walking into that light, Fennec turned around and placed his hand on his chest.
“…I suppose this is goodbye.”
Fennec smiles and bows, unable to hear the creaking sound of a device behind him. An Iron Maiden, fit perfectly for a butler of Fennec’s size, rose up behind him.
“Apologies, snake…” Dot giggled. “But I lied. Don’t trust.”
Fennec’s face dropped as the Iron Maiden’s doors closed around him with a loud crunch. All was still… until blood began to seep out from the cracks of the device and the film on the projector ran out.
Investigation and Macabre Theatre Schedule - Chapter 5
Investigation
Wednesday (8/23) 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM CT
Everyone
Macabre Theatre
Friday (8/25) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CT
In the Macabre Theatre, you and your fellow passengers will discuss the events that have taken place and will try to figure out who the culprit behind the successful Killing Hour was.
It’s a new day in the Echo Express. And as loath as Shuten-douji is to admit it, she’s gotten too used to this. But she does have an excellent routine start to her days here: with the infinite supply of wine in the lounge’s bar. Stretching, Shuten-douji makes her way to her breakfast, a song in her hum.
Past the point of no return ~ ♪ No use resist—
The song is interrupted when she feels a chill run through her just as she’s about to open the door to the lounge.
Shivering, Shuten-douji stops. She puts a finger to her chin, staring at the door, pondering on the reasons as to why… Or which ghost had played a prank on her.
But in the end, she shrugs it off.
No use resisting ~ ♪ Her song continues as she takes the door’s bars in her hands and pushes it open.
[ x ]
The Lounge is in a state of disarray. Shuten enters the room slowly scanning it, then she notices it. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the shape of a person sitting right next to her. She jumps back ready for whoever dare sneak up on her only to find the person unmoving.
If not for the obvious wounds and knife jutting out of his chest, Red looked like he was peacefully resting against the wall. Even though the life had left his body, a smile remained.
There was no use in running to the others. After the announcement, they would all be there in a matter of seconds. Shuten slowly approached the bar, her eyes not leaving the body, and took a seat.
Soon Dot would be there... and the same old routine would start again.
Fennec’s gaze steadied on Dot as she took her first sip. A butler whose confections had been received with pleasure would not have looked half so satisfied as Fennec did in that moment.
“Demonhood?” Fennec humoured the title with a laugh. When Dot spoke of an undead hoard and seas of heart, Fennec knew that this conversation would not be an easy one—even so, he expected it to be worth the effort.
“I’m afraid not, Miss Dot.” He bowed his head in regret, his voice delicate. “Perhaps another time. If I may speak freely … I’ve come here to ask about you. I imagine we all have much to learn, in that regard.” With a servile smile and a nod to Dot’s mug, Fennec added, “Would you care to join me in the Ballroom?”
After pulling out a chair for his host, Fennec took the seat opposite her and set his own mug down in front of him. For a moment, he was silent, watching the snow flurry by through the ballroom window. He let his hands meet in his lap, expression so mild that one would never know just how tightly they gripped each other.
“Where to begin,” said Fennec—it was a meaningless phrase. “You’ve provided us with a number of things on this train. Fresh food, tools, rat poison … quite a lot of rat poison, I’ve noticed.” He gave a goodnatured laugh. Slowly, he looked back up at his host.
“If some of it had somehow found its way to your drink, Miss Dot … would that be a problem?”
[ x ]
“Ehehe... hehehehe...!! You wish to cast a hex of death upon me, mortal servant? You’re just as vile as I thought... Hehehe! I’m impressed!”
Dot takes a firm grip on the mug in front of her. She looks deeply into Fennec’s eyes as her own begin to glow. A wild smile spreads across her face as she suddenly holds up the mug.
“A toast! To the killer of the Pieced One! Shall I rest in everlasting darkness, and shall you thrive in my place! Treat my throne with care, demon.”
With that, Dot downs the rest of the drink quickly. She swallows hard and slams her mug down on the table. Her head hangs low as her grip on the mug becomes weaker... Her other hand reaching for her chest. She begins to cough as her body jerks.
Then she stops. She looks up and smiles sweetly.
“The protective spells I have cast upon myself are far too powerful for your mundane methods. Besides...” Dot picks up the mug again and drops it on the floor sending shattered bits flying across the ballroom. “Your pathetic poison isn’t even here. Tell me, demon... What do you seek?”
The pulse of drums and the soaring guitar could still be heard two cars over, joined by a new voice—Fennec had little interest in whose it was. The passengers had made an event of the karaoke machine’s arrival, a party where self-serving butlers were no doubt unwelcome. In other instances, Fennec might have lingered anyway—offered food and drink, kept everyone under his watch—but this time he had left without a word. The answers to his questions felt too near not to chase them.
The ballroom was empty, and Fennec swept through it with seasoned poise, as though the tray perched delicately on his fingertips was not there at all. There was an unmistakable sense of purpose in the clipped sound of his footsteps as he moved through the train, never once changing pace. When Fennec pulled open the door to the Gift Shop and saw his host standing there, his eyes gleamed with warmth.
“Miss Dot,” he said, coming to a stop some steps away. With a humble bow of his head, he lowered the tray to present two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, only one of which had been decorated. Floating undisturbed at the top of the cup, marshmallow foam and chocolate syrup formed an intricate spiderweb.
“If I may be so bold … might you join me for a drink?”
Dot looked down at the sugary drink Fennec was offering her. Her eyes moved back up to meet Fennec’s as her lips moved into an amused smirk.
“A being of pure darkness such as I has no need for such mundane concoctions... However, I suppose I can indulge your mortal whims this once. Hand it over to me at once.”
Dot takes the decorated mug of hot chocolate and takes a sip. She closes her eyes and nods... She seems pleased? She sets the mug down on the counter and turns her attention back to Fennec.
“It appears that even those well on their way to demonhood are capable of crafting sweet delicacies... Hm. Enough of this.” She throws one arm to the side dramatically. “State your purpose. You have some objective, do you not? What is it you seek?”
She offers the same hand she threw aside to Fennec.
“Could it be you wish to join my undead hoard? Hah! Do you think you can handle a deep into the blackest seas of heart?!”
Peace had returned to the Echo Express. The passengers were getting along as much as they could, even if they had to ignore each other to achieve it. Dot seemed a bit restless, however. She tried drawing symbols, performing rituals, spooking some of her guests... but she didn’t seem pleased.
That’s when the passengers received a very peculiar invitation.
“Join me in the Lounge to release the screams of your soul! Let us share our Heart’s Songs to reveal a beautiful truth!”
It was unclear what this meant, but the passengers knew better than to skip out on an invitation from Dot. They all gathered in the lounge and found their host sitting on the stage with a large tome in her hands. She is flipping through the pages with intense focus... Then she notices them.
“Ah... the mortals have arrived. How kind of you to join me on this most emotional of days...”
She slams the tome shut, a small card poking out of the pages, and tucks it under her arm. She motions to a small machine that is immediately recognizable... A karaoke machine.
“Yes! I have procured what you mortals call a Karaoke Machine! The infamous box that can release your deepest inner feelings and cleanse your very soul! Hmhmhm~ Save your applause! I can see your gratitude within my mind’s eye!”
Dot hopped off the stage, the small card slipping out of the book and floating down next to the karaoke machine.
“I must return my sacred tome to my sanctuary, but feel free to release your spirits when you wish! I will join you in time! So long, mortals.”
Dot leaves, heading towards the cabin car. You and your fellow passengers look at each other nervously before approaching the machine... or more importantly, the card laying next to the machine.
Next to the machine is a small photo that has been weathered by time. The woman pictured seems young, mysterious, and dressed in clothing reminiscent of the flapper movement of the 1920s... You feel like you know her, or at least someone familiar. The picture is signed... ‘Dorothy.’
You have been provided with a new source of entertainment and a new mystery... Now might be a good time to question Dot, look into the mysteries of the Echo Express, or simply have a good time with a little music!
Sunny stared blankly at Dot, trying to decipher what was happening right now. The ‘Being of Darkness’ was so over the top it was almost comical – but also undeniably annoying. She had expected herself to blow up upon seeing her, but for some reason she couldn’t get angry. Maybe it had to do with her fear of Dot still having a cattle prod, or maybe it was something else. Even though she was the one to blame for their entire predicament aboard the Echo Express, she was so different now Sunny was too curious to leave the church. This might be a chance to get to know her.
She thought back to Thirty Four and Director, how they both died while trying to decipher the mystery behind this train. Dot had said the only way off was to win, which meant Sunny would have to endure six more deaths before walking away scarred for life. That didn’t exactly sound pleasant. If this was a game, wasn’t there a way to cheat?
…Wait, no, that was stupid. She wasn’t some detective in some noir film, only a weather girl who was hated by everyone on this horrible train. Maybe humoring Dot would actually help things. At the very least, it couldn’t make them any worse.
That being said, getting told she was evil didn’t exactly make warming up to her any easier.
“I don’t have a heart of black!” Sunny found herself saying. “I just– I–” She stopped herself, ‘hmph’ing in displeasure. To argue with such nonsense would only make her sound stupid too.
She placed a hand on her hip, shook her head. “I don’t care what you think,” she continued. “And I don’t know what you’re talking about either. A ‘Solar Eclipse?’ The ‘Great Dark?’ Oh please. You sound like some old, dead poet. If you’re gonna tell me I’m going to hell, you could at least be more direct.”
As she talked, she eyed the outstretched hand. Would it be bad to take it, to humor her further? After a moment of hesitation, she approached the strange Dot.
“You know what? I don’t care anymore. If I can’t get on their good side, maybe I can get on yours. How does that sound, huh?” she asked, smiling ruefully. And she took her hand.
“Hmmmm... You say not what you mean, Eclipse. You speak in defiance, and yet succumb to my side of the Battle of Fate. Your desire to be loved out weighs anything else in your mortal life, it would seem... It almost makes my black heart weep.”
Dot covered her mouth and giggled in what could possibly be translated as amusement, but who knew at this point. She tapped her chin in thought before looking back into Sunny’s eyes and smiling.
“The path one must follow to join me is quite arduous. It is best not traveled alone... You know, there are others aboard this dark vessel that carry hearts similar to yours. The blood covered servant... The marked beast...”
Dot shrugs dramatically. She seemed to be pointing Sunny in some direction, but Dot’s advice should not be quickly followed. That was common knowledge at this point.
“If you truly wish to please me, mortal... Then you must simply use the skills you have gathered throughout your life and use them to win the Battle of Fate.”
The hot spring was truly a gift to the world. Having just come from her personal heaven, Shuten-douji decides to enter the observatory for nostalgia’s sake. Her hair still somewhat wet and a towel around her neck, she hums a cheerful song as she looks around the car.
At the back of it all, there she finds dear Black with a hand by his boot. She raises her eyebrows and smiles.
“It’s me,” she chants melodically, waving both her hands.
She closes in on the boy, chuckling. “How are we doing, dear Black? You seem a little jumpy.” Shuten-douji walks past him, and raps her knuckles lightly on the window. “Attempting to answer old curiosities?” she grins, admiring the shrinking scenery from the back of the train.
Then she claps her hands together. “Speaking of which!” she exclaims cheerfully. She takes a number of steps backwards, spins around, keeps walking, then disappears behind the door.
Quite some time passes, and the door slams open. Shuten-douji has returned, dragging one of the lounge’s many chairs behind her, only stopping when she reaches the window again. Noticing that Red is still in the car, she smiles at him sweetly.
“Excuse me.”
Shuten-douji takes a step back, lifts the chair up to her side with both hands, and swings at the window.
A blur passes in front of Shuten before her movement is halted. Suddenly, Dot was standing in front of her holding the Chair back from the window.
“Aha! You humans have spunk! Quite brave of you to attempt breaching my arcane shield! Do you really wish to brave the harsh elements of the Realm of Light? Hmph!”
Dot ripped the chair from Shuten’s grip easily and threw it across the observatory. Slamming into the back wall, it fell to pieces. She covered half her face with one hand, and pointed at Shuten with the other.
“Hmph! Those of blackened heart would do best to stray from the light. You’ll only find yourself joining the Army of the Dead.”
Lighting suddenly struck, and the lights within the observatory flickered. When they came back, Dot was gone.
Sunny had never been very religious. She attended church only on Easter and Christmas, and that was about it. But despite all the tragedies happening around her, she had no inclination of changing her religious habits. To pray now seemed like a waste of time. If they were going to be saved, they would’ve been by now.
Nevertheless, she eventually found herself in the church car. Her head had been pounding ever since Sawbones’ death and she needed a dim room to think. He had been stabbed right through the chest, over and over. And though she said he deserved it, was that actually true? In hindsight, Sepia was more the guilty party. If only she had died instead.
She visibly winced at her own morbid thoughts. Maybe death wasn’t fair to anyone. (Or maybe it was?) Her racing mind was driving her crazy, as was the loneliness. The train kept getting emptier, Sunny growing lonelier. If only there was a way to redeem herself… But no, that was ridiculous. If she acted like nothing was wrong now, people would get even angrier at her.
Which, if you thought about it, wasn’t fair at all.
With a sigh, she walked towards the podium at the front of the car. Situated on it was a bible. She frowned. Even if she wanted to read it, the lighting was too dim. Maybe that was another reason why she was here – so she couldn’t read Neo’s journal. She’d been looking over it all day, but rereading it now would only make her headache worse.
It’d probably make her feel worse too, if that was even possible. She kept staring at the bible and anger began to rise up in her. She started shaking. What type of god thought it was okay to ruin people’s lives like this? Everyone kept dying, and she was stuck aboard with no way off. This was terrible! It was so unfair!
As her mind whirled, Sunny picked up the book before her and raised it into the air. She then pitched it at the windows with all the strength she could muster, yelling as she did so. It thudded against it, before pathetically dropping to the floor. If she was going to cry, now would be the time.
But no tears came. Instead, she was snapped out of her anger upon seeing movement out of the corner of her eye. She had an audience.
“What do you want?” she asked bitterly. She turned towards the person watching her as if she hadn’t just screamed and thrown a bible across the room.
“Nyeehheheh... You dare speak to a denizen of the dark with such a tone? How bold...!”
Dot crossed the church and leaned down to pick up the bible Sunny had thrown. Her hand hesitated slightly, but she powered through and picked up the sacred tome.
“An artifact of spirituality held highly by the Realm of Light’s mortals... It is difficult for beings of the Great Dark to touch! And yet you threw it across this very sanctuary.”
Dot returned the Bible back to it’s podium, giggling strangely as she did so. She slowly creaked her head towards Sunny, a wide smile spreading across her face. She whipped her body around and offered a hand to Sunny dramatically.
“You have a heart of black too, don’t you? Nyeeheheh.... Your sunny days have come to an end. The Realm of Light has closed for you, and all that waits is an eternal Solar Eclipse! The Great Dark welcomes you... Hehehe...!”
