#ellis ortiz

[av-multifangan]

🩷💙Blind Date or Die Episode 4, Starring Ellis, Riposte, Antonia, Tylwyth, Mark, Angle, Jeff, and Hits!💙🩷

[venus-is-thinking]

No clue if anyone who follows me is doing Art Fight but I’m trying it out this year if anyone wants to hit me up!

[1moreff-creator]

DROS CH6 First Impressions

It’s here! The end of the journey! And what a journey it’s been. Many laughs, many tears, and a whole lot of flirting. And murder and horror, of course. Let’s honor Grace’s memory by not wasting any more time; may the show begin!

CWs.

Viva las Vegas, huh? I guess it makes sense. You know, I don’t know if I’ve ever questioned Ellis being a gambler when the setting was goddamn Vegas. Was that the initial prompt for the character venus sent accirax? We’re on chapter 6 and I’m still fascinated by this format lmao.

“It would’ve been really cool if I’d woken up in a flash, struck with an amazing idea of how to get out of here. I’d be overjoyed if the smart part of my brain, difficult to access as it may be, was working overtime as I rested and cracked the code of this Resort. I could go down to breakfast and greet the four people left with a smile and a plan. Mark would be ecstatic. Vanessa would be super grateful. Davis could cast his worries aside, and Aidan might even crack a smile. That’d be a pretty great morning.”

Ah, fantasies. Well, at least Mark has a plan, right? Still excited to see what’s up with that.

“But, no. Instead, it was a dreamless night. I’ll just have to live with that.”

We’re really poetic, huh? Fitting start to the grand finale!

“Mark: …Three people died yesterday. Three people who could’ve survived.”

I… was worried he’d take that badly. Hold your head up high, my guy, at least the others are probably going to survive thanks to you!

“Monoquin exits the Buffet. I take a look at the updated BDA rule, just to see what the exact phrasing is; apparently, prospective killers pay attention to those kinds of minute rules details now. It says, “A Body Discovery Announcement will play when two or more spotless students see the body.””

Two or more? Still kind of a lot when there’s only six people running around. You kill one, that’s five, and you’re a blackened… so half the spotless would have to see the body. Yikes.

“Ellis: That’s still… really bad odds. Kill one person, two people set off the BDA… that’s one versus one.”

Well, good to see that my mental link with Ellis is as strong as ever, lol xD

“Aidan: I guess it’s true that, if we lived here forever, they probably couldn’t do a seventh killing game. That’d be some kind of good, at least.”

Kinda depressing, but I guess it works.

“Despite the fact that Monoquin said there won’t be any more motives, I peep my head into the Show Room to see what’s up. Looks like it was cleared out. Everything checks.”

Sick. Makes you wonder why the hell it was called the ‘show room’. Is it because it ‘shows’ motives? I don’t know why I’ve never questioned that name up until now lmao.

“Mark holds out their hand, a USB drive in their palm. I take it curiously. Mark: There’s a video on here. I need you to watch it and then meet me in the Grotto.”

Alright! We’re really moving like it’s the final chapter, it’s very exciting!

“Mark: There’s a computer in my room. That’s probably the best place, and you already have access to it.”

Convenient. I guess he probably requested that at some point?

“Mark: It’s an explanation of where I was yesterday.”

:O

“Ellis: Mark, were you… vlogging??? Mark: … Mark stifles a laugh. Then, they laugh some more. Mark: Sorry, I– pff. Sorry.  I cross my arms and smile. Ellis: Aw, come on. You finally remembered your past as the Ultimate Vlogger! That’s nothing to laugh about.”

Thank you Ellis Ortiz for being the greatest ever.

“Mark: Thanks for… everything. Ellis: …You’re welcome?”

That is… ominous! Please don’t die Mark. For me? For Ellis?

“Why couldn’t we just watch it together…?”

That’s kinda what I’m wondering too. I hope Mark isn’t planning to, like, kill themselves, or otherwise do something Ellis wouldn’t approve of. I’m very nervous now.

“The video opens on a shot of an empty chair in the Conference Room. Mark walks into frame and sits down in the chair, looking away. They’re wearing their formal outfit.”

Fancy.

“Mark: Hey, Ellis. I want to do this one more time. They sigh before facing the camera with a smile. Mark: Hi! My name is Marcos Miranda, but please feel free to call me Mark. I use they/he pronouns. It’s nice to finally be able to introduce myself to you.”

uuuaaAAAAHH!!! Name reveal!!! And payoff to the ‘multiple introductions’ bit we had going on!!! I’m losing my mind and the chapter’s barely started. Also kinda convenient their real name is something that actually works with ‘Mark’ lmao. Unless Vanessa knew his name already when she gave him the nickname because she’s the mastermind, a possibility I’m getting more worried about the longer I think about it. I can’t freak out about Ness now, though, I’m already freaking out enough about Mark! Marcos! Whatever!

“Mark: You might already be able to guess where this is headed, though… So, I guess I should start by saying that I’m sorry.”

Don’t die don’t die don’t die don’t die don’t die-

“Mark: I wish I could come up with a different way, but I couldn’t. I didn’t… I don’t want to do this to you. I know how much it hurts. If it were just the two of us, I’d stay here forever instead. That’d stop another killing game from coming in and replacing it, at least, and I’d get to spend my time with you. But it’s not just us, is it…?”

Don’t die don’t die don’t die don’t die-

“Mark: I… shouldn’t have made it this far to begin with. And, this killing game… I never really intended on making it out alive. If I could’ve, I would’ve, and maybe someday I’d be able to put it all behind me. The way it is, though… These killing games are my past, present and future. If I can save all of you, it’s worth it. That’s what I’ve been hoping for the whole time.”

Head in hands. It’s Marcover. You were supposed to be safe, my guy! You’re supposed to be fine if you make it past CH5 and aren’t the mm! I am in a lot of pain.

“Mark: I want you to be happy, Ellis. To get out of this cycle of torture and death and grief and to find a place in the world where you can be happy. You deserve to have a future. You deserve everything I could give you. So, I’m making this video to tell you. I need you to know that you are worth it. You do deserve this. So, please… don’t blame yourself for any of this. I want to do this. And I don’t want anyone else to blame themselves, either. It’s not just you. I want everyone to escape this place.”

I’m devastated. Why are they this nice.

“CRASH! Mark stands up from his seat and looks around, frantic. Mark: I… don’t know what that was. I’ll be back.”

Oh great. And the murder interrupted this suicide note of a video. Jeff how could you.

“Mark: That’s three more people who won’t get out of here, even though they should’ve. Maybe, if I hadn’t retaken this video a hundred times, they’d still be alive… I really need to wrap this up.”

Yikes :(

“Mark: These killing games don’t end. Not unless you make them. That’s why… I have to do this. I can’t let these deaths keep happening. And, I don’t want to win again. I don’t want to forget you.  He takes a deep breath. Mark: So, I guess this is goodbye. I’m sorry again. I know I don’t have any right to say this after what I’m about to do, but… end this thing for me, okay?  They stare at the camera for a long moment. Mark: …Bye, Ellis.”

Pain and suffering and misery. Venus why would you do this to us. Accirax why would you pick this character to max out FTEs on. Evil. Evil people creating this fangan /silly I love this I’m just really sad now.

“Note Obtained: Mark’s Video.”

…Yay.

“Laying on the stone floor of the Grotto, blood trailing from the wound in their stomach… is… Ellis: Mark…!”

Ouch.

“I check for a twitch, a breath, a pulse, anything. … … …It’s faint. But it’s there. It’s… it’s beating? Holy shit, that means Mark is still alive!”

Wait what the fuck?!?! Is Ellis the clutchest person alive?!?! Come on, let this be a trick of some kind. Remember the Bonus Scene, Mark, you’re supposed to think of what the others want, too!

“I can’t ask the staff, can I? It’s… it’s probably not part of a murder, per se, as defined by the rules. So, i-if it wouldn’t interfere with a Class Trial, the Resort wouldn’t want one of their participants to just drop dead like that! Especially one who’s definitely a fan favorite, after winning last time.”

Oh they’re a fan favorite alright. At least, one of this fan’s favorites. We’re losing it so much that Ellis is stuttering in their inner monologue lmao.

“Except… if it was self-inflicted, then… where’s the murder weapon? I look around. The only bloody things here are Mark and the ground.”

Did he just… how the fuck did this happen?!?! Did they have stitches they pulled?!?!

“Was this an actual murder, then? What was up with the suicide video in that case?! Also, who the hell would have done it?”

AAAAAAAH-

“So, that’s it. I’m going to watch Mark die out right in front of me, and not be able to do anything about it. The cards are stacked. Ellis: … …But that doesn’t mean I can’t go for a gamble.”

Ellis Mark is dying stop aura farming in your own inner monologue. I’m joking your aura farming is actually very engaging I just need to cope with the Horror with humor real quick ha ha ha… ha.

“After a moment, some staff members enter the Grotto, probably from some sort of back entrance.”

That’s… weird. What do you mean back entrance? Is it something we should be taking note of?

“Ellis: More like a suggestion. You see, I happen to know that this murder– even if your ally was at the forefront of it– totally plays into Mark’s hands. They were planning for it to happen. And I have proof!”

Uhm, I don’t know what we’re doing, but I hope it works?

“Ellis: So, here’s what I’m thinking: Mark has been working tirelessly to end your stupid killing game. And, evidently, he decided that the best way to do it was to find himself dead in this very Grotto. I take a deep breath. Ellis: Therefore, if you want the killing game to continue, you’d better do something to reverse the effects of this murder. Because, mark my words– I glare at the staff. Ellis: If Mark dies, I will figure out exactly what they were planning and burn your whole operation to the ground.“

Hell of a bluff. I just hope it works.

“I know what you’re thinking. “Aren’t you throwing away a golden opportunity to end the killing game?””

I’m actually not thinking about that at all, Ellis. Even if this is part of Mark’s plan, you have absolutely no clue how to enact it, so your threats to the Staff are pretty empty. But because you have no instruction, it’s also possible something went wrong with Mark’s plan, at which point it’d be better to just save them so they can try again. Or hopefully you can convince them to try something else. Or maybe his plan is for you to do exactly this. Letting Mark die here feels like a really unnecessary risk.

“Unfortunately for all the haters, I’ve made my stance quite clear. Whether by being the last man standing, being a winning killer, or coming up with a plan that sacrifices part of the team to succeed, winning the killing game isn’t a win unless you can do it without throwing anyone’s life away. If we’re ever going to break this cycle of violence, we have to take a stand at some point. This is mine. I’m not letting anyone throw away their future.”

Hell yeah, tell them Ellis!

“Staff: …Right away.”

Oh hell yeah. Master gambler pulls off a master bluff. Or maybe she genuinely believed what she was saying, which would honestly be more impressive in terms of ballsiness alone.

“The problem with this kind of gamble is that I won’t know how it turns out until later. I don’t want to consider the possibility, but… even if the staff complied with my wishes, there’s still a chance that Mark was already too far gone. What if that was my last chance to see him, and I wasted it yelling at the staff…?”

Don’t worry, Lucky Student privilege. We win these.

“Despite my bravado, I also feel a little guilty for going against what Mark wanted. They did come up with what was, presumably, the best plan for how to get the most people out alive. I ruined that. But, no. Even if Mark is mad at me, it’s better mad than dead! If we live here together forever, Mark will realize that I was right, and forgive me eventually.”

Tell ‘em Ellis! I love him so much.

“Ellis: pls meet in lower common room asap Vanessa: Ok! Davis: Sure thing Aidan: ^”

Hell yeah, let’s talk about this.

“Aidan: Mark wasn’t on the message thread. Why?”

Lmao. I guess he would notice that, huh?

“Ellis: That’s because, um… Well… Do you want the bad news or the good news first? Vanessa: Um… good news…? Ellis: Alright. Uh, does anybody have any good news to share?”

Jesus fucking christ Ellis why are you this funny even in the face of the Horrors.

“Ellis: If you swim under the bridge outside, there’s a secret space called the Grotto. Mark showed it to me, like, two weeks ago. Anyways, I got a… really concerning message from them right before we were supposed to meet there. And when I showed up in the Grotto… he had a massive wound in his stomach.”

Well, everyone knows about the Grotto now! Yay! :,D

“Ellis: I… I think Mark had a plan to end the killing game by doing this, somehow. So I… told them that, and said that Mark dying was probably counter to their goals. Davis: And they actually complied? That confirms that whatever Mark was doing would’ve been a problem for them, right? Ellis: …I know. Although, I’m not sure how it would’ve worked.”

Way too many variables unaccounted for here, yeah.

“Ellis: We could make welcome back cards? Like they do for kids who’re sick enough that they miss months of class. Honestly, I don’t know if my hands are steady enough to write anything at the moment. Aidan: …Waiting’s probably the only thing we can do right now.”

Aidan really said ‘fuck your cards’. Why are these people still so funny.

“Aidan: Though, I mean… no offense to Davis’ medical skills, obviously, but you’d think someone on the staff would be an actual medical professional, right?  Ellis: Why? It’s not like they want us to live… Aidan: But staff members would get sick or injured too. With how big this place is, I’d have to imagine someone on hand would be equipped for medical emergencies, even if it’s not intended to benefit the players.”

Thanks for being smart and rational Aidan, really needing stuff like that rn.

“Monoquin: Greetings, contestants. I ask you all to gather in the Foyer at your earliest convenience.”

Ooh boy.

“Monoquin: Investigation has begun. A Class Trial will begin shortly. The Monoquin File has been sent to your e-Handbooks now.”

Motherfucker.

“Ellis: So, Mark… Mark is… Monoquin: Contestants are encouraged to read the Monoquin File for case-relevant information.”

Please don’t be dead and the file be something else?

““The victim is Marcos Miranda. They died due to blood loss at 9 AM in the Grotto.””

Motherfucker. I won’t fully believe it until I see a body, but this is bad.

“Truth Bullet Obtained: Monoquin File #6”

Yay…

“Aidan: …Monoquin. How are we… How are we even meant to do this Trial? There’s no body. There’s no BDA. You can’t really expect us to just go in there and start pointing fingers over nothing. Monoquin: There is still evidence to be found. Additionally, one of you did see the body and may provide an account. Should you have any questions, you may ask me, and should I determine them to be fair, I may answer.”

Well that’s… bad. There’s a part of me still hoping, but…

“Ellis: Yeah… According to Mark, we were the only ones. He only knew about it due to the previous killing game. Mark said it was okay if I said stuff about them. He, very pointedly, said that the point of all of this was to end the killing game. Sharing what I know is probably the best idea.”

Having other people at the Grotto almost feels weird. And Ellis’ inner monologue is right, sharing info is pretty important rn.

“Aidan: I’m… here if you need anything…? Or something…?”

I can see you’re trying very hard, Aidan. Thanks Aidan.

“Ellis: I… Aidan, what am I supposed to do? I don’t know exactly to what level, but I know Mark orchestrated some of this themself to end the killing game. If this is our one shot, I have to help. I just… I…”

TITLE DROP!!!!!!!!! I’m way too excited over that considering everything, but I’ve been wondering about it forever sue me xD

“I can’t hold back the tears anymore.”

Yikes. Poor Ellis :(

“In the end, this was Mark’s choice. It’s the worst gift I’ve ever received, but a gift nonetheless. I can’t give up now. If I did, and these killing games don't end, then there’ll just be another one right after. I could win, enter a second time, befriend an Ultimate ???, and give up in front of them, too. Mark may be gone, but… I’ve inherited his will. Lucky me. Now, it’s time to do what I do best: turn that will into a win.”

Let’s go. Let’s lock tf in.

“Truth Bullet Obtained: Last Sighting of Mark”

We really are going into a trial immediately, huh? I guess it makes sense, there’s not much else to do, but geez this is going to be a long Trial, huh? There’s five damn parts to this chapter lol.

“Aidan: I’ll see you when we head to the Trial. Ellis: Right. Please, still be there…”

Wow, okay, so we’re doing horrible, got it.

“He gestures to a pile of dry towels waiting by the entrance. Davis: Those were there when we got here. I assume Mark probably ordered them, or something…?  Ellis: For us, I guess. Davis: Yeah… Ellis: W-well… I guess that’s more evidence that whatever was going on here, Mark did plan for it.”

Well, that’s something, I guess.

“It seems like Vanessa is still looking at that e-Handbook. What gives? It’s not like the File was that long…”

Vanessa stop catching mm allegations challenge level impossible. What are you looking at? Is something going wrong and you have to check in with the Staff or something?

“Vanessa: You can take a look, if you want. It’s Mark’s.”

Never mind oops.

“Vanessa: …The e-Handbook has a lot of notes on Mark’s day to day life here. From what I can tell, none of it is really that… important? But, it’s there, so I guess it counts as evidence.  Ellis: Mark was using the e-Handbook like a journal?”

I remember that, yeah. From a Bonus Scene, I take it, as Ellis doesn’t seem to remember it.

“Truth Bullet Obtained: State of Mark’s Body Truth Bullet Obtained: Mark’s e-Handbook Dun, dun, dun, dun!”

… Are we deadass? We have like five Truth Bullets. We’ve been investigating for five minutes, tops. The hell?

“Ellis: …I-I still wanted to check the Conference Room, and watch the video again, and… What do you mean time is already up?”

Okay, I’m not insane, this investigation was too short. I guess knowing this is the final chapter, it makes sense Monoquin and maybe the mm are panicking, but still.

“One day. It’s been one day since Harper, Noah, and Jeff died. Less than that, even. Less than 24 hours. Even if Mark really had to do this for the sake of the world or whatever… Why now? Couldn’t we have had a minute to breathe? To mourn? “Goodbye” hadn’t even left my lips. I guess the problem was that, in the end, Mark didn’t trust Aidan, Davis, or Vanessa not to do anything in that one day. Same with the mastermind, or the traitor, or Monoquin, whoever those people may really be. I wonder if the others felt the same way. Not that they were going to commit some terrible sacrifice in the same way, but that they don’t trust anyone to not pull something. Since when did I get in contention for the most trusting person here? I’d say it was Mark’s influence, but then, we’re back to square one.”

Mark really said ‘fuck all y’all the ending starts NOW’ huh? Still crazy they did that.

“Mark forgave me. I have to forgive them too. It’s the best way I can make peace with this situation. The most motivation I can have to wage this war against the mastermind. I still don’t know what I’m supposed to do to… Unmask the mastermind? Force a rules violation, somehow? On which rule?”

Glad we’re not super mad at the guy, at least. But yeah, more instruction would’ve been appreciated.

“If the outside world is an uncaring concrete jungle, what world are we meant to fight for now…? The one we live in. The one that allows us to live. If life is something worth having, and if goodness is something to strive for, then I have to prove it. If I’d proven it earlier… well, maybe a certain someone would have changed their mind. I don’t know if the dead are listening, but… I’ll scream it loud enough so they can hear. I bet you’re real jealous of what we’ve got right now.”

I wonder who Ellis is talking to at the end there. The audience? ‘Mark’ feels weird. The blackeneds? Interesting to think about.

What a fucking roller coaster, and we’re barely getting started with this chapter. I’m still kinda processing that Mark may really be dead. It kinda feels like we’re gonna see him alive and well when the trial starts, but I kinda doubt it. Let’s not waste any more time.

Part 2

[Class Trial: Start!]

Let’s lock tf in.

[Rules read out] Everything seems the same as usual so far…

“Ellis: Ha. My podium is still warm.”

Yikes.

“Aidan: Ellis, you said you got a concerning message from him. What did they say? [Evidence Select]”

Accidentally saw this was “Mark’s video”, but it was pretty easy anyways.

“Aidan: Back to the actual topic, though… That means Mark… intended to die, right? So, it’s possible no one else was involved. At least, until Ellis got there. Ellis: That’s what I would’ve thought, except the rules paint a different story. A Class Trial is only held if a murder occurs, and suicide doesn’t count as a “murder.” Aidan: Suicide doesn’t count as a murder for the purpose of clearing a motive or blackening a contestant. That means it does count as a murder for anything else.”

Well, the only regulation about what starts a trial also mentions murder directly, but there may be some grey area on suicides.

“Aidan: The best approach is probably thinking about it like any other murder. Start with the case facts, figure out why later. [Mixed Matches]”

Makes sense, thanks Aidan.

Victim -> C. Mark, whose full name is apparently Marcos Miranda. Cause of death -> B. Bleeding out, according to the File. [Reasonable given the stomach wound and pool of blood.] Murder Weapon -> E. Unknown. Location -> D. The Grotto. Hypothetically, only Mark and I should know of its existence. Time -> A. I found Mark’s body at around 9 AM. It took a little while for Monoquin to bring us to the Trial Grounds, though.

Have we ever had one of these that goes up to E? Kinda cool.

[Answer: C - B - E - D - A] I wonder if I’ve ever gotten one of these wrong. They’re usually pretty easy.

“Aidan: You’d think the murder weapon would be easier to identify. If Mark really did… do all of this, I don’t know why or how they’d get rid of it. It should still be in the area.”

Yeah, this is still very strange.

“Ellis: I know I’m probably pretty suspicious– Aidan: You’re not.”

Damn. Confident on that. I guess it makes sense; killing someone in a place only you know about is pretty silly as a murder plan, even beyond the obvious emotional argument that Ellis probably wouldn’t kill Mark.

“Aidan: You have no motive; it would be a weird move for you to ask the staff to heal Mark if you stabbed them; it would be an even weirder move on the staff’s part if they actually healed them after you stabbed them; and you’re not a good enough actor to pull any of this afternoon off. There’s no way you’re the one who killed them, so we can just all move on.”

That too, yeah, but you’re still technically taking Ellis’ word for it that she actually asked the Staff to heal Mark, instead of hiding their body in some other place herself.

“Davis: Or why Mark would still be alive when Ellis got there in the first place. If the mastermind were really trying to kill Mark for some reason, wouldn’t they ensure Mark died?”

That’s also a concern. There’s a lot that doesn’t make sense here.

“Vanessa: Run where? Wouldn’t it be a rules violation or something for the mastermind to use the staff exit during the killing game? Ellis: I dunno, they’re the mastermind! Do the rules really apply? Vanessa: …Probably??”

The double question mark of ‘we really have no fucking idea what’s going on anymore’, huh? And there’s still four parts of Trial. We’re so cooked.

“Aidan: The point is, it doesn’t make a ton of sense if the mastermind did it, either. So, for now, we should probably assume it was just Mark. Davis: But then we still have the same problem. [Nonstop Debate]”

Where is the weapon? And other questions I’m dying to know the answer to.

“Vanessa: We’re pretty sure Mark did it. That means there’s no way they could’ve hidden the knife right after they used it…”

Maybe the stack of towels here? Surely they’d have found the knife, though. Maybe Mark asked a Staff member? Not technically related to a murder, after all.

Maybe take:

“Aidan: He thought this would end the killing game. The video said as much.”

And shoot:

“Aidan: Not to mention there’s no reason why they’d hide it.”

Question mark? I kinda agree with Vanessa that I don’t see how the murder method would relate to ending the killing game, but still.

[Answer: Regulation 10 + Kennedy’s Escape Theory → “murder method couldn’t relate to ending the killing game”]

Oh wow, I kinda figured we’d wait a bit more to bring up Kennedy’s escape theory. Also, kind of a jump to “the Headmaster may not involved in a murder”, no? How does accirax figure out some of these? I’m impressed :O

[Nonstop Debate] Alright we ball.

“Vanessa: Can Monoquin even hold a knife…?”

Uhh… Monoquin’s Hands here?

[Answer: Monoquin’s Hands → “don’t have any clue about the actual weapon”]

Uh… I guess they’d have to be sharp to open locks. Still feels like a bit of a jump lol :v

“Davis: That… might work, if you could actually manage it. So, could Mark just grab Monoquin’s arm and use his hand to stab themself…? Aidan: No, that wouldn’t work. If you grabbed Monoquin first, they could try to spin it as violence against the Headmaster, and then it’d be your fault. It’d be too likely to fail. Vanessa: But then, how would Mark actually pull that off? [Evidence Select]”

Accidentally saw this was VIP Files, but how the hell were we supposed to get that? It’s not going great gang, and the Trial’s barely started T_T

“Ellis: It would be just like how Jeff unlocked the VIP Area. All Mark would have to do is summon Monoquin to them, stand close by, and ask Monoquin to stick out his hand.”

Okay, I see how one connects that to VIP Files, but geez, this final Trial’s rough.

“Vanessa: Then, um… I don’t think Monoquin can be the blackened, but a rule was broken, so… now what? Ellis: …We ball?”

Pfft. Ellis truly is my spirit animal.

“Vanessa: …The part about it being a murder weapon? Monoquin: Your assertion that a rule was violated is incorrect. [Nonstop Debate]”

Ooh, is Monoquin hopping on the Nonstop, Shit going crazy. I’m guessing Monoquin’s angle is that he was an instrument in a suicide, and the rule only forbids murder?

“Monoquin: Mx. Miranda did use my hand in order to commit suicide. Vanessa: You’re just saying that?! Monoquin: However, suicide does not count as murder within this killing game.”

Called that shit. Wonder what the justification for the Trial would be, then.

I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do here, which probably isn’t surprising considering I’m not exactly on my A-game today. Though checking over the e-Handbook did make me notice that not only is Mark’s real name there (and was his birthday always there? Don’t remember), he’s also listed as the “Ultimate Amnesiac.” Neat, though I wonder what their original talent was, I kinda doubt they were always amnesiac (or maybe they were? Who knows).

Maybe shoot:

“Davis: You killed a contestant, as the Headmaster.”

With Monoquin File #6, with the idea that since Mark’s blood loss killed him, Monoquin is absolutely the killer? Idk man.

[Answer: Regulation #9 + Regulation #10 → “suicide does not count as murder”] That… doesn’t really disagree with anything. Regulation #9 says it doesn’t count as murder for some purposes, and reg #10 says the Headmaster doesn’t murder. I guess the idea is that Reg #9 doesn’t say suicide isn’t murder at all, but rather, that there’s specific things it doesn’t count as murder for?

“Ellis: It’s like Aidan said earlier. In the rules, it says that suicide only doesn’t count as murder for the purposes of satisfying a motive or blackening a player.“

Fair. But I guess the argument is that the “killer” of this “murder” would still be Mark, not Monoquin.

“Aidan: You broke the rules. Your move, but I don’t think it’s going to work out well for you to keep breaking them. Monoquin: …”

Never mind, counts I guess. We ball indeed!

“Ellis: I guess this is what a screenless blue screen looks like.”

Damn. Monoquin getting obliterated over here.

“Vanessa: But, what? Mark used Monoquin’s hand to stab themself in the Grotto. That’s, like, the whole mystery, right? [Evidence Select]”

I really gotta stop accidentally seeing what the Evidence Select is, especially since I may have guessed this was Monoquin File Lies. At least let me get ahead of it: the cause of death and victim seem right, the time of death doesn’t look unbelievable, but Mark didn’t die in the Grotto, but rather in whatever room they put him in to try and cure him.

“Ellis: I guess if the cause of death wasn’t actually bleeding out, it’s possible we could have something wrong. That could be what’s tripping him up.”

I guess “medical mismanagement” might count as a different cause of death? Or something else happened behind the scenes?

“Davis: If Monoquin’s hands are the murder weapon, I don’t really see how anything other than bleeding out could be the cause of death. Similarly, I don’t think the listed location would be anything other than the Grotto. Even if the staff brought them off-site to try to save them, I doubt they could really give us a location that isn’t within the Resort. Plus, then you would probably have to question the timing.”

Okay never mind. I personally think we’re moving away from the location too fast, but who am I to interrupt the plot :v

[Lie Detector] Alright, let’s see if I can get this right, at least.

… Huh. “They died” is separated. Copium? Or… But why wouldn’t it be separated?

Alright we ball:

The victim is Marcos Miranda -> Mark’s Profile + Mark’s e-Handbook [possibly either or, or also the state of Mark’s body].

They died -> Monoquin File Lies [we ball we ball we ball- otherwise this is probably the regulation about a class trial following a murder, reg #3, under the idea that there wouldn’t have been a trial without a death at least]

due to blood loss -> State of Mark’s Body + State of the Grotto [alternatively Monoquin File Lies if Mark is dead]

at 9 AM -> Last Sighting of Mark.

in the Grotto -> State of the Grotto

[Answer] Okay, more or less. It was State of Mark’s Body instead of Mark’s Profile in the first one, and the last two also included Mark’s Video. Most importantly, the lie is that Mark died!!! Are we back chat? Is it possible???

“Ellis: That means… The only part of the File that could be wrong is Mark being dead!!! Davis: Mark’s… not dead…? Vanessa: Yippee!”

Holy shit we’re going crazy. Also Vanessa thanks for your whimsy sorry I’ve been suspecting you of being the mm aim just running out of options here.

“Aidan: Hold on. Are we 100% sure…? Not that I don’t want it to be true, but… I don’t want to start believing it if we’re just going to figure out we’re wrong later. I don’t… want you to go through that, Ellis. Ellis: What else would be wrong, Aidan? Aidan: I just… want to make sure.  Vanessa: Then, why don’t we go through it? Just to make sure that everything is 100% right. Aidan: …Yeah. Okay. [Closing Argument]”

Part 2 out of 5 btw.

1- The Grotto. [Mark learnt of the Grotto several chapters before anything else]

2- Mark’s Video. [Mark recorded the video before going to the Grotto. Could be swapped with 1- if Grotto refers to Mark going there as opposed to finding out about it]

3- Monoquin’s Hands. [Mark stabs himself with Monoquin’s Hands]

4- Last Sighting of Mark. [Ellis sees Mark in the Grotto]

5- Monoquin File #6. [The Monoquin File is made and given]

6- Monoquin File Lie. [Mark’s not dead. I have no idea if this is supposed to go before or after the File itself].

[Answer: Last Sighting - Video - Grotto - Hands - Lie - File] Okay, I guess the video refers to Ellis watching the video, and Last Sighting referred to the sighting before that. I’m gonna call it close enough seeing as Last Sighting does also mention Ellis seeing Mark bleeding so it’s ambiguous :p

“Ellis: He couldn’t directly ask this entity to kill him, so he had to get creative. Using the same technique that Jeff used to open the VIP room, Mark asked this being to extend their arm, and they did. Their sharp hand stabbed into Mark’s stomach, causing Mark to collapse to the ground.”

It’s funny to hear Ellis talking about Monoquin with the identity obfuscation usually reserved for blackeneds lmao.

“The doors to the Class Trial Grounds open and a few staff members come in. They walk up to Monoquin, pick up his frozen body, then take it out of the room with them.”

Oh shit, everything’s really breaking, huh? I wonder why Monoquin even initiated the Trial then.

“Davis: If Mark didn’t die, does that mean that the rule wasn’t technically broken? Because–“

Yeah that. Also: {I don't know what I was going to say here, I think I got distracted by the next lines???}

“Vanessa: Hello, everybody! Davis: Vanessa…? Vanessa: Contestants of the Sixth Killing Game, congratulations on making it this far! You’ve managed to do the impossible: force the killing game to its end. So, as a result, let’s make it a finale worthy of this amazing cast”

What the fuck??? Vanessa you being the MM was a joke!!! What the fuck???

“Vanessa: In order to progress to the next stage, you’ll have to answer one very simple question. You all know that there’s always been a mastermind among your ranks. The question is: who? Lock in your votes when you’re satisfied, and good luck! Ellis: Vanessa, what are you doing? Vanessa: It told me to say it, okay?!  She shows us her e-Handbook, which has words on its screen like a teleprompter.”

Okay, so, not immediate mm reveal there. Still, at this point, who the hell? The only thing I can think about is something I said earlier, that it’s mighty convenient News chose a name for Marcos which matched their actual name. But, is that it? The hell is happening right now?

“Ellis: Okay, but how are we supposed to do that? I mean, I guess it turned out okay the last time I had to make a random choice, but… that was only between two people! Plus, we had way more evidence! Aidan: From your perspective, aren’t there only three people…? That’s not that different. Ellis: But… it is!!!”

I mean. The mm could be dead. Kennedy didn’t think the game would end with the mm’s death, after all.

“Vanessa: Though, it’s not like we’re completely in the dark either, right? We’ve talked about this before. [Evidence Select]”

Kennedy’s Mastermind Theory is bad, let’s be real here.

“Vanessa: I just meant that it’s something we should at least talk about… Plus, isn’t it kinda weird that they’re both still here…? Aidan: I’m pretty convinced Vanessa’s the mastermind. I don’t know why it’d be Ellis or Davis, and I know it’s not me. Vanessa: Aw, come on! That’s not fair! Of course you’re gonna believe, like, your boyfriend and your best friend over me…”

Wow, we turned fast! But yeah, I’m getting more convinced of the Vanessa!mm angle the longer this goes on.

[Third Party Analysis] Let’s ball.

Concession: “Vanessa: I get that you guys are super close to each other, and I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I have to be the mastermind…” “Aidan: Sure, Kennedy thought I was the mastermind.” [Btw: “Kennedy thought a lot of things, like that killing Vivi was a good idea. I don’t agree with that.” is just fantastic. Beef so generational it’s downright posthumous].

Defense: “Vanessa: You’ve all seen how I’ve been trying to end the killing game too, right…?” “Aidan: I’ve always been trying to stop the killing game, even if I went about it wrong sometimes.”

Attack: “Vanessa: And, um… at least someone suspected Aidan.” “Aidan: She’s the one who’s acted the weirdest the whole time, and has just… been on a different emotional wavelength.”

Proposal: “Vanessa: Is it so crazy to believe that maybe Kennedy was right all along?” “Aidan: Besides, if anyone here was going to use their talent towards the killing game, wouldn't it be Vanessa? I’m sure you could do something with “Ultimate Announcer.””

Inquire! Not too sure, unsurprisingly. Maybe “Killing Game Explanation” to agree with Aidan’s Proposal? I don’t know how else we would use that, and you could argue that presenting the killing game through a movie instead of a more standard explanation is a sort of Announcer-y move. Maybe the Tragedy Article to Vanessa’s Defense, saying that maybe she ripped the article herself and thus hasn’t really been “trying”? I don’t like that one too much though.

[Answer: Got the Distill part right.

Inquire! “Killing Game Explanation“ → “Aidan’s Proposal”] Finally! I got one! Yay :,D Though I’m still worried about Ness actually being the mm because I’ll be really sad :(

“Ellis: I gotta say, I agree with Aidan on this point. Monoquin specifically described the Resort as “an attraction.””

Not the exact reasoning I used, but I did also consider that.

“Vanessa: Like I said, I’ve been trying to end this thing! And I haven’t been going along with the killing game the whole time! What about, um… the article on the Tragedy?”

Oh hey, we did bring it up. Though now we can question why Vanessa got the paper at all. Ellis’ requests for information were never actually answered, right? I don’t remember if that was 48 hours before this point, though…

“Ellis: Vanessa showed me an article about the Tragedy right before the dinner party last night. I meant to tell you guys about it, but… well, you understand why it was quickly deprioritized.”

Never mind, the Staff was just taking its sweet time with Ellis’ request xD

“I toss the paper in Davis’ direction. Since I didn’t crumple it or anything, it floats for a few moments before awkwardly falling on the floor. Somehow, Davis manages to make even picking up this stranded paper dashing.”

Thanks for the levity, I think I’m entering a sort of denial phase of grieving Vanessa :,)

“Aidan: Has it been helpful? It’s nice to know about the outside world, but it hasn’t actually helped with anything while we’ve been here. Maybe you got it for the sole purpose of having something to point out.”

Yeah, it really has done fuck all for us.

“Vanessa: If I were the mastermind, why would I do that? Like, try to shoot someone but then be unable to and freak out? That’d be, like, a weird move, right…?  Ellis: Freaking out… could freak other people out. If Robert hadn’t already died and word of your panic had spread, it might’ve motivated someone who was panicked and on the fence to act out.”

… Huh. Oh oh, that makes a lot of sense. I… do you think Antonia was the traitor, then? Kicking off the killing game with a horrendous murder to kickstart the despair, even at the cost of her life? Would explain Ness hanging out with her a lot. Though maybe Ness was only doing that because she figured Antonia would kill fast, which would allow Vanessa to stray from the group due to “grief” and thus not have to deal with socializing with her victims? Hm…

“Ellis: Jeez, I wish there was something we knew for sure that the mastermind did. Like, that they couldn’t do from amongst the students, or with Monoquin’s help. Then we could ask you about, like, alibis and stuff.”

Well… Mark’s nickname is still a thing.

“Aidan: That’s another point against you, though. You left first when we were waiting, right? Maybe you were going to talk to Monoquin. Vanessa: Oh, come on! It was a stressful situation! We’d been sitting there for, like, an hour!”

Okay yeah that’s actually not that great of a point Aidan lol.

[Freestyle Feud] Part 2 out of 5 btw. I can’t actually process that this is happening, what the fuck?

Vanessa: I promise you guys, I’m not the mastermind. We’re running out of options, and you seem fit for the task.

Vanessa: What do I have to do to earn your trust? Bring up some evidence to prove your innocence, or your defense won’t last.

Vanessa: You haven’t even given me anything to defend myself against! Process of elimination is your damnation; unless you can point to someone else, you won’t put our doubts to rest (?)

Vanessa: Aren’t all arguments for me or someone else the same? Not for your talent, as far as I’m aware.

Oh I was supposed to bring up Ness giving Mark their name oops. Well I called that out frame one of learning his real name so I’ll give myself some credit lol.

“Vanessa: Oh, duh! If I’m the mastermind, who do you think my traitor is?”

Antonia? That’s really not that hard of a question, if I’m supposed to point at one person.

“Ellis: Huh?! Won’t that just make us suspect you even more??? Vanessa: But it means you can’t vote yet, right? So, this is something you have to figure out first! Davis: I have to say, this doesn’t really… make me suspect you less…? Ellis: Way to steal my line but say it way cooler and sexier…”

Bruh.

[Puzzling Pieces] Was wondering when we’d get one of these!

“Vanessa: I’m not! Like… would I have helped you guys catch Monoquin just now if I was the mastermind? Aidan: Did you really help that much…?”

My guy really said ‘you were kinda useless’ lmao. I love Aidan so much.

God, even this is super hard. Usually you can kinda tell what the answer is from sentence structure, but this one’s somehow both too open and not open enough. I feel like “traitor” would have to go there, but I don’t know how. And there’s a lot of options for every blank word otherwise…

“Suspecting Vanessa was what Monoquin did not want”? I don’t know what that would refer to.

“Vanessa’s role was what both did not know?” What are we saying?

“Vanessa’s traitor was what Monoquin did not need/know/want/say”? Fuck would that mean.

“Trusting Vanessa/Monoquin… Suspecting Vanessa/Monoquin… Vanessa’s game/traitor/promise…” followed by “was what Monoquin/Vanessa/we/you… was what promise…” and finally “did not say/know/promise/need/want…” etc. I genuinely have no idea. This is not my trial bruh T_T

[Answer: Vanessa’s role was what Monoquin did this game.] O…kay, I see the idea. Vanessa being the announcer of the rules and stuff before Monoquin makes sense. This relates to the traitor… how? Is the angle that Monoquin is the mastermind and Ness is only the traitor?

“Ellis: Hmm… Monoquin is a host, isn’t he? And he kinda– no, he really sucks. Personality-wise, for sure, but more importantly, technology-wise. If he’s a new piece of tech, a new addition to the show, then maybe Vanessa used to play the role of the host. And we know that Vanessa had a little vendetta against Monoquin’s emceeing skills, too.”

Oh yeah, I remember that lol. I’m sad and nostalgic now.

“Davis: So Monoquin is just some sort of prototype? We all pause. Davis: Yeah, I see it.”

My guy catching mad strays this trial ToT

“Aidan: It’d also make sense as to why Mark didn’t come up with the same plan in the Fourth Killing Game. I mean, it was plausible enough that they just hadn’t thought about it, but if Monoquin wasn’t there before, the opportunity wouldn’t be either.”

Makes sense! Still no idea who the traitor is, though…

“Vanessa: Well, you, uh… You still haven’t answered anything about… the traitor…? Ellis: Did you just… basically confirm you were the mastermind???”

That’s what I’m saying, Ness! But yeah, that’s kinda sounds like an admission oops.

[Progressive Deduction] Can I get one minigame right this trial please?

1- What was Vanessa’s role in the previous killing games? a) Building Monoquin b) Choosing the winner c) Hosting the events of the killing game d) Nothing

c), obvs.

2- What does that mean? a) Vanessa is entirely innocent b) Vanessa must be the mastermind c) Vanessa wasn’t a contestant in the previous killing games d) Vanessa is working against us

I guess c) is the most rigorous follow up. Everything else is more of a logical jump, even if they are reasonable things.

3- What does this raise a conflict with? a) Ending the killing game b) Mark’s actions c) The VIP Files d) Vanessa’s lack of friends

“Vanessa’s lack of friends” is crazy. c) was already highlighted in the standalone document I’m assuming by mistake, so I’m guessing that’s the right answer, but it’s also sorta the only one that makes sense. I guess the issue that it raises is that there would be no need to hide the second killing game, as Vanessa wasn’t the winner but the host of that one?

[Answer: c - c - c] The guessing student’s dream lmao. But hey, I got it right! Even if it was slightly fraudulent with the pre-highlighted answer- look, I’ll take any win I can get at this point.

“Ellis: Alright, well, here’s a thought: we still don’t know who the winner of the Second Killing Game is. If Vanessa was being Monoquin at the time, she couldn’t have been a contestant, too. Maybe the traitor is whoever that winner was.”

Yeah, that was my other thought. Not that it’s immediately obvious who that would be lmao.

“Vanessa: I wasn’t “being Monoquin”!”

I know sweetie, you were probably better.

…In case it isn’t obvious by my tone, I seem to still be processing that Vanessa’s actually a horrible person who’s done unspeakable crimes against humanity. It just doesn’t feel real. She was literally nice D:

“Aidan: Because you were doing something else, or because you were better at the role?”

Oh hey Aidan! It’s been a while since I’ve been more mentally linked up with you than with Ellis lol.

“Vanessa: Maybe, uh… the second game didn’t exist…? Aidan: Convincing. Ellis: It obviously did? If it didn’t exist, then the third game would just be the second game, and you would be terrible at numbers. Vanessa: Why would it be my fault!!!”

I love how unserious this whole thing feels. Everyone’s just making fun of the mastermind, what a bunch of meanies :(

“Davis: I feel like that’s kind of obvious at this point, but… doesn’t it seem a little obvious? I mean, at this point it’s clear she’s guilty of something, but she seems too…  Ellis: Too… what? Davis: Too… all over the place? [Nonstop Debate]”

Bitches make it to Trial 6 and suddenly feel comfortable shit-talking the mm because they know their survival is almost guaranteed, I see how it is xD

“Aidan: It really seems like [the mastermind] have to be here, though…”

I mean, wasn’t Kennedy’s Escape Theory all about how that’s not necessarily the case? I’m shooting this with that Note.

[Answer: The Mastermind → “they’d have to be here”] You know what I’ll take it. Both notes talk about how the mastermind isn’t strictly necessary, which is what I’m assuming the point is.

“Ellis: Alright, then we should all agree he was telling the truth about the prior killing game. Mark didn’t think that they or the second place finisher were the mastermind. That means that there’s a precedent for the mastermind not being amongst the people who make it to the end. Davis: But, what happened to the mastermind in that case? Were they in the Fourth Killing Game with Mark to begin with? [Hangman’s Gambit]”

Locking in “Antonia’s poison”- Just kidding xD

Hangman’s is hard without letters. “They survived” fits, with the idea that the mm could have faked their death or something (not that I recall any of this game’s deaths being particularly fakeable if that’s the argument). “They weren’t” doesn’t fit even with the apostrophe, and that would have kinda been my guess. I don’t really know.

[Answer: Fake Executed] I thought about “fake execution” but that didn’t fit lol. I’m giving myself partial credit, which is kinda the best I can hope for in Hangman’s usually anyways lol.

“Aidan: You think the same thing happened this game? Davis: That would make the mastermind Antonia, Grace, Kennedy, Taylor, or Jeff, wouldn’t it?”

I mean, Antonia was friends with Vanessa… And I can’t lie, I did see she has a weirdly strong presence in post-game art. But… there no way. My favorites die in CH1, I can’t be hoping Antonia made it. Also I don’t remember her execution being easily fakeable. I don’t remember Kennedy’s well enough to rule them out… but she’s kinda ruled out because she’s the one who came up with the idea to end the killing game in the first place, no?

… If Antonia’s actually alive I’m popping off, I don’t even care about the circumstances. Just so we’re aware.

“Vanessa: … Aidan: Seems like we’re on the right track.”

Yeah… someone’s quiet, huh?

“Ellis: Well, I don’t think it’d be Jeff. The motivation doesn’t line up at all, and their death was… too close for comfort to be a fake.”

Alright, one down.

[Question completion] Come on these are easy, I need one non-fraudulent win.

“Where did the VIP Files come from?” It’s an interesting question. I mean, it kinda rules out Jeff maybe, but we knew that. I… is the point that the VIP Room was next to the Casino? Are we really Antoni-back?

[Answer: Where did the VIP Files come from?] Don’t call it a comeback B) Mostly because these are always beatable through sentence structure alone and thus aren’t really representative of me actually being back in my A-game B)

“Ellis: The VIP Files might’ve been written by the mastermind, right? Does it sound like any of their… writing… styles…? Aidan: I’m not convinced it was written by the mastermind.”

It seems not even Ellis is sure of what the point he’s trying to make is lol. Relatable.

“Aidan: Why would the Resort ever want the VIP Files? [Puzzling Pieces]”

That’s… actually a really fair question. What is the point of them? Just as record-keeping? Seems odd.

“Vanessa: You think that someone from outside the killing game would be able to learn all that?”

…Yes. This is televised. Had we not established that? Am I losing it? Possible.

“Someone outside the Resort figured out the information”? Kinda what was being said anyways. I’m going with it anyways, fuck it we ball.

[Answer: Someone outside the Resort figured out the information] Now you can call it a comeback B) Though tbf there weren’t that many words that could have gone before “out” but shhh… Call it a comeback anyways B)

“Ellis: Really, shouldn’t we just be believing whatever the opposite of what Vanessa says, anyway? Aidan: Or we could ignore her altogether. If you say that out loud, she’ll start playing mind games. Vanessa: Wait, don’t ignore me! I’m raising valid points!”

She’s trying so far I kinda feel bad for her, even despite all the human rights violations :(

[Nonstop Debate] Next step, can I actually get one of these right?

My first instinct was to shoot:

“Aidan: We don’t know who’s watching this thing. Maybe it’d be plenty easy to get in.

… with Balcony View. However, this caught my eye:

“Vanessa: I think someone would have to be pretty talented to pull that off…”

Wasn’t one of the previous winners a Mountain Climber? So I’m shooting VIP Files here.

[Answer: Cass’ Profile → “pretty talented”] Okay, never mind! Wrong Ultimate! I guess I got a little hung up on the Balcony and forgot the info gathering part lol. Well, at least it was the right thing to shoot, I gotta take what I can get at this point. Also, hell yeah, first victim haunting the narrative, one of my favorite tropes in these killing games >:)

“Davis: Cass was researching the Resort to try to figure out more about its operations. The mastermind probably didn’t like that. If that’s all true, I think we’re all on the same page. [Select the Person]”

It has to be Antonia. I have the biggest fucking smile in my face right now. Please tell me she’s coming back for the finale…?

[Answer: Antonia Cisneros] Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in months. Outside the poison anyways.

“Ellis: Antonia… you have to be the mastermind.”

Present tense? :D

“Vanessa: Whaaaaaaat? Oh nooo, that's reeeeally bad…! Davis: …Um? Aidan: I don’t even know what she’s doing anymore. I’m pretty confident in our answer. Unless you guys aren’t?”

Nice try on the reverse psychology, Ness, you’re doing great sweetie.

[Vote - Antonia Cisneros] Never been more excited to have a character be revealed as the mm. Venus if you bring back Antonia for the finale I take back every time I’ve called you evil this entire reaction series.

“Antonia: Hello, contestants. It’s wonderful to see your darling faces again~”

And the crowd goes wild!!! She’s back!!! The way I had to hop out of my chair and walk off some of the giddy energy overtaking me. My baby! My sweetheart! My favorite war criminal!!! She’s here!!!

To be transparent, I did see Antonia featuring in the post-DROS artwork and tags of the Halloween post as possible indication she was the mm/traitor, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up in case she was just doing a particularly impressive bit of narrative haunting and not actually coming back. And I haven’t forgotten the implication that Antonia has killed a lot more than just Cass from all the way in the CH1 Bonus Scenes, so it stands to reason she’d be talking about being the mm or even just the second game winner. Anyways, I’m still super happy to have her back! Let’s waste no more time, there’s new Antonia Cisneros content to consume, and I never thought I’d see the day that would happen!!! :D

Part 3

“Of course it would be so complicated, yet so simple at the same time. Doesn’t it make sense that the mastermind would be the only one ruthless enough to strike the first blow? Doesn’t it make sense that the mastermind would be the one to order a custom weapon so strong, two other killers took it for their own? Doesn’t it make sense that the mastermind of the killing games in the literal goddamn Casino would be the Ultimate Dealer? Antonia is the mastermind, and it all makes too much sense.”

It makes so much sense that I don’t think anyone I know in the prediction game got this right, precisely because of how “obvious” it felt. I wonder what the rules are for the score regarding her now… Well, that’s a mystery for the end of the post!

“Antonia: You knew all along one of the contestants was the mastermind. Are you truly surprised that responsibility is mine?”

I’ve missed you so much… Please talk more my favorites usually don’t make it to this chapter.

“Antonia: Once you're done speaking, we can move on to more pressing topics. I hold information that’s of interest to you. For example, I know Marcos’ current status.”

Oh yeah, she disliked nicknames! I remember that! :D I remember a not-really-surprising-but-still-probably-too-much amount about her :D

“Antonia: Marcos is currently recovering under Resort care and should be fine. Of course, that means that no rules were violated, given that Monoquin wouldn’t qualify as being involved in “murder” if there was no death. Aidan: And? You didn’t get executed. That’s enough of a rules violation on its own.”

Ooh, get her ass.

“Antonia: No one involved in the killing game’s production considers my survival problematic. I was removed from the player base and didn’t impact the game further. Besides, this is fairly standard protocol.”

Never mind, get his ass! I don’t consider your survival problematic either honey :D

I am… way too happy about all this. I… don’t really care, though. I’m just really glad She’s back :D

“Antonia: Of course. Aside from the second game– which I won– I’ve been falsely executed in every other killing game.”

Queen shit.

“Vanessa: That’s… just how the killing games have gone. It’s not Toni’s fault… Ellis: How?! She’s the mastermind! Vanessa: But, that doesn’t mean…! Antonia: Vanessa, it’s alright. Focus on the task at hand, please.”

What kinda fuck shit’s going on here? What kinda relationship do they have that Ness is willing to go to bat for shit like that? They’re not, like, actually sisters, right? That’d be kinda weird.

“Davis: …Are you two actually sisters? Antonia: Naturally.”

Never mind xD

“Antonia: I knew it would be difficult for Vanessa to pretend to be strangers, so we simply claimed each other were “similar” to our respective sisters to explain our closeness. It’s more than mere similarity, though.”

That’s crazy. No trust that Ness can play it cool, so we just appealed to Danganronpa syndrome of people getting attached way too quickly, and no one’s the wiser! It’s fucking genius!

“Antonia: Three remaining “survivors.” Four, if you include Vanessa, and five, if you include Marcos, who’s been exempted from the remainder of the killing game…  Ellis: Exempted? Antonia: Let me explain. Marcos did outsmart the killing game, even if the end result wasn’t quite what he expected. Between that and the fact that we healed them, it would be unfitting to return them to the killing game upon regaining consciousness. Thus, Marcos has simply “escaped.””

Damn. Mark’s just gone? What a legend.

“Antonia: That’s what we’re getting to, isn’t it? Putting it simply, I’m going to offer you all an opportunity. You have just one chance to win in unison, or none will win at all. If it’s a game of chance, then that’s definitely my arena. Then again, “the house always wins.” I can’t help but feel like that’s particularly true this time, given who I’m up against.”

Just one chance, you say. One Shot, perhaps? Let’s fucking go.

“Antonia: Answer three questions, one for each of you. If you get them all correct, you’ll win.  Davis: And, those questions are…? Antonia: You can answer them in any order. The questions are as follows: who is “Mark”? What are the killing games? And, finally, what is the world outside of the Resort?”

Ooh, interesting questions. I’m gonna guess we’re going back to trial format soon. Maybe after an investigation period? We still have two and a half parts to answer all of this, and I actually am very curious about the answers lol.

“Vanessa: It shouldn’t be too hard, right? If you guys can just figure out the answers, you’ll all get to leave, and the killing game will be over! Ellis: Somehow, I can’t help but imagine you’re really rooting for the home team. Vanessa: …I really do want you guys to get out of here…”

Hm… Unwilling traitor, then? What’s going on here? There’s some fuckshit at play here. I wonder how this whole thing’s gonna play out.

“Aidan: Makes enough sense. I think one of them is pretty clearly less all-encompassing than the others. [Nonstop Debate]”

Well, fuck a final investigation, we’re going straight back to Trial format lol. And I’m guessing we’re gonna talk about Mark, which makes sense as a starting point.

Speaking of:

“Davis: Then, I guess our best bet is to try to come up with a starting point of some kind.”

Maybe shoot this with Mark’s Profile? Feels like it makes sense to start there. Or maybe Mark’s Profile + VIP Files or something like that?

[Answer: Mark’s Profile → “a starting point”] Holy shit I actually got a Nonstop right. Antonia’s back and suddenly I’m locking in. This is crazy chat.

“Ellis: We finally learned their full name, but we still don’t know their Ultimate talent. We could start there.”

Do… they not see Ultimate Amnesiac? Or I guess they mean before the amnesia, which makes more sense lol.

“Vanessa: But, it’d be super hard for you guys to completely fill out their profile on your own! Like, how are you supposed to know their birthday is February 7? Antonia: …Vanessa. Vanessa: Oh, right! Haha, must’ve let it slip on accident!”

Okay so maybe they don’t actually see that, because I definitely remember their birthday being there lol. Also Vanessa is clearly on their side and Antonia’s very much stacking the deck if she wanted them to land a 1 in 366 answer for Mark’s birthday alone. Interesting…

“Ellis: Aquarius, huh? If I remember correctly, that’s pretty compatible with a Leo… Aidan: Stay on track, Ortiz.”

Bruh.

“Davis: Mark’s talent probably refers to something in their past, right? It’s a talent they’d have coming into the killing game. We don’t know that much about that, though… [Evidence Select]”

I mean… I have no idea, but if we’re supposed to land on Amnesiac, “Mark’s amnesia”?

[Answer: Mark’s Killing Game] I guess that works too.

“Antonia: Not that Lucky Students have the greatest track record for survival… Ellis: The… huh? Antonia: You already knew that, didn’t you? From the Files you all managed to read. Herbalist, Mountain Climber, Couponer. Dealer and Marcos’ talent as well, clearly. Ellis: Well, yeah, but… uh, surely I’m only the second Lucky Student you’ve had, then? Vanessa: Um… there’s a Lucky Student every killing game…”

Ooh… You know, Ellis’ original plan of coasting on luck alone had already been pretty much completely taken down, but it’s cool to get one last stab at it now with the reveal that it wouldn’t have even worked at all.

“If my “luck” can’t actually protect me or anyone else… is there a possibility that we’re going to make it this far, and still die?”

Oh yeah, also good for suspense :)

“Ellis: …Well then, your choices were totally bad and out of order! Clearly I’m the luckiest of the Lucky Students, because I’m the one who has the good fortune to survive. With three other people. Vanessa: Wait, am I included now?”

Or Ellis means Aidan, Davis and Mark lmao.

[Nonstop Debate] Let’s see!

“Davis: We don’t know anything that happened before the killing game…”

Not sure how this helps, but theoretically you can shoot this with Tragedy Article. It’s something we know preceded the games, assumedly.

[Answer: Tragedy Article → “don’t know anything that happened before”] I apparently did in fact lock in the moment Antonia came back. Crazy of me.

[Nonstop Debate] Let’s hope I stay locked in then!

“Antonia: Which major Mark may have had, should Mark have attended college, is irrelevant to the Resort’s question.”

I… respectfully disagree, but it’s interesting that their talent isn’t related to a major. But I feel like that may be unanswerable, so I probably shouldn't exist lmao.

“Davis: Is there… really nothing else that could be a lead…?”

I mean. We can always shoot that with “Mark’s Amnesia”, assuming I’m really meant to arrive at Ultimate Amnesiac. Not confident in this one though.

[Answer: Mark’s Amnesia → “You’d think you’d have to remember”] That… okay fair. I guess the statement felt so trivially wrong I didn’t think to argue against it lmao.

“Davis: Does that mean we think Mark was the one survivor the article mentioned, then…? Aidan: It’d give a reason why the end was ripped off, at least. That’s something.”

Ah, okay, I see that. Interesting…

“Aidan: It does make some sense, though. The article seems like it can’t actually confirm a lot of what happened in the attack, right? You’d think they’d have been able to ask the one witness, but if that witness forgot everything, then…”

And that’s where Amnesiac comes in! Awesome.

“Vanessa: …The student was Mark. Antonia: Vanessa! Vanessa: What? They, like, basically figured it out, right? I’m not even really helping that much…! Antonia: …”

Damn, Antonia’s about to crash out. Has she ever used an exclamation point before? We’re going crazy, it’s what’s happening.

“Ellis: I… don’t know. There was an entire killing game between the one Mark won and this one. Maybe they were just so out of it the whole time that the Resort decided to delay his re-entry? Vanessa: But, winners aren’t typically re-entered… All: … Aidan: Maybe something happened that made Mark forget again. Davis: After they won? I guess it’s possible, but… how many times can Mark forget everything about themself…? [Hangman’s Gambit]”

Yeah, the timeline’s a bit funky if Mark’s Lucky Student’s suicide is the amnesia trigger. But, if not that, then what? And what the hell do I write for this Hangman’s? I mean, I’d like to write “two times”, but that doesn’t fit. Fuck it, let’s write “Ultimate Amnesiac”, since that’s been my answer to the last several minigames lmao.

[Answer: Ultimate Amnesiac] Bruh. I wasn’t really expecting that to work xD I really do perform better with Antonia on the screen…

“Davis: Do we know that Mark forgot things regularly, though? I mean, besides the major points where they forgot their identity. After arriving in the killing game, it’s not like Mark ever forgot who we were or anything.”

Oh, the notes! Yeah, he probably does have bad amnesia usually!

[Evidence Select] Like I said, the notes in his e-Handbook!

[Answer: That] Yay!

“Davis: So then, Mark really is the Ultimate Amnesiac? That’s the last answer we need for this question, right?”

RIP to the theory of them being the Ultimate Gamer or something lol. I guess he was just always cracked at games, talent notwithstanding :p

“Ellis: We filled out the entire profile. What more do we need? Antonia: One last thing you don’t have an explanation for. [Puzzling Pieces]”

Alright Toni, let’s see what you want us to cook.

“Vanessa: I thought we agreed that filling out Mark’s profile was okay! Antonia: The contestants agreed that that would be sufficient.  Antonia: On behalf of the Resort, I would argue that deciphering why a previous winner would make a repeat appearance is a reasonable request.”

The conflict between these two is fun. But yeah, this is an interesting one. And holy shit that’s a lot of blank words.

“Mark was part of the Sixth Killing Game because they agreed to”? Don’t really think I can make anything a lot more complex than that. I guess he might have agreed to it in an attempt to end the games? Maybe I’m wrong, though.

[Answer: Mark was part of the Sixth Killing Game because they agreed to] Never mind. It really is that simple.

“Aidan: I’d believe Mark would rather go into another killing game than make someone random do it instead. Maybe they even went into the game with the intention of ending it, and that’s why they were so fixated on accomplishing something.”

I was betting on the latter, but I guess the former also makes plenty of sense.

“Antonia: Then, you’ve succeeded in the first question. Marcos, dubbed the Ultimate Amnesiac, became noteworthy as the lone survivor of the attack on UNBC. From what analysts pieced together, it seems Marcos escaped the campus in the direction of Lake Mead, although not without struggle against members of Ultimate Despair along the way. After winning the Fourth Killing Game, they resided in one of our luxury suites for the duration of the Fifth before volunteering for the Sixth.”

Hell yeah, go Mark! And go Ellis, Davis and Aidan for figuring all that out! And luxury suites… so I guess the other winners might be around, too! Guess it makes sense for them to be labeled VIPs, then.

“Vanessa: I mean… I don’t know if he really would’ve done any better watching another killing game happen from the sidelines… Ellis: Man, if only there was a way to prevent there being another killing game in the first place. Vanessa: …”

Vanessa the Ultimate L Taker this chapter, it’s crazy xD

[Evidence Select] Killing game now. I guess… can I just submit the entire e-Handbook? lol. I guess they want me to pick Killing Game Explanation.

[Answer: Killing Game Explanation]

“Davis: If it’s an attraction, that means people are probably watching it, right?  Vanessa: Right!”

Okay so this hadn’t been 100% confirmed, got it. It’s a little hard to keep track of what people know and what they don’t when I’m following several fangans with similar premises but different amount of info for the characters :p The DRDT cast knows they’re in a TV show, P:EG hasn’t mentioned anything like that, gods know what the hell was going on in Tetro… it’s a lot xD

“Davis: Maybe the Tragedy isn’t as widespread as we thought?  Aidan: Or the world’s recovered more than we might’ve expected.”

Guys I don’t think people would be watching if it weren’t peak Tragedy time lmao. You’d be rescued otherwise. I guess I’m probably supposed to use something like Balcony View to make that point…

“Aidan: If it’s really the Tragedy out there, how many people would take the time to tune into a killing game?”

Wait is it not the Tragedy? I’ve sorta assumed it was just because that’s the only way I saw of this actually working, but I can only think to shoot this with Balcony View.

[Answer: Balcony View → “who that audience is”] Okay, so. Probably still Tragedy time. At least I got the bullet right lmao.

“Davis: Would there really be people who would want to watch it, though? I can’t imagine genuinely enjoying this kind of thing… [Evidence Select]”

What, Tragedy Article? To bring up how insane Tragedy people are?

[Answer: Staff Members] That was my second option, bringing up how there being people willing to staff the killing game would mean there’s people who are okay with letting it happen.

“Davis: Actually, that makes me wonder… who is running this place? Antonia is the “mastermind,” but does she really run the whole Resort?  Ellis: Even if she tapped out early, somebody had to be running things behind the scenes before the First Class Trial. No shot Monoquin was up to that task. Vanessa: Monoquin can’t do anything. If it was just Toni and Monoquin running the place, the whole thing would’ve shut down by now.”

Plot twist! The real mm behind the scenes was Junko all along! Again! xD

“Davis: The point is, someone else might be responsible for keeping these killing games going, beyond just you. [Evidence Select]”

Staff members again? Maybe Tragedy Article now to bring up Ultimate Despair?

Fun fact, while going through the e-Handbook to see if anything jumped out at me, I remembered that thing I brought up about Rule #7. “The blackened may only kill a maximum of two people during any single killing game.” The wording is made specifically to allow people to kill more than two others over the course of several killing games, which I thought might have been there for Mark, but apparently was there for Antonia lol.

[Answer: VIP Files] Oh, the previous participants? I hadn’t considered that. What a twist! :O Or, wait, are the VIPs actually not the previous participants? Now that I think about it, we never quite got that explicitly confirmed.

“Aidan: We still haven’t really figured out why these games were held in the first place.  Ellis: Yeah, they seem– full offense– really pointless and bad to me. [Puzzling Pieces]”

Wow, asking big questions already! Let’s see where we’re going with this.

Considering all the talk of Antonia’s talent as a Dealer linking back to the purpose of the game, I’m assuming the answer is “People in the Casino bet on the killing games for money,” though maybe replace “people” with “VIPs”.

[Answer: People in the Resort bet on the killing games for money.] Okay, “Resort” instead of “Casino”, I guess it makes sense. We’re calling it good enough!

“Aidan: I know I’m the one who said the thing about money in the first place, but… it’s the Tragedy out there or whatever. Is money still… a thing?”

Hm… are we thinking people bet their lives or something? Would be funny if the Ultimate Lucky Students actually get into the games through betting on them.

[Nonstop Debate] *humming Nonstop music*

“Vanessa: The Resort offers high quality lodging and safety from– Antonia: Would you stop pretending to advertise the Resort? Antonia: Do so sincerely or focus your attention on narrating the game. Vanessa: Right. Right…”

Dude, Toni’s getting pissed. It’s kinda interesting to see Ness getting on her nerves.

I feel like I want to use the Customer Service Desk to make some kind of point about the resources, but I have no idea what the point would be. Maybe…

“Davis: The Resort could be wealthy and just… purchase everything they need.”

Shoot CSD here? Because purchasing all that is kinda impossible. Not confident on this, though.

[Answer: Antonia’s Profile → “through some kind of back channel”] … What? Is Antonia just single-handedly funding the Resort? I don’t know what we’re trying to say here actually.

“Ellis: That “back channel” could be right in front of us. The Ultimate Dealer’s abilities don’t have to be strictly limited to cards, y’know. Davis: Then, the thing they’re betting on is resources, more or less?”

Huh, she really is. Holy talent, goddamn.

“Ellis: I think so? The killing games are a marketing scheme that people bet on. Because of the area’s immense resources, some of which come from Antonia’s history as a dealer of all varieties, money still has value, despite the Tragedy going on.”

That’s crazy. Marketing, huh? So it’s for profit. Harper rolling in ver grave right now.

“Antonia: That is correct. I must say, you’re all doing quite the impressive job deducing all of this. With a little bit of help, that is. Vanessa: Haha… uh…”

The beef is still crazy :O

“Antonia: In any case, as I’m sure you’d expect, you all have quite a few fans who might like to see you. Mechanical whirring echoes through the Class Trial grounds. I search for the source and spot the panels of the ceiling, retracting, opening up the sky above us. Just beyond the ceiling of the Class Trial Grounds is a covered stadium filled with onlookers, watching us and the screen with our faces on it intently. A few signs stick out from the crowds. “I’LL BET ON ELLIS” “LET’S GO AIDAN!!!” “#MARKSWEEP” “MARRY ME DAVIS!” The increase in the surrounding noise is nearly overwhelming. Hundreds of pairs of eyes look down at us from above.”

Holy audience. I find the #Marksweep sign very funny considering the guy’s not even here.

“I’ve never felt so… small, before. I’m not one to run from a crowd, but this is different. People here have hopes for my future, but I can hardly call them my fans. Those who are rooting for me to win still want me to win a killing game. Meanwhile, the combined forces of those who want Aidan, Mark, and Davis to survive would prefer if I were dead. These signs feel like tombstones. We’re more than six feet under. Davis: There’s… so many people… Ellis: Every private moment… every time we stumbled… they saw it all. Aidan: …It doesn’t matter. Nothing’s changed. We still have to answer one more question. That’s it. Vanessa: …Hey, everybody…! Um… welcome back. I’m… glad to see you all… This is the shakiest I’ve heard Vanessa’s voice in a long time– probably since I found her holding the gun in that Villa.”

Damn, this is hitting them pretty hard. I mean, obviously, but geez. Aidan’s trying to be nonchalant about it, I’m impressed he’s succeeding so well. Even Ness is nervous, and who could blame her? After all the death and suffering, we’ve finally reached the most horrific thing in this entire story: the Danganronpa fandom (/j).

“Antonia: There’s one question left. What is the rest of the world like?  Davis: …Right. The questions. We need to answer them… Vanessa: Just one more, okay? Then this whole thing’s over and done with…”

Ness do you need help? I feel like we should try to get you out of here too damn.

[Nonstop Debate] Reaching the final question here. Interesting, considering there’s two more parts after this. It worries me that I have no idea what those two parts might actually hold.

“Antonia: Contestants forfeit their memories of the outside world for the sake of preserving the spirit of the original killing games. Antonia: After all, ours are modeled after Junko Enoshima’s~”

Wow, just out and saying it, huh? We really can’t escape her.

“Davis: Without the killing game, B/I don’t know if I’d have met you… Crowd: Awww!”

Damn, we doing crowd reactions now, What in the sitcom is this?

What are we supposed to realize here? Everything here feels more or less like stuff we knew already, barring the Junko killing game comment as that’s something the contestants probably don’t have memory of, seeing as it happened so late in the Tragedy.

I could see the point in shooting Antonia’s statement about the spirit of the og killing games with something like the Tragedy article or “any memories of the Tragedy”, with the point being that the og participants of THH knew nothing about the Tragedy, as opposed to our cast having some knowledge of it. That feels weak, though. Maybe just:

“Davis: What if that same destruction spread through the US?”

With Balcony View? I don’t really know how dire things looked from the Balcony, but it doesn’t sound awful in the e-Handbook note.

“Vanessa: At least the Resort’s given you a nice place to stay…?”

I mean I feel like I wanna disagree with this on principle with something like Killing Game Explanation, but I don’t think that gets us anywhere.

Eh… I’ve given enough options, let’s see if any of them are right.

[Answer: “a nice place to stay” → “same destruction spread through the US”] Oh! I guess that’s a fair argument. The Resort existing at all means things aren’t 100% awful, I guess.

“Davis: There can’t really be a government or any sort of regulatory institution though, right? I can’t imagine that this Resort would be allowed to operate like this if there was…  Ellis: Unless the government is in on it, too.”

Watch it, Ellis, I felt Kennedy’s ghost growing stronger for a moment there xD

[Nonstop Debate] Let’s go!

“Antonia: That there’s no one else with any semblance of society?”

Uh… maybe CSD here? Like, you gotta have something going on to get all the stuff people can ask for, especially on a 48 hour time frame.

[Answer: Customer Service Desk → “no one else with any semblance of society”] Yay I got one! :D

“Aidan: You mean there are a lot of places like this, where people make their own mini-societies? I guess it’s not too far-fetched, if the Resort already exists. What would you even call them, though…? [Hangman’s Gambit]”

Accidentally saw the answer to this one is “Strongholds”. That’s pretty interesting, though. And realistic, people would probably form strong local communities in the face of such a catastrophe, I feel.

“Davis: Is that really it? If the killing game is an “attraction,” it seems like people do more than just tolerate it. It would make the most sense if it’s something that brings people to this stronghold over others. Aidan: If you’re basing your entire infrastructure on betting, having more people to bet and keep things running is probably good. The Resort would want basically as many people as possible.”

This operation really is quite insane, especially taking in the context that it has to happen after Makoto Naegi hits Ultimate Hope status. I know it’s not by any means a fix all for society, but geez, not even a single US Future Foundation equivalent trying to stop these killing games? Or are they trying and failing? Crazy.

“Davis: It’s at least a lead, right? Though, I don’t really know why people would want to go to the stronghold that advertises killing people. It seems like that would be a factor that would send people away. Antonia: That’s a question you’ll have to answer, isn’t it? [Puzzling Pieces]”

Alright, lock in.

Maybe… “The bettors believe if they win big they’ll become happy”? A little silly sounding, but I’ll roll with it.

[Answer: The bettors believe if they win big they’ll become VIPs.] Oh! That actually makes a lot more sense lmao. I got decently close, though!

“I… couldn’t have been a bettor, could I…?”

Ooh, Ellis is asking the same question I did, once more… Crazy stuff to think about.

“Antonia: Have you come to your final answer? Davis: I think so.”

Bro what happens in parts 4 and 5???

“Confetti blasts from nearby jets as the crowd goes wild. Antonia turns to the crowd with a smile. Antonia: Here at the Resort, there’s always a chance to find a better life, if luck favors you– just like it did our winners today! Everyone, give them a big hand!”

Woohoo!!! … Why did this turn into an advertisement!!! Now I’m imagining all the previous winners seeing Antonia come out of the shadows to advertise while everyone else is getting executed, and I can’t imagine that’s a pleasant experience.

“The three of us, alongside Vanessa, follow Antonia out of the Class Trial Grounds.[Class Trial End]”

Ooh boy. I’m… very worried for what the next parts might hold, I feel like we’re not quite out of the woods yet. What a chapter this has been so far! So many reveals one after the other… holy damn. Let’s keep going!

Part 4

“Antonia: Through these doors are a hallway. There will be fans from the stadium who are trying to greet you. Don’t interact with them too much. Other than that, just follow me.”

That’s… uncomfortable, geez.

“As we walk, I notice hundreds of people sporting pink, heart-shaped sunglasses. They look far better on me.”

There’s damn DROS merch out here, it’s getting dire. This does an incredible job of selling how uncomfortable it all is, damn.

“Ellis: Oh yeah? And what “normally” happens after somebody wins? Vanessa: Well, there’s the initial reception, and then the interview, and then the coronation…”

Goddamn exit interviews. And fuck you mean “coronation”? This is way more like a show than any other fangan I’ve seen and it’s awful (in a good way).

“Antonia: There will be no such thing. You’re all members of the VIPs now, with all the perks that come with it.”

The winners are VIPs! I feel like I’ve bounced back and forth on that a little lol.

“Aidan: There’s no way we volunteered for this because of that or anything. Antonia: No, you didn’t.”

You know, I was worried about that, but it’s good to hear there’s no V3 pregame stuff going on here lmao.

“Antonia: It varies depending on the person. In your case, though, we simply picked you off of the Tragedy’s streets. There really isn’t much thought that goes into selecting a Lucky Student.  Ellis: …”

We’re really hammering home the point, huh? Good xD

“Vanessa: I didn’t [care about people not dying]. But I don’t think I really understood what it was like until I was there with all of you. Now… I don’t really want the killing games to exist anymore.”

Woohoo! Development! Come on, Ness, we still need to do the “end the killing games for good” part of the climax! Which I’m hoping happens but you never know!

“Antonia: No. There aren’t any cameras here. There’s no need to worry.”

That… feels like it might be important. Anyone up to just jump Antonia right here? No? Fair.

“Aidan: Would running actually accomplish anything…? I’m not opposed to it, I just… don’t see how it actually helps anything. Ellis: It… it would at least be something they weren’t expecting! Unless they do.”

I think they’re probably expecting it unfortunately :/

“Antonia: Thank you for joining us, Vanessa. Though, I’m sure we’re all used to seeing you in the interviewer’s chair rather than the interviewee’s. The crowd laughs.”

I’m still not used to the whole ‘filmed in front of a live studio audience’ bit lmao.

“Vanessa: If you’re just watching it… Even if you’re there in person, it doesn’t feel the same. You don’t really think of the contestants as real people. But, when you’re there, as one of the participants… You start to realize, you know? You understand what they’re all going through… Antonia: I see… The ghost of a frown twinges Antonia’s lips. She glances between Vanessa and the rest of the crowd.”

I’m very scared of Antonia btw. Girl called up a poison so strong it got used in two different murders after hers, and she still had the most gruesome murder probably. I’m worried for Vanessa, don’t die girl :(

“Antonia: …Well, our crowd already knows who you are, so I won’t bother you with the specifics of the interview. I’m sure you could use some rest. Congratulations on joining the winners’ pantheon, Vanessa.”

You know, I wouldn’t have minded if Toni asked a few more questions lmao.

“Antonia: Congratulations to you as well, Aidan. You’ve certainly earned your fair share of fans over the course of the game. Aidan: I have? Antonia: Of course! People love your sharp wit and your rough charm~ The crowd cheers loudly. Aidan: Good for them. I don’t care. The crowd laughs. Aidan scowls.”

I am fans, btw. Aidan’s one of my favorites. Really funny seeing how he reacts to being a fan favorite though, actual worst case scenario for him I’m sure.

“Aidan: It feels like the Resort should stop inventing life or death situations for their crowd’s amusement. Antonia: … Though she masks it well, it’s not hard to tell that Antonia is annoyed.”

You know, I wonder if Vanessa’s more used to people shittalking the killing games to her face. Surely, most of these interviews have to go somewhat like this.

“Antonia: Then, let me ask a bit of a lighter question. Let’s talk about you and Davis. Did you find love in this game? Aidan’s cheeks immediately redden. Aidan: Why do you care…? The crowd gives a loud, “aww!” Aidan winces like he wishes he could punch someone.”

The audience has to be going crazy over the non-doomed yaoi, surely. First time there’s multiple winners, and two of them are yaoiful? Some of them have to feel like they’re eating good.

“Antonia: Why don’t we talk to both of our lovebirds at once~? Davis Love, please join us on stage!”

Oh wow, this is about to be a clusterfuck :D

“Davis’ face is pale. Aidan glances over at him, then back to Antonia.”

My guy is. Not doing good! Understandable.

“Antonia: I’m sure you’re eager for some alone time, but the fans are dying to hear about your experiences! I’m sure you had to be afraid of losing each other as the killing game progressed. Davis: …I was… Aidan: Isn’t that kind of question obvious? What’s even the point of asking it?”

Antonia and Aidan are two seconds away from getting into a fistfight this is awesome.

“Antonia: Isn’t it important to question the way things are? After all, that’s what you did to change the Fifth Trial’s verdict. Aidan: I spoke up because you were wrong, not because I cared about what some crowd of people would think! Antonia: There’s that rebel spirit we all know and love~”

God, she’s such a piece of shit, I love her so much. You have no idea how many details I want on that second killing game, I need to see a girlboss winning and covered in blood.

“Antonia: Is there anything you’d like to tell the crowd about your relationship? Aidan: Yeah. Leave us the hell alone.”

Thanks Aidan, you’re awesome.

“Antonia: Well Davis, I’m sure you’re quite aware that you have many supporters out there. You’re the fan favorite, after all. He laughs nervously again. Davis: Yeah, uh… I figured…! The crowd laughs along with him.”

The poor fucking guy is living his worst nightmare out here ToT

“Antonia: Now, we’ve already heard a bit on your relationship with Aidan, but I think what a lot of our fans are curious about is your relationship with Jeffery. Were you aware of the feelings that he held for you? Were they at all reciprocated? Davis: I, um… I didn’t realize the extent of it. Because it’s pretty common with me, I knew that there was a possibility he was attracted to me, but I hadn’t realized it had gone that far. Antonia: I see. And, how did you feel about them? Davis: Well… at first, I obviously didn’t like him very much. Then, as I got to know them better, I started caring about them and trusting them. I don’t think it was at all romantic for me. I just… enjoyed his company as a friend. Antonia: I see. It must have been quite surprising when you found out what he did, then. Davis: It was and it wasn’t. Once they said it, I realized how much sense it made. I had hoped that anything related to my talent could stay out of the killing game, though…”

Oof. I guess we needed to talk about this at some point, yeah? Still, kind of a nightmare situation, that one. My guy Davis at the center of the trauma storm goddamn.

“Antonia: One last question. I’m sure everyone would like to know: do you have love advice for any hopefuls in the crowd? Davis: … He freezes up. Davis: Just… keep looking for… the right… person…?”

Bro save him. He needs to get out of there geez.

“Antonia: Last but not least, we have this game’s Lucky Student, Ellis Ortiz!”

Welp, time to face the music!

“What’s the most impactful thing I can say to the audience while I have this platform…?”

Good, good, we’re trying to go in, I like it.

“Play it cool at the start. I think that’s the best way to find my footing before I leap. I emerge on the stage, waving to the audience with a smug smile. When I sit on the chair, I fall back, putting my arms behind my head.”

Alright, alright, I like the strat. This is the one shot, the one opportunity, let’s do it.

“Ellis: Since the very beginning, I knew that as long as I trusted in my luck, I could coast my way to the finale. I hadn’t realized that I was gonna do it with anybody else, but, hey, I’m a go with the flow kinda guy.”

Wow… I wonder what his angle is here. Excited to see what they’ve got cooking.

“Antonia: Are you excited, then, to return to the high life that you’re accustomed to? I’m sure there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you satisfied~ Gross. Ellis: Naturally. Whatever the other winners did, I’m going to be way cooler than them.”

This is fantastic. I’m excited here, let’s see.

“Ellis: Actually, how did past winners feel, once they got here? I’m sure they wouldn’t handle it as well as me. I mean, you can already peep the quality of my interview versus the others’...! I roll my eyes with a smirk, and use my thumb to point backstage. Some of the crowd laughs, some of the crowd boos.”

Alright, alright, we’re cooking!

“Ellis: They didn’t get onstage and describe in visceral detail the scent of blood? They didn’t think to mention the heartbroken eyes of the people who examined their loved ones’ fractured bones after their corpses fell to the floor? You want to pretend it’s all fun and games, but your ratings on that front are absolutely tanking. I look out at the audience, aware that my time on screen may already be running short. Ellis: I may have been picked off the street, but in a way, that means I’m just like you. And let me tell you, there is nothing here to aspire to. Anything you think you want, you will not find it here. Your life might be bad now, but let me tell you, a mountain of broken bodies on top of a stack of margaritas is not worth the entrance fee. The crowd is silent.”

Tell em Ellis! Cook monarch! Hit em! :D

“Antonia: Are you finished?”

I still love her, though :)

“I stare at the people in the front row. Ellis: This is how a winner feels. You want in? Antonia: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the crowd? Ellis: Yeah. I’m disappointed in you.”

Oh hell yeah. Ellis crashout, you love to see it. We’re close to a breakthrough, I can feel it!

“Antonia: I swear, you all wanted to make that as hard on me as possible…  Ellis: No shit?”

Pfft-

“Antonia: I admire your protestations, but I’m really not the one you’re up against. Consider me a messenger for Mr. and Mrs. Crown themselves. Aidan: Mr. and Mrs. Crown? Antonia: The Casino owners. I worked for them before the Tragedy even started.  Ellis: Damn, way to lick your boss’ boots. Antonia: The professionals among us would call that seniority, but I doubt you’d understand that…”

Alright, so we got master-masterminds, holy damn. Also Antonia is incredible as always, I’ve missed her so deeply :)

“Antonia: Any questions? Ellis: Yeah. Why are you like this? Antonia: If you’re more specific, I might be able to answer you. Ellis: Aidan, Davis, and I, we all hate you. How can you not hate yourself? Antonia: …Some of us are comfortable with doing what we have to do. I suppose it’s not terribly surprising to me that you don’t understand. After all, life granted you an easy out.”

Ooh, Antonia implied trauma dump? Crazy stuff. I guess she has effectively lived through the Tragedy, can’t be too nice.

“Antonia: Vanessa? Are you coming? Vanessa: Yeah… I’m coming.”

Get Ness outta there bro ToT

“Ellis: What we should do next. Davis: For now, probably go talk with Mark, right? It seems like they should be a part of this…  Ellis: Alright, cool. That’s what I think, too. I just didn’t want to be the “let’s always talk to Mark” guy.”

Pfft- Funny. Still, I miss Mark, let’s go talk to them! :D

“Mark: I told you to leave me alone…  Ellis: No the fuck you didn’t!”

Yay!!!! And we’re still hilarious!!! Oh hi Mark! :D

“Mark: Ellis… Aidan: Hey, that might not be good for your very recent stab wound…? Ellis: Wait, yeah.”

‘Oh yeah, you’re brutally injured!’ Lmao.

“Mark: I thought I was the only one left again…  Ellis: Don’t worry. We made it.”

Oof. Did no one tell him? Poor guy.

“Ellis: Vanessa was included as a winner, even though she was the traitor… Mark: …She used to be the host, right? I think I remember that now…”

Your memory is very inconvenient, Mark. I love you anyways, Mark.

“Mark: It’s… complicated. It’s not just her fault, or Antonia’s, either. There’s a lot that goes into the killing games, and the Resort as a whole.”

Man, what a clusterfuck.

“Ellis: Do you have any idea how long it usually takes them to start a new game after the last one ended? Mark: …About a month, I think…? Maybe a little more.  Davis: That’s… pretty fast. Mark: Part of it depends on how long the game lasted. They can start recruiting for the next game during the previous one, if it goes on for long enough.”

A month is absurd. Speedrunning crimes against humanity, these people, damn.

“Mark: Well, my best idea last time was to join the next one and try to do something about it, but that didn’t work out all too well. Though, I guess you guys did end up surviving, so that’s… something. Ellis: What did I say about not hurting yourself anymore? Mark: …I won’t do it again. I promise.”

Ooh boy, there’s trauma in this conversation!

“Ellis: …Are you mad at me for ruining your plan? Mark: No, I’m not mad. I was just… worried. I wanted to make sure you’d all be okay. Ellis: We didn’t end the killing games, though. I put my palms on my forehead. Ellis: I tried so hard. I pulled every trick I could think of. None of them seemed to do anything, though. Mark: I know how you feel. I don’t really know what we’re supposed to do, either.”

Man, it’s… getting a little dire out here, huh?

“Mark: …Are you mad at me? I understand, if you are. Ellis: … It’s hard to say. Given that Mark is alive, the main thing that I feel is immense relief. If they’d died, it’d be a different story. He would have taken his own life. I could be mad that he’d made that objective call without thinking about how we would feel. That they did, in theory, put our lives on the line for the sake of their plan without telling us what was going on. But on the other hand… I doubt I would’ve been able to find it in me to have hated Mark if he was really never coming back. It doesn’t make sense to be mad at Mark because they’re alive though, right? Ellis: …No. I’m just… tired.”

Holy self reflection! Ellis has usually been good at it when she tries, nice to see her keeping it up :)

“Who cares about a crown when I could have Mark’s hands playing with my hair?”

Well, that’s romantic. I love these two so much :D

“Mark and I discuss what kind of food we want to order before I leave the room. It’s a surprisingly normal conversation, given the circumstances.”

It’s nice imagining them talking about food when the entire world is on fire, yeah. Dystopias are interesting like that.

“Ellis: Will you really? Be fine, I mean. Davis: With the food, sure. Ellis: But, otherwise? Davis: …I don’t feel safe here. I don’t know if I ever will.”

It really isn’t going great, yeah.

“Davis: Not… in that way. There’s just… a lot of people who know about us. They probably want things from us. They want things from me. You saw what happened with Jeff…  Ellis: Yeah, but… regardless of what’s actually going on, the people in the audience seemed to believe you were with Aidan, right? So, maybe they’ll lay off.”

You’re saying that with a lot of confidence. I’d be more worried about crazy people going after Aidan out of jealousy, if anything.

“Davis: After, do you think we can avoid talking to them again? Or encountering them in any way, shape, or form…? Ellis: I… really don’t know. The fact that we haven’t seen any of the other previous winners– well, besides Mark and Antonia, anyways– might be a good sign, though.”

Hopefully! Hopefully this wasn’t straight up televised, either…

“Ellis: Sadly, my brain is not big enough to contain so many thoughts at once. I have to complain out loud, much to Antonia’s chagrin.”

At least Ellis is still funny :)

“Aidan: Not just because we lived. The two of us… we didn’t really lose anyone we were that close to, right? I mean, you’re alive. Davis is alive. That’s really all I could ask for. Ellis: You might wanna set your bar a little higher. He could have asked for everyone’s survival, but it’s not like I would’ve done that at the beginning, either.”

Yeah, huh. That’s quite interesting, how that needed up working out.

“Ellis: To be fair, though, a lot of people wound up taking out the person they were closest to. It’s not really “lucky” that we avoided that fate.”

I mean, you’re thinking of Kennedy with Vivi and Taylor with Paris, not much else. Noah and Harper just happened to die together. Still counts, I guess.

“Aidan: Sure. Ending the killing games while we’re stuck within a hellish, high-glamor hotel run by Antonia. Glad to see how much things have changed. Ellis: Hey, things have changed! Now we’re stuck in smaller rooms with less stuff to do!”

Progress! Ha ha… ha…

“Ellis: There was still the threat of a Class Trial. Although, as a plus, we aren’t being publicly broadcasted in here… I hope. I look around for cameras and monitors. I don’t see any.”

Yay for privacy! Hopefully!

“Aidan: I wish I could do something that would actually help. Not like I know what that would be, or how to do it. Ellis: Weren’t you, like, hugging him after the interview? Aidan: I don’t know how much it actually helped, though. Ellis: I’d guess at least a little. Aidan: Maybe. It’d be nice to do more than a little for once, though. Ellis: We already did something big today just by surviving together. We can do something else awesome later.”

It’s kinda crazy seeing how much Aidan cares now. What good character development does to a mf.

“Ellis: I bet I know who we were supposed to expect, though… I stand up and open the door. It’s Vanessa– go figure.”

I still like Ness, I hope she gets a happy ending too honestly. Even with all the crimes against humanity and all.

“Vanessa: If there’s anything you wanted to ask me, I’ll answer.”

I like how we’re just checking up on everyone now, it’s nice :)

“Davis: …Do you hate the killing games?  She frowns. Vanessa: …I do now. Ellis: How much of what happened in the Villas was real? Vanessa: All of it. Like I told you, I didn’t plan on winning the Trial or anything. I knew the execution wouldn’t have been real. I just… wanted to stop everyone’s loved ones from dying. And I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore…”

Oof. Apparently that motive was so brutal it even started hitting the game runners, huh? Crazy.

“Aidan: Are you going to host the next killing game? Vanessa: … Vanessa’s eyes move to the ground. Vanessa: I don’t want to. But, if I don’t, they’re just gonna get someone else to do it…  Ellis: Wouldn’t you defecting… I don’t know, have some kind of effect on Antonia? Vanessa: It’s not like they couldn’t replace her, too.”

Yikes. Talk about an unwinnable game. The house always wins, even against the house’s own Dealer, huh?

“Aidan: She’s probably just covering for the fact that Antonia wouldn’t do anything, even if she stopped. Vanessa: That’s not true. Toni’s not… I know you guys won’t believe me, but she’s not evil. She really does care.”

Kind of insane thing to say. Fuck running the killing game, she was brutal even as a participant, what.

“Davis: It’s kind of hard to believe that when we’ve seen the body she dismembered…”

Yeah that.

“Vanessa: …She’d stop it if she could. I know she would. Aidan: If she hasn’t ever tried, does that really mean much…?”

Yeah, it’s… not great. Antonia seems pretty remorseless, but I could see that being purely a defense mechanism against the trauma of being forced to run all this. Not that that really helps her case much.

“Vanessa: I, um… I wanted to apologize to you most of all. For putting you in here. Ellis: “Putting you in here?” Vanessa: The Lucky Students are just random people we pick out. Antonia usually asked me to do that part. So… I’m the only reason you ever had to deal with the killing game. Ellis: … I’m staring face to face with the entity that traumatized me for life. She looks really, really sad, like those pictures of sad dogs you see online.”

Ouchie, heart hurtie.

“Ellis: If you’re Antonia’s little sister, then I want you to leave. If you’re Vanessa Bravo, survivor of the Sixth Killing Game, maybe you can stick around. Vanessa: …I can stick around for a little bit, at least.”

Ooh, big changes coming up. I’m very interested in how this whole thing is going to resolve. It seems like we’re aiming for a Vanessa redemption, but Antonia still feels a little out of reach. We’ll see, though!

Onto the finale, now! Exciting times. I don’t know if I’m fully prepared for it, but… things have to end eventually. Let’s give it up for the climax!

Part 5 - ENDING

Hype!!!

“???: …shouldn’t have without consulting us first. Antonia: With all due respect, the game was already headed towards its close. I chose what I deemed to be the fairest ending, for both the contestants and the bettors.”

Ooh… the return of the mysterious triple question mark people! Probably one of the Monarchs, exciting. And Antonia acting on her own, huh? Curious…

“Antonia: I understand the need to receive your approval, Mr. Crown, but the audience– Mr. Crown: I know that the audience gets rowdy, but we can handle them. What’s harder to handle is your overstepping. Do you have any idea how much more money has to be paid out for five winners instead of one?”

I mean. Presumably just 5x. I can’t imagine that’s too bad of a burden, considering all the shit you people buy, right?

“???: Eh, does it really matter? You’ll make it all back next killing game anyways. None of ‘em’ll actually hold onto the extra earnings. It’s all going back to the betting pool at the end of the day. ???: More money to bet with opens the possibility for correctly bidding individuals to earn an astronomical payback though, right? If there’s more money out there than there’s supposed to be, that could be a problem. Although, we could just raise prices across the board… ???: Is it so bad if they just have a little more money? It’s not like we’re close to running out or anything. So, if we just let them… ???: I, for one, am thrilled to have five winners! The old format was getting a little stale, wasn’t it? Sure, it costs a bit more, but think of all the new possibilities it opens! Damn, it sounds like there’s a whole committee in there! Are these the people behind all of the killing games?”

Alright, so we got even more people going around, shit’s getting crazier by the second.

“Makani Kahale, the first winner, Jack Paradis, the third, and Emma Xu, the fifth. At the center of the table are a well dressed man and woman, presumably Mr. and Mrs. Crown.”

Damn… the VIPs :O

“Mr. Crown: And that is exactly why you should have consulted with me first. Antonia: …I apologize. I’ll… endeavor to do so, in the future.”

It’s a little weird hearing Antonia be apologetic about stuff after all this. Really helps put this Mr Crown character into perspective.

“Note Obtained: VIP Meeting”

!!! Wait are we gonna have a last minute trial or something??? The hell are we getting notes for?

“Too late. Antonia’s already leaving the room. She subtly gestures for me to follow her as she takes a turn down the right hallway.”

Oof. Spooky situations out here.

“Antonia: …You’re not very stealthy, you know. My flip flops flip and flop down the hallway.”

Yep, still as funny as ever xD

“Antonia: I doubt any of them noticed you. I’m quite perceptive, though. I can’t complain too much. After all, there’s no way I’ll ever be as sneaky as the Ultimate Agent was.”

Yeah, I guess. First Victim callbacks always have such a weird feeling to them, don’t they? Almost nostalgic. Always gets me.

“Ellis: You’ve been in a killing game six times, and you haven’t tried to end them. Ever. Antonia: I don’t think it would be very wise of me to compromise my position in such a manner. After all, Vanessa and I are provided for. We’re safe. There isn’t anything to change. Ellis: So you haven’t learned a single thing throughout months of work? You didn’t change your perception of reality at all when the world got flipped on its head? Antonia: You act as though the destabilization of the world would be a reason for me to lean into uncertainty. In reality, it only lessens my options. If this is the only safe option, it’s the option I’ll take. Ellis: Yup. Sticking to your guns. No wisdom at all. Antonia: Are you hoping to accomplish anything by mocking me? Ellis: Mocking you. It’s working, it seems. Antonia: If you want to mock the person responsible for saving your life, go ahead. Still, I wouldn’t recommend trying your luck on anyone higher up in the rankings.”

Oh hell yeah, fight! I love how confident Antonia is that she’s in the right, it almost convinces you she isn’t completely horrible. I mean, dismemberment + dozens of deaths via killing game, and I’m out here rooting for a one chapter redemption arc speedrun. Probably because of the Bias, but still.

“Ellis: Fine. Thank you for saving my life. Now, will you stop insulting me for trying to save yours?“

Ooh, I love this angle. Come on, Ellis, tell her how her life sucks so she should strive to change it!

“Ellis: Even if you really don’t care about the people who are dying– which, believe me, can change in an instant; caring kinda slaps you in the face when it walks into the room– you don’t really want to be stuck here, right?”

Ellis is such a perfect protagonist for this damn game, I’m still amazed at how well she works when she was designed separately from the rest of the cast lmao.

“Antonia: Vanessa has always been happy here. That’s always been enough for me. Ellis: So you’re only staying here ‘cause of Vanessa? Antonia: In some ways. If it were only myself I was worried about, I might still arrive at the same answer. Ellis: You know, Vanessa is only staying here ‘cause of you. Antonia: …Is that so? Ellis: Vanessa cares about you more than anything. She came to us tonight arguing how, even though you were working for the bad guys, you could totally change.”

Damn. It’s crazy how different this sister duo is from Junko and Mukuro, huh? I wonder if that was in any way intentional…

“Antonia: This place has existed long before you arrived, Ellis. I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasted long after. Ellis: I know that. I was just starting to hope that you wouldn’t have to roam these halls anymore. Antonia: …Good night, Ellis. Ellis: ‘Night, Ms. Cisneros.”

Ooh… go Ellis, get under her skin you monarch! One part redemption arc speedrun let’s go!!!

“They really did assimilate into this fucked up society, huh? If I’d somehow won at the beginning, that could’ve been me. Now that I, Aidan, Davis, Vanessa, and Mark have won, that’s who we’re supposed to be. I can’t imagine any of us enjoying it, though.”

I mean, they’re all blackened winners, so I guess it makes sense. Still, it really is a little fucked.

“Aidan hates this entire killing game on principle, as he should. If he were in that meeting, he might’ve gotten some joy from shooting down everyone’s ideas. Doing so would cause their group some trouble, sure, but Aidan is smart enough that he’d inevitably point out some legitimate weak points, too. He might help the killing game do better, so he'd have to be quiet eventually. That’d be no fun.”

That’s a very funny assessment, and very accurate. Of course Aidan would be good enough at shittalking to accidentally help them lol.

“Still, though, as long as Antonia is there, Vanessa might revert back to her old ways. Under the pressure of her former allies and the perks of victory, she might crack. In that case, I’m not sure if we could count on her.”

It’s interesting we’re spending so much time on these hypotheticals, I wonder if they’re gonna be relevant beyond showing good character reads from Ellis.

“So then, what am I supposed to do?”

Oh, wait, Ellis is actively planning something. Shit, time to lock in my guy! This is your One Shot(TM)!

“Would the best anti-killing game speech I can muster do anything other than cause people to leave my fanclub? Not that I care about having more supporters than the others, but having people start stanning Mark or Davis instead of me wouldn’t really accomplish anything other than getting Ellis-related merch discontinued.”

Hope speeches hurt merch prospects, you heard it here first folks ToT (?)

“I may not have any real powers of luck that I can rely on in troubling times like these. However, that just means that the Ellis Ortiz is someone who can survive to the end of their own merit, their own determination to survive, their own willingness to change. Ellis Ortiz, with all their bumps and bruises, is a person who can exist. A person who exists is someone who can impact reality. I just need to convince the others that they exist, too.”

Oh we’re popping off. Goated internal monologue yet again, it just never misses.

“Mark: Yeah. Seems like I’m more or less recovered to the point I can walk around and whatnot.”

Yay for recovery! :D

“Mark: I’m going to have a check in with the doctor before the coronation, though.”

Yay for responsible recovery! :D

“Vanessa: I thought it might be nice if I brought you guys breakfast. Sooo… I’m here!”

Thank you Ness. I love you Ness.

“Mark: Basically, you go up on a stage. You wear a crown for a bit, you get your picture taken. They congratulate you on joining the winners’ panel. Then, there’s a party with some of the richer people where they ask you a bunch of personal questions that you kind of just have to smile and nod through.”

Bruh. Sounds horrible.

“Mark: The party dies down, and you get to go back to your room. Then, you just kind of… exist. Get whatever you want, do whatever you want. Watch the killing games, sometimes… Ellis: And that’s it? Mark: Yeah. That’s it. All: … Ellis: Wow. Just like the royal family. Aidan stifles a laugh.”

Who the hell could possibly resist? xp

“Vanessa: Yeah, but… what else can we really do? It’s basically impossible to convince the VIPs to do anything. We can’t really change their minds. Ellis: What if we convinced them all to be in the seventh killing game? Then they could go die.”

Brilliant! I see no issues with this plan!

“Aidan: There has to be something we can do. A thing we can sabotage, or a person we can convince, or… something. [Evidence Select]”

This might be the last minigame in DROS… let’s go VIP Meeting!!!

[Answer: I mean we got that note for a reason, come on]

“Ellis: Um… Oh, what if we just straight up told them that this was the last killing game? I heard the VIPs talking last night, and they were mad at Antonia for announcing that the killing game ended when it did. They said it was because once they tell the crowd something, they can’t take it back. So, if we tell the crowd that there won’t be any killing games anymore, they won’t be able to take it back!”

This is the funniest possible plan I can imagine. Zero notes, this is perfect.

“Mark: I’m not sure if they’d believe anything any of us said at all. It’s not as though they think we speak for the VIPs. If we said something, the VIPs could just say we didn’t know what we were talking about and get rid of us.”

Unfortunately, logic and reason often conflict with whimsy and joy (_ _///)

“Ellis: Maybe you’re right. That specific plan doesn’t work. But if we just keep gloomily shooting down every idea, then time will be up, and we’ll lose the golden opportunity we’ve been given to talk to the crowd as winners. If you don’t think that there’s anything we can do, you’re admitting that there’s no way to beat these people. But that’s not true! We’ve already beaten them in some small ways, like keeping Mark alive, or having multiple winners. I take a deep breath. Ellis: You guys are bright, sharp, caring, and amazing people. I trust in all of you to come up with a plan if you give it your all. So you can’t give up, and I won’t either. We have to imagine that our goal is possible. We have to have hope that we can actually change things around here…”

HOPE SPEECH!!!!! You knew it was coming, you knew it was gonna be awesome, and it delivered!!! Yay for hope!!!

“Vanessa: Well… what if Toni said it?”

We’re even getting Antonia involved??? What kinda shit could we possibly be cooking???

“Vanessa: Maybe we could… do… something…? That makes it less of an economy-killing, all-at-once announcement…? Aidan: What would that even be…? [Hangman’s Gambit]”

Oh shit, we really are doing halfway trial, huh?

Well… shit, I have no idea what this would even be, though. “Make a new”? Like, “make a new game”? But why wouldn’t “game” be there? “Kill a VIP”? Unrelated, very extreme, bad idea. “Mock a VIP”, since Antonia mentioned that they wouldn’t take that well? Hm… I’m gonna go with “Mock a VIP” as my answer, though I don’t quite know if it works in context.

[Answer: Make a Bet] Oh… that makes sense! Ooh, thrilling!

“Ellis: We could make it a bet. If we win, then the killing games end. That would make them think that they have the power until we take it away from them.”

Always bet on Ellis… genuinely really excited to see what they pull here.

“Ellis: …Do you think they would like it if we participated again? Or would that be bad for business? Vanessa: They’d probably like it. Mark and Antonia were both pretty popular this time around as repeat winners. If, like, half the cast were repeat winners…”

All Stars season… that’s a way to get a crowd excited!

“Aidan: At worst, if it got down to us again, we could live it out inside the Resort this time. If the game never ended, that’d be another way to stop it.”

Don’t love the backup plan, but I’m glad everyone’s on board. Let’s do it.

“Vanessa: Toni will be the one coronating us. All we have to do is challenge her when we’re in front of everyone and on camera. I know she’ll accept.”

The moves are crazy.

“Mark: …Ellis. You’re the lucky one here. Is it okay if you’re the one making the bet? Ellis: I… don’t know how lucky I actually am. I glance at Vanessa out of the corner of my eye. Davis: Just because the Resort didn’t put much thought into what a Lucky Student is… That doesn’t mean you aren’t, right? You’ve had your whole life before the killing game to prove it. Ellis: If you guys all want me to do it… then, yeah, I’ll do it.”

Always bet on Ellis!!! We hit these bets.

“As opposed to the suit I wore a few days ago, this time, the costuming team picks out a short dress for me to wear. It’s got long, white sleeves that are cut out at the shoulder and a collar that wraps around my neck. With thoughts of the bet on the horizon, I choose some sandals that hopefully wouldn’t be too terrible to run in.”

I’m interested in what this bet would even look like. I wonder if we can get a Dealer vs Lucky Student situation going, only for Antonia to throw at Vanessa’s request. I’m kinda spitballing in excitement lol.

“If I say all of those things to Vanessa, to Antonia, to Aidan and Davis and Mark, and then do nothing, I’ll be just as pathetic as the day I first awoke in the Resort. It’s time to show not just who I am, but who I want to be– someone who takes a stand against uncaring organizations like these.”

Let’s. Fucking. Go!!!!

“The crowd is smaller than the ones we saw after the ending of the killing game. Their energy is different, too. Rather than an excited crowd of superfans, it’s more businesslike. They’re surveying us, seeing what we’re made of. Oh, how badly I want to flip them off.”

Interesting. That’s… probably not helpful, you’d prefer a more energetic crowd, since they’d be more likely to agree to the bet. I mean, the bet’s gonna happen anyways, ‘cuz storytelling, but still :p

“Ellis: Yeah. Antonia, you and I are known for frequenting casinos, right? Antonia: Of course. I grin as confidently I can muster. Ellis: Then, what do you say we have ourselves a bet? Antonia: A bet? Whatever for? Ellis: Why, to herald the end of the killing games, my dear. The air turns tense as all the onlookers stare at me. Antonia: And what would the purpose of that be, darling~?”

I almost forgot how much sexual tension there always was whenever these two spoke. Just kidding, I always remembered it quite well, because I always remembered Antonia pretty well xD

…Not the time? Sorry, de-stressing.

“Antonia: A rather cocky proposal, isn’t it? Though, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, given that it’s coming from you~ Ellis: Oh yeah, I’ve got plenty of co– Aidan: Is it a deal or not?”

Ellis. I guess I’m not the only one de-stressing with humor xD

“Antonia: …I don’t see why not. The fate of the killing games versus the fates of our beloved winners. I’m sure the very thought of it is already getting our audience’s hearts pumping~ The dissatisfaction is clear on our nearby crowd’s faces, but as Antonia gives them her most charming smile, it’s clear they understand the implication of her words. The viewers at home have accepted the deal as valid.”

Hell yeah. All in baby!

“Antonia: In fact, I’m sure they’d love to see what happens in real time. Perhaps the Class Trial Grounds are a more appropriate setting?”

Wow, official! Lovely.

“Antonia: I suppose, once everyone’s settled in, we should determine exactly what we’re betting on, no?  Ellis: Makes sense to me. Antonia: Perhaps something simple would be best. Like, perhaps… a card flip?”

That’s crazy. I was sorta expecting something a little more involved for the climax, but this works too!

“Antonia: Given the severity of your request, I’m sure you understand if the Resort feels that even odds are unfair to us. Vanessa: And you’re just saying that now…? Mark: What odds are you looking at? Do they even need to ask? Antonia: One in 52, naturally. All Ellis will have to do is guess which card lies on top of the deck. Oh, and this is a standard deck, to ease any suspicions.”

That’s crazy. One in 52 is horrifying. But still… we gotta trust in Ellis, surely.

“Antonia: Sequential guesses would drastically affect the odds. One feels fair enough to me. That way, if you win, no one can say that the odds were stacked in your favor.”

Bro one in 52 followed by one in 51 is not that good, be fr. Come on, Toni, cheat, help them out. You know Ness wants that.

“Antonia: Have a choice in mind? This might as well be text flashing before an execution. What is Antonia going for here? It certainly seems like she’s going along with our plans, what with how she smiled at the VIPs and suggested that we move to the Arena, where the rest of the crowd could watch.”

Oh shit she actually is helping let’s go!!! Maybe she’ll put a card of significance on top of the deck? I don’t really know what that’d be, though.

“But on the other hand, what if it’s all a ruse?”

Or she may not, but I choose delusion.

“Ellis: Well, I’d obviously choose you, but that’ll have to wait until after the bet is over~ She laughs. Antonia: Very flattering. Pick a card. She’s still shuffling. Interesting.”

Well, Ellis will be Ellis until the end, awesome. Despite everything, it’s still them, huh? And Antonia seems like she wants to stack the deck no matter what, let’s hope it pays off.

“Maybe I should pick the ace of spades, like the single spade on Antonia’s usual dress. To communicate that I want to work together, I could give her that hint. Would that be too good to be true? Would that be too much of a picture perfect finale? It’s hard to say. I could pick a card for myself, the king of clubs. Or, should it be the two of hearts? In my past, I was certainly the king at any club I visited. But, in this killing game, I’ve been wearing these heart-shaped sunglasses, two hearts atop my head. I’ve grown close to others, connecting their hearts to mine. Two hearts, together: mine and Mark’s, Aidan and Davis’, Antonia’s and Vanessa’s. That’s right, huh? This choice doesn’t come down to me or Antonia on our own. It’s everything. Everything the killing games have been, and everything they will fail to be. Antonia and I are only sticking the landing on this plan we all came up with together. Therefore, I think there’s only one choice… Ellis: The six of hearts.”

They’re calling it the most epic card flip of all time. Holy tension. Come on Toni, stack the deck for us. You know Ellis hits these!!!

“I hold my breath, and draw.”

Heart of the cards baby!!! And probably Antonia stacking the deck but that’s besides the point!!!

“The six of hearts. The crowd goes wild.”

We’re popping the fuck off!!!

“Mark: …The killing games are over. That’s… that’s the deal we made. Antonia: Of course. Would I really be one to go back on a deal?”

Oh hell yeah. Peak.

“Antonia: I suppose that’s something that will have to be determined later. As for now– Chains spring out from behind Antonia’s podium, locking around her neck and pulling her away. Vanessa: Toni?! Vanessa rushes to the execution area. We all follow. GAME OVER! Antonia has been found guilty. Time for punishment!”

Nah nah nah get outta here. Antonia’s not dying, this shit’s not happening, not in the last fucking paragraphs of the story.

“Antonia stands in front of us, behind our execution podiums, each with a gun resting on it. Cameras are pointed on all of us, and the crowd watches with bated breath.”

Okay wait wait, it’s cast decision. Come on, you know Toni lives these. She probably just helped you all, and while no one can say that without invalidating the bet, they have to suspect. Come on, please, Toni has to survive. I can’t have her dying again.

“Mark: The point of all of this is that people don’t need to die for our entertainment. They don’t have to die at all. If we have the ability to prevent them from dying, isn’t that worth it?”

That’s right, good, good, I like these arguments Mark. Just stressful that it takes One Shot(TM) to ruin it.

…We’re really getting a lot of value out of that title now, huh? Peak.

“Davis: Besides, after all of this, shouldn’t you care…? Antonia is someone you’ve seen a lot of and gotten to know. Wouldn’t it… upset you, if she died after all of this time? For no reason other than to satisfy some arbitrary ending condition? Aidan: I’m sure you all have lives, or jobs, or families, or whatever. Is this really the best way to spend your free time? Tuning in to people breaking down until they can’t take it anymore and killing each other? Wouldn’t it be better to watch… I don’t know, sports? Cooking shows? Some sort of competition or entertainment that’s actually sustainable…?”

That’s everyone, ‘cuz Ness is not shooting. I love it, I love the determination, I love the moral backbone, peak peak peak.

“Vanessa: …This is the real ending of the killing game. It’s the beginning of a new era for the Resort, where things will be better. They’ll be just as “fun,” but more humane. But, we wouldn’t be able to make all of these changes without you. So, if you’re all supportive out there… Let me hear you, Las Vegas!”

Ultimate Announcer let’s go!!!! We win these!!!

“The chains on Antonia suddenly unlock, releasing her. Mark, Davis, Aidan, and Vanessa… they did it. They took their chances, stood up, and fought for what they believed in. When I faltered, they had my back. That’s what we’re meant to do.”

It’s just so unbelievably peak…

“Antonia: If you’re all so eager…  Antonia joins our side, voice a bit scratchy from the near-execution. Antonia: Then, let us hear your cheers for the victors of our sixth and final killing game~! I can hardly hear myself over the applause.”

Woohoo!!!

[One Month Later] Ooh time skip! Nice!

“Vanessa: So? What do you guys think? Ellis: I like the substantial cuts to the amount of murder. Not so sure about the logo’s color. Antonia: What a helpful way of phrasing your one complaint… Davis: On the whole, I think it sounds good. Are you guys going to be ready to start running it soon? Vanessa: Hopefully! With everything approved, all it’ll take is recruiting a cast, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people who will be thrilled to be a part of the new games. They should be fun, and then everyone who always looked up to the people on the TVs can be the people on the TVs.”

And now they’re running the non-killing games! How… the hell did this happen, I have no clue, but it’s so feel-good as an ending that I don’t really care xD

“Mark: And this time, they’ll actually know they’re going into a TV show before they go on it. Also a major improvement. Aidan: I wish we could do something to cool it on the betting. People would probably riot if we took that away too, though, so I guess it stays for now.”

Yeah, the first part’s probably also important lol. And I like that they’re trying to cut back on the Casino aspect too, would feel kinda weird for them to be okay with people ruining their lives over these games by betting still lmao.

“I’ve spent most of my time this past month (when I’m feeling strong enough to go out and do something) trying to interact with the people of this stronghold and survey their opinions. It’s interesting talking to them from the perspective of, in their eyes, a celebrity: even when I had a lot of money before, I didn’t necessarily hold people’s attention. Opinions differ between those who are still more unsure about disrupting the economy like this and those who admit they were never comfortable with the idea of profiting off of death in the first place.”

Cool world building! You can tell it’s post-Makoto-Naegi because some people weren’t okay with the murder :v

“Mark has steadily regained some of their college memories and is leading efforts within the Resort to increase its sustainability and its output. It’s slow going, but once they start making progress, it’s sure to help a lot of people.”

Yay Mark!

“Aidan: Other strongholds are starting to hear about the end of the killing games, too. Some of them seem to think it means that we have less bargaining power or something, but we’re making sure that, other than removing the killing games, nothing’s changing too much. Smaller steps. Aidan has found a role helping Antonia out with the operation of the stronghold, pointing out any potential flaws in upcoming plans or telling off other greedy stronghold runners. It’s not a traditional job by any means, but that’s probably part of what Aidan likes about it.”

Yay Aidan! Man, who knew a killing game could help one find their calling in life lmao.

“Antonia: There’s only so much he can get caught up doing. Considering I already organized plenty of regular trade and management systems, our stronghold is close to being able to function on its own. All we have to do is adjust it for any relevant changes and field any unexpected results.”

‘Of course he’s not overworking himself, I’m so good he can’t even find shit to do’. I love you Antonia. I’m so glad you survived you have no idea. As promised, every time I’ve called venus evil is officially retracted. This, too, is character development lol.

“Davis has been focusing on returning education to the stronghold. At the outset of the Tragedy, it’s something that fell off of people’s radars, but with enough safe space to operate, Davis is working to reinstate it. He believes that if the post-Tragedy future is going to be determined by the youth of today, we shouldn’t neglect them because there are seemingly more pressing matters.”

Yay Davis!…? Not what I expected him to do, to be fair, but it’s a very respectable goal. I wonder if his FTEs would have included anything about this…

“Ellis: Well. I wonder who your lucky students will be~”

Pfft-

“Aidan: Yeah… I hope that the school we create will be a place where they feel safe to just… grow up. Be kids. All that stupid stuff.”

Awww :)

“After we’re done with our various jobs for the day, we head home. Tonight, we have a stocked fridge, and I get to cooking. Weirdly enough, I’ve turned into the accidental caretaker of our little four person apartment. After enough times yelling at Aidan to do his laundry and shoving Mark into bed to sleep, it kind of fell upon me. It’s nice, though. I never would’ve thought I’d enjoy doing work for other people. I didn’t stick around long enough with my own family to see that play through. Luckily enough, I’ve been given a second chance.”

Wow, I would not have expected that! But it makes enough sense, Ellis has always been pretty nice behind all that bravado she used to hide under.

“With a bit more time to relax, Mark has been recovering well. Although they’ll probably never escape the title of the Ultimate Amnesiac, they’ve been recovering some of their memories across all periods of their life.”

Hell yeah! Go Mark!

“Although Aidan and Davis are no longer handcuffed together, they certainly still act like it sometimes. They started officially dating quickly after the killing game ended, and moved into the same room not long after that. Their new jobs do take them apart from each other sometimes, what with Aidan working in management and Davis establishing a new school system, but they still try to see each other as much as possible.”

Everyone, yaoi has won B)

“Antonia and Vanessa have really thrown themselves into their work. Some of it might be penance for their previous employment, but I think most of it is genuine excitement for being able to pursue their passions on their own terms. Antonia’s cool, calculated head and Vanessa’s bubbly people skills synthesize perfectly to gather the people and resources required to run a large-scale project. I’m sure that their new game show project will be a huge success.”

Yay! Even the criminals against humanity get a happy ending! :D That sounds sarcastic when I say it, but I mean it, I love these two.

“Someday, I think the good they’ve caused will outweigh the bad. That day hasn’t come yet, but continuing to knock them down when they’re trying to build up something good won’t get us anywhere.”

Yeah, that’s a good attitude to have. They did horrible things, but punishing them further will help no one. The Milgram inno sweep mindset, I’m familiar. Since, you know, I agree with it.

“I went through hell and lived to tell the tale. Does that make me some kind of angel? Nah, probably just a sinner trying to build his wings from scratch.”

Hell yeah. Go Ellis!

“Since I still have you here, I gotta tell you an answer from a long time ago: no, I didn’t deserve it.”

Oh yeah! I… vaguely remember that. I love a good bookend!

“Since I still have you here, I gotta tell you an answer from a long time ago: no, I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve any of what came to me. Sure, maybe I deserved it more than some people out there, but nobody deserves this. Needless suffering won’t actually make any changes in the world. You don’t have to stab yourself in the chest to be a bleeding heart. You don’t need to cope before you care. I’m taking it easy in my life, and taking it easy on myself. Wherever you are, I hope you can do the same. You don’t need a lucky break to make a breakthrough.”

Holy peak. Peak monologue. Peak ending. Peak story. Peak fangan. Just… round of applause, it’s so good!!! Danganronpa One Shot is so awesome!!!

-

What a fucking chapter, man. Just peak all around. DROS has been an amazing journey, and I’ve enjoyed it immensely! The characters were all awesome, specific shoutout to my favorites of Ellis, Aidan, Antonia, Mark… etc! The cases were fun, the ending was satisfying, just a very good fangan all around! I’ll be patiently awaiting the next entry in the av-multifangan account, which supposedly isn’t even that far away now!

And of course, my reaction series can only end in one way. The climax of the prediction game!

When we left off in CH5, we had: me and sewersleuth with 31, Jonas with 30, and accirax with 23. But before we get to the survivor point assignment, we’re gonna need a recount. With CH6 done, we can look at the special rules added for the events of the game. As per the official rules:

-Antonia can count as either CH1 killer or MM, depending on what is better for the board. Vanessa is NOT a valid MM guess.

-Mark is a Survivor officially, but can count as victim because of their little stunt this chapter.

-Harper and Noah are CH5 victims. Impossible to get a perfect score lmao.

I had already counted Harper and Noah as CH5 victims, so that’s fine, but the Antonia score needs reevaluation. We all thought she’d die late, so it’s better to count her as mm for all our boards. That means that while sleuth and I originally got 4 chapter points by guessing her as a CH5 killer, but by counting her as mm, we only get one chapter points from her. That’s 3 points of our score! Similarly, accirax had her down as CH5 victim. So while she still takes the role points, she also goes down 3 chapter points! Finally, Jonas had her down as CH4 killer, which was 3 chapter points, and the new mm count is only 2 chapter points. So Jonas’ score goes down by one!

You might think that means we can just subtract the right points from people straight from the score I mentioned, but, uh, I may have made an oopsie? For some reason, even accounting for the Antonia thing, I actually counted three less points for Jonas, sleuth and myself than I should have? Don’t know how that happened, but then again, this count was done over several posts over the course of an entire year, so I’m not surprised I screwed up somewhere lol. On a proper recount, the score is: 20 for accirax, 31 for sewersleuth and myself, and 32 for Jonas!

With that, now we get to the big event. Survivor counting time!

We all had Ellis down as a survivor, because the rules of the game told us to lmao. Naturally, zero points here. Only guess we all agreed on, too!

We did get close to agreeing on Vanessa though, albeit for the worse. Accirax, Jonas and I all guessed she’d die first. That’s max points for us: 5 chapter points and 2 roles points for a total of 7, leaving me with 38, accirax with 27, and Jonas with 39. Sewersleuth, meanwhile, nails the prediction with Ness as a survivor guess, so they keep the 28!

But sleuth shouldn’t get too cocky, now, because they missed a prediction that accirax, Jonas and I all correctly agreed on. We all had Mark as a survivor, while sleuth went with CH3 killer for him. Not even the special rules can save this guess; it’s 3 chapter points and 2 chapter points for sleuth. 5 isn’t as bad as 7, but it still gets sleuth up to 36.

You know who can get cocky, though? Accirax, because she actually guessed both Aidan and Davis as survivors. Perfect score in both of them, and accirax pulls off the massive feat of guessing 4/6 survivors. Her final score is 27, and she’s already won! We’re just competing for silver now, damn. Is this the result of knowing venus’ writing style more than us? Or is she simply the GOAT???

As for the rest of us mortals: I had Aidan down as a CH4 killer, which is 2 chapter and 2 role points, and Davis as a CH3 victim, so 3 chapter and 2 role points. That’s 9 more points, for a final score of 47!

Jonas had Davis as a CH5 killer (which was almost right lmao, thanks Jeff), which is 1 chapter points and 2 role points. That’s better than either of my guesses for the yaoi duo, but Jonas also had Aidan as a CH1 killer. That’s another case of the maximum 7 points, which combined with the 3 points from Davis, brings Jonas up to 49!

Finally, sleuth had Aidan as a CH5 victim and Davis as a CH4 victims. That’s 2 role points for each, and 1 and 2 chapter points respectively! That’s a total of 7 for these two, and sleuth ends up with 43 points!

(Note: in an ask to av-multifangan, sleuth counted their score as 45, but that’s because they gave themselves 2 points for Grace’s role. However, sleuth guessed her as the mm, and she was a killer. According to accirax in a comment from back in my CH2 part 7 predictions, mm counts as a killer guess. That means they counted two more points than they should have, thus, 43 is the real count :p)

The final standings are:

Jonas in last place with 49! Solid effort, though, congrats on the sub-50!

I was in third place with 47! That’s quite alright if you ask me, I’m awful at these things. In fact, I was the last person to get a prediction with 0 chapter points. Jonas was the first with Grace as a CH2 death (though he got role points from that), then sleuth and accirax with Vivi and Kennedy as CH3 deaths, respectively, and those were actually perfect guesses. My only 0 chapter point guesses were Ellis and Mark, lmao.

Sewersleuth takes silver with 43! Our boards were extremely similar, with 7 out of 16 guesses being exactly the same, but ultimately, sleuth’s proved superior!

And finally, accirax absolutely runs away with the competition! More than 10 points away from everyone else, an entire 20 points from me and Jonas, she gets a decisive victory! Considering how long she spent as the last place early in the killing game due to an unfortunate Cass guess, that’s quite a surprise!

Here, have a graph showing how the competition went! (In case it's not easy to see, I'm purple and Jonas is blue, sorry if you're colorblind lmao)

It was a pleasure competing with you all, especially with the peak literature attached to the game. See you all in the next av-multifangan entry, and take care!

[accirax]

HOLY SHIT YOU HELPED WITH DANGANRONPA ONE SHOT? THATS SO COOL!!

yep! i drew the poster and @av-multifangan's header image and icon, and i play the role of the protagonist, Ellis. speaking of them...

i'm glad you sound excited for the fangan! i'm counting down the days until Friday, personally :D

[av-multifangan]

Happy Valentine's Day! Dates begin tomorrow 💕

[av-multifangan]

Now Announcing...

Our new fangan, Danganronpa: One Shot!

Prologue releasing Friday, November 8th at 2 PM PST!

As we've vaguely mentioned before, we (Accirax and Venus) have written a lot of fangans for fun. We're now posting one of those fangans online for the first time! Venus wrote the characters and the mysteries, while Accirax wrote the protagonist and solved them. For a more detailed explanation, please check our About Page and FAQ!

The prologue will be posted on Tumblr as a Google Docs link, as that's the format the fangans will exist in. There will also be a Google Slides e-Handbook to accompany every installation. We will announce further posting schedules as we figure out the pace at which we want to post the chapters.

Our ask box is currently open, so please send in any questions you have about the format, any non-spoiler questions about the fangan itself, or just general thoughts/excitement! We're super excited to share this all with you, so if you're unsure about whether or not to send something in, send it. We want to see it!

Following the prologue, we'll be hosting a character Q&A, as well as allowing for voting on bonus content between the characters. We also may post polls to determine what our future posting schedule will look like, so please keep an eye out for those!

And finally, here's a version of the poster with the characters' pronouns if you want to discuss them!

As well as an easier-to-see picture of our header :)

Have fun, and we look forward to letting you meet the characters on November 8th!

[av-multifangan]

Character Quiz: Which DR: One Shot Character Are You?

Hello everyone! I made this character quiz a while ago and wanted to share it with you. Answer 25 questions to figure out which DROS character I think you're most like!

Which Danganronpa: One Shot Character Are You?

Take a fun personality quiz to figure out which Danganronpa: One Shot character you're most like! (If you haven't yet, check out the fangan

As with all personality quizzes, the answers might not fit you perfectly. That's true for the characters too! I made these questions to span, like, four fangans' worth of people, so they aren't perfectly optimized for the One Shot people either. Just give your best shot in answering, and hopefully the answers will take you to the right answer!

If anyone is willing to share their results, I'd love to know what you all get :D

And, if you're still here reading, I want to say: thank you for reading One Shot! This is our last planned piece of post-game bonus content (although it's possible more will release later, especially in combination with future fangans' content), but don't go anywhere, because there might be something cool coming up soon! Hm, this is being posted on a Sunday... I wonder what might happen a couple Sundays from now...

[1moreff-creator]

DROS CH4 Parts 3 to 7 + Bonus Scenes First Impressions

We're so incredibly back. I’ve decided to condense my reactions per chapter so as to not fill my blog with DROS, because I’m very happy to be back! It’s ending soon as of me writing this {and actually has ended as of me posting it}, so I’ve got some catching up to do! Let’s go!

CWs: Daily Life, Deadly Life, Bonus Scenes.

Btw this first part was actually written before I fell behind, so DROS was a bit fresher on my mind.

"...I decide to head to the Nightclub to clear my head. Yeah, yeah. It may not make sense on paper, but I don’t want to risk going all emo mode by meditating or whatever instead." The image of emo Ellis is pretty funny lol.

[Aidan FTE 3 Start] Yay!!!

"Ellis: Lightning never strikes the same place twice, but thankfully, I do.

Aidan: Oh. You’re here.

Ellis: Just like in your dreams~" Good to see Ellis is flirting again, probably a good indication his mood has improved a fair bit since CH4 Part 1!

"Aidan: It’s not like I really do much of anything outside of the Resort, either." I kinda figured, but I'm still interested in what the guy actually does.

"Aidan: Uh… wake up, eat breakfast. Go walk, or look around, or drive to nowhere or something. Go see some city or town where nothing ever happens, because nothing actually happens anywhere. At some point there’s lunch and dinner, and… I don’t know. This is what I’m saying. It’s not like I had hobbies, or talked to people or anything." Does he have, like, a job? How does he do all this? What?

"Ellis: But, if you didn’t enjoy it at least a little, and you weren’t forced to do it, why would you do it?

Aidan: I don’t know. It wasn’t nothing, I guess. If you’re going to do nothing by yourself, it’s nice if there’s at least something to look at." What is up with this dude? I mean, we've always kinda known he didn't care about anything, but seeing the full extent of how empty his life seems to be is still kinda depressing.

"Ellis: Y’know, the party life! Or, you could be all artsy and visit landmarks and museums and stuff. You could get a job, if that’s more your speed? Actually, wait, were you not in school or employed before you were thrown into this killing game?

He shrugs.

Aidan: “Taking a gap year” was a good enough excuse for my parents. I didn’t intend on actually going to study anywhere, though." Well, that explains a few things at least. LORE!!!

"Ellis: If you didn’t know what you were gonna do, couldn’t you have spent your time figuring it out? You could search the world for whatever your passion turned out to be.

Aidan: It’s not like I didn’t try. I just… came up empty, I guess." Yeah. Extremely depressing.

"Ellis: That’s… unfortunate. But, hey, you’re the Ultimate Contrarian, right? Couldn’t you do something with that? Like, you could be a lawyer, or a critic, or a director, or something!

Aidan: Maybe, I guess. I’ll… put some thought into it or something." Well, that's something at least! Maybe.

"Why was he thanking me, though? Sure, I gave him a bunch of options, but I don’t think he liked any of them. If a super attractive, cool, and dazzling person came up to you and gave you a pile of trash, you wouldn’t have to thank them for giving you that garbage.

…Does that mean that Aidan is just thanking me for being a super attractive, cool, and dazzling person? That seems unlikely." [FTE End] Yeah, he's probably thanking Ellis for trying, if I had to guess. Given Aidan is starting to see the value in giving a shit about things, seeing Ellis actually give a shit probably helps? Maybe? Yeah Aidan continues to be a little confusing xp

"Harper: Aidan, am I correct in assuming that you and Davis have made up?

Aidan: Uh, yeah, I guess? Why?

Harper: Oh, well, I was just…

Harper rubs ver wrist.

Harper: I was wondering what all you did to mend your relationship. That’s all." Poor Harper has no idea what to do about Noah, as usual. Let's hope ve gets some ideas soon!

"Aidan: I mean, you saw it. I apologized, he apologized for some reason, and that was that. 

Ellis: Truly, you have a destiny as a self-help author.

Aidan: Definitely. Thanks for the tip." Pfft. Sarcastic Aidan's fun.

"Harper: I told him that I don’t mind anything that happened with Kennedy and Paris, but he still feels… distant. I’m not sure he’s forgiven himself for it." Yeah... Especially considering prior baggage between Harper and Noah, this is a pretty complicated situation.

"Aidan: My advice, though? Just talk to him. Say whatever it is you want to say directly without worrying about how he’ll interpret it or what he’ll think afterwards or whatever. If you tell him directly, it’s hard for him to misinterpret." Hey, Ellis might have had something with the self help idea, this is actually surprisingly good advice from Aidan of all people! Then again, for as little experience as he seems to have with actually talking to people, he is a smart and straightforward person, so it probably shouldn't be too surprising.

"I could always use some more bling. And, it’s free! Not that I couldn’t pay for it myself. (Unlike Paris, haha–)" Bro??? I get she's public enemy number one rn, but why is aris catching strays even in internal monologue??? xD

"Nothing murder-y could be happening in the Bar, right? It’s a safe zone!" All due respects, given the alcohol involved, I would actually classify the bar as one of less safe zones, but you do you Ellis :p

"Donning my luckiest look, I peek inside to see what’s going on: Noah, sipping a drink! Nothing murder-y, indeed. Wait, when did he get out of the Cellar?!" Yeah what? Noah's not about to catch any mm or traitor allegations, right?

"He turns to me with a smile. Now that I’m closer, though, I notice his hands are shaking pretty badly. 

Ellis: Uh… how long have you been here?

Noah: Not long. I just got out, like, a few minutes ago…" So probably nothing sinister, but my guy is still looking remarkably awful. Uh, hope this doesn't go too badly?

"And he headed straight to the Bar? On one hand, ayyyyyyyy [...]" Bruh xD

"Ellis: Were you… able to tell who was next in line?

Noah: No. You’re the first person I’ve seen since getting out. Though, they put me in the Cellar early morning rather than, like, now. More… morning announcement-ish." Well, good to get some kind of time frame on when the motive victim switches, and info on whether or not they're made aware of who goes in after them.

"Through further conversation, I get the sense that he isn’t that shaken up about the experience of confinement itself, unless he’s a better liar than I thought." Wait, then what is up with him? Curious...

"Oh. Ohhhhhh.

Man, I guess there would be some drawbacks to doing keggers since you were 10." Is it embarrassing if I had to look up what "doing keggers" meant? I imagine it's well established in this account that I'm a massive nerd, so probably not that bad. However, this is still an interesting and very worrying conclusion Ellis reached, let's see if she's right about it!

"It’d be super hypocritical of me to suddenly be the drink police, but I also don’t want to feed into Noah’s alcoholism. Then again, is a killing game really the best time to go stone cold sober? Even if Noah tried to quit now, there’s a decent possibility that he wouldn’t live long enough to reap the benefits. Then again, that’s the same kind of logic addicts can use to convince themselves not to seek help. My grandfather said the exact same with his blackened lungs when he was on his deathbed." YIKES. Yeah, addictions are rough in general, and killing games have a thing for making rough issues even worse.

"Was the winner of the fourth game placed into the fifth? Could it have been Mark’s friend, the Lucky Student, who eventually gave up her life for his? Did she regret not saving her closest ally in the fourth game?

If Mark and I were the last two left, and they gave up their life for mine, and I was then put into a seventh killing game, and made it to the end… would I do the same?

The other Lucky Student didn’t die without her own interference. Could I really be okay, watching my competitors get steamrolled over, and over, and over again?

Some luck, huh." Wow we're just going down a hell of a spiral, huh? That's a very depressing hypothetical, damn.

"Noah’s rejoined us, but Paris is gone. It could be because she’s decided not to eat with us anymore, but given that everyone else shows up, it seems she’s in the Cellar." Alright, new victim! Man, we're running through these days, huh?

"Harper: If it’s alright, I was hoping we could talk sometime later.

Noah: Talk? About what?

Harper: I just… wanted to check in with you, about the last week or so. It’s been a while." Go Harper! Sanest person in the cast strikes again, actually taking advice and talking through ver issues!

"It almost sounds like a teacher telling a student to stay behind after class… not that that ever happened to me. Eheh." I can't actually tell if Ellis is being sarcastic and this has happened, or if they were actually a somewhat responsible student, given they used to be a very different person than what they are now.

[People Discuss Options] I always love it when people talk about their options in stories :D

"Once again, my genius goes unappreciated. That, or I’m just being wildly unhelpful. How am I meant to figure out which is the truth, again?" The everlasting Ellis question, isn't it?

"Just as I’m starting to run the water and take off my jacket, I hear a knock at the door. I turn the faucet off (no need to waste water) and see who’s outside. It’s Aidan! It’s Aidan?" A fair reaction, especially seeing this is the start of an FTE. Usually the protagonist is the one visiting the person they want to spend the FTE with, no? Is this Aidan!RealProtagonist evidence???

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Putting a divider here because this is where I left off when I dropped off the face of the earth, as I’ve been known to do lol. If my memory of smaller details becomes suddenly horrendous, uh, this is why!

That said, and Aidan FTE is just the kinda thing you love to see when you’re getting back into reading a fangan!

“Aidan enters my room and sits on the couch upside down with his feet in the air, dangling over the back.”

Guy’s such a contrarian he sits the wrong way round, you love to see it x) Also wow new format for my reactions :O

“Ellis: I’d offer you a glass of water, but I can’t imagine it’d be easy to take a sip in that position.”

Pfft-

“Ellis: …“Hey, Ho” sounds wrong. He lets out a short laugh.”

It is a very funny surname lol. Good to see Aidan hasn’t gotten tired of jokes about it by now :p

“Ellis: I don’t do job interviews. I’m too pretty.”

Yeah I’ve missed this.

“…I looked down the road I lived on. That day, it seemed to go on, straight and empty, for ever and ever and ever. I didn’t know where it led, but I knew I was headed there. Until… a certain “stroke of luck” came my way.”

…Poetic. I guess Ellis wanted to leave her old life, which isn’t really news, but this is still pretty flowery imagery. Wonder what’s up with that.

“Ellis: Concrete. Chipping paint. A free cup of coffee from your office job that isn’t totally full ‘cause you got the last cold part of the pot. Mail with a little rust on it from the inside of the mailbox. That’s what I was gonna be doing.”

We are very poetic today, I like it! Yeah this tracks.

“Ellis: …The people I wanted in it were the people who told me that there were achievable things out there. Even though I knew there weren’t.”

Holy lore Batman! Who are we talking about, Ellis?

“Ellis: …I think it’s so nice, it makes me mean. Aidan: Really?  I look down at the floor. Ellis: You saw it in this very conversation. Aidan: In what way?  Ellis: As soon as I started talking about it, you got upset with me. Makes sense, ‘cause I was upset with myself, too.”

Ouchie. It’s an interesting perspective about it, at least.

“Ellis: Who wouldn’t? You get it. You didn’t want to be concrete, either. Aidan: No, I didn’t. And I didn’t have anyone I wanted in my future, or anything I wanted to do, or any plans either. I guess what I mean is… He glances away. Aidan: You don’t have to cover it up with me. I get it.”

Aw, Aidan’s nice :) And kinda awkward about being nice but it’s cool :))

“Man, why do I keep spilling my soul to every spiky-haired, 5’8” nonbinary he/him user who comes my way? Is that my type now?”

Wait let me check something… Alright yeah this is funny.

[FTE End] Funnily enough this felt more like an Ellis FTE than anything, but it was still very cool!

“Davis: Are you [Noah] avoiding Harper? Ve was asking if we’d seen you around a bit ago.”

Yeah, yeah… It’s not going great with those two.

“Noah: Sorry, I just, whatever thing’s going on with you is distracting me… Davis: “Thing”? Noah: Y’know, the whole…  He huffs. Noah: I’m straight, so it’s, like, a weird feeling, y’know? Davis: What do you mean…? Ellis: Wait, are you saying that you’re attracted to Davis?Ohoho, things are getting interesting. Noah: Isn’t everyone? That’s, like, your whole thing, right? Ellis: Robert wasn’t. Noah: …Oh. Haha. Hahaha.”

Okay, blatant topic change aside, meeting the Ultimate Mr-Steal-Your-Girl is possibly the funniest way to figure something like this out lol.

“Noah: Yeah… yeah, it’s… that’s… that’s totally cool. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”

Though, to be fair to the guy, there’s probably better places to figure it out than in the middle of a killing game :p

“Noah: …Dad’s gonna kill me…”

Yeah that was the other thing I was worried about. Uh… well on the bright side this will only be a problem if Noah’s a survivor and his father lived through the Tragedy! … Which is not a very bright bright side, but it’s there.

“Davis reached out to reassure Noah, but he flinches away from him, throwing himself backwards– And over the railing.”

The way my eyebrows escaped the atmosphere. Are we good?!?!

“Upon closer inspection, Noah seems to be out cold on top of a crushed bed of flowers. Unconscious, but, definitely, thankfully, still alive.”

He better fucking be!

“We need to take him to the Infirmary. If only Vivi were still here… she’d know what to do.”

Don’t… fucking remind me about her, I’m still sad :,(

“Harper: What happened? I only heard the yelling, and… Davis: …  Is it really my place to be the one describing this? Still though, I don’t want to leave Harper totally hanging. If nobody says anything, people might start misinterpreting the situation as a murder attempt by Davis, which would not be good. I’m kinda glad Paris isn’t around to see this…”

It’s very awkward, this situation is.

“Ellis: I’m sure you’re, um… aware of some… stereotypes, surrounding frat boys. Noah ran into an… internalized bias due to Davis’ talent that made him act… erratically…?”

That is actually a pretty diplomatic way of putting that, good job Ellis!

“Ellis: Right, like Mr. Near-Resurrection via Stitches is gonna make things worse. Davis: …If they’re both my fault in the first place…”

That's a funny title, and don’t say that Davis you’re making me Sad.

“Ellis: That you’re an absolute benefit to have around, especially given that neither instance was your fault? This killing game is making people loopy. Thus, unless you’re the one who started the killing game, then it’s not your fault that the people around you are doing wack-ass things.”

It is a turbulent day when Ellis Fucking Ortiz is forced to be the voice of reason…

“Davis and I walk out of the Infirmary, and from the looks of it, he wants some space away from everyone, not just Noah. He heads back upstairs, while I, without any other ideas of what to do, continue on my path outside.”

It’s really funny to imagine this whole fiasco as basically a minor pit stop in the oh so grand plan of “going outside” lol.

“It really sucks for him that so many of his deep-seated issues are coming to life in this killing game, of all places. It’s a terrible way to go through any kind of self-improvement journey. And yet, it seems to kinda be forcing that narrative at the same time. What’s up with that?”

Wow wow wow Ellis, calm down with the meta comments or I’m gonna have to call the fourth wall police on you. That said, it seems the habit of Ellis and I saying the same things has stuck, what with the killing game environment comment and all!

“Taylor: Honestly, it’s been… pretty good. It’s kinda nice not having Paris here.”

Damn. Beef’s kinda legendary. Wonder which of the two is dying this chapter (?).

“Jeff: Yeah, it’s pretty nice. I guess it’s new to you, but cutting off people who are weighing you down is a great feeling.”

Yeah, you would say that, wouldn’t you?

“Taylor: It’d be kinda nice, though. To just… leave everything behind and start over. Vanessa: Like, here? Or at home? Taylor: I dunno. It’s just an idea, I haven’t actually thought about it. It just sounds… freeing, I guess.”

Jeff you’re corrupting them.

“Free, other than that you’re always shackled to yourself.”

Ah, there’s the poetics again! Was wondering where they’d gone.

“Taylor: I dunno. I would probably want to finish school first, so that I could have a job and everything, but just having a nice little house somewhere and making tea and reading books would be… nice.”

Nice dream Taylor :D

“Jeff: …If you’re actually, genuinely considering it… you should think about it first. Be sure you don’t want whatever you’re leaving behind. It’s harder to go back than it is to leave.  Oof, definitely sounds like there’s some history there.”

Yeah what? Is that lore I smell?

“Taylor: …For now, I guess I’ll just focus on the here and now. And breaking off from… whatever was going on with me and Paris. But… maybe someday.”

Yeah you know when you say that the death flags you’re waving are a little harder to ignore.

“Noah: Thanks for helping, though, and… making sure I was okay and all that.  Ellis: Hey, no problem. We gotta help each other out when we’re struggling, y’know?”

Nice Ellis :)

“Ellis: …It’s a nice quilt. I point at the blanket. A small smile returns to his face. Noah: Yeah. Harper’s… really amazing like that.  Ellis: I’m glad it wound up coming in handy. That seems like something that’d make ver happy. Noah: Yeah, probably.”

Nice Harper :)

“Noah: I’m surprised ve hasn’t given up on me yet. Well, not surprised, because I know ver. But… ve probably should’ve.  I start to laugh, then I catch myself. Ellis: Sorry. Not funny. It’s just… I’ve heard that kinda sentiment, like, a zillion times this past week.”

It is an oddly recurring sentiment. It’s almost like the narrative is designed to make the main character stop giving up on themselves!

“Ellis: You think you’re weak?Noah: … He won’t meet my eyes.”

Man we are Exploring Noah’s character today! That’s an almost bigger death flags than the ones Taylor was waving!

“Ellis: Although, if you need me to play damsel in distress for you, I wouldn’t be opposed to that arrangement. Wait. Shit. Maybe now is not the best time to joke about Noah theoretically being attracted to me. Ellis: I could, like, fail to do something on purpose, and you could come by and be super strong and save the day! I could, like… use a hose incorrectly? Or, uh… start a grease fire…?”

They’re calling Ellis the Monarch of Backtracking…

“That turned out better than I expected, to be honest! Like, not that I thought Noah was gonna hate crime me or anything, but… I dunno, maybe I’m just afraid of situations where I have to be the bigger person. Emotionally, anyways. Everyone knows I have a huge– Room. When I enter my room, I take a moment to appreciate how big it is.”

AYO?! You can’t just hit me with genuine self-reflection, then go to innuendo a line later! … Who am I kidding this is Ellis we’re talking about, of course he can.

—

What a nice little part we got here! Lots of Noah, lots of Aidan, lots of Ellis of course, what else could you ask for? The Mad Duo being alive again? Haha! Don’t remind me :(

Onto the next one!

Part 4

“Instead, it seems like Paris’ former bestie is the one who’s missing.”

Well, poor Taylor.

“Paris: What did you all say about me?! Ellis: Uh… what do you mean? And when? Paris: I know you were all talking about me while I was gone! Don’t pretend like you didn’t.”

Yo are we good??? I guess this is what being deprived of gossip for a day does to a woman.

“Aidan: If it makes you feel better, none of us really cared that you were gone.”

Bruh.

“Jeff: If you want the answer so much, the only one who even mentioned you was Taylor.  Paris: …Tay?”

Ooh… I’m turning into a Paris kinnie I wanna see this drama.

“Jeff: Fine. They said it was nice without you around.”

Yikes. Just out and say it, huh?

“Paris: …Mhm. Thanks for telling me~”

Oh I do NOT like that squiggly line. I doubt she’s planning murder, because she’d be the prime suspect like immediately, but there’s still other ways Paris could hurt Taylor and I’m Worried.

“Thankfully, I easily find Aidan in the Upper Common Room of all places. Why the hell is he here? Shouldn’t he be on the lower floor, ‘cause he lives– Man. Have I really learned nothing about the Ultimate Contrarian?” [Aidan FTE Start]

Yay final Aidan FTE! Also it’s immensely funny to me that the guy walks up the stairs just to live up to his talent, you gotta love the commitment to the bit.

“Aidan: …The fact that you’re one of the people who’s sometimes up here isn’t so bad either, I guess.”

YOOO! Friendship!!!!

“Aidan: It’s… probably for the best if I learn to be a little less contrary, anyways.”

Ooh, interesting!

“Aidan: I could have a future. The kind most people want. But I just… don’t. Ellis: You don’t want it, you mean? Aidan: I don’t. I don’t want the kind of life a normal, upstanding citizen does. I don’t want what my parents wanted for me. I just… don’t want anything, a lot of the time.”

This explains a couple things. It’s also nice to see how this parallels characters like Davis, who also has something you’d think most people would love with his whole “everyone wants me” schtick yet isn’t too happy about it; and of course Ellis to an extent, which is being explored here. Fun!

“Aidan: My family and the community I grew up in were always… traditional. And they didn’t like anyone or anything that didn’t fall in line with that tradition. So, from very early on, it was always, “make sure you go to church”; “you have to wear your school uniform”; “don’t question what we tell you.” It was awful.”

Ah, classic. Always fun to see one of these “rebels born from stifling environments” characters.

“Ellis: Sounds like it. Even if… No, maybe I should say this part out loud.”

You know for a character who’s always been pretty verbose in her inner monologues, Ellis has been pretty damn cryptic as of late. What did you want to say?!?! Please tell me!!!

“Aidan: I could’ve been “happy,” in whatever traditional sense there is. But I’m not.  Ellis: Yeah, that sucks. I’d say, “at least you’re here now,” but, uh… our current situation isn’t exactly the place in which most people want to be. Aidan: …Is it bad if it’s almost better, in some ways?”

I’d say it’s troubling, yeah. How fucking horrible does your home life have to be to even consider a killing game an improvement in some areas? Poor Aidan :(

“Aidan: It’s… weird. I don’t know why this is happening now, but, being here… For the first time, I sort of… Aidan looks away from me. Aidan: …There are finally some people that I could actually… maybe, want in my future. Assuming I have one, which I shouldn’t.  …Everyone keeps saying that to me.”

They do yeah. Not only do I hope that it’s good for Ellis’ self respect that people actually like them, I’m also very glad Aidan’s saying this in an FTE because otherwise it would be the biggest death flag yet. That aside, yay for character development! Because I assume Aidan is not just talking about Ellis, but also Davis! I… honestly forgot where their relationship was last I left off, maybe I should backtrack and check exactly what they had going on.

“Ellis: You… don’t want me around. People don’t seem to realize it, but… they shouldn’t. I…”

Ellis no… Maybe we can get some character development out of this, hold on.

“Ellis: You deserve a future, Aidan, whichever one you decide to make for yourself. The one where you travel places because you want to see how they live in those parts of the world, and wake up just to see how the sun rises over the horizon on that particular day, and order all the weird, mismatched fashion you could ever want online. I wanted to take that away from you. Just for me. Just ‘cause I wanted all those stupid, materialistic things that you see no meaning in. How could you not hate me…?!”

Aside from Aidan’s fashion choices catching the wildest stray in history, it really seems like the guilt about how Ellis was thinking about the killing game earlier on is finally catching up to him, huh? Crazy.

“A few teardrops roll down his cheeks.”

Holy shit, Aidan’s even more emotionally invested than I thought!

“Ellis: I already made up my mind that I don’t want to win anymore. Still, whenever I do anything related to that realization, people laud me as some hero. I… My entire life was already built on people thinking I’m great because of something I didn’t even do. You saw what that did to me. So, I won’t let that happen again. I’m just trying to be honest, for once.”

Fascinating character detail. Ellis’ past factors into her current sort of imposter syndrome, to the point where she thinks literally everything about her that people genuinely appreciate must be their mistake. I fucking love that so much!

“Aidan: Ellis, I’m not an idiot. It’s not like I thought you were looking out for anyone’s wellbeing before. You’re not some master manipulator.”

This is the funniest counterargument possible. “I was being dishonest - Well you weren’t good at it anyways!” lol

“Aidan: I’m telling you right now, I don’t care. The more you try to convince me otherwise the more sure I’m going to be.”

You really should have seen that one coming, Ellis.

“Ellis: …Fuck you. There’s an argument to be had against that statement, but you know I’m not smart enough to figure out what it is fast enough to respond to you in a timely fashion.”

This is also just great. Ellis you are a fangan protag debating is supposed to be, like, your thing.

“Aidan: You can be a good person or not. I don’t really care. What I do is up to me. And, right now, I’m choosing to spend time with you. So… deal with it, or something.”

Aidan’s just so damn goated it’s unbelievable.

“Then, we both remember that we were having this very loud and very personal conversation (in which Aidan actually cried, holy shit) in a completely public area.”

Oh yeah all that just happened in the common room xD

“Maybe I still don’t understand exactly who other people think I am. Maybe that’s ‘cause I never really figured it out for myself, beyond an aimless shell or a dazzling whirlwind. If you put them together, you get… I don’t know, a beautiful tropical storm? Hurricane Ellis, landing in a killing game near you. I’ll work on it. I have to, it seems.” [FTE End]

Woohoo! What a fantastic FTE! I loved it very very deeply. It’s probably my favorite from the ones I can remember. And that’s quite the note to leave off on, too! I wonder who the next FTEs are gonna be about…

“When I show up [to the pool], though, Davis and Jeff are already there at the Poolside Bar. Unlike last time, though, they’re both all smiles.”

Oh yeah, these two! I also kinda forgot where their conflict ended up last time, but I seem to recall them making up a bit during the third trial investigation.

“What did I miss? Last time I checked, these two hated each other. I mean, I guess Jeff kinda stood up for Davis in the Class Trial, and Davis told Jeff and I about the nature of his bachelorhood, but… that doesn’t automatically put you at bro status! What gives?!”

Or the trial. Again, fuzzy on the details because I fell into the void.

“Jeff: You want a drink?  I look down at my hands.”

Damn, Ellis took Noah’s alcoholism hard. If I recall correctly, I think I ended up giving Ellis addiction governance in the playlist post and Noah Poison, right? Too late to swap those around? lmao.

“I keep to my word of having only one drink as Davis, Jeff, and I continue our conversation. I can't exactly say that they have a lot in common, but in some ways, it seems like their differences balance each other out. That’s nice.”

It is! This was a surprisingly drama freee check-in with these guys!

“In the Buffet, I wind up with an odd crew: Paris, Vanessa, and Aidan.”

That is odd. I don’t think I remember Vanessa talking to Aidan outside of investigations and trials, though I’m probably forgetting something. {Hindsight: How the hell did I forget the entire Gun situation. Point kinda stands, though}

“Vanessa: Hey, is everything okay…? Aidan: What’re you sulking about? Paris: And why do you care all of a sudden?!”

Okay, so… Paris is doing horrible, as expected.

“Aidan: I’m not doing anything.”

Lmao.

“Paris: I thought Tay and I were friends. For real.”

Interesting perspective there. I seem to remember getting bad vibes from Paris and Taylor’s relationship from the very start, but I always kinda did it under the assumption that Paris didn’t quite see Taylor as an equal, if that makes sense. Like, they were always doing what Paris wanted, I don’t think that’s an entirely unreasonable assumption. But I guess Paris was just sort of entirely oblivious to the issues Taylor was having, and genuinely wanted to be friends and just didn’t know how to do that properly, which does fit what I remember well enough

“Ellis: If you want to win, that’s probably what you have to get used to. Paris: …When I said it, I didn’t mean it. Do you remember? I said Tay and I could find a way to win together. But… I guess somewhere along the way, I started believing it.”

I… really should brush up on what was happening when I left. But, yeah. It’s actually pretty fun that Paris is just now falling for the trap of focusing too much on winning, just as Ellis escapes that same trap. It’s one of those parallels that work so well you almost forget that Ellis and the rest of the cast have different creators lol.

“Aidan: Look, if there’s someone out there that makes you happy or whatever… don’t just give up on them out of nowhere. If you actually care about someone for once, that should matter. If you give up, maybe you didn’t actually care in the first place.”

Wonder who Aidan’s thinking about! (Hint: It starts with D and ends in avis. Probably).

“Paris: But… what do I do? Tay doesn’t like me anymore.  Aidan: I don’t know, talk to them? Apologize? Explain how you’re feeling? Why does everyone keep trying to ask me for advice?!”

Poor Aidan ended up with the reputation of the guy with common sense, and now people actually expect him to be socially competent, a true greek tragedy.

“Paris: …Then… tomorrow, I guess. I’ll… I’ll find a way to make Tay like me again. Somehow…”

Woohoo! You know, I think they could actually be good friends if Paris gets her shit together. I just hope we can all ignore that this feels like yet another death flag for Taylor and possibly Paris. I do think we’ve got enough time until the next murder for them to talk regardless, so I doubt it is. Hopefully.

“Still, Paris’ plans to do something “tomorrow” ring a little hollow. It’s not that I don’t think she’d actually do it– beats me as to whether Paris really wants to make a change or is just trying to lull us into a false sense of security– it’s that I’m really unsure about what tomorrow will bring.”

See it’s funny you say that because I very explicitly said I didn’t want to read that comment as a death flag, and now you’re making me worried.

“Taylor got imprisoned twice in a row, huh? That’s rough.”

…Motherfucker.

“Paris: …They haven’t been responding to my messages for a little while. I thought they just didn’t want to talk to me, but… Oh damn. I kinda forgot that you even could message the people trapped in the Cellar.”

That pretty massive oversight aside, I think we all know why Taylor’s not responding. The death flags… they were real.

“We all get to the bottom before any of us spot it: a body, charred beyond recognition. Is that… Taylor…?  Ding, Dong, Bing, Bong!”

God fucking damn it. You know, I joke about death flags so often I didn’t actually think those ones would come into play, but alas, I was foolish. Taylor no!!!! Also, charred? Yikes! Never something you love to see. I mean, actually I do tend to enjoy fire related mysteries, but I feel like Taylor would get mad at me for saying that lmao.

Anyways, this is sad. I liked Taylor a lot, and now they’re gone :( Lets try to quell the sadness with some mystery solving!

““The victim is Paris Hall. She died of poison in the Cellar last night at 2 AM.””

Never mind, first I panic. My heart fucking leapt out of my chest when I saw the wrong victim, then I remembered the file always has a lie, then I saw the poison and I’m going insane. I guess the first assumption is that the poison and time of death are true and the victim is false (given the location is trivially true), but the missing person does happen to be the Ultimate Impressionist, so I have to wonder…

“Paris?: What the hell is this?!”

I do like the question mark after her (their?) name, it’s fun.

[Investigation Start] Woohoo! I’m back in the building again!!!

-

You know, this is usually where I do the prediction game think, but, uh… I don’t think I can. Because I don’t actually know who the victim is. Again, my first assumption is that the victim name has to be the lie, because while Taylor disguising themselves as Paris sounds possible, in practice the switcheroo would get resolved, like, immediately at the start of the next part. Still, while the possibility of a disguise is on the table, I’m not gonna get ahead of myself. Let’s go straight into investigation!

Part 5

Weee! Investigation time! Let’s see what’s up with the victim thing!

“With Taylor’s talent, it’s totally plausible that they could be putting on the performance of their life as Paris right now. I have no idea how I’m supposed to prove who’s who.”

I mean, I feel like even with Taylor’s talent this can’t be that hard. Hair dye is probably an option, but there’s surely other differences in their bodies that would get noticed, right? There’s no way they look identical from the face down, right? And I have to check the handbook to see if the height matches. There are a lot of ways to prove this, is my point. Still, I guess we’ll keep that mystery going for a while.

Checked. Taylor’s height matches Paris’, but no one else’s.

“The body is burned. That’s all I can tell.”

Yep. Worries me that an immediate reason to do this would be hiding the identity of the corpse. Maybe Paris is the killer and is hoping people think she’s Taylor disguised as Paris? Or, I guess any killer could try to make people think Taylor is disguised as someone else. Because Taylor being the killer disguised as Paris would feel too obvious.

“Vanessa picks up the e-Handbook from the body and turns it on. Vanessa: It’s Taylor’s.”

See, I don’t like that this is how we’re doing it, because this is the one identity verification method which can most easily be faked. At least we can make sure “Paris” sent the messages they said they sent (I still don’t know what to do with the pronouns lol). Though, speaking of good fortune, it does feel a little odd that the entire body burnt but the handbook is functional. I don’t fully remember the handbook specifics, though, maybe they’re fireproof or something.

While we’re here, if Taylor is currently disguised as Paris, they may have been disguised like that for an entire day, which would mean that the whole Paris conversation about seeing Taylor as a friend wasn’t actually Paris. Part of what makes me think Taylor really is dead, and that the evidence they may be alive was planted by the killer specifically to make people doubt that fact.

“Ellis: Well, you’re not allowed to steal e-Handbooks, right? So that must mean that Paris is actually alive, and that first statement is a lie.”

I… forgot about that rule. Still, I figure taking a dead student’s handbook wouldn’t be a problem, maybe? So Taylor could be disguised and just put their own handbook next to the corpse, carrying the corpse’s handbook out of the cellar. Or Taylor really is the corpse and I should stop worrying about this.

“Vanessa: Well, Paris has been messaging Taylor a ton. They responded two days ago, when Paris was in the Cellar, but not yesterday, when Taylor was in the Cellar. If anything, I’d have guessed it’d be the opposite.”

At least the messages are real. I still wonder about the rules regarding dead students’ handbooks, though.

“Ellis: Well then… maybe the time of death is wrong, and Taylor died way earlier?”

Yeah, the lack of messages on Taylor’s side is strange. This is a clusterfuck lol.

“Vanessa: There’s… another weird thing. Um, I don’t know if you remember this setting exists, but in preferences, you can let other people have access to your room with their e-Handbook.  Ellis: …I did not. Vanessa: Well, it looks like Paris has access to Taylor’s room.”

Surprisingly, that’s one of the things I did remember, because it always felt like it could come up. This is peculiar, though. I need more evidence before I start going crazier than I already am.

“Harper: …I should mention… I did ask Monoquin. Contestants were… theoretically allowed to volunteer, if they wished.”

…Huh. Superficially, this doesn’t seem useful, because you can just walk down here in the night and that’s it. Maybe for setup time? But I have to wonder if it would have been possible for Taylor to impersonate someone and “volunteer” them to go down here. Would Monoquin see through that? Questions, questions…

“The wall suddenly falls backwards, knocking Jeff into a space I can’t see. There’s some noises behind the wall that I can’t tell the origin of; it sounds like movement. Then, a few moments later– Mark: Ow! Mark hits the floor of the Cellar. Ellis: Woah, wife swap. I mean, what?”

I- What? The fuck?

“Mark: I was in the Closet up in the Gym. How’d I get here…?  Ellis: Jeff… stepped on something, I guess? He was pulled into some darkness back there, and then an angel fell from heaven right before my eyes.”

I… Okay. This is a thing now. ???

“Mark: It’s not that I thought there was [a secret door], it’s that if there was one, I thought it’d be in here.  Jeff: And that’s because…? Mark: If you look at the map and think about how the Cellar is laid out and how big it is, the corner basically overlaps with the Closet. Plus, I never understood why this Closet even existed instead of being a rack or something, so I thought it could be relevant.”

Huh. Good reasoning from Mark! They’re so goated.

“The three of us work through figuring out exactly how the secret passage works. Our experiments conclude that the door only works if two roughly human-weighted things swap places. When something is on each location’s pressure plate, the mechanism activates and swaps the two, albeit a bit roughly.”

I- Okay, this is a little insane, but it works. I… don’t know what it means yet. Then again, if there really was nothing else in the cellar, it almost feels like the fire has to have happened somewhere else, so maybe this is a way to transport the body? I have no idea what’s happening here.

“Jeff: Why’s there a swap door in a Resort in the first place? I guess if this was for some kind of underground business, it’s an escape route…? Mark: …Right, yeah, the Resort. I don’t know either.”

I mean, I kinda doubt this was an actual resort ever, but I guess it’s never been confirmed whether this was specifically built for the game or not.

“Ellis: Anything of note? Aidan: Yes, but only because the answer is no. Davis: Meaning, there isn’t anything, even though it feels like there should be. Isn’t there supposed to be poison in this case…?”

That is most curious. People still get told if someone orders something anonymously, from what I remember. But Antonia had already used poison, right? Could someone have gotten hold of that?

“Ellis: Uh… well, poison can come from a lot of places! Maybe somebody repurposed something like cleaning supplies or pool chlorine that you might already be able to find around here.”

This also works, yeah. I imagine we’ll find some evidence indicating that if that’s the case.

“Aidan: Wouldn’t need it anymore. With the Salon and Makeup Store, you could change your appearance without having to order it, right?”

Oh yeah, speaking of disguises, forgot those are open now. Also, completely unrelated, “In Too Deep” is probably a pun on the cellar being underground I take it, but I am slightly worried about it being some kind of reference to “deep cover” (Kotoko reference?!?!- no), given the disguise thing.

“Paris?: Oh, hey Ellis. Welcome to Tay’s room.  Ellis: …Thanks. I take it you’ve been here before? Paris?: Yeah, a bit. Tay and I usually hung out in my room, though, so I honestly haven’t seen it all that much.  Ellis: Did Taylor also have permission to enter your room, then? Paris?: Yeah, of course~ It made it easier to hang out. See?”

Interesting…

“But, no matter how hard I look, it looks like Paris. Am I overthinking this? Does that just mean it really is Paris?”

Yeah I definitely got ahead of myself thinking it’d be easy to tell if this is Taylor or not. I’m leaning on “no”, though.

“However, when I check inside [Paris’ room], nothing seems out of the ordinary. There are only two empty hangers in her closet– one for the jacket and one for the dress, it seems, based on how her other clothes are hung up– but that’s just the copy that “Paris” is wearing. The body was so burnt that it tattered the clothes, so the body was probably wearing Taylor’s clothes at the time it was burnt. That, or something really weird is going on.”

It’s odd…

“Dun, Dun, Dun, Dun!”

Wait already?!?! We don’t even know how the fire was made! Or what the poison was! I can’t even tell who the victim is!

“Really, I was able to retain more from this investigation than I was from any of the past three, because this time, I was paying the most attention. I’m not going to turn a blind eye to these Trials anymore– at the very least, if my luck makes it so I have to win, I want it to be somewhat earned.”

Hell yeah.

“Why commit the crime at 2AM if it is in the Cellar, and nobody is trapped in there?”

I hadn’t even thought about that, but it’s so true. Is it possible it wasn’t in the cellar? I’m losing it.

““Paris” stands behind Paris’ podium– is that something we can use as evidence? Would Monoquin stop Taylor from standing there?”

I mean I’d assume Monoquin would let them, it’d kinda be pointless otherwise.

[Part End] Alright, time to check over the handbook and see if I can get literally any semblance of an idea of what happened, because right now I have absolutely no guesses!

… There’s fucking nothing there. I don’t know how the fire was made. I don’t know where the poison came from, or if there was even poison involved. I can’t tell what part of the file is a lie. I don’t know why Taylor didn’t respond to messages the day they were in the cellar, even though they’d replied to messages the day before.

Still, I guess I have to do a

Murder Theory

So, let’s start with a simple statement. If Taylor is not the victim, they are the killer. That tracks, right? Because if they’re not the victim, they’ve disguised themselves as the actual victim and are hiding within the group right now, which is silly unless they’re the killer. Thus, to know who the victim is, we may need to first ask if it’s possible for Taylor to be the blackened.

And I’m leaning on “no.” Because, to put it bluntly, it would be insane for the Monoquin file to say the victim is Paris if the killer is really Taylor. Their entire plan would revolve around the hope the class believes they’re dead when they’re really alive, so to cast doubt on that would be pointless. There’s some kind of reverse psychology 15D chess argument that Taylor could use this exact reasoning to defend themselves during the trial, but we don’t have Kennedy here, and they’re really the only one who might believe that. For now, we leave it there.

So, Taylor seems like the most likely victim here. Since the victim of the Monoquin file would have to be the lie, then everything else about it is true. Thus, “Taylor was killed by poison last night at 2 AM in the cellar.”

Now, at the risk of sounding like a certain Tetro Pink character, the poison’s gotta be right. Mostly because everything else about this is so absurdly nonsensical that I can’t see how that, of all things, would be the lie. Of course, I have no idea what the poison actually was, but we can go with it for now.

Then there’s the time frame, and this is what actually presents the biggest problem. Already, why Taylor would be in the cellar at 2 AM is a little beyond me, but perhaps the killer knocked them out somehow, dragged them down there, then the poison did the work. But the bigger issue is that Taylor just… wasn’t responding to messages the day before. Could the killer have stolen the handbook? There’s a rule against that, so you’d think it impossible.

So, heres the situation. If it were possible for the killer to stop Taylor from accessing their handbook for the entire time they were locked in the cellar, then I think that’s what happened. The killer somehow knew Paris was sending messages, so they hoped that Taylor’s lack of response would make people doubt the time of death. If the Monoquin file lied about the time of the death, the victim would have to be Paris, so the killer must be Taylor in disguise, killer gets away.

But that’s the thing; it’s an if. I have no idea if the killer would actually be able to do that, since stealing handbooks is against the rule. Maybe you can steal a handbook from a corpse under the argument they’re no longer a “player”, but for that to work, both the victim and the time of death have to be lies, and we’re cooked.

So we need to account for the possibility that the killer can’t directly interfere there. And that’s a gigantic issue, because I have no idea why Taylor wouldn’t answer. Maybe the nature of the messages changed? Paris learnt Taylor badmouthed her that day, so maybe her messages got aggressive and Taylor decided not to answer those. But if that were the case, surely we’d get some details about the messages themselves, right? So that’s a dead end too.

Was Taylor outside the room, disguised as who knows who, and just busy? Insane, though. Surely they’d be able to sneak in some messages in there somewhere.

And now we’ve gone in a circle. Because if there’s no way for the killer to stop the messages, and I can’t think of any reason Taylor wouldn’t answer them, something must have happened the day Taylor was supposedly in the cellar. Was Taylor passed out the entire day???

Of course, there’s the other option. That the murder did happen then, which would mean the victim actually is Paris. So the Paris in the trial is Taylor. Is that possible?

Let me say right now that the clothes aren’t an issue. Taylor could have grabbed the clothes from Paris’ corpse and replaced them with their own before burning everything. That works. Any other problems?

The messages are the damn problem, again. It makes no sense for Taylor to send messages and not answer them. Maybe they needed to leave their own handbook with the corpse in case someone found it before this point, but they could just not send messages from Paris’ under the argument that “she” was mad about what Taylor said the day before.

So Taylor!Victim fails due to the lack of messages on Taylor’s side, and Taylor Killed Paris fails due to the existence of messages on Paris’ side. I could see some insane plays where Taylor is somehow disguised as someone else, but height difference makes me hesitant that that’s the answer. I’m losing it.

Thus, we seem to arrive an impossibility. Taylor’s not the victim, and they don’t seem to be the killer. The only option is that someone else is the killer, Taylor is disguised as Paris for some other reason, and just doesn’t want to admit that because it would make them look really bad.

…But why??? And how does the killer factor into it??? How the fuck would the cast even find the killer??? What the fuck are we doing???

You know what? I accept defeat. I can’t. Venus, you beat me. I have nothing. We have no alibis. I don’t know where the poison came from. I have no idea how the gym thing comes into play. I don’t know why it’d be important for Paris and Taylor to get into each other’s rooms. I don’t even know how the fire started. I can’t even tell who the v i c t i m is. I feel like I could make better guesses seeing what way the trial starts, to see what options get ruled out first, but I can’t right now. So, congrats! I have nothing. Sorry about that!

Let’s just… Let’s just get to the next part, shall we?

Part 6

Trial time!

“Davis: You did lie last Trial. It’s not out of the question for you to lie again. Paris?: Hey babe, if you’re saying I’m lying about being me, then I would be dead! Make up your mind!”

It’s very confusing to talk Paris right now lol. Glad to see the characters are also having issues with that.

“Vanessa: We usually start with the MQ File, right?” [Evidence Select]

… Am I just supposed to pick the file?

[Right Answer: MQ File #4] Yeah lol. I guess it’s immersive that you have to do it even when it’s not really a puzzle lmao.

“Noah: Wait, but if you’re alive, why would it benefit the killer to say you’re dead? Doesn’t it just make the lie, like, super obvious? Jeff: It’d probably imply that she’s the killer. We’d be less likely to want to vote for the “victim.””

This is part of why this one’s so hard to think about. There’s a million ways the cast could take the file, so it’s not abundantly clear why the file would lie about the damn victim.

“Paris?: It could also mean that, shocker, someone is trying to frame both of us! Like, if the only logic you all can come up with for the lie is that either Tay or I is the killer, that’s probably what the actual killer wanted!”

Yeah, this is kinda what I’m leaning on in the end, but it’s still hard to wrap my head around the time of death in that case.

“Davis: I think the takeaway here is that we do need to address who the victim is. That’s one of the most basic case facts, right?  Harper: Yes, that’s… a fair approach. I suppose we’ll be debating this now after all.” [Nonstop Debate]

Save me, Nonstops, save me.

“Paris?: Tay could’ve picked anyone to impersonate!/Aidan: Taylor is the Ultimate Impressionist. Personality wise, they’d be able to pull off being any of us.”

I’m guessing we’re meant to shoot “Taylor’s Profile + Paris’ Profile” for the height thing, but both of these statements are literally the same so it could be either or. Leaning on Paris’ statement from a vibe check more than anything.

[Answer: Taylor’s Profile + Paris’ Profile -> could’ve picked anyone] Hell yeah! Off to a good start! I’m glad I remembered composites lol.

“Paris?: Isn’t it? Genuinely, do you think Tay could fully replicate my face? My charm? Do you really think that they could just become me, just like that? Mark: …We have to account for the possibility. Paris?: …”

She is NOT happy they think that lmao.

“Aidan: It’s a fair point, though. If you assume that Paris or Taylor is the killer, arguing too much one way or the other could be suspicious. It’s probably better for her if we don’t actually know who’s who. Mark: Or, if she is innocent, she might not want to admit that she doesn’t have a way to prove her own identity.Davis: There must be some way to figure it out.” [Nonstop Debate]

It’s not a great situation. Wonder if the clothes are gonna be brought up.

”Harper: It seems that the body showed no indication that the victim was Taylor.”

After reading the whole thing, it seems like it’s actually Taylor’s e-handbook getting shot at this, maybe?

[Answer: Taylor’s e-Handbook -> no indication] Well at least I’m doing better in the trial than in the investigation lol.

“Aidan: Anyways, I don’t think it’s definitive at all.  Harper: Because of the possibility of it being planted? Aidan: Right. All it proves is that Taylor, alive or dead, is fine having their e-Handbook on the body we found. That still leaves the option of Taylor being the true victim or impersonating someone else.”

Very true, but I’d like to talk about “Paris” having Paris’ handbook and the rule about stealing handbooks, because that’s the biggest thing on my mind right now. Does it count as stealing if it’s from a corpse?

“Mark: There must be something we can figure out with this, right?” [Question Completion]

I take it we’re gonna bring up the handbook rule?

Yeah this is pretty clearly “where is Paris’ e-Handbook now?”

[Answer: That] Yippie!

“Harper: Is that enough evidence, then?” [Evidence Select]

I take it we’re gonna choose the rule about handbooks, Regulation #13, yeah?

[Answer: Regulation #13] I never miss. Ignore all the times I’ve missed please.

“Mark: It’s true that when I asked Monoquin before, he said that while a dead student’s e-Handbook could be “borrowed,” it had to be returned before the Trial.”

I… forgot that was a thing that had been asked before! Yep, Paris is Paris, that’s nice.

“Paris?: Exactly what I’ve been saying the entire time!” [Select the Person]

Sorry, what am I selecting? The victim? Then, I guess we’re doing Taylor.

[Answer: Paris] …This one doesn’t count I didn’t know what the question was alright?! Good.

“Paris: Thank you, Ellis. I can’t believe you all doubted me like that for so long.”

Yay, the question mark’s gone!

“Mark: Speaking of Paris’ identity, though, that means that we really should know who the victim is.”

[Select the Person] NOW it’s Taylor, got it. [Answer: Taylor]

“Aidan: …Taylor would have trouble visually and/or vocally impersonating anyone else, and I’m not really sure what the incentive would be to put Paris’ name in the File if you’re trying to pretend someone else is dead. If Taylor’s impersonating anyone, they’d have to be the killer, so it’d make more sense to have the File back up your central lie with a truth.”

Yeah, this makes the most sense. Let’s see what’s up with the messages then.

[Nonstop Debate]

“Vanessa: That means Taylor must’ve been poisoned before being selected for the motive, right?”

It’s maybe a bit bold so early in the trial, but I’d shoot this with Cellar-Closet Swap Door. Because it was possible to go in and out of the cellar during the day, it wouldn’t be impossible for them to have been poisoned afterwards.

[Answer: The Fourth Motive -> must’ve been poisoned before] Okay, so I was right on what to contradict, except the argument was actually that there’s a two hour time frame between Taylor getting released and dying lol.

“Mark: It’s true that Taylor died in the Cellar either way. That means that, if they were poisoned after being released, they must’ve returned to the Cellar after being poisoned. Paris: But, like, why? It’s not like anyone liked being in the Cellar.  Mark: No, definitely not… Vanessa: Then how’d they end up dying there?” [Puzzling Pieces]

This sure is puzzling! It’s one of the weirdest parts of this case. Let’s see if the pieces help!

“Noah: If it was something that’d incapacitate them, the killer could’ve just, like, carried them back into the Cellar, right? Vanessa: But, did the killer even have access to the Cellar?”

Yeah, that’s kinda what I’m thinking. The swap door is probably the play here.

“Aidan: Monoquin wakes you up. Aidan: If you’re too tired to actually get up, though, I don’t know what happens.”

Interesting bit of trivia there, thanks Aidan.

Maybe we could go with Aidan’s idea? “Taylor was too weak from poison to leave the Cellar.” It’s a little janky, and I’m not confident on it, but it could work.

[Answer: Taylor was too weak from poison to leave the Cellar] Why do I doubt myself? I should lean more into my God complex, that feels like a good step for my character arc.

“Paris: But what about the rest of the day? Tay literally could’ve messaged me at any time. There has to have been a time where they realized they were dying before they couldn’t do anything, right?”

Thank you! The messages are driving me insane, we gotta talk about them.

[Nonstop Debate] Woohoo!

“Jeff: It’s also possible that, if they were gonna die either way, they didn’t really care what happened to us. Jeff: If we fail the Trial, it doesn’t matter much for them.”

That’s… a little harsh, Jeff!

“Paris: Besides, given the Customer Service Desk, the poison could be anything!”

I’m not sure if this is the direction we’re supposed to be taking, but you could shoot Customer Service Order List here, since we know the poison didn’t come from there.

[Answer: Customer Service Order List -> the poison could be anything] Man I am on a roll today!

“Aidan: Even if it’s, like, a household cleaner or something, where would they get it? The staff does everything around here.”

We brought up hair dye during the investigation, I’m sure the salon and makeup stores probably have some amount of things that are deadly to ingest.

“Mark: …Unless it’s not something common.”

I wonder. I did bring up someone potentially having gotten hold of Antonia’s poison, but that feels a little out there. Also that one might have been too deadly. I wonder if Taylor had any allergies… is that what Mark is getting at with that question?

“Mark: That’s true, but it doesn’t really matter, as long as the order description doesn’t give away any details on how the poison works. The File tells us it’s poison anyways, right? The killer must’ve had something in mind already for what they’d use to poison Taylor. Something they could get themself, or just by asking the staff. Jeff: And that mystery poison is?” [Hangman’s Gambit]

I actually have no clue.

I accidentally saw the answer, though, and I was right, surprisingly! It was Antonia’s poison! Hell yeah girl, go haunt the narrative!

“Jeff: Antonia’s poison was fast acting, right? Vivi told us, and Cass died from the poison before the stab wound.”

Yeah, that kinda throws a wrench into things. There is, of course, the argument that ingesting it would be less immediately lethal than getting it injected into your bloodstream, but it’s hard to be sure of that without knowing what the poison actually is.

“Jeff: Taylor would’ve had to be poisoned only a short time before they died. Fifteen minutes, maybe? Ten?”

But… it doesn’t seem like that’s the argument we’re going with! So… idk.

“Mark: Between midnight and 8 AM, when no one is in the Cellar for the motive, is the door open? Monoquin: No. It remained locked for the duration of the motive. Should the spotless win, it will remain unlocked for the remainder of the game.”

So I guess we know how the swap door comes into play here.

[Nonstop Debate] Door time! By the way, kind of completely unrelated, but I’m a little worried that Aidan hasn’t been as active in this trial as in others. Surely he’s not the killer, right? It’s been worrying me for a while now.

“Noah: But, until Taylor died, there was no way to get in or out of the Cellar, right?”

Swap door! That’s the bullet I’m shooting, obvs.

“Paris: Though that still doesn’t explain why Tay didn’t respond to my messages…”

Yeah this is still a problem btw.

[Answer: Cellar-Closet Swap Door -> no way to get in or out] Woohoo!

“Noah: Even if there is the swap door, though, does that really help? I mean, I guess it’d give a way for Taylor to get back in, but there should’ve been no one on the Cellar side to trigger it, right?”

Is this implying the killer must be someone who’d been in the cellar? Since it’s locked at night, the only way for them to put something on the cellar side is for them to have been there as a result of the motive. That might be getting us somewhere.

[Progressive Deduction]

1- What is our best lead on how Taylor died in the Cellar? a) They never left the Cellar b) They walked back in after they were poisoned c) They were swapped in through the secret door d) They didn’t

Going with c) here, though it’s interesting the question isn’t framed definitively. “Our best lead” and “the truth” don’t necessarily have to coincide. I think they do here, but still.

2- What would the killer have swapped into the Cellar? a) Themself b) Taylor’s body c) Me d) Nothing

“Me” is very funny, but I assume we’re going with b), Taylor’s body. Admittedly, it’s a weird way to phrase that, because Taylor must have still been alive when they got swapped into the cellar.

…Wait, how? Taylor died in the cellar, but how did their body get burnt? The killer would need to swap themselves in after Taylor to do that, or at least swap in something that could start the fire (even though that would probably leave behind evidence which isn’t there). So… the killer must have actually swapped themselves in. Final answer will be a), though I’m not 100% sure on that one. Maybe if the victim could be Paris, and the location was wrong, but we ruled that out because Paris has her handbook. I’m losing it.

3- What could the killer have swapped out of the Cellar? a) Themself b) Taylor’s body c) The next person selected for the motive d) An object

It’s gotta be d), an object. The next person wasn’t there yet, and both Taylor and the killer have to be in the cellar at the same time for the fire to make any amount of sense, so.

Here’s what I’m thinking. The killer gets put into the cellar as part of the motive, and somehow knows about the swap door. They leave a wine barrel or something on top of the pressure plate before they leave. When Taylor gets sent in, the killer uses the gym plate to get swapped into the cellar, with the understanding that the barrels will land on the pressure plate on the gym. The killer ties up Taylor or something (explaining the lack of messages), then leaves via pressure plate, swapping with the barrels again. Night comes, and Monoquin comes to collect Taylor, but they can’t leave, because they’re tied up, so they get locked in. Killer comes through the swap door again, poisons Taylor, burns the body, leaves. This all presumably to confuse the time of death and location, which would raise doubts about what the lie in the MQ file is, allowing for the possibility that the victim listed is wrong, which would incriminate Taylor.

I did tell you I’d have a better idea when the trial started, right? Still, I could see a lot of this being very wrong. Let’s see.

[Answer: c, b, d] For example, I could get what got swapped wrong. Oops. I still think my theory makes some amount of sense though. Assuming you can reliably get the barrels to stay on the pressure plate after swapping.

“Mark: I don’t think it’s likely that anyone would’ve figured out that that swap door existed unless they were in the Cellar. There’s no indication in the Closet that it’d swap you, and it’d be a pretty big assumption to make.”

I mean, you could know, given your previous killing game involved this cellar, but still.

“Aidan: …The barrels.”

I was right about that, apparently. And Aidan’s being helpful again, yay!

“Harper: I see. You could return the barrel to the Cellar when retrieving the body to burn it.”

I mean, you still have the issue that Taylor died in the cellar. So when we say “Taylor’s body”, we mean “Taylor’s still alive body, but probably very poisoned and thus kind of immobile”. But that still means Taylor was alive in the cellar, and could have crawled away from the pressure plate, making burning the body impossible. I’m losing my mind again, I don’t know what’s happening.

“Paris: By having Monoquin open the door for “investigation?” I guess it’d probably work…”

I… forgot that was an option oops. Yeah, that makes a lot more sense then.

“Davis: If that’s true, then we’re working with a smaller group of possible culprits than before, right?” [Evidence Select]

Fourth Motive, I take it? For the list of people who were in the cellar.

[Answer: The Fourth Motive] Yep. So that’s Aidan, Mark, Noah, Paris and Taylor. Plus Ellis was in the cellar when it first opened, but Aidan can probably confirm she didn’t do anything weird then.

… It kinda feels like it’s down to Paris and Noah, right? Taylor’s the victim; Mark helped discover the swap door, which would’ve been insane to do if he was the killer; and Aidan brought up the barrels and had little motive to leave (outside of FTEs anyways), arguments which by themselves mean little but together they’re strong enough. Interesting.

[Mixed Matches]

Murder Weapon: Poison, specifically the same fast-acting kind Antonia used. (B)

Location of Murder: The Cellar, as accessed through the swap door. (E)

Time of murder: 2 AM, the night between Taylor’s disappearances. (D)

Victim: Taylor, though the Monoquin File claimed it was Paris. (A)

Other Injuries: Burns, from an unknown source. (C)

[Answer: B - E - D - A - C] This might be the easiest trial minigame I’ve ever seen lol. It’s funny.

“Jeff: Sort of like Antonia, right? Even if someone’s around, the Resort’s big enough you can probably avoid them at nighttime. So, it’s really just about where you could manage to burn a body.”

I guess if there’s no fire damage in the cellar, it makes sense for the body to have been burnt in some other place. Hadn’t thought about that.

“Vanessa: Where, then? If everywhere would leave too much of a trace that we didn’t find, where’d it actually happen?” [Hangman’s Gambit]

There’s… no place on the map that matches four letter word + nine letter word, what. Maybe “pool…” something? Sure, let’s go there.

[Answer: Cafe Fireplace] I forgot that existed lol. But yeah, good call. Accirax clearly didn’t forget, that’s a pretty clean Hangman’s!

[Lie Detector]

I… kinda forgot how this one works. Was it always composites?…

“The victim is Paris Hall” -> MQ File Lie + Regulation #13/Taylor’s e-Handbook

“She died of poison” -> MQ File #4 + Customer Service Order List (??? I don’t know what the hell you want from me here)

“in the Cellar” -> State of the Body + The Cellar

“last night at 2 AM” -> MQ File #4 + Absolutely no idea.

Yeah I forgot what this minigame actually wants from me. This is probably very, very wrong.

[Answer: 1 -> MQ File Lie 2 -> State of the Body + Customer Service Order List 3 -> The Cellar + Cellar-Closet Swap Door 4 -> The Fourth Motive + Taylor’s e-Handbook]

You know what we’ll call it close enough!

[Intermission] Woohoo! It’s been a nice trial so far, hasn’t it? Everyone’s been pretty agreeable (probably because Kennedy’s gone :(), there’s been relatively little drama beyond the murder… it’s been chill. Let’s see how little that lasts now that accusations are gonna start going around, shall we?

Part 7

“Paris: I mean, Mark’s totally the most suspicious, right? Mark: I am? Paris: Uh, yeah? Like, think about it.” [Puzzling Pieces]

Wow, that was fast! Let’s see if it holds up.

“Harper: I suppose it’s possible there could be a hidden room on the same floor as the Cellar. Harper: Perhaps that would have a passage that leads outside, or to another place in the Hotel?”

What, like the Grotto? Ha ha, ha ha ha… Yeah no. I don’t remember where exactly it is, but I doubt it’s that.

I’m gonna go with “The killer wouldn’t want us to find the swap door”, because that’s what makes the most sense to me.

[Answer: The killer wouldn’t want us to find the swap door] Woop!

“Aidan: There is… something to the Mark argument, I guess. We haven’t seen them around much lately. Kinda makes you wonder what he’s been up to.”

Aidan, don’t… do this. You’re being silly, and that’s worrying me. Don’t be the killer please.

“Ellis: Mark wouldn’t sacrifice us just to leave. […] Paris: They could have memories that they’ve gotten back. We don’t know.  Ellis: And you got mad at us for throwing you under the bus…”

Man, Ellis is getting defensive, it’s fun to see!

[Nonstop Debate]

I have no idea what to do here. Everything everyone’s saying is true, there’s not really a lot separating the people who went to the cellar. I’m leaning towards someone having an alibi I’m forgetting, but I don’t even know what truth bullet to shoot there. Or maybe it’s wrong that “any of them could’ve had their whole plan figured out before leaving the cellar”, maybe Aidan was missing details due to being first, but I also don’t know how to argue that. Is it possible one of them wouldn’t be able to get the poison? Why though? I might have to take a wild shot here. Uh…

“Aidan: Any of us could’ve gotten Antonia’s poison, too.”

Shoot “state of Paris’ room” here, maybe? The poison wasn’t there, it’s the only thing I can come up with.

[Answer: “known that people are released at midnight” -> “Any of them”] I did forget about these bullets! It’s what I said before, that Aidan would be lacking info because he was first, right?

“Ellis: Actually, it would’ve been a lot harder for one of them to plan the entire crime in advance. Since Aidan was abducted first, he couldn’t’ve known that his imprisonment would end at midnight, or that the Cellar would stay empty until 8 AM the next day. Aidan: That’s… true, I guess.”

Yippie. Also I love how Aidan seems hesitant even about an argument to his own innocence lmao.

“Ellis: [Aidan and Davis] got back to good terms right after, so [Aidan] wouldn’t have wanted to spring the trap now even if that was his original plan. Not to mention how he feels about the rest of us…”

I love how everyone is defending Aidan all of the sudden, and how Ellis’ own defense seems at least partially influenced by the FTEs!

“Vanessa: It’s just Paris and Noah left as potential culprits then, right?”

As I said, yeah.

[Third Party Analysis] Woohoo!

Concession: Paris: “Besides, even if I’ll admit I want to win the killing game, I wasn’t, like, planning to kill about it!” [Closest thing she has] Noah: “I get that I’ve been taking this killing game pretty hard, and that might seem like a reason I’d want to kill.”

Defense: Paris: “So, if anything, they’d probably be more on their guard around me than anyone else.” Noah: “I’ll… start by saying that I don’t think I would’ve been in the headspace to come up with this kind of a murder when I was in the Cellar.”

Attack: Paris: “Noah’s been all prone to freaking out. If someone’s gonna snap and kill out of nowhere, it’s him.” [These are short sentences I’m allowing myself to put two of them here] Noah: “Even if it wasn’t her directly killing someone, she was willing to manipulate someone else into killing last Trial.”

Proposal: Paris: “Going to the Cellar probably totally freaked him out, so he’d be all ready to do something stupid right after he came out.” Noah: “Even if they weren’t as close as before, it’s possible that lingering relationship could’ve helped her get away with the crime somehow.”

Inquire! Paris’ Defense/Noah’s Proposal -> Taylor’s e-Handbook + Paris’ e-Handbook [Putting two options because they’re the same. Either I disagree with Paris saying Taylor would have been on guard, or I agree with Noah saying the relationship could have helped Paris, because they were still talking on their handbooks. Of course, there is the day of radio silence from Taylor which still worries me, but y’know].

[Answer: Basically the same thing for Distill. Inquire! Taylor’s e-Handbook -> Paris’ Defense] Yeah that works!

“Ellis: I don’t think you can say that Taylor was that afraid of you. After all, they never even revoked your ability to enter their room.”

That was the other argument, yeah. Probably a bit more important lol.

“Paris: Fine! Clear his name too! You think I care?! Jeff: …Yes, based on that reaction.”

Pfft-

“Aidan: What we’ve already said is pretty incriminating towards you. It’s not like we’re going to forget about all of it. Speaking of which, going back to the beginning of the Trial, you’re the one who’d benefit the most from us thinking you’re dead through the File’s lie. Paris: Okay, yeah, but if I really was the blackened, I would’ve just, like, pretended you were right!”

I was going to bring that up too, yeah. It’s a bit odd for her not to go with that strategy, though I guess if she got found out, she’d be immediately cooked, so.

“Paris: Oh, and now you’re using that as logic. Not when I say it, but when it’s against me. How thoughtful of you.”

Chat I think Paris’ persecution complex is going stronger by the second. The type of shit that losing your only friend does to you ig.

[Nonstop Debate] Gonna be real, I also have no clue what to do on this one. Maybe I’m missing something obvious, but I’ll go with my first thought. Earlier in the trial, Paris confirmed that she knew Ellis had been in the cellar when it first opened. Paris didn’t name any source. It’s possible, then, that she overheard them talking when they were investigating. And I’ll say that she was in the gym at the time, overheard them through the passage in the closet, and that’s how she figured out the connection. Final answer:

“Jeff: The killer is the one who figured out the switch door.”

Take this statement…

“Paris: Nothing actually links me to the way the crime was carried out, right?”

And shoot this one. I’m not too confident on it, but let’s see.

[Answer: Customer Service Desk + “they could have ordered from the CSD” -> “Nothing actually links me”] Ah, this actually makes more sense, yeah. The killer could’ve ordered poison, unless they needed it delivered in less than 48 hs. Paris would’ve either needed to order before going into the cellar, or risk not getting the poison in time. She’s the only one who would’ve had this problem, so she’s linked. Nice!

“Paris: No! You don’t get to do that! You don’t get to suddenly start feeling sorry for me now, after everything! You don’t get to pretend like you had no way to see what all of this was doing to me! All: … Paris: The Taylor who was my best friend? They’re gone. They don’t exist anymore. And every other suspect in this Trial has someone tripping over themself to defend them. Mark and Ellis, Aidan and Davis, Noah and Harper– all of you have someone! Just because my best friend never actually cared about me, suddenly I’m the bad person? Even though I cared about them…? Aidan: …Are you… actually crying? Paris: I’m a real person too!“

Holy crashout! I always expected Paris to do something evil at some point, but I hadn’t expected to feel so bad about it. Of all reasons for her to snap, huh? And again, it’s kinda fascinating that Paris genuinely viewed Taylor as a friend, even though she was a horrible friend to them. Very fun stuff!

“Paris: I’m a person. And I have wants, and needs, and dreams, and just because none of you see that, that doesn’t mean that I’m the villain you want me to be.”

…. *quietly pushes the Paris!mm theory under the rug.*

Who even is the mm at this point? Harper? I got no fucking idea which of these people could possibly be behind this mess, I’m losing it.

“Aidan: Can you come up with one thing that actually disqualifies her from being the culprit? One piece of evidence that actually points to somebody else? For all we know, this is just another manipulation tactic.”

Bit harsh, but fair.

[Scrum Debate]

Oh yeah, we gotta do one of these!

[Paris is innocent: Paris, Vanessa

Paris is the killer: Ellis, Aidan, Jeff, Davis, Mark, Noah, Harper]

Okay wow, I thought these things were supposed to be somewhat equal? That’s really funny.

“Paris: You’re totally saying that I’m the killer for, like, no _____!” -> Mark/reason.

“Vanessa: Just because Paris isn’t as _____ to the group doesn’t mean she’s the killer!” -> Harper/close.

“Vanessa: Paris and Taylor were _____! It’d be hardest for Paris to kill Taylor out of all of us.” -> Jeff/friends.

“Paris: So what if I _____ last Trial? That was for all of your sakes!” -> Noah/lied.

“Paris: You all only want to vote for me ‘cause you _____ me! It’s not fair!” -> Davis/hate.

[Answer: I got it right :)].

“Ellis: …Look, I don’t want to claim that you’re not a person, ‘cause you are.”

Lmao.

“Paris: Oh, so now you want to listen to me. Aidan: You have ten seconds to start talking or we vote.”

The group is. So done.

[Freestyle Feud] Let’s do it!

“You just want me to be the killer so I won’t mess up your little friend group.”

I’d prefer no one be a killer, but the evidence condemns you.

“What the hell is the reason that I would kill my friend?”

You had a falling out, and the loneliness you couldn’t bear. (?)

“You’re acting like I’m cruel, even though it wasn’t my fault!”

If you’re the blackened, boo, then I’d say that is wrong.

“It’s not my fault if she betrayed me first!”

What the fuck.

Uh… alright I’m freaking out but I have to finish the rhyme:

And it’s a twist, Mx. Long, but now I feel, the only things betraying you are your loose lips! (?)

You’re supposed to shoot a truth bullet at the end, right? Maybe Taylor’s Profile, which states their pronouns as “they/them”?

[BREAK!] Okay apparently you didn’t need a truth bullet, kinda forgot that. Also:

“Ellis: Woah, wait a minute– who’s the “she” in your outburst?”

I love that this doesn’t even rhyme, Ellis is so flabbergasted it threw off their whole flow xD

“Mark: Wait, but… that was impossible. We figured out that she had to be Paris.”

One thing that comes to mind is that Paris could have lent Taylor her handbook, so even if she died afterwards, it wouldn’t be stealing if Taylor still had it on them?

“Paris?: …Oh, yeah, I’m like, totally Tay! Can’t believe it took you all so long to figure out~”

Let’s go Paris Question Mark!!!

“Vanessa: Wait, but if Paris is the victim, then we don’t have a lie in the File, right? Like… that’s kind of part of the reason we believed it too, right? Mark: Let’s… talk it over. We can figure this out.” [Puzzling Pieces]

You know, the lack of messages for a full day before the supposed murder still worries me…

While there’s interesting points being brought up about what the lie in the file could be doing to help Taylor, I’m going with the solution “Paris could’ve given Taylor her e-Handbook willingly”, to address the main question.

[Answer: Paris could’ve given Taylor her e-Handbook willingly] Have I mentioned how much I love Puzzling Pieces, btw? Because I love it a lot.

“Paris?: What, so you could finally vote for me like you want to? Jeff: Guilt tripping’s not going to get you anywhere, considering that whoever you are, you’re definitely the killer.” That’s so funny. “I don’t even know who you want me to feel bad for but I don’t feel bad for you anyway.”

Lmao.

“Ellis: …Is there anything else we can look at? Like, what about the rule where you can volunteer to enter the Cellar? Could that have anything to do with it…?”

I’m wondering if we’re thinking the same thing about Taylor volunteering someone else via impersonation. Don’t fully know what the point would be, though.

“Mark: It’s 50/50 odds no matter who guesses, right…? It might as well be you.  Ellis: But… but, my luck doesn’t work like that. It only helps with picking the right stocks to invest in, and getting lucky poker hands, and…  Vanessa: I, uh… I bet you five dollars you pick the wrong answer?  Ellis: …Five dollars?”

Holy shit we’ve cracked the code. It’s easy! Why didn’t Celeste think of this in DR1?

“Mark: Take a deep breath. It doesn’t have to be right. We can talk about it afterwards, if you want. But, if you had to pick… who would it be?” [Select the Person]

That’s crazy. There’s literally no way to tell what you’re supposed to pick here. I wonder if accirax would have been able to pick either or if there was only one answer. Leaning on on only one answer, but who knows. {After reading the rest, yeah there was definitely a right and a wrong answer lol}. I am gonna go with Taylor, because while I still have many questions, interrogating the Paris idea is sort of a dead end since we’ve already talked about it. At least Taylor as a suspect might give us new ideas, and possibly explain the message issue.

[Answer: Taylor Long] Yep. Also: “Ellis: It’s… you?” The question mark stocks are Rising this trial!

“Taylor?: …” [Closing Argument]

Wow… Taylor Question Mark, long lost sibling of Paris Question Mark! Also, doing a Closing Argument without actually being sure of anything is so funny. Anyways, let’s see if what I’ve gathered makes any sense.

1- The Fourth Motive. Paris got locked in the Cellar two days before the trial.

2- Customer Service Order List. Here’s where it gets iffy. I’m gonna claim Taylor picked up Antonia’s poison by asking the staff for it only after Paris got locked in the cellar. I can’t be sure if that’s right or not.

3- Cellar-Closet Swap Door. After Paris escapes the cellar, Taylor poisons her, and uses the swap door so Paris dies in the cellar.

4- Paris’ Room. There’s a clothes swap here. Taylor puts their own clothes on Paris’ body, and grabs one of Paris’ outfits to disguise as her.

5- State of the Body. The body is burnt.

6- Paris’ e-Handbook. Somehow, Taylor had gotten permission from Paris to use her handbook, and so Taylor uses it to send messages to their own handbook. They had to leave their handbook next to Paris in case someone stumbled onto the corpse (that’s why they couldn’t respond), but also needed to send messages to replicate Paris’ recent behavior. It’d be suspicious if Paris had only sent messages one day, and not the other.

7- MQ File #4. The body is found, the MQ File is distributed.

I feel like there’s several ways to arrange this depending on what info you take of each truth bullet, but oh well.

[Answer: Motive -> Room -> Handbook -> Order List -> Swap Door -> State of Body -> MQ File] Other than the room and the handbook, I got it right. We call close enough!

“Ellis: The case began with the motive, as it usually does. “Usually”... ugh."

Yeah, sorry buddy :(

“Ellis: When the killer was trapped underground– one of five people to find themselves in that scenario– they planned a murder to enact upon their escape.”

You know, I completely forgot the killer had to go to the cellar before learning of the swap door. Uh, oops?

“Davis: Is it… really okay to vote, if we don’t know for sure? Aidan: Are we ever going to know for sure? Mark: …It’s okay. I trust that this is the right answer. So, if everyone’s ready, then… let’s vote.” [Vote]

This is crazy. You know, I’ve seen a cast almost get a vote wrong before- hell, I know a fangan where the cast does in fact get a vote wrong. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fangan cast vote before anyone’s actually sure about the killer. Crazy stuff.

“Monoquin: That is correct. I inhale sharply, and tears prick my eyes. I hide my crying eyes behind my arm. Ellis: Thank god… I didn’t… I didn’t kill you all…”

Welp! There’s one for the trauma books! Holy stress! And now Vanessa owes Ellis five dollars, lol.

“Vanessa: But, why? I mean, things were going pretty well… Taylor: Why would I kill Paris? You’re seriously asking me why I would kill Paris?”

I mean. You were also going to kill everyone else in the process. It’s kind of a lot.

“Taylor: I hate her. I hate her perfect fucking face and her stupid flawless pictures and I hate the way “I” was the only one she ever cared about in her entire life, but the “I” she cared about never even existed in the first place! Davis: “You” didn’t exist…? Taylor: “Oh, sorry! That wasn’t really me just there. I’m here to support you, so don’t worry about it!”  Taylor’s “usual” smile fades back to deadpan. Taylor: Not all of it was fake. But it wasn’t “me,” either. It was the person Paris wanted me to be. The person Paris would actually consider a friend, and the person who Paris would learn to care about.”

Holy! There’s some crazy reveals going on here. I guess I should’ve at least wondered if maybe the Ultimate Impressionist was putting on an act for a while :v

“Taylor: I don’t want any of this anymore. The me here, the me with my family, the me at college, the “me” anywhere, isn’t actually who I am. I wanted to get away from everything. To start over. To take the time to figure out who “I” am…  I look at Aidan. He looks back at me, but he doesn’t say anything, either.”

…They’re calling it the greatest timing for an FTE of all time! What are the damn chances it worked out this perfectly with the themes of the chapter? Crazy stuff.

“Taylor: Could I? Paris certainly wouldn’t have allowed it. She’d be all, “Tay, why are you being like that? We were totes besties~!” and you’d probably be weirded out, too. Besides, what kind of a place is a killing game to figure out who you are? Mark: …”

To be fair, Ellis’ inner monologue has kind of agreed with Taylor in the past, but goddamn Ellis’ friends are catching strays in Taylor’s final speech!

“Taylor: But, y’know, if you’re all living in happy friendship land, I won’t be stopping you, apparently. Continue living here forever, if that’s what you’d like. Keep hanging with your besties– those of you who have them, anyways.”

Well. Someone was speaking their true feelings while masquerading as someone else, it seems :p

“Vanessa: …Did you ever care about her? Taylor: Did I? They think. Taylor: …Yeah, I did. But not enough to try.”

Damn. Kind of a crazy thing to admit, but I respect the ability for self-reflection here.

“Ellis: …I guess this is what happens to people who want to win the game. Who give up. Who decide that their escape is more important than everyone else. I’m… not like that. I wasn’t. And I won’t be. I promise.”

Character development!!! *fire emoji* *fire emoji* *fire emoji*.

“Taylor: …I hate the part of me that hates her, too.”

Welp! That’s horribly sad!

“Taylor looks out at the crowd and bows. Taylor: Farewell from me… and her. “Besties stick together ‘til the end~””

Fantastically theater kid of them, it’s peak. And I love the one last weird impersonation of the dead for the road!

“What would your execution include?”

Damn. Taylor boutta get the 9-in-1 special, their own execution and everyone else’s! Though, now that I’m considering this, isn’t it kinda crazy the mastermind is able to arrange an execution based on the players’ vote? Like, there’s no way to account for every single possibility, right? Unless this is a simulation, which I doubt, or the mastermind is supernatural, which I doubt only slightly less. The mm might just be an Analyst like Junko, very certain of what people are gonna pick, but otherwise I don’t know how you pull this off. Or maybe I’m just thinking too hard about it xD

“Would they take away any input from me, then? Chain me down, prevent me from speaking, block my vision? Would they take away everything I had, everything my luck has given me? Let everyone see the truth behind the heart shaped sunglasses? The truth… isn’t as harsh as I feared. Everyone else told me that. But, if I were the killer… everyone would have shown me that truth, instead.

What would your execution include? YOUR ANSWER: Who everyone else thinks I am.”

That’s some pretty interesting philosophizing, especially regarding the truth and all. Still, writing down “who everyone else thinks I am” knowing it’s related to Taylor’s execution specifically is crazy lmao.

“Idk.”

Aidan is just fantastic for this xD

“The floor bucks Taylor backwards, slamming them into a wall. Then, just as fast, another piston fires, and another wall slams into that one with a deafening slam. When it pulls away again, there’s only the bloodstained impression of Taylor’s body left in the wall.”

YIKES. That’s a pretty horrible one, goddamn.

“The room is quiet. Without Paris, our usual chatterbox, it’ll probably never be loud in the same way again.”

Damn. Already missing her, huh?

The usual post-trial conversation with Mark and subsequent monologue are as fantastic as always. Really hitting us in the feels with reminiscing over everyone who was, and no longer is. And also:

“You never know when there might be another miracle around the corner.”

We end on a hopeful note! That’s how you know we’re closer to the end, the protag is getting ready for those hope speeches!

Anyways, thoughts on the trial. Holy damn, it was a rollercoaster. There were enough twists and turns in there that I really could’ve believed anything part way through. And making the seemingly obvious answer, “Taylor in disguise”, the correct one is a very bold move for a chapter 4, but I think it works! There’s so many other seemingly good possibilities that, even though the first possibility discussed turned out to be the right one, it never really felt like we were going in circles. Not in a bad way, anyways. Plus, Taylor's emotional state, revealed through their speeches as Paris and of course at the end, is a great source of drama and makes them a very fascinating character. Peak!

And while Ellis is busy doing that, we have a game to check up on. Finally knowing both the victim and the killer, it’s time to see where we stand!

Anyways, thoughts on the trial. Holy damn, it was a rollercoaster. There were enough twists and turns in there that I really could’ve believed anything part way through. And making the seemingly obvious answer, “Taylor in disguise”, the correct one is a very bold move for a chapter 4, but I think it works! There’s so many other seemingly good possibilities that, even though the first possibility discussed turned out to be the right one, it never really felt like we were going in circles. Not in a bad way, anyways. Peak!

And before we go to the Bonus Scenes, we have a game to check up on! When I left off at the end of CH3, bronze had 14 points, accirax had 16, Jonas had 17, and I had 20. Finally knowing both the victim and the killer, it’s time to see where we stand now!

Starting with Paris, we have what I believe may be a first! Three people guessed the exact same thing: CH3 victim! With the right role, accirax, bronze-ocs and I all get 1 chapter point! Jonas had predicted her as the mastermind (which would have been my guess at literally any point other than the prologue lmao), so that’s 2 chapter points and 2 role points! Welcome to the 21 point club, Jonas :,)

Bronze and I also agreed on Taylor, putting them as a survivor; that’s 2 role points and 2 chapter points. Jonas got the chapter right, but the wrong role, while accirax got the role right, but she predicted a CH2 kill for them, so they both get two points.

Ultimately, the standings are: I’m still in last place with 25 points, though I closed the gap by one point, as Jonas now has 23. Bronze-ocs and accirax keep themselves just under the 20 benchmark with 19 points each, tying for first place! Man, remember when accirax had the most points in CH1? The comeback is generational!

Will I manage to get back in the race? Will Jonas pull away from me? And how will the accirax-bronze tie resolve? See all of that, in the next post!

Anyways, Bonus Scene reactions!

1: Aidan & Davis

Oh hell yeah.

“To state the obvious, it’s dark in here. My eyes have more or less adjusted, but the majority of the light comes from the crack in the trap door.”

Oh, in the Cellar, cool setting!

“It’s not like I’m new to the sensation of sitting around and waiting for the day to be over. It’s like a reminder of what I’ve left behind, right when I realized I didn’t know what the Hell I was doing in the killing game, either.”

Well, I guess at least Aidan isn’t taking it too badly. Still :(

“Davis, then. I guess it’s not that surprising. I did kinda think he would still be mad about earlier, though…”

You’ll have to forgive me for kinda forgetting what that’s referring to, but from what I recall, something about Aidan not caring about certain things enough, or not communicating that he did, anyways.

“Davis: Is there, um… anything else that’s been going on? Aidan: Can we just talk about whatever you came here to talk about already…?”

Lmao. “There’s not any bushes in this cellar you can beat around” huh?

“Davis: I’m just… worried about you, is all. I missed talking to you. But, if you want, I can leave.  Aidan: No, you don’t have to. Ugh, what am I even doing…? How do I talk to someone that I actually… want to…?”

Bruh.

“Davis: …You’re not the first person I’ve had to worry about like this. I guess I’m sort of used to it. But, it feels sort of different now. I actually get to talk to you afterwards.”

… What? Ominous.

“Davis: It’s been seven relationships now, each ending more unfortunately than the last. From moving away to cheating to death, or anything else. I’m used to losing people. I… was scared I’d lose you too.”

Bro??? I guess we kinda knew relationships never work out well for the guy, but I never really thought death was a part of that equation. Poor Davis.

“But, even then, he’s comparing me to previous people he’s dated…?”

Yeah I wonder what that means Aidan, do you have any idea? xD

“Davis: But I was never the one breaking up with them. It was always them, breaking up with me. Even when it was their fault…”

… Even for the death ones? That’s kinda yikes if so.

“Davis: I don’t really blame them for it. This sort of thing happens to me all the time. So, I don’t really think of it as their fault… Aidan: Well, maybe you should!”

Davis no! Aidan get your guy some better self-esteem please!

“I did the same thing, after all. He’s right. It is the same thing. I… took away everyone else’s choice in the matter, to go ahead with whatever I wanted…”

Ooh… self-reflection! Aidan is so mature and smart and that’s very cool of him :)

“Aidan: Yeah. Just… I get how frustrating it is when people don’t let you decide how you want to do things. You deserve better than that.”

Oh, yeah, FTE backstory. You know a ship’s good when the narrative foils go crazy.

“Aidan: Well, I don’t mind talking, if that’s what you want. I wonder if that’d make him smile.”

Aww…

“I guess… maybe I like talking to him, too.”

AWWW!

That was a very cute and fluffy bonus scene, hell yeah! We love ourselves some wholesomeness in our killing games. Here’s to (hopefully) two more chapters of Aidan and Davis being cute with each other! :D

2: Vanessa & Mark

Ooh, a very interesting pairing here! Wonder what they could have to talk about!

“I know that this whole Cellar randomizer thing happens every day, and that it’s probably designed to be a miserable experience for whoever’s inside, but wouldn’t it be a whole lot nicer if it wasn’t…? I already feel kind of bad that I didn’t try to talk to Aidan or anything, especially after he’s been keeping my secret about the gun this long. So, if Ellis already talked to Mark today, maybe I should pay him a visit too!”

Yay Vanessa PoV! And she’s so nice…

“Mark: That… makes enough sense. I definitely don’t mind the company, so…  Yay!”

Vanessa’s inner dialogue sounds like me lmao.

“Vanessa: Well, how’s it been going? Mark: … Uh… did I ask something wrong…?”

Off to a stunning start!

“Vanessa: …Hey, Mark, what do you think is happening in the outside world? Like, beyond the Resort and all that?  Mark: Wouldn’t you know better than me…?”

Yeah you kinda asked the absolute worst person Vanessa lol.

“Mark: I still don’t really remember much about what it was like before, or what happened to it. If your memories are more intact, you’d probably have a better prediction. Vanessa: I guess, but you’re smarter than me. Mark: …Thanks…?”

Bruh. Ness come on have a little more faith in yourself!

“Vanessa: Do you ever wonder… if it’s safer in here? In the killing game? Mark: No.”

Wow, immediate. I guess fair, especially if he doesn’t remember much about the Tragedy, but still.

“Mark: You might be right. I have no idea what the world would be like, out there. All that I know is that the killing game shouldn’t be allowed to exist, because it’s too awful. Even if the outside world is worse, the fact that there are more options makes it easier to change for the better. The way you’d move forward outside… it’d have to be to change it, right? To find safety, to reinvent civilization.”

Wow. Alright? I see you Ultimate Hope. Lmao.

“Vanessa: …You still don’t remember anyone, right? From before all of this. Mark: No. Not in the slightest…”

Alright so we’re lying now. I guess unless Mark takes their previous killing game as part of “all of this,” but I don’t think Vanessa is privy to that information yet lol.

“Vanessa: …I sometimes wonder if my parents are okay, wherever they are.”

:(

“Vanessa: I just know that they’re not really… resourceful? They don’t really problem solve, or take things into their own hands. So, I’m sort of worried about them on their own…”

Alright? that’s… a pretty interesting opinion to have lmao. At least she’s honest about it?

“Mark: …What about your sister?  Vanessa: She’s really capable, so, it’s a lot easier to trust that she’s doing fine, wherever she is…”

That’s nice at least! Vanessa’s sister sounds cool.

“Being apart from her now has to be okay. I can handle myself. This is how I can prove that. I can make it through this killing game on my own…!”

Well, that’s… an interesting motivating factor lol. Works, I guess.

“Vanessa: Do you remember anyone well enough to miss them?  Mark: …”

Ooh… they’re thinking about the previous Lucky Student :o

“Vanessa: I’m sorry if it hurts that you forgot… Mark: …I’ll be okay.”

Aww :(

That was pretty nice! Fun stuff about the Tragedy and Vanessa’s family, though talking to Mark about anything that isn’t strictly killing game related is always gonna be a little awkward. Still, very nice scene!

3: Harper & Noah

Well, you can’t go wrong with this duo!

“How long does it take someone to wake up from a concussion?”

Ooh, and it’s after Noah fell from the railing, fun!

“Noah: I was… freaking out, because of Davis’ whole thing, and I ended up falling from the Promenade. That’s all. I frown. It seems like Davis’ attractiveness forced Noah into some form of self-acknowledgement.”

Just wanted to repeat that this is an immaculate plot point, fantastic way to figure out one’s sexuality lol.

“I’m sorry this is all happening to him, and I know he doesn’t want to acknowledge it, but… I feel as though I can help him. Or, at least, I can try to…”

Go Harper! Good luck!

“Harper: …Is your hesitancy towards self-acceptance related to your father’s beliefs? I’ve always…  My phrasing has really gotten away from me… Harper: …heard less-than-ideal remarks, when I’ve conversed with him.”

Yikes! You know shit’s bad when Harper can’t keep ver wording in check.

“Noah: What has he said to you…? Harper: Nothing I’m not used to.”

Yikes x2

“Harper: It’s not your fault who your parents are. Noah flinches slightly. Right. His mother…”

God, we are just piling on the family problems for the poor guy, huh?

“Harper: I, um… haven’t ever met your mother before, and I hadn’t heard you mention her, either. Is there… a reason why…?  Noah pauses as he processes my words. Then, his eyes begin to tear up, and he tries to stifle a sob.”

Alright, so this one’s gonna get extremely angsty then, awesome.

“I embrace him as he wipes at his eyes. Noah: S-sorry… I… Harper: No need to apologize. I’m here for you.”

At least Harper’s really nice :)

“Noah: My dad… isn’t a very good dad. Our relationship isn’t great, but I have to spend a lot of time with him, ‘cause of frat stuff. He rubs the back of his neck. Noah: And, um… my mom… didn’t want to deal with it anymore. So, one day, she left. Harper: I see. That makes sense. Noah: …She took my sisters with her. Not me, though.”

Well, that’s… sad. The backstory’s very interesting, but geez. Kinda rough for his mom to take the sisters and not him, what the hell?

“…I’m sure Noah asks himself these questions often, too. And, I can only imagine… seeing his mother again, but in the context of the roulette…”

Yeah, yeah… :(

“Harper: I, um… understand the feeling, with my own parents.”

I… well, that’s surprising! We haven’t really heard much about Harper’s backstory, have we?

“Harper: No one becomes as rich as my parents without exploiting others. Even if I’m not directly responsible for it, I’ve always felt guilty for reaping the benefits of their wealth.”

Yeah, that’s what I figured. Do you think Harper’s parents run a vineyard? I still wonder why that’s listed as ver dislike in ver profile.

“Noah: And, you give a lot of money away, anyways… Harper: I do. As much as I can. But, is that because I truly want to help people? Or, is it just because I don’t want to feel that guilt…?”

Ooh, interesting questions… Harper’s one of the characters which has been explored the least, I feel, so it’s nice to get this much insight on ver thoughts!

“Harper: Yeah. I’m really glad I’ve gotten to know you better, Noah. He smiles back. Noah: I’m glad I got to know you better, too.”

Woohoo! Nice talk! Really lovely to get more on these two, since again, I feel like we haven’t gotten much about them in the main series. Onto the final one!

4: Taylor & Paris

And of course, I guess we couldn’t end it off without the Trial’s main characters! The besties turned worsties… I wonder how this one’s gonna play out.

“It feels a little strange as I’m stretching my legs and walking through the Resort again after leaving the Cellar. After all, I’m not going to be here much longer, one way or another.”

Oh damn, are we gonna get a murder PoV as a Bonus Scene? That’d be incredible.

“I guess I don’t know how long it’ll take them to find “my” body, but the whole thing feels like a farewell tour of sorts. Like, look, it’s the Courtyard. Not sure if I’ll ever go back there again.”

Melancholic!

“Paris: OMG, Tay! Are you okay?  She takes a half-step forward like she’s about to hug me, but reconsiders.”

Aww, she’s trying :(

“All I have to do is get back on her good side for one night. That means telling her what she wants to hear– grovelling at her feet, admitting how wrong I was to doubt her. I can manage something like that, at least.”

Damn, killer PoV goes kinda crazy.

“Taylor: I just thought you were upset, since you stopped messaging me since yesterday…”

Oh my god are we finally gonna address what the deal was with this???

“In the moment, I just didn’t want to respond to her. Now, it’s part of my plan. I pick up my e-Handbook, pretending to look at my own chatroom. Taylor: Weird, it’s still not there. Can I have that?”

Holy genius plan! That works so well! Everything makes sense now!!!

“Taylor: Aww, you left my room permissions? I thought you might’ve gotten rid of them… Paris: Of course not. Besties always stick together~ Sure.”

Oof. They’re mad mad. I mean, given they killed the woman, I figure that should be obvious, but still.

“I run out of the room, quickly ducking into my own. I grab some snacks and two drinks from the mini bar, opening Paris’ drink and pouring the poison inside.”

And that’s how the poison was administered. I’m loving this frankly.

“Paris: …I’m really happy to have you back, Tay. Taylor: Really…? It’s surprising. Her tone is earnest, genuine. She doesn’t usually sound like that.”

Oh oh.

“Paris: I’ve never really had an actual friend before. So, you’re really special to me, Tay. What…? Paris: In high school, all of my “friends” were people I hung out with because we were of similar status. We had fun and all that, but we didn’t, like, care about each other. It was all politicking and rumors to stay at the top of the social ladder. Taylor: But, what about before that? Paris: I wasn’t really popular before that. I just sort of… watched everyone else. If people did go out of their way to talk to me, it usually wasn’t good.”

Oh no… we’re getting the entire tragic backstory only now that she’s drank the poison… At least the backstory on Paris is great, but I’m starting to feel sad.

“Why is she saying all of this now? What purpose does it serve her?”

Though I am living for Taylor not buying it even though it’s clearly the truth.

“People don’t really change. She seriously expects me to believe she was a totally different person just a few years ago? Even if her reputation was different, I’m sure she was still the same person deep down.”

Case in point. It’s so weird to hear “real Taylor’s” inner monologue, I don’t think I’d expect the person Taylor pretended to be to say something like this. Cool!

“Paris: Because I think I went too far in the other direction. I got used to being in power, and thinking like I was the only one that mattered. But that isn’t true. I can’t care about no one because I care about you.  Taylor: … No, you don’t. Don’t say stuff like that if you don’t mean it. Paris isn’t the kind of person who’s capable of actually caring about anyone, let alone “me.” Besides, she only thinks she knows who I am. She doesn’t actually know anything.”

Holy angst Batman! Taylor is now in deep denial to avoid feeling awful for what they’ve done, always a fun thing to see.

“Taylor: What is it that you like about me so much, anyways? […] Paris: You’re quiet, but that’s okay. I like that you’re different from me, and different from the people I’m used to. You’re… honestly kind of mean sometimes, but I like that too. I mean, how couldn’t I? It’s the same kind of thing I do. It makes me feel like we really are friends who can just be our authentic selves around each other.  Her voice is getting softer, quieter, as she continues talking. My heartbeat picks up. Why is she getting closer and closer to… what I’m actually like…? The kind of person I want to be, but can’t, because it’s not what anyone else wants?”

Holy shit this is getting devastating. Taylor is so desperate to keep hating Paris and it’s getting harder and harder the more likable Paris gets. Redemption and angst causing arc all in one conversation, Paris on that speedrun mindset.

“Taylor: You’re not telling me you like me because you actually like me. You’re just saying it because it’s what you want to hear about yourself. So, I’m not giving up on anything real. I’m just giving up on you.”

Yeah keep telling yourself that Taylor.

“…A plan well-started. But I don’t have time to dwell on that. I need to move on to the next step. And, once I’m out of here, I never have to think of her again. I look at her again. She really never saw this coming, did she? …Never again.”

Oof.

This was probably my favorite Bonus Scene of all time. I mean, the angst? The explanation of loose threads? The Paris redemption arc? The Taylor denial arc? It’s peak! What else can I say? Delightful writing, delightful pain and suffering, it’s great.

-

And that’s all for CH4! Wew, what a ride! To recap: Noah stumbled out of the closet so hard he fell off a railing, also he may be struggling with alcoholism and both daddy and mommy issues, Aidan started looking forward to the future through his FTEs, Davis improved his relationships and explained why Ultimate Bachelor is not Ultimate Boyfriend, Ellis’ self-esteem hit rock bottom and now she’s confused as to why people actually like her, Jeff accidentally corrupted Taylor with their “fuck this shit I’m out” mindset, Paris and Taylor’s friendship crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, the trial had as many twists and turns as Paris had followers, disguises were made that would put the Ultimate Imposter to shame, Antonia did a bit of recreational narrative haunting with her poison, etc, etc. Eventful!

Lovely chapter this was! I’m looking forward to starting CH5, though by the time I post this I’ll probably have started it already. {I’m actually about to finish it lol, the formatting takes a while xp}. See you later!