Prologue: Welcome to a Refurbished Despair Pt. A
Wow... I'm actually here... I kept telling myself. I just couldn't believe my eyes. I stood out in front of the gates to the newly remodeled Hopes Peak Academy, a school for the ultimately gifted students. And here I was, among these protégés. Nice to meet you, I'm Akiko... S. I was one of the 30 new transfer students selected to attend this Academy that is now under supervision of a corporation known as "Future Foundation" being funded by the "Togami Corporation". Basically it was a lot of big businesses sharing with big businesses I imagine.
That aside, it's a pleasure to meet you. The reason I was called to Hopes Peak Academy you might be wondering? Did I probably win a lottery by chance, or maybe I entered as a "Reserve Course"? Well, neither of those. I'm just another "Ultimate". I don't feel like talking about my talent, it's kind of stupid to begin with. Sorry, guess I'm the shy sort.
I twirled by orange pigtails nervously as I stood before the walls of this school. I wore the basic uniform button up and skirt, with platform boots and a pale blue cardigan. My headphones were playing one of my favorite songs. I held my messenger bag close as my anxiety kept building. Come on! Just walk inside! I shouted at myself. Why was I so nervous? So... Afraid...?
Was it because of the broadcast a few years ago. That was definitely a horrible thing to watch on live television but... I couldn't let that get to me. Without really thinking I just took a step. Then another. And another, another, another, another... I kept walking until I was inside the campus grounds. I would tell you how it looked if I got a good look at it. The moment I stepped inside every one of my senses felt like they were being forcefully warped and assaulted. Everything was spinning. Faster and faster, everything became a mess of melted images, tastes and scents until everything went to black...
...When I came to I was lying in a bed under the covers. I was expecting to be greeted with a pale white room but no. That's not what I got at all. The walls had a nice pink wallpaper, and what appeared to be sunlight streaming in from the outside. "What...?" I struggled out. I pushed the covers off of me and noticed I was still fully dressed. Did I fall asleep? No, that didn't happen. I had a dizzy spell outside and I must have collapsed. Maybe someone saw me and carried me over to a room? That seemed more likely. After scanning the area I realized I was in a room with a personal bathroom and a desk with a chair. On top of that desk rested a key with my last name etched into it. So that means this room must have been my room, and someone must have brought me here...
Without any hesitation I shoved the key into my pocket and headed to the front door of the room. I stood in front of the door and prepared to step outside however an announcement blared. "Would all students please make their way to the Gym. Please do not keep your headmaster waiting. All other doors will be locked so you don't get lost." There was something... wrong with that voice. It was unusually peppy and high. Wait, the gym? How am I supposed to know where to go? He did say the other doors are locked so I guess whatever door opens...
"I need to get out of here." I said to no one. I opened the door and took a step outside. I was not expecting some more students to be outside. Two boys I believe. One of the boys was dressed in a blue tracksuit of Hopes Peak. His hair was relatively short and an odd blue color, I imagine he dyed his hair, and olive green eyes. His build was an athletic one, each section of his body taken proper care and attention to be well exercised.
"Hey! Did you wake up too!?" He asked in an excited tone.
"um well..." I replied meekly.
"Of course she did." The other boy stated in a calm tone. His black hair was cut into a crew cut and his face had a decent covering of facial hair on his face and his frame was much slimmer than the other boy. "That makes her sixteen."
"Sixteen?" I repeated inquisitively.
"Oh, so the last one?" The sporty boy asked.
"Wait last?"
"There were only sixteen rooms in this hall. You're student number 16. Everyone else is in the gym." The slimmer boy explained.
"I see." Was all I could say.
"Oh, by the way I'm Ryota Takao. I was accepted into Hope's Peak Academy as the Ultimate Sports Master." The boy in the track suit introduced himself.
"Oh I'm Akiko..." I replied.
"Huh, no last name? No talent?" Ryota asked me. Well, I didn't want to share that with a stranger... it's... too embarrassing.
"I-I don't remember." I said.
"Don't remember?" The slimmer boy repeated. "I swear, girls can be so helpless in a crisis."
"Don't be mean..." I say meekly. "If I don't remember then I don't remember."
"Well, we'll forget it for now." Ryota spoke up. "Hey, introduce yourself wouldya!? A little kindness wouldn't hurt!" His comment seemed to be directed at the other boy in the hallway.
"Fine then." The boy replied. "Shin Yuzuki. Ultimate Artist. The gym is outside across from this building. Just keep going straight."
"We'll be right behind you after we do one more sweep of this place. Just to make sure no one's left behind, cuz there was supposed to be 30 right?" Ryota added.
"30 students... right. Maybe there's another dorm building?" I suggested.
"Let's hope so." Shin stated. "Well, go join the others now." I nodded and we headed in opposite directions. Just keep going straight? I did so and I eventually reached a set of double doors. I pushed pass the doors and was exposed to the warmth of the sunlight. I hadn't realized an A/C had been blowing in the building (which I presumed to be a dorm building) when I walked outside. I could feel the difference in temperatures, it was a very large gap. Outside, from what I could see, I was now on a cement pathway and their seems to be a series of connected walkways. Right now I need to head to the Gymnasium. Just dead ahead. I walked along the cement paved path and entered the Gymnasium. When I entered I saw about thirteen more students standing in an awkward silence. It was so silent I imagined a pin dropping and the sound it would make.
Most of them turned their attention to me as the door opened. The initial surprise of my entrance seemed to fade as they then looked away. I walked away from the door and tried my best to blend into the perimeter of the crowd. Someone nudged my elbow. I turned and saw a boy about my height. His hair was a pale red, almost looking orange. His eyes were a light hazel, he was wearing a hoodie similar to his hair color and a black shirt underneath. His glasses hung loosely on his face and his jeans seemed to be worn out greatly while his brown boots showed similar signs. "Do you know what's going on?" He asked me.
"Uh, no..." I replied meekly.
"What a shame..." He said. "Looks like nobody knows what's going on. I'm disappointed now."
"Well SORRY for not meeting your expectations!" A large student said. His stomach was distended in a way through his white tank top but his body definitely screamed strong man. Over the tank top he had an unbuttoned white shirt and a black leather jacket draped over his shoulders. I couldn't get a good look at his eyes since he wore aviators and his crew cut hair had been obviously bleached beyond black; it was ashen blond. The larger boy crossed his arms in dissatisfaction. "We've been tellin' ya we don't got an answer."
"You never know." The orange haired boy stated with a grin. His focus then turned to me. "I'm Atsushi Tamuki, the Ultimate Engineer. And you are?"
"Oh, I'm Akiko. I... kind of don't remember my talent... or last name..." I said. It was a lie I wasn't proud of but I had to keep up appearances. One of the girls in the crowd let out a gasp. Her brown hair tied into a ponytail with bangs covering her forehead. She made a beeline for me and I was taken aback. Her brown eyes locked onto my blue ones as she gave an intense stare, it was a little unnerving. She then let out a chuckle.
"Geez, you're so serious." She told me.
"What?"
"I'm Destiny Kiro. I'm the Ultimate Vocalist! Pleased to meet ya! Oh, by the way, I'm what they call a 'Hafu' which is why my name is mixed."
"Nice to know." Atsushi commented. "I'll be sure to remember that."
"Like I care if you remember." Destiny pouted. "Anyway, you still haven't given us a name." She pointed to the large boy that looked kind of like a punk.
He scoffed. "Like I give a shit whether you know my name!" He cried.
Suddenly a silver haired boy spoke up through his shouting. "Oh? But it's only common courtesy to introduce yourself." He chuckled. His eyes were a piercing red and he was dressed like a gothic Lolita... but for guys. He wore a tiny top hat accessory and painted his nails black and everything. "I'm Izanagi Katsu. I do hope we can share in camaraderie. Now it's your turn." His tone was polite but his implications were forceful.
"F-fine." He grunted nervously. "Juku Kunio. I'm the Ultimate..." He seemed to mumble the end of his sentence.
"You're mumbling." Izanagi said in a tone that practically screamed 'Speak Up'.
"THE ULTIMATE CHEF! ALRIGHT!?" He screamed with a blush on his face.
"So, you like, cook and stuff?" Destiny asked, her eyes seemed to light up and I could've sworn a bit of drool formed at the side of her mouth.
"Y-yeah..." Juku answered. "But don't mistake this for asking me for whatever you want!"
"Hardass..." She mumbled.
"Was it that hard?" Izanagi chuckled. Geez, I wouldn't want to be scolded by him.
"Well, since we're taking the time to introduce ourselves..." another girl, shorter than I was. She was very petite and almost doll like. She wore suspenders strapped to her skirt and a small tie. Her light brown hair, almost a pale green, was tied into twin ponytails. "I-I'm Miyako Usagi... The Ultimate Hacker."
"Hacker? Like computers and stuff?" Atsushi asked. Miyako nodded. "But, isn't hacking a crime?"
"Ah-!" She gasped out. Her eyes then seemed to tear up. "I'm sorry... I'm just r-really good at it is all..."
"No, it's fine. Personally I think it's cool!" Atsushi gave Miyako a big smile. That seemed to change Miyako's mood. I decided to not interject with whatever it was they were talking about. It only spelled out trouble if I gave my personal opinion now. I looked back to Izanagi, suddenly remembering he never shared his talent with us.
"Hey Izanagi." I called to him.
"Yes?"
"You never did mention your talent." I explained.
"Oh? I didn't?" Izanagi asked with light shock. "It must've been because of Juku's horrible attitude." He said in a very polite tone. Yowch, that really must not sit well with Juku.
He was pissed. "Who are you calling horrible?"
"You." Izanagi put simply. Juku let out a strangled gasp of shock as Izanagi practically dissed him. "I'm the Ultimate Gambler. Much like my predecessor, I've won many gambling matches. Plus my intuition and guesses are almost second to none. At least in this room." Izanagi sounded arrogant to me. I kinda hate that but at the same time I wish I had that level of confidence, it'd make my life easier.
I looked around at the crowd. There was still quite a few people. They were listening, however not all of them had the desire to speak up until a girl with really short dark hair spoke up. Her posture was very rigid and she had a serious look on her face, almost as though it had been glued in place. "Okay everyone." She said with a stern tone. "I'm Makoto Takeo. I'm the Ultimate Commander." She stood at attention, almost like a soldier. "Now I want everyone to say their names and talents if they remember!" She commanded.
Then, a boy with light orange hair scoffed as he adjusted his blazer. His uniform looked more like professional business attire rather than a school uniform. His amber eyes gave a strange intensity to his overall appearance. "I'll only say this once. My name is Akihiro Junichi and I'm the Ultimate Merchant." Was all he said before turning his back to everyone else.
"That's it!?" Destiny stammered. Akihiro didn't reply, he remained stalwart in his position. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"
"And I'm ignoring you." Akihiro said.
"Wh-!?" Dese gasped out and then got upset very quickly. "You don't need to be rude ya know!"
"You don't need to be in my business, bitch!" Akihiro snapped.
"Hey!" Juku spoke up. "That's not cool! Calling a woman that!"
"Don't talk to me like I'm some child, fatty!" Akihiro seemed calm but annoyed as he said that.
Juku, on the other hand, had exploded with rage. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING 'FATTY' ASSHOLE!?"
"You." Akihiro said, much how Izanagi said earlier.
"WHY I OUGHTA-!" Juku shouted as he cracked his knuckles.
"-Enough." Makoto said with an intense fierceness. "Before you start your mindless bickering, need I remind you we have our headmaster on their way to greet us for opening ceremony. Not only that, fourteen of our student body is still missing! So a little consideration would be appreciated." Makoto only raised her voice slightly, but that slight increase in volume seemed to calm them both down. In a huff the two stomped away from one another almost like children. "Now then..." Makoto said while lowering her voice to how it was before. "Quite a few of you still need to introduce yourselves."
"Very well." A girl with dyed hair said. "I'll go next." She smiled brightly. Her hair was dyed a bright pink color at shoulder length. Her brown eyes and peppy attitude made her seem like a happy person. Her skin was a fairly tanned one and she wore a no sleeved button up and a rather skimpy skirt. Not short like some of us, but very short. The only plus is that she was wearing black leggings. "I'm Akemi Hanako, the Ultimate Actress." And then suddenly she changed her accent to a British one. "Very pleased to make your acquaintance."
"What?" I asked. "How did you do that!?"
"Plenty of practice." She said, this time in a serious tone.
Well, whatever makes her happy I guess. "Alright, you next since no one else is gonna step up." Makoto pointed to a short boy. He seemed frail and nervous. His hair was black and his brown eyes were similar to Destiny's. He wore a bucket hat very loosely on his head while his clothes seemed to loosely fit him. His dress shirt was unbuttoned to reveal the black tee underneath and his dark pants were held up by a belt. He seemed to freak out as he was singled out.
"Huh- Me!?" He asked nervously. "Um... my name is Hiroaki Hisashi. I'm the Ultimate Fanfic Author." He put softly.
"'Fanfic Author'?" Destiny repeated in an inquisitive tone.
"I um... write fanfiction." Hiroaki told everyone. "I-I guess I'm good at it..." He seemed to be really nervous.
"Um dude. Chill out, no one's gonna do anything to you." Juku said, in an attempt to ease Hiroaki's nerves. It seemed out of character considering he was just in a shouting match a moment prior.
"I'll introduce myself now." A girl in a knitted cap spoke up. Her short black hair combed evenly and curled at it's ends with her gray eyes. Her periwinkle fleece jacket over a pink tank top. All with a skirt and white heeled boots. "I'm Rei Naoko, the Ultimate Student. Pleased to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Rei." Atsushi said after being an observer for the past couple moments now. "So what do you do?"
"I specialize in being a student. Mostly reading and comprehension." She put plainly. Wow, an understatement for an Ultimate.
"ooh, ooh! Me next!" A girl shouted out. Her short and flat black hair was cut up to about her neck in length. She wore a cap, short sleeve button up and a pleated skirt. Her knee high boots had heels on them, giving her an appearance of being slightly taller than what she actually was. "I'm Chou Ayano! The Ultimate Gamer!"
In a heartbeat, Atsushi seemed to light up. He was about to ask a question until -"There are still a few more people. Let's hear them out before you ask any more questions." Makoto suggested. Atsushi gave a sigh of annoyance at being held back.
"It better be worth it." He said with a bit of annoyance.
"Okay! You next!" Makoto pointed to another person. This person had long chestnut hair under a sun hat. Her white button up had short sleeves and a green tie. Her plaid skirt went up to her knees and work boots at her feet, leaving her legs exposed for the world to see.
"Very well. My name is Hotaru Haruki. I am the Ultimate Botanist, which means I know plenty about plants." The girl stated as a response. Despite her seemingly love for gardening, she was unusually pale. "I do hope our friendship in our school days blossoms like flowers."
"What kinds of flowers?" Atsushi asked. It was nice to be curious but I don't think I've met someone who has *this* many questions.
"Save it for the end." Makoto commanded. Atsushi groaned in annoyance again. "Relax, there's only one more person."
"Me right?" A blond guy asked. His hair was very messy and he wore a blue jumpsuit and work boots while he wore gloves over his hands. His face was lightly decorated with freckles as he gave a goofy grin. "What's up?" He said nonchalantly. "The name's Ikazuchi Michi, the Ultimate Electrician."
"That's everyone." Makoto declared. "While Shin and Ryota are still at the dorms..."
"Uh-um..." Miyako stammered. Her face looked as though she wanted to say something but she was having trouble getting her words out. Makoto took notice of this.
"What is it, Miyako?" She asked the petite girl.
"W-well..." She paused for a moment, then said "Has anyone noticed the security cameras?"
"Huh? What cameras?" Juku asked.
"Of course an idiot like you would ask something like that." Akihiro piped up. Boy, he sure loves instigating situations I guess.
"W-w-what the hell is THAT supposed to mean!?" The larger boy inquired in anger.
Akihiro simply scoffed at him. Instead of a verbal response Akihiro simply pointed up towards the roof and we all looked at where he was pointing too. Hanging from the roof was a yellow security camera. It had it's attention fixated on us, as though we were the most interesting things in the room. The lens rotated and adjusted, most likely readjusting focus. Normally security cameras make me feel secure when I'm out and about. But this camera made me feel uncomfortable. "There was also one in the dormitory building." Akihiro explained.
"Really?" Hotaru asked.
"Yes. But given the circumstances, I can see why everyone missed it in the halls." Akihiro went on.
I gave a moment of thought to consider what he meant. "You mean how Shin and Ryota were making sure everyone was accounted for?" I asked.
"At least someone here has common sense." The Merchant stated bluntly.
"The security cameras are probably here for our protection." Makoto suggested. "I'm sure we've got nothing to fear." Even as she said that, I couldn't shake the feeling that wasn't their purpose entirely. At this point Ryota and Shin had entered the gym by themselves and looked to the cameras everyone was still staring at.
"So we're acknowledging them now?" The Artist asked, in an almost condescending tone.
"Yes. We didn't notice until Miyako and Akihiro pointed them out." Izanagi explained. "Makoto suggests it's for security measures."
"I can see why'd she think so." Ryota stated. "All the riots that have been going on must've caused the school to take an extra step in protection." Could that really be it? But something still seemed off somehow...
"Hey, where are the other fourteen students?" I asked the two boys.
Ryota looked at me with distress. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to find anybody else." He said.
"So it's just the sixteen of us then..." Hiroaki sighed. He sounded relieved somehow. My guess is that he doesn't like a lot of people but I can only imagine. "But it is a problem, right?"
"Yeah." Destiny replied. She then added "Cuz in my letter it said there were supposed to be 30 students. Did they miscount or something?"
"I doubt a school like Hope's Peak would miscount." Ikazuchi said. "My parents always said it was a prestigious and perfect place."
Atsushi then mumbled something that I couldn't quite understand. But before I could ask him an irritating laugh silenced everyone in a heartbeat.
"Puhuhuhu..." We all turned our attention to the front of the gymnasium with shock. While we were all staring at the podium an eerie presence filled the gym. Suddenly a stuffed toy emerged and plopped itself right onto the podium in front of the microphone set up there. It was a bear that was barely two and a half feet tall, or 76 cm, with a duo-toned color scheme. Half white and innocent while the other half was black and almost sinister in a way. "Welcome Group A!" The bear spoke with an unusual pep. It was definitely unnerving.
"A-A TALKING TOY!?" Juku shouted in shock. "No way in hell is this some normal school!"
"I'm not a toy!" The teddy bear denied. "I am Monokuma! You're Headmaster of this newly remodeled Hope's Peak Academy!"
"Where have I heard that before...?" Ikazuchi pondered as his voice trailed off.
Makoto let out a gasp. "Wait... You're the bear from the 78th class killing school life aren't you!?" She seemed to be in panic. I was to as she said those words. The one in charge of the killing school life was the one piloting Monokuma. Does that mean this is the same thing? We were all speechless as Makoto pointed out that fact.
"The one and only!" Monokuma gloated. "I'll give you all a moment to admire your super sugoi teacher~." He said this while rubbing the back of his head and giving us an almost seductive wink. "Oh, but don't think about anything naughty like that. I'm your headmaster after all." Monokuma looked as though he were sweating nervously.
"I-if you don't mind my asking..." Hotaru spoke up through the silence. "What happened to our fourteen missing classmates?"
"Wuzzat?" The bear asked in a cutesy voice.
"What happened to our fourteen missing classmates?" Hotaru repeated.
"Huh?" He asked innocently.
"What happened-"
"Save your breath Hotaru." Rei suggested. "He's just messing with you."
"How cruel Ms. Naoko..." Monokuma stated as he gave a glum look. It was like watching a hyperactive child with all the emotions this... thing was expressing. "But seriously, whaddya mean fourteen!?"He looked enraged for some reason.
"We mean our missing classmates." Akihiro retorted. "Give us a straight answer and stop wasting my time."
"Geez, you don't like messing around do ya?" Monokuma chuckled. "I'll have you know the fifteen students in Group B are still waiting for their opening ceremony."
Something was definitely wrong now. "Wait... fifteen!?" I cried out in horror. "What do you mean fifteen students!?"
"There's only thirty students enrolled at Hope's Peak Academy, correct?" Atsushi asked. "But there's sixteen of us here and apparently fifteen in some other group?"
"Why did we have to get math involved?" Ikazuchi groaned.
"That's simple addition though..." Akemi sighed.
"S-still! I hate having to count beyond my fingers!" He snapped.
"How are you able to be in high school again?" Izanagi asked. "It must be a test of endurance or a miracle if you've made it this far."
"Good one!" Monokuma laughed. "I'll be rooting for you in secret!"
"Enough games!" Shin shouted. "I demand answers! What on earth do you mean when you say sixteen of us here and fifteen somewhere else? Why are there thirty-one students!?"
"Thirty one? That sounds about right." Monokuma pondered. "Oh right. You all are new at this whole thing so I'll just come out and say it. This isn't gonna be some normal campus life or killing game like last time. It'd be too dull if we just kept doing the same things over and over and over again right? So, I decided we'll be holding TWO killing games back to back!"
"Wait, WHAT!?"Miyako cried in absolute panic. Tears were welling up in her eyes as she trembled with fear. "Two!?"
"Okay, that answers why there are so few of us here..." Hiroaki said. "But I don't get why there are thirty-one..."
"Well, to put it simply..." Monokuma went on. "... One of the thirty-one is a filthy little spy!" Monokuma chuckled as he said this. "Puhuhuhu, shocking isn't it?"
"Spy?" Atsushi asked.
"Ugh, must I explain myself every time!? I swear, you kids are getting more dense with age!" The bear shouted in annoyance. "One of you is a student in disguise!"
"One of 'us'?" Rei asked.
"Someone in Group A or B is someone I didn't account for! But I ultimately split you all up!" Monokuma said, proud of his efforts obviously.
"Why don't you just kill the traitor then?" Ryota asked. "We've all seen you do it before."
"This is something between all of you! So, since all of you already know the rules, I'll be brief." He went on. "Basically, kill one of your fellow classmates and get away with it! That's all!"
"Seriously?" Akemi asked, this time she seemed bored. "Like would anyone kill another?" Her question seemed to hang heavier around us than anyone would actually admit. We were all forced to watch the sadistic game the first time, and now we were all forced to play it ourselves.
(Music: Despair- A Hero's Cure) It felt ironic to me. It was one of those moments where you thought a situation like this could never happen to you. One where it was almost too surreal to be even true. But, here we are. Doubting each other. Forced to suspect and kill one another. Why does this have to happen? Who in their right minds could be sadistic enough to force us into something out of pure fiction? To evoke such misery and despair on High School students who didn't do anything wrong. I can only imagine what "Group B" Must be feeling at this moment in time, because we've got a treacherous path ahead of all of us.