Hell is real... and it's called life...Enjoy. This and everything else just needs a big Re: do and whatever, so enjoy for like the third time. I will say that things may be different. You'll see.
My name is Auruka Micho and I am not an ordinary girl. I mean, if I was an ordinary girl, then I wouldn't have the life I have been living, you know? I went through extraordinary things to get where I am, and that has to account for something; then again I'm sure other people have gone even more amazing things than I. Me? Myself? Whatever.
At first glance, I would very well be considered an everyday girl- I'm at average height for a girl at my age, average weight, and… other stuff. I keep my hair neat and short, but I have a little troubling dealing with some parts of it, I make sure I dress properly, and all-around I'm a pretty cute looking girl if I do say so myself.
However, I really don't think my opinion of myself is what really matters. Its' not a pessimistic attitude, but more of an analytical standpoint. See the thing is, I wanted my unusualness to be judged by only one group; what place could that be you ask?
Why only the ever-famous Hope's Peak Academy, of course. A gifted school for gifted students of refined talent. The dream school that anyone with the special talent that rises above all others will be able to attend, with the honorary title of Super High School Level. For my acceptance into a school like this, I have to meet the standard requirements.
High school age? Check.
Be the best at my talent? Check.
And the willingness to attend no matter what? You betcha check!
So it should come as to no surprise that I be able to attend Hope's Peak right?
Someone like me, should definitely have the chance…
…Yeah…
I should definitely… have the chance…
Because I'm a student of-
"Rise and shine, sleepy head! It's time to wake up!"
"Ghhhk!"
Whatever dream she had at the moment was gone, as she was jolted awake by what sounded like and engine turbine in her ear. The muscles in her body tensed up, but the worst part was that her head had recoiled back, hitting the wall behind her. Pain flared and she immediately began to rub at the back of her head. "Owww…."
What just happened? She heard some shuffling and a few hushed whispers, and felt her body tense up in agitation from the unknown around her. When she wakes up, it's usually in her bed, at her home, with her family. This was obviously not her home from the sound of things!
She opened her eyes, noticing three pairs of legs and glanced up at the other people, two boys and a girl. They looked to be about her age, and they all stared down at her like she was a specimen on display. She also noticed that they all were in a small room of sorts, with metal walls surrounding them. It was a bit spacious, so there no worry about her claustrophobia coming out. Something about it was familiar to her, but she couldn't quite place it. The silence that followed was only brief, and she was the first to break it.
"Who are you?" she asked, oddly calm despite the fact she had no idea where the heck she was. The first to answer was the girl, who immediately knelt down to her level. The two boys stood silent, making Auruka believe that the girl was their impromptu leader at the moment.
"Before that, can I look at your wrist for a second?" Up close, she could notice more of the girl's appearance, the most obvious being her long frizzy black hair, her skin a light pale contrast to it, alongside a light dust of freckles across her face. She had a white veil that was lifted, a lavender shirt, and a long white skirt with a train, blue sandals, and ten golden bracelets, five on each arm. As she grabbed onto her wrist, she noticed a small black watch on her right arm, and as she pulled up by her left arm she found she was also wearing the same kind of watch.
She pulled away from the girls grip and she let go, letting her get a clear view of the watch she never owned. It was a digital watch with a glowing screen, the holder divided into an equal black and white style; the black strap felt a little tight, and the number seven kept flashing on the screen in a bright green color.
"What the…?" She pulled on it with no effect. "When did I get this? What's going on here?" She looked at the girl and the two boys, expecting some explanation for what happened. She tried to dig in her own memories for any clues, but couldn't find anything. She definitely recalled being at home and getting ready for… something. Something about the television and…Everything after that was hazy, with no clear grasp.
"Hey, don't panic now." The girl grabbed onto her hand, lightly rubbing with her thumb in a calming gesture. "Listen, we're all as confused as you are, but it doesn't make things better if we all start panicking." She gave a smile. "If it's not too much, can you tell us your name?"
Her name? That was easy enough. She brushed aside a few bangs of her pink hair and took a breather she desperately needed. "My name is…Auruka Micho."
"Nice to meet you Micho-san. My name is Hanako Amaya and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The girl bowed and gave a beaming smile. Auruka smiled back, feeling a bit better, before she paused. Amaya Hanako? Why did that name sound so familiar? Did she… did she know this girl?
"Hey, is it alright if we introduce ourselves too?" One of the boys was visibly shaking, excitement all over his face. He was definitely taller than Auruka- who realized that she was actually the shortest in this group- with tanned skin and the most dazzling golden eyes she ever seen. His hair was bright red and shaggy and unkempt, a few strands held down underneath a black bandana wrapped around his head, a small golden insignia of a crown on the center front. Strapped to his back was a yellow duffel bag. His outfit was a yellow tracksuit, the top unzipped showing a white undershirt underneath, his pant legs were rolled up to his knees, and black sneakers; the outfit did little to hide the muscle underneath. He seemed to stand out within the room's dreariness. He grinned, showcasing sparkling white teeth, his entire being a literal personification of the sun. Auruka noticed how he had a watch like hers on his right wrist- the only blemish in his otherwise sunny getup.
Hanako moved away as much as she could and allowed the red head to get close to Auruka, before he began exclaiming in a booming voice, "Hey, hey, hey! Nice to meet ya'!" He raised his left hand in a fist and brought it down to his chest. "My name's Keiichi Yoshikazu, and I'm the Super High School Level Cheer Captain!"
Keiichi Yoshikazu- Super High School Level Cheer Captain
Auruka never had met someone like him before, but nonetheless tried to return the enthusiasm. "Umm, nice to meet you two..." she said anxiously. He seemed nice enough to not worry about, she just had to make sure that he was about two feet from him whenever he started talking. She ran his introduction through her head, stopping on the last words he said. "Hey, did you just say 'Super High School Level'?" Didn't that mean…?
Keiichi smile melted, and the other boy and Hanako looked just as surprised. "I did?" He scratched his head. "I guess I did. I don't know, it felt right, you know?" Auruka didn't like that answer, and she tried to dig in her head to try and remember what she could.
"The Super High School Level title is used for students of Hope's Peak Academy, right?" The other boy crossed his arms. "Wouldn't that mean you're a student there? Oh, but before we forget," He nodded at Auruka. "Name's Akihisa Futonomi." Auruka got a better look of him, he was fair-skinned, and his black hair a little long with the bangs pushed aside to cover a bit of the left side of his face, brown eyes narrowed over at Keiichi in suspicion. She couldn't get a look at his body type, because it was hard to see underneath the heavy clothing- a black leather jacket, with a dark blue shirt underneath, black jeans, and black sneakers. He had a light red scarf around his neck, a clear contrast to his entire wardrobe, but otherwise everything about was dark. Akihisa also had a watch on his right wrist.
"Well, if that's the case then would that mean we're also part of Hope's Peak?" Hanako twirled a strand of hair. "I mean, if we're all talented people, then it would be pretty obvious, right?" She paused, and continued twirling her hair. "Are you two also talented?" She glanced over at Auruka and the Akihisa, as if already realizing she was talented enough for Hope's Peak. Auruka let out a small 'Heh', finding that kinda brave from Hanako.
Akihisa clicked his tongue. "If so, then it's pretty obvious what my talent would be. I'm a master swordsman and the next to take over my family's house- which are full of those trained in sword combat, so I assume my title would be the Super High School Level Swordsman." He paused, before chuckling. "You know, saying it out loud does feel familiar."
Akihisa Futonomi- Super High School Level Swordsman
Auruka instinctively took a step back, already feeling nervous being in the same room as this guy. If this guy was a Super High School Level student at Hope's Peak, then he must really be the best with a blade. Wasn't there already a Swordsman at the school there? Swordswoman? Did gender really make a difference? Auruka was thinking about the wrong things, but still, Hope's Peak Academy? That place was Auruka's dream and she actually might be involved with it even though she doesn't remember? Wow!
Hope's Peak Academy was a super elite school that recruited the top of the top of talented students. Anyone who was accepted was guaranteed a chance a success, in whatever field they were in. The only requirements: you had to be a students, from elementary to high school, and you had to be the top in a certain talent. Notable examples included sports, education, and after-school activities, but Hope's Peak went for any talent that they could, like Gamer, Soldier, Freedom Fighter, even Samurai! Of course there was only one of each talent, and with how you had to be scouted by them it just made the process of being a student all the more thrilling. If that was the case with the four of them, then would that make Auruka a Super High School Level student too?
Hanako squealed, evidently happy over Akihisa's title declaration. "Then it's only reasonable of my title, as well!" She lifted the veil over her head, allowing Auruka a better look at her. "I mean someone like me would have to be the Super High School Level Medium, or maybe Exorcist would be better?" She scrunched her nose, which Auruka found cute. "No, Medium is a better title. Yep, definitely Medium!"
Hanako Amaya- Super High School Level Medium
"What about you Micho-san, what's your talent?" Hanako was close enough to touch nose to nose with Auruka, making her blush. Hanako noticed this and blushed as well, before pulling away and apologizing. "You do have a talent, right? Or your part of something or…" Hanako trailed off.
"Of course she has a talent!" Keiichi pointed at Auruka's neck. "She has a big badge, so that has to mean something."
She looked down at her shirt, noticing she was wearing a blue long sleeved collared shirt, a purple knee-length skirt, white socks, and black loafers- reminiscent of her school uniform. She looked a bit higher up on her collar, finding a badge clipped to it and pulled it off. It was a small circular golden pin, pretty simple, with a small carving of a chrysanthemum in the center. The pin seemed to sparkle in her fingers, her eyes catching light. It took a moment for her memories to surface, the small item being a common piece of her attire. She didn't realize she began mumbling.
"…Defense attorney…"
"What?" Akihisa questioned.
How could she have forgotten something like that? If she was really a part of Hope's Peak and was given a title, then it was totally obvious what that title would be.
She closed her eyes, twirling the small pin between her fingers, and took a deep breath. Throwing the pin in the air, she straightened out herself, letting all her worries melt away, catching the pin in her hand and clipping it to her collar. She grinned, and looked over at the trio proudly declaring, "My name is Auruka Micho and I am the Super High School Level Defense Attorney!"
Auruka Micho- Super High School Level Defense Attorney
Of course, why didn't she realize she would only be a Defense Attorney? She was one of the youngest in Japan, and was exceptionally talented when it came to defending her clients on crimes they didn't commit. Her record was near spotless, and it was a wonder why Hope's Peak didn't recruit her earlier.
Hanako had stars in her eyes. "Wow! What you did was so cool, Micho-san! You're a defense attorney, that's so cool! And that means that's an actual defense attorney badge that they really use, just like the Ace Attorney!"
Akihisa nodded. "I have to admit, that introduction was… something. It definitely seemed rehearsed."
Keiichi was ecstatic. "Michocchi is so cool! You have to show me how you did that cool spinning thing with your pin! I bet I could do the same with my baton, or even with my team mates!" With both his and Hanako's excitement, plus Auruka's own delivery, the atmosphere was less tense and cramped.
"Eh? Really?" Rubbing the back of her head, Auruka blushed at the attention from them, even though she performed an act like that. Honestly, she didn't know why she wanted to show off like that, but whatever. Akihisa didn't say anything, gazing at the three with minimal attention.
Then suddenly, the sound of garbling static filled the room. The four tried to find the source of the noise, but a voice rang, in a comical high pitch.
"Ahem, mic test, mic test. Can anyone hear me? Hello, check one, two, and three." The voice paused, as if it was checking their reactions. "Good morning my students- wait, you can't really tell that it's morning right now. Silly me! Anyway, now that all sixteen of you have made proper introductions with a few of your classmates, how about we let you meet the others? Please wait for a second as I finish the final touches. Thank you!" The voice was then cut off with a horrible microphone feedback, causing the four to cover their ears in slight pain.
Taking her hands off from her ears, Auruka could only wonder what that was. "What… what the hell was that?" Her thoughts exactly, Akihisa.
"I'm not sure Futonomi-san, but you did hear what… they said though." Hanako looked over at the three with eager eyes. "'Sixteen of you'? That must mean the others are here too." She rubbed at the part of her wrist free from the bracelet. "Wherever here is." She tried to pass it off by giving a short laugh, but Auruka could catch the slight apprehension.
Before anyone say anything, there was a shudder; the creak of metal sliding open slightly aggravated their ears, but they didn't focus on that. What they thought was a wall that Auruka had it her head on was actually an opening, a small sliver of light coming through between the two sliding doors. It took a second for Auruka to realize that this room was nothing more than an elevator, and it seemed the others caught on as well.
Being the closest and seeing it looked suitable to slip through, Auruka managed to squeeze through in a way to escape the confines. She ignored the slight protests from the others and managed to exit and land on the outside, ready for whatever would happen. What she could see was something she didn't expect when leaving the elevator, the outside being a large warehouse. Metal walls, concrete floor, and a high ceiling with large industrial lights hanging overhead. She didn't know whether to be in awe or shock, completely surprised by what was going on.
The loud scream that followed was something she didn't expect.
"Kyaah!" In both fear and surprise, Auruka screamed, her body jumping. She felt gravity take a hold of her but managed to stumble enough to regain balance.
"Micho-san, are you okay!?" The elevator doors had fully opened and Hanako ran out, alongside Akihisa and Keiichi. Auruka waved a sign of reassurance, and turned in the direction of the scream from earlier. About three feet from where the four were was an identical looking elevator, its doors wide open. From it were four others, two boys and two girls. One oddly pink girl was trying her best to hide behind the other three, visibly shaking. That was probably the screamer.
Auruka really had nothing to say, but "Uhm…hi?"
The timid girl froze, but not before the other girl- in a sweater and round glasses- grabbed her by her shoulder. You could see the glasses actually reflecting the light as she gave an almost sweet sounding, but venom drenched, "Oh my, you're not going so quickly, are you Imayoshi?" The girl named Imayoshi paled, as did the other two boys in the group, one blonde and the other black hair. The sense of fear wafted through them and Auruka could swear she began to sweat.
"Ima…yoshi…?" Auruka heard a hushed whisper, before that evolved into, "Soracchi?! Is that you?!" right in her ear. Ouch. Ow, ow, ow…. If what Keiichi did before was a wakeup call, then right now Auruka could say that this broke the sound barrier. The other group were just as surprised; she turned towards Akihisa and Hanako, seeing the two had already covered their ears in reflex. Lucky bastards.
The mentioned girl tilted her head slightly looking over at the Cheer Captain. She was a cute girl, Auruka noted, cute referring to something adorable and innocent-looking. She had light blonde hair, lighter than the other boy, short and curled, with the biggest and pinkest eyes Auruka's ever seen. They only got bigger when they stayed on Keiichi and the girl bursted into an almost tearful sounding "Kei-chan!" before running towards him.
Keiichi pushed Auruka as gently as he could with his strength (Auruka could feel the right side of her body bruise as Hanako managed to catch her) held his arms out and caught the girl in his arms, cradling her. The two hugged, clinging to each other for dear life, before Keiichi pulled away and held her head an inch from his. "Ate you okay? You're not hurt, right? Was that you're scream and did you wake up here like the rest of us? Do you remember anything before?" It was hard for Auruka to keep track but it seemed that Imayoshi was able to.
"I'm fine. I'm not. Yes. Yes. And I only remember being at home." She grabbed Keiichi's hands and pulled them away. "I'm okay, Kei-chan really." The close connection between them was evident, and Auruka couldn't help her cheeks growing hot. "And I apologize to you as well…" Imayoshi had detached herself from Keiichi and walked over to Auruka. She was able to get a better look at her- she was shorter than Auruka and had almost a soft body. She wore a pink blouse with a red ribbon on the front, a yellow bell skirt, black knee high socks, and white flats; a small yellow crown, almost similar to the insignia on Kenichi, was on top of her head and held by a black ribbon tied under her chin. The same watch as the others was on her right wrist. A quick look at the other three was the same result. "I was just a bit startled when I saw someone come out the elevator nearby, so I screamed." She looked a bit embarrassed as she shuffled her feet. "Uhm, so please let me apologize by- Whoa!"
The girl had tried to Auruka's side, but somehow ended up face planting on the floor. Ooh, that's gotta hurt. The oddest part about was that it seemed she just took a step before falling. Like she just stepped down on the floor and immediately fell. There wasn't even anything on the ground that could trip her…
"…Ow…" She didn't even sound like she was in pain.
"…Uh…" Everyone was at a loss at what to say, except Keiichi who was sighed in exasperation. Was this a common thing? Auruka couched down to the girl's level, her stillness unsettling. "Is… she…"
"I'm fine, not a scratch!" Auruka jolted away when the girl raised her head lightning fast. Despite the concrete floor, she was uninjured as she got up and dusted herself off. "It'll take more than gravity to stop me!" Her face then morphed into worry. "Aah, please forgive me for that outburst, I'm sorry. I'll just…I'll just back away now…" As she went to Keiichi's side, her cheeks were dusted pink and she hung her head. Keiichi patted her head in comfort.
Hanako tried to break the awkward silence. "Alright then… so, how about some introductions?"
"You are under leveled!" The bespectacled girl pointed a finger Auruka, a wicked smile on her face. "You must be level 15 in order to initiate a conversation with me, please try a New Game Plus!"
…The seven people around the girl didn't even know how to respond to something like that. Except that black haired boy.
"You. Are a horrible person." Auruka caught a hint of an accent from him as he spoke. The glasses girl smirked before shrugging her shoulders.
"I can't help it, that's just the kind of girl I am." Despite how she was just a while ago, she seemed to be in high spirits. The girl giggled, mockingly, before setting her dark blue eyes on Auruka, her body freezing. "Hello there fellow classmate! It's nice to meet you, I'm-"
BZZZZT *Crackle*
"Ahem. Ahem. Mic check, mic check!" As if from everywhere at once, a voice reverberated throughout the warehouse. Auruka could recognize as the voice from before. "Would all students for the field trip please get together near the entrance, please? It's literally right in front of you, in case you're wondering. Thank you."
The girl in glasses could only sigh. "It seems we'll have to settle this another time." Settle what, exactly? "Oh but, it seems the other eight are going to beat us to the entrance, so we better hurry." She pointed over to the left of her and Auruka couldn't believe it. On the other side of the warehouse were eight others, like them, but between them were more elevators! Auruka could count six more between the two they come out and the possible two on the end from the other group. Just what was the purpose of elevators in a warehouse?
She looked over at the others, Hanako giving a small smile of encouragement. Auruka smiled back and said "Okay then. I'll guess we'll figure things out once we do what the voice says." The girl with glasses paused, until she gave another odd smile. With that the eight of them went to catch up with the others. A few tried to converse, but it seemed pointless with their lack of information on how they needed up here.
As the sixteen of them finally got together, Auruka noted all the variety among them; each of them was supposed to be a Super High School Level with a unique talent that Hope's Peak scouted them for. Whatever the case, they were all here in an unknown place, no idea why and following the orders of a strange voice. Auruka didn't know why she felt nervous all of a studded, but it was understandable.
"So…" A boy said. "What now?"
"I believe the one who requested this did not specify that part." A girl this time.
"What?! That's not helpful at all!" Another girl.
"Man that really makes things even scarier, right?" Another boy.
"Not helping Kurosawa…" A girl muttered.
Suddenly, the lights shut off, the entire warehouse in utter darkness. A few screamed, Auruka included, especially when a hand grabbed hers. "Sorry, Micho-san!" Oh, it was Hanako.
"Don't do things like that!" Auruka hissed.
Light returned in a second, only this time it was just a single one in front of the group. A podium, like a teacher would use, had appeared from nowhere. And on top of that podium was a small, stuffed, teddy bear.
"Uh…"
"What… is that?"
"Looks like a stuffed bear."
"Aw. Cute."
"Puhuhuhu~" With an almost joyful and creepy laugh, the small bear stood up. One half black and sinister, the other white and innocent, seeing it move and talk was the icing on the disturbing factor on this whole mystery. Auruka could only hold her breath at this bizarre scene, an uneasy sense of dread creeping on her for unknown reasons.
"Good morning, students of the future! And welcome to the start of a magnificent game! My name is Monokuma and I'll be your advisor for the rest of your high school life!"
Prologue
City Life: A Second Chance at Hello
16 Students
Review, please? I'm desperate.
