A/N: Happy New Year to all! (Even if it's late ^^') At last, the first of the four chapters who will make the prologue is here and the next ones will follow depending of if my schedule at work and other personal matters allows me to do so. I hope you will enjoy it this chapter anyways and being hyped for Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony too!
And for the replies...
QuintMC: Well, I was hesitating between a lot of talents when I was working on Manon's character and I ended up choosing Antiquarian because I found this job interesting. Thank you for the kudos too!
TheRoseShadow21: Thanks for your reviews, really. I'm not always sure if my writing is good since English is not my first language, but I'm glad to see the interlude intrigued you. Thanks again and good luck for your own SYOC.
The SENDER and the TRAVELER: I don't plan to drop DEC since I've at least 30 pages of the story on my phone's notes who are more or less my drafts concerning the plot as reminder and who knows what are the Mastermind's motives? I wonder myself... Anyway, thank you for the review!
Prologue: Hopeful Guests... I
It didn't take much time until we arrived to the next room, which was pretty clean. Everything from the light blue walls to the wooden floor were well-maintained, and along each row of bookshelves placed close to the walls, there were encyclopedias and school books from what I could see. The tables had a rectangular shape and were placed in a neat vertical arrangement up to the mid-back of the room with seats posted all-around each table, with lamps on top. Of course, the same metal sheets which were covering the windows of the living room where also here alongside other cameras, watching the surroundings silently.
Thankfully, there were also some students -or more precisely- my classmates in the room. I glanced at them and there were five or six people here, either chatting with each other whereas the rest stayed alone. I wonder how I should interact with them. While I cannot call myself a social butterfly, my relationship with my former classmates was rather satisfying.
I heard a tune coming from my cardigan's pocket where the smartphone-like device was and quickly pulled it, there was two notifications that appeared on screen: a new application serving as mailbox and the map being updated. According to the map, the others and I were in the '1F Library' while the message was submitted by a so-called 'M'…
Subject: Welcome
Hello, Miss Kaburagi,
I feel you must be confused by how things turned out, but you don't have to worry much. The staff here is dedicated to make sure you and your classmates will feel at home inside of our esteemed school thanks to our great efforts at making the place agreeable, we've also personalized the e-Handbook with new applications which I'm sure you guys could make great use of!
Meanwhile, don't be too preoccupied and try to get along well with your classmates and enjoy a tour of the place.
All the best,
ー'M'
"They are the only ones in the room?" I inquire, while putting the e-Handbook back in its initial place.
"It seems, yes..." Izayoi answered, looking at the room. "However, I think the rest mustn't be too far. They're probably wandering around." After replying, the Info Broker walked in the room while I followed her.
There were exactly four people in the room at least: two guys and two girls. Three of them were near us, one guy who was fast asleep, arms crossed on the table while another guy was chatting with one girl, but he was clearly leading the conversation from what I saw. However, the latter reminded me someone of famous. She was a bit taller than Izayoi and I, with long dark green reaching her mid-back at least alongside yellow eyes and fair skin. She also wore a white dress shirt with a light blue bow under an unbuttoned navy jacket, a blue plaid skirt, black thigh-high socks and loafers.
"Did I tell you one of my patients was nothing more than an esteemed minister? My services are so reputed in Japan even celebrities want a session with me!" proudly exclaimed the boy, bragging about his prowess.
"That's pretty interesting..." The target of his attraction sighed, eyes rolled before she saw us coming at their direction. "You're finally back, Izayoi!"
"Yo, Kotomi, Madoka!" Izayoi said, raising her hand in a friendly manner. "You guys are definitely in a fascinating discussion."
"Hey, Izayoi! I was just telling my exploits, nothing more. You can join us if you want," The guy named Madoka stopped his discussion and greeted the Info Broker with a big smile despite his failed attempt to impress his interlocutor. I guess he's optimistic by nature.
"'Boasting' is a more appropriate word, Madoka," she objected, shaking her head in disapproval as she glanced skeptically at him and turned her attention at me. "By the way, Izayoi, who's that girl?"
"Hm?..." The boy also asked and walked towards me, ready to flirt again. "Hey, another cute miss. What's your name?"
"Manon Kaburagi, Ultimate Antiquarian. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." I introduce myself to the two, despite how a hapless flirt the boy is, he's doesn't strike me as a bad fellow overall.
"Same here, Manon!" the latter greeted with a big smile. "My name is Madoka Kazuhira, Ultimate Acupuncturist. Madoka is fine, sweetheart."
Student's Profile Updated!
Madoka Kazuhira
Ultimate Acupuncturist
Madoka had short-medium spiked pink hair reaching about his shoulders, bright hazel eyes, a skin tone almost as white as Izayoi's and a pair of flashy green and orange headphones around his neck. His clothes were more ordinary as he wore a traditional black gakuran over a white shirt along uniform trousers of the same color and brown loafers; Madoka has a hearing aid placed on his right ear.
"It's not difficult to practice acupuncture?" I ask, ignoring Madoka's poor attempt at flirting to his talent instead. I didn't except him to be an acupuncturist since it requires a lot of work and dexterity from what I heard, but if he managed to enroll in Hope's Peak Academy, then he must be talented at his work.
"Not at all. As long you know everything about acupuncture from the points to your patient's pathology, it's very easy," Madoka replied, hands in his trousers' pocket. "There are many proofs about acupuncture being helpful to cure various symptoms, but people are still cautious about this practice and that's why I do my best to prove the inverse." The Acupuncturist had a bashful smile after his short speech. I think I understood his point of view when it came to wanting your talent recognized by the others. It was good to know I had misjudged him too quickly. From what it seems, Madoka's Casanova personality is just an act and he's actually more serious than he appears.
"But I didn't expected this place to be full of beautiful ladies, indeed!" he concluded, grinning stupidly which made all of us either sigh or facepalm. Never mind, forget what I said about him. "Call me if you're interested by acupuncture, my dear Manon. I'll lower my prices just for you and the same can be said for everyone else." He shot a wink at me and I swore to myself to never try acupuncture in the future, no girl would accept an acupuncture session with Madoka just to be stung by needles on the back while he's being wooing them.
"You're just impossible to deal with, Madoka," the green-haired girl sighed, looking disapprovingly at the Acupuncturist. "As for me, my name is Kotomi Aori, Ultimate Artist. Nice to meet you, Manon."
Student's Profile Updated!
Kotomi Aori
Ultimate Artist
"Aori?... You're the daughter of Iemitsu Aori, right?" I inquire, remembering suddenly a newspaper article about arts in which she was featured, alongside her father.
"That's right." Kotomi nodded. Guess that's Hope's Peak Academy for you, Aori is a well-known name for many art connoisseurs and fans since Iemitsu Aori is considered one of the best artists and painters of our era, whose works met great success at any art exposition and if the reception of her works are to be believed, Kotomi is close to becoming his rightful successor.
"Wait, you're some of kind of celebrity?" Madoka asked Kotomi, with a wide-eyed expression.
"My father is more famous than me... I just followed in his steps, that's really it." The Artist replied, waving her hand flippantly.
"I'm sure you're already on par with him," I say, reassuring Kotomi. "Last year, I visited the Mori Art Museum who hosted some of your paintings with my class and everyone found them excellent."
"Really?" The Artist asked, starting to feel unsure. "I'd understand if you say that just because I'm here, but it's fine, I can handle criticism..."
"I'm telling the truth, many art critics and fans love how you adopted a westernized style for your paintings. I recall a curator friend of my grandfather saying it gave you a certain uniqueness," It's a common fact that Iemitsu Aori is an 'old-school' painter as media loves calling him and kept his trademark style since he began his career, he once said in an interview that Ukiyo-e painters, especially Moronobu Hishikawa were the primary inspiration for his works.
"My parents love your paintings too, Kotomi and as our local antique aficionado said right now, choosing another style compared to your dad make you more unique. An artist unable to change their style wind up as boring, but that's my opinion." Izayoi intervened. I raised an eyebrow after hearing 'Antique Aficionado' from the Info Broker, not even my best friends ever called me that… But it's a fun nickname nonetheless.
"Indeed. I always admired the Dutch Golden Age since my childhood despite Father's disapprobation thus inspiring myself from the artists of this era for my paintings..." Kotomi shyly explained, folding her fingers.
I'm a bit surprised by Kotomi's lack of confidence about her works since she does paint well and not many artists from the past can claim being talented at her age. She shouldn't let her insecurities taking the better of her and judging by the Acupuncturist's reaction, he was certainly thinking the same thing.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Kotomi. You'll always have the occasion to surpass your father in the future," Madoka said in an encouraging tone, hands in his jacket's pockets. "My mentor always told me when I learnt acupuncture under his wing: Mighty oaks from little acorns grow -or you can reach your goal through perseverance."
"Madoka is right," I approve, impressed by the Acupuncturist's wise advice. "Many artists had to work hard before their talent was acknowledged by the public."
"Thanks, everyone. I suppose I need a bit more confidence," the Artist smiled, a hand posed on her ribbon tie.
"That's the spirit, and if you want a counselor or even a model, I'm right here!" Madoka cheerfully added, shooting a wink in the same occasion and another set of facepalms was made by Izayoi and me. He doesn't miss an opportunity to ruin his chances, for sure.
"I-I will think about that, Madoka. If you excuse me..." The Artist did a small bow before leaving the group, a bit more cheerful.
"I was joking, you know?" The Acupuncturist said with a defeated expression. Nevertheless, you kind of goofed, again...
"It's impressive how you just screwed up here, Madoka..." Izayoi muttered, looking at the Acupuncturist with pity.
"Uh... Well, I just wanted to ease the atmosphere, that's all!" Madoka poorly justified his gaffe, shrugging. "Well, it was nice to chat with you, girls. See ya!" The Acupuncturist waved us goodbye and left us thereafter to check a range of books nearby until he disappeared from our sight. For someone who flirts shamelessly, Madoka possess a sharp judgment concerning the others' insecurities, when he's not acting like a fool.
"Alright, where are we going...? Izayoi?" The Info Broker also disappeared, but I quickly found her standing close to the sleeping guy. Her attempts to wake him up seemed unsuccessful as he didn't move an inch.
"Hey, Sleeping Slacker! How long are going to sleep?" No answer, the guy didn't move an inch and kept sleeping or was, until he did finally wake up. He properly sat on his seat and threw a few glances around before noticing us.
"...Hey. I may be lazy, but ain't a slacker," mumbled the guy, yawning. Weren't 'lazy' and 'slacker' kind of synonyms? Anyway, this guy does give the vibes of someone who would rather stay in bed than do something productive for the day.
"You're about to sleep again, aren't you?" Izayoi remarked. Amusingly enough, his expression was pretty tired.
"Of course, I am… This place isn't the best to take a nap," The guy nonchalantly said, yawning again. I'm not familiar enough with the rules or -therefore- the lack of ones here for now, but sleeping in a library is supposed being prohibited at school.
"You were sleeping comfortably when we entered," I note, remembering his odd position from earlier as I join them.
"Heh… Busted," The guy smiled, lowering his head and raised it, genuinely surprised. "Um, who are you? I don't recall seeing you here."
"My name is Manon Kaburagi, Ultimate Antiquarian. Nice to meet you," I reply, it's surprising he didn't heard the conversation earlier. Perhaps, he's a heavy sleeper.
"Nice name, mine's Yuuya Katsuragi, Ultimate Jack-of-All-Trades. My pleasure, Kanzaki." Yuuya said in a friendly tone, almost dozing in the process.
Student's Profile Updated!
Yuuya Katsuragi
Ultimate Jack of All Trades
Yuuya's appearance was for the most very chess-themed in a stylish way, I must say; he had short and untidy silver hair which added more to the constant tired expression on his face with light purple eyes and a pale skin tone. He wore a black buttoned-up coat over a white shirt under a black and whitish-gray vest, black trousers and black and white Converses. He also wore a black and white plaid scarf wrapped around his neck.
"It's 'Kaburagi', but you can call me by my name," I corrected the misspelling of my name. When I think about it, our surnames are fairly similar which came across as odd, since he managed to slip up that.
"Oh, I'm sorry…" Yuuya smiled apologetically, bowing his head. "That's what happens when I don't have my daily dose of sugar... I'm kidding." I throw a perplexed glance at Izayoi, but she didn't say anything.
"I-It's fine. So, you're a handyman or something like that?" I ask curiously, I'm not too familiar with the concept of Jack-of-All-Trades aside they're talented in many fields apparently. If so, Yuuya's talent is quite unexpected given how he looks.
"Hm... 50/50. As a Jack of All Trades, I'm able to do more things than the rest of people in average, but I'm still limited in my capacities. If I start playing baseball, I'd be good, but not on par with Leon Kuwata or another professional player..." Yuuya started to explain, fully awake which contrasted with the lazy attitude he'd a few minutes ago. "But it doesn't mean I excel in everything, though! If I was in a RPG, a real magician would be still the superior caster while the warrior would be a better fighter than me."
"I-I see..." I mutter, bewildered by his last comparison. What do role-playing games even have to do with his talent?
"Jack of All Trades are often dubbed 'master of none' in real life or in video games," The Info Broker ended Yuuya's explanation as she took part in the conversation. "You never played any Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest games, Manon?"
"Of course, I did. However, they aren't my cup of tea..." I reply, thinking about all those wonderful times where I struggled to defeat some annoying bosses. When I wasn't helping at the store after school or had free time, I joined my friends at the local arcade and played video games with a preference for fighting games since they can be played with someone at least.
"I'm not into games either... I just used RPGs as an example 'cause people here said it fit the nature of my talent..." Yuuya added with a thoughtful expression, stroking his chin. "You guys are going to stay here?"
"I don't fancy silent places too much and I didn't introduce Manon to the others," Izayoi answered. Now then, there was only one person here I wasn't introduced to. I thought there were six students before the Info Broker and I come, but they might have left as well.
"Okay, okay… Take care," Izayoi and I said goodbye to the Jack-of-all-Trades before he slept again. He was a bit 'out of there' but was very friendly nonetheless.
The Info Broker and I continued to advance further in the library until we reached what looked like the room's center with at the far left, while a study room was straight up before us with an inscription on its door, but it was impossible to read it from my actual position. We also found a red-haired girl who sat alone, reading the contents of a small notebook and occasionally writing in it. Judging by the Info Broker's reaction, the girl is was probably an acquaintance of hers.
"Oh my, Inspector Kogoro! You're still alone by yourself, too," Izayoi teased her, while the other girl let out a heavy sigh as soon she heard the Info Broker's voice and stopped what she was doing.
"Not really, ten to fifteen minutes have passed since you left..." the girl calmly replied, putting her glasses on.
"Really? As expected, you're meticulous as ever, Kogoro," Izayoi smiled. "You haven't changed since childhood."
"That's my line, but whatever..." The girl sighed again, closing her notebook and placing a hand on it.
"Um, have you two known each other for long?" I ask, intrigued by their connection with each other. I can't figure these two spending time together for some reason, but they speak with each other in a familiar way.
"Unfortunately, yes. She and I childhood acquaintances in fact and as if Fate was cruel enough, I was stuck in the same class as her each year," She replied, glancing at Izayoi. I suppose she's recalling some of her past experiences with the white-haired girl which could explain her expression right now, exactly the one you have after escaping from a tortuous nightmare.
"C'mon, Kogoro! You're exaggerating like always!" Izayoi puffed, faking disbelief. "We were besties back then."
"I was forced to keep an eye on you or else who knows what would happened..." the girl muttered in anger, pinching her nostril. "Did you forget the prank you did in 5th grade with your dog? Everyone thought there was a haunted animal roaming in our school."
"C'mon, I was young and it was fun at least, seeing the stoic Kogoro being scared by ghosts," The Info Broker jested, smiling joyfully while playing with a lock of hair. Yup, she was a supervisory nightmare for the redhead.
"And what about you, young girl?" she asked me, switching the topic while she looked straight at me. "I take you're also a Hope's Peak Academy sophomore, right?"
"Y-Yes. My name is Manon Kaburagi, nice to meet you," I answer. Despite the exchange that just happened right now, this girl was very intimidating. Exactly the kind of person who can strike fear on any hardened person if she wants, save for a certain albino girl obviously.
"I just met Manon a few minutes and improvised myself as her guide," The Info Broker replied nonchalantly. "Funnily enough, she's the Ultimate Antiquarian. Manon, this girl is-"
"Kohaku Tokisaka. I work for the Tokyo Metropolitan Department Police in the Criminal Investigation Section, but I was given the title of 'Ultimate Police Sergeant'. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Kaburagi," she interrupted Izayoi in a stern tone, but I'd swear she was enjoying this.
Student's Profile Updated!
Kohaku Tokisaka
Ultimate Police Sergeant
Kohaku had light orange hair tied in a vertical milkmaid braid with straight side-hair reaching her upper chest. She has teal eyes behind circular framed glasses and was pale skinned. Oddly enough, her outfit is very Victorian-oriented as she wore a white blouse with puffy long sleeves at the top tucked in a wine colored corset skirt reaching her knees, a brown pantyhose and pinkish-brown Mary-Janes.
As soon Kohaku finished her introduction, I was impressed. 'Tokisaka' is a renowned surname in Japan as this family holds high positions in police and justice circles, making them very influential in the country. Either way, that's probably the reason behind the Info Broker's nickname, I suppose…
"Talk about a lengthy introduction, Kogoro," Izayoi sighed in disappointment, an eye closed. "Joining the Criminal Investigation Bureau made you even drier than before."
"Speak about yourself. You still have that annoying nonsense personality of yours despite being an informant," The Sergeant retorted, tilting her head.
"Information Broker, dear! And yet, I've admit it, I'm proud to claim one of my former classmates who joined the Tokyo MPD at 16 only is already a sergeant!" Izayoi replied excitedly, eyes sparkling. I think her reaction is a little over the top, but I admit it's an impressive feat.
"I remember now... Were you the one behind the arrest of that serial killer whose case was going on last year?" I ask curiously while I remembered this case more closely, the front pages on the newspapers kept constantly raving about how a 'fresh recruit' from the Tokisaka clan managed to resolve this case said complicated primarily due to the culprit's modus operandi, who was very meticulous in their acts.
"Correct, but that's not a big accomplishment overall. My family has resolved many cases since five generations and I'm going to do so as well." the Sergeant declared solemnly. She's very dedicated to her work to the point she doesn't care much about fame nor the prestige of her family.
"That's very admirable of you, Kogoro. Your sense of justice is still intact from what I can see," Izayoi mused, a finger on her cheek.
"So is your sense of mischief, Izayoi, but it doesn't matter for me since I'd have no qualms to send you in jail if I catch you," Kohaku declared with a smirk and arms crossed over her chest, but sentence merely made the Info Broker laugh again.
"I'm afraid that's impossible, Kohaku. After all, I'm not listed as a criminal; therefore you can't do anything against me." Izayoi retorted with nonchalance, shaking her head. Given she didn't call her 'Kogoro', she must be serious about that.
Despite their bickering, I feel they were more or less on good terms. Perhaps it's due to their respective talents and personalities that clash with each other. I pulled out the e-Handbook whose Students' Profile application was updated with everyone I met so far, Kohaku's included and I discovered she and the Info Broker share indeed the same age as they have both 18; probably making them the oldest of the bunch while I'm probably among the youngest at 16 only. I put my device back at its place and I reported my attention at the two who finished their discussion.
"That's being said, I didn't excepted to meet a young girl working as an antiquarian," Kohaku said, watching me from top to toes. "Owning an antique store at such age is impressive, Manon."
"Thanks for the compliment, but you're mistaken, Kohaku," I reply, a bit flattered. "Actually, I'm just helping my family to run our familial antique store, but I grew to enjoy working there over years."
"I see... This is very commendable from your part. I know someone who enjoys antique items as well; I'd like to visit your family's store in the future, if you don't mind." The Sergeant suggested politely.
"Of course. Our store is located in Nihonbashi, it's impossible to miss it." I say, recalling how old-fashioned our store's facade is along the fortune cat placed at the left of the entrance. Again, as I thought of my relatives, I wondered what Grandpa is doing at the store since I left, although I couldn't tell what time it is thanks to the sealed windows and the lack of time on my E-Handbook.
"'Nihonbashi', it's noted," The Sergeant repeated, writing in her notebook before she put it in her skirt's pocket. "It was nice to speak with you, but I'm going to explore the place at my leisure. Farewell." The Sergeant bid goodbye to us and left the library, I guess Kohaku was a bit cold, but still easy to talk with nonetheless.
"She'll never change for sure... We should leave too, Manon. There's nothing interesting here, after all," Izayoi declared, it's true there was no one else here, and the study room's door seemed locked.
"Sounds like a plan," I concur. Izayoi nods and we finally left the room through the exit.
Unlike the previous corridor that had a path from the living room to the library, this one was larger and was split in two directions, one which went to the left and the other straight ahead.
"So, what do you decide, Manon? Left or straight ahead?" Izayoi suggested. "As far as I'm concerned, both suit me."
The choice would be harder if the access to the left corridor wasn't completely dark. I don't think the e-Handbook has a flashlight among its functions, so I chose the second option. Moreover, the access to several rooms was possible through the central corridor or the left wing according to the e-Handbook's map I had in hand; it appeared the map automatically updated each time its owner moved into a new place. Pretty useful things taken in account.
"Ahead, I don't see the point of wandering in a dark place anyway," I say, looking at the center corridor.
"Fine," Izayoi and I walked straight ahead. The Info Broker hummed a popular tune while I thought about how this entire place was strange.