I never realized it until I was forced to look at it, but Kamukura's Academy is ugly. It feels more like a padded cell than a high school. With this lackluster scenery it isn't hard to spot someone else in the dormitory hallway, especially not with how out of place this colorful girl looks. I don't think she's noticed me yet because she's too focused looking at each door, or at least she is until she stops at one and simply stares at it. I walk up next to her to see what the problem could be, but I don't notice anything.

The girl sees my movement and swivels her wheelchair to face me in one fluid motion, "Oh, hello, you must be my neighbor?" She says shyly.

"Wait, how did you know that?" I ask. I haven't even been to my room yet, so how could she know where it is? The small girl then gestures to the plate on the door nearby detailing an 8-bit rendition of myself. Wow, those things really do look like us.

"Mine's to the right of yours, but my character looks like she's sitting on a giant blob," She giggles. Sure enough, a small sprite of her was there. I look between the two comparing them. The girl is slightly small and frail-looking but thankfully not to the point of appearing unhealthy. Her feminine features are slightly lacking, making her appear a little flat-chested and plain, but I don't really care about things like that. Her face is rather 'pretty', with a slight cuteness portrayed within her features. Said features being slightly rounded in shape while accompanied by small dimples in her peach-coloured skin, thinly curved eyebrows and a small upturned nose. All her facial features look proportional, including her soft honey colored eyes and her small pink lips which are turned upwards in a small and pleasant smile. Her silky platinum silver hair is secured in a woven fishtail plait, with an amber colored ribbon behind her back. The most eye-catching thing though, is her wheelchair. Awkwardly I avert my gaze. I know it's not my place to ask and I don't want to make her uncomfortable.

Her bright but simple clothing is a good distraction. She has a bright fluffy orange polo jumper with the sleeves a little long for her arms, and on the front is a central image of a smiling, furry white teddy bear, which is in a sitting position with a green embroidered bow around its neck. For the lower half she wears a hazel-coloured denim skirt that extends to just over her knees and a pair of soft pink ankle socks with brown Mary-jane shoes. For accessories, she has a hairclip on the left side of her head which resembles a daisy, as well as wearing a pair of small dangly earrings in the shape of a building block in each of her ears, a bracelet with a variety of charms and a medium sized rag doll sitting on her lap, with brown curly hair and a pretty, flowery frock. She pats down the doll's hair when she notices me looking.

"What do the earrings stand for?" I ask curious. One earring is shaped like the letter T while the other is an S.

The girl cups her ears showing off the bling, "They're my initials," she beams. "They stand for Sayuri Tachibana, and I'm the Ultimate Toymaker," she adds, giving the doll another little pat on the head.

Sayuri Tachibana: Ultimate Toymaker

"Toy maker?" I repeat, "Do you only do dolls, or do you do other things?" I ask gesturing to the one in her lap.

"I make all sorts of toys, but it appears only my doll came with me," Sayuri frowns dejected, "Even my tools for making toys are gone, and I feel like a few dolls would be helpful right now."

How could dolls be helpful in this situation? What even is this situation? There's no teachers or even a janitor here. Not a single adult, which I guess is a bit of a problem. So far, I've only seen other students whom I'm assuming are my classmates, they all have talents which is my only clue they even belong here. Everything is suspiciously vague, and I want nothing more than to go home… Actually, what's stopping me from leaving?!

"I'm Kazu. It was nice to meet you Sayuri, but I'm leaving," I bid goodbye. Sayuri looks confused at first but ultimately returns it and maneuvers herself into her room.

I walk to the entrance room and past the garish fountain to the black panel doors. I push the bar and the metal screeches but doesn't budge, so I press harder. I put all my body weight into forcing the door open, my face burning up from excursion. Damn, this thing isn't moving an inch. I take a step back and observe it before a thought pops in my head. Embarrassed, I check my surroundings to make sure no one can see me. Once assured I'm alone, I pull the handle instead, but it still doesn't move. Thank God I wasn't just opening it the wrong way. Still doesn't change the fact that the door is stuck apparently, but nothing I can do about that right now.

Aggravated from my battle I decide to cool myself down with a drink. I remember the cafeteria having a kitchen branching off it, so I head there. It looks the same as before but less crowed now, seems after Kenji's incident most people bailed out. The ones left meander around trying to entertain themselves in this bleak setting. There's even a girl entertaining herself by moving the chairs and tables. Not going to bother with her right now, just going to head to the kitchen.

The kitchen is small and only seems to hold some essentials: a stove top, oven, two industrial sinks, lots of cabinets, and a fridge. There's another girl in the room with me shifting through a drawer. Based on her appearance, I think she's a foreigner. She has a light brown skin complexion, and her black hair is pulled into a ponytail that reaches down to her shoulders. Her eyes are hazel brown and very intense, and she isn't even looking at me. Her left ear has three piercings that sparkled in the light. She has a black zip up hoodie with a dark blue t-shirt underneath, and her jeans are washed light blue and ripped up. For shoes she has on white vans with black stripes decorating them.

After I was done looking at her, I found myself quickly zeroing in on the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Her sandwich. This is not an exaggeration. Big fluffy bread, thick slices of cheese and ham. It looks so good I think I can slightly forgive this place for being so awful. However, due to my day dreaming my stomach growled very loudly.

The girl stops and turns to me with a raised eyebrow, "You hungry?" She quips sarcastically.

I blush, "Y-yeah I am, where did you get the stuff for that?" I ask.

She points to the fridge and then goes back to fixing her lunch, "I'm Jade Hugdan by the way, I assume you're here to finish up introductions?"

Well I wasn't but she doesn't need to know that, "Uh, yeah, I'm Kazu," I then realize she didn't say her talent, so far everyone's done it without prompt, "Do you have a talent?" I know it's not particularly important to me, but I'm pretty sure it's to be expected here.

"Sure do, but how about you?" Jade says dodging the question, "no reason to tell you mine if I don't hear yours."

"I'm the Ultimate Miracle Worker," I confess, but to my annoyance Jade doesn't reveal her talent. Oh come on, it's not like I wanted to share mine either.

I'm still a bit peeved, but I occupy myself by making a sandwich, one so good it'll make me forget being here. Once all the ingredients were assimilated I go to finish it off with some mustard. I open the drawer to get a new knife to spread the mustard when I witness Jade's hand subtly slip a silver butter knife into her pocket. I stare in shock at the brazen action. She- she stole the knife right in front of me! Why steal from your school, why steal a butter knife?! I stare at Jade bug eyed trying to process the appropriate response.

"Oh, I'm the Ultimate Thief by the way," Jade says flashing a wicked toothy smile and winks, she then resumes her resting glare as she exits the kitchen. I'm left alone with my sandwich to think over what just happened.

Jade Hugdan: Ultimate Thief

Whatever. All things considered it's not the strangest thing I've seen today. I take my sandwich and exit. I feel like talking to someone, after all who likes eating alone? That's just awkward. The one girl is still rearranging furniture, so I decide not to bother her yet. I instead go to meet another foreigner sitting at the only undisturbed table.

The girl has beautifully defined facial features, a small nose, rosy cupid bow lips, high cheekbones and perfectly pale skin. She has an hourglass build, smooth legs, large bust, slim belly and defined hips. Her almond shaped eyes are sharp and outlined in black, her irises a deep ruby red color flecked with amber. Her hair reaches to the base of her neck in smooth, slightly curled layers and is dark raspberry red in color with vibrant sangria undertones and long bangs pushed to the right side of her face. She just glows with a rich color scheme.

Her dress is a short mauve purple with sleeves that come down to the elbows lined with black lace. The chest portion of the garment is left open in a V cut where a tight fitted black, thin strapped top can be seen also adorned with lace and the straps circling around her neck. A golden bow is attached to the back of it resting on her nape. She wears a pair of black high heels, along with an assortment of silver and gold rings and bracelets on her wrists and fingers and an elegant tear drop shaped pendant the color of sea glass laying upon her chest. If this girl wasn't rich or self-absorbed I will eat my shoe... But I guess Miyu had the same elaborate fashion choices and she wasn't that bad.

"You, come here!" The girl orders in a thick accent, she pulls out a chair and wait expectedly. I know I'm basically the only one here, but I still look around unsure if she was referring to me or not.

"Don't stand there looking dumb, sit here please," the girl says sternly but politely. I see no other option and take the offered seat. She nods approvingly as she looks me over.

"You're definitely attractive, but the way you take care of yourself is lacking," She judges, she frowns when her eye catches on one of my numerous stains, "My name is Integra Sable and I'm the Ultimate Hostess, and with some minor improvements you can maybe reach my level of quality." Looks like Miyu is the exception and my shoe is saved.

Integra Sable: Ultimate Hostess

"I'm not going to comment on that," I admit sarcastically.

Integra smiles playfully, "Well, a smart person always knows when to hold their tongue."

I roll my eyes at the quip, and take a bite of my delectable sandwich. In the corner of my eye I see Integra restraining herself from drooling. Looks like I'm not the only one who forgot breakfast. Not to mention it's way past lunch time, which means our classes are in the 'why isn't this school functioning like a school?' category. I'm also pretty sure Kamukura's legally required to provide a lunch for us. You hear that Kamukura's Academy, I'm totally suing you when I get out of here!

Due to my internal monologuing, I missed Integra leaving. I didn't know she was gone until I heard her curse behind me. I turn around and see she had gotten some food for herself. She was hungry enough to not even wait to sit down before she dug in. Her face is contorted in repulsion.

"Ça me saoûle!" she yells with a French accent, "this food is disgusting, where's the manager? They need to fire whatever made this mess!" She takes the plate full of food and goes to dump it in the trash. I think this food is surprisingly good, all things considered, but I'm not going to bother her. Suddenly, the table-moving girl steps in, blocking her path.

"Can I have that, sweetie?" The girl asks politely. Integra hands the plate off with a raised brow and then immediately vacates the premise. It's not until she leaves that I realize I never told her my name. Oh well, I should have time later. Table girl then sits down and begins eating heartily, so I can take in her appearance.

The girl's hair is a dark blue and pulled into a tight high ponytail. Her eyes are a slate gray, outlined in eyeliner and black eyeshadow. Her lips were full, and her eyebrows are pencil-thin, she also has freckles dusting the bridge of her nose. Her skin is tanned, and her legs are long which contribute to her curvy body. Her outfit is formal and fancy, being a silky female-cut tuxedo with a little white silk napkin placed in the breast pocket. Her hands are covered by sleek silk white gloves. Her black miniskirt rides up to reveal black stockings held up by garters. Her long legs are crossed causing her black stiletto high heels to stick out.

I identify the girl as the one to defend Asuka earlier, so she can't be all bad. The furniture moving is bit weird, but hey, everyone here's got a quirk.

"Hey," I greet, "what's with the interior decorating?"

"Them tables were too close together, I decided to give us some more room," she explains waving her fork with exaggerated movements of her hand. I notice the strange southern accent she has. I wonder if it's real?

"I didn't even notice, but it does feel more open?" I comment before asking the obvious, "So are you the Ultimate Interior Decorator or something?"

"As flattering as that is, I'm not quite that homely," She laughs like I just told the funniest joke, "but enough about me, what talent does a darling like you have?"

Who even says darling anymore? She must really be into this southerner's act, "I'm Kazumi Matsumoto the Ultimate Miracle Worker."

"Nice to meet us, Miss. Matsumoto," the girl leans forward and shuffles her seat closer to mine, "Name's Keiko Gyanbura and I'm the best Croupier you ever saw! And I must be the lucky one, if someone as cute as you wants to talk to me, sugah."

Keiko Gyanbura: Ultimate Croupier

While I'm surprised by her complement, I can't help but wonder if Keiko is actually flirting with me or if I'm just imagining it. Don't get me wrong, I don't care about people's preferences, it's just always embarrassing when I'm the target. I decide to change the topic and instead talk about Keiko's talent.

"I've never heard of a Croupier," I admit.

"Sure you have!" Keiko says punctuating with dramatic gestures of her hand, "I'm the person in charge of a gaming table at a casino."

That's surprising. Are high schoolers even allowed in a casino!? I bet her talent is an illegal one that's been swept under the rug by Kamukura's Academy. First a thief, now a casino dealer. I don't like talents already and adding legal technicalities doesn't help.

"Is something wrong, sweetie? Got real broody there for a sec," Keiko says snapping me out of my thoughts.

"It's fine, I was just thinking about how the doors are stuck," I lie, I don't want to insult Keiko for my first impression.

"You mean the entrance?" Keiko confirms, "Tried it myself earlier, its locked up tighter than a bank vault!"

"Why would Kamukura's Academy lock their doors, are they trying to keep something out?" I ask out loud. If someone dangerous was outside I'd like to know, my mom and dad are probably worried sick.

"I don't think that's the case. When you looked at the door did you notice anything strange?" Keiko quizzes. I shake my head no and wait for her to tell me the answer.

"The glass was blacked out," Keiko reveals, "someone's gone and boarded up the doors and windows."

I think back to my excursion with the door and realize she was right. What I thought was just a black paneled door was actually a covered-up glass one. But why board up the doors? To keep some out, or to keep us in?

"So we're trapped here!" I shout in despair. Great, not only am I surrounded by talent I'm forced to socialize with it!

"I don't think it's so bad being trapped," Keiko admits and gives me a suggestive smile, "how bad could it be when I'm surrounded by beautiful women such as yourself."

"Huh?" I squeak.

"I must admit, your talent is fitting for a miracle of beauty," Keiko takes my hand in her gloved ones and presses a kiss, "Maybe we're fated to meet, and this is the start of an adventurous relationship?" My face burns but it's not a wholly unwelcome feeling. Keiko is definitely interested in women and has no shame in proclaiming it. Keiko releases my hand as she stands up. She exits into the kitchen but not before blowing me a kiss. I blush harder just remembering Keiko's words, and I feel second hand embarrassment creeping up. How can she be so bold! I'd explode before I could say such a cheesy line!

Alright, let's forget her for now and find some more people. I see a girl sitting at the fountain and staring into the water, after upon coming closer she's just looking at her own reflection. She quickly fixes her dark hair and turns to me with a pleasant smile. She's a few inches taller than me, has a curvy body and defined, uh... 'assets'. I can't help but think she looks like she'd be in her twenties, but I knew she had to be younger or she would have already graduated. Her hands and feet are small, her skin flawless and complexion fair to somewhat olive, like mine. Her red eyes are darkly alluring and framed by silky raven hair, wavy and reaching to her upper back. Her bangs are swept to the left and hang just below her thin, slanted eyebrows. Her nose is small, but firm. Her lips are plump and full, exaggerated with the red lipstick she wears.

Whoever this girl is she must be high class. Everything on her looks expensive and I definitely see some designers' brand names. First of all, she is wearing a black lace dress that flows down to her knees. Her coat was a creamy white color, the hood fluffy. She is also wearing a beige scarf around her neck, a heart-shaped golden necklace around her as well. At the bottom she is wearing nothing more than black heels. They look really good on her and it almost makes me want to try them on, leave it to a rich girl to make me feel inferior. For accessories she has a golden Swiss watch on her right wrist, then a golden ring with little engravings on her left index finger. She's pretty but not in the same sense as Integra, Medaka or even Asuka. This girl outmatched them all. If looks could kill I would have been dead the second I saw her reflection.

"Hey," I greet awkwardly, "pretty fountain, right?" Ahhhh! Why did I say that? This is the ugliest fountain I've ever seen!

"Isn't it?" The girl agrees with a dainty smile, "Very contemporary, the details of the horses and cupids are enthralling."

"Yeah..." I respond, a little lost. Where's the fountain this girl is seeing and where can I find it?

"Exactly the level of craftsmanship I'd expect from this pitiful second-rate school," She comments, "such a surface level beauty."

I don't think it's only the fountain that's like that. I smile to myself, "You sure know a lot about being pretty?"

"Well of course, I'm Kage Minami, the Ultimate Fashion Model," she preens, "You must have heard of me?"

Kage Minami: Ultimate Fashion Model

I shrug nonchalant, "Can't say that I have."

"Figures," Kage huffs then turns to me, "So, who are you?" She asks me coolly.

"Oh, I'm Mika Yagasaki, the Ultimate Fashion Model."

…Uh, wait. That wasn't me.

Both of our heads snap to her in surprise at the sudden appearance of a random girl sitting on the fountain's edge. Where did she come from!? A girl like that should be hard to miss with that appearance. Mika wore a neon green crop top over a hot pink tank top that made my eyes water with how bright it is. She also had on denim booty shorts with black leggings underneath them, a purple belt held the shots up. For shoes she wore black heeled boots, which looked like the only sensible fashion choice on her. Despite the madness she wasn't bad on the eyes, in fact she pulled the outfit off nicely.

Mika Yagasaki: Ultimate Fashion Model

"Oh, well hello M- Did you say fashion model?" Kage asks her eyes going wide, "But I'm the fashion model, the Ultimate Fashion Model! How can there be two of us?"

"I dunno, if we aren't totally Ultimate there's bound to be people on the same talent level," Mika shrugs before saying, "Just go with the flow, bro."

I could see Kage's jaw clench, and all her will power go to containing herself. Geez, she must really not like being compared to Mika?

"I think we are the same talent wise," Mika persists, "Or we could be two halves of a whole, split apart after a fusion technique gone wrong?"

Kage rolls her eyes at Mika's musings. I also find myself questioning that line. After all, I'm pretty sure that's not how the fusion technique even works.

"Or we could both be super bad at fashion so they need two of us to make up for it?" Mika then suggests. I wouldn't be shocked if that was the case, just looking at Mika's outfit makes my eyes burn.

Kage scoffs and fluffs her curls, "I'm far from bad, let alone stooped to your level of... inventive clashing."

"What does 'stooped' mean?" Mika asks instead, Kage's insult flying straight over her head.

Mika is rescued from her own stupidity by a disheveled girl in a kimono. The kimono girl walks up to us and basically invades all our personal spaces at once. Kage and I step back in shock at the bold move while Mika simply stares blankly. The new girl is tall, standing at least 6 feet. Her body is really slim with a B cup sized breasts and a light peach color skin. She also has a skinny face with a little sharp chin. Her eyes are a yellowish color and I jumped when she looks straight at me. Her green hair stops at her neck, and it would be straight if it wasn't so disheveled. For clothing she wears a green and yellow gradient Kimono with light red flowers patterns around it. Covering her feet are white knee socks, and beige flip flops. But the most eye-catching thing of all was a black leather collar with metal circles embezzling it, strapped around her neck. Her height catches me off guard, but I'm really thrown off my feet when she brazenly picked her nose in front of use. The gross action reveals a brown bird handling glover on her left arm, which was hidden under her kimono sleeve.

"Oh, when did you get here?" Mika asks like she just clued back into reality.

"Um, we were talking here," Kage says sassily. Kimono girl simply stops and flicks her finger before using a different one to clean out her ear feigning ignorance. Hoo boy, that dismissal wasn't subtle at all.

Kage's teeth clinched before her fury seemingly melting away, replaced by a dark smile, "I'm... going to bed, please no one bother me." Kage then turns around with the grace of a runway model and speed struts out of the entry room. I feel like I just narrowly avoided a meltdown.

The kimono girl turns to Mika, "I've been looking everywhere for you! This place has absolutely nothing to do, it's so bare!" The girl says before brightening up, "But now I've found you!"

Mika's face gains a look of hard concentration before replying, "I was never lost though, how did you find me Natsuhi?"

"Do you two know each other?" I ask, they seem to be best friends already.

Natsuhi shakes her head while Mika nods, "We haven't met until just before Kenji passed out!" Natsuhi answers and Mika stops nodding to think then nods again.

"Mika are you just saying yes to everything we say?" I groan exasperated.

"...Yes?" She shrugs to my question, "it's just easier to nod along, then people don't make me answer hard questions."

Natsuhi throws an arm around Mika's shoulders, before saying brightly, "You answered my questions about your pet bird after I introduced myself."

"Because I like birds and so do you," Mika agrees.

Oh yeah introductions, "Um, Natsuhi? I haven't formally met you yet. Call me Kazu, by the way."

"Oh I'm Natsuhi Ueshiro, I'm the Ultimate Ornithologist!" Natsuhi says proudly, she grabs my hand with both of hers and gives it a vigorous shake. The action causes her kimonos shoulder to slip down a little. Mika subtly fixes it, but it just slips right back down. God, if we were in a cliche manga she would be the fan service character.

Natsuhi Ueshiro: Ultimate Ornithologist

"So what does a Orni-.. Orthrin... Orien.. -whatever that is- do?" I ask. I've never heard of that before, let alone say it.

"I study birds," She answers, "An ornithologist studies all kinds of birds, but I usually just study the ones near my house."

"Natsuhi is really good! She knew all kinds of things about my pet parrot!" Mika complements, "She's got the best talent here."

Natsuhi smiles shyly, "That's not true, I think your fashion is a lot cooler," Natsuhi complements right back.

"If you want to, you can try on some of my outfits!" Mika suggests much to the other's delight. Together the two make their way to the dorms leaving me in wonderful silence. But I couldn't relax just yet. No, I am too focused on willing Natsuhi's falling sleeve to right itself.

I let out a breath of relief as I watch the sleeve slip back into place as Natsuhi scratches her head. But my peace is short lived as she turns around to face me. Natsuhi waves bye wildly then turns back around, and I watch the sleeve start to slip off more, making a bewildered Sayuri squeak in surprise as she exits the dorm hallway. Pretty much instantly, Mika leans over to catch the sleeve and fix it. After stopping the wardrobe malfunction the two then disappear around the corner. Sayuri dazedly rolls her chair over to me and doesn't stop. The next thing I know I'm hoping on one leg as Sayuri repeatedly apologizes. This day cannot get any crazier.

"Everyone, please gather in the gym," a chorus of three childlike voices says over the intercom, "It's time for the entrance ceremony!"

I spoke too soon.

Mmmhh, is it even possible to have fan service in text? Doesn't matter, anyways, character introductions are done! Some are briefer than others, but we have a whole fic to expand characters with! I know introductions can be a trek sometimes, it's hard to get through an information overload! Hopefully I've introduced them in interesting ways.

Question: now that you've seen everyone do you have a new favorite or least favorite?