A/N: FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, I LAID DORMANT! NOW, I AM COME TO WREAK HAVOC ON THE WORLD ONCE MORE! TREMBLE BEFORE ME MORTALS! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA! Hey guys, it's me again! Given I haven't written anything since... January of last year, I bet most of the folks who follow me thought I was dead. Yeah, I've been struggling a lot with getting some good ideas for Surging Tides, so apologies to everyone who was waiting for something there. I promise it's not dead, just dormant for now, so please bear with me.
So yeah, for the longest time, I've had a Danganronpa story in mind for a while, but I've only now really started the ball rolling. Several Danganronpa stories served as an inspiration when working on this, from Magorgle's Legacy of Despair story on ArchiveOfOurOwn, Brave Danganronpa: Coward's Paradise and Danganronpa: Twisted Truths on Tumblr, and Danganronpa: Despair Utopia from my good friends on DeviantArt. So if ya like the cut of this tale's gib, go check them out! And of course, thanks to my good friend Carbonated-James on DeviantArt for the awesome art of our protagonist, Kasumi Ahiru, the Ultimate Card Shark. Check out his page on DeviantArt if ya want more in his style. carbonated-james
For the story, there's gonna be some guidelines for folks:
Plain Speech - Third Person Perspective/General Dialogue
(Parentheses + Italicized) - Kasumi's inner thoughts
Bold + Italicized - Onomotopoeia
Bold - Important game text. Stuff like Kasumi's decisions. Decisions will be shown by a (YES) next to the choice selected. Important details like Ultimate Talents or Truth Bullets will also be highlighted in Bold.
[Bold and Bracketed] - Chapter beginning and ending/Monokuma Theater
With all that out of the way, let's start the show!
The sound of a rumbling truck echoed around the dusty road. An armored car, heavily fortified, charged down the beaten path. The driver's face was hard as stone as he carried his cargo. Inside the truck was a single girl, clad in an orange jumpsuit. Her body was fairly average, a bit on the skinny side, admittedly, and her skin tone suggested that she didn't venture outside often. Her pale hair framed itself over one eye, and part of it stuck up in an odd cowlick. The girl looked boredly at the sealed doors of the truck, idly fiddling with her manacles binding her wrists.
(My name is Kasumi Ahiru. And I'm soon to be a prisoner in one of the most sophisticated detention centers on earth. Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility. It's not your average prison. It's not enough to be a criminal to be sent here. This place is meant to house those with 'talent'. Those with gifts that can't afford to be wasted rotting away in a jail cell.)
The prison's walls stretched so high, it was nearly impossible to see the top. The four watchtowers at every corner stood like silent sentries looming over its prisoners. At the front of the door was emblazoned the symbol of Hope's Peak Academy.
(I heard a lot of rumors about what kinda folks are locked up in there. The Ultimate Revolutionary, who stirred up bloody revolts across Japan. An Ultimate Gunslinger who has no equal in her skill with her weapons. An Ultimate Thanatologist rumored to cross any line to advance the field. The Ultimate Drill Sergeant, the Ultimate Delivery Girl, the Ultimate Priest…)
The car continued to make its way towards its destination, and idly, Kasumi began fiddling with her shackles, their clinking echoing out through the lonely box.
(And then there's me. I'm considered the Ultimate Card Shark. It's not the most honest career choice, I'll admit… but it's one no one's ever matched me in. I've made a good living on the tables, and I've beaten the best of the best. ...for all the good it did me. I guess even the Ultimate Card Shark can't bluff her way out of everything. I'm still gonna be locked up for god knows how long. I guess there could be worse places to be… But there's also better.)
CRASH!
(I felt my world suddenly turn upside down. My body actually left my seat for a brief moment, before I plummeted back down just as fast.)
Kasumi: G-ghh! What…? What's happening?!
(Before I knew what had even happened, the car began turning over and over, tumbling like a dryer, and my body was forced to follow suit. Eventually, it came to a stop, and my head hit the back wall with a painful thud.)
Kasumi: Nngh…
(And then… nothing.)
[PROLOGUE]
[WRAPPED IN THE CHAINS OF GUILT]
[START]
High-Pitched Voice: Attention, Prisoner!
(Ugh… what happened? I remember that explosion, and then the truck turning over… and then nothing. Groggily, I pulled my head up, looking around the room. It was an interrogation room of some sort, bright lights shining down on me. Also in the room was a… wardrobe? That's weird. My handcuffs strapped me to a steel table, locking me in place.)
High-Pitched Voice: Attention Prisoner!
(There's that voice again. Sounds like nails on a chalkboard…)
High-Pitched Voice: Upupupupu! Since you're finally awake, allow me to welcome you to Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility! You're the last person to wake up, sleepyhead, so get out there and get dressed!
(With that, the voice disappeared with an audible click. Not too long after, my handcuffs unlocked, freeing up my arms after what felt like days. As I massaged my aching wrists, I looked back towards the wardrobe.)
Kasumi: That voice told me to get dressed. Guess that's why the wardrobe is here.
(I opened up the wardrobe, raising an eyebrow at the choice of clothing. First off was a white button-up shirt, and alongside it was a pair of black dress pants. Coupled with the shirt was a black waistcoat, with a breast pocket bearing the symbol of Hope's Peak Academy. There were also a pair of black shoes and white socks to match. Rounding everything off were four cufflinks, each shaped in a different suit of cards.)
Kasumi: Well then. Guess they weren't kidding when they said they treat their prisoners well here.
(As I began to change, I suddenly noticed something. Looking down at my right foot, there was a black and white ankle bracelet wrapped around my leg, beeping ominously.)
Kasumi: That… wasn't there before, was it?
(Tentatively, I poked at the device. It seemed to be made out of a durable material, but also incredibly light. Despite my prodding, it didn't seem to notice.)
Kasumi: Weird… I guess it's some sort of tracking device they put on me when I was out.
(Putting aside the strange machine strapped to my body, I changed into the outfit that was given to me by the facility. Miraculously, everything fit perfectly. Did they take my measurements while I was being transported? Either way, that voice told me to leave the room to meet everyone else, so I better get going. I'm already the last to wake up, apparently.)
Leave Room(YES)
(Placing my hand on the doorknob, I pushed open the door. Looking around, it seemed like I was in one of many rooms in a large hallway. Well, I guess I'd better explore around to try and find people.)
Fast-Talking Girl: Scusemepardonmecomingthrough-!
Kasumi: Huh-GWAH!
(Before I knew what had happened, something barreled into me at high speeds, knocking both me and the something to the ground.)
Kasumi: Get… off…!
(After untangling ourselves, I got a good look at the person who crashed into me. It was a girl my age, dressed in a uniform you'd see in a restaurant, white apron, white shirt, and white pants. Her blue hair was slicked back and away from her face, revealing her forehead, and out of the top of her head stuck out an antenna much like mine.)
Kasumi: Mind telling me why you just nearly ran me over?!
Fast-Talking Girl: OhI'mreallysorryaboutthatIguessIdidn'twarnyouintime-
Kasumi: Wh-huh?
Fast-Talking Girl: AnywaysI'mAiyaAoyamatheUltimateDeliveryGirlandthisniceladywhocallsherselftheFormerUltimate-
(So… many… words…)
Fast-Talking Girl: -andanywaysthat'showIendedupinthisjailinthefirstplacesorryIcanttalkanymoreIgottago-!
Kasumi: WAIT!
(The girl suddenly stopped mid-ramble, looking at me in confusion.)
Fast-Talking Girl: What? What's wrong?
Kasumi: Slow down! Geez, I didn't understand anything you were saying!
(The girl blinked twice, before blushing a bit.)
Fast-Talking Girl: Oh-whoops! Sorry! I sometimes talk so much that I forget to slow down! My granddadsaysIgotitfrommymombutifyouaskmeIgotitfromhimtheoldchatterbox-
Kasumi: …
Aiya: Aaaaand I'm doing it again. Sorry about that! I'm Aiya! Aiya Aoyama! Anyways, I'm the Ultimate Delivery Girl! Life in the fast lane's what I'm all about! What about you?
Kasumi: My name's Kasumi Ahiru, the Ultimate Card Shark, and-
Aiya: Cool-cool! Anyways, I gotta go get the others!
Kasumi: W-wait, what?! Others?! For what?!
Aiya: Oh yeah, one of the other prisoners asked me to tell everyone to meet in the main hall for something! She's really nice! You'd like her! Anyways, gotta go!
Kasumi: Wait, but-!
(Before I could get another word in edgewise, the girl vanished from my sight in a literal blink of an eye, leaving me alone. So… Aiya Aoyama, huh? A bigger chatterbox I've never met. Still, she seems friendly enough. Maybe I should explore around a bit, see what other people are locked up with me.)
Go to Main Hall
Go to Dining Hall
Wander the Halls(YES)
(Well, if I wander around here for long enough, I'm bound to find someone.)
(After walking through the hallways aimlessly, I eventually saw another person. It was a svelte girl, very much the idea of a 'cool beauty' archetype you find in manga. Her pitch-black hair ran all the way down to her back in a ponytail, and a pair of old-fashioned spectacles hung on her face. A pair of dark jeans hugged her hips, and a pink button-up shirt ran up all the way to her neck. Strapped to her hips were two holsters, with two pistols gleaming menacingly in the light. Despite her intimidating weaponry, she leaned against a wall casually smoking a wood pipe.)
Talk to Smoking Girl(YES)
Keep Walking
Kasumi: Hey there!
Smoking Girl: Why, hello there… *puff* How's it going?
Kasumi: Hack! Blech!
(Who blows smoke in someone's face like that?!)
Smoking Girl: You okay? You look sick there, sweetie.
Kasumi: I'm… *cough cough* I'm fine.
(Sweetie? The hell?)
Kasumi: Anyways… I'm Kasumi Ahiru, the Ultimate Card Shark. I figured I'd go around and introduce myself to the other folks here.
Shiya: Ah, I see. I'm Shiya Shikibane, the Ultimate Gunslinger. But you can just call me Shiya, sweetie.
(Again with the 'sweetie' talk…)
Shiya: I know my babies look scary, but don't worry. I wouldn't hurt a pretty face like yours.
(Babies… she means her guns? Before I could process the odd words, Shiya suddenly leaned in, smiling a predatory grin.)
Shiya: And my, my, my… your face is so very, very pretty…
(Whoa, hey! Personal space, please!)
Kasumi: Riiiiiigggghhht… I'm just gonna go now.
Shiya: Hope we see each other again. I'd hate to miss you for long, sweetie!
(Shiya Shikibane, Ultimate Gunslinger. She seems pretty normal, though a bit of a self-styled Casanova it seems. Though something about her is just… off.)
Go to Main Hall
Go to Dining Hall(YES)
Go to Courtyard
Wander the Halls More
(That reminds me… I haven't eaten since… I actually don't know when I last ate.)
(Walking around the first floor, I eventually bumbled my way into the kitchen. There were already two people in there, both boys. The first was a boy sitting at a table, a pair of drumsticks in his hands, tapping out a rhythm. He was wearing tattered blue jeans and a green shirt bearing the name of… actually, I wouldn't know what band, since it was in a language that wasn't Japanese, but there was a man standing in front of a star, all within a white circle. Wrapped around his head was a yellow bandana, a shock of blonde hair just peeking over the top. The other one was squatted down against a pillar boredly leafing through a novel. He looked as pale as death itself, but his hair was a pure black. He wore a formal black suit and white tie, though it seemed to be caked in dirt and… was that blood?!)
Talk to Noisy Boy
Talk to Potential Zombie(YES)
Go to Kitchen
Go back into the Halls
(I strode over to the somber-looking man in the suit. The boy looked up from his novel, his sunken eyes seeming to judge me… but for what?)
Kasumi: Hi there, I'm Kasumi Ahiru. I'm the Ultimate Card Shark. You?
Potential Zombie: …
(Not much of a talker, are you?)
Potential Zombie: Interesting. Judging by the way you fill your clothes, I could tell that you lived in a state of poverty for some time… the slight scarring on your hand suggests that you've broken a knuckle or two, perhaps in a fight…
Kasumi: H-huh?!
Kira: Perhaps you were an orphan? Or did you in fact live in a more abusive household? Either way, you've seemed to make quite a turnaround in your life, and at such a young age…
(Almost on instinct, I clenched my fists, and my eyes narrowed as he continued to talk.)
Kasumi: What. Are. You. Doing.
Potential Zombie: Oh. My apologies. I find it interesting to see how a person's lived their life to see how they will die.
Kasumi: To see… how they'll die?
Kira: Yes. My name is Kira Watanabe. I am the Ultimate Thanatologist. Thanatology, or by its less scientific name, deathlore, is centered around the mechanics and philosophies behind the dead. It's quite fascinating.
Kasumi: I… see…
(Everything about this guy has my instincts running on overdrive… and it's not just because of his prying.)
Kasumi: So… you work with dead bodies and stuff? That's pretty interesting. Seems kind of lonely, though.
Kira: Quite the opposite. The dead are far better company than the living… They do not judge… they do not gawk… they're… calm and quiet. Perfect listeners.
(…I'm frightened.)
Kira: Don't you agree, Ahiru-san? After all… you seem like the type who's had experience with the dead.
Kasumi: …I have to go.
Kira: Hmph. Indeed.
(With that, Kira went back to reading his book. The Ultimate Thanatologist… He's perceptive, that's for sure, but also far too nosy… I'd best keep my distance when I can. I'd like to keep some secrets to myself.)
Talk to Noisy Boy(YES)
Go to Kitchen
Go back into the Halls
(I strode over to the teenager in the bandana, though he didn't seem to be paying attention as he tapped out a rhythm on the tables.)
BRATATATATATATATA!
Kasumi: Hi there, I'm-!
BRATATATATATATATA!
Kasumi: Hey, I'm-!
BRATATATATATATATA!
(He's completely lost in the rhythm… Maybe if I tap his shoulder, I'll get his attention?)
POKE!
Noisy Boy: GAH!
(The kid jumped nearly a foot in the air, and his face made it look like he nearly had a heart attack. He began chastising me in a language I didn't understand at all, but from his facial expressions, he seemed afraid. Guess I scared him more than I thought.)
Kasumi: Sorry, sorry! It's just that I'm… Uh… I can't understand you.
(As if realizing that I couldn't understand anything he was saying, the boy held up a finger. Setting down his drumsticks, he pulled out a book from his back pocket, before flipping through the pages for a few minutes. Seemingly contented with what he had found, he flashed a smile.)
Noisy Boy: Felicitations, my good woman! A thousand concessions for my thunderous acoustics! Mayhaps I can request your appellation?
(…what.)
Kasumi: Do… do you want to know my name?
Noisy Boy: Precisely! Perchance can you give my your sobriquet?
Kasumi: Erm… sure? I'm Kasumi Ahiru. I'm the Ultimate Card Shark. You?
Max: Ah! My designation is the Super High School Level Drummer! My nom de gurre, as it were, is Maximilian Grohl. Within my place of residence, however, my agnomen is 'Roach'.
(Roach? As in the bug? Wouldn't expect a guy who talks like this to have that kind of nickname.)
Kasumi: So… Max, right? What's with the weird speaking style? It's really… archaic.
(At that, the boy's face fell slightly, and he nervously began tapping his drumsticks together.)
Max: Ah, yes. That. I must confess, Japanese is not my initial language. ...nor is it my tertiary language. I hail from the country of the United States of America. I am an extralocal scholar, you see. This meager lexicon is all I have to communicate with.
(Ah… that explains the old-fashioned language. But that does raise another question…)
Kasumi: Hey, Max. If you can't speak Japanese… why did you decide to go to a Japanese Institution? Don't they have American jails?
(The boy immediately stiffened, and his face soon resembled that of a deer in headlights.)
Max: …if it's all the same to you, Miss Ahiru, that's something I'd rather not divulge at this hour.
(Jeez, talk about a shift in attitude. Before I could pry further, Max had resumed his drumming. Seems like he's not gonna talk further about that. A foreign exchange student, huh? Well seems like he's got a few skeletons in his closet. Wonder if I'll ever see them for myself.)
Go into Kitchen(YES)
Go back into the Halls
(Right. Food.)
(I walked into the kitchen, still hungry for something to eat, until a stench like an entire garage slapped me in the face full-force. It was like someone was waterboarding me with gasoline. My hands immediately flew to my face as I tried my best not to break down into coughing. There was only one person there, a boy clad in a dark green longcoat was standing over the stove, whistling merrily to himself. He had a similarly patrol cap on his head, covering a shaggy mess of brown hair. On the brim of his hat was a set of tinted blue goggles, and on his feet were a set of black military boots.)
Talk to Lethal Chef(YES)
Get the hell out
(Ducking my head back out to take one more breath of clean air, I made my way over to the boy, keeping sure to cover my mouth as I did.)
Kasumi: Hello? Hello? Is someone there?
(The boy in black turned around, beaming widely at me, extending a hand that I shook.)
Hachiro: Ah, come in, come in! How are you doing? I am Hachiro Katsuo! Leader of the Amaryllis Corps and the Ultimate Revolutionary!
Kasumi: My name's Kasumi Ahiru. Ultimate Card Shark. It's nice to meet you.
(The Amaryllis Corps? Wait… I know that name! They're one of the most dangerous anarchist groups in the country… And this guy's their leader?! So what he's cooking… Oh crap.)
Kasumi: So… uh, Hachiro-kun. What exactly are you doing in the kitchen?
Hachiro: Well, isn't it obvious? I'm making napalm!
(...WHAT?!)
Kasumi: N-napalm?! What the hell are you doing that for?!
Hachiro: I have a rebellion to lead! I have a group of followers who needs guidance from their leader! I can't just leave them to be abandoned at the mercy of wolves!
(THAT'S NOT THE PART I'M CONCERNED ABOUT, YOU IDIOT!)
Kasumi: I-isn't it dangerous to cook napalm in your kitchen? What if you set everything here on fire?
Hachiro: Oh that? Don't worry! I'm just boiling the gasoline, so so long as we don't set off a spark like a toaster or anything to ignite the fumes, we'll be fine!
(This guy is gonna get me, and probably a bunch of other people, killed.)
Hachiro: By the way, you seem like a fairly interesting character. Ever consider joining the Amaryllis Corps? With your help, we'll overthrow the corrupt and bring power back to the people!
Kasumi: !
(Wait, I didn't sign up to be conscripted into a war! Before I could protest, the Ultimate Revolutionary leaned in, glaring at me in anger.)
Hachiro: What's wrong? Do you not agree with my corps and their beliefs? Perhaps you side with the tyrants and wolves who run this world? If so, then by default you are my enemy.
(Great, now he's grilling me! I gotta talk my way outta this one and fast…)
Kasumi: …silence your tongue fool.
Hachiro: What?! How dare you-
(I leaned in to Hachiro, grabbing him by the back gently, whispering to his ear.)
Kasumi: Don't you realize we are in no position for theatrics and boldness? We are trapped in this prison, there are likely guards monitoring us all from the outset. If they deem your creation of napalm as no threat, they clearly deem us not worthy of that much surveillance.
Hachiro: ! In that case…
Kasumi: Yes. We can escape and overthrow the lazy government wolves soon enough, but only if you keep quiet, fool!
Hachiro: …I like the way you think, Kasumi Ahiru. Perhaps I was wrong about the kind of person you were.
(Phew! He bought it!)
Kasumi: And I you, commander. I wish you the best in your endeavors.
(And for the love of all that is holy, leave me out of it! So… that was Hachiro Katsuo. Definitely someone who you don't want on your bad side… But he also seems pretty easy to trick. After leaving the kitchen, I was back in the hallways, left with several more options on where to go.)
Go to Main Hall
Go to Courtyard(YES)
Wander the Halls More
(I still have some time to kill. Wonder what the courtyard here's like. Maybe I'll meet some normal people for a change.)
(I made my way to the courtyard, and I nearly had to close my eyes due to the intense rays of the sun. The entire area was impressively large, with several meters of space to wander around, relax, or exercise. On either end of the courtyard were two basketball hoops, covered with dirt to serve as a makeshift court. Within, there were quite a few people sitting around. The first was a blonde girl, clad in an impressive-looking black fur coat. Her blue button-up shirt showed off her impressive figure, exposing the upper half of her chest and her stomach, and her black pants hugged her hips tightly. Perched on her head was a pair of dark sunglasses, and her black boots completed her ensemble. She seemed to be observing the others from a distance, constantly darting her eyes around nervously, as if afraid of being caught. The second was a mountain of a man, clad in a form-fitting black shirt. The sleeves were torn straight off, showing off an impressive set of tattoos and his bulging muscles. His black beard and surprisingly well-kept hair contrasted well with the tanned tone of his body while he performed various stretches and exercises. Makes sense with how well built he is. Finally, there was one more boy, seated near the back corner of the room. His entire frame was dangerously skinny, almost like he could snap in half at any moment. His body was sickly looking, and his hair was almost completely white as it framed his calm face. He was clad in a pure white kimono, and a symbol I didn't recognize was emblazoned on his clothing.)
Talk to Stalking Artist
Talk to Sleeveless Giant
Talk to Meditating Boy(YES)
Go Back Into the Halls
(I decided to walk over to the boy in the kimono. His face was complete and utter calm, and his eyes were completely shut. Upon closer inspection, he was dangerously skinny, almost skin and bones. Would it kill you to eat a sandwich, buddy?)
Meditating Boy: Actually, the reason why I am so emaciated is because of illness.
Kasumi: Wah!
(I nearly fell flat on the floor in surprise. Is this guy a mind reader or-)
Meditating Boy: I just have good intuition, simple as that.
(...sure.)
Kasumi: Um, sorry for staring at first. I guess that was kinda rude of me. The name's Kasumi. Kasumi Ahiru, the Ultimate Card Shark.
Meditating Boy: Hmph. A title gained from being a liar and a cheat. What wonderful company.
(H-hey! You don't see me making fun of you for your talent!)
Kasumi: Tch. So what about you? What's your talent?
Ryuunosuke: My name is Ryuunosuke Harada. And my talent…
(The boy pulled out a sword from behind his back, thankfully still concealed within its hilt, and set it down in front of him.)
Ryuunosuke: Is the Ultimate Samurai.
(…okay, that's actually really impressive)
Ryuunosuke: Though I have been ill since my birth, as the eighth heir to the Harada family name, I have trained myself, mind, body, and soul to claim my title. Which is far more than a dirty rat like you can lay claim to, I presume.
(Why you… arrogant… smug…)
Ryuunosuke: Your filthy little talent tells me all I need to know about you. And all I need to know is that you're not one to be trusted. Now. Let me be.
(With that, he put away his sword, returning to his meditation. Ryuunosuke Harada… He's definitely self-assured. Seems to me that in his eyes, I'm just a dirty rat… Well, if he doesn't want me around, it's fine by me.)
Talk to Stalking Artist
Talk to Sleeveless Giant(YES)
Go Back Into the Halls
(I decided to walk over to the massive bearded man. Up close, I realized that black shirt he was wearing was actually a cassock with the sleeves torn off. Judging by the white collar around his neck, it seems that this giant was actually a priest of some sort. As he continued performing his exercises, I decided to speak)
Kasumi: Ahem.
Sleeveless Giant: Hold on, I'll be with ya in just a moment! 99… 100! Booyah!
(Finishing up his latest series of stretches, the man turned to me and… wow. He's a lot taller up close.)
Akio: Sup? The name's Akio Saishi! I'm the Ultimate Priest!
Kasumi: R-right. My name's Kasumi Ahiru, and I'm the Ultimate Card Shark.
Akio: Kasumi Ahiru, is it? That's a damn fine name! And a damn fine talent to boot!
(He's a lot more… casual than what I expected the Ultimate Priest to be.)
THWACK!
(A powerful hand slammed into my back, nearly knocking me over.)
Kasumi: Hgck!
Akio: So, Kasumi! How's life treatin' ya? You doin' good? Eatin' right and all that?
Kasumi: Y-yeah…
(God, he hits like a truck!)
Akio: That's good! Glad to hear that! Hey, by the way, Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yeah?
Akio: I know it's a bit of a bummer that we're stuck in a prison, but look on the bright side, eh?
(Bright side…? Where's this coming from?)
Akio: Sure it stinks we're trapped here, but it could be worse. Maybe you could make some new friends, eh? No one here knows anyone, so this could be the start of something great.
(Wow… he's like a completely different person now…)
Kasumi: I… thanks. I think I needed that. But… where's this coming from all of a sudden.
Akio: Hey, you looked a little gloomy, so I figured I'd say something to cheer you up.
Kasumi: …thanks, Akio-kun. You're a pretty good guy.
Akio: That's the spirit! C'mere, Kasumi!
Kasumi: WHOA!
(Before I knew it, I was suddenly pulled forward into a practically inescapable headlock, with Akio's free hand playfully grinding my head down in a powerful noogie.)
Akio: GAHAHAHAHAHA! I gotta feeling that we're gonna get along just fine, Kasumi!
(GUH! Ch-choking! Not… breathing! Vision…! Going dark…!)
Akio: Anyways, it was nice ta meet ya, Kasumi! Gonna try and find some other folks to talk to! Be seein' ya!
WHUMP!
(My body hit the floor painfully, and the muscular priest ambled away, whistling happily to himself. I shakily got to my feet, taking in big gulps of air. So… that's the Ultimate Priest, huh? Pretty friendly, if a bit overbearing… How did a guy like him get carted off to a place like this?)
Talk to Stalking Artist(YES)
Go Back Into the Halls
(I walked over to the fur-clad artist. She seemed occupied in drawing something, so she didn't notice me. Realizing that she probably wouldn't realize I was there if I kept quiet, I raised a fist to my mouth.)
Kasumi: Ahem.
Stalking Artist: E-eep!
(Whoa, jumpy aren't we?)
Stalking Artist: H-how long have you been there?
Kasumi: I just got here, actually. What're you working on?
Stalking Artist: U-um… Well, I…
(It's hard to believe a girl that looks like this is such a wallflower… It's honestly surreal.)
Stalking Artist: H-here… I-it's not finished…
(I gently took the notebook. There were three figures on the paper. The skinny boy in the kimono. The muscular man in black. And me. The poses were all incredibly lifelike, almost leaping off the pages with the detail they held.)
Stalking Artist: Erm… I'm sorry it's not that good. Just a rough sketch.
Kasumi: Are you kidding me?! This is amazing! I wish I could draw this good!
Stalking Artist: E-eh?! You really think so?
(She began to blush nervously, smiling for the first time since I've met her.)
Kasumi: Oh yeah, I forgot to ask. My name's Kasumi, Kasumi Ahiru. I've been walking around trying to get to know everyone. Mind if I get your name?
Margot: O-oh, right! My name is Margot Sanders. Th-they call me the Ultimate Fashion Designer.
(With art this good, I'd believe it.)
Margot: I'm a foreign exchange student from Germany. I don't know people here that well, but… I've heard that the fashion industry in Japan is so astounding, so I had to come here in order to see for myself. But… I'm now locked in a miserable prison… But at least I have subjects like you to draw. I-I'd actually love to use you as a model sometime…
(Model? Hmmmm… well 'Ultimate Fashionista' doesn't seem to have a bad ring to it…)
Kasumi: I'm flattered, honestly. But I think I'll stick with being the Ultimate Card Shark. It was nice to meet you, Margot-chan!
Margot: O-oh! Th-thank you, Kasumi! I-It was a pleasure to meet you too!
(Huh. That was honestly the most pleasant conversation I've had so far. That's a first. So, Margot Sanders, the Ultimate Fashion Designer. She's pretty friendly, but she's also a bit of a nervous wreck. Still… she's also a prisoner like me. So she's probably got something to hide…)
Go to Main Hall
Go to Library
Wander the Halls More(YES)
(I have nothing left to do here. Guess I'll explore around, see what's going on.)
(After walking around aimlessly once more, I ended up finding another person standing in the halls. It was another girl, wearing a red baseball cap that loudly emblazoned the name 'Samegawa' on the front. She wore a white skirt around her waist, and a red sports jacket served as her top. Around her neck was a silver bead necklace that shone in the dim lights, and on her shoulder hung bright blue purse. She was currently messing around on her phone, grumbling in annoyance as she tried to get it to work.)
Talk to Hat-Wearing Girl(YES)
Keep Walking
Hat-Wearing Girl: Stupid… piece of crap won't work…
Kasumi: Hey there. My name's Kasumi Ahiru. I'm just going around trying to introduce myself. Mind if I ask your name?
(At that, the hatted girl put her phone into her purse. She turned towards me, pointing to herself.)
Hat-Wearing Girl: Huh? Sorry, were you talking to me?
Kasumi: Yeah. I wanted to get your name.
Hat-Wearing Girl: …pfft! Ahahahahaha! Alright, nice joke, buddy! I needed a laugh after the crappy day I've been having!
Kasumi: Erm… Joke?
(Her face suddenly contorted into a look of complete bafflement.)
Hat-Wearing Girl: Y-you're kidding me! You've never heard of me! Come on, lady, don't you know who I am?
Kasumi: Erm… the Ultimate Baseball Star?
Hat-Wearing Girl: AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH! This is stupid! This is so freaking stupid! I'm a global phenomenon! I'm one of the all-stars of the modern world! How could you not have heard of the wonderful me!
(Who the heck is this chick, and why is she so obsessed with people knowing who she is? This is seriously getting annoying.)
Kasumi: So… who are you then?
Achiko: I'm Achiko freaking Samegawa! The Ultimate Pinball Wizard! Don't you watch the news or something?!
(Well excuuuuse me, princess! I wasn't aware pinball was regarded as such a big deal.)
Achiko: *sigh* I guess it can't be helped… I guess not everyone has been exposed to the wonderful me…
(Wow… A bigger ego I have never met.)
Achiko: Well, consider it your lucky day! You've managed to encounter the Goddess of Pinball herself! Perhaps you should consider bowing before the wonderful me!
(I thought she was a wizard, now she's a goddess? Sheesh.)
Kasumi: That's nice… but I think I'll pass for now.
Achiko: Wait, maybe you'd be interested in a photo op with the wonderful me? Or I can give you an autograph! I think I have some glossies in my purse!
(While she began fiddling around with the contents of her purse, I quickly decided to get while the getting was good. Achiko Samegawa, huh? Gotta say, for a talent like hers, she's got a big ego. I just hope I don't have to talk to her as much…)
Go to Main Hall
Go to Library(YES)
(There's still one other room I haven't been to yet before I have to go to the main hall. The Library. Might as well see if anyone's there that I missed.)
(The doors to the library were absolutely massive. On either side of the doors were statues in the shape of… a teddy bear? The bear was black and white, and on the right side, its eyes were a menacing red. I guess it's the mascot of this place or something. Creepy. Brushing the bears aside, I pushed the doors open. The library was impressively massive, with scores of books lining the walls everywhere. The place was divided into two floors. On the top floor were two people, one, a nerdy-looking boy, his pen pressed against his lips as he looked around in thought. On his face were a pair of spectacles, and his hair was a pale lavender color. Around his neck was a warm-looking dark green scarf, matching the green sweater he wore. To round things out, he wore dark jeans, and on his fingers were an assortment of rings. Sitting next to him was a dark-skinned girl clad in a form-fitting red jumpsuit with white accents. Her brown hair was a mess, going down to the small of her back, likely due to the red helmet set aside next to her. She leaned against the boy, eyes closed as she faded away to dreamland. I guess they know each other. On the main floor, there were two other kids. The first was an annoyed-looking girl, constantly clacking away on her keyboard. She was clad in a blue business suit and white button-up, with a light blue tie hanging around her neck loosely. Her brown hair had several bright blue streaks in it, with a metal hairband pushing her hair away from her eyes. On her face, oddly enough, was something akin to a scouter you'd see in anime or something. The second kid was… really short. Like, his head would line up with my stomach. He was clad in a blue button-up shirt and brown slacks, and around his neck was a red tie, with small blue Zs dotting it. His hair was a bright red, befitting his angry personality as he punched and kicked a window in frustration.)
Talk to Couple
Talk to Tech-Savvy Girl
Talk to Short Kid(YES)
Leave
(Well, this is the dumbest decision I've made all day. Against my better judgement, I walked over to the boy, still in the middle of punching the window.)
Angry Midget: GOD! FUCKING! DAMN! JAIL! AAAAUUUUUGH!
Kasumi: Erm…
Angry Midget: WHAT?!
(Automatically, the boy turned on his heel, glaring at me in rage. If there was ever someone in need of anger management classes, it'd definitely be this guy.)
Kasumi: Erm… hey there. I'm Kasumi Ahiru. I'm the Ultimate Card Shark. I've just been going around trying to get to know folks around here.
(At that, his expression softened, if only slightly.)
Yuuto: Oh. Is that all? Well fine, if it'll get ya ta buzz off. The name's Yuuto Odayaka. And I'm the…
(He muttered the last part under his breath, the most quiet I've ever heard him.)
Kasumi: I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.
Yuuto: I said! I'm the…
Kasumi: Um, sorry, could you say that again?
Yuuto: I FUCKING SAID I'M THE ULTIMATE BED TESTER, OKAY?!
(His voice shifted so much in tone that I had to take a step back for my ears. As his voice continued to ring in my ears, Yuuto gave me a scathing look.)
Yuuto: There. Ya fucking happy, bitch?
(He's like an angry chihuahua. It's almost kind of adorable.)
Kasumi: Yeah… sorry about that. So… Ultimate Bed Tester, huh? That's honestly kinda cute!
Yuuto: Cute…?
(That… was the wrong thing to say, wasn't it.)
Yuuto: Cute. CUTE?! YA CALLING ME A PLUSHIE OR SOMETHING, LADY?!
Kasumi: N-no, I didn't mean it like that, I mean-
Yuuto: YA WANT CUTE?! I'LL SHOW YA CUTE!
THWACK!
Kasumi: GUHOH! SON OF A-
(Immediately, I collapsed to the ground, clutching my stomach in pain. For a little guy, he's got an impressive left hook…)
Kasumi: Ooouuuuggghhh…
Yuuto: That'll learn ya, bitch!
(With that, the boy walked off, grumbling angrily to himself. So… Yuuto Odayaka, the Ultimate Bed Tester. …ow. Maybe the next people I talk to won't be so… violent.)
Talk to Couple(YES)
Talk to Tech-Savvy Girl
Leave
(I decided to walk up the stairway to the next floor. There sat the man and woman I saw before, the man still dutifully taking notes on a notepad, and the woman still snoring away, oblivious to the world around her.)
Kasumi: H-
(The boy looked up immediately, and automatically, he got to his feet, ignoring the girl's head falling against the bench behind him. Instantly he was in my face, pen to pad.)
Kasumi: W-what the-?
Invasive Boy: Interesting… Very interesting!
(Suddenly, he grabbed me by the hand, before he began to move me around in various poses, taking notes all the way.)
Invasive Boy: Judging by the symbols on your clothing, I'd assume your talent involves cards of some sort. Ultimate Gambler perhaps? Ultimate Croupier?
Kasumi: Ultimate Card Shark, actually-WHOA!
(Suddenly, he let go, and I nearly fell back down the stairs, just barely avoiding potentially splitting my head open by grabbing the nearby railing. The boy had already returned to his seat, looking over his notes.)
Invasive Boy: Card Shark! Fascinating! Yes, yes, this will do nicely!
Kasumi: Hey, what gives! You just pose me around like a doll and leave?
Invasive Boy: Yes, yes, I've gotten the information I need, you can leave.
(I could feel my eyebrow begin to twitch. He nearly got me killed, and that's all he has to say? I began to open my mouth to protest, before a yawn suddenly interrupted my thoughts.)
Sleepy Girl: Uuuuhhhh… Shuei-kuuuuun… what's with all the noise…?
Invasive Boi: A-ah! Yoshino-chan! Did I wake you?
(The sleepy girl slowly rose, letting out another yawn. Boredly, she sent me a smile.)
Sleepy Girl: Sorry about that. Was Shuei-kun up to his usual antics again?
Kasumi: Usual… antics?
Sleepy Girl: *yawn* Yeah… as the Ultimate Mangaka, Shuei-kun's always looking for more and more sources of inspiration. You just happened to catch his eye, Miss Card Shark.
Kasumi: My name's Kasumi, actually. Kasumi Ahiru.
Sleepy Girl: I like Miss Card Shark better. Don't you, Shuei-kun?
Invasive Boy: It's certainly more inspired than 'Kasumi' as a name.
(What's wrong with my name again?!)
Kasumi: Gee. Thanks. So who are you two? Do you know each other?
Shuei: I am Shuei Moritaka! Master of the quill! Artisan of the printed page! The decade's greatest mangaka! And you seem to be the perfect muse for my next work!
Yoshino: I'm Yoshino Rei. 'm the Ultimate Racer. And he's my boyfriend.
Shuei: Since childhood, our linkage of souls has never been severed! Our bond is unbreakable!
(Ah, they're dating. No wonder they know each other. Yoshino pecked Shuei on the cheek, before laying back down, leaning against his shoulder as she drifted off to dreamland once again. It was honestly really sweet to see them together. I decided to leave them be, looking to see if there was anyone else that I needed to talk with.)
Talk to Tech-Savvy Girl(YES)
Leave
(I walked up to the girl with the computer, her fingers darting across the keys at incredible speeds. Her eyes were laser-focused on whatever she was doing, not even bothering to spare me a glance.)
Tech-Savvy Girl: …do you mind? I'm busy right now. I don't want to have any distractions.
Kasumi: Oh, sorry about that.
Tech-Savvy Girl: …
Kasumi: …so, what's your name?
(The girl sighed in annoyance, before adjusting the blue tie around her neck.)
Tech-Savvy Girl: If I talk with you, will you please leave me alone?
Kasumi: Erm, sorry about that. Sure.
Keiko: My name is Keiko Tokei. I'm the Ultimate Statistical Analyst. Data and information are my specialty, and I have it on record that in the world of business, I reign queen.
Kasumi: It's nice to meet you, Kei-san, I'm-
Keiko: Don't call me that.
Kasumi: Huh?
Keiko: Don't call me Kei-san. We're acquaintances at best, and I'd rather not have people call me by any cutesy pet names here.
(Wow. She's cold.)
Keiko: Now that introductions are out of the way, I have business to attend to.
(With that, she went back to her keys, clicking away. Curious, I decided to lean over to see what she was doing.)
Kasumi: …are you playing Minesweeper?
Keiko: LEAVE.
Kasumi: Er, sorry!
(Keiko Tokei. Every single bit of business-like as you'd expect her to be. Would it kill her to be a bit more friendly, though?)
Go to Main Hall(YES)
(Welp… I've explored pretty much everywhere I can. Guess I'll go back to the Main Hall where everyone's supposed to meet.)
(The main hall was, as expected, absolutely massive. Black and white tiles dotted the area. In the back, there was a massive fountain, with the same strange bear that was positioned near the library raising his arms and spitting out water from his mouth. Gross. While most of the folks there were familiar, there were two people that I didn't recognize. The first was a boy in a brown shirt and lighter brown slacks, a green apron over his clothes. He nervously looked around, fiddling with his sandy blonde hair. The second was a green-haired girl clad in the same orange prisoner's outfit. Her jacket was left hanging off of her shoulders revealing a simple yellow t-shirt underneath. In her hands was a shining golden trumpet which she was in the midst of inspecting.)
Talk to Fidgety Boy(YES)
Talk to Orange-Clad Girl
(It seemed like the boy wasn't in the middle of talking to anyone, so I decided to introduce myself.)
Kasumi: Hey there, I'm-
Fumio: Oh! Good morning! My name's Fumio Hojo! What's going on? What would you like to order?
Kasumi: Order? Come again?
Fumio: …ah, crap, I automatically went into 'barista mode' again, didn't I? Sorry about that. When your job's centered around taking orders, it's kinda hard to get out of that mindset.
Kasumi: Oh, that's fine! So, I take it you're a barista then?
Fumio: Not just any barista! The Ultimate Barista! There's never bean anyone quite like me in a long time!
(Bean…? Was that a pun?)
Kasumi: Riiiiiight… Well, I'm Kasumi. Kasumi Ahiru. I'm the Ultimate Card Shark. It's nice to meet you!
(At that, Fumio pulled out the pen from behind his ear, before writing down something on his hand.)
Fumio: A-hi-ru! Got it! That's all sixteen folks! Aces!
Kasumi: Hey, what's that for?
(Fumio looked up, before turning his hand toward me. On it were sixteen names written out in calligraphy. Mine was written near his thumb in black.)
Fumio: This? I make it a point to write down the names of everyone I meet so I can keep them in my head. You're the last member of our little club! Glad ya made it on time though, or I think that Yuuto-kun may have laid you out! Haha!
(Oh god, he's not gonna stop with the puns, is he.)
Fumio: Anyways, back there is Kaiga-chan! She's the one who wanted us all to meet up here. You haven't talked to her, right?
Kasumi: Actually, I haven't. Thanks Fumio!
Fumio: Anytime! See ya!
(So, Fumio Hojo. Terrible sense of humor, but he doesn't seem all that bad regardless. But I don't think he's as funny as he thinks he is.)
Talk to Orange-Clad Girl(YES)
(I walked over to the last person in the prison I had yet to talk to. I took a seat next to the green-haired girl, who looked at me in surprise. I extended a hand to the girl in the prison uniform)
Kasumi: Hi, I'm Kasumi. You?
(Smiling warmly, she took my hand and gently shook it.)
Ochiyo: Ochiyo Kaiga. I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting, Kasumi. I guess you've talked with everyone else, so that just leaves little old me.
Kasumi: Yeah… sorry about that. I just wanted to walk around before we had to meet in the Main Hall.
Ochiyo: Oh, I don't mind. It's a pleasure just to be able to talk with you, Kasumi. I'm sorry to say that you're the last person I've talked to myself.
Kasumi: So… What's with the clothes? Didn't you get a new set of clothing like the rest of us?
(At that, she looked down at the orange clothing she still wore.)
Ochiyo: I didn't pick this outfit myself, honestly. If anything, I'd love to get rid of it. But whoever trapped us here decided to make it my only other outfit military slacks. So I decided that I'd rather wear this.
Kasumi: Military slacks… what, were you a soldier or something?
Ochiyo: Drill Sergeant, actually. Before I renounced my title, I was once the Ultimate Drill Sergeant. Now? I'm just a humble trumpet player.
(Renounced...? Wait, does that mean...)
Kasumi: So... You were the one who asked Aiya-san to go gather everyone together?
Ochiyo: Yes, exactly! I wanted to gather everyone in one spot.
Yuuto: Oi! Military Brat! What gives? Why'd you ask us all to gather in this shithole?
Kira: It is suspicious, yes…
Hachiro: Perhaps you were the one who summoned us in order to kill us off, government dog!
(At that, folks were looking around, slowly growing more and more antsy. Before anyone else could raise any objections, Ochiyo took to the forefront, raising a hand. At that, everyone seemed to quiet down almost immediately. She might not consider herself a drill sergeant anymore, but she's definitely got the leader role locked down. Still holding that warm smile on her face, she spoke.)
Ochiyo: I'm sorry, friends, but I'm in the dark just as much as you are. But we shouldn't panic. Pointing fingers didn't solve anything. Let's just keep calm, and we can find out who put us here.
(A high pitched laughter suddenly pierced the air, causing everyone to look around the room in confusion. That voice... it seemed so familiar.)
High-Pitched Voice: Upupupupupu… I can answer that!
A/N: And so the Prologue's first half comes to an end... and we meet the warden himself!
Edit: Whoops, forgot to change some stuff! Mainly I left Ochiyo in the military clothes.