A/N: Hey, a semi-consistent upload schedule! That probably won't last long, eh? Still, thanks to those who were kind enough to drop reviews! Forgot to answer these last time, so I'll answer them now.
Not-Your-Uber-Driver: Thanks for being the first review, dude! Glad you're liking the various cast members. I tried my best to make them as unique as possible without retreading that much old ground.
NostalgiaSucker96: I actually got the whole 'Killing Game in Prison' idea from V3. Apparently, the original idea was that each of the students were in the Killing Game for various 'crimes' they committed, but it was scrapped. The idea was so appealing to me, that I used it for this story! Also yeah, Kasumi's a character who I took some inspiration from Hajime. IE, she's not one to take anyone's crap and has more of a backbone than say, Naegi.
MythGirl Writes: Glad you're liking the character interactions so far! Writing for these characters has been a blast, and it's fun to try and juggle all sixteen of them and make them really stand out. Wonder if you'll get a favorite as time goes on. As for their crimes? Upupupupupu... you'll see what everyone's in for in due time...
Now then, with that outta the way, let's get back to our (ir)regularly scheduled Killing Game!
[CHAPTER 1]
[DAY OF THE DESPAIR]
[BEGIN]
Zzz...
Zzz...
Zzz...
THUMP!
Kasumi: Agh! Damnit!
(Ugh... I hate it when I fall out of bed in the morning. Groaning in pain, I grabbed my now-aching head as I sat up from the floor. I looked around tiredly around the red-colored room, and I let out a deep sigh.)
Kasumi: Guess it was too much to just hope that whole thing yesterday was just a bad dream, wasn't it? I really am trapped in this awful place...
(Patting down my wrinkled clothes, I bent over, picking up the cards I'd scattered around the room last night, before setting them on the desk nearby. I walked over to the nearby closet, before pulling it open. Inside were clothes all identical to what I had been given when I had first arrived. Vest, shirt, pants, shoes, and cufflinks. Packed neatly nearby were a set of pajamas which I probably should have changed into last night, alongside a set of bath towels and a mirror set up on the inside door of the closet.)
Kasumi: Guess I'm just going to be stuck wearing these for the rest of my time in here.
(Or if I was unlucky, the rest of my life... I pulled off the nearest set, before tossing them on the bed. Grabbing a towel from inside the closet, I walked over to the bathroom in order to take a shower. As I started up the shower, I couldn't help but think about this whole situation yet again. An entire Killing Game... did I really have the guts to even think of killing someone else in order to escape? I know I brushed off Ochiyo the other day, but... these people are all complete strangers to me. Do I have the right to prioritize my life over theirs? ...what am I thinking? Just because I can kill here, doesn't mean I should. I just gotta hold out as long as I can. That's all that matters. Nothing more. Nothing less. With that, I stepped into the shower, trying to drown out the thoughts that kept gnawing away at my head.)
(After a few minutes, I cleaned up, and changed into my new clothes. Taking a look in the mirror in my closet, I got a good glance at my appearance for the first time in a while. Despite myself, I couldn't help but smile at the clothes I was in, allowing myself a good once-over.)
Kasumi: To think I'd ever have the chance to dress this nicely in my life. Eat your heart out, big sis.
(After giving myself one last look-over, I decided to step out for the day. To my surprise, it didn't seem like anyone else was walking around. The hallway seemed completely silent, devoid of any activity whatsoever.)
Kasumi: I guess I'm either up early... or I slept in a really long time.
Grrrrumble...
Kasumi: Right... I don't think I ate anything last night. I forgot all about that thanks to dealing with Hachiro... Ugh. Hopefully the kitchen's open right now.
Go to Dining Hall(YES)
(My quest for food set, I walked off, hoping that this time, I wouldn't have to deal with any napalm or the like this time.)
(To my surprise, only a handful of people were in the dining hall, having either started their meals or waiting patiently for them to be made. I barely had the chance to count everyone in the room before a blur of blue and white appeared in front of my face faster than I could blink.)
Aiya: Hey there!
Kasumi: Whoa!
Aiya: Whoops! Sorry if I scared ya there! Anyways, good morning, Kasumi! How's your day going? Sleep well? Hope so! So, what'd you like for breakfast, huh?
Kasumi: Um, uh, pancakes, I guess?
Aiya: Sounds good! Would you like something to drink with that? We got coffee, juice, milk, and some other drinks ready!
Kasumi: I guess some juice would be fi-
Aiya: Super! Enjoy your breakfast! It'll be with you shortly!
(Just as quickly as she had arrived, Aiya had disappeared into thin air, leaving me standing there like an idiot, still trying to process the entire affair.)
Kasumi: What... what just happened?!
Akio: Morning, Kasumi! How's your day going?
(I turned around, and saw Akio and Ochiyo seated at a nearby table, waving me over. I guess they were as good a person to sit next to as any, so I decided to make my way towards them, taking a seat next to Akio.)
Ochiyo: Well, I'm surprised! I didn't expect you to be up this early! Especially on the first day!
Kasumi: Early? What time is it?
Ochiyo: Well, I woke up at around five in the morning for my morning jog, and it's been around a couple hours since then, so roughly seven, I'd say.
(Seven AM?! What kind of horrifying alternate universe is this where I've suddenly become a morning person?!)
Akio: You're actually the seventh one up. Ryuunosuke over there got here just a few minutes before you, and Shuei arrived fifteen minutes earlier.
(True to his words, the Ultimate Samurai, now looking far more complacent than he was the day before, was sitting at a table further away from us, casually eating a piece of salmon, his face as stoic as ever. Meanwhile, a few tables away, the Ultimate Mangaka idly poked at a grapefruit as he began sketching in his notebook, same as he was doing just last night.)
Kasumi: Wait, so who's making breakfast? Did Monokuma-
Fumio: Monokuma? Are you serious? With his stubby little paws? I don't think he can even go three minutes without something blowing up because of him, either on accident or because he wants to kill us all. Not to mention all the shedding. Him in the kitchen is just asking for a grizzly outcome.
(The Ultimate Barista walked in, a smug grin on his face as he walked out of the kitchen, a towel draped over his right shoulder as he carried a plate stacked high with honestly the most delicious-looking pancakes I had ever seen in my life. They were as light and delicate as clouds, dripping with rivers of delicious syrup, and soft steam rolled off of the sweet treat in waves. In his other hand, a glass of cool-looking apple juice glistened in the light of the cafeteria. Casually, he set down the food in front of me, and it took everything I had not to start drooling from the sight alone.)
Fumio: Nope, this was 100% Grade-A Fumio Hojo-style breakfast, baby! C'mon, then! Give it a try! I guarantee that it'll be some of the best you've ever had!
(Honestly, just by looks alone, I could believe him. It almost felt like sacrilege to eat something this perfect-looking. However, my hunger easily overtook my hesitation, and immediately, I grabbed a fork and knife, cutting into the breakfast set before me. However, my growing hunger overtook my aesthetic tastes, and I immediately dug in.)
CHOMP!
(My mouth nearly fell open in shock, only stopped by the fact that I wanted to savor this as much as I could. What in the hell?! How could one fluffy pancake taste this heavenly?! I guess Fumio could tell from my expression, as his grin widened even further as he leaned back in a nearby bench.)
Fumio: Well? From your expression, I can guess my flapjacks made you flip out, huh?
Kasumi: This... Is amazing! How did you learn to make stuff like this, Fumio?!
Fumio: Well, not to brag, but while my talent is Ultimate Barista, I'm not too shabby when it comes to cooking, either. I'm no Ultimate Chef, but I've had to hold down the fort back at my family's place during the breakfast, lunch, and dinner rushes. Not once in my life have I ever had a single unsatisfied customer.
(Jeez... No kidding. Fumio's really one reliable guy. Even something he considers not to be his forte, he's an ace at. Guess he really does deserve his title of 'Ultimate', doesn't he? Despite myself, I immediately began digging into the rest of my meal, wolfing down pancake after pancake with reckless abandon.)
Fumio: Well, I guess my record continues, doesn't it! Glad to see you like my cooking! Anyways, I'm gonna head back to the kitchen if you don't mind me. Feel free to give me a holler if ya need me, got it?
(With that, the Ultimate Barista walked off, whistling a jaunty tune to himself. As I finished up the rest of my breakfast, three more arrivals walked in.)
Shiya: Good morning, everyone! How's everyone doing today?
Max: Felicitations, fellow convicts! I endeavoring to appropriate comestibles this fine day!
Margot: U-um... did you mean that you wanted something to eat?
Max: Precisely!
Aiya: Be right with you!
(Once more, Aiya had dashed over, beginning the same fast-paced spiel that she did to me earlier. Meanwhile, Akio had left the table, having finished his meal earlier than I had, and was now standing in a corner, talking with Ryuunosuke about something, leaving just me and Ochiyo at the table.)
Ochiyo: Um, by the way, Kasumi. Did you think about what I asked you last night, by any chance?
Kasumi: Last night...?
Ochiyo: Still, you handled that situation really well back there. You stepped up when no one else wanted to, and stood up to two people who in all likelihood heavily outclassed you physically, Kasumi. We could use someone like that to lead the group.
(Oh yeah, the idea of me being leader... To be honest, I completely forgot about it last night, especially after looking over the rulebook. Maybe I could be a good leader... If Ochiyo is backing me up, then- But... no. No, I couldn't. There's no possible way I could guide this group.)
Kasumi: Look, Ochiyo? I appreciate the sentiment... but I'm going to have to say no.
Ochiyo: Huh? But, why-
Kasumi: I just... I'm not the girl for the job. I'm flattered, but the answer is no.
Ochiyo: Is that so...? Fine. I can't force you to do this, so if you really don't want to, then my hands are tied.
Shiya: Hands are tied, eh...? Sounds like a fun time. Mind if I join in?
Kasumi: JESUS CHRIST!
THUD!
Kasumi: AGH!
(I fell out of my chair, clutching my knee in pain. Damnit, I jumped so fast, my leg slammed against the bar underneath the table! That'd definitely leave a bruise for a few days...)
Ochiyo: Kasumi! Are you okay?!
Kasumi: Not... really... Ow.
(Shiya snickered mischievously as she took a seat right beside me, that same grin on her face as ever. Casually, she pulled a matchbook from her back pocket, before lighting up her tobacco pipe, taking a long heavy drag before puffing out smoke rings as she usually did.)
Shiya: Well, now... What have we here? Some girl talk? Mind if I join in?
(As I brought myself to my feet, I could see a flash of panic in Ochiyo's eyes. Guess she didn't want people to hear about the whole 'leadership' talk yet. Not that I can blame her. If I had to guess, she only approached me about this so far. Probably not the best thing to get out in the open.)
Tell Shiya About the Leadership
Hide the Truth for Now(YES)
Ochiyo: I-
Kasumi: We were just talking about any ideas to escape this place.
(It's probably for the best that any talk of leadership is put on the down-low for now... If anyone else realizes what we're doing, we could have a dangerous power struggle on our hands... Shiya raised a surprised eyebrow at my lie, adjusting her spectacles in suspicion.)
Shiya: Really? Didn't you remember that Monokuma told us that escape was impossible? This is one of the most secure prisons on the planet. Do you really think we could escape from a place as secure as this?
(Ochiyo gave me a brief look of surprise, before continuing with my lie.)
Ochiyo: Well, I figured it'd be nice to try and at least hash out some plans. Monokuma could have left some holes open in his security, so we could at least try to find something that we could at least try to exploit in this place, right?
BING BONG DING DONG
(As if the damn bear could hear us, the bell from last night echoed throughout the school again, causing everyone in the cafeteria to look up in surprise. Just like last night, the Vice-Warden appeared on a nearby monitor, his smug face, smiling the same smile he always did.)
Monokuma: Wake up, my students, for another beautiful day of murder is about to begin! It's now 8 AM! As such, it is officially considered daytime. The courtyard and the gym are now officially open for business! So if you wanna go goof off or get a workout in, go for it, inmates! Granted, not like anyone's in a rush! You're still stuck in here forever! Upupupupu!
(With that last taunt, the monitor turned off, the bear's laughter still harshly echoing throughout the prison.)
Shiya: See what I mean? The bear said it himself. Don't think we're going to escape without playing along with the bear's game.
Ochiyo: Well, what else are we supposed to do? Not try to escape this place?
Kasumi: Ochiyo's right. We've got to at least attempt at finding a way to not play Monokuma's game. Otherwise, we're just playing into his hands.
Keiko: Is that so? Funny, that seems like a contradiction to me.
Kasumi: GH!
THUD!
(SON OF A-! Again with the knee! As I grit my teeth in pain, I turned my head to see the Ultimate Statistical Analyst seating a few feet away, feasting away at a plate of eggs. I didn't even notice her enter the room, did I? Casually, she pushed away her now-clean plate as she gave me a knowing look.)
Keiko: After all, what you said yesterday is completely against what you're saying now.
Kasumi: Ochiyo, as much as I hate to agree with Ryuunosuke, he's right. With Monokuma telling us that we can only escape by killing each other, we all have motives to murder here. To say otherwise is just being naive.
Keiko: Don't tell me you've suddenly had a change of heart, now.
(I shook my head at that, leaning my elbow on the table as I gave the blue-haired girl a look of my own.)
Kasumi: You've got that wrong. All I said that we can't assume none of us are going to kill each other. That doesn't mean I'm not gonna try to prevent as many deaths as I can, Keiko.
Keiko: Hmph.
(Seemingly satisfied with my answer, both the gunslinger and analyst left. I gave an annoyed sigh, before planting my face on the table.)
Kasumi: Jeez, second day, and I'm suddenly being interrogated by literally everyone here...
Ochiyo: Well, in that case, I'd suggest that you watch your legs. You don't want to keep hurting yourself do you?
Kasumi: Oh, ha ha ha.
SLAM!
(The door slammed open, and it took everything I had not to jump in surprise as a new pair of arrivals walked in. I heard a snicker from across the table, and I shot Ochiyo a dirty look as the Ultimate Pinball Wizard and the Ultimate Bed Tester entered the dining hall. Achiko was in the midst of fiddling with her Monopass, likely looking for any and all new functions she could use in order to promote her image, while Yuuto merely trudged forward, baring on his face the same usual scowl he held.)
Yuuto: Oi, what's for breakfast? I'm fucking hungry, damnit.
Achiko: You don't have to curse every other sentence, you know. Acting like a prick will just make you more unpopular, after all! Shouldn't you be concerned with your image as an Ultimate?
Yuuto: Image? What do you mean by that?
Achiko: I'm just saying, you should take care to-
Yuuto: What are you saying, that I'm short, is that it? You're saying that I'm an ugly little midget, here to amuse you?
Achiko: W-wait, hold on a second, I didn't say that. I'm just saying that you should be concerned about your image, that's all!
Yuuto: I need to work on my image...
Achiko: Y-yeah, that's all!
Yuuto: THAT'S IT!
SLAM!
(Fortunately, before a fight could break out yet again, the doors slammed open once more, and Hachiro stormed in, a bright white grin on the Ultimate Revolutionary's face as he pushed past the other two without so much as a second thought.)
Hachiro: Well, something smells delicious today! Tell me, what do we have in terms of rations today?
Yuuto: Hey! Watch where you're stepping, asshole!
Achiko: Yeah! I could've dropped my Monopass!
Hachiro: Whoops! Sorry, I didn't see either of you there!
Yuuto: Didn't see me-?! Are you making a comment about my height, you son of a bitch?!
(And just like that, the arguments kicked up again. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their childishness. Second day, and already we're starting to get at each other's throats... This doesn't bode well for our time here. Soon enough, at least one of us is likely to try and take up Monokuma's offer of escape... I side-eyed Ochiyo, and she had a similar expression of weariness on her face.)
Ochiyo: This... is going to be a common occurrence, isn't it?
Kasumi: Yup!
Monokuma: Yup!
Kasumi: YEEP!
THUD!
Kasumi: MOTHERFU-!
(Yep. This knee's definitely going to have one hell of a bruise at the end of the day... As I collapsed onto the ground once again, Monokuma's insane laughter rang through the cafeteria, causing everyone to freeze up in surprise. Great. The bear showed up again... what did he want now?)
Monokuma: Upupupupu! Well, someone's jumpy today, aren't we?
Kasumi: Shut... up... Just... shut up...
Monokuma: Fine, fine. I didn't come here for small talk, anyways! Good morning prisoners! Nice to see all of you are out and about this despairfully fine morning! ...is what I would say, but there's two people missing from the group of prisoners today! Where's the grim reaper and the coma victim?!
(Huh... now that I think about it, he's got a point. Neither Yoshino nor Kira had shown up this morning... What are they up to?)
Monokuma: Tsk, tsk, tsk. Honestly, you'd think that people would wake up first thing in the morning just from the sound of my melodious voice! After all, I even wrote up an album which I was so kind to share with you all on your Monopasses!
(A bead of sweat ran down all of our faces at that. I feel bad for anyone that was dumb enough to try and listen to the musical stylings of Monokuma... I do not want to hear what that shrill as hell voice sounds like when singing.)
Monokuma: Aaaanyways, doubting of my incredible skills aside, I just wanted to greet my favorite group of prisoners! Well, my 4th Favorite at least! Upupupupu! Sorry, suckers, but right now you don't even get a medal for your participation! Mayyyyybe if you try to spice things up with a murder, I might bump you up to top three! Upupupupupu! Ah, but enough reminiscing about the past, huh? Let's move on, and make the foundation for a new despairful future together!
(Suddenly, Monokuma's red eye flashed bright as he singled out one student in particular amongst the group.)
Monokuma: By the way, breakfast boy, I heard that comment about my 'stubby little paws'...
Fumio: Uhh...
(Poor guy. He broke out in a cold sweat so fast, I think a puddle formed underneath him. At least, I'd hope that's sweat... Letting out one less psychotic cackle, Monokuma disappeared once more in a blink of an eye. At once, it felt like the atmosphere in the room became several tons heavier.)
Yuuto: On second thought... I ain't hungry anymore.
Achiko: Yeah, me neither...
(It seems like most of the people here had lost their appetite after Monokuma had shown his stupid plush face. Given I had finished my own meal a long time ago, I guess there's no reason for me to hang around here.)
Leave the Dining Hall(YES)
(Might as well explore around. Maybe something interesting's going on around this place... I said my goodbyes to Ochiyo before heading out on my own to find someone else to talk to.)
[FREE TIME BEGINS]
Move to Courtyard
Move to Library
Move to Laundry Room(YES)
Move to the Dorm Rooms
(The Laundry Room... don't think I went there yesterday. It's probably a good idea that I head there so I know where I should be going to clean my clothes.)
(To my surprise, another person was already in the laundry room, squatting in a stool as he looked over the piles of sheets. Hachiro seemed pretty invested in the random piles of fabric strewn around the area, a hand to his chin as he aimlessly fiddled with a pair of scissors in his other hand.)
Talk to Hachiro(YES)
Hachiro: Hm? Ah, good morning, Kasumi! You arrived just in time! Could you help me out with these piles of spare bedsheets? I'd like to use them for a project of mine.
I decided to spend some time with Hachiro.
Kasumi: Sure, I got free time.
(I grabbed another stool, and he handed me another pair of scissors. After he found a bedsheet to his liking, we began cutting long, thin strips of fabric off of it, setting them aside for whatever reason he had planned for them.)
Hachiro: You know, I'm glad that you seem so sympathetic to my cause, Kasumi! Most people around me always look at me and mock my desires to help others, if I may be frank. Tch. Some people are just far too content to sit on the sidelines, y'know?
Kasumi: No problem. Like I said, I didn't really have anything better to do, so I'm glad to help someone out. So... what are we doing exactly? I didn't exactly take you for a seamstress, Hachiro.
(Still, at least it's not like last time we met, where he was boiling freaking gasoline near an open flame. This should be relatively safe, right?)
Hachiro: Ah, this? That's quite simple! These simple cloth strips are going to serve as the wicks for my Molotov Cocktails later. Nothing too major.
Kasumi: ...ah.
(Damnit, Kasumi! Why'd you have to go jinx yourself?!)
Kasumi: Wait a sec, you're still making these things?! Don't you remember that Monokuma's going to kill you if you try and firebomb him again?
Hachiro: Yes, well...
(A sheepish look came over Hachiro's face as he put a hand behind his head, grinning awkwardly.)
Hachiro: Don't laugh, but... making explosives and Molotovs and stuff is kind of... soothing to me, if you get my drift. When I'm putting something together or working on a project, everything feels... calmer, in a sense. Do you feel me?
Kasumi: No, I understand that completely, Hachiro. I feel the same way, actually.
Hachiro: Really? You make bombs in your spare time too?
Kasumi: W-well, not bombs or explosives or anything like that, but I understand the same sentiment.
(I pulled a pack of cards out from my back pocket and held it up in front of Hachiro. I began shuffling them in my hand, the sounds of the cards rustling already calming my nerves.)
Kasumi: I feel like my hands always have to be doing something, or else everything feels... wrong, I guess. It's partly why I took up my talent in the first place.
(I held up the cards with one hand, flourishing the whole deck in a flower fan formation. Hachiro raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed.)
Kasumi: Sleight of hand, card flourishing, cardistry... doing all of that just makes the world feel right, if that makes sense.
(Hachiro gave me one of his trademark wide grins, patting me on the shoulder.)
Hachiro: It makes perfect sense to me, my friend! You with your cards, me with my explosives, I'd say we're kindred spirits, Kasumi! I think we're going to get along quite nicely in this place!
(I couldn't help but grin at Hachiro's near-infectious enthusiasm. He may be a bit of an oddball, but he's a nice guy at heart.)
Hachiro: Now come on, these wicks aren't going to cut themselves, are they?
Kasumi: Sir, yes, sir!
I spent time helping Hachiro cut out cloth wicks for his Molotovs.
Hachiro: Phew... I think that's enough for one day, don't you?
Kasumi: I'll say.
(We'd cut up enough cloth to supply a small army with enough Molotov cocktails to last a century. Here's hoping Monokuma doesn't mind what we did with these bedsheets. ...or anyone else, for that matter.)
Hachiro: Anyway, thanks a lot for helping me out with this, Kasumi. It means a lot to me, genuinely.
(With that, Hachiro gathered up the wicks we'd cut up and put them in a knapsack. With a single wave goodbye, he walked off, looking far more peppy than he did when I first walked in.)
I guess even a hothead like Hachiro has his soft sides, doesn't he?
Move to Courtyard
Move to Library(Yes)
Move to Dining Hall
Move to the Dorm Rooms
(I still got some time to kill... maybe something interesting's going on in the library.)
(The library was as big and as expansive as ever. Honestly, I couldn't help but feel dumber just by standing in this place. Where would I even begin to unpack these scores upon scores of books? Just like when I first met her, Keiko was in here once again, busy on her laptop as ever as she sat in the same corner I found her in last time.)
Talk to Keiko(YES)
Keiko: Hm? Oh, it's you again. What do you want?
Kasumi: Well, I was just walking around, and I thought you might enjoy some company. Do you mind if I hang out with you for a bit?
Keiko: Hmph. I guess I might as well. I have nothing better to do, honestly.
(So what the heck were you doing on your laptop then?)
I decided to spend some time with Keiko.
Kasumi: Hey, Keiko, I've been meaning to ask for a while now.
Keiko: *sighs* What is it?
Kasumi: That... thingamajig on your face. What is it? It looks like a scouter from a fighting tournament anime or some futuristic monocle from a video game.
(At that, Keiko leaned back in her chair, an arrogant grin on her face. Raising a hand to her eye, she turned on that strange eyepiece, and numbers began to fly by across the miniature screen at a dizzying pace.)
Keiko: This is the Statistical Ocular Lens for Information and Data, otherwise known as the SOLID Eye. This device is the single most advanced piece of technology within the business world. Only a handful of people have been given one of these devices, and even fewer of them can truly bring out the full potential of this device. I am one of those people. This is the extent of my dizzying intellect. Do you understand?
Kasumi: Y-yeah...
(How the hell did she even get that something that valuable?! Shouldn't a piece of technology that advanced be crazy expensive or something? Something tells me that this girl is probably stupid rich...)
Keiko: Now then, I have a question for you, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Huh?
Keiko: Your talent. You mentioned before that you were the Ultimate Card Shark, correct?
Kasumi: Huh? Yeah, I am. Why do you ask?
Keiko: Ehahahahaha... Interesting... very interesting.
(Erk... Why do I feel like I'm now being looked at like a lion does a raw steak...?)
Kasumi: Um... is something funny?
Keiko: I was just thinking... our talents are very similar, and yet so very different, wouldn't you agree?
(Huh? What does she mean by that...? Wait a second.)
Kasumi: Oh yeah, you're the Ultimate Statistical Analyst, right?
Keiko: That's correct. My job is centered around analyzing and using statistics and mathematics in order to judge the most valuable course of action to take in any given moment. Some of my colleagues have even gone so far to call me 'The Human Supercomputer'. Business empires rise and fall according to my words. Even the famed Togami Empire hangs onto my every word as an analyst. The legendary Kuzuryu Clan waits with bated breath to hear the results of my studies. The whole world bows before my every word and quivers before my intellect. Can you even begin to comprehend just how much influence I can carry within the world of business?
(No kidding... she's still a high schooler, right?! How the hell can she just do stuff like this?!)
Kasumi: So, what does this have to do with my talent, then?
(Keiko gave off a predatory grin, leaning forward so far she was nearly nose-to-nose with me.)
Keiko: Isn't it obvious? You're the Ultimate Card Shark. If I am the one that analyzes and uses data in order to predict the fates themselves, you are the one who is able to make their own fate through trickery and deceit.
Kasumi: ...I see. So what, you want a duel or something?
Keiko: A duel, a battle of wits, an exchange of intellects, whatever you want to call it. It would be interesting to see which of our talents could be seen as superior, wouldn't you agree? I know you carry a pack of cards on you, so how about we play a game to pass the time?
(Despite myself, I couldn't help but smile as I pulled out the deck of cards from my back pocket. I've gotten a lot of challenges at card games before in my time. What's the harm in taking up one more?)
Kasumi: Alright then... you're on.
I spent time playing card games with Keiko.
Kasumi: Straight flush. Read 'em and weep!
Keiko: Gh! Fine then... I concede. For now.
Kasumi: I'd say that would be my victory, Kei-san! Looks like I earned my Ultimate title, wouldn't you?
(Still, to think I barely won a best three out of five games... Keiko wasn't kidding when she said she was a human supercomputer... I don't think I've ever had a more stressful card game in my life. Said girl flashed me a competitive gaze, and I could tell from the look on her face that she was still raring for more.)
Keiko: Don't get cocky. The next time we play, you won't be the winner. That I can promise you.
(With that, the girl picked up her laptop and stormed out of the library, leaving me alone at the table with my cards. Still, even though she lost, I could tell that she enjoyed herself as much as I did during those games.)
I think I've gotten Keiko to break out of her shell today.
[FREE TIME END]
(With my card partner gone, I was left alone to my devices once again. I was about to just head back to the dining hall, hoping that Fumio's cooking again for lunch, when I heard a loud sound from upstairs.)
THUD!
Kasumi: Huh? What was that?
(That can't be... did someone start up the Killing Game already?! Immediately, I bolted out of my chair and ran up the stairs as fast as I could. Shit, shit, shit! No, it's the first day! It can't already have started!)
Kasumi: No, no, no, no-!
(I rounded the corner to see...)
(Yoshino, standing in front of a display full of busts of three figures I couldn't recognize. One of these figures was a girl around our age. Her face was split into a manic grin as two long pigtails flowed down alongside her head. Said bust was now on the floor, and judging by Yoshino's mutterings and the fact that she was clutching her foot in pain, I'd guess that the source of the noise was the bust dropping on the unfortunate Ultimate Racer's foot.)
Yoshino: Owowowow...
(...I got worked up over this? I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed, honestly.)
Kasumi: Yoshino?
(The racer turned to me in surprise. I guess she didn't notice me walk in. Awkwardly, she put her foot back on the ground and gave me a sheepish smile.)
Yoshino: Well then, Miss Card Shark. I didn't see you walk in.
Kasumi: What are you... doing?
Yoshino: Well, I decided to explore around the library a bit more after Shuei woke me up this morning. I ended up walking into this little hallway. It seems to be a memorial of some sorts. I wanted to get a closer look at who these people were, and... well, you can guess the rest.
(Speaking of which...)
Kasumi: Where is Shuei? I'd figure that you two were practically attached at the hip.
Yoshino: Now, now, Miss Card Shark. I'm not just some lovesick little girl. Shuei has his interests, and I have mine, so it's only natural that we'd like some time to ourselves. That's just what a healthy love life is. But I guess you wouldn't know about that, hm?
(One, ouch. Two, OUCH!)
Kasumi: So what are these statues, by the way?
Yoshino: I was wondering about that myself.
(She picked up the bust of the smiling girl and placed it back on the pedestal it was on. There were two other busts standing in a row. The second bust was of a little girl, probably an elementary schooler, if I had to guess. Her green hair was shaped sorta like cucumbers, if I had to guess, and her eyes were open in a creepy manner, like they'd follow me around if I tried to move. The third one was of another teenager like us, a rather plain-looking girl with long wavy hair that was eventually cut off at the neck, likely because it was too long to fit on a normal bust. Her eyes were blank, hollow and devoid of any emotion or the like, hidden behind a pair of spectacles that were being pushed up by her fingers. Geez... Can you say creepy much?)
Yoshino: If I had to guess... it would seem that these three would likely be previous Head Wardens.
(!)
Kasumi: Wait... did you just say-?
Yoshino: Yes... you picked up on it too, didn't you? Monokuma's only the Vice-Warden here. So it stands to reason that there would be a Head Warden above his position.
Kasumi: Then... these people...
Yoshino: Are people that Monokuma chose to recognize as superiors... Whether they were wardens of Hope's Bastion or leaders of other Killing Games... either way, the fact of the matter is, I'd hazard to guess that Monokuma made these for them.
(Yoshino... I thought she was just a lazy bum... but she's way smarter than I'd ever thought about her. If she's been theorizing about the Head Warden too, then...)
Kasumi: So, Yoshino... why are you peeking into this stuff, then? You don't really seem the type for investigations or stuff.
Yoshino: I have my reasons, Kasumi. And you have yours. Let's leave it at that for now, shall we?
(With that, the Ultimate Racer walked off, slowly and methodically as she hummed to herself, as if that brief bout of seriousness was suddenly turned off by a light switch. She's far more perceptive than I'd ever have thought. Maybe... no, it's too early to try to think of escaping this place. It's best to wait and see what Monokuma has in store. Once more, I felt my stomach begin to rumble. Man, I've been wandering around for a while. I pulled my Monopass off of its lanyard to check the time.)
Kasumi: 5:00PM? Huh. I guess I missed lunch.
Move to Dining Hall(YES)
Kasumi: Guess taking an early diner wouldn't hurt much. Wonder if Fumio's back there again... I'd hope so. That breakfast was to kill for.
(Laughing at my own joke, I walked off in the direction of the dining hall in order to grab something to eat.)
(To my surprise, and admittedly slight disappointment, the dining hall was empty. Guess I wouldn't have some hand-made dinner today. Still, if the guy has his own stuff to do, he has his own stuff to do. Can't expect to be waited on hand and foot in a prison, after all. I wasn't the only one in the dining hall, however. A certain mangaka was seated at a table all by himself, fervently flipping through that notebook of his as he tapped his fancy pen to his chin in thought. I guess it was obvious I'd find him around here. He's the only student I hadn't seen all day.)
Kasumi: Shuei?
(The purple-haired boy looked up from his notes in surprise, before adjusting his glasses.)
Shuei: Ah, Kasumi. How are you doing?
Kasumi: Could be better, I guess. I could not be trapped in jail with a psychotic bear. But I guess things could be worse.
Shuei: Hmmm... intriguing. You continue to surprise me more and more, Miss Ahiru.
Kasumi: Huh?
Shuei: Come, grab something to eat and sit with me. I have something to discuss with you.
(Shrugging to myself, I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a handful of snacks and a can of soda, before taking a seat in front of Shuei. He sat like he was some sort of brilliant schemer you'd find in an action movie or anime. His eyes were hidden behind the glare of his glasses, and his fingers were tented in front of his face in deep contemplation. He looked at me as if somehow, he would find something deep within my soul.)
Shuei: You... you interest me, Miss Ahiru... So much so...
(Okay, this is starting to get kinda creepy...)
Shuei: Ah, apologies. I didn't realize that I was coming across as frightening.
(Wha-?!)
Shuei: Before you ask, I am not an esper. I merely have good intuition.
Kasumi: ...I wasn't going to say that.
Shuei: But you were thinking it.
(Damn, he's good...)
Shuei: Regardless, I guess I should elaborate on my thoughts. Are you familiar with the idea of character archetypes?
Kasumi: Character archetypes? Yeah, those are...
The reason why characters do what they do
Stereotypes on how characters act(YES)
A set of similar characters in Yu-Gi-Oh!
Kasumi: They're basically how characters are expected to act in a story, right?
Shuei: Correct. Each character has an expected behavior or actions they take based on the roles they have. Take our fellow inmates, for example. Achiko is your standard 'small name, big ego', type, who expects others to bow down before her like she is a queen, when she truly is a mere jackass. On the other hand, Odayaka is obviously a young man with a clear complex in regards to his height, compensating these insecurities with a volatile temper and swearing in order to seem more 'adult'. And so on and so forth. Everyone here fits into at least one stereotype or another, wouldn't you agree?
Kasumi: I... guess so? But what does this have to do with me?
Shuei: What interests me about you, is that everything about you, from your manner of dress, to your posture and way you speak, to your talent itself, all of it suggests one thing about you. You are a liar. You are a crook. You are not to be trusted in any way.
Kasumi: If you were expecting me to act like a mysterious gambler who hides everything underneath a mask or something, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Shuei.
Shuei: And that's the thing that makes me curious about you. You are one who seems to openly wear her heart on her sleeve. Something that seems so very counterintuitive to your own choice of profession, speaking your mind without any heed for the consequences of your words. You step into situations you have no real business in, even when there is no direct benefit. You openly try to befriend others and are even willing bare your vulnerabilities for others' sake. I may not be a player of cards myself, but even I can tell that this behavior seems so very counterintuitive to your own talent.
(Wait... has he been spying on me all day? I reached forward, snatching the mangaka's notes from his hand and flipping through them. Sure enough, there were notes upon notes about me, about my actions and behavior all the way up from the previous day. The conversations I had with Hachiro in the laundry room, breakfast with Ochiyo, getting punched by Yuuto, all of it was here, laid bare. I reached across the table, grabbing him by his sweater and dragging him forward angrily.)
Kasumi: What the hell, man?!
Shuei: Tch. I should've expected this. Despite your abnormalities, you're still very similar to others in many respects.
Kasumi: Have you been doing this for everyone?! Spying on-
Shuei: Not everyone. Just persons of interest. Like I mentioned before. Only those who manage to defy the obvious character archetypes gather my interest. Only a handful of people here have managed to do so. Be thankful that you're one of them.
Kasumi: Listen here, you-
(Before I could curse out the boy further, a fist shot out, punching me directly in the throat.
Kasumi: GUHAH!
(On pure instinct, I let go of the boy, before falling to my knees, coughing violently. What the hell...?! I didn't even see his fist move!)
Shuei: I apologize for resorting to violence like that, but you were starting to wrinkle my sweater. Still, I've learned some valuable information from our discussion, and I thank you for that. I hope we can meet again in better spirits.
(With that, the mangaka left the dining hall, leaving me alone. Shakily, I got back to my feet, glaring at his back. Shuei Moritaka... you're definitely a guy I'm going to be keeping my eyes on from now on... Adjusting my tie, I looked down to the food I'd grabbed from the kitchen. Shuei had all but ruined my appetite for the night... still, no sense in wasting perfectly good food. I grabbed what I could and stuffed them into my pockets, before exiting the dining hall.)
Move to the Dorm Rooms(YES)
(Haven't seen anyone around lately... and to be honest, I don't think I'm in the mood for talking anymore regardless. My decision made, I walked off towards the dorm rooms. If nothing else, I could get turn in early tonight.)
(I managed to find my dorm room without much incident, thankfully. Pressing my Monopass to the lock, the door opened with a shunk, just like last time, and I reached out to grab the doorknob to enter-)
Yoshino: Hello there, Miss Card Shark.
(Huh. Deja vu. I turned around to see the Ultimate Racer standing behind me, smiling in that sleepy way she tended to do.)
Kasumi: Evening, Yoshino. What's up?
Yoshino: Look... I talked with Shuei a few minutes ago. He told me what happened. Look, don't take anything personally about Shuei. He just does things like that sometimes. He's never been the most sociable of kids growing up. Trust me, the fact that he's taken an interest at all in you is says a lot.
Kasumi: I'll bet.
(That punch still hurt like a mother... Ugh, hope I don't wake up with a bruise in the morning.)
Yoshino: I'm not saying you have to forgive him exactly. Just don't hold it too against him, alright?
Kasumi: ...sure. Water under the bridge. But tell your boyfriend to learn boundaries, got it? I'd rather not be constantly stalked without my knowing.
(At that, the Ultimate Racer's face softened, and she gave me an even wider grin.)
Yoshino: Deal. Still, you can't deny that things are never boring around him. After all. It's why I'm dating him.
(With that, Yoshino walked off, whistling a tune to herself. Soon enough, I was alone again. Those two are really complete opposites. How the hell did they end up together? Romance is weird. I decided to enter my room before I could end up held up by another conversation.)
(I quickly changed into the bedtime clothes provided by our 'gracious' Vice-Warden Monokuma. The second day within Hope's Bastion could've gone better in all honesty, but at least there were no bodies yet. Here's hoping that lasts for a long time... Grabbing my deck of cards, I flopped down on the bed, before opening a packet of cookies that I'd grabbed from the kitchen. As I snacked on my 'dinner' for the night, I began to shuffle the deck. I pulled the top card of the deck. A single black symbol stared right up at me, an arrow pointing straight ahead.)
Kasumi: Ace of Spades, huh? Just my luck...
(I set the card atop the deck, with the symbol facing upwards, before picking up the whole deck with my free hand. With a flick of the wrist, the Ace of Spades began spinning atop the deck, the black and white of the card blurring into a spiral shape. I sat there, mesmerizing myself as I saw the card spin further and further, slowly letting the grim feelings in my gut fade away. Little did I know...)
(Things were going to get so much worse tomorrow...)
[Monokuma Theater]
Monokuma: Creation is something that makes people unique, don't ya know?
Monokuma: After all, one of the greatest things about being a man or a bear is the ability to make something new from the bottom of their heart!
Monokuma: That's why I started this Killing Game in the first place! It's an expression of my own soul!
Monokuma: People always work to advance life forward and make things better in every way!
Monokuma: First was the sling, then came the bow and arrow, then the cannon, then the gun!
Monokuma: As humans advance, so does their ability to cause destruction and misery!
Monokuma: Isn't creation just a wonderful thing?
A/N: And so ends the first part of Chapter 1! Just a breather chapter right now, no motives or anything yet, just getting to know the cast a little better today. But don't worry, the real show is coming soon... This was my first time writing out the Free Time Events, so I hope that they went down well! Surprisingly, the votes for the first Free Time Event that I made a Strawpoll for an eternity ago ended up as a four-way tie. Damn, I'm guessing that the cast is really popular among folks. After this, I'm going to write up the next two FTEs that tied up with Hachiro and Keiko. By the way, feel free to pitch in your requests for the Free Time Events! I'll tally them up and the majority picks will be selected! Until next time!
Updated A/N: Noticed a big grammar mistake near the end. My bad.