A few seconds of silence followed Yoshiharu's claim. Is there really a secret 24th student? And if so, are they the mastermind of the killing game? I was currently freaking out about the possibilities, but others were having trouble processing what Yoshiharu said.
"Huhhhhh?" Zato's face told it all-he had no idea what the Ultimate DJ was talking about.
"What are you talking about, Yoshi?" Tomo frowned. "Are you feeling well? Do you want me to pray for you?"
"Ugh, no..." Yoshiharu sighed. "What I'm tryna say is, like, this black smudge is, maybe, covering the name of the Ultimate Lucky Student dude...maybe."
"Dude?" Shion raised a brow. "What if it's a girl?"
"Or chick," Yoshiharu rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
"Based on how small the smudge is, your little idea is doubtful." Aya crossed her arms. I looked at the smudge, and sure enough, it took less space up than our names and talents do.
"Well, whatever the smudge is, it seems to be important." Kinuya deduced.
I nodded in agreement. "The person clearly went out of their way to cover it up."
"Setsuna..." I turned my head and saw Hikari looking at straight at me.
"Y-yes?" I hated to admit it, but her gaze made me feel uncomfortable and intimidated.
"Setsuna. Your name is the only one after the black smudge." Hikari pointed out. She was right.
"So?" I frowned. I don't know why it mattered.
Hikari shrugged, and resumed staring at the floor. I couldn't help but feel like me and her were going to have a hard time getting along...
"Uhhh, it's probably nothing." Matthew suggested. "Maybe the mastermind is trying to make Setsuna look bad?"
"Yeah!" Jao agreed, nodding his head enthusiastically. "I trust Setsuna."
"Thanks, guys." I smiled. But I couldn't help but wonder why the mastermind would want to make me look bad? Could it be that they have it out for me? And if so, what the hell did I do?!
All conversation came to a halt as another door opened. As expected, two people walked out-another boy and girl pair.
The girl immediately ran over to us. "Hihihi! I'mTomoeIharatheUltimateBodyguardit'sreallyreallynicetomeetyousorryifimtalkingtoofastimjustreallyexcitedtomeetyou!"
Tomoe Ihara - Ultimate Bodyguard
Well. That happened.
Tomoe is noticeably taller than the rest of us. Despite how energetic she seems, her body is unnaturally thin, likely a result of struggling in the Tragedy. She has bright orange hair, reaching down to her neck, and a fringe that reaches her green eyes. She wears a simple outfit - a blue tanktop, a bright red jacket, tattered jeans, and blue and white sneakers.
To be honest, I don't know a lot about Tomoe, which is strange. I've heard of a majority of these people due to looking at files of people the Future Foundation has saved, but I can't recognize Tomoe's name for the life of me...It's possible she never took shelter in a Future Foundation safe house.
"Wow, slow down there." I chuckled. "I'm Setsuna Arai, the Ultimate Test Subject."
"Nice to meet you, Setsuna!" Tomoe smiled, reaching out her hand. I slowly took it, and she violently shook my hand.
"If you need anything, anything at all, I'm your girl!" She offered, letting go of my hand (thankfully). "It'd be an honor!"
Then, her expression turned serious, which spooked me a bit. "Seriously. I'll do anything to protect my clients." Then, without further warning, she bounced away, stopping in front of Shinya, who didn't even look up after she started talking.
Oh boy, she seems like a handful.
The boy, clearly reluctant, came up to talk to me. He sighed, not even trying to act like he was happy to meet me. "Ugh...My name is Chiharu Enomoto...the Ultimate Young Adult Novelist..."
Chiharu Enomoto - Ultimate YA Novelist
Chiharu continues the pattern of having messy hair. However, I will say, his curly, dark brown hair looks more styled than most of the other people here. His eyes are a sparkly ocean blue, and are framed by a pair of glasses. I noticed a star shaped birthmark on the left side of his neck, and a mole on his right hand on his tanned skin. He wears a dark blue buttoned shirt, a black and grey sweater vest, and dark grey dress pants with dark brown loafers. I squinted, and saw that the bracelet on his arm has a nameplate attached, with his initials. He also wears a ring with a sapphire gem.
I almost squealed when I saw Chiharu come out of the door! I mean, he's the Chiharu Enomoto, the author of my all-time favorite book! I won't get into the details, but I'll just say that it's every girl's dream to have what happened in the book happen to them! Chiharu's books are so popular, that even males can't help but read them.
Chiharu seemed to notice the look in my eyes and nodded. "You're a fan of my work? You could help me with my next book, if you want. But by the looks of things, and with my luck, we're probably not getting out of here alive."
I frowned at the negativity but smiled at the offer. "That'd be so cool, and a tremendous honor, Chiharu."
He nodded once again, and reluctantly started to introduce himself to everyone else.
While everyone was distracted by the introductions of Tomoe and Chiharu, I noticed another door open. Once again, a boy and a girl stepped out. The girl had a face of annoyance, and the boy a face of frustration as he violently jotted things down in a notebook. I could only imagine what happened in the room...
The girl approached me first, walking with a sense of gracefulness, but she also moved very cautiously, like she was afraid she'd fall over.
"Hello. I am Noriko Matsumoto, known as the Ultimate Ice Skater. I hope we get along." The girl's words were kind, but her facial expression remained cold.
Noriko Matsumoto - Ultimate Ice Skater
Noriko, in short, looks like a beautiful ice princess. Her white, shoulder-length hair is held up by her signature sky blue headband. Her skin is a beautiful cinnamon color, and on her face she has white blotches due to vitiligo. In my opinion, it makes the ice skater even more beautiful. She is rather tall and skinny, giving her a lanky appearance. She has dark blue eyes. Noriko wears a knee-length sapphire blue dress, white tights, and white high tops.
Noriko's story is a little depressing. From what I know, her family members are very talented dancers, but whatever reason, she could never find her groove. Then, she discovered she was an extremely talented ice skater, and began to make something of herself. But unfortunately, the Tragedy struck soon after. Hopefully, she can now show the world what she's made of.
Noriko stumbled a bit after strutting away, not even saying bye. I tried not to take it personally, but I couldn't help but feel like I could've made a better impression. I'll redeem myself next time...
Wait, what am I saying? Noriko isn't some princess I need to impress or anything...geez, her ice princess image is starting to affect me.
The boy came over, holding a finger up as if to silence me. "Wait, don't tell me your name!"
He looked down at his notebook, turning pages and constantly glancing upwards at me. "White hair, girl..." I could hear him mumble.
"Ah!" He suddenly exclaimed, grinning. "Noriko Matsumoto, the Ultimate Figure Skater!"
"Um, not exactly..." I nervously laughed. "I'm Setsuna Arai, the Ultimate Test Subject..."
"Oh damn it, you're right..." He sighed, his smile instantly dropping. I saw him write in his notebook: Noriko = short hair, blue eyes and Setsuna = long hair, golden eyes.
"Sorry about that...Anyways, I'm Matsuda Minori, the Ultimate Informant. We might have this conversation a couple of more times - I'm an amnesiac, you see..." Matsuda revealed.
Matsuda Minori - Ultimate Informant
Matsuda has blue hair that spikes messily downward. His eyes are a light blue. The poor boy looked a little underweight (maybe he forgets to eat?). Matsuda wears a red t-shirt with some dark stripes and white highlights. Drawn on the chest is a green alien head, and pink Japanese text which reads "Out of this world". He also wears white shoes with red laces. On his belt loops is a grey strap that holds his journal.
An amnesiac, huh? I kinda feel a little nervous, I've never met one before! I remember the day of Matsuda's incident (I can't recall exactly what happened): everyone was freaking out, Matsuda Minori, one of the most intelligent people the Future Foundation saved, who even worked with them, developed a type of amnesia that prevents his brain from making new memories. Apparently, he carries his journal around to help him with his disability.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you can overcome this!" I exclaimed, trying to lift his spirits.
"It's not really something you can overcome." He said, writing something in his notebook.
"Oh..." I slowly nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's fine." Matsuda claimed, finally putting his notebook down. I saw frustration and sadness in his eyes. It must be tough not being able to remember things.
"Anyways, I should introduce myself to the others." He sighed, pulling out his notebook once more. He walked away.
I was left alone, watching the two doors that hadn't been opened yet. I was getting a little worried. There were only four people who I haven't met yet, and we all know what happens after all of the students meet each other. I shudder just thinking about potentially meeting...him.
Thankfully, my thoughts were quickly pushed to the back of my mind as another door opened. However, only one girl stepped out. I was a little confused, but then I heard something rolling on the ground, and a girl in a wheelchair came out as well.
The girl in the wheelchair was probably the most put-together person I've seen thus far. Her heart-shaped face is framed by wavy, ebony hair, with bangs swept to the left side of her face. She is a slim girl with light skin, and an above average bust (no, I'm not jealous..). Her eyes are black, and full of mystery. She wears what looks to be a typical school uniform; dress shirt, black skirt, knee socks, a grey cardigan, and black penny loafers.
The other girl is probably the shortest person here, and I haven't even met the last two people, standing at about 4'. She has chestnut hair flowing down to her waist, and matching colored eyes. She wears an orange jacket over a red shirt, blue jeans, with charred spots along the lower leg, and industrial boots with burn spots.
Me being the closest one to their door, they approached me first.
"Hiii!" The girl with red hair skipped towards me. "Uh, do you know where we are? Cause I sure don't!"
"No, sorry." I shook my head. "But the signs so far point to this being a killing game..."
"I see..." The ebony-haired girl slowly nodded. "This is unfortunate..."
"Don't worry, we'll get out of here." I smiled.
"Hopefully! Anyways, I'm Hiru Hikage, the Ultimate...Arshinist? Not really sure how to say it, but whatever!"
Hiru Hikage - Ultimate Arsonist
Arshinist? Does she mean arsonist?! Um, I don't really know how that's a talent, but OK...If I remember correctly, the Future Foundation had put out an APB for someone named Hiru, for some reason. She can't be a Remnant of Despair since the Future Foundation doesn't put out APBs for them, so she must've just been making trouble. Probably with fire.
"That's...interesting..." I akwardly smiled, not exactly sure how to introduce myself to an arsonist.
"Yeah, it's really fun!" Hiru beamed, seemingly oblivious to how bad arson is. "But Magane doesn't really think so..."
"I already explained to you how wrong being an arsonist is, Hiru." The ebony-haired girl, presumably Magane, sighed.
"Hey, come on, 'lighten' up!" Hiru giggled, then cringed. "Ew, forget I said that!" And with that, she quickly walked away.
"She is certainly something..." I commented, watching her bother Hikari and Shinya, who both stood away from the group.
Magane nodded. "Hello. I am Magane Kiryuu, the Ultimate Music Thanatologist. And yes, you may recognize my name from somewhere else, but please forget about that; it doesn't matter now."
Magane Kiryuu - Ultimate Music Thanatologist
Don't ask me how, but I actually know a little about Magane's talent. Basically, when a patient in a hospital is dying, she will play music for them, to soothe them and their loved ones. I've heard through the grape vine that her specialty is the harp, and hearing her play is like hearing the soundtrack to Heaven. And yes, I do recognize her name from somewhere other than Music Thanatology, but I can't remember from where...
"Um, not to be invasive, but can I ask what happened to your leg?" I asked. "Something during the Tragedy?"
Magane averted her eyes. "No, before."
"Oh..." I slowly nodded, sensing that I should shut up.
And once again, a door opening saved me from this conversation. I realized that this is the last door left, which left a sick feeling in my stomach.
But, all discomfort and worry was wiped away when a familiar face walked out of the door, with an unfortunately familiar boy behind her.
"Setsuna!" My friend smiled, jogging over to me.
"Setsuna." My arch-nemesis smirked, walking over to me.
I ignored him. Greeting my friend was more important than arguing with my enemy.
"Michie!" I quickly embraced her once she drew near.
Michie is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, inside and out. She has long, slightly curled jet black hair and wide sky-blue eyes. Her tan face is sparsely dotted with freckles on her nose and cheeks. She wears a white, V-neck dress with a blue rose pattern on it, grey ballet flats, and a white daisy choker.
"I didn't know you enrolled in Hope's Peak!" I playfully punched her in the shoulder. "I thought when you left, they transferred you to somewhere else."
"No, no, I mailed the application and then got the acceptance letter almost right away! Because of my 'status', Hope's Peak insisted on me staying at the campus. Apparently, it was safer. Anyways, I'm so sorry, it all happened so fast!" Michie explained, putting on a fake sad frown.
"It's OK," I giggled. "And lemme guess, you're the Ultimate Psychologist?"
Michie Anno - Ultimate Psychologist
Michie nodded. "Yup!"
I should probably explain, right? Basically, Michie is someone I met during my time at the shelter. She works with the Future Foundation, helping survivors that the FF saved, who went through traumatizing times. In fact, despite her young age, she even got to study under Miaya Gekkogahara, the Ultimate Therapist herself. We became super close during the Tradegy, and I'm a little relieved I know someone here. But it's also a little distressing, seeing as she's with him...
"Setsuna, how could you forget about me?" Speaking of the devil, he quickly inched his way toward me.
I sighed. "...Hello, Puck..."
"Hehehe, hi Setsuna!" Puck grinned. "Long time no see, huh?"
I glared at him. "Don't even think about talking about...that."
"Talking about what?" Michie frowned. "Do you two know each other."
"Um, nothing!" I quickly replied. "And unfortunately, yes..."
"So this means we're classmates right?" Puck giggled. "But what the heck are you talented at? I'm the Ultimate Jester, so I'm expecting a lot from you, since you're soooo perfect.."
Nicholas "Puck" Falstaff - Ultimate Jester
Puck, befitting of his talent, is donned in a purple and black jester outfit, sans the hat and shoes. He is a short boy, standing at only 5'4", and is also pretty skinny, with a little bit of muscle on him. He has tan skin and dark green hair and eyes, the former being short and curly and the latter having a playful, mischevious glint in them. He wears black dress shoes, a checkerboard bow tie, and a black mask that covers everything below his eyes.
Nicholas "Puck" Falstaff, the worst person I've ever met. I had the displeasure of living with him at a shelter, and lemme tell you; he's rude, lazy, sarcastic, and annoying. Him? A student of Hope's Peak Junior High? What a joke! Even his talent is a joke! Argh! His existence just makes me so mad! And I'll never forgive him for what he did...
"If you're really that interested, I'm the Ultimate Test Subject." I answered.
Puck pretended like he was spitting out a drink. "Test Subject?! Hahaha, what the hell is that? Do you have some super powers or something?"
Michie shook her head at Puck's words and sighed.
"I'm not going to bother explaining things to you, and don't judge my talent before you've seen me in action." I glared. "I may not have gotten to show you my talent in the shelter, but you'll surely see it demonstrated here."
"We'll see, Sunset!" Puck smirked.
I frowned as he said his 'nickname' for me, but then quickly smiled. "Definitely, Nicholas."
The mention of his real name made his smile drop, and he stormed away.
"He's...unpleasant." Michie said after he was gone.
"Yeah, definitely." I sighed.
"Hey, that makes 23, right?" Jao realized. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to him.
"Wow, that's, uh, a lot of people..." Matthew nervously looked around.
"Yay, more friends!" Zato cheered.
"I don't think friends is an accurate word to use for us..." Aya frowned. "After all, if this is a killing game, enemies would be more befitting."
"Hey, maybe this is a killing game, maybe it isn't; whatever the case may be, we should try to be positive." Matsuda urged.
"Yes, if we just start trusting each other now, nothing bad will happened." Kinuya nodded.
"Trust?" Noriko frowned. "In a situation like this?"
"Why not?" Izumi asked. "Believing in each other would be the best course of action, no?"
"Speak for yourself," Haru huffed. "One of us is probably planning to kill someone right now."
"Don't say that!" Chiharu yelled, pulling his hair in frustration. "They'll probably come after me!"
"Hopefully." Puck chuckled.
"Ugh, isn't that bear supposed to show about soon?" Tomoe scratched her head.
"...Yes, Monokuma usually appears shortly after the introductions." Kazuko nodded, clenching her fist. "And when he does..."
"Hey, guys, can we just promise not to kill each other right now?" Hiru asked.
"Yeah, I doubt that'd work." Shion sighed.
"Oh, Inari, please save us from this killing game..." Tomo prayed.
"The Future Foundation is probably looking for us by now..." Magane said.
"But can they really save us?" Hikari countered.
It was a question we all knew the answer to...As much as we wanted to be saved from this, we all know what happened the first two times. The FF tried everything in their power to save them, but it ultimately failed in the end.
Silence followed Hikari's ominous words, until he of all people broke it.
"The door." Shinya said.
"W-what?" I asked, turning to him.
"...Look at the door at the end of the hallway." Shinya clarified.
I did so and almost gasped. The door was open now.
"W-when did that happen?" Toshi gulped.
"I don't think that matters right now." Michie admitted. "We should go."
Everyone silently agreed, and we started to file out of the hallway. Then, I felt an arm hold me back.
Turning around, I was met with familiar neon green eyes.
"Yoshiharu? Is something wrong?" I questioned.
"Naw, just wanted to check up on my homie." Yoshi smiled.
"Oh, well, I'm doing OK, considering." I laughed humourlessly.
"Don't worry, dawg, we'll get through this." Yoshi claimed. "And don't worry, I got your back."
"Thanks." I smiled. "I got yours too." I couldn't explain it, but I felt some sort of connection to Yoshiharu. Maybe because we woke up together?
"Alright, well, if you're chill, I'm chill." He nodded. "Let's go."
And with that, we left the hallway.
We left the hallway only to end up in another, that only traveled in one direction. It looked very similar, except this time there were no windows. Also, there weren't any doors and the hallway was much more narrow.
Everyone was silent, probably all nervous. Or maybe that was just me...
We walked for what seemed like forever, until we hit a dead end, with nothing but a weird, metal door. Shinya, who was at the front of the group, wasted no time in turning the knob and opening it.
We slowly walked in.
Walking into the room was like walking into a different world. For one, unlike the hallway we were in before, this room was expensive looking and a little futuristic.
But before I could take it all in, a very, familiar, malevolent voice spoke.
"Upupupu...greetings, children of the future!"
A/N: Sorry for the late update; finals are consuming my life right now. Anyways, this is the last of the introductions! Hopefully, you guys can remember everyone, haha. As always, please let me know if I can potray your character better. Also, before anyone says anything, please know that your character might not get as much screen time as another sometimes. Keep in mind that there are 22 OCs to write for, so it's very difficult to give everyone the same amount of dialogue as everyone else. Thank you guys for reading, and please make sure to give your thoughts on this chapter! :)