"Ah, so if I perform on these dates I'll earn more fans?" Asks a girl, excited.
"Theoretically, assuming my predictions are correct. However even if I'm wrong, you should still get a decent amount of success." I reply.
"Thank you so much! I'll be sure to make it up to you someday!" She says.
"Don't worry about it. If this helps you get closer to your dream, then your success is all I ask for. Good luck, Maizono."
"The hell?!" I exclaim as I sit up. I look around to find a dark room. I'm sitting on a hard mattress, and I see the outline of a larger bed to my left. At the edge of the mattress my bag rests against a wall. I'm wearing pyjamas. I grab my bag and look through it, finding everything where it always is, but now a set of clothes well-suited for outdoor use is piled on top. I take out my notebook and a flashlight, and flip to the last page with writing, pointing the light at it.
I was captured by the Ultimate Despairs Fuyuhiko, Nekomaru and Peko. Shortly after capture they brought me to a bridge where they tried to make an example of some Future Foundation leaders, but it turned out to be a rescue mission for me. They brought me to their HQ and after a long series of events I'm now their official strategist, paired up with Ultimate Therapist and 7th Division Head Miaya Gekkogahara. I've settled down with her and this is my first night. Someone managed to hack her and we deduced that there's a high likelihood of a traitor existing amongst the Future Foundation Heads. Tomorrow is my first day here working. Good night.
I see, I'm in the Future Foundation's HQ, presumably sharing a room with Gekkogahara seeing as how there's another bed next to me and I'm on the floor. I'll ask her about what I've forgotten. However what concerns me is that dream... Who was that girl? That... 'Maizono'. How did I dream about someone I don't know? Perhaps I knew them and forgot, but my subconscious didn't? As the Ultimate Therapist I suppose I should ask her about this later. What time is it? I stand up and point the flashlight around the room slowly, avoiding the bed so as not to disturb the woman I assume is sleeping there. Nothing. I suppose if there's a nightstand there should be a clock of some form on it. I carefully shift the beam of light towards the side of the bed, and I start to see a silhouette. That must be her. She's laying on her side, hugging a bolster and sleeping soundly. No snoring. There's nothing on the right side of the bed. I point the light at the floor until it reaches the other side, and I raise it to find a nightstand. Now to quietly reach it.
I lower the flashlight and tiptoe to it slowly, and as I near it I shine the light on it again. There's a small device on it. I turn off the flashlight as I reach it, and lift up the device. Feeling around the edges I find a small button. This must be the power button. I press it and the device lights up, showing a photo of a woman's face with blue hair and eyes, and the name 'Miaya Gekkogahara' under it. There's a keyboard at the bottom of the screen, and a line above it. A password. On top of the photo is the time, at the top left is the strength of internet connection and at the top right is the battery percentage. It's 3am. I turn off the device and carefully set it down, before tiptoeing back to my mattress and lying back down. Better rest a bit more, apparently I'm going to be working today.
"Oh, hi. I'm Makoto Naegi, the Super High School Level Luckster." Says a boy.
"Hey, I'm the Ultimate Strategist, your senior. Luck, huh? You've got a senior with that title. He's pretty weird though, but if you can handle it feel free to tell me and I'll tell him to find you." I say.
"Thanks but I think I'll pass. Ultimate Strategist, huh? You must've had a pretty interesting life." He says, looking to the side. He's probably thinking, They worked hard, not like me. I got here through sheer luck.
"Not really, just lots of thinking. Here's some advice: Don't look up to your friends too much. It's undeniable that they've all been through a lot to get here, but don't underestimate yourself. I told your senior this too. We were all born with our talents. That means no one here is better than the others." I say.
"Thanks. I'd better go to class now then. See you later!" He says as he turns to walk away.
"Bye." I say, turning to my own class.
"Stra..." What the hell is that? I slowly open my eyes.
"Strate..." There it is again. I blink a few times.
"Strategist?" The strange voice calls. I rub my eyes and sit up. "Oh, good. You're awake."
I look to the source of the voice, a young woman in front of a computer. Miaya Gekkogahara, Future Foundation 7th Division Head, Ultimate Therapist, my partner. I'll inform her of my memory loss and... interesting dreams later. First to greet her. "Good morning, Gekkogahara. Sleep well?"
The sound of typing echoes from her corner and the voice replies. "Yes, thank you for asking Strategist. How about you?"
"I slept well I guess. I guess I should ask this now, but are you talking through your computer?" I ask, standing up.
Typing again. "Yes. I've spoken to you like this since yesterday." The computer says.
"Well uh yeah, I forgot everything. I read my notebook and apparently the Future Foundation rescued me and now I'm paired up with you. Can you fill me in?" I ask, and she turns to face me, confused. After a few moments she nods, and turns back to type. A few seconds pass and the computer begins to talk.
"Okay then. You met me and the rest of the Future Foundation Division Heads yesterday after they rescued you. After some discussion we concluded that you'd be best off in my hands, so they paired us up. After some time we set up the mattress you slept in and agreed to share this room and office. While you showered, I got a mysterious call and after you finished we discussed it and came to the conclusion that at least one Future Foundation leader is an Ultimate Despair in disguise. You decided that the best way to find out is to befriend them all and we'd dissect the conversations to find out who is and isn't one. I think that's all."
Alright, that makes sense. Now I need to find out about my job. "Okay, so seeing as I'm the Ultimate Strategist and my notebook said I'd be working, can you tell me about my job?"
She types again, and the computer speaks. "Certainly. You have been given the responsibility to help with planning and improving any that are brought to you. You'll most likely be working with the 2nd and 6th Divisions the most, as they are centered around military and policing. You accepted this responsibility yesterday."
Makes sense. "Alright then, but how is this gonna work? Do I just sit around here until someone asks for me?"
A few moments of typing. "Yes. I'll be informed if you're needed somewhere. Until then just keep yourself busy with something in here. Please try not to leave or make too much noise as I work in the office right outside. If you'd like to bathe, I've gotten soap and shampoo for you, but I'm not sure of your preference so I just got the first ones I found in the men's section." As the sentence ended, she looked down and I could see her face tinged with a shade of red.
"Okay, thank you. One last question, why do you speak through the computer?" I ask, reaching into my bag for my clothes.
"Oh, I suppose you forgot. I'm very shy, so I don't talk, instead preferring to use a program I made called Usami, who acts as a voice and avatar for me. Sorry, this must be very weird for you."
"No, it's fine. I'll shower now. Oh, what time is it? Shouldn't you get ready for work?" I ask as I walk to an open door leading to a bathroom.
"I've already bathed. It's almost 8am. Work starts at 9am. I'll be outside from now on. Please make yourself at home. Oh also, don't turn on the TV. Do you remember the Mutual Killing Game?"
Mutual Killing Game? Hmm... Ah! "A game set up by someone in the old Hope's Peak school building where the 78th class are forced to kill each other, right?"
"Yup! Well that's always playing and I don't want to risk you getting brainwashed, so please don't use the TV. I'll go now then." Usami says as Gekkogahara stands up and sees me in front of the bathroom with my clothes in my hands. Her face falls as she quickly leans back over the keyboard to type something. "Please don't reuse your old clothes! I have some clothes that I estimated should fit you. They're in the closet with mine, separated by a divider."
"Thanks." I reply as I open the closet's left door and find... a few sets of solid black outfits and... various bras and panties. I quickly shut the door and turn to look at her, hoping she didn't see that, which she thankfully didn't. However, she's very obviously blushing as she finishes typing something.
"I didn't manage to get you any underwear because I didn't know your... um... size." Usami says, and Gekkogahara stands up straight, shuffling her feet awkwardly and taking a few deep breaths, before typing again. "Sorry! I'm going to work now! Please come out as soon as you finish so you can get some undergarments." Usami says as Gekkogahara walks rather quickly past me, leaving the room. Well this was eventful. Anyways this side should have my clothes. I open the right door and find a few sets of shirts and shorts of varying types, and I settle on a simple dark blue cotton t-shirt and matching dark blue cotton shorts.
I throw my old clothes onto my bed and take off the pyjamas that I just realized are dark green. I throw those onto the bed with my old clothes and close the door as I enter the bathroom. I place my dark blue clothes on a rack next to a couple of towels. One of these must be Gekkogahara's and the other is mine, which I probably used yesterday, but which one? Ah! She just showered this morning whereas I probably showered last night, meaning the dryer one should be mine! I hold the one on the left in my hands and find it quite wet. If the other one is dry then this is hers. I try the other one and... it's completely dry, so this is definitely mine. I take it off the rack and fold it and place it on my clothes to identify it, and enter the shower. Closing the curtain I see a small shelf with four bottles in total. Two of these must be Gekkogahara's soap and shampoo and the other two are mine. Head and Shoulders, Sunsilk, Dove and Lifebuoy are their names. I guess Sunsilk and Dove belong to her, since their names sound more feminine. I hope I'm right, and I turn the knob and water begins to pour. Wow that feels nice. Damn, I'm gonna be enjoying this. No, I gotta hurry, she's waiting and she doesn't have all day. I grab the shampoo and turn off the water, and start to clean my hair.
Ring, ring. Ring- click.
"Who is this?"
"It's Gekkogahara."
"Ah, what is it?"
"The strategist forgot yesterday's events this morning. When I woke him up, he only knew what his notebook told him. He also retains memory of major things, such as the state of the world and the Mutual Killing Game, but he forgot everything else such as the meeting, the names of the other Division Heads who he met and so on."
"I see... Maybe his memory resets daily?"
"It's a possibility, but I told you so you can help inform the others if he's needed. Could you help with that?"
"Sure thing, Gekkogahara. Bye."
Click.
Sakakura would be the first person to call about this. Eventually I'll have to call everyone though. One thing at a time, Munakata...
Alright, that was refreshing! I stretch in my new clothes and look in the mirror. Damned long hair, it's such a hassle to dry. My mouth feels weird, I suppose I should brush my teeth. Actually, have I eaten? Not breakfast, and with how hungry I am I'm guessing I didn't get dinner either. I walk out of the bathroom and fold my old clothes and pyjamas, and place them at the foot of my mattress. I pick up my bag and quickly check inside, finding everything still there. I close it up and put it on, walking to the exit. Wait, her office is probably there. Ah, a peephole. I look through and see her sitting alone in a large modified wheelchair, with a large monitor covering most of her small frame. I knock on the door twice to let her know I'm coming in, and walk into the office. Immediately I hear typing.
"Hello Strategist! Did you enjoy your shower?" Usami asks.
"Yeah. Firstly, was your soap and shampoo the Dove and Sunsilk? Oh, and which towel was yours?" Come on, tell me I was right...
"Oh! Yes, that was mine. For the towel, I believe I hung it on the left of the rack." She replies. Yes! I knew it!
"Phew, I chose the right one. So, where can I get my clothes and stuff?"
"There's a few storage rooms with various objects. Clothes, bathing supplies, some canned food and boxes of sweets and so on. The nearest one is on this floor. When you leave this office, turn right and follow that hallway to the end, where it splits to left and right. Turn right and follow that hallway till the end and it's the door on your left, labeled 'storage'."
"Okay, thanks. Oh, how does food work here? Is there a cafeteria or something?" I'm starving...
"Yes, but ordering food is also an option for the Division Heads. I prefer to order, but some of them go to the cafeteria when they're not too busy or to take a break. Would you like to order something or will you eat there?" Usami asks. I think I'll hold off on the unnecessary socialization.
"I'd rather have something ordered, please. Whatever's fine, just some food and a drink and I'm good. Is that okay, Gekkogahara?" She nods, and I start to walk out. "Thanks. I'll come back soon. See ya."
I exit the room to find myself in a larger waiting area with a receptionist at the corner behind a large table. I walk to the exit and she looks up at me in shock. From that reaction she probably didn't know I was staying here. Wait, if she doesn't know, and I just came out of Gekkogahara's office in the morning before work hours, where her bedroom is... Oh she better not start any rumors. I stop walking and look her in the eyes, glaring at her as intimidatingly as I can. She seems to catch my meaning and gulps, nodding. I look away and leave the room, following Gekkogahara's instructions and turning right. The end is in a few meters, so I walk down it and turn, bumping into someone and staggering back. I focus my attention forward to find a strange woman on the floor in front of me. She has strange gray hair and a mask covers her mouth. She's also wearing purple gloves, and she's almost completely covered in clothing. Is everyone here like this?
"Sorry about that, I should've payed more attention." I say, reaching out a hand. "I'm the Ultimate Strategist."
She stops for a moment and looks at me in confusion, before grabbing my hand and pulling herself up. She's really light. "Umm... Hi? You already introduced yourself yesterday..." She says.
"I have? Ah, that must mean you're a Future Foundation leader. Sorry, but I've forgotten about the events that transpired yesterday. Would you mind re-introducing yourself?" I ask.
"Um sure... My name is Seiko Kimura, the Utimate Pharmacist and 4th Division Head." She says, as she starts to walk past me. "Sorry for bumping into you like that..."
"No, don't apologize. You didn't expect anyone to come around that corner so you have nothing to apologize for. I could've been more careful and known you were there but I didn't, so I'm sorry." I reply, and she stops next to me. She turns to face me and I look into her eyes.
"Um... Thank you." She says quietly.
"Don't thank me. You're a good person. You should be more confident. The world could use more people like you." I reply, smiling. She nods and walks away, and I continue down the hallway. I reach the end and, as Gekkogahara said, the door on my left is labeled 'Storage'. I knock twice and enter, finding myself in a fairly large room with several tall shelves full of boxes filled with various items. Nothing is labeled, so I begin to look through the shelves.
After some time looking around I find a box with men's underwear, but they're all too small. I look into the box next to it and find a slightly larger size, so my size should be next to this. Yup, there they are. I grab a few pieces, and after some looking I find toothbrushes and toothpaste. As I walk to the exit I find a box of neatly folded suits. Each set consists of a jacket and trousers of varying matching colors, and as expected the box next to it has differently colored dress shirts and ties, and the box next to that has various shoes. After making sure they fit, I settle on a dark red jacket, tie and trousers and a white dress shirt, and a set of dark red leather shoes. I think this looks pretty good. I fold them up and cover my underwear with them, my new shoes underneath the pile. I carry everything with both hands, and leave the room. Some walking later I arrive at Gekkogahara's waiting room, where I shoot the receptionist another glare and continue walking to her office. I hold my clothes in my palm as I knock on the door and enter, finding Gekkogahara with a spoon raised halfway to her lips.
"I'm back." I say as the door closes. Gekkogahara puts down her spoon and wipes her hands with a piece of tissue before typing.
"What's that?" Usami asks.
"I saw some formal attire and got a set just in case I need it." I reply. "Oh, I met Kimura on the way. Well I actually quite literally bumped into her."
"Seiko Kimura? You might have ruined your chances at befriending her with that! What did you say?" Usami asks. I guess she's worried.
"I apologized and helped her up, but she apologized too. I told her she didn't have to and told her to be more confident, seeing as her voice was really quiet." I reply, opening the bedroom door. "Is my food in here?"
"Yes, I placed it next to my computer. Please don't spill anything, I got you omelette and toast with some hot chocolate since I didn't know if you liked coffee." Usami replies, and I nod and enter the room. I place the clothes in my half of the closet and put the toothbrush and toothpaste next to the sink, before sitting at her desk where the plate of food and the mug of chocolate were waiting. I grab the utensils and begin to eat, making sure not to drop or spill anything. Damn, this tastes great! The only food I remember eating are canned food that I just open and eat.
15 minutes later
I let out a small burp as I finish the last of my chocolate. Well that was a good meal. Guess I'm gonna be waiting awhile for my first task. How should I entertain myself? I guess I'll dispose of these first... where's the trash can? There's one next to the nightstand but it only contains tissues, so I don't want to dirty it. If she's free I'll ask her. I grab the plate, cup and utensils and walk up to the door, looking through the peephole. There she sits, typing and clicking away in silence. I knock twice and open the door, steeping into her office.
"Hey, what do I do with these?" I ask, gesturing to the trash.
"Ah, leave them here with me. The morning trash collectors will be here soon." Usami replies, and I set down the objects on top of her empty plate.
"Thanks. Let me know if you need anything, or if someone asks for me." I say as I turn back to the room and close the door behind me. I sit down at the edge of her much softer bed and find myself lying down in happiness. This is a really nice bed, no wonder she could sleep so soundly. As I enjoy laying there a doorbell interrupts my enjoyment. I stand up and go to the door, opening it. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Strategist." Replies the man standing in front of me. I have to look up to him, and his large and intimidating stature makes him look like a hell of a fighter. Well with those muscles he probably is. "Come with me."
"Sure, but do you have a dress code, or is this good enough?" I ask, grabbing my bag. He looks me over and looks down in thought, before sighing.
"You have anything formal? The others will take you more seriously with a suit or something." He says, looking back up at me.
"I got a suit just now. Wait with Gekkogahara, I'll change real quick." I say, and he nods as I close the door. I quickly remove my clothes and fold them, palcing them back in the closet. I put on some underwear, wear the dress shirt and button it up, put on the dark red trousers and dark red jacket, which I leave unbuttoned, and put on my new shoes. Lastly, I grab my bag and open the door. "I'm done."
The man looks me over and nods, then turns to face Gekkogahara. "Thanks, I'll give him back when I'm done." He says, and he starts to leave, gesturing for me to follow. I walk after him, smiling at Gekkogahara as I leave, who I swear was blushing again. Guess I look good in a suit. I follow the man as he walks out of the waiting room, and I jog to catch up to him. Damn these absurdly large and tall people. As he turns left, he speaks. "Munakata told me you forgot, so I'll introduce myself again real quick. I'm the 6th Division Head, Juzo Sakakura, the Ultimate Boxer."
"Thanks. I take it this Munakata is the boss around here. Gekkogahara must've told him then." I say as we enter a lift and he presses the button labeled '2'. "So, what do you need me for?"
He folds his arms and takes a breath before speaking. "Yesterday we rescued you after straight up fighting a few Ultimate Despairs. That night, Gekkogahara got a mysterious phone call. This morning, I received reports that all Ultimate Despair activity completely stopped. A few brave guys went out on their own to try and confront them, but not one of them came out. It's too weird, so Munakata and I decided we'd get you and discuss what to do."
As he finished, we arrived and the doors opened. We walk out and I follow him down a few hallways in complete silence. Eventually, we reach a door labeled 'Meeting'. He opens the door and we enter to find... a large room with damaged walls and splinters all over the floor. A few people are standing around and some are seated behind individual desks, but at the back of the room I see a man with white hair sitting still at a table.
"Munakata, we're here." Sakakura says, walking over to and standing behind him, leaning on the wall.
"Welcome, Strategist, to your first meeting."
AN Stuff
So here ya go, another chapter in the Future Foundation HQ. For those who expected more action or are waiting for it, don't worry it'll come eventually. Anyways, thanks for reading and as always feedback is greatly appreciated.
A picture is worth a thousand words
But a thousand words can paint a picture