A/N: Just want to say a BIG friendly thank you for you guys who are supporting my story! I really do appreciate it. I do hope this continued throughout the story.
I am terrible sorry for the OC who didn't make the cut, they were amazing, but like I said before, 16 is the limit. If any of you wanna raise an issue about your character, just PM me. I do hope I have portrayed them well. Anyway… Second chapter of Intros!
Danganronpa: Spine Tower
Prologue: Hopeful Introductions II
So what I can gather so far is that each and every one of us were picked up by a limo to attend this ceremony to reward us for our various talents. Every one of us were greeted by a fit escort from the opposite sex and was then persuaded to drink, what was supposed to be champagne, but in fact it was a vile poison called 'Indulgent Despair'.
This poison knocked us unconscious and the next thing we all remember was awakening in the ballroom where the party was supposed to be held. But instead of an electrified atmosphere filled with laughter and joy, it was dark, gloomy and most of all mysterious.
What was going on?
*tap* *tap*
Soundtrack: Beautiful Days (Piano) [Dangan Ronpa OST]
Rina's continuous tapping distracted me from recollecting recent events. We were both standing in the elevator for about ten minutes now trying to figure out which floor this elevator could take us too.
"Are you pressing each button randomly?" I asked impatiently.
"Um… Yeh, and now I cannot remember which buttons I have pressed." She dimly answered continuing to tap the buttons at random.
"*sigh*" my heavy sigh of relief was enough to make her aware my patience was running short. "Why not start from the top and work your way to the bottom?"
"Perfect idea! Why didn't I think of that before?" She responded upbeat.
Is it not just common sense?
"What kind of hotel has 33 floors anyway?" I queried.
Not that she would have any idea.
She was silent until… "Aha!"
Then at that moment, my body felt as light as a paperclip as the elevator doors shut and we ascending to another floor, floor 32.
"High five!" She gestured. We slapped our palms lightly together and exchanged victorious smiles as we moved upwards in the elevator.
"Two floors up… So the ballroom was on floor 30 then," I analysed.
"Yep! I am so looking forward to meeting the other students. Don't you think this experience is fun an exciting? It's a little bit like hide-and-seek isn't it?" She asked.
"Yeh, but who is doing the hiding? Someone else? Us? If so, who is trying to seek us?" I abruptly asked dampening her energetic mood.
She had such an upbeat attitude. But she can't be that stupid to think that this is normal… I suppose more answers will come from our findings on the next floor.
But what played on my mind the further we got up was the floors below us… What floors could they possibly be? And why is it taking so long for us to reach the two floors above us?
- Floor 34 | Dorm Area -
*bing*
The doors drew open. Immediately a bright coloured 'thing' dashed past the entrance to the floor.
What the hell was that thing?
Rina began to make her way out the elevator.
"Wait." I grabbed her wrist, worried on what blur just dashed past us.
"What is it?" She asked.
"You did see it right? The animal… It might be dangerous." I warned her.
"Nah. Come! I bet ya it was nothing but a big spider!"
I highly doubt it was… but even more of a reason to not take a step further!
Either way I admire her bravery!
We edged our feet closer and closer towards the entrance of the next floor. My feet were slightly more hesitant than Rina's. Then we both propped our heads outside like two frightened kittens. Slowly our eyes began to capture a corridor but-
!
"NYAHHHH!" A grey-haired boy screamed.
"WOAAAH!" Our voiced collided together as we came face to face with what looked like another student.
"Didja see the cat scrammin' about the halls!" The lad panted.
A cat? Could that have been what we saw?
"We saw something of the sort, but it didn't look like a typical cat." I informed.
"It's been…*sigh* playin' crafty games with us… *sigh* for a while now," the lad informed us, still recovering his breath. "I will stop that villain with everything I have!" He vowed heroically. He gestured for a handshake, "You must be the fellow students who I have yet to make acquaintances with. I am your saviour, Bullet Grey, now let's unite and bring justice!"
Bullet Grey (18) 5'8" - [ Super High School Vigilante ]
Big grey goggles covering his eyes, scraggly grey hair that sticks up, scrawny body, arm and leg guards, a belt consisting of various gadgets. White t-shirt with 'BG' bang in the middle, grey pants and a grey jacket over shoulders acting as a cape.
Bullet Grey obviously was an undercover name, but it didn't ring any bells. He sure was a mystery considering the crime ratio increasing in Japan, some Vigilante he is…
"My name is Ken, super high school guitarist. This is Rina, she's a super high school pilot," I introduced. However quicker than my words, Rina unexpectedly sprinted off down the corridor.
"I just caught a glance of the cat! Catch you later!" Rina bellowed joyfully.
Wow! She's fast! Is there any point following her? I mean Bullet Grey said this cat is only playing game, so it can't be dangerous… can it?
"Extremely pleased to meet you. I must return to my heroic duties, now I have recruited a pilot girl partner in our mission to catch the criminal cat. Please use this time to meet the remaining civilians!" He advised as if I actually was a civilian.
Leaving me baffled and feeling as if I had just read a Marvel comic book, he ran much slower than Rina down the corridor.
Some super hero, eh?
Guess I'm a lone soldier now Rina has left me… Either way, introductions won't happen by magic.
I took an alternative route, down a different corridor, to prevent being ambushed by Bullet Grey again. As I looked around I realized this must be the floor our rooms are located.
It became obvious as I came to face to face with a cartoon display picture of myself nailed onto the door.
No room number? What's this badly drawn cartoon picture of me doing on my door? It doesn't do my face justice at all!
More to the point, what happened to confidentiality? I know I'm a celebrity but I don't want every screaming girl knocking on my door at 3am in the morning… Well, unless I decide to throw a party of course.
Immediately I twisted the door knob, eager to see what was behind the door.
*click*
No use.
"Dude, are you not paying attention? There's a finger reader whadjamacallit by the side of the door. It activates by scanning your finger," a guy informed me exiting his own room.
"Ah… yeh," I replied embarrassed by stupidity. I located the fingerprint door lock beside the door.
"*yawn*, anyhow. I take it you're the lazy student that was last to wake up, eh?" He asked with a tired voice.
"Yup, unfortunately I was the last one of em'. The guys down below informed me you were exploring up here?" I said.
"Nah, as soon as I found my room I had a light snooze. I mean the craziness of the situation is a bit draining right?"
And he has the cheek to call me lazy…
"Yeh… By the way my name is Ken, super high school guitarist. Wanna introduce yourself?"
"*yawn* This is such a drag!" He yawned stretching his arms. "Duuude, I've introduced myself to every guy and gal her, intros are so dated now."
Dated? This guy has barely any patience.
"Daisuke… Daisuke Rokino…"
Daisuke Rokino (19) 5'10" - [ Super High School Video Game Player]
Yellow eyes, black bedhead hair, light brown skin, short grey peacoat, orange v-neck, black jeans and orange sneakers.
Many of my bandmates know him due to their interest in video games. He is on the top leader boards on various game titles, mostly the popular ones. Daisuke has never lost against anyone on online tournaments and is a legend within the video game industry.
"Taken a break from video games I see?" I asked.
"Aha, nah they have hooked me up a console in my room and… *yawn*, even blocked out… the light with some thick material. Cool dontcha think?"
Blocked out the lights, with… thick material?
"I suppose so, but what hotel room has video consoles?" I asked intrigued.
"Dude, I haven't got the time to think about it." He moaned impatiently. "I'm gonna meet the guys in that ballroom and have my second attempt of finding the damn coffee… and then… *yawn*… I'll go back to sleep." He stated in his deep, wearily voice.
He's sure not taking this situation seriously at all.
"Ciao." He dragged his feet towards the elevator.
Doubt he'll find his coffee…
Having now located the finger sensor pad, I was struck with confusion to why such a gadget is necessary.
Surely the traditional card key would be less hassle? Either way.
I pressed down my finger tip.
Soundtrack: Paused
*click*
The door unlocked.
*kreeen*
- Ken's Bedroom -
Inside was… well…
What the hell?
Soundtrack: Left In Suspense [Sword Art Online OST]
Confusion was my instant feeling as I stepped into the room of familiarity and suspense. I was like a jug, overflowing with various emotions.
This wasn't a normal hotel room… It was like my bedroom!
Posters of photo shoots, member portfolios and album art from my band covered the wall. Playboy magazines was scattered across the floor, pages wide open of big breasts and other raunchy shoots. My Charvel branded guitar was propped up against the wall appearing almost identical to my one at home.
The only thing that was remotely different was cameras and the same big, ugly, banana coloured monitor from what I saw earlier in the ballroom.
What creep is monitoring us? Why are they even cameras in the bedroom? I can understand I'm amazingly famous and all, but even stars need their privacy.
I scanned the room to find I also had an en-suite showering facility with a mirror, toilet and sink.
However what was most freaky were metal plates slapped across the window and drilled in with big, chunky bolts.
This is what Daisuke meant by 'thick material'.
We are definitely imprisoned in this hotel. But for what reason?
I recalled that Hirosuke informed us that we would discuss our situation once introductions were finished. So answers had to wait for a moment, as much as I wanted them now.
Soundtrack: Paused
I exited my room, with the rolling waves of nausea rocking away in my stomach.
- Floor 34 | Dorm Area -
Soundtrack: Beautiful Days (Piano) [Dangan Ronpa OST]
Stepping outside, straight away I came into contact with another student. It was a girl, leaning against the side of wall, near my dorm.
"Hiya! Please don't assume I am eavesdropping," she reassured me with a smile. "I know our current situation is a little surreal, and entering a hotel room which turns out to almost replicate our bedrooms at home is even creepier."
Her presence alone was comforting, but it was nice to have a student who openly voiced their opinion on the situation.
"The steel plates making this place like a prison is my biggest concern," I stressed.
Wait! I'm supposed to be the calmer one here. Stressing out in front of a girl isn't attractive!
"I mean, they're just probably there because of broken glass or something. Or maybe we have some keen fans out there screaming our names from the top of their lungs." I chuckled nervously.
"Y-you really think that might the case?" She questioned, appearing almost agreeable to my likely misjudgement.
"Haha, yeh. Absolutely nothing to worry about!" I lied. "Let's forget about all these conspiracies! I'm Ken, a super high-school guitarist, from the band, 'Royal Blue Bandits'!" I greeted with a little forced enthusiasm.
"Junsuina Takami, but Junsi, will be fine,"
Junsuina (Junsi) Takami (17) 5'7" [ Super High-school Model]
Caramel like skin, navy eyes, purple freckles, onyx black hair reaching collarbones with turquoise tips, part of her hair is clipped back with a silver skull hair clip, cat-like black eyeliner, black upper thigh-length skirt, lavender buttons and suspenders, black short sleeved shirts, black flats and black knee-high socks.
I somehow feel like I've seen her before. She has a recognizable face, but she is far to fit to be fan girl and she doesn't seem to be the type to listen to heavy music. I'd take a guess and say she is a model.
"I believe we briefly met before… But at a slightly awkward situation." She revealed.
So I was right! But why was it awkward?
Don't say I banged her while I was drunk…
"I'll apologize in advance if it's something bad," I blushed.
"You posed almost naked with your bandmates for last year's issue of "Skin Tight", I was modelling lingerie and I was having my photo shoot in the same room as you." She exclaimed.
I suddenly felt like a human radiator that was turned on by embarrassment and exposure… but then her lastname suddenly rang a bell. Changing subject for all the right reasons I remembered her appearance on a TV show.
"I remember you from the 'Takami Beauty'! What a beauty you were!" I stated.
And then her eyes disconnected… she looked slightly outraged.
Ooops! That is my gentleman manners just been chucked out the window.
"Something that boys like you drool over right?" She said sharply. Her body language suddenly changed as if she was closing me off. "Chat later sweetheart, we can talk more about your naked photo shoot then."
Did I flick some sort of personality switch? Whatever I said, she seemed offended by it and walked away.
The atmosphere suddenly felt awkward, but the next arrival sure charged it back up. Two students approached me, one excitedly jogged towards me, waving, beaming a friendly smile.
"Bonjour! Je m'appelle Alice Amour!" A gleeful voice greeted.
Dressed like a light bulb, she energetically jumped at me to introduce herself and gave me a light hug.
Alice Amour (16) 5'4" - [ Super High School Baker]
Fair skin, green eyes, very long chestnut brown hair tied in two long ponytails, one on each side, a yellow dress tied with a large pink ribbon, pink flat shoes
My mouth immediately dried upon hearing her name and then I felt myself drool. She was a very talented baker with unique recipes which are top secret. The thought of warm, crusty baguettes and ginger spiced cookies instantly made me more enthusiastic greeting her.
"Hey, really nice to meet you! My name is Ken, super high-school guitarist!" I beamed like the sun
"Comment allez-vous?"
Heh… her introduction wasn't just an exciting way to greet me… she's ACTUALLY French?
Shit… What do I say now?
"Um…Do you… speak… English?" I asked her slowly and awkwardly.
"Oh!" She voiced astonishingly. Her cheeks turned beetroot, but she recovered with a big smile. "I'm sorry; I sometimes forget what language I am supposed to speak in. Hehe… A-anyway, how are you?"
"I suppose I'm okay."
Was I really?
"Si vous avez faim, venez me voir!" She exclaimed.
I swear she is doing this on purpose now…
"She was advising you to come and visit her if you were ever hungry," the girl next to her translated.
"So you speak French as well?" I asked, convinced I was right.
"That is incorrect. I am just quick to solve puzzles. Not crosswords or Sudoku puzzles you commoners may associate with. I am skilled at solving puzzles in all walks of life."
Well that sounded patronizing!
"As for names… you can call me Sophia."
Sophia Mengelberg (18) 5'5" - [ Super High School Puzzler ]
Grey eyes, fair skin, long black curly hair presented exquisitely, gothic Lolita sense of fashion consisting of black and magenta colours, smoky black eye shadow and a black top hat.
Her unique name and formal attitude mostly reminded me of her famous parents. She is known more commonly by the name 'Miss Layton' due to her puzzle solving skills in which she can solve without appearing overwhelmed.
"Okay Soph', glad to meet you-"
"Sophia only!" She stressed folding her arms. "I frown upon what you call 'nicknames'. I am not your pet. I am simply your acquaintance for tonight's event."
Acquaintance? Guess she's not the friendly type.
She conveyed no expression and her tone was cold and serious.
"I think we are done with our introductions. It is very nice to meet you. Now, if you excuse me..."
Following our icy greeting, she left towards the elevator to join the main bulk of the group in the ballroom.
"Cheer up sugar plum! She'll settle in when she hits the Ramon Gin Fizz later tonight!" Alice reassured convincingly.
I am sure Sophia isn't the drinking type…
"I've not seen any alcohol here besides that indulgent despair," I stated, shuddering to the thought of it.
"Nah! Don't you worry. I'll just sneak into the kitchen later and whisk some up with some lime juice, egg, cream, sugar, soda water and gin. That'll make the perfect Ramon Gin Fizz!" She beamed packed with enthusiasm.
Can we even access the kitchen?
"I have yet to view my room yet! I'll see you shortly ya shortcake!" She said finding her room amongst the badly drawn portraits.
Hopefully the sight of the metal bolted windows will remind her we are not in a five star hotel…
Soundtrack: Paused
There was one final student to greet, but after roaming around the hallways for the past ten minutes I was beginning to think he was either in his room or downstairs in the ballroom with the others.
I better not waste more time; I'll regroup with the students in the ballroom. Wandering alone in the dorm area was very lonely considering how silent it was.
Maybe Bullet Grey and Rina have found that weird animal wandering about.
However, as soon as I got the elevator…
Soundtrack: All Star Apologies [Dangan Ronpa OST]
"Ken! Ken Ken!" Bullet panicked.
"Wha? D-did you find it!" I asked referring to the strange animal.
"Negative! Our search mission has been temporarily dismissed as we have a giant stampeding back down the ballroom!"
A giant? I immediately though he was exaggerating, but if considering what's going on I was intrigued but nervous…
"Well, wh-where is Rina?" I asked worried.
"She's front woman in our current crisis. Strip down to your super hero costume and let's unite and bring justice!" He asserted, dragging me by the arms into the elevator.
Hold on! Strip down!? And he has left Rina down there with a GIANT!?
In the elevator, Bullet continuously chanted out heroic quotes to the point where I wanted to become a villain myself and clotter him to death…
*ping*
We stopped before the doors that led to the ballroom.
Was a giant really in here with the other students?
And then… they opened…
- Floor 32 | Ballroom -
Soundtrack: Buzzkill [Dangan Ronpa OST]
"RAWWWWWRGHH!" A violent scream burst out as a student ripped down the curtains in the ballroom.
This wasn't a giant… He was possibly one of the smallest students of the group. But Bullet was right, he was on the rampage.
All the students gathered back to the other end of the ballroom, confusingly gazing at what looked like a violent Chihuahua.
Watching his frustration and explosive behaviour perfectly depicted what I felt inside. He was out of control, but it almost felt normal considering the circumstances we were in.
"W-what the hell is he doing!?" Sayuri exclaimed.
Suddenly as the curtain collapsed, revealing another metal sheet plastered across the window…
What the hell?
"These blasting fuckers won't come off!" He growled in frustration.
"I-I th-th-think they m-maybe b-b-bolted?" Juighe forwarded nervously.
"Of course they're fucking bolted you pussy!" He barked.
"I'm… I'm s-so sorry! I m-most d-definitely didn't as-s-sume you l-lacked knowledge…" His words became quieter.
"You calling me stupid? Ya big girls blouse!" The student confronted.
The angry student continued attempting to pull the bolted steel plate, but with all his force it didn't budge.
"The little boy may be missing his mummy, let him throw his toys out the pram. Mummy will come to breast feed you shortly," Shogo aggravated the flared up student.
"Why do you have to include a sexual body part in every sentence?" Kairu added.
"You cheap Barbie look-a-like! Lemme reconstruct that butter face of yours!" He barked swiping the air with his fist.
"Please, let's all calm down," Rina spoke calmly towards him. Her soft words surprisingly calmed him down.
Maybe he has a soft spot for women… Either way I best introduce myself, it'd be rude otherwise, right?
Soundtrack: Beautiful Days [Dangan Ronpa OST]
I approached the last student who seemed to quieten down.
"Hey, it's probably not the best time to introduce myself, but, hey man. I'm Ken," I hesitantly introduced
"I'll say this once! Neith Takary is the name, wear it out and I'll wear your face out with my fists!"
Neith Takary (18) 5'2" [ Super high-school Bully]
Blue eyes, short red curly hair mostly under a sports cap, ripped sleeves from a burgundy sweater torn blue denim jeans, one of the smaller males of the group.
Wait! They've allowed a bully to enter a ceremony full of 'real' talents!
His name brought back memories of school blazes, news stories of bullying and just the common word of mouth around Japan. Despite being quite a small guy, he often erupts like a volcano and acts before thinking, hence the numerous news stories.
"S-stop staring at me before I use that haystack of hair to mop the floor," he snapped firing his finger at me.
Haystack? Again… really? My hair is better than his, hmph!
But I better stay sweet taking his history into account…
Oh and that the floor actually has pieces of glass scattered about from when Rina dropped the glass earlier… I don't wanna have glass stuck in my so-called haystack.
"Man I'm completely cool I don't mean to stare at you," I reassured him.
Doubt it really helps though…
"You fucking best not have been!" He roared, hiding his raging eyes under his cap.
...
Soundtrack: Beautiful Dead [Dangan Ronpa OST]
"Now that we have all come to greet one another, I propose we discuss about our situation as a group. Let's make sure we are all on the right lines." Yuko proposed ardently pushing up his glasses.
"Okay. We've all come to terms on how we got here right?" Kairu asked.
"We were all seduced by the sheer temptation of sex and our intimate connection with our escort led us to act like dogs on a lead and follow their order of drinking the liquor, branded, Indulgent Despair, which was in fact a drug that knocked us out. We were then stripped down and-" Shogo's sexual version of events were stopped.
"Stop right there! We don't need to hear the added sexual fantasies of yours!" Kairu interrupted.
"She's right…how much acid drips off that tongue?" Junsi remarked.
"For those who have yet to explore the dormitory floor, we all have individual bedrooms decorated in accordance to our personal taste and our high school talent title." Sophia informed.
"Why is there cameras and monitors placed in our rooms though?" Alice asked.
"Duh! We are all celebrities. I bet we've all been put in some sort of reality game show. Like they do in the west!" Sayuri guessed confidently.
That could actually be a possibility.
"Well let's give them a big eye opener and get naked. I'm not a fussy guy, so form an orderly queue," Shogo stated.
"It is neither the place nor time for such crude comments, please use sensible and appropriate vocabulary if you wish to contribute to this conference," Sophia's words darted out.
"Erm…Can I speed things up and ask why are all the windows covered up with metal?" Rina asked.
I think that was the question troubling every one of us… But no explanation would explain why it would be necessary. I didn't know where to start.
"Whoever organized tis partaay is as useless as tits on a bull!" Fukumoto complained.
I think we're past thinking this is a party…
"The effort that's gone into bolt these metal sheets up tells me that they're either hiding something dangerous from the outside world to keep us safe… or to keep the outside world safe from… us…or something inside here…" Kairu reckoned.
I'm not sure why… but after hearing her view. I went so cold.
What could possibly be out there that we don't know about?
Stringing earlier events with Kairu's presumption also made matters more confusing.
"What if this is an apocalypse! Or Godzilla may be running loose wreaking havoc in Tokyo!" Hirosuke remarked.
"Eh…D-don't t-t-tease us like that…," Juighe mumbled prodding both his fingers together.
"If that is case we shall contact Rina's comrades at the Royal Air Force and inform them to shoot down the monster!" Bullet proclaimed.
"I am not so sure about Godzilla, but upstairs me and Bullet found some strange …animal thing running recklessly. Not even I could catch him and I'm a fast runner!" Rina explained.
"I doubt some rabid animal would be running about in one of the top hotels," Kairu dismissed.
"Hehehe, maybe a side effect from drinking the 'Indulgent Despair' is hallucinating," Gina giggled.
*Ding Dong Ding Dong*
Soundtrack: Paused
The loud school-like bell chime clashed against Gina's soft tone and then…
It all became crystal clear…
We were definitely NOT alone…
This was when IT began…
"Mike test! Mike test! Can you kids hear me? I repeat can all of you hear me?"
The voice, irritating, whiney and extremely discomforting…
What could it be?
"Please make your way to the rooftop for the tremendous firework display to mark the opening of tonight's ceremony!" The voice informed.
Soundtrack: Despair Syndrome [Dangan Ronpa OST]
It gave us simple instructions for an event that sounded a little more normal from what we have seen so far…
But I couldn't help feel… cold.
An air of malaise whipped through the room and goosebumps rapidly grew across my body.
"YIPEE! Fireworks!" Sayuri screamed in joy.
She can't be serious… her upbeat attitude failed to charge up the dampened atmosphere.
"That sure was hell creepy!" Kairu echoed my thoughts.
"I'm fucking ready to pound my fist into the face of this queer showman!" Neith growled.
"I-It is a little w-w-worrying, d-don't you ag-agree?" Juighe stuttered.
"We are left with no choice, pondering about here like lost sheep isn't going to give us answers." Hirosuke exclaimed.
"Let's unite and face this demon as a team, a team of justice!" Bullet's finishing words, whether they sounded stupid or not, were the last words we heard before stepping in the elevator.
I crammed in with the bunch of strangers I have barely got to know and then we went up. Our voices were trapped by the confusion and mystery that waited for us at the top of the hotel…
*ping*
The doors opened.
Here we go…
Soundtrack: Paused
A/N: Hey! Sorry if the updates are taking longer than you guys expected. I a trying really hard, just have other, unfortunate, important commitments. But yeh, hopefully updates will be more often.
Since you are the readers, I was wandering your preferred way of next chapter's presentation. I can either continue to dialogue like this, or I can use more of a play script format, like…
CHARACTER A: (insert speech)
CHARACTER B: (insert speech)
…etc.
I'll leave it in your hands