Long ago… in Hope's Peak Academy, long before Enrico Pucci twisted the AU Worlds, in a whole destruction of chaos and despair, the 77th Class was celebrating their graduation, after the news of Hope's Peak closing its doors. 14 of those students were in full despair, as they were cheering, with spirals in their eyes.

(Sonia Nevermind): I'm so glad I was in this class!

(Akane Owari): YEAAAAAAH! I'm gonna eat until I'm full!

(Ibuki Mioda): Ibuki will make everyone happy with her music!

(Hiyoko Saion-Ji): And I will make everyone happy with my dancing, too!

(Mahiru Koizumi): And leave the beautiful pictures to me!

(Sonia): I'll make my country at peace, free of war!

(Gundham Tanaka): You were true friends…

(Mikan Tsumiki): I will make miracle drugs for every sick person, around the world. Placebos will be a thing of the past!

(Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu): With Peko by my side, I will make the gangs choose the right path.

(Peko Pekoyama): I swear I will never kill again!

(Kazuichi Soda): I'll solve the issue of environmental pollution!

(Teruteru): Imma gonna serve lots of healthy food!

(Some fat boy in a uniform): I will finally become myself… even becoming President or Prime Minister would be a dream!

(Nekomaru Nidai): I'm going to support everyone's dreams!

(Nagisa Komaeda): No matter what despair awaits us, hope will triumph in the end!

These fourteen students were the evil students of Despair – The Ultimate Despair! They were recruited by Junko Enoshima, the Ultimate Despair herself. As the chaos and carnage ensued, Junko watched from the window, as she was viewing the magic that was happening. Thousands of students commit suicide, enriched in the blood of despair in their minds. Hope's Peak, once known as a paradise for elite students, became known as Ground Zero for the horrors against humanity.

This is a tale of Hope that ends in Despair. Does it have a bad ending, you ask?

Junko watches on, holding the plushy of Monokuma in her arms, watching in a giggle.

If despair were to vanish from the entire world, then it'd be pretty despairing, in its own way.

Junko's plan came to fruition… Despair tainted this world, as The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History came to play.

But… in 2011, upon the death of Jotaro Kujo, Hope and Despair was rewound back to where it all began, acting as everything that involved Hope and Despair… never happened.

SLICE!
Peter kills Junko with a huge slice to the chest, after he arrived in Hope's Peak, long ago.

And it didn't… Upon her untimely and deserving demise, Junko Enoshima's plans were erased, and abolished forever in time…

…until today.

File #6 (Act V3 Part 3)
Chapter 3
The War of Hope Continues…

At New York, Mizuki tied up the boy that entered the building, last night. She then dragged him to the other room, and hissed, "Good. By tomorrow, I'll be asking you a few questions. What kind of sick person would even… URGH!"

She slammed the door shut and was furious.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, in Japan, at the Department of City Security, Maki Harukawa was still in her cell, still being questioned by the Hiiragis and Kazuki. Tsukasa said to Maki, "I believe we're not done yet… We got a call in America that two more crash-landed into our land. Are they related to you?"

"Related?"

Kagami said, "They go by the names Kaede Akamatsu and Shuichi Saihara."

Tsukasa added, "Respectively, they're the Ultimate Pianist and Detective."

Maki nodded, "Yeah. They're my friends."

Kazuki said, "Interesting. Are they Ultimates, too?"

Maki said, "Yes."

He said, "Mizuki must've learned more from these visitors… yet she harbors her spare time with The Gang, just to make ends meet." He turned to Maki and said, "And not that you care, but Mizuki is my ex."

"I never asked." Maki huffed.

Tsukasa asked, "So, Saihara and Akamatsu… Do you know them? What do they do?"

Maki sighed, "Well, I know little about Kaede, but… Shuichi is a weak boy, but he's learned to grow strong in courage."

Kagami said, "He's a meek detective?"

"Pretty much. But he had this sort of vibe that he has… especially since he solves a case, now and then."

"Ah, okay…" Tsukasa remarked, "But he could be a useful ally."

Maki smiled, "Oh, yes. He should."

Kagami sighed, "So far, we have gotten… nothing."

Kazuki said, "So, an assassin, who doubles as a child caregiver, is friends with a detective and a pianist. Interesting… Were there others besides you three?"

Maki turned away, saying nothing. Tsukasa said, "It's best not to ask that… at all. Trust me. We've had worse with an Ultimate…"

He said, "Especially since that particular Ultimate killed an old friend of mine."

Maki responded, "Now I'll ask you three a question. What are you guys, and why the hidden powers?"

The phone rang, as Tsukasa answered, "Hello? Department of City Security."

Chazz responded, "Hey, Tsukasa, you have a moment?"

Tsukasa went to speakerphone and said, "It's Princeton. Yes, hang on!" She pressed the button and said, "We're hearing you. It's me, Kagami, and Sendo-sensei, on the line."

Chazz said, "Yeah, listen, earlier tonight, I ran into two weird people, during my walk around the city."

Kagami asked, "Two weird people?"

Chazz replied, "Yeah, for some reason, this guy dissed my hair, and suddenly called him the Luminary of the Stars. I think his name is Kaito Momota."

Maki gasped, "Kaito?"

Chazz continued, "…and the other woman, she has blue hair and pale skin…"

Maki asked, "Does she have glasses and speaks in a plain tone?"

"Yeah? Who is this?"

"Maki Harukawa."

"WHO? Hold on… Who the hell was that?"

Tsukasa asked, "Wait! Princeton, hold on! Who were those two named again?"

Chazz replied, "UH… hmmm… Well, the guy, Kaito, calls himself an Ultimate Astronaut, while Tsumugi Shirogane, the woman that stopped me, is the Ultimate Cosplayer."

Kazuki gasped, "Ultimate… Cosplayer?"

Tsukasa asked, "MORE Ultimates?"

Maki asked, "What's going on here?"

Kagami asked, "Where are you now?"

"Home." Chazz said, "Only because I ran, after meeting those two nightingales! Has Junko Enoshima multiplied or something?"

Kazuki huffed and said, "Princeton, this is Kazuki Sendo. You have nothing to worry about. Apparently, you're not the only one with Ultimate Issues."

"WHAT? You have one of those freaks, too?" Chazz cried.

Tsukasa explained, "It's true… The girl, Maki, is an Ultimate, too. She's the Ultimate Assassin."

Chazz paused, and then growled, "Oh, good grief. You had that, too?"

Kazuki said, "And not only that, two more were found in America, under The Gang's watch."

Chazz snarled, "Ugh… This is just great! I'm coming over! Tsukasa, Kagami, stay right there!"

He hung up, as Kagami said, "Well, Princeton's going to be a handful."

Maki asked, "Wait… How did he run into Kaito like that? What did he do, this time?"

Tsukasa responded, "Well… let's give you some sage advice – don't ever insult Princeton's hair, when you meet him."

Kazuki agreed, "Believe me… I felt the worst end of that deal, and yet I despise him for that."

Maki was confused, "What? This guy… he gets his hair insulted, and he beats people up?"

Meanwhile, in New York, that evening, the others were heading to their home – 2121 Straight Street, on the corner of Straight and Narrow. The Gang was wrapping up a hard day's work, after some problems. Mizuki was the last to arrive, as Cassandra was waiting.

"You're late." She said.

Mizuki said, "Sorry… I had a bit of a run-in with an intruder. He's locked up in my lab, detained."

"WHO?"

"Some pervert… Do you know what he said to me?"

Mizuki explained what the boy said to her, as Cassandra was shocked. "What a racist!" She prayed, and then murmured, "Vaya con dios… I hope I never run into such a robot racist like that, again… Any idea who he is?"

"I didn't catch his name. But only because I assaulted him, after he body shamed my boobs. My boobs are not my batteries! I'm half-human! These arms are cybernetics!"

"Okay, okay! I believe you!"

"You ever had that issue, uh, being you're an android, too…"

"Not so much. By my exterior, I'm fully human. But I am somewhat a mechanical girl… sort of like those androids made from biotechnology. But then again, I'll never know what The Speedwagon Foundation did to save my life, and be such a tall lady."

"Right. By your standards, you are human."

Mizuki stepped in, as Cassandra barked, "Well, excuse me for being insecure, Robot! Tonto!" and walked inside in a huff.

In Japan, Chazz walked into the LSAAWS Offices, and saw a first look at Maki, sitting in her cell. He said to them, "So… This is another Ultimate?"

Maki glared, "Do you want to die?"

He said, "No. But I don't like your threat."

Tsukasa stated, "Princeton, I believe you came here, on a pressing matter… You ran into the Ultimate Astronaut and Cosplayer, correct?"

"Yeah, something about those two made me uneasy." He then looked at Maki, who was staring at his hair. He asked, "What?"

"Your hair…" Maki said, "Reminds me of Kaito's… but I was warned not to say anything about your hair."

Kagami stated, "We, uh, heard about your recent scuffles against Kaito Momota."

Chazz said, "I see… For an assassin, you played it safe."

Maki said, "They told me not to. But I was aware of what you did to that idiot…"

"Huh? You know him?"

Maki nodded, as she said, "He calls me Maki Roll, which I hated… but I like it, as I grew."

Kazuki said, "Curious… are you… dating?"

Maki gasped, and then blushed heavily. She pouted, puffing her cheeks, and then turned away, stroking her right twin tail. Chazz smirked, "I see… Someone's got a schoolgirl crush…"

Kazuki huffed, "Would you mind not being an asshole?"

Kagami added, "Yeah, Princeton!"

Maki muttered, "Kaito… and I… mm-mmm-hmm… umm…" she was whispering, and then closed her eyes. She then said to them, "Look… I don't know how I got here… but can you take me to them? I'm… I'm a little curious to know that Kaito and Tsumugi are alright."

Tsukasa said, "We shall. If you don't mind… We, uh, still need to locate them."

Chazz stated, "They never said where they are, but… I should run into one of them, when I get the chance to."

Tsukasa smiled, "Thanks. Miss Harukawa, until we find Kaito Momota or Tsumugi Shirogane, you're staying in your cell."

Maki huffed, "I knew it… Figures that you'd lock me up here."

Tsukasa said, "Don't get us wrong, but we can't have you living in our house… or Sendo-sensei's house."

Kagami said, "That just leaves-."

XXXXX

Though, after a stern discussion, Maki decided to live in a small home… with Chazz. They were sitting together in a heated table, on their knees, as Maki bowed, "Deeply grateful. But I've lived in worse hovels, before. I wasn't really penniless. Just that I lived the life of an assassin."

Chazz muttered, "Uh, yeah… Don't mention it. It's not the swankiest of homes, but the Chazz has traveled a lot, after his days in The Academy of Light."

"I see… You're rather peculiar…"

"Well, I have had my share of past demons…"

"Past demons?"

"What about you? What made you decide to become an assassin? I am curious to know, since I've met a lot of people that way. In fact, some of my friends were ninjas."

"Eh? Really?"

"Oh, yes. But you wouldn't understand…"

Maki smiled, "I see… You've had it tough, too. But I understand how you feel…"

She explained, "Well, I never told those three, but I grew up in an orphanage. My parents were gone, before I even remember any. In fact, I don't know who my parents were… That Sendo guy told me that my parents are dead. But he doesn't know that."

"Hmm, so, all your life, you never knew who your parents were?"

She shook her head and said, "No. In the orphanage, the older kids were in charge of taking care of the younger kids. Because of that, I had to care for the younger ones. For some reason, the kids love me… but I'm not particularly fond of taking care of them. But one day, when I was 10, these strangers started visiting the orphanage… At first, they seemed like normal kind men… With smiles on their faces, they watched the kids play. But the men never approached them. Thinking back, I was sure they were scoping out talent."

"Talent for assassins? Did you accept?"

"I did. At first, I didn't want to go, but I heard that they would donate a huge sum of money, if I did… But that was the beginning… of my hell…
Ever since that day, I was training to be an assassin. I think I had some natural talent to begin with, but I worked incredibly hard, as well. If I couldn't keep up as an assassin, the orphanage would no longer receive funding. And then… I would not have a purpose in life, anymore. Training was difficult. I vomited every day… and cried every night… but vomiting and crying over and over again made my heart become gradually empty and hollow. Eventually, I got used to it. It was the same as my first job. For a while, I couldn't eat and sleep. But after doing this for such a long time, I felt numb. There were times I wondered why I had to kill these people I don't even know of… but eventually I stopped thinking about it, and adapted to the lifestyle of assassination… killing people… stealing their lives… and… of being a horrible person… Even to this day, I think the same thing after I finish a mission…"

"What is it?"

"What would I have been like, if I stayed at the orphanage? I still think about that, all the time."

Chazz was a bit despondent, as Maki sighed deeply, bearing her soul to him. She said to him, "You weren't the first to hear this story… Kaito and Shuichi knew about me… my true self, back then."

"Oh? Were you an assassin in-secret?"

"Pretty much… I… I didn't want anyone to know who I really am. Sorry, it wasn't that interesting to say."

"Are you nuts? That's a huge burden to bear. And yet, I hear that you'd become a Dual Ultimate, being BOTH an assassin and child caregiver."

"What are you saying? I'm not into kids, Princeton."

"Hey, no sweat. I'm sure we'll find your friends, and maybe soothe that soul of yours. Though, I'm real sorry that I said that you and Kaito are dating…"

"… … …" Maki silently glared away from Chazz, and then smiled, "You… You're not as dimwitted as Kaito, but you are that nice, at heart."

"Oh? Well… heh-heh-heh…" He got embarrassed, as he said, "Sorry about that, Maki…" he then paused, and then stated, "Yeah… I wish I was gonna…" he stated to her, "My girlfriend would hate to see you, being your name is Maki."

"Girlfriend?" She asked.

"Yeah… She's… got a permanent Wedgie of Despair… Since your name is Maki, she knew of a friend that has the same name… only it made her so moody…"

She said, "I see… If we ever meet, I want to know more about her… I got to share my soul with you… But…" She then smiled, "Maybe it's because I'm meeting newer people, than the ones I met from my memories."

He chuckled, "Yeah, well, you're not the first woman to hang with The Chazz, and open up to yourself. Believe me, I've met weirder girls than you, but you're less than that."

They continued to talk, sharing whatever they had in mind. Though it's meaningless drivel, Maki had someone to share with, before Chazz can locate Kaito Momota and Tsumugi Shirogane.

But things went down south, a day or so later…

As Chazz and Maki are happy together, at night in Japan, The Gang, the next morning, was due for a surprise. Cassandra arrived at work first, as she was to meet this boy that trespassed in the AAW Building.

She placed the boy in the chair, untied him, and handcuffed his wrists to the wooden chair. The boy woke up, as she said, "Hola, racista!"

The boy moaned, "Ungh… where am I?"

"AAW-New York. My name is Cassandra Juliet Martinez – C-Squad Agent. You are under arrest, criminal." She saluted, and then beeped, speaking in Spanish, "AAW-Nueva York. Mi nombre es Cassandra Juliet Martinez, agente de C-Squad. Estás bajo arresto, criminal."

He gasped, "WHOA! Another robot?"

She punched him, and then barked, "QUIET! I'll ask the questions! And for the record, I'm an android. And you… are a racist!"

The boy gasped, "ME? I'm racist to cool robots? You're so busty and cool! I would neve-!"

"You insulted my partner, Mizuki Takase, by saying her boobs were batteries! You pervert! You racist! You… You… You tonto!"

He asked, "Tonto?"

She shouted, "IDIOTA! ¡Eres un ser humano enfermo, insultando a mi amigo que también es un robot! ¿Por qué fuiste a insultarla? ¡Eso es el racismo robot! ¡No seas tan racista! Y lo que es más importante, estabas invadiendo la propiedad de AAW-Nueva York, en las últimas horas. Dime, pobre excusa de un humano, ¿por qué entraste al edificio anoche?"

The boy asked, "… … … What?"

She replied, "Okay, you want to know? I hear ya. Why did you enter the building last night, and insulted my friend? Who are you?"

He replied, "Sorry… I had no idea… I was in the building, just this evening."

"LIAR!"

"OKAY! This afternoon!"

"LIAR!"

"Nee-hee-hee! Okay, you got me… It was around 9pm. Someone left the back door open."

Cassandra blushed, as she moaned, "Oops… Sorry, I was throwing out the trash. Now, why are you here?"

The boy pouted, "I did nothing wrong… I didn't mean to come here and insult your robot buddy. I just…"

She glared at him, "You tell me everything, buster… I won't let you go. NO! I won't!"

He said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to…" He sniffled and bawled, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! I HAD NO IDEA YOU WERE CLOSED! I WOULD NEVER HARM ANY OF YOU! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

She sighed and said, "I understand… You came in your own discord?"

"That's exactly right."

"Very well…"

She removed the cuffs and said, "I'm sorry about that, sir. I'll tell Mizuki about this, once she gets here, today."

He said, "Gee, thanks!" He grinned, "And by the way, I came here to tell you the truth. Truth be told, that's a lie! Why? … … …I don't know. I… I don't remember."

Cassandra thought, "Huh? Could he be-? There's no way… Could he have the same experience as Kaede & Shuichi?"

She asked him, "Uh, pardon. I… I never got your name. Who are you?"

The boy smirked, "Why? So can you add me to your criminal records? Meh. I'll introduce myself to you, once I ask you a few questions… about you. If you're an android, do you bleed milk? Also, do you run on batteries, possibly your breasts? And moreover, why are you so humongous?"

Cassandra was appalled, as she seethed, clutching her fists, "What did you say?" Her aura went fiery, as the boy gulped, "Uh, oh…"

Her glasses came off, and then charged at the boy. She easily caught him, and placed him onto her knee. She started to spank him on the butt, as she roared, "I! WILL! TEACH! YOU! SOME! MANNERS! YOU PRICK!"

The boy cried out, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! STOP! STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHP!"

She continued spanking, until…
"CASSIE!" Farra cried, as she and Asahi arrived, "SHAME ON YOU!"

Cassandra cried, "But he-? Señora Farra, this jerk, he…"

Kaede & Shuichi also appeared, as Asahi said, "Spanking is not the right way! Why would you use Corporal Punishment?"

Cassandra sobbed, "Lo siento, Asahi…" She let him go.

He moaned, feeling his backside, "Ouch… That android can spank…"

Asahi nodded, "No kidding…"

Farra said, "I am sorry. What did she do to you, kid?"

Cassandra whispered into her ear. Farra's eyes widened, as Asahi asked, "What happened?"

Farra gripped his shoulder and roared, "You fucking asshole!"

Cassandra bowed her head, "Señora Asahi, look away…" Asahi turns around, not looking at the bloodshed.

Farra prepared to punch, "I'LL TEACH YOU TO BE A RACIST ASSHOLE! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!"

"Kokichi?" Kaede asked, as she saw his face.

Farra stopped, "Eh? Ko-."

Asahi asked, "What? You know him?"

Farra gasped, "YOU KNOW THIS LOSER?"

Shuichi said, "I'm sorry… but… He can be a pain, sometimes. This is Kokichi Oma. He's an Ultimate, like us."

Kaede smiled, "Yep. And a fun guy… albeit, he's usually a prankster and an asshole."

Farra asked, letting go of Kokichi, "Another one? How many of you are there?"

Cassandra said, "So far… we met three."

Kokichi moaned, "Ow… She's scary…"

Farra roared, "SHUT UP! You have no right to insult Mizuki or Cassie!"

Asahi pleaded, "Please, Farra! He's suffered enough! Stop it, you guys."

Farra cried, "HOW CAN I? This little shit thinks he can-!"

"Excuse me…" Mizuki said, "I didn't help but notice that you let go of the boy I apprehended, last night…" She glared, "Now, whose fault was it?"

Cassandra raised her hand and said, "My fault, Señora Mizuki."

Kokichi smiled, "Nee-hee-hee! Look, the big boobie robo-girl came back! She's got so much to answer, since last night!"

BONK!
"Owwwwwwwwwww…" Kokichi collapsed, as Asahi used Idol Diamond to wham him in the head. He was out cold, as Farra said, "Thank you."

Farra & Asahi carried Kokichi away, as Kaede cried, "WAIT! He can explain!"

Mizuki said, "Explain nothing! This little shit entered our building, last night."

Cassandra bowed, "I'm sorry… but that guy was besmirching our honor as robots. Señora Mizuki, forgive me."

Mizuki barked, "First of all, I'm not a fucking robot! I'm a cyborg. There's a difference. And second, I forgive you. You need to understand that this is serious. For all we know, he could be a spy from another agency. You're still new here, but you have to learn how to respect others, including the brats of the underworld."

Cassandra bowed her head and sniffled, "I'm sorry… Lo siento, I'm sorry."

"It's okay… You were defending my honor, but… Let me worry about it. Okay?"

"Si."

Shuichi asked, "Uh… what happened? What did Kokichi do to you two?"

Kaede said, "And did he say something about you two being robots? We understand. We had a friend who is the Ultimate Robot."

Mizuki said, "I see. So, you know this Kokichi Oma?"

Shuichi said, "He goes by the title, Ultimate Supreme Leader, but… there's very little we know about him. He's a constant liar, but he is still the same age as us."

"Oh, I had no idea." Cassandra said.

Shuichi stated, "I assume that this is the work of the mysterious lockers that fell, the other night, and with it, Kaede and I were among those that appeared in the park. If I remember correctly, it happened all around the world, too."

Mizuki gasped, "Even in… Japan?" She asked, "QUICK! Who's Maki?"

Kaede asked, "Maki Harukawa? She's the Ultimate Child Caregiver."

Shuichi added, "But she's also the Ultimate Assassin."

Mizuki gasped, "Holy shit… they're related!"

They both gasped, "Huh?"

Mizuki said, "Guys, I hate to tell you this, but… you have a lot of friends that are from the sky, right? We did talk this over, and… You came here from space. But we noticed that there were a lot of people that appeared."

Cassandra said, "Si. In fact, yesterday, we got a call from Japan, and we learned that another was in the area. That was Señora Maki!"

Shuichi asked, "Wait… We were at the safehouse. You mean, they're all there?"

Mizuki said, "I am extremely busy with a project of my own, right now. Cassandra, would you like to ask them about the people they know?"

Cassandra nodded, "Si."

"Don't say Si, say Hai."

"Si, I mean Hai. I mean, wait, what am I doing?"

"Ask them about the Ultimates that appeared from space. I'm off on this… Pianist, Detective, Robot, Assassin, Supreme Leader… It makes no sense. Could… Could it be Junko Enoshima, again?"

"WHO?"

"Never mind. Just talk to them. And give me the full report."

"Si, Señora."

Mizuki left to her lab, as Cassandra showed them to the other room.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, in Japan, at the dead of night (since Japan and New York are eleven hours apart), Tsumugi was walking down the night city, curious and worried. She saw a display of mannequins in the window, and then said, "Hmm…"

She held her finger up and pondered a bit. She whispered, "I wonder… would they even do cosplay? I know it's plain to see, but… I plainly hope something good happens."

A boy in spiky hair and a green jacket appeared. It was Nagito Komaeda, the boy that Chiaki Nanami mentioned. He asked, "There you are… Where were you? You were gone so long that my friend never properly met you…"

Tsumugi said, "Uhhh… Sorry… I was lost in thought, after last night. Sorry, I'm not used to meeting people like you, or your friend. But I can plainly explain that I needed space. There's no need to worry over me…"

"Heh. It's alright. What do you say we go home?"

"Sure… But where?"

"I know just the place."

They walked together, as Tsumugi blushed, "Wow… I wonder who he is… Clearly, he's the guy that found me. But… I wonder if my plainness is going to be a burden…"

He grinned, thinking to himself, "How lucky I am. It must be hope that made me score this beautiful chick!"

In Chazz's apartment, meanwhile, Maki was outside the building, feeling uneasy. She looked to the sky and whispered, "Kaito… … …"

She was sitting on the roof, looking at the night sky. She then thought, "This Earth… Nothing's changed, since I was last here. But still… Who were those guys that act like they have strange powers? And this Princeton guy… He is too nice to be a wise guy. By the looks of it, he is, but somehow he changed a lot."

She sighed, as she was relaxing, "Still… … … I don't remember much, since I came here, but… … … But that seems obvious. I wonder… will he help me remember? My only choice is to see him."

She remembers Kaito. But she's still far from him, unknowingly that he's already here. She decided to go find Chazz, maybe for answers of her own.

Meanwhile, outside Japan, Kaito was with Tsumugi, as she was preparing a drink. "Sorry again about earlier tonight…" He said, "People are so weird. And I didn't mean to insult one man's hair."

"It's alright. I mean, you and him have the same hairstyle…" she said to him, "But that's basic generic hairstyles."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like he's got that DBZ touch, with the spikes. That, or maybe a sort of–. Hmmm… Come to think of it, a lot of characters have that spike up style."

"Hey, you do you, Tsumugi. I'm just glad you saved my ass, back there."

"It was coincidence." She smiled, as she grabbed a cup, "My apologies… I'm not much of a fighter." She finished, "It's ready."

He took a sip, as she said, "But it's plain strange… How we all got here, in the first place… We're as confused as they are."

He took a swig of the cocktail, and he said, "Yeah… All I remembered was we were in space, and that was it. Did they mention us in the news?"

"Now that you mention it… Yes." She stated, "Only 2 landed in Japan, and the rest were in America. Those are a target for the extraordinary."

"Well, darn… Wait… How did you land in Japan?"

Tsumugi said, "Hmmmm… Well, I did land somewhere. But I plain forgot… But when I woke up, I saw someone in my vision… a guy in white hair… reminded me of a character I saw, whom I made a cosplay for."

"What was it like?"

"White hair… green jacket… and had a goofy grin on his face. Though, he's just a plain person."

"That's a shame. Hey, listen, you wanna find who else landed? Maybe Maki Roll or Shuichi came here. There were two and–. Oh…"

"Perhaps I miscounted… I think it was two… or three. Sorry, I'm not good with counting. So many normies here in Japan… This country is and was Cosplay Country. And you're just living in it."

She grinned, as he asked, "Uhhh… You know I'm not into that, Tsumugi. By the way…"

They shared a drink together, as he asked her if something happened, before they lost their memories. Tsumugi responded, "Well… no. But I think maybe we know who we are. If we did lose our memories, then we plainly don't even know each other… or who we are, ourselves."

"So… We didn't suffer amnesia… but we forgot what happened back there."

"Yeah!" She smiled, "That could be it!"

He sighed, as he walked off, "Anyways… Thanks for the drink. I'm probably gonna jet to America, maybe this weekend."

"Can I come with you?" Tsumugi asked, "Only to see who else landed."

"Nah, no thanks… This is one job the Luminary of the Stars must do, alone."

She said to him, as Kaito walked off, "Come again soon." She then let out a quiet stare, as she whispered, "I wanted to go, too…"

XXXXX

Kokochi cried, as he was in his cell, "Hey, come on! You trying to lock me away, for what I was doing? I was just playing!"

Farra & Asahi were with Kaede and Shuichi, as they were talking about Kokichi.

"I'm sorry… This guy is a barrelful, but he does piss others off." Kaede responded, "Anyways, I hope he is of help… but I wouldn't count on it."

"They guy's a liar… a lot. He should be called Ultimate Liar." Shuichi said.

Asahi responded, "I think the correct term would be Ultimate Contradictor… Farra, what do you think?"

"I could care less. So, a piano player, a detective, and a compulsive liar… So many ultimates." Farra stated.

"He's the Ultimate Supreme Leader, for some reason."

"HIM?!" Farra griped, "THAT'S FOUR ULTIMATES! DO I HEAR FIVE?!"

Asahi sighed, "Yeah, uh… About that…" She whispered into the ear of Farra. Farra was shocked, as Asahi said, "Apparently, we got the call of others… TWO more landed in Japan, and Tsukasa Hiiragi, an informant, says that the two were the Ultimate Astronaut and Ultimate Cosplayer."

Kaede gasped, "Tsumugi?"
Shuichi gasped, "Kaito?"
Farra roared, "DO I HEAR SEVEN?" She paused, "No, wait…" She counted, "Six. Six, I mean. Pretty sure that's five Ultimates we've known, so far."

Asahi growled, "I will send Cassie after you, if you don't calm down."

Kaede said, "I don't get it… Kaito and Tsumugi? And it's just me and him… We have all landed here."

Farra said, "According to the news, the other night, about over 10 of these shuttles landed from space. I'm pretty sure that they're ALL Ultimates."

"Or it could be other people that are NOT." Asahi said, "Tell me, do you remember everyone when you were in space?"

They shook their heads no, as Asahi said, "Then we have a problem."

"And a threat." Farra said, "Suppose they know Junko Enoshima? They're from Hope's Peak."

Asahi said, "I… I don't think they are from Hope's Peak Academy. Look at their insignia. It's different."

"Must be a different rank, or an older logo?"

Kaede said, "Oh, this? Oh, we actually aren't from Hope's Peak. We're from the Ultimate Academy of Gifted Juveniles."

Shuichi said, "Ever since Hope's Peak closed down, its legacy moved on, and they created this brand-new school."

She stated, "Sadly, it didn't last."

Asahi asked, "What happened? Funds got cut?"

Kaede said, "It… It's… It's horrible to explain. They shut it down, after 16 of us were chosen to go to space… and…"

Asahi stated, "I bet this has something to do with your arrival. Earlier, you said that you were kidnapped. Is that the reason why? You act pessimistic, saying that people are the worst, even with a talent you possess, and all of a sudden, they gave you a free trip to space. Shockingly, I am appalled by the kidnapping, but you two are like… well… I have no idea what the hell I'm talking about, am I?"

Farra stated, "What she means is… You brats went to space, part of a special program, and you landed here."

Shuichi replied, "Maybe… But our memories were a bit fuzzy. We landed here in New York, but there were others. Exactly how many of these lockers fell?"

Asahi said, "Dunno. I didn't keep count. We do know is that you two landed in New York, and Kaito & Tsumugi landed in Japan. Kokichi is one of them, I bet. Three landed in Miami, one in Texas–." She gasped and paused, "No…"

Farra asked, "Asa, how many lockers crashed into the world?"

One policeman said, "It happened, last night. We thought there'd be a rain of fire coming down, but we later learn that the meteors were small and harmless. We even saw these weird obelisks on the ground, where the meteors landed."

Asahi said, "We know. Five here in New York, but there are more."

Steven said, "Two more in Los Angeles, two more in Japan, three in Miami, one in Texas. Not sure what else happened…"

She asked, "How many obelisks were there?"

"Sixteen." He said, "But so far, the world has discovered only the thirteen…"

Asahi whispered, "Sixteen?! Wait… that number seemed familiar…"

Farra gasped, "Funny… I counted thirteen. Whatever happened to the rest?"

Shuichi said, "Hmm, good question… Maybe three of them didn't make it. Or it could be a failed crash landing."

Kaede smiled, "PHEW! Glad it's neither of us…"

Asahi said to Farra, "Farra, this is bad… Peter can't know yet. And this guy knows Killing Game 101, after he executed MIO."

Farra stated, "And we're knee deep with a robot girl that resembles one of her victims. Just what we needed…"

Asahi paused, "The question is… Whatever happened to the others?"

Meanwhile, down in Times Square, a few people were gathering, as the girl in red hair, with a witch's hat, was doing a magic trick.

She huffed at the 4th wall, "It's NOT a trick. It's magic." She called out, "I, the Amazing Himiko, shall show you my magic!" She waved her wand, and presented a wicker basket. She called, "I am performing a magic basket… blessed by the gods of this world." She opened it, showing it's empty. "First, I need a volunteer."

"Perhaps I can be of help…" Steven appeared, as he stared at Himiko, "Do you have a license to perform this trick?"

"No trick! Only magic." She said, "I want you to stab me with this sword, while I am inside the basket. And I will come out of the basket, completely unharmed." She went in, as she stated, "The sword's over there."

She shut the lid, as Steven huffed, "Oh, brother… Steven Cooke hates magic." He held up the sword and stuck it inside the basket. He pierced into the basket, and blood came out at the end of the sword. The audience gasped, as Steven cried, "EVERYONE, GET BACK!" He opened the lid, and looked inside…

"Eh?"

It was empty. The audience gasped, as Steven whispered, "But how?" He looked around the basket and growled, "No tricks… Only magic. Where'd she go?" He calmed down, and pulled the sword out of the basket. Himiko emerged from the ground, with a puff of smoke.

"I should warn you not to open the basket, friend." Himiko smiled, "Because that ruins the maaaaaagic…" The audience applauded, as Steven was mortified. She bowed, "Thank you… I'll be here, all weekend."

As they left, Steven growled, "Hmph, I like your style… But Steven Cooke doesn't believe you. How old are you, kid?"

"17…"

"I thought so. Do you have any recollection of your memories from here? We're on an investigation."

Himiko huffed, "No… I just came here."

He handcuffed her and said, "You're coming with me."

"HEY! WAIT A SECOND! You cannot arrest me! Hnnnnnnnnnnnagh!"

"Stop whining! Let's go!" Steven grumbled, "Surrounded by a damned magic wizard that acts high and mighty… I'm the only wizard around here. Hmmm… Steven Cooke the Wizard. Perfect. That has a ring to it, eh, kid?" he gasped, and saw Himiko was gone. He gasped, "How did she–? HEY YOU!"

Himiko ran away, as she yelled, "GO AWAY! I'M NOT A CRIMINAL! I'M A MAGE!"

"Mage, my ass!"

"Nyeeeeeeeeeeeh!"

Steven chased after Himiko, and she was slowing down, panting, "Nyeeeeeeeeeeeh… So tired…" She panted and moaned, "Ugghhh… My body…"

She dropped to one knee, and Steven stopped. "Finally. Still… for a street magician, she is puny."

Himiko moaned, "Oh, god… I need to go out more…"

He picked her up, "Wait until you get back to HQ, phony."

"HEY, PUT ME DOWN! HELP ME!"

"Sorry, kid." He said, "You got a wrap sheet, a mile ahead. Oh, and word of warning… I suggest you stop squirming."

Himiko slid off his arms, and she dashed off, "Damn her! Looks like I got a trick of my own, Houdini! HOKUTO! THE WORLD!"

He stopped time, and Himiko froze in place, along with everything in his range. He grabbed Himiko, and responded, "I was wondering about what happens if you stop time, and grab a frozen person in the middle of it… Well, let's find out. I have time before I cool off my time stop."

He held her in her arms, and responded, "Now, Time resume!" He resumed time, and Himiko was still frozen stiff. He said, as he was amazed, "Hmm… Maybe it's best not to tell Peter. He has the same… but… Nah."

He walked off, with Himiko in his arms. He said, "It feels like I'm holding a doll… but at least this kid's cooperating." He looked down, and he saw a doll with red hair. He gasped, "What th–?"

Himiko giggled, "Nyeeeh-ha-ha-ha! No one can outsmart the Magical Mage, Himiko Yumeno! Nyeeeeeh! Your magic is all fake, but mine is all real!"

"Oh, you motherfucker!" He roared, "GET BACK HERE!"

She dashed back and said, "Sorry… but I have another magic to show you… How to disappear."

She turned around, and ran into Peter. She rammed into him, and she fell down. "Urrrrrrrrgh…"

Peter asked, "What the hell is going on?"

Steven sighed, "Thank god. This kid's on my last nerve."

Peter said, "Her? Who is she?"

"Something called Himeno. Or something… I don't know, I was arresting her for prestidigitation without a license. And she's only 17!"

"Presti-what now?"

"She calls herself a magician."

"Is that right?" He turned to Himiko, who was out cold, "I believe that little magical girl is about to do another performance for her tricks – back in AAW." He picked her up, and Steven said, "Be careful. She's crafty. she eluded my grasp, at every turn."

"Nah, she's worn out. But for some reason, she's slippery."

"Easy for you to say! I used my Time Stop, but she escaped me, even so!"

"That's because it only stops our surroundings within 5 meters. It doesn't do that with stuff you grab."

"Crap…" Steven growled, "And I thought it would work."

XXXXX

Mizuki was sleeping, as she was finished with Chiaki. She was tired out, after rebuilding her, but now she has to recharge her… and so does she.

"Zzz… Sleep mode activated… Charging battery…" Mizuki beeped.

Chiaki suddenly woke up and moved. She turned to Mizuki and beeped, "She must not know." She whispered, "Hajime…" She placed a disk down, near a sleeping Mizuki.

Meanwhile, back in Japan, Chazz arrived with Maki, as Tsukasa & Kagami were waiting for them.

"Yo, Tsukasa! Kagami." Chazz said.

They saluted, as Kagami huffed, "No greeting to me?"

Chazz said, "Yes, hi, Kagami. I brought Maki. She couldn't stop pestering me about this Kaito guy."

Maki pouted, brushing her pigtail, "I'm not…"

Tsukasa said, "Well, Sendo-senpai's not here. When he learned you were coming, he bolted."

Chazz huffed, "Good. No need to stay with that artsy asshole."

Maki asked, "Curious… Do you and this Sendo guy hate each other?"

Kazuki said, "You mean this slob of a former duelist?" He suddenly appeared, "You might say that, but I hate him more than The Gang, as a whole, especially my ex, Mizuki."

Tsukasa asked, "I thought you left. What made you change your mind?"

"So I can see in private what Princeton can do, just to see the look on his face, when he fumbles up at the goal line."

Chazz glared, "Nice to see you, too…" He asked Tsukasa, "So… Can you give me news on the whole Kaito thing? She was obviously curious… Last time I saw him, I was stopped by another, Shirogane."

Kazuki said, "Let me guess… He–."

Maki said, "I'd rather if you didn't say it about his hair. Apparently, Kaito's a dumbass."

Chazz said, "Yeah, that's my fault."

Tsukasa stated, "You are right. But… We had a conference call with AAW, namely Asahi Sakurai. And apparently, Kaito, Maki, and Shirogane were not alone."

Chazz gasped, "Come again?"

Tsukasa showed a report of more landings in America. Three of which were Kaede, Shuichi, and Himiko. Six were revealed of the alleged thirteen. Maki gasped, "No way… Is that why?"

Kagami said, "As for Kaito, he's been missing for a while."

"Strange." Chazz said, "You don't think he–."

Tsukasa stated, "It's not a problem. Just need to find him. He's still in Japan. Trouble was… where, exactly?"

Maki said, "I think I know what his favorites are… and what his lifestyle does. Take me to him."

They agreed, except for Kazuki. "I'll pass. I may stay here and learn more about these bizarre appearances." Kagami said, "I'll stay, too. This is your beat on this one, Tsukasa."

"Thanks, Sis."

She, Chazz, and Maki went off to find Kaito.

XXXXX

The Gang was examining the photos of the 77th, as Mundy said, "Makes no sense, mates. We know the names, and the class, and their roles… but the others… I wish they tell us something."

"Where are the two guests?" Scarlet asked him.

"They're in the safehouse. Safe and sound."

Scarlet viewed the photo of Hajime, with long dark hair, "Hmm… This guy is somewhat creepy. Perhaps I may try something." She used her powers to sense the man, but her eyes flashed red, seeing a dark vision. She saw a view of Hope's Peak, as thousands of students killed themselves, jumping off the roof.

She gasped, as she pulled away, "PHEW!"

"What did you see?"

"I don't know…" Scarlet was shocked, as she saw an image of what came to be, before the reset was made.

XXXXX

That night, Shuichi and Kaede were sleeping together. Kaede was moaning in her sleep. she started to twitch and moaned, "Nnngh… mmm…"

She dreamed. She was in the middle of a room, surrounded by a bunch of people. A metallic arm appeared and grabbed onto her neck. She was pulled away, and Shuichi tried to reach for her. She was being pulled back, and taken to a giant piano. A conductor that resembles Monokuma, was performing The Flea Waltz, while Kaede was dangling with the collar around her neck. Her body moved around, playing each key, but Kaede was starting to choke. The arm that grabbed her doubled as more of a hangman's noose. She was playing the tune, shoddily and terribly. A bunch of people were throwing rocks and trash at her, as she was getting dizzy, and her face was red, suffocating from the latch.

When the music stopped, Kaede was dangling over the piano. Her body was limp and ragged, as she was hung in a noose. The piano slammed shut.

"AAAAGH!"
And she woke up. Kaede was in a cold sweat, as she held herself, shaken.

Scarlet narrated, "All I saw… was darkness… Pure chaos… Pure despair…"

Kaede whispered, "What was that?" She went back to sleep and was scared.

Scarlet said to Mundy, "I wish I can help you on this… but if what I saw in this photo is who it is… Then we're in major league trouble. Find out who he is. Tell the others. We need to crack this, before it starts again."

Mundy asked, "Another one of your premonitions?"

"Pretty much…" She sighed, "But I cannot say. You're dismissed."

Mundy walked off and said, "Good night."

She paused, as Mundy left. She thought, "Peter did the right thing by ending Junko… but I have a feeling that we made things worse."

At Japan, Chazz, Maki, & Tsukasa arrived, as they saw Kaito, relaxing in the field. Tsukasa called, "Kaito Momota?"

Kaito said, "Yes, that's me." He asked, "Oh? Maki Roll…"

Maki blushed, as she huffed, "You idiot…"

Scarlet added, "It could mean the end, before it starts…"

XXXXX

Peter returned, that evening, as he and Steven brought Himiko. Mizuki yawned and said, "Where were you guys?"

He said, "Found her. Her crimes are long."

Himiko moaned, "Nyeeeeeh… Where am I?"

Mizuki said, "Is she–?"

Peter said, "Yes. Another Ultimate."

Mizuki asked, "Kid, who are you?"

Himiko said, "I'm Himiko Yumeno…the Ultimate Magician… but I prefer to be called Ultimate Mage."

Steven said, "Don't tell Farra, alright? She'd go ballistic, knowing how many Ultimates we found…"

Mizuki said, "Trust me. We are knee deep in the Ultimates, being found in this area."

As they were questioning Himiko, Chiaki was viewing the photos, and she whispered, "Nagito… Hajime… What happened? Why can't I remember?"

XXXXX

Meanwhile, somewhere in a dark building, Nagito approached a figure in black hair, long and wavy. He said, "Hey. I was wondering where you went. Lucky me."

The voice hissed, "You came back, as expected… Did you find anything?"

"Not really… Why couldn't you go and examine it yourself?"

"…" He was silent, as he turned to Nagito. He said, "Make sure… no one finds out."

Nagito smiled, "Anything for you, buddy."

He left his room and said, "I love it when reunions are so warm and heartfelt… His Hope fuels me…" He shut the door, as it said "Kamakura". The boy's name was Izuru Kamakura. But why is he here?

To be continued…