Kyoko looked out the window as Dojima drove. The town of Inaba seemed to be a quiet place, and Kyoko could see how peaceful it was. It was completely different from how it was back in the city, at Hope's Peak Academy.
She was brought out of her thoughts as the car stopped. They haven't reached the house yet, and stopped for gas.
And looking at Nanako, a bathroom break. Kyoko got out of the car to observe more of the area. It felt very rural, as if it was on the verge of advancing. Compared to the city, it was less developed.
Nanako slightly dashed towards the bathroom, and Dojima walked off to the side to smoke.
"Are you in high school?"
Kyoko was brought out of her thoughts by the gas station attendant. Kyoko was surprised by the man's voice, as it was somewhat feminine, but she brushed it off.
"Yes, I am."
"Does it surprise a city girl to see how little there is out here? There's so little to do, I'm sure you'll get bored fast. You'll either be hanging out with your friends or doing part time jobs. Speaking of which, we're actually looking for part-time help right now. Give it some thought, why don't you? We don't mind if you're a student."
She stuck his hand out, and Kyoko looked at it for a while, before shaking it.
"Oh, I should get back to work."
Nanako came back, and Kyoko could feel a headache. She almost blacked out, but stuck an arm out to lean against the car.
"Are you okay? Did you get carsick?"
Kyoko thought to herself. Was it exhaustion from the long trip? She does feel somewhat dizzy.
Was it that man...? Kyoko thought. Looking back to see him moving some gas containers. ...no. Even if it was a disease of some sort, it wouldn't take into effect this instantly. Perhaps I really am just tired.
They arrived at the Dojima residence. Her uncle and Nanako walked in ahead of her, as she stayed back and looked.
Kyoko was surprised at the size of the building. It wasn't as large as her home back in the city, but it was fairly similar in design. Perhaps her uncle did share the same tastes as her late grandfather.
So this would be her home for the next year. It wouldn't be a problem for her to feel at home.
She walked in, closing the door behind her. Dojima and Nanako were in the kitchen, cleaning up.
"Hey." Dojima said. "It's almost dinner time, so leave your stuff in the room we gave you. Upstairs on the right."
"Thank you."
Kyoko walked up the stairs and down the hall until she found the room she was given. There we boxes stacked throughout the room, as well as a chest of drawers and shelves. There was an old TV too, as well as a couch and small coffee table. A desk was in the corner, and there was a window that she could use to see outside. She dropped her bag on her desk and took off her coat, before walking back down, where the table had already been set. Dojima and Nanako were already sitting around the table.
"Come on, sit down."
Kyoko sat down with them, as Dojima raised his glass.
"All right, let's have a toast."
They raised their glasses, before drinking.
"So... Kyoko... your father is busy managing Hope's Peak Academy. I understand that you're grandfather, my father, passed away recently, but is there a reason you asked to transfer here?"
"...I decided to pursue the family business. Hope's Peak Academy didn't really suit my tastes."
Dojima was confused at that. From what he had heard, Hope's Peak Academy provided the best of the best for their students, who were all prodigies. Though he did understand that perhaps living with a detective would help, he couldn't help but feel a little curious. He decided to not press on the issue, since it was only Kyoko's first day.
"Is that so? I know it's only an year, but I hope you'll enjoy your stay. Well, it's just me and Nanako here, so it'll be nice having someone you around. So long as you're here, you're part of the family, so make yourself at home."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Dojima." Kyoko said.
"C'mon, there's no need to be so formal!" Dojima said with a grin. "Look, you're making Nanako all tense."
Kyoko turned to the young girl in question, who was staring at her.
"Anyways, let's eat."
But just before they could, Dojima's cell phone started ringing. He let out an annoyed sigh.
"Ugh... Who's calling at this hour?"
He pulled out his phone, before speaking into it. "Dojima speaking." He stood up, before walking slightly off to the side. "Yeah? I see… So where is it?"
...
"All right, I'm on my way."
And then to himself, he muttered. "Looks like I made the right choice to skip the booze.
He hung up, and turned to the two girls.
"Sorry, but I gotta go take care of some business. Go ahead and eat without me. I don't know how late I'll be. Nanako, you help her out, okay?"
"...okay."
"Uncle Dojima, if you want, I could-"
"No. Thanks for offering, Kyoko, but it's still your first day. You should get some rest. But on the chance we do need help, you'll probably be the first one we turn to, alright?"
"...I understand."
Dojima nodded, before leaving. But he soon called back. "Nanako! It's raining out, what did you do with the laundry!?"
"I already brought it in!" She called back.
"Alright. Well, I'm off!"
Kyoko could hear the car starting as it drove away. Nanako turned on the TV, which put on a weather report saying that heavy rain would come in the upcoming days.
"...let's eat."
Kyoko didn't raise any objections as she picked up her chopsticks.
Aside from the sounds from the TV, there was no conversation. The silence was heavy, and Nanako thought that she should break it. But it was hard, as she had to admit that Kyoko was... slightly intimidating.
"U-um..."
Kyoko looked up at her.
"Can I ask you something?"
Kyoko could see how intimidated that Nanako was, and gave her a small smile. "It's fine. You can ask me anything."
"Okay, um... how come you have a different last name? Daddy explained how it works to me, so I'm kind of confused."
Kyoko's smile slightly faded.
"Oh, that's because my father took my mother's last name instead." She explained. "I never truly understood why though."
That was a lie. Kyoko knew that her father had only changed his last name to try and distance himself from his lineage, and detective work. But she didn't want to brood about it in front of Nanako. Thankfully, the TV changed the subject.
"City council secretary Taro Namatame is under fire for an alleged relationship with a female reporter. His wife, enka ballad sensation Misuzu Hiiragi, revealed to this station that she will likely pursue damages. In response, Eye Television has decided to cancel all of announcer Mayumi Yamano's televised appearances. Until allegations of an affair with Mr. Namatame are resolved, she'll remain off the air and out of the public eye."
Kyoko couldn't help but be interested in the story. Though it was not necessarily crime based, it was somewhat intriguing and-
"This is boring."
Nanako pressed the remote and changed the channel. It switched to a commercial for Junes, a department store. At any rate, it made Nanako happier, as she sung along to the commercial. Kyoko quickly finished her meal, as she left Nanako to watch the TV. She walked up the stairs, ready to go to bed.
Before she went to sleep however, she noticed there were several text notifications on her phone.
Looking at the sender, she saw that it was Makoto Naegi, one of her friends back at Hope's Peak Academy.
It was a picture of Makoto, Byakuya, Hajime, Chiaki, Kaede, Shuichi and the rest of her friends.
At the bottom was a message.
We're sad you had to go, Kyoko, but best of luck from all of us! Hope for the best!
Kyoko smiled. Though she did have to leave, she knew her friends would always be with her. She laid down on the futon and soon fell asleep.
But her dreams were somewhat strange. She was seemingly stuck in a strange world, with a short sword in her hands. Fog obscured her vision, almost completely. She could only hear a single disembodied voice.
Will you seek the truth?
Kyoko opened her eyes to sunlight, as she remembered that she had school today. Quickly getting dressed as well as gathering her school supplies, she went downstairs to see Nanako had already prepared breakfast. There were eggs, bacon and toast.
"Good morning."
"Did you cook all of this?"
Nanako nodded. "Yeah. Dad can't cook, so I do, and I also order dinner sometimes."
Kyoko gave Nanako a warm smile. "You're a big girl for your age."
Nanako giggled. "Anyways, you're starting school today, right? My school's on the way, so… let's go together."
Kyoko nodded, as they started their breakfast. She noticed that Dojima wasn't around, and presumed that he was investigating a scene. She sighed as she continued to eat.
It was heavily raining, so Nanako and Kyoko had brought umbrellas.
They walked down the flood plain together, until Nanako stopped and pointed.
"You keep going straight from here." She said, turning around. "My school's this way. Bye."
Kyoko nodded, and kept on walking until she reached the intersection in front of the school. She could see other students walking towards the school. As she continued to walk, from behind her was a student trying to bike and hold an umbrella up at the same time. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't keep his balance and crashed.
Walking behind him, she saw him clutching his... family jewels and groaning in pain.
Remembering the many times that she had seen several of her male friends back at home suffer from this type of incident, she decided to leave him be.
Kyoko continued on her way, until she arrived at the front gates of the school. She wondered what kind of student life awaited her here.
The classroom was a lot more lively today. Somewhat understandable, since it was around the start of a new term. There was a lot of chatter, mostly complaining about the current teacher, or about a new transfer student.
A short-haired girl with a green jacket overheard all the talking.
"A transfer student from the city... Just like you, huh, Yosuke?"
A brown-haired boy with headphones was facedown on his desk, unresponsive.
"...Huh? You look dead today."
"Yeah, um... I don't wanna talk about it..."
The shxort-haired girl didn't push on it, and began talking to her friend.
"Awright, shut your traps!"
In walked in the teacher; Mr. Morooka. He was wearing a blue suit and checkered orange and yellow tie. What was somewhat jarring was his tremendous overbite. Following him was a purple-haired girl. She wore the usual Yasogami outfit, but also had on studded gloves.
"I'm Kinshiro Morooka, your homeroom teacher from today forward!"
But his introduction wasn't finished, as he started to rant.
"First things first! Just 'cause it's spring doesn't mean you can swoon over each other like love-struck baboons. Long as I'm around, you students are going to be as pure as the driven snow!"
The entire class silently groaned.
"Now I hate wasting my time, but I'd better introduce this transfer student. This sad sack's been thrown from the big city out to the middle of nowhere like yesterday's garbage. And she's just as much of a loser here as she was there, so you guys better not get any ideas about hitting on her! Tell em your name kid, and make it quick."
The purple haired girl stepped up.
"My name is Kyoko Kirigiri. I'm a transfer student from Hope's Peak Academy. I hope to get along with you all."
"What's that look you're giving the guy back there by the window!? You thought I wouldn't notice!? Now listen up! This town is miles away from your big city of perverts and assholes, in more ways than one. You better not even think of getting involved with the guys here, or they'll probably take advantage of you."
"Then I will stay far away from you, Mr. Morooka." She said, stepping towards the empty desk next to the short-haired girl.
Most of the class was in awe that Kyoko had insulted the teacher like that, in fact, Mr. Morooka's jaw dropped, but for some reason he didn't linger too long on the fact, and just went into another rant.
"He's the worst, huh?"
Kyoko turned to see the short-haired girl talking to her.
"Rotten luck for you to get stuck in this class... Well, we'll just have to hang in there for a year."
Kyoko nodded, before turning back to the front. She could hear the whispers of the class, talking about how she had 'punked King Moron'. Mr. Morooka yelled to try and calm everyone down, before getting into another rant.
Kyoko's life at Yasogami High had begun.
School seemed to finish up pretty quickly. Kyoko was putting away her belongings as the intercom started.
"Attention, all teachers. Please report immediately to the Faculty Office for a brief staff meeting. All students must return to their classrooms and are not to leave the school until further notice."
King Moron groaned. "Hrnh. You heard the announcement. Don't go anywhere until you hear otherwise."
And with that, he stormed out, and the chatter started up again. Sirens seemed to only make the chatter louder, as many students could hear the loud sirens coming from outside. Kyoko tried to tune it out as she got ready to leave at a moments notice, wondering if her Uncle investigating something.
"Attention, all students." The intercom started. "There has been an incident inside the school district. Police officers have been dispatched around the School Zone. Please stay calm and contact your parents or guardians as soon as possible, and quickly leave the school grounds. Do not disturb the police officers. Head directly home."
The intercom continued, but no one seemed to care, instead talking about what could have happened. Most of them decided to check it out, despite being told against it. Kyoko stood up to leave, before two girls approached her. She recognized the short-haired girl was the one sitting next to her.
"Hey, are you walking home by yourself? Why don't you come with us?"
"That would be fine by me, but what are your names?"
"Oh, nearly forgot! I'm Chie Satonaka. You know I sit next to you, right?"
"Of course. Having something simple like that slip my mind would be ridiculous."
"Well, nice to meet you!" Chie said, before turning to the girl next to her. She had long black hair and a red sweater.
"This is Yukiko Amagi." Chie introduced.
"Oh, nice to meet you... I'm sorry this is so sudden..." She said.
"C'mon, don't apologize like that. It makes me look like I got no upbringing. I just wanted to ask some stuff. Really, that's all."
The three of them started to walk out the classroom, before they ran into another student. Kyoko recognized that he was the one that had crashed his bike earlier. He was sweating, looking very nervous.
"Uh, umm, Miss Satonaka...?" He said, holding up a DVD case.
"This was really awesome. Like, the way they moved was just amazing to see..."
Chie looked confused until he bent down, holding it out.
"And... I'm really sorry! It was an accident! Please just have mercy until my next paycheck!"
Chie took the DVD case, as the student quickly stood upright. "Seeya thanks!"
He started to quickly walk off.
"Stop right there! What did you do with my DVD?!"
Chie ran towards him and kicked him...
Kyoko could feel nothing but pity, since it was the second time today for the boy. Chie opened up the DVD case and yelled in shock and anger.
"What the!? I can't believe this! It's completely cracked! My Trial of the Dragon!"
"I think mine's cracked too... Critical hit to the nads..."
"Um, a-are you alright?" Yukiko asked him.
"Oh, Yukiko-san... Are you worried about me...?" He asked, smiling slightly through the pain.
"He's fine, Yukiko. Let's ditch him and go home." Chie said, clearly annoyed.
They left, and Kyoko followed suite, as once again, experience showed her that leaving people be was sometimes the best option.
They had only walked a little bit outside of the school before they were stopped again. This time by a strange looking student.
"You're Yuki, right?" He asked. "Do you want to go out somewhere?"
"What...?" Yukiko asked. "Who are you?"
A few students saw and started to gossip about it. Kyoko overheard something along the lines of 'Amagi Challenge'.
The strange student continued. "Um, s-so... are you coming or not?"
"I-I'm not going..."
The strange student seemed to be offended at that. "Fine!" He said, running away.
"Wh-what did he want from me?" Yukiko said, curiously.
"What did he want...? Obviously, he was asking you out on a date." Chie said.
"Huh? Really?"
"I don't know if your feigning ignorance or not. But it's an effective strategy, none the less." Kyoko commented.
"Yeah. It was way over the top. Pretty creepy how he called you Yuki all of a sudden." Chie added.
"Yo, Yukiko-san. Turned down another lovelorn fool, huh?"
The boy from earlier walked up next to them with his bike. He seemed to be doing well from when Chie gave him critical damage.
"Man, you're cruel." He added. "You got me the same way last year."
"I don't recall doing that." Yukiko said, confused.
"Whoa, you serious?" Yosuke said, enthusiastic. "So then, you wanna hang out sometime!?"
"...I'd rather not."
Yosuke's mood dropped. "That'll teach me to get my hopes up. Anyways, you two better not pick on the transfer student too much." He said, biking off.
"We're just curious, is all!" Chie called after him.
"Um, I'm sorry for dragging you into this." Yukiko apologized.
"Once again, it's fine."
"C'mon, let's go! Everyone is staring!" Chie said.
They were walking back to their homes as they talked.
"So you transferred here from a prestigious school... just because?"
Kyoko nodded. "I though the change in scenery would help me."
Chie felt that Kyoko was hiding something, but didn't want to try prying into her business on the first day.
"Well, there really is nothing here, huh? I mean, that is what makes it nice, but there's nothing much we can show to people from outside. There is something from Mt. Yasogami... I think our dyed clothes or pottery or something is kinda famous."
"I think it's perfectly fine." Kyoko said. "It's very quaint here."
"Oh! Right! There's also the Amagi Inn! Yukiko's family runs it! It's the pride of Inaba!"
"Huh? It's... just an old inn."
"Oh, no way, it's been in all sorts of magazines as a hidden treasure." Chie said.
"I do recall reading several articles about it before I came here." Kyoko said.
"It's a great inn! It's been going for generations, and Yukiko here is going to take over someday. The inn actually attracts a lot of visitors to Inaba. It pretty much keeps this town going."
"...I don't think that's entirely true." Yukiko said. "And I'm not sure about-"
"Hey, what's that?"
Chie pointed to the corner of a street, where there were several police cars, pylons and tarps covering the ground. They could hear the excited chatter between the civilians.
"So that high schooler left school early, and as she came down this street..."
"Wow. Who could imagine THAT hanging from an antenna?"
"I wanted to see it too."
"Uh, you got here too late. The police and fire department took it down just a moment ago."
"Well, I think it's terrifying! I can't believe a dead body showed up around here..."
Chie and Yukiko looked shocked, but Kyoko's expression didn't change.
"Wait, what did she just say? A dead body!?" Chie said.
Kyoko then noticed who was by the scene. He turned and walked over.
"Hey, what're you doing here?" Dojima asked.
"We were just passing by, then we noticed the situation." Kyoko answered.
"Huh. I should have figured that'd happen." Dojima said, looking annoyed. "That damn principal. We told him not to let them through here..."
"You know this guy?" Chie asked Kyoko.
Kyoko nodded.
"I'm Detective Dojima, her guardian." He said, introducing himself to Chie and Yukiko. "Uhh... Well, how should I say this... I hope you get along with her."
"Uncle Dojima. What exactly happened?"
"Well, I'd tell you, but this isn't exactly the appropriate time. We haven't even gotten an autopsy report yet. I'll tell you when we get the information."
"I understand, Uncle."
Dojima nodded, before going back to the scene. A young detective came running right past him though, and heaved in the corner.
"Adachi! How long are you going to act like a rookie? You want to be sent back to the central office!?" Dojima yelled.
"I-I'm sorry... Nngh..."
"Go wash your face. We're gonna go around and gather information."
"Was this what that announcement was about...?" Chie realized.
"What do they mean... it was hanging from the antenna...?" Yukiko wondered.
Kyoko simply put a hand on her chin, not sure what to make of the information.
"Well, we're taking off." Chie said. "Starting tomorrow, neighbor, let's do our best!"
"Take care." Kyoko said to them, as they walked off. She turned back to the crime scene. Just wondering what in the world had transpired.
Kyoko soon found herself sitting in front of the television with Nanako. There wasn't a lot of talking between them. Kyoko was hoping that the television would bring up some information about the case.
"I wonder if Dad's not coming home again tonight..."
Kyoko wondered if she should try comforting Nanako, but then the news changed topics.
"Our top story this evening concerns a bizarre case in a quiet suburb. Around noon today, a woman was found dead near the Samegawa River in Inaba."
Kyoko turned all of her attention to the TV, as it cut to the school zone. Could this be the incident that she came across earlier?
"The deceased has been identified as Ms. Mayumi Yamano, a 27-year-old announcer at the local television station. The initial results of the Inaba Police Department's investigation have revealed..."
"Ah! The Inaba Police Department! Th-That's where Dad works!"
Nanako looked concerned about this, so Kyoko decided to try to reassure her. "It'll be alright."
"...I know. That's his job, so this stuff happens."
"The body was found hanging from a large television antenna atop a local resident's roof. Authorities are uncertain as to why the body was in such a state. With the cause of death also uncertain, police continue to investigate whether the death is an accident or a homicide."
Unknown cause of death? Kyoko put a hand on her chin. Did the autopsy provide no information?
"A thick fog common to the area has slowed their progress, and plans to fully canvass the area are delayed until tomorrow."
Kyoko leaned back in thought as the report finished. The death of Mayumi Yamano... Her affair with Taro Namatame was brought to light only a few days ago. It couldn't have been a coincidence.
"They found her on the roof? That's scary..."
Nanako's mood immediately lifted as the Junes commercial popped up. Kyoko couldn't help but feel that the commercial just jumped in at the wrong time. She didn't complain though, as Nanako sang along to the advertisement. Nanako sang along to the short jingle.
"Do you like that song?" Kyoko asked her.
"Yep! It's popular at school too."
Nanako continued to sing to herself over and over again. While Kyoko did have to admit that the song was somewhat irritating, Nanako seemed to be happier, forgetting all about the scary story.
Kyoko left Nanako to sing, going upstairs to sleep, tired of adjusting to her new environment. She wondered how tomorrow would play out. No doubt that the school would be talking about the death.
She put these thoughts out of her mind as she laid down on her bed.
Kyoko's question about what would happen tomorrow was answered. On her way to school, the same male student from early rode by. Kyoko tried to recall his name, before he crashed. Walking over, she remembered that his name was Yosuke. He was stuck in a trash can, rolling around.
"S-Someone..." He said, begging for help.
Kyoko decided to help him. She put her foot down on the trash can to stop it from rolling, and let the boy crawl out.
Essentially, he wasn't stuck much at all. He seemed to unintentionally act stuck. Perhaps the panic from the crash, or the damage he suffered yesterday was still lasting.
"Whew, you saved me. Thanks!" He said, getting on his bike. "Umm... Oh yeah, that's right. You're that transfer student, Kyoko Kirigiri."
"Yes. It seems you already know my name. I've only met you in passing, so I haven't been formally introduced to you."
"Well, I'm Yosuke Hanamura. Nice to meet ya."
"It's nice to meet you too." Kyoko said. "Are you alright?"
"Oh yeah, yeah, I'm fine." He reassured her. Kyoko couldn't help but think that he was checking her out, and crossed her arms defensively.
"Say, did you hear about the incident form yesterday? They found that announcer lady hanging from an antenna! You think it was some kinda warning? There's no way something that weird could've been an accident."
"Well, I'm not sure about it being a sort of warning. But what I'm positive about is that this is connected to the scandal the announcer was in earlier."
"Oh, really? What makes you say that?"
"The close timing of these two incidents is no coincidence. There must be some sort of connection."
"Yeah, I guess it makes sense. Huh, you're sorta like a detective, huh?"
"I do come from a long line of them, yes."
"Whoa, even cooler!"
Kyoko gave a small smile. While she wasn't normally the type to do so, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
"But damn, dangling a dead body over a roof like that... That's just messed up." Yosuke said. "Then again, it's pretty messed up to kill someone in the first place."
"You'd be surprised at the type of people you can find." Kyoko said, completely serious.
Silence passed between the two, before Yosuke looked at his watch.
"Oh crap, we're late!" Yosuke said. "Um..."
"Yes?"
"You want a ride? It's a little squeaky, but we should be fine." Yosuke offered, blushing slightly.
Kyoko gave a deadpan stare at him, but sighed, knowing there was no other option.
"Don't try anything funny." She said, getting on.
"Yes Ma'am." Yosuke said, with a slight smirk.
After Morooka's lecture, Kyoko started to pack away her things. Yosuke walked up to her just as she finished cleaning up.
"So, you getting used to this place?" He asked.
"Quite well in fact."
"Wow, that was fast." Yosuke said. "There isn't much to do here compared to the big city, but there is that certain... something you can't get anywhere else."
"What exactly?"
"The air's clean, the food's great... Oh, you know about the local delicacy?"
"No." Kyoko responded.
"It's grilled steak! Like that's anything special, huh?" He said, as if it was a joke.
"I see."
Man, just single sentence answers, huh? Yosuke thought. "I know a place where you can get it cheap. Wanna come? You helped me out this morning, so it's on me."
"...did you just ask me out?"
"Wha-no!" Yosuke said, stammering. "It's not that, it's just that I think that I owe you one for saving me. It's not a date, ha ha... Unless?..."
"What about me, huh? No apologies?"
Chie walked up to the two, clearly annoyed.
"My 'Trial of the Dragon.'" She clarified, though both Kyoko and Yosuke had already guessed.
Yosuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You always come around when I'm talking about food..."
"How about it, Yukiko?" Chie said, turning to her friend. "Don't you think he should treat us, too?"
Yukiko, who had been silently gathering her possessions, stood up. "I'll pass... I don't want to gain any more weight. I need to help out at the inn today, anyway."
"Wow, Yukiko-san!" Yosuke said. "You started training to take over the business?"
"It's not like that!" She said, almost defensively. "I'm just helping out when it gets busy. Well, I should be on my way."
She left the classroom, and Chie turned to the other two. "Oh well. We should get going too."
"Huh? Do I seriously have to treat two people...?" Yosuke whined.
"It appears so." Kyoko said.
"I didn't need a confirmation..."
"THIS is the cheap place you were talking about?! They don't have grilled steak here."
They were at the Junes food court. Yosuke walked up to the table and placed a tray of food down.
"Yeah, well, once you hopped on the freeloader train, I had to change my plans." Yosuke said, sitting down.
"Still, that's no reason to take us to your place." Chie said.
"Dude, this isn't my place or anything."
"What exactly do you mean by 'your place?'" Kyoko asked.
"Oh, right. I haven't told you yet, huh?" Yosuke said. "I moved her from another city about six months back. This location just opened up, and my dad was assigned to manage it. So our entire family came out here."
"I see."
Yosuke took one of the drinks, and held it up. "Here, this is to welcome you to town."
Kyoko wordlessly took one of the drinks.
"Satonaka, yours is on me too." Yosuke said.
"Yeah, I know." She bluntly responded, before they gave cheers, then started to talk. "It's only been half a year since this place opened up, but I haven't been to the local shopping district much since. A lot of stores there started closing, and... Oh, uh..."
"...You can't blame it all on Junes, can you?" Yosuke asked, before sighing.
"Well, it's only natural." Kyoko stated. "New and improved is what today's society wants. Even if Junes sells the items at a higher price, many will still buy it. The wide variety of objects also helps."
"Kirigiri-san, I don't know if you're complimenting the place or confirming Chie's thoughts." Yosuke said, as his gaze shifted away.
"It's just my thoughts on the matter."
Yosuke leaned back, before he noticed someone familiar. "Hey... It's Saki-senpai! Sorry, be right back."
"Who's that?" Kyoko asked curiously, as Yosuke got up.
"Oh, that's Saki Konishi." Chie answered. "Her family runs a liquor store in the shopping district. I think she's working her part-time though."
"And I'm guessing that Yosuke went over there because he likes her?"
"Bingo!" Chie said, with a smirk. "Though I'm pretty sure that he'll never have a chance with her."
"You'd be surprised at the types of relationships people can have." Kyoko said, slowly taking a sip from her drink.
Chie's sweatdropped, wondering who Kyoko was talking about. Thankfully, Yosuke and Saki came over, breaking the awkward silence.
"Are you the transfer student?" Saki asked. "Oh, did you hear about me already?"
Kyoko nodded, as she put down her drink.
"It must be nice to have someone else from the big city to talk to, huh?" She asked. "I don't see Hana-chan hanging out with the other guys much."
"N-Not necessarily." Yosuke said.
"He doesn't have too many friends, so I hope you two get along well." She said. "Hana-chan's a good guy, but he can get nosy sometimes. You gotta tell him right to his face when he starts to annoy you."
"I don't consider him to be annoying. I consider him a good friend already."
Yosuke and Chie couldn't help but notice that Kyoko's words were a little cold. Saki didn't seem to notice and just chuckled.
"I know, I'm just kidding."
"C-C'mon, Senpai. There's no need to worry about something like that." Yosuke said.
"Well, my break's just about over. Back to work I go. Laters." She said, walking off.
"Oh, uh, Senpai!" Yosuke called, but it she didn't seem to hear him. He sat back down. "Heh, Saki-senpai says I'm annoying, but she's even nosier than me. She has a younger brother, and she treats me pretty much the same way."
"Ohh, you don't want her treating you like a brother, huh?" Chie teased. "Oh, I get it. So that's how it is."
Chie struck a dramatic pose and started to speak like a narrator. "The daughter of a local family-run liquor store and the scion of the invading chain. The flame of forbidden love!"
"Wha-?! Dude, it's not like that."
"Your blush says otherwise." Kyoko said.
"You too? It's nothing like that."
"Oh, is that so? Well, I know just the thing to cheer up that lovesick heart." Chie said. "You ever hear of the Midnight Channel?"
The two stared at Chie, clearly not knowing what she was talking about.
"You're supposed to look into a TV that's switched off, alone, exactly at midnight on a rainy night. While, you're stating at your own image, another person will appear on the screen. And they say, that person's your soulmate."
"What? For a second, I thought you were actually going to say something useful." Yosuke snarked. "How can you get all excited over such a childish urban legend like that?"
"Childish, huh? You don't believe it, do you!?" She said, angry.
"It is somewhat hard to believe." Kyoko said, though she does know for a fact that several of her former classmates would listen to Chie.
"Well, it's raining tonight! Let's all try it out- then you'll see!"
"Try it out-? Wait, you haven't even tried it yourself?" Yosuke asked. "Wow, I'm trying to remember the last time I heard something this stupid."
Chie crossed her arms and pouted.
"All that aside... you know that "incident" yesterday? You guys think it was murder?" Yosuke said, with a serious tone, before the mood whiplash came. "Ooh, what if the culprit behind it was still lurking around...?"
"Sheesh, you shouldn't joke about stuff like that." Chie said, almost scolding him. "Now who's the childish one? All I am saying is, you guys better try it out tonight. I'm sure Kyoko will. Right?"
Kyoko had her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
"Kyoko?"
"Ah... Yes?"
"You seemed to be thinking a lot. What is it?" Chie asked.
"I was thinking over the facts of the incident yesterday."
"Oh, that's right." Yosuke said, turning to Chie. "Kyoko didn't tell you yet, but she comes from a long line of detectives."
"Really? That's cool." Chie said, in awe. "So, what are your thoughts on this?"
"There's not enough information for me to make a clear judgement yet, but it's safe to say it was a homicide case."
"No, not the murder, the Midnight Channel!"
"...it seems like a very foolish idea."
"Hey!"
"But to humor you, I will try it out."
"Thanks! See Yosuke, Kyoko's rational!"
"I don't think you realize that she's pitying you..."
Back at the Dojima residence, Kyoko was having dinner with Nanako, but Dojima was nowhere to be found. Nanako looked down, somewhat disappointed.
"Did your father call?" Kyoko asked her.
"No... He always says he will..."
The two sat in silence before the sounds of the front door got their attention.
"Oh! He's home!"
Dojima walked in, clearly tired.
"What a day..." He sighed. "I'm back. Did anything happen while I was out?"
"No. You're late again." Nanako said.
"I'm sorry... Been busy at work." He said, sitting down on the couch. "Could you put the news on for me?"
Nanako looked annoyed, but listened to her father. She pressed a button on the remote, bringing the television to life.
"Next, more details in the developing story on the incident in foggy Inaba. Announcer Mayumi Yamano's dead body was found hanging above a house in this isolated rural town. It is confirmed that Ms. Yamano had been involved in an affair with Taro Namatame, husband of enka singer Misuzu Hiiragi."'
Another report about the incident...? Kyoko thought.
"The police plan to investigate this relationship and question any personnel involved with them. In addition, we now bring you an exclusive interview with the local student who found Ms. Yamano's body."
"An interview with the kid?" Dojima said, yawning. "Where the hell did they find her?"
It cut to an image of a student. While her voice was distorted and her face was blurred, Kyoko couldn't help but feel that she recognized her from somewhere.
"What went through your mind when you saw it? Could you tell she was dead? Did you see her face? Don't you think it's scary that someone was killed on a foggy day?"
"Huh? She was killed?"
"Oh, err... So did you see anyone suspicious around her?"
"No, not really..."
"We heard that you found it when you left school early. Did you have some personal business to take care of?"
"Huh? That's..."
"Personal information." Kyoko finished.
"Honestly... what the hell is wrong with that reporter?" Dojima said, annoyed.
"He's clearly unprofessional. Just from the way she was responding, you could tell he was making her uncomfortable." Kyoko said, though she still couldn't shake the feeling that she recognized her.
The report continued to give more information about the case. Though none of them were very solid. Most were just opinions on what kind of effects it would have on the community. Eventually, the Junes commercial came up, and once again, Nanako started to sing along with it.
"Every day's great at your Junes!" Nanako sang. "Hey Dad, can we go to Junes together sometime?"
Dojima's snores answered her.
"...No?"
Dojima just snored louder.
"Jeez..."
In her room, Kyoko had changed out of her school uniform. She was sitting on the couch in a lavender t-shirt, and white shorts. She still wore her gloves. Outside, rain was heavily pouring down. She ignored it, and was texting on her phone to a friend.
So how is it there?
It's a quiet place.
Still, I'm surprised that you decided to leave right out of the blue.
I sometimes surprise myself, Makoto.
Well, I hope that you stay safe. Everyone at Hope's Peak Academy heard about the murder that happened. Maihru was about to take a train there to get the scoop.
I see.
Anyways, it's been really busy, with the annual play being several months away, everyone's working hard. Hifumi, Gundham and Kokichi are planning the story, while Sayaka, Ibuki and Kaede were recording songs.
I'm sorry I'm not there to help.
It's alright. Maybe you can drop by for the play or something.
I'll put it into consideration. Good night, Makoto.
Night.
Kyoko put her phone down and sighed. She could feel her eyes closing, and though vaguely of moving towards the futon.
But something made her eyes shoot open. She remembered what Chie had said earlier, and looked at the small television in her room.
It's a ridiculous rumor... She thought. But...
She stood up and moved to the TV. Staring at it for a while, nothing popped up, even though the clock struck twelve. She gave it a few more seconds, before turning away.
"As I thought. Nothing."
Nothing, until the television turned on.
Kyoko whipped around to see faded images on the television. They kept on cutting from the image to static, frustrating her. She saw a teenage girl seemingly in panic... just what was it?
I am thou...
Kyoko clutched her head, feeling a sharp pain pinging through.
Thou art I...
The pain was unbearable, as she stumbled. Her legs feeling as if they could give away at any moment.
Thou art the one... who opens the door...
Kyoko fell to her knees, gloved hand over her face. She felt very sick, and waited for the pain to pass. Breathing heavily, she looked up at the television, which had stopped the strange program.
She stood back up and stared at the television. Her curiosity pushed her, and she stuck and hand out towards the television.
Upon touching the screen, white ripples expanded from the point she touched. Almost immediately, she withdrew her hand. Gathering more courage, she stuck her hand out again, and this time, her hand phased though the screen.
Before she could react to this, she felt something grab her arm. Panic seized her as she was dragged into the screen. Without hesitation, she pulled back as far as she could. She broke free from whatever had grabbed onto her and fell backwards, smashing her head against the corner of small table.
Biting her lip, she held her head, trying to neutralize the new pain her head was experiencing. Tears from both the trauma and shock threatened at the corner of her eyes. She could barely make out any of her surroundings, and only registered Nanako's voice after the pain had faded slightly.
"Are you okay?" She heard Nanako's voice call.
"I'm fine." Kyoko said, wincing. Of course, she was in pain, but she didn't want to trouble Nanako at this time of night. "Did I wake you up?"
"I heard a really loud noise..." She said. "...Well, good night."
The footsteps becoming quieter indicated that she had returned to her room. Kyoko turned back to the television, sweating and trying to calm herself down. Looking at her hands, she saw that there were a few tears in her gloves. From a few of the rips, she could see the ugly burn scars on her hands. She felt as if they were new again, as if her hands had once again suffered from a blazing inferno.
She took off her gloves, before putting them away and looking for her spares. Finding some perfectly new ones. She placed them on top of her school bag. Before she went to sleep, she gave the television one more long stare.
"What just happened...?"
Some mysteries could never be answered.
But for this one, Kyoko was determined to find it.
A/N: Been a while since I started this one, eh? Well, I got two other stories in the works, plus all the stuff I do on DA.
As you can guess, this Danganronpa timeline is based off of 'The Ultimate Talent Development Plan' from New Danganronpa V3. In other words, the entire Danganronpa 1, 2 and V3 casts are all alive and together. You'll be seeing some of them here and there. I have a plan for them.
Also, apologies in advance if some of this sounds a little 'choppy'. It's all straight from the game (which I am playing alongside writing this), but rest assured, I'll try to make the writing somewhat more interesting.
This is also the longest chapter I have ever written, so there's that too.
Also, for the 3 reviews I had for this thing;
This isn't based on the killing game AU. Try reading, please.
Makoto will show up, he already did this chapter, technically. As cute as Naegiri may be, I'm gonna deviate from Makoto x Kyoko for this story.
I have something in plan for Kyoko and Naoto. You'll see.
Next update will probably be for 'Finding Heaven Through Corruption'. So keep an eye out for that.
EpicLinkSam, signing off.