DISCLAIMER
This is a work of fan fiction using characters from various known fandoms. I do not own any of the listed fandoms below, or any of the related characters. Hi! I'm Baby Bear and its original characters are the only fictional work I own. This story is only for entertainment. I am not making any profit from this fanfiction. All rights of the fandoms belong to their respective owners.
I'm going over the reviews for Episode I from bottom to top in that order:
To first Guest from June 8th: I think that depends because I reread a few of my original works. Being completely honest, the writing makes me kinda cringe. But who knows. Maybe if I create a second account where I just don't have to look at them. Also, I wouldn't really know where to begin.
To the first Guest to review on June 10: I think you should wait and see before assuming that. It's a good guess, but with the complexity of Kingdom Hearts, you and I KNOW it's just not that simple. As for the second question… I have never watched the Another series, so more than likely not. Sorry.
To the last Guest: I went through the chapter again and went through all the repeated sentences and paragraphs I could find. If they're still some, call them out again and I'll fix it again. Thanks for the help. Make an account here so I can thank you properly instead of calling you "guest," my friend.
To foxchick1 on Jan 16: Thank you very much, old friend.
Once again, We love thy neighbors here, people. Regardless of race, religion, gender, AND likes/dislikes.
WARNING: I will add more fandoms to the story in future chapters. This is a mass crossover, after all.
If you want to find out what other fandoms are in here, READ THE STORY. Don't judge a book by its title, let alone its cover or first sentence. With that said, enjoy the story, Storytellers!
.
.
🎵 Danganronpa Super Mix 🎵
.
.
Sandlot
Hope's Peak City
.
The Heartless creatures known as Shadows erupted from the earth as a Demon Tide, swirling in a wicked dance. By the Naegi Siblings' instructions, the Warriors of Hope ran off to the First District without another thought in their heads. Meanwhile, Makoto and Komaru dashed towards the Demon Tide with Elpis Lux and Shinjitsu Key respectively in hand.
.
.
INFORMATION
Defeat the Demon Tower
.
.
The Demon Tide swept over the Sandlot's surface with such fury that its wake shook the ground. As Makoto and Komaru charged, it rose itself violently off the ground. Makoto was the first to act, running across the sandlot and onto the wall of a nearby building with a front flip to gain momentum. He used Aerial Recovery to generate momentum for height as he jumped into the air. Makoto tossed Elpis Lux and the Keyblade teeth struck the Demon Tide's spearhead, vanquishing some Shadows. Of course, it was not enough to bring the swarm to a halt.
Makoto then used Flowmotion to soar into the air above Demon Tide, resuming control of his Keyblade before unleashing a barrage of light bullets. His strike hit several of the Demon Tide's Shadows. The formation moved quickly, and it forced Makoto to jump away with his weapon. Makoto leaped onto another wall and assaulted it again, while it simply completed its encirclement and returned to the ground. The Demon Tide turned to face the Keyblade Wielders once again.
Makoto fell on his shoulders on the ground and bounced sufficiently to finish up in a squat with one leg out and one knee bent. When he tried to stand, he yelled out in pain and gripped his left shoulder. The Demon Tide formed an arc in the air before diving beneath and resurfacing multiple times, attacking as it went. Even crouching, Makoto was driven back as a swarm of Heartless charged him. Komaru finally sprang into the air between them, using her injured Onii-chan's good shoulder as a springboard.
"Onii-chan! Heal yourself! It's my turn," Komaru said.
"Komaru," Makoto furrowed his eyebrows and nodded. Komaru used Flowmotion to ride alongside the Demon Tide and dispatch a few Shadows. She sprang back to the earth, placed her foot, and lifted Shinjitsu Key, sheltering Makoto as the Demon Tide approached. She slammed his sword into the swarm as the Tide came, the power of the wind rushing over their garments. Back with Makoto, he finally opened his eyes again and raised his Keyblade to the sky.
Makoto cast a flower made of energy over his head, and both his wounds and Komaru's wounds healed. He ran over to his little sister. He asked, "Ready to finish this?"
Komaru smirked with thumbs up. "Of course! This is just a warmup! Let's end this!" Makoto and Komaru joined their Keyblades before unleashing a barrage of strikes. The Naegi Duo quickly slashed as the Demon Tide shuddered from the strike before the pair blasted a volley of black orbs into the Heartless horde. Makoto and Komaru then turned away from each other to begin the following phase of their attack.
Brother and sister joined their arms and conjured 22 swords for a whirling slash strike. Makoto and Komaru covered Elpis Lux and Shinjitsu Key in an aura after using Last Saber or Dark Cannon twice. He gave Elpis Lux to Komaru, who used it with her own before passing it and the Shinjitsu Key to her Onii-chan for the same purpose. The Naegi Duo's Keyblades burst after using XXII Blades and Master Hearts twice. The Shadows vanished, leaving behind smoldering black clouds and a flurry of hearts.
.
🎵 Danganronpa Super Mix end 🎵
.
Makoto and Komaru look around for a moment before standing up straight and relaxing themselves.
"Looks like the coast is clear," said Komaru. As the Naegi Siblings dismissed their Keyblades, Makoto turned his head to the ground and saw a white stuffed rabbit with two upright ears. It wore a pink skirt and had white feathered wings. He stared before looking over to the alley leading to the first district. The Ultimate Lucky Student saw the Warriors of Hope peaking their adorable little heads from behind the wall.
.
🎵 Innocent Times 🎵
.
Makoto smiled when he saw a particular Li'l Ultimate Drama watching with big, watery eyes.
Makoto picked the Magical Girl Rabbit off the ground and dusted it off before Airstepping over to the kids. Though they flinched at first, the children slowly turned back to the kneeling Keyblade Wielder who hid his face playfully behind the Rabbit. Kotoko gasped and snatched her Rabbit back with giggles and a smile.
"Are you all okay?" Makoto asked them.
"Yup yup, kind sir! Everyone is fine, see?" Monaca nodded. Makoto giggled and reached out a hand to brush her little head.
He said, "Such great valor you all have…" Masaru tugged on the bell sleeve of Makoto's kimono to draw his attention.
"You two were so awesome! Especially you, you were all slashing those things," the Li'l Ultimate P.E. cheered. Kotoko pouted at Masaru after he said that, her pink speech bubble eyes narrowing a bit.
"Hey, the girl was totally cool too!" Kotoko argued. "And she was all beautiful all the while fighting!" Komaru just smiled lazily as the Li'l Ultimate Drama gushed over her as she pulled a bottle of soda from nowhere. Makoto smiled at the children, then noticed something about the redhead.
Slight bruises and cuts covered the twelve-year-old boy. Makoto cupped Masaru's left cheek where one bandage was.
"You're hurt." Makoto didn't question, he made a statement. Masaru's eyes grew wide and twitched, a bead of sweat appeared as his face paled. The leader of the "Hero" class jumped back as his breath hitched.
"M-Me!? Nah, I'm alright!" Masaru claimed, his smile twitching. "A-And even if I was, it's nothing! A hero doesn't let some stupid wound make him crawl!" Makoto wrinkled his brows and frowned slightly before cupping Masaru's hand in both of his.
"I admire your valor, however, you shouldn't just shrug these off. Here, heal," he said. Light wrapped around Makoto and Masaru, surrounding them in flowers, and a larger one bloomed above their heads. The other Warriors of Hope watched with wide, starry eyes as Masaru's bruises and cuts slowly faded away, as if they never existed. As the aura enveloping them dissipated, Makoto smiled at the wide-eyed Li'l Ultimate P.E. "There! Ouchie, ouchie, go away."
Masaru's blue eyes of fire lingered on Makoto before moving to his shaking hands. He said, "I… The pain's all gone. It-It doesn't… Woah, what just happened?"
"I… I-I don't understand. Th-This doesn't even make sense!" As Nagisa panicked, Makoto stopped the Li'l Ultimate Social Studies by wagging a finger to his lips. He then moved his finger to his own with a smile.
"I understand you kids have questions, but there are some things not even the adult should know," he said. "So we need you all to keep this a secret, okay? There is no shortage of bad people who would do anything to take advantage of this information." All five of the children except Monaca looked at each.
"Th-That… That's a lot to hide…" said Jatarō.
"It's not like we can explain this to anyone anyway," Monaca smiled. "Okay, good sir, we accept!"
Makoto smiled at Monaca and patted her head as he said, "Thank you for your understanding, Monaca." Monaca's eyes grew wide as she stared at Makoto who rose back to his feet. Komaru joined his side, smiling at the kids, too.
"See you later!" Komaru chirped. Monaca reached out a hand, but it was too late as the Keyblade wielders used Flowmotion to run up a building.
"Woah, that's so cool! Just like heroes in comics!" Masaru declared. Nagisa also watched as Makoto and Komaru ran off before shaking it off. He turned to Monaca, narrowing his eyes when he saw her frown.
He asked, "Monaca, are you alright?" The rest of the Warriors' turned to Monaca who stared into space.
.
🎵 Innocent Times end 🎵
.
"How did… he know Monaca's name?" Monaca dropped a bomb.
.
.
🎵 Beautiful Days 🎵
.
.
Hope's Peak Academy: Gates
Hope's Peak City
.
Makoto and Komaru finally arrived at the gates of Hope's Peak Academy, looking up through them at the Old School Building. It had a significant similarity to the University of Tokyo, with the red-brick employed in the edifice suggestive of Gothic Revival design. Komaru directed her gaze to the West Quarter, which houses the Reserve Course buildings on campus. The primary structure is a miniature replica of the original, rectangular in design with a little cone in the center. A massive L-shaped structure was behind the main building.
Komaru turned to her brother and gave him a big hug. Makoto furrowed his eyebrows as he heard something smell something. Komaru giggled, "Welp! This is where we part ways, Onii-chan. See ya later!" Makoto's little sister ran off to the West Quarter. The "Ultimate Lucky Student" smiled at his departing sibling and partner. He then pulled out his letter to reread its contents.
.
To Naegi Makoto
We chose, via a lottery, one person from among the normal students. That person was you. We give you the title "Ultimate Lucky Student" and invite you to enroll at our school. We have enclosed Hope's Peak Academy's entrance pamphlet to help you with this process.
.
Makoto looked back up at the building and nodded, taking a step forward before lightly gasping. The secret Keyblade wielder turned to a guard box that was on the left inside the gate. There was a tall, muscular man with an aggressive presence. He had dark greenish-gray hair that was cut short, pink eyes, and a tanned complexion. The "Ultimate Lucky Student" blinked twice before smiling again, almost skipping to the security guard.
Meanwhile, Jūzō Sakakura raised an eyebrow when the kid flinched away from his glare. When he first noticed the letter in the young teen's hand, the Former Ultimate Boxer rolled his eyes.
"Hmph! Looks like this one is the new Lucky Student, considering his appearance… Wait, his…? Or hers…? Ugh, can't tell," he facepalmed. Jūzō quickly retracted his hand as he noticed a child's face. As they hovered over him, the Boy-Girl-Kid thing giggled.
"Good day to you, sir! I'm a new Main Course student and I was heading to the Main Hall," they said. "However, I heard your tum growling and figured I would give you this as a thank you for keeping us safe." Before the Former Ultimate Boxer could say anything, the Ultimate Lucky Student put a stack of - not two, not three - but four bentō boxes onto his desk. Where in the world did they come from? That was a question Jūzō would spend the rest of his days asking.
For now, he would settle for sweat dropping at the boxes that were also quite wide. Did the kid make a New Year's Meal in these things?
"I work very hard on making sure my sister and I always eat filling and nutritious meals if we have places to be," they smiled. "On the top bentō, blah blah blah, yada yada…" Honestly, Jūzō didn't tune him out. His brain just fried when the new student started speaking like a waiter from one of those five-star restaurants that Kyōsuke would take him and Chisa to. He soon shook his head in annoyance, but tried to take a few deep breaths.
Facepalming, the head of Hope's Peak Security said, "Yeah, yeah, real great. Look, kid, I've got a job to do. So whatever you have planned, do it somewhere else that won't bother me…"
The moment that he removed his hand from his face did Jūzō see that the kid didn't hear a word he said. Because the kid was already gone. The Former Ultimate Boxer's jaw fell low as he turned to the doors of the Old School Building where the Lucky Student entered the doors.
Jūzō's eye twitched from under his furrowed brows before turning around to growl, crossing his arms over his chest. However, his stomach's growl was louder than his own as it roared in agreement with Makoto's earlier words. The Former Ultimate Boxer sweat-dropped as a couple of new students, specifically a young woman with strawberry blonde, laughed at him. He scowled deeply before giving the stack of bentō the side eye. For several beats, he started before he snatched up the boxes by the cloth and sat down.
The top contained several blueberry pancakes, some mixed berries on the side, and homemade Greek yogurt covered with granola. From the fork, spoon, and chopsticks placed in the box, Jūzō picked up the fork and ate a pancake whole.
"Hmm… Damn, it is good," he said, raising an eyebrow.
.
.
Hope's Peak Academy: First Floor
Hope's Peak City
.
"All right, Makoto," he told himself. "It's time to get started. "You can do it." He gave himself a solid nod and headed down the left hall before turning right into Main Hall.
.
🎵 Beautiful Days end 🎵
.
When he entered, he noticed it was completely empty, with no one else in sight. "Isn't this where we're supposed to meet? I guess I'm the first one here." He checked the clock in the main hall and saw that it was only 7:10 a.m.
"So, I have fifty more minutes until it's 8:00 AM. It makes sense for no one else to be here," Makoto thought. He then gave a sigh, but then gave his hopeful smile full of childish glee. "Oh, well, I guess I could just look around." The Keyblade wielder returned to the First Floor to look around.
The ground floor had two classrooms, an A/V room, a store, a nurse's office, bathrooms, the entrance and the gym. One may also reach the elevator from this floor. Makoto tapped his lower lip as he said, "Why does this place… make me feel so nostalgic?" In the middle of his pondering, Makoto bumped into someone, turning to see a woman coming out of her classroom. She was a young, petite, smiling woman with green doe eyes and orange hair tied into a ponytail.
Now a blushing mess, Makoto moved frantically as he apologized, "I'm so sorry!" He fell to his knees in a kowtow so low, his head pressed firmly into the floor.
"Aw! That's alright," the woman said. "It was just an accident, after all." Makoto looked at the woman.
.
🎵 Peaceful Hearts 🎵
.
The woman smiled at Makoto as her students looked out from their hallway window. She bent down to talk to him, "Anyway, what are you doing in the hallway? Are you lost? This is the first time I'm seeing you." Makoto shook his head and pointed at the clock in the hallway.
"Oh! You're a new student, huh?" The teacher asked.
"Hai! I'm joining Hope's Peak Academy as a member of Class 78-A," said Makoto, a smile to match. The teacher returned the Keyblade wielder's beautiful smile with one of her own. She slightly inclined her upper body towards the young teenager at about 15°.
"Well, I am Chisa Yukizome, the homeroom teacher of your senpai in Class 77-B." Chisa placed her hands on her hips with a smug smile. "Call me Yukizome-sensei, okay kiddo?"
"As you wish, Master Yukizome!" Makoto chirped. The Keyblade wielder was unaware of the bead of sweat that dropped from Chisa temple when he called her 'Master.' The Former Ultimate Housekeeper chuckled as she scratched her cheek.
"Th-That will do for now, I suppose," she said. Meanwhile, her students muttered amongst each other about their new kōhai. Hiyoko Saionji, for example, scoffed at the younger student. All the buxom, ponytail blonde saw was this petite little girl who blatantly disrespected the kimono. Who did this brat think she was; the main character of an anime.
"Hmph, they don't look so tough. Expected from a shrimp," the Ultimate Traditional Dancer snickered. "Still, this one looks like they'll be fun to break! What do you think will go first: their social life, their health, or their sanity."
The petite redheaded girl beside her, Mahiru Koizumi, sweated a bit with a tiny laugh. She said to her companion, "Didn't you ask the same thing about Yukizome-sensei? Besides, I really don't think this girl looks bad at all." Makoto turned to the Ultimate Photographer and Traditional Dancer when they spoke, his smile dropping into a flat, closed frown. Mahiru sweat-dropped as her new kōhai stared into her eyes.
Her eyes widened briefly as an aura of white light seemed to cover the younger teen's form. However, it vanished just as soon as it appeared, so the Ultimate Photographer just shook her head. Mahiru wasn't the only one who noticed, of course, as everyone now stared at the new Ultimate with wide eyes. However, before anyone could say anything about it, Makoto looked up to a clock on the wall.
"Oh! It would seem that it's time for me to return to the Main Hall." Makoto performed a curt eshaku to all of his new senpai. "Bye, now! We can pick this up later, I suppose. "
"One moment, if you please!" Before Makoto could continue his exit, he turned his head back to Class 77-B. His senpai physically cringed as a tall, skinny young man stepped forward with a smile. The older boy's complexion was painfully pale, and he had light gray-green eyes. He had hair that was shoulder length and naturally wavy, a strange light pinkish off-white tone that faded to white the closer he got to his scalp. His hair appeared to belong to a corpse rather than a living person.
.
🎵 Peaceful Hearts end 🎵
.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind telling us who you are. Or at the very least, what your talent is," he asked. "After all, the light that emanates from you is one of, if not the brightest I have seen yet. So if I were to guess, your talent must be an astounding one!" Makoto's face plastered a flat line of a frown as he stared at the older young man.
Then, he smiled, "I'm just an Ultimate Lucky Student. Same as you, Mr. Komaeda." A girl with short mauve hair turned away from her Game Boy Advance, her pink eyes fixed on her new kōhai as he left. Meanwhile, Nagito frowned at the kōhai's receding form.
As soon as Makoto was no longer visible, he said, "She… No, th-that can't be right. O-Only a trash lucky student like me?" A slim 'baby faced' young man groaned at the words of his classmate.
"Oh lord, here he goes again with this crap…" Fuyuhiko Kuzuryū sighed. The blonde, baby-faced Ultimate Yakuza was aware of Nagito's opinion, just like the rest of the class. Ordinary untalented individuals were only step ladders to create bigger hope, and he deems these things vital while also hating them. However, he does not regard his luck as a legitimate skill and hence does not consider himself an Ultimate. Instead, he wishes to serve as a 'stepladder,' sacrificing himself so that the other Ultimates can shine.
He often feels ashamed for being in their presence since he considers himself an inferior being. That said, he loves his peers optimistically, believing his actions will benefit them. Nagito opened his mouth before the hand of the Ultimate Gamer, Chiaki stopped him. She looked down at Class 77-B's Rep who was looking at Nagito.
"Komaeda-kun… are you saying you don't know her?" Chiaki asked.
"Huh…? No, I can safely say that I have never met that uppity fellow Lucky Trash in my life. Why do you ask, Nanami-san?" Nagito asked. Chiaki furrowed her eyebrows as she looked in the direction the Ultimate Lucky Student II left.
.
🎵 Naminé 🎵
.
"She called you 'Mr. Komaeda,'" she answered. "You never gave her your name. None of us did except for Yukizome-sensei." Nagito's eyes were not the only that went wide; the entirety of Class 77-B bugged their eyes or dropped their jaws. She was right. No one mentioned Nagito's name in the small conversation they just had. The only name that was mentioned was Chisa's who had an obligation as a teacher to do so. It was so obvious that no one said it, even Akane Owari and Ibuki Mioda's eyes grew big and the former barely remembered anyone.
In that regard, Ibuki closed her pink eyes and slid her index fingers through her multi-colored hair to her temples under her oni horn side buns. She said, "But! BUT! What does that mean!? How come she knows your name while never meeting you? GASP! Could it be that she's an Esper!" Even Akane pressed a hand against her tan forehead. She wasn't the most brilliant person in her class, but it ground her.
The athletic, curvaceous Ultimate Gymnast placed a hand on the very energetic and quirky Ultimate Musician.
"Don't be stupid! She must have just looked up for our identities, that's all!" Akane said.
"That is probably the smartest thing I have ever heard come out of her mouth," said Hiyoko. The Ultimate Traditional Japanese Dancer's eyebrows rose as she looked at the Akane, her jaw slacking.
"I don't agree. I mean… compared to you talented fellows, I'm just a piece of trash…" said Nagito. "I won the lottery, remember? True, I was born into a rich family, but that's nothing compared to all of you." Timidly, a very skinny and somewhat frail-looking young Ryōta Mitarai stepped forward, his hand slightly clenched at his chest.
"He's not exactly wrong, you know…" the Ultimate Animator agreed. "So, th-that still begs the question of how she knows about Nagito?"
"That's very true, isn't it?" A person with long, black hair, as well as green eyes and a very heavy build placed a gentle hand on Mitarai's shoulder. They said, "That girl… I don't think she is anything like you, Komaeda-kun. Not a single person in our class is blind, and I don't think it was a trick of light. For a moment… she gave off an actual aura of light, right?" Everyone furrowed their eyebrows deeply as they took on various poses. No one could deny the Ultimate Impostor's comment and that left Hiyoko looking around with a bead of sweat.
"Wait… Mahiru-nee and I weren't the only ones? You losers saw it, too!?" Hiyoko exclaimed. Mikan Tsumiki flinched at the volume of Hiyoko's voice, the quivering Ultimate Nurse yelping. Her pale gray-mauve eyes watched the Ultimate Traditional Dancer with tears.
Finally, the choppy, plum-haired girl stuttered, "I-I thought I was only hallucinating…! I-I'm sorry!"
Luckily, a pale-skinned young man with red and gray heterochromia stepped forward and came to her rescue.
"Kehehe, a Lightborn! There is one reason how one such as him could achieve such a feat!" Gundham Tanaka, being the chūnibyō he was, always had a flair for the dramatic. Posturing his arms crossed and gesturing a hand to his face like a cartoon supervillain. A young man with bright pink hair groaned and pressed his palm upon his brow. Kazuichi Sōda clenched his jagged, sharp teeth and scowled at the self-proclaimed Supreme Overlord of Ice.
The Ultimate Mechanic yelled, "Oh, don't you start with your crap! As if that could exist-"
"A Lightborn, huh? That would be a perfect thing for her to be if she is who I think she is."
.
🎵 Naminé end 🎵
.
Kazuichi's jaw dropped as he turned toward the person who interrupted him, tears slowly forming in his eyes. Next to Gundham, the tall, young beauty that was Princess Sonia Nevermind looked upwards with her index finger resting on the tip of her chin.
"M-Miss Sonia! Not you too!" Kazuichi cried out.
The light blonde's pale sea-blue eyes rested upon the ceiling as she said, "Our dear kōhai was wearing a white shirt under her jacket…"
With a scowl, Hiyoko interjected, "It's called a haori, not a jacket."
.
🎵 Beautiful Days 🎵
.
The Ultimate Princess simply continued, "… And she also possesses an antenna on her head! Our new kōhai almost matches the description of the legendary hero passed down in my country. The hero… wears a white shirt and possesses an antenna that can sense danger. They foretold he shall bring light to the tropical land…! I won't deny that I wasn't expecting the hero to be a woman, though."
Sonia's classmates stared at the princess with their mouths agape in silence. Was this princess for real? How sheltered was she growing up to think that such an outlandish story could actually make sense? The world is much bigger than just books, anime, and fiction. Of course, different cultures meant different beliefs, but even for mythology, what sort of story was that!?
It was too preposterous even for a fairytale.
"The heck? You really think princesses from fairy tales are the same as real princesses!?" Fuyuhiko yelled. "I know you like to imagine things, but are you serious!?" Next to the Ultimate Yakuza, a tall, young woman with two silver braids facepalmed, shaking her head.
"This… I-I can't believe we have to even explain this to you, Sonia," the Ultimate Swordswoman sighed. Peko Pekoyama continued to shake her head. It has surprised none of them at this point. Sonia could be naive because of her upbringing, and her general demeanor can make her look a little ditzy. Unfortunately, things were about to get worse as the plump "chef" of the class added his two cents.
"Well~, I understand Miss Sonia's sudden attraction to our new kōhai. However, was it just me or was she actually too beauti…" Chisa suddenly silenced Teruteru, launching him away with a Peko's shinai.
"Now, now, Hanamura! I believe I said that even Ultimate Students can't just say whatever springs to mind," said Chisa.
Slowly, Teruteru jerked out of the man-shaped hole his homeroom teacher helped him create.
"I-I'm being serious, though! This isn't just me finding her attractive," he cried out. "Something about her beauty just isn't human! You all noticed too, right? At first glance, she looks average, yet androgynous. But there's something off about it - something almost hypnotic!"
"I felt the same way… I think? It was as if my attention drifted solely on her," said Chiaki. "However, aside from thinking she was really pretty… she felt nostalgic. Almost as if I had met her before." Chiaki returned her gaze to the direction the new kōhai went, Chisa's line of sight following.
The Former Ultimate Housekeeper hummed, "Well, maybe I can figure out our mysterious new underclassman. After all, I have to collect the first year girls for the dorms, don't I? So, I dismiss class, everyone!" Chisa clapped her hands and her students filed out while practically skipped to Main Hall.
.
🎵 Beautiful Days end 🎵
.
.
Makoto had returned just in time as he saw a few students entering the Main Hall. He spotted Sayaka who smiled and waved at him, which he returned. However, just as he was about to join her, the world seemed to slow to a crawl as his eyes widened. Little did he know, so did the eyes of the girl passing him. Like a whirlwind, someone forcefully turned Makoto around as a famous strawberry blonde held him captive by the shoulders.
.
🎵 The mystery of where and who 🎵
.
Light blue eyes gazed into his as spring green eyes gazed back to hers. Yet, both pairs seemed to carry the overwhelming feeling that they saw every part of each other. They both established the knowledge of each other's existence. It was as if their eyes were stripping away every secret they could hide from each other. They were both laid bare for the other to see.
Junko Enoshima could see him. Light. Blinding light that was born from the very concept of her antithesis that was Hope. Makoto Naegi could see her. Darkness. A deep abyss of darkness attempting to hide a twisted and perverted thirst - lust for despair. This sudden staring contest drew the attention of the other new students surrounding them who watched with various reactions. Such as the black pigtailed girl being held back by a larger woman who could be mistaken for a man. A girl with long lavender hair down and a single braid on her left side watched from afar, thumb and index finger resting on her chin.
Behind Junko, a girl with a black bob stuttered, "J-Junko… I don't think this is the time or place."
"What's your name?" Junko the small boy.
'So… there is darkness in her heart. The book was right,' Makoto thought. He closed his eyes and said, "Before asking for someone's name, you should really give your own first. Wouldn't you agree?" He looked back at her. No smile and no frown. For a moment, Junko made a small choking sound before she smirked at that young man who looked up at her. She released his shoulders and placed her hands on her hips.
"Well, it's not my fault you're interesting enough to ask that question, cheeky boy," she said. "Plus… you mean to tell me you've never heard of me before?"
"I have a wild guess, but I don't want to assume," Makoto replied. Junko gave the second Ultimate "Lucky Student" a full-toothed grin. His finger twitched ever slightly as he noticed Junko bristle small enough for no one else to notice. Luckily (heh), someone came to end this tense Mexican standoff in an all white uniform and intense red eyes.
.
🎵 The mystery of where and who end 🎵
.
"Please, refrain yourselves!" Makoto and Junko looked at the other teenager with short, spiky black hair and huge, matching brows. He continued, "Such tension is not welcome in a school environment! Besides, introductions should go both ways!" Junko's eyes narrowed slightly as Makoto smiled at the loud and righteous military-style student.
"I wholeheartedly agree," Makoto chirped. "That said, I strongly believe that it is only proper manners to introduce oneself first before asking someone else's name. It's not polite to assume someone should introduce themselves if you don't introduce yourself." Eyebrows gasped with wide eyes before nodding approvingly.
"You have a valid point!" The Military Man said. His agreement made Makoto turn to Junko, beaming cutely. The Ultimate Fashionista smirked at Makoto, hands on her hips, with a gold and red crown on her head.
.
🎵 Just Wondering 🎵
.
"Hmph! You have a forceful personality, peasant, I'll give you that!" Junko said. The freckled, dark-haired girl next to her raised an eyebrow tilted her head. An action Makoto replicated. The book mentioned something about constantly switching between personalities, but this was really creepy.
"Uh, Junko… Are you okay?" Mukuro asked. Meanwhile, the other students watched with varying expressions, such as Sayaka who wore a broad frown. She walked over to the three students with her hand stretched out to Junko.
The Ultimate Idol said, "Excuse me, I don't think we should hound-"
.
🎵 Just Wondering end 🎵
.
A loud clap got the teens' attention as they turned their attention to find Chisa standing in front of the gym doors. Next to her was a relaxed-looking man with blue eyes and ragged blond hair covered by a white hat. The Former Ultimate Housekeeper smiled and announced, "Good morning, everyone! My name is Chisa Yukizome and on my left is Mr. Kōichi Kizakura. It is very nice to meet all of you!"
"Now then, will all freshman students please follow me to the gymnasium for opening ceremonies! I'll be your guide for your first big steps to your new school life!" Chisa turned around as the freshmen followed pursuit. Makoto turned back to Junko and blushed with a smile as she looked back at him. They locked eyes once more for a beat, before the "Ultimate Lucky Student" tilted his chin down flushed.
"Um, you're making me feel self-conscious," he said, his smile small. Junko opened her mouth, but her words fell silent as the freckled girl tapped on her shoulder.
"Junko, I don't know what you're planning, but now might not be the time..."
"Ugh! Mukuro, fat, stupid, ugly people need to shut up!" Junko slapped Mukuro's hand away. Makoto watched with an immediate frown as Mukuro blushed with a smile. She held up her hand and counted out three fingers.
"Fat… Stupid… Ugly? That's me in a nutshell," the Ultimate Soldier said.
.
CLAP!
.
The fraternal twins looked at the androgynous teen who slapped Junko's hand away, leveling a glare at her.
.
🎵 The mystery of where and who 🎵
.
He said, "As an older sibling, I have little patience for others who would dare to treat their siblings in such a disgusting manner. So, if anyone is stupid and ugly, it's you… Junko Enoshima." Junko's eyes grew larger and Makoto's closed his. "Not to mention, compared to her, you are much fatter."
"Hey! Don't you dare insult-" Mukuro's words died in her throat as Makoto turned attention to her, his gaze soft and gentle.
"As for you, you shouldn't believe what your sister says about you," he said with a warm smile. "You're pretty just the way you are, and you're far smarter than you give yourself credit for, Mukuro!" The beautiful face with a kind smile made Mukuro light up bright red as she went stiff as the kanji of her name. Makoto smiled and waved at her. "See you both later!"
The undercover Keyblade wielder walked away to fall the rest of the students. His smile slowly dropped to a broad frown as his eyes glistened with the shine of emerald jewels. Despite the overwhelming darkness, there was still a small spark of light trapped in Junko's heart. That was insensitive enough for Makoto to decide on what he was going to do with the future Ultimate Despair. He said quietly, "I swear… I'm going to save you."
.
🎵 The mystery of where and who end 🎵
.
Makoto's eyes briefly lit up as he saw Sayaka waiting at the doors to the Gymnasium. Her near doll-like beautiful face wore a broad frown as she looked at Makoto with glistening eyes. She said, "Are you okay? That girl… she was really invading your personal space."
"Oh, I'm fine! I'm used to people doing that," he answered. He was smiling, but it was off - almost sad. Ever since he had his Dive to the Heart with his sister, his body changed that conflicted with his gender orientation. It also led to countless suitors at a very young age, with people of various races, gender, and - more unsettling, ages - coming to confess their undying love to him at least once a month! Seriously, to those not in the know, the thing that changed about his androgynous appearance was his hair was fluffy and curly!
"That isn't something you should be accustomed to."
.
🎵 Always on My Mind 🎵
.
Makoto turned around as Sayaka's gaze followed to see the lavender-haired girl with the braid. The mysterious pale beauty with purple eyes wore a face devoid of any expression as she stared at the duo, as if she was trying to solve a puzzle. Makoto returned the favor and looked down at her hands, gloved in studded black. A bead of sweat sprouted from his forehead as he grimaced, looking into the girl's piercing eyes.
"You are… Kyōko Kirigiri, correct? The Ultimate Detective?" Makoto questioned. The Ultimate Detective's widened for a blink-and-miss moment of the untrained eye.
"That's correct. My name is… Kyōko Kirigiri," she answered.
Sayaka rested a hand on Makoto's shoulder and asked, "Makoto, do you know this girl."
"Not at all! I just went online to research who I'd be attending class here with," said Makoto. "Although, I mostly did that out of nervousness. Can you blame me? I'm as average as they come and I ended up being selected to join an extraordinary class because lotto." This description of himself made the Ultimate Idol glare at the "Ultimate Lucky Student" with a deadpan.
"This is seriously coming from the boy who receives love letters once a month from boys, girls, and gender nonbinary alike?" Sayaka snipped. Even Kyōko gave the boy a once over and, sure enough, found barely anything average about him. Sure, at first glance, perhaps, but then one would notice his doll-like appearance in his androgynous features. Not to mention the bizarre kimono that looked like cosplay.
"You…? Average…?" Kyōko asked.
Makoto tilted his head and asked, "Is that not obvious?"
"Not at all." Kyōko's response was so blunt and quick, Makoto let out a cutesy blanch. "To tell you the truth, you seem rather… familiar. As if we met somewhere before." Makoto's eyebrows scrunched upwards as the Ultimate Detective looked at him with her thumb and index finger resting on her chin. It was so nostalgic… like a far-off memory or a scattered dream. Maybe even a dream of a dream if not the memory of one.
.
🎵 Always on My Mind end 🎵
.
However, Makoto replied, "I'm pretty sure this is the first time you and I have ever met Miss Kirigiri." At the moment Kyōko was going to respond, Miss Yukizome called out to them, beckoning them to hurry. Everyone walked into the gymnasium together, each walking in a different direction to find their respective seats. Makoto took a seat; she was now positioned to the right of a young woman with curvy but thin features and medium-brown complexion. Her highly coiled hair was the first thing that caught Makoto's eye when he observed her.
His eyes widened and whitened, gazing straight ahead at the hairstyle, raising his eyebrows. The blue-eyed beauty turned to see the man-woman-child creature staring at her. A bead of sweat formed as she traced their gaze to the top of her head.
"Dolphin."
.
🎵 Innocent Times 🎵
.
The tan beauty flushed as red as a rose as that comment left their mouth, her mouth dropping into a broad frown. Cupping her cheeks, she looked away with a gasp, her eyes turning into spirals as steam came off her head. Makoto gasped and frantically said, "I'm sorry! It's just your ponytail that reminded me of a dolphin. Really gave off cheerful, upbeat, and bubbly if not playful."
The young woman's face immediately disappeared into her hands as she leaned forward as if to hide. This revealed that someone sitting on her left, one with a familiar condescending tone.
"What mischief are you up to now, Naegi?" Makoto blinked up from the girl in the red jacket to see Byakuya pushing up his glasses on the opposite side, looking down on "Ultimate Lucky Student".
"Oh, hello Mr. Togami," he said to the Ultimate Heir. "I guess you got stuck sitting here with us. Sorry about that."
"I blame the staff, not you," said Byakuya. "Besides, between you and the next person to my left, the two of you seem the lesser of two evils." Makoto hummed and leaned a bit to see two large, black twin-drill pigtails of a Gothic Lolita. Blood-colored eyes flickered to the secret Key wielder from the elegantly pale young woman, followed by a smile beyond deceptive.
Leaning back into his seat, Makoto asked, "Isn't that Celestia Ludenberg, the Ultimate Gambler."
"You're rather sharp. Indeed, the woman to my left is none other than the Queen of Liars herself," the Ultimate Heir confirmed. "She's never lost a bet. Other than her obvious love for the Gothic Lolita fashion, everything about her is wrapped in a veil of lies. They say she entered and won an underground gambling tournament, earning her moniker. She cleaned out the other players, taking their life savings, laughing like a demon."
"Now, perhaps you can tell me about this pathetically blushing mess." Togami's words must have felt like a knife, as the girl flinched at his comment.
"I believe this is supposed to be Aoi Asahina, the Ultimate Swimmer," Makoto answered. Aoi Asahina's response was whipping her face back to look at Makoto, her blue eyes now wide, white as her mouth fell open.
"How… How do you know my name? A-And why did you call me a dolphin like that?" Aoi asked, her face turning red again. "It was like you were trying to say I w-was… c-cute…"
"Well, you are cute. Anyone with eyes can see that," he said, oblivious to the poor Swimmer flinching. "But, honestly, I was distracted by how your hair was done up. It gave you the same playful energy of a dolphin. From what I hear, they're social and playful creatures, creating lifelong friendships and living in pods in the dozens." Togami looked to the side at the red mess that was an embarrassed Aoi Asahina with with slightly raised eyebrows and a frown
"O-Oh, I guess this makes sense," she finally smiled. "Since we've been chosen as Ultimates."
"For the commoners, perhaps," Byakuya scoffed. "But considering my status, I doubt you would find anything that would match my image."
"Not so! Byakuya Togami, heir to the massive financial Togami Conglomerate. You already started managing business operations, and you have your own personal assets, which are quite vast. The definition of "exceptional"," said a smiling Makoto. Despite giving harrumph, Togami smiled at the description the "Ultimate Lucky Student" made of him.
"Well, I suppose I can give points for accuracy," the Ultimate Heir said.
"Ooh, what about me? Do me next," chirped Aoi.
"Sure! You, Aoi, have been breaking records in every swimming competition you've been in since elementary school," Makoto summarized. "You were even chosen to be a cadet for the upcoming Olympics." Aoi smiled as face flushed red again. Her athleticism was a core aspect of her personality and sense of self, and she takes part in multiple sports including track, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and her favorite sport: competitive swimming.
"You certainly have done your homework, it would seem," said Byakuya. "However…"
.
🎵 Innocent Times end 🎵
.
Makoto blinked and asked, "Do you have an objection?"
Byakuya pushed up his glasses as his eyes narrowed at the Keyblade Wielder masquerading as the "Ultimate Lucky Student". Byakuya's talent as the Ultimate Heir gave him access to a variety of abilities. Because he was so intelligent, he could never forget a face if it piqued his curiosity. Such as when Makoto made 800 million yen appear from thin air, as if by magic. However, what truly led to his interest was Makoto himself.
Byakuya often acted coldly towards everyone around him; the way he was raised with a "survival of the fittest" mentality. However, the Ultimate Heir interacted with Makoto in a way that insinuated a sign of respect - something very out of character for Byakuya, especially towards a commoner. For those who knew him, if they were present, they would assume the two had met before. Something that even Byakuya himself found confusing.
Not once in his sixteen years does he recall meeting this commoner, yet Makoto seemed familiar. As if from a dream. Or a dream of a dream. Byakuya finally asked, "Now that I look at you closely, I feel as though I have seen your face somewhere. Have we met before?" Makoto blinked, his open smile shrinking. Fortunately, Chisa declared the headmaster on the stage, saving the "Ultimate Lucky Student" from speaking.
.
🎵 The Promised Beginning 🎵
.
As Byakuya and Aoi watched him, he directed his attention towards the stage. When the incoming class turned to face the stage, a man in his late forties made his way to the platform. A black suit accompanied by a purple tie adorned him, with his eyes and hair sharing the same dark purple hue. As he prepared the microphone, an elderly gentleman with a bent back and amber eyes hidden behind rectangle-shaped spectacles stood next to him.
"Hello, and welcome to Hope's Peak! My name is Jin Kirigiri, the Headmaster," he announced. "You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy!" Jin took a moment of pause, looking around at the students. "You are the hope for the future. Today we stand together, united, living in a peaceful era."
"Through diversity, we promote individualism, expressionism, and togetherness. You are all the hope's seeds." Makoto let out a brief gasp before rubbing his eyes. Was he seeing things? For a flash of a moment, it was as if a girl wearing a white fox mask had replaced the Headmaster.
The instructor in charge of the boys' or girls' dorms will give the pupils the keys to their dorm rooms, Headmaster Jin said to the students. Miss Yukizome smiled while Jin announced she would become the girls' dorm-mother. Subsequently, Jin presented a laid-back-looking man dressed in a white tuxedo and fedora as Kōichi Kizakura, the leader of the boys' dormitory. The two took turns calling the names of girls and guys. A bead of sweat formed on Makoto's head as he sighed.
After all, it was usually moments like this that things went south for him.
.
🎵 The Promised Beginning end 🎵
.
.
🎵 Beautiful Days 🎵
.
.
Hope's Peak Academy: Reserve Course
Hope's Peak City
.
The Reserve Course students were housed in the West Quarter of the campus. The primary structure was a little replica of the original, shaped like a rectangle with a tiny cone in the center. There was a massive L-shaped facility behind the main building that could hold thousands of pupils. This was where if someone asked Hajime Hinata if he was alright, he would say that he might have lost it. Hajime turned to the seat on his right that was vacant… the seat where Natsumi Kuzuryū should have been sitting.
With his green prohibition sign eyes lingering on the desk, the young man with short, spiky-ish brown hair and sentient ahoge frowned. Over the last year and a half, Natsumi had been acting like a completely different person. The young woman's severe egotism and smugness from her first impressions had disappeared completely. There was no trace of her self-centeredness, selfishness, and extreme arrogance that she used to have. It also appeared the Ultimate Yakuza's little sister had given up on the Main Course.
Although, that was probably why her passion had been directed to some secret project she was working on. Hajime turned his attention to in front of himself where Satō Yūgata sat, staring at the seat as well. The girl with long, dark-green, wavy hair leaned back in her seat, a bead of sweat on her forehead as she looked at Hajime from the side of her violet eyes.
"Hey, Hajime… Maybe we should call a p-sychiatrist," she whispered. Hajime sighed heavily, closing his eyes. At first, Satō was the same as ever and still disliked Natsumi. Following several threats from Natsumi—the most of which were hollow threats—Satō grew to believe that Natsumi was wicked and vowed to defend her closest friend. A promise that scared Hajime even now as he had been having nightmares once a month. Each one had either depicted Natsumi being dead or Satō being dead.
"It's just 'psychiatrist', Satō. Also, as crazy as it seems, Mahiru said that the Kuzuryūs aren't too concerned. Maybe we shouldn't be," said Hajime with a shrug.
"I-I honestly don't like this… I just want to be cautious…"
.
🎵 Beautiful Days end 🎵
.
The sound of the door rolling shut drew Hajime and Satō to the front of the class, ending their discussion. From up front, the teacher said, "Class. I'd like to introduce a new transfer student."
"Ugh, this is a pain…" the new girl whined as she wrote the kanji for her name on the blackboard.
"No, it's not," the teacher replied. Silent murmuring spread through the class a bit. Some students sweat-dropped at the new young lady. The new transfer student was a teenage girl wearing an ahoge, her short dark brown hair tinted green. Her green eyes gave a half-lidded stare that was miles away as she held a bottle of soda in her right hand. It was as if she wanted to be anywhere else.
.
🎵 Laughter and Merriment 🎵
.
"Hello everyone. It's nice to meet you," she greeted. "My name is Komaru Naegi. Okay, let's see… My dream is to become a manga artist. My favorite word is 'ghosts' because, like my humility, they are awesome." All eyes in the room grew wide under raised brows, cheeks turning a light red.
"I like people who are into girls like me because I don't want to change or anything. I guess I'm compatible with pushovers. That's probably why my number one choice in husband would be my pushover brother in a heartbeat, and yes, I did just confess to being a bro-con. Anyone who has a problem with that can catch me outside…"
.
.
Meanwhile, back in the main course building, Makoto's adorable face contorted into a feral scowl. He barked, "I'LL KILL HER!"
.
.
Before Komaru could finish her last sentence, the Teacher interrupted, "Okay, that's enough. Your last name on the board says Kyoboku ('giant tree')."
"Eh, who cares? What's in a name, right?" Komaru asked, closing her eyes.
"Huh…? What's this girl's deal?" Hajime whispered. First off, Komaru seemed a bit too young to be here; at least 15. According to the rules, students had to be at least 16 years old and enrolled in another high school before they could be scouted. Although the Reserve Course did not follow the same criteria as the Main Course—for example, the latter did not need attendance—they were equivalent in terms of age. And second, this girl clearly wanted to be somewhere else.
.
🎵 Laughter and Merriment end 🎵
.
"Well, Miss Naegi, you sit next to Miss Yūgata," the teacher instructed. Hajime looked to Satō and caught her in the middle of flinching. Komaru walked up to the desk on the right of her and smiled at the Ultimate Photographer's best friend… who returned it with a frown and white circles for eyes.
"Hey, good morning! Miss Satō Yūgata, right?" Komaru asked. "Pleasure to meet you! I hope we can both become good friends."
Satō bangs shadowed her eyes as all light left them, making them appear lifeless. With a bead of sweat forming, the quivering older young woman asked, "Hajime? What is this strange creature, and why is it talking to me?"
"Trust me, if I knew about this, I would tell you," said Hajime. The teacher told everyone that they could spend their Homeroom getting to know their new classmate. He then walked out of the classroom as the students sighed, except for Komaru who was drinking her soda. This wasn't unusual, especially for their class, since Reserve Course students were practically second class students. So, despite classes being mandatory, some teachers didn't really care.
Class flinched when the sound of loud slurping came from Komaru and the straw of her soda. Her classmates looked at her as sweat formed again as they all blinked owlish in union. Letting out a loud sigh, she smacked her lips together. She said, "So… since we're all getting to know each other, I guess I can tell you all about the best meal I've ever had."
"My Onii-chan and I went to a nearby diner when I was eleven years old. Being a great family restaurant, it serves mostly teenagers…" Komaru smirked, "… and homeless schizophrenics."
.
Pfft…!
.
🎵 Laughter and Merriment 🎵
.
After that last sentence, one of the other students slapped a hand over his mouth as tears sprayed out of his wide eyes. He struggled to hold back some chuckles behind his hand as Komaru grew the shit-eating grin of a cat. She continued, "Anyway, the diner had a jukebox there that was three plays for 150 yen. So, we put in 1,040 yen, and selected twenty-one plays of Tom Jones' 'What's New Pussycat?'"
.
Pfft…!
.
It was at this point the entire class was fighting back laughter as at least seven (a lucky number) were already howling!
"And then we ordered and waited." Komaru closed her eyes, wearing a broad smile turning up to rosy cheeks on her fair complexion. The laughter grew hard while eyes were popping out those trying to fight back. Satō's hands both clamped on her lips as she leaned forward, convulsing like a rusty old car. Hajime's lips were twitching as a smile was growing on his face.
"Oh man, and this is only the beginning," he giggled, covering his mouth.
"Here's the thing about when 'What's New Pussycat?' plays repetitively," said Komaru. "The second time it plays, you don't instantly think, 'Hey, someone's playing 'What's New Pussycat' again.' It's, 'Hey, 'What's New Pussycat' is a lot longer than I first thought, and it has this dip in the middle.' You know how some songs, like 'November Rain' by Guns n' Roses, have a dip? You're like, 'Hey, 'November Rain' is done!'"
"Nope!" Komaru popped her 'nope' in Satō's ear, making the older girl giggle more. "There's another five minutes remaining."
.
Pfft…!
.
The unnecessary usage of time and subtraction finally broke Satō who erupted into a fit of laughter, joining the rest of the class in their laughter and merriment.
"You only think someone is playing 'What's New Pussycat' again when it plays for the third time," said Komaru. "The fourth time it plays you're thinking, "Wait a minute… Either someone just played 'What's New Pussycat' four times, or they played it twice, and the song is actually four minutes long.' My Onii-chan and I are watching the whole diner, specifically at a dad who is shaking while monitoring his kids. Looking like the poor guy just got his thirty-day anger management chip. He was glaring at us as the fourth play faded out."
"Silence. Then, the song subtly began: 'Bwah-bwah' What's New Pussycat?' The guy banged on "' The guy banged on the table, sending cutlery flying all over the place. It was beautiful!" The uproar of these Reserve Course students grew louder, struggling to breathe through their chuckles, giggles, and laughter. "That said, I'm pretty sure between the two of us, my brother is the genius. I had the song punched in seven times before Onii-chan suggested… that we put in one, single play of Hikaru Utada's 'Sanctuary.'"
"If I was a gremlin, my brother was the devil!" Komaru laughed a bit herself. "After seven plays of 'What's New Pussycat' in a row, the diner was graced with the beauty of: 'Wonk uoy naht noitceffa erom deen I; In you and I, there's a new land!' Everyone in the diner was joyful as a wave of relief passed, as if they had been delivered from the darkness. You know, experts have pondered for years if playing 'Sanctuary' by Hikaru Utada could cause adults to cry tears of happiness. Yes! Yes, it can, but only after you play 'What's New Pussycat' seven times beforehand."
No one in the class could stop laughing, causing Komaru to smile even brighter than before. A few beats and then, she said, "However, all good things must end… and 'Sanctuary' is no exception." Komaru got out of her seat and leaned over to Hajime, the only one resisting her humor in vain. Her face was possibly the most smug smile in history.
"'Sanctuary' fades out. Silence…" Komaru whispered in his ear. Then, she went cross-eyed as she obnoxiously sang, "Bwah-bwah! What's New Pussycat?"
.
Pfft…!
.
Hajime finally howled with unrestrained laughter, joining the rest of his classmates.
"Now that's what causes despair right there," said a smug Komaru. "Nobody could take it, and all around them was this crew that seemed to be apathetic, saying things like, 'Yep! Same thing, new day.'" Komaru jumped on to her desk, her hand firmly in fists. "After eleven plays, they disconnected the jukebox, and that was the best meal I've ever eaten!" In victory, Komaru threw her hands in the air, the class cheering with a round of applause.
Light shone through the windows as the clouds over the Reserve Course briefly broke up.
.
🎵 Laughter and Merriment end 🎵
.
Komaru smiled; her plan for the main course was working. Hope was an important state of the heart. It is a desire for new beginnings. Rebirth. However, hope alone can only take someone so far without wonder and joy. One should always laugh when they can; it is cheap medicine.
The philosophy of merrymaking is not well recognized. That is life's bright side. Happiness gradually strengthens resilience, ensuring emotional resources when faced with adversity. Komaru planned to ensure that the Reserve Course was filled with joy, so falling to despair wouldn't be as easy as before. Komaru and Makoto learned the hard way that despair was just as much a path to the Darkness as fear alone.
It results in anger, which leads to a fixation on power. From that obsession comes hatred born from the successes of others and failures in oneself. Those emotions beckon the Darkness and inevitably leads to suffering. No one dies when they become a Heartless, but in comparison, death would be a far more merciful fate. The happier everyone was, the more hopeful they would be. More Hopeful they were, the safer they would be.
Suddenly, the door to their class room rolled open with a slam, a girl on the other side. As her eyebrows rose into her pale blue forehead, the reserve course girl clenched her teeth. She called out, "Hey! Everyone come quick! Some moron's about to jump off the Main Course Building!" As she ran ahead, this drew the attention of the students of Class 2-D as they jumped from their seats and followed her. Komaru's smile vanished without a trace as a bead of sweat appeared on her head.
"Jump off the Main Course!" Komaru yelped. She leapt to the door with unnatural agility and followed her classmates. All the while, Hajime and Satō turned to each other and exclaimed, "It can't be…!" Unfortunately… it was; just not in the way they thought.
.
.
Hope's Peak Academy: Main Course
Hope's Peak City
.
The skyline of the forest behind the school was beautiful, like an ocean of green meeting celestial sunny sky. A gentle breeze blew around as a blonde used her hand to protect her grayish-olive eyes from the sun above.
"The wind's good today," the permanently-blushing young woman said, "although I'm not exactly happy with the direction it's blowing." Strapped in tightly, Natsumi Kuzuryū gripped the handle bar of her hang-glider and stood ready.
.
🎵 Blast Away! -Gummi Ship I- 🎵
.
"No matter! It won't be a problem for take off!" The wind blew around her hair and lab coat as she stared at the horizon, her eyes narrowed on the distance.
.
.
To Be Continued…
.
.
Storyteller: 🙋 Storyteller, here!
Pupla: ✌️ And my name is Pupla!
Storyteller: Not so sure if parodying John Mulaney "The Salt and Pepper Diner" was a good idea yet, but I guess we'll have to see. What did you think about that ending with Natsumi, Pupla?
Pupla: Hey, if Natsumi wants to get in the Main Course, then she's gonna have her work cut for it! That's pretty original of her, though, gotta give you points for that! An idea you came with all on your own, bro! Congrats!
Storyteller: 😅 Well, that's assuming she still wants to be part of the Main Course. After all, Natsumi has been acting almost like a completely different person. It also appeared the Ultimate Yakuza's little sister had given up on the Main Course. Is it possible that Natsumi has probably learned about the existence of other worlds?
Pupla: 👍 You will know all of that and much more… in the next chapter! Buddy, send the titles away!
.
.
Next Time: Episode III
New World Discovery Club
.
.
Storyteller: I guess the eccentricities of Eishirō Sugata (Heaven's Lost Property) are contagious, huh? It seems the reach of his club is spreading to other worlds!
Pupla: 😓 You talk as if those eccentricities don't exist in any other characters. What worries me is that, if anyone like him meets each other… What's gonna happen?
.
See Ya Later, Storytellers!
.