The landscape, such as it is, is hazy but a clear voice cuts through the haze.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Jin Kirigiri and for those of you who don't know, I am the Headmaster here at Hope's Peak Academy. I would like to extend my official welcome to you, the 78th Class at this prestigious school. Though your class seems smaller than what you may have been used to, we here at Hope's Peak pride ourselves in smaller Homeroom classes so that everyone has the best opportunity to get to know each other, and to expand upon what this school is most famous for. You are the shining hope for the future of our country, and I feel confident that each one of you will carve your individual stamp upon the school and your bright futures. We have decided that, in order for you to become more acclimated to the school and your classmates, today will be a free day once we assign your rooms to you. Once you receive your room assignments and take care of your personal belongings that you've brought with you, please feel free to walk the campus, get to know your classmates, get to know the upperclassmen and women, or just relax and prepare for the start of your school life here at Hope's Peak. I look forward to the things that I know that all of you will accomplish. Thank you."

(A/N: This introduction will begin each person's POV.)

Hiro's POV

Wait.. why is this blurrier than usual? My memories usually aren't like that unless I'm.. okay, I had to have been really baked the first day at Hope's Peak. Like.. SUPER baked. So baked that I don't really remember anything that the Headmaster may or may not have said during the welcoming ceremony.

Okay, things are getting a little clearer.. there's some red-haired dude trying to talk to me. Oh hang on.. yeah, it was Leon. Leon is the only one who really stood out to me that day because of how bright his hair had been dyed. That, and he was a super rad dude to begin with. He appeared to be struck silent by this cute girl with blue hair. That blue hair is all I think I remember of Sayaka-chii from that day. I definitely remember that Leon was a total smitten kitten after that. But anyway.. wait, there's Makoto-chii.

So even back then there was something about him, even though he's always played himself off as this hopelessly average guy. Wow, it's crazy to think that he was like that from the first time we all met for real for real.

Pigtails. That can only be one person. Junko. Man, if we only knew then what we know now.. oh, things are getting a bit clearer. There's Mukuro right behind Junko. Shit, if people think Kyoko-chii is so quiet.. they didn't know Mukuro. Mukuro wasn't just quiet though. She had a real tough edge to her. She was definitely someone to not mess with.

"Ow! What was that for?" Dammit, Leon, that hurt!

"Dude, if you keep staring like that, the girls are gonna think you're some kind of freaky creeper or something. And we definitely don't need that happening, am I right?"

He and I both started laughing, which I think helped to break the tension a bit. A lot of them probably thought I was some homeless dude or whatever because my hair was extra frizzy and huge that day. April in Japan has NEVER been kind to my hair, since April means that Rainy Season is on the way. Woah, but speaking of hair..

"So what's the story with you two fuckin' goofballs?"

Ah, Mondo. He was another one with a tough edge, but unlike Mukuro.. his edge was not silent. He was loud and tough, and he didn't hesitate to let anyone know that.

"Um.. well, we're just hanging out, getting to know each other. Right, Hiro?" That smile. I remember that smile before.. the first trial. Leon always had that two-million megawatt superstar smile that would put you right at ease if you were nervous. He could have been nervous too, but.. he usually didn't show it.

"Yeah, that's right." Good god I was baked. I'm shocked no one pointed that out.

"Hm. Name's Mondo Owada."

"Well, I'm Leon Kuwata.. and this tall dude here is Hiro." Hm. Maybe Leon knew how baked I was after all.

"Yeah, that's me! Um, my full name is Yasuhiro Hagakure but most people just call me Hiro."

"I see. Well I suppose it's nice to fuckin' meetcha."

"Yeah, likewise there, Mondo." Yeah, I nodded while Leon flashed that superstar smile to Mondo.. and Mondo just.. okay, yeah, he just shook his head and walked off. It also just so happened that my dorm room was to the left of Leon's, which.. was how we ended up talking in the first place on our way to the dining hall. The only difference is that the dorm room windows weren't covered by metal plates, and the dining hall windows weren't tinted so dark that we couldn't tell if it really was day or night.

Everything is still so.. vague. Dream like. I'm not opening my eyes yet though. I want to see where this will all go from here. I'm already interested enough seeing that Leon and I became close from the real first day of being at the Academy.

Hina's POV

Whoa. This is super weird. It's like.. I'm in a dream, but not in a dream. Everything is so.. fuzzy. Like I went on the largest doughnut binge known to mankind. Mmm.. I just don't get how people don't like doughnuts. They're so comforting and.. was that a tap on my shoulder? Wait.. I don't think that was Miura-sama.

"You're.. Aoi Asahina, correct?" Oh my god, I'd know that gruff voice anywhere! Sakura!

"Yep, that's me! But you can call me Hina. It's easier to remember and that's what my friends call me. You're.. hm.. I'm sorry, I'm really bad with names."

"That's quite alright, Hina. I am Sakura Ogami."

"Nice to meet you, Sakura. Looks like we're going to be close neighbors too!" Ah, okay.. we must have gotten the exact same room assignments as we had gotten the second time.

"That appears to be the case." Oh Sakura.. you had such a way of saying so much with a short statement.

"Oh hey, you're the Ultimate Martial Artist too!"

"That is also correct. As I recall, you are the Ultimate Swimming Pro. Maybe we could train together sometime." Ah, okay, looks like we're just wandering the first floor as we're talking, and somehow ended up going back towards the gymnasium.

"I'm all for that. Let's do it!"

"Then it's settled. We will train, and if any of the others wish to join us.. they will be welcomed to." No way! That is almost the exact conversation we had when we met the second time!

"Hey sis! You should get a load of the super boring 'training' conversation the Ultimate Fem Jocks are having over here! Oh HIII!" Ugh. If I never hear that voice again, it'll be too soon. Now I remember. Junko was always so mean to Mukuro.

"Hey! She can join us if she wants to!" Even back then, she really had a way of pissing me off.

"Calm down, mermaid, I was only joking. Aw, man. Now I'm bored again." I think.. yeah, she dragged Mukuro with her after she said that.

"Hina. Keep yourself calm and centered, and don't let her rattle you." Sakura was the best at calming me down. It's comforting to know that she always had that effect on me.

"You're right. Hey, let's go see what else is in the school as far as places to train!" Who's that walking up to us? Wait. That's Mondo!

"I respect the hell out of chicks who can handle their own shit."

"Wait, were you eavesdropping?" I don't like people who do that, for serious.

"Not until Blondie decided to stick her nose in. Can't stand gossipy chicks. Name's Mondo. Mondo Owada."

"So. Mondo. What exactly are you saying here?" Direct and to the point, that's always been Sakura.

"I, um.. well, if you two want to have a sparring partner, then I'm your dude."

"It's unconventional, but I don't mind. What about you, Sakura?"

"It should prove to be very interesting indeed. Follow us."

I still have that fuzzy feeling in my brain though. Maybe it's because everything isn't fully clear yet? After all, this IS only the first session. I still feel safe, so.. I don't want to open my eyes. Not yet. Not now that I know for sure that Sakura and I became fast friends like we did before.. THAT.

Byakuya's POV

Hmph. Typical. Can't see in front of me, somewhat like a foggy day. If I have to put up with this for all of the sessions, I swear I'll sue the Future Foundation for all they have.. wait..

"Hm. So I see we have true greatness in our midst, is that not true?" That giggle. Her? Really!?

"And what makes you think that I even care about your opinion? My greatness over all of you was already established before I set foot in this academy."

"Oh! I see you are not a man to be trifled with, ehehehe."

"Just get to your point."

"Well, I sensed a like-mindedness about you and it intrigued me. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Celestia Ludenberg." To think such impudence happened when we really met the first time. Annoying.

"Hmph. That's not even your real name, is it."

"Oh, but of course it is."

"Not according to my family's library archive." Huh. That tidbit got her attention.

"Oh.. well, ehehehehe.. just between you and me, you are correct. But a lady of my standing does have a reputation to uphold and just any old name won't do."

"A clever comeback, but that response was expected. But regardless... what I have read about you does back your reputation of being a liar."

"Oh come now, there is no need for bandying about like this. You know my secret, and you seem like the type of person who would potentially use it to your advantage at the precise moment that you need to. Unless I beat to you to that." I must admit, knowing what I know now.. she truly was a formidable opponent, and she did know exactly where and when to strike. "Now, seeing that we are close neighbors according to our room assignments, shall we declare a cease-fire for now?"

"Fine. Be warned though, that you are correct. A Togami never keeps information like that private for very long."

"I would expect nothing less from the Ultimate Heir. Well then, shall I see you later?" She didn't wait for an answer as she walked past me. That conversation proves how dangerous she could be.. but it also showed an equality that I didn't expect. Interesting.

One second.. who is that mousy looking girl peeking out of her room at me? Oh.. HER. Even back then, Toko would leer at me? Hmph. Some things never change. Huh?

"Um.. excuse me, but is the dining hall that way?" Chihiro. I'd know that shy voice anywhere, even after she'd.. yeah, she'd created Alter Ego and left the laptop for us. That program was what started to turn the tide in our favor against Enoshima.

"You are pointing in the correct direction, however.. I'm not a tour guide." Was I.. am I really such an ass to people? Silly rhetorical question.

"O-oh.. I'm sorry. But thank you anyway." Wait, am I grabbing for her arm?

"One moment. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but.. I'm sorry for being so.. gruff."

"Thank you. Um, I'm Chihiro by the way. Chihiro Fujisaki."

"THE Chihiro Fujisaki?" How did I.. that's right. I'd read up on her, too. She was following in her father's footsteps, but she'd surpassed him at a very young age.

"Yeah, that's me!" She had that sunny disposition back then, too. "Anyway, I'm going to go get something to drink, but you're.. Togami, right?"

"That's right. Byakuya Togami."

"Well, maybe I'll see you around some time. Bye for now, and thanks again!" I was actually friendly.. with her.. that's rarely happened. She must have made a really good impression on me.. and Toko is still staring through her door at me. I feel.. oddly comforted by these memories so far, so I believe I'll keep my eyes closed. For now.

Toko's POV

This feels.. so weird.. like when my glasses get fogged up from humidity. Wait.. it's clearing some..

I'm in my dorm room? Oh right, I am in there. The assignments weren't changed either. Maybe less work for the mastermind the second time we all met. But.. being the introvert that I am.. wait, are those voices? It sounds like that she-hag Ludenberg and.. Master?

Wait, why am I going to the door!? Oooohhhh... there's Master. Good, he gave that shrew what for and now she's gone. Wait.. that's Chihiro.. I didn't know her too well during the game but.. she did give us Alter Ego.

Oh dear.. Master knows that I'm looking... and he's.. coming over here..

"It's rude to spy on people. Especially a mouse like you." Aaaahhh.. his insults are the BEST!

"I w-was.. I h-heard voices and opened my d-door to see w-who it w-was."

"Well, now you've seen. So how about you either come out of that room. Or stay in. It's not like I'll care either way." That's Master's code for.. wait, I'm coming out of my room!? I knew the code already!? So we..

"T-thank you for allowing m-me to f-follow.. "

"I never said you could follow me. As I said, I couldn't care less either way." So this is about the time when I start to skulk behind him.. wait, we're walking together!?

"S-so what's your problem?"

"Problem? I don't have a problem. YOU were the one peeking through your door, not I. What would ever possess you to do such a thing?" Oh, we're going towards the first floor classrooms..

"I h-heard voices so I was c-curious!"

"Curiosity killed the cat. Or mouse."

"B-but satisfaction brought it b-back!" He's.. stopping. Too much sass, too much sass!

"Let's get one thing straight. You are free to follow me, or not. Should you choose to follow, however, you really need to stop talking." I'm.. nodding.. and following his orders.. aaahahahahaha! I knew it! Master and I DID have a thing from the start! I'm not closing my eyes for all of the pens and paper left in the world!

Kyoko's POV

Hazy. Like a.. that was HIM talking. It's clearing now, and I seem to be staring him down. And he's backed off, as usual. No matter, his scout was the one who I allowed to find me. Grandfather wasn't happy at all with that at first, but then he saw logic in the Kirigiris coming out of the shadows. All I want to do is to cut the Headmaster out of my life for good.

Wait, who's tapping me on the shoulder?

"U-um.. hi, I'm Makoto Naegi and it looks like our dorms are next to each other." That voice, drenched with all of the hope in the world. I should have known it the second time. I eventually did find out but.. this is odd, hearing things you can't remember.

"Okay, so we're next door neighbors. And?" I have.. issues with trusting people. Ever since the incident that ended up with me having burned hands and covering them up with custom-made gloves.

"W-well, I thought we could talk and get to know each other better." I have a feeling something against my better judgment is about to come flying out of my past self's mouth..

"It would seem so. Very well. In the spirit of the introduction phase, I'm Kyoko Kirigiri."

"Pleased to meet you, Kirigiri-san!"

"Naegi, you said?"

"That's right, but.. you can call me Makoto."

"Let's just keep it to last names for now." That's more in line with me. Phew.

"Okay! So.. were you going to go anywhere in particular, or were you just going to explore on your own?" He's going to want to come with me.. we did that unknowingly, while we were both trapped in the school.

"The second one. Why is this so important to you?" Wait for it.. there. The rubbing of the back of his head. He's so predictably predictable.

"W-well.. if it's not an imposition.. could I join you?"

"If you can keep up." Like usual and without waiting for an answer, I walked away in my own direction. Definitely me.

"Kirigiri! Wait!" Poor Makoto.. he sometimes still has difficulties in keeping up with me once I get something in my head that I need to accomplish. So I stopped and turned around.

"Yes?"

"Well.. it's about time for lunch, did you.. want to get something to eat or drink first?" Always thinking of other people first.. oh Makoto. I'm glad that didn't change.

"Coffee sounds like a perfect idea. I'm game."

Well.. so far so good, I think.. I'll keep my eyes closed just a little bit longer.

Makoto's POV

Gh! It's all foggy. Wait. I see.. purple? Kyoko. It can only be Kyoko. I'd briefly talked with some of our classmates first, but it looked like quite the group was gathering in the dining hall. There was me, Kyoko, Celeste, Chihiro, Hiro, Leon, and there was Sayaka chatting with.. Hifumi? Odd pairing, but I believe we were all just getting used to our first day at Hope's Peak.

All of a sudden the door to the dining hall swung wide open, revealing.. Taka. Right.. I think he was..

"EVERYONE QUIET DOWN AND LISTEN TO ME! WE SHOULD ALL MEET AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR OUR LUNCH PERIOD, AND SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT HERE!"

Chihiro was shaking at how loud Taka's voice was, until someone else came in behind him.

"Jeeze, Ultimate Hall Monitor, it's just the first day! Calm down already!" Her. I still hear that voice in my nightmares sometimes. But it served to break the tension a little, even though Taka was clearly upset at being challenged.

"That's no excuse! All students should be fully prepared for a student life with the most success!"

"Jesus Christ, dude, all I want to do is eat in peace and enjoy our free day. You do understand the concept of a FREE day, right?" Leon. The first blackened killer during the game she made us play. He did have a point though. Kyoko gave me a nudge and pointed to a free table while she went towards the coffee machine.

"Grrr!" Taka was obviously not pleased but couldn't argue back because the Headmaster told us that we would have today as a free day before he ended his opening speech. Past self, DO NOT ask Kyoko about her father!

I grabbed a seat at the table Kyoko pointed out, then saw Sayaka as she waved to me. I waved back, she smiled, then got back to her conversation with Hifumi. It was comforting to know someone from before the academy back then too, apparently.

Kyoko came back, then I excused myself to go get something to eat. "Kirigiri-san? Do you want me to get you something to eat?"

"I suppose that a meat or sushi bento would be fine." So off I went.

Apparently, the kitchen staff was raving about the bento boxes that were specially prepared for us by.. someone named Hanamura, as a welcome to our class. I grabbed two sushi bento boxes, two pairs of chopsticks, and two glasses of water, then headed back to the table where Kyoko was.

"That bento looks.. exquisite." Kyoko always knew finer food when she saw it.

"Yeah, apparently someone from another class prepared the bento boxes as a welcome for all of us."

"Teruteru Hanamura, perhaps?" How the heck?

"Kirigiri-san, how did you KNOW that!?" That smirk. She had that back then too.

"I have my ways." Ever the minimalist, too. "Wait.. this is extremely good. I guess the information I found on Hanamura was right on the money."

"What information was that?" Oh wow.. I can almost taste how delicious that sushi was.

"Hanamura is the Ultimate Cook. He prefers Chef, from what I understand."

Things are getting fuzzy again..

Makoto opened his eyes, much as he didn't want to. "May I.. have a glass of water, please?"

Kenji Miura immediately fulfilled Makoto's request, stating, "Drink that slowly, you've been down for a while."

Makoto nodded, took a sip of the water, and asked, "How long was I in the hypnotized state?"

Miura replied, "Six hours. Nurse Nagakawa has been giving me your vitals every thirty minutes, and she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Once you're ready to, stand up and go join the rest of your classmates. It's almost time for your dinner break. We'll all meet together first tomorrow, then I'll talk to all of you separately."

Makoto nodded, and slowly stood up. "Until tomorrow, then, Miura-sama."

A/N: Sorry for the length of the second part, and for the delay in getting it posted. Life kind of kicked me in the tail, but hopefully the decks will clear very soon. I believe that I mentioned this in Part One, but the lyrics for "Regression" were written by John Petrucci. Thanks for your patience, the time you take to read, and for the follows and favorites!