Misfit's Masquerade

Fear, fear, fear. That stupid fucking bitch. 

It sank deeper the longer you found yourself boiling over the abyss. It was too big. Too vast. Too much nothing. You were losing your mind—you would do anything just to see the face of another human being, no matter how deformed. You needed something to distract you, something to keep yourself busy, something to pass the seconds. Instead you felt every tick of the clock push the pit in your stomach deeper deeper and deeper.

You squeezed your eyes shut and crouched down. No one could see you, so it was fine. No, no one could see you, because no one was there, and you were here, cold but nothing—alone. 

A familiar little girl stood in front of you, staring down at the ground. Her eyes were leaking, but her face was frozen. You reached out, because that was just what you were at the time—small, desperate, and stupid. 

Without a word, she turned on her heel and began her slow, unyielding tread. Away.  

You scrambled, chasing, legs hitting the ground as hard as they could. The world stayed steady and unbudging. She was slow, but you weren't fast enough. Your couldn't feel your breaths, all you could feel was another empty pit settling in your heart. 

No. No! 

This is why you’re going to die alone.

Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath you. You were falling. The girl shrank into an infinitesimal speck with the void.

You thought you were still falling, but everything looked the same. Until it didn't.

The black fizzled into an army of colored squares, a pit of greens and reds and blues before flashing black again and again until...it stopped.

“He…hehehehehehehe…!”

A high giggle poured from so many directions it made your head dizzy. The void slanted, your feet straining against your legs. You opened your eyes only to see one staring back at you—electrically blue.

Fear, fear, fear. That stupid fucking bitch. 

It sank deeper the longer you found yourself boiling over the abyss. It was too big. Too vast. Too much nothing. You were losing your mind—you would do anything just to see the face of another human being, no matter how deformed. You needed something to distract you, something to keep yourself busy, something to pass the seconds. Instead you felt every tick of the clock push the pit in your stomach deeper deeper and deeper.

You squeezed your eyes shut and crouched down. No one could see you, so it was fine. No, no one could see you, because no one was there, and you were here, cold but nothing—alone. 

A familiar little girl stood in front of you, staring down at the ground. Her eyes were leaking, but her face was frozen. You reached out, because that was just what you were at the time—small, desperate, and stupid. 

Without a word, she turned on her heel and began her slow, unyielding tread. Away.  

You scrambled, chasing, legs hitting the ground as hard as they could. The world stayed steady and unbudging. She was slow, but you weren't fast enough. Your couldn't feel your breaths, all you could feel was another empty pit settling in your heart. 

No. No! 

This is why you’re going to die alone.

Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath you. You were falling. The girl shrank into an infinitesimal speck with the void.

You thought you were still falling, but everything looked the same. Until it didn't.

The black fizzled into an army of colored squares, a pit of greens and reds and blues before flashing black again and again until...it stopped.

“He…hehehehehehehe…!”

A high giggle poured from so many directions it made your head dizzy. The void slanted, your feet straining against your legs. You opened your eyes only to see one staring back at you—electrically blue.

You were stuck in place, unsure if you were standing or floating. All you could do was stare, down and down, the big blue eyes, blonde pigtails, plummeting to the boot of the giant woman’s school uniform. She smiled, adjusting the black and white bear in her hands. Even the bear, you could tell, was at least three times bigger than you. 

You probably fell down again. You stayed tensed—you couldn’t even trust the ground at this point. It didn’t give you anything solid, to perceive, to grip. The world was sinking and you had no control.

The bear's red eye flared, claws gleaming, alternating from paw to hand—red daggers of nails reaching toward you.

...Toward you?

...It's a door.

A plain, average, wooden door. It stared you down, and you stared back. It dared you to move, but you couldn't. “…huh?”

The mahogany was light. Glowing, even. You couldn't tear your eyes from it, even as you stood back up. How could you? It was the only thing you were completely sure you were seeing since waking up.

Go, go, go...! A little voice urged you. You couldn't be here anymore. You wouldn't. You had to get away. Away from this darkness, this craze, that girl—

You blinked, and you were staring out into brightness. You had to squint, stumbling as the door handle dispersed into thin air. What the fuck?

The sun bled your eyes dry, beaming rainbow shapes across the swaying dance of palm trees, kissed by gentle laps of a crystal blue ocean. You lifted a brow.

"How hammered was I last night?"

"...So. Another arrival." You instinctively rolled your eyes at the boy’s pretentious lilt. Blond hair, blue eyes—is that theByakuya Togami? 

Odd. His facial features seemed the same, but there was a lot more flab compared to what you’d seen in newspapers.

Someone else whistled. "...Damn. She's kinda hot." The bright pink-haired boy was jabbed in the torso.

"I can't believe you! Do you not have any manners!?"

"Ouch, jeez! Less aggression, lady!"

"—Christ, could you shitheads just shut the fuck up!?"

The redhead's glare moved from the pink boy to the little blond one. His hair was shaved in a buzzcut, golden eyes intense and clashing with her grey ones.

"Guys..." A slumped-over girl raised her limp hand. "We probably shouldn't..."—she yawned—"fight so soon... anyway..." she looked up at you, sakura eyes blending into the soft pillow of her skin, "...you're also a Hope's Peak Freshman, right...? Why don't you sit down with us...?"

"Oh—um... okay." Vacantly, you slid into a desk in the back, everyone else turning to chatter away while you recomposed your thoughts.

So, you woke up in a black void, fell, probably ate shrooms or something, a random door appeared, and now you were here. With students...supposedly your classmates?

You pulled on the inner corners of your eyes.

Okay. Okay, hold on... Putting all the bullshit aside, why would Byakuya Togami be here?

And since when were Reserve Course students allowed to dye their hair like that? you gawked at the pink-haired kid, who had just as bright pink eyes, and an equally bright yellow jump-suit.

They're not even wearing uniforms. Since when were uniforms optional? If that was true, you'd have a solid argument against your parents and you wouldn't be wearing this unoriginal idea of an outfit.

 In the end, you decided to shake it off and sidetrack yourself, sidling over to the nearest person. "Isn't that right, stranger?"

"...Um," He blinked smoke-green eyes. His back was pressed against the wall. "What?" 

"Neat hair, by the way. Kinda wanna steal it. Or eat it." The white fluffiness reminded you of pulled-apart cotton swabs. His fashion sense was a casual kind of appealing: a dark green hoodie with precise tears at the end. A skull chain looped an elegant curl back into his coat.

"Thank... you...?" Half of his face pulled into a forced chuckle. "Unfortunately, I can't give it to you, as the roots are attached to my scalp..." 

"It's alright, we can work out another deal." 

Another awkward laugh. "...Okay? Thanks?”

"[Name] [Surname], by the way. You?"

The rest of his face clicked into a bleached beam. "Nagito Komaeda." 

There was nothing much to jump off of with names. Typically, you would've made a connection, or made fun of a strange sound, but you found yourself bored of that routine. 

"Ever held a rabbit's liver?"

"...What now?" His face widened. You couldn't tell if it was curiosity or horror. "What did you do to your rabbit?"

You hummed, hiding a grin. "Oh... oh no! Sorry, I think there was a misunderstanding. It wasn't my rabbit." 

He blinked at you, eyes unreadable no matter how hard you squinted. "...What's your body count?"  

You instantly stopped snickering to yourself. “...Excuse me?"

A man more jacked up like a twelve pack of hawaiian rolls clenched his biceps. "Has anyone seen where the toilet is!?"

"Man, that guy is either on a shit ton of steroids or on a shit ton of laxatives. Maybe both."

Nagito laughed. "...Honestly, this raises concerns for me. I mean, if someone like Nidai can't open the door, what chance could we have?" 

"That Nidai guy your friend or something?"

"Oh—no no!" He waved his hands. "Of course not! Nekomaru Nidai is the Ultimate Team Manager! There's no way someone like him would be friends with someone like me! He's tied to so many accomplishments and gotten so many accolades thanks to his teams! It's said that most teams he coaches end up playing in national events." 

Your eyes went round. "Ultimate?" 

"You... don't know what an Ultimate is?" He said, suddenly looking like he was talking to an alien. 

"The super talented high school prodigies? Yeah, I know them. ...wait, are saying you're one?" 

"Oh, well," he raised his hands, "only in name..." 

You blinked. "That's how Ultimates become Ultimates. They’re named by this school."

"Well, yeah," he scratched his head, "It's more of a... how should I say it? It's pretty lame, really...see, I’m the Ultimate Lucky Student." 

"Really?" You hummed. Your face slid into a crooked grin, "you sure you aren’t actually the Ultimate Prince Charming?"

"...huh?" 

You snapped a finger, "Interested in a date? Or two?" 

He blinked, eyes flicking from you to your hand as if you were pointing a gun at him. "...huh!?"

A cold voice washed out your beachside meetcute. "...who are you?" 

You looked around, one more person had suddenly appeared on the beach, just like the rest of you.

"...Huh?" Squinted olive eyes flickered up. His dark brown hair curved into a cutting hook at the top. Pale skin sunk into his face, nothing else too sharp or distinctive in the configurations of his form. In a way, it suited him well.

“Um..." said a smooth, regal voice, "Are you quite alright? Your face appears most pale..."

One of them asked if he was a Hope's Peak freshman. He was, of course. 

Hook-boy proceeded with the most awkward gait to the back of the class, far away from everyone else, probably with some harem protag monologue. You tried to give him an I know what the fuck you're about, count cuckess look but he was occupied gaping at all the other colorful figures in the room.

Cuck inquired to the point of this gathering and what was going on. Togami hit the gavel on the start of the discussion.

First, it was confirmed everyone entered the beachin the same manner: no idea whatsoever. They blacked out on campus, found the door, got here. Everyone panicked, wondering how they had mass fainting. 

"I...It's very unlikely to be a coincidence, isn't it...?" said a plum-haired girl, tufts pulled around her in uneven clumps. She wore a nurse outfit and had skin like mochi. Her back seemed permanently slouched in on itself.

"So... kidnapping," you said. 

"Exactly," said Togami. "The question, however, is one, where are we, and two, who could be responsible for this, and three, what the purpose is." 

Right. It didn't make sense for someone to go through the planning of meticulously—and somehow successfully—capturing sixteen Ultimates while accidentally mixing a Reserve Course student into the pot.

"...B... But if we were kidnapped... why are we on the beach?" said a freckled redhead, camera strapped to her waist. 

"I suppose that is the question we should be figuring out now... If this were a kidnapping, it would've been natural for the culprit to reveal their demands by now..."

"Hold on, there's something in my pocket!" said the shark boy.

"Eh? Mine too, how strange..." said the little chef.

Collectively, the whole class grabbed an electronic tablet out of their pockets. On it were a bunch of rules, the first half being paraded by a pixelated icon of a white rabbit and a tutu. She had a strange key-shaped golden staff in her paws as her idle animation arms flapped up and down.

- E-HANDBOOK, SCHOOLTRIP RULES-

1. Extreme violence is prohibited on this island. Please live peaceful and relaxing lives with your fellow students.

2. Be considerate of each other and work together to gain Hope Fragments.

3. Littering is not allowed. Let us coexisted with this island's bountiful nature in "mutual prosperity".

4. The lead teacher cannot directly interfere with the students. An exception to this rule is made if any student violates a rule.

5: In the event of a murder in the student group, a school trial shall commence. Participation in the school trial will be mandatory.

6: During the school trial, students will attempt to identify the culprit. If the culprit is successfully identified, they shall be executed for their crime.

7: Failing to identify the culprit will be considered violating school rules. In this event, all students except the culprit will be executed.

8: A culprit who successfully hides their guilt shall be granted immunity, and shall be permitted to leave the island.

9: After 3 or more people discover a dead body, a body discovery announcement shall be broadcast across the island.

10: It is strictly forbidden to damage any facilities on the island, including any monitors or surveillance cameras

11: You may freely investigate this island. No special restrictions will be placed on your activities.

12: Additional School Trip Rules may be added at the headmaster's discretion.

"What... what the fuck is this?" The buzzcut blond curled his lip. "You think this is funny or some shit? Show yourself, I know you're watching!" He stormed up to one of the pale yellow cameras and gripped it by the neck. "I'll fucking kill you when I found you!"

"I—It's not good to just go threatening things like that... although on the other hand..." The chef shivered.

"T... The first half seems normal enough, but..." The redhead swallowed. "'In event of a murder'? Why are there so many rules about that? We're not actually expected to—y'know..."

"This is... strange..." The gamer girl's brows pinched. "None of this... Is right... But it doesn't seem like the culprit plan to show themselves right now..."

"How foolish!" The edgelord threw up his hands. "Regulations with no reinforcement is just empty platitudes!"

"Don't go saying stuff like that!" cried the shark boy. "You'll egg them on!"

"U—ugh... I—I don't feel quite well..." the blonde flattened the back of her hand against her forehead.

"I—I think we're all in shock..." said the plum haired girl. "I—it might be good to take a deep breath to just... S—sit down and discuss our next plan, yeah? O—obviously none of us... a—are going to do any of this... r—right?"

"She's right." Byakuya stepped in, a firm gaze on everyone. "We must evaluate our next course of action. When placed in a disconcerting and mysterious situation, it's good to gather as much knowledge as we can before coming to an action. For now, we should all part ways and do our own investigations." He swiped through the tablet with a scrutinizing gaze. "When we're done, we can reconvene at the beach."

"A—are you kidding? Telling us to just... go off on our owns... not to think about any of what's happening..." Cuck's skin paled and a thin skin of sweat dampened his collar. He had to lean on the nearest pine tree. "This is... crazy... There's no other word for it, this is just... Too crazy...!"

Without another word, he collapsed onto the sand, students coughing away the dust clouds. The plum-haired girl panicked, dropping to her knees and frantically pressing her palms against his head and chest. "H—he's still breathing... Just in shock..." 

"Oh, wow. Big bro's already fainted? How unreliable." Puffed out the twintailed girl.

"Seriously, how are we going to get through this with such pathetic men?" huffed the red-head.

"Ah, I'll look after him..." The white haired boy volunteered. "It's like Byakuya said... The best course of action is to investigate the island, right? So let's start doing that... I'm not much myself, so I'll leave the big investigation to you Ultimates."

The big blond lifted his brow. "You know my name?"

"Haha!" He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Who doesn't? Well, I'm a bit of an Ultimate fanatic, anyway... I might know a few of you from online forums.":

Shark boy snorted, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Looking up other men? You're real weird guy, aren't ya?"

"I guess you could look at it that way," he laughed. "I wouldn't say I'm anything special, though..." 

"Are we all in agreement then?" Byakuya sighed, interjecting. Eventually, he was met with slow nods.

The familiar chatter of other people engulfed you, much rowdier and clear in the open island air. You did as told (for the most part), running over your handbook once mroe and checking out the map and locations the other students had scattered off to. Except for the two you stuck with. Mainly because hitting on—or, excuse you, teasing—this guy was fun.  

"—I mean, I agree with them," you said. "Luck's a pretty interesting concept if you think about it. It's like, the universe aligning to your will, even if just for an instant. So... you're basically loved by the universe. A lot of odds go in your favor." 

He tilted his head as if entertaining your thought for a moment. "Well, I think you're making it sound bigger than it really is, [Name]. But thank you. That's a very interesting thought!" You weren't sure how his smile made you feel. Charmed? Uncomfortable? Both? "You must excel in your academics." 

You almost burst out laughing. "Um, sure buddy. Sure."

He rose a brow. "...By the way, are you not going to introduce yourself to the Ultimates? It's your turn. Not that I didn't take up a lot of time, making you sit here and keep guard..."

“Pshh,” you waved a dismissive hand. “I volunteered. Besides, two birds with one stone, y’know? Now I can explore and get introductions at the same time. And that’s not even mentioning the awesome fun time here.” 

“And what do you mean by that?” An innocent question.  

Clearing your throat in a futile attempt at professionality, you tugged at cuck’s ahoge, which did the hair thing and… stretched. You pulled it back and forth in small bursts like you were tugging a string. 

“Vroom vroom,” An egregious answer.

Nagito’s impressively calm smile faltered not, however his eyes slowly grew wide. Mild horror, perhaps. “...I see! …awful.” 

“What was that?” 

“Nothing. So,” he beamed, intertwining his hands. “I’ve already said my part, what about you? What’s your Ultimate Talent?”

“Oh, me?” you grinned, “Why, feast your eyes on the one and only…” your eyes darted around the scenery. “Ultimate… Coconut!”

“...Huh?” 

“Yes. You heard me. That is my talent.” 

“...Wow! How fascinating! I’ve never heard of a talent anything quite like yours… I also couldn’t find you on the Hope’s Peak Academy thread, or any source, much less our classmate here…” 

“Uh, yeah, probably cuz I’m totally bullshitting you.” 

“...Eh?” 

“Gueeeeess who doesn’t actually have a talent?” 

He blinked. 

“Well, you see, have you heard of the Reserve Course?” you elaborated.

“Actually… oh yeah, I’ve seen rumors about something like that online. It was…” His brows pinched, lips arching. “It was a…”  Nagito ran his fingers through his hair. “...Huh. Maybe I’m more disoriented than I thought. Sorry, continue?” 

You shrugged. “It’s a course that’s been around for a few years now. Like, there’s the main course, where they scout Ultimates, and the Reserve Course, where nobodies go.” You blinked. You were making this really boring to listen to. “Uhhh, like, you know student loans and debt and stuff? Well, congrats, you get to experience that in high school now! Basically, where non-ultimates, or completely average joes, can pay to attend this new course the Academy made. I doubt it’s any different from regular classes, though.” 

“Ohhhhh,” He nodded, grinning, “...So essentially, you’re talentless.” 

“Well… I wouldn’t say it’s an essential part of my being.” 

“So, fundamentally, you’re talentless.” 

“That’s better how?”

“It’s strange, though…” he placed a finger under his chin. “I figured I’d know more about this. Typically, I keep up with all the news and information centered around Hope’s Peak Academy, you know, researching all their Ultimates…” 

“Uh… okay…?”

“Yet I don’t seem to have seen his face around.” He gestured to the still unconscious cuck. “Although, that could just be a simple mistake. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised. But I think I’d know more if an entirely different branch of the school was implemented.” 

“...Nice?"

He clasped his hands, a smile bloomed to his face with more vigor than before, “Well, I’m sure it’s not that big of a deal. Maybe I stumbled upon an article which slipped my mind.” 

“Riiiiiiiiiiight…” You said. Something about the way this guy was talking made you frown. You couldn’t put your finger on it, though, “anyway, whaddya think cuck’s dreaming about? His imagination must be pretty dull if a beachside resort is enough to make him faint.” 

“Well, let’s not forget the borderline kidnapping,”

“Okay, yeah, no shit it's the trippiest thing I’ve ever been through and has a lot of suspicious stuff going on, but we haven’t even been presented with an ounce of danger. Hell, violence isn’t even allowed. It doesn’t seem like a fainting matter.”

“A little inconsiderate to mouth off the comatose, isn’t it?”

“Hey, I’m expressing my concerns. And it’s not like he’s not hot,”

“...You should really get your priorities checked.” 

“Aww, really?" you grinned,  "Even if your heart is number one on that list?” 

“...If you want my organs, kidneys would be worth the most, wouldn’t they?” 

You snorted. “...No?”

“I mean, statistically, I’m pretty sure I’m right, but I won’t argue. Actually, if it’s money you’re looking for, I can probably pay you once we get off this island. For now, though, I think it’d be best to keep my organs. If I change my mind later, though, I’d be more than happy to let you know.” 

“Okay, sorry I didn’t make this clear before: I’m actually not a serial killer? Why’s your brain on the black market? I’m talking metaphors here!” 

Nagito blinked, a slant to his head, and you could only assume he didn’t get it at all. 

"Hm..." You snickered, giving him little head pats. “Welp, either way, you somehow made a rant about harvesting your organs cute. Props to you man, that takes real talent.” 

Nagito's brows pressed down on his eyes. He frowned. "...What're you trying to achieve?"

"Hmmmm? What do you think?"

The smile was back. It reminded you of your previous hallucination. “...Nevermind. Forget it. ” 

You shrugged, pushing yourself back to your feet. "Alrighty then."

“Where are you heading?” 

“Eh, I'm, bored now. So, introductions, duh.”

“You’re just going to leave him here?” 

“Not my problem. Besides, you don't want me here." 

You almost scoffed at the silken smile. "Now, I never said that." 

"Oh, don't waste your breath." You winked at him. "Save it for the day I take it from you."

"...Your one-liners are terrible." 

"Okay, now that was just uncalled for."

"...As I said, your pickup lines are uncalled for."

"Your face is uncalled for!"

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

You navigated your way around the island, moving past the ominously wooden bridge while drinking in the view of the rocking blues beneath you. You couldn’t see the bottom, even as you neared the shore of the next island. After passing a sign that read Jabberwock Park, you concluded that Jabberwock must’ve been the name of this island, on the grounds that a name that funky and long had to have been important. 

In it was a grand statue that practically screamed give me attention erected in fresh bronze. It was a chaotic pot of fearsome animals—tigers, snakes, pegasi, all crammed onto one grandiose slab of ornate copper. The light was more like a heavy sheen of paint crafted into the sculpture. It was the kind of brightness that came from factories and hospitals.

Next to the statue, was the big, spectacled blond. He didn’t even regard you with a cold stare, attention only snapping when you got too close: “What?” 

“Why, I’d to exchange names, of course,” you mimicked his posh demeanor, before sliding into a wink. “And perhaps… numbers?” 

Actually, you didn't have a phone. Didn't mean you couldn't get one if all this ended soon, though.

He blinked. "...Don't be ridiculous." Then scoffed. “If you gave even a modicum of attention to your surroundings, you’d realize that none of us possess our phones in the first place. Not to mention, a desert island like this wouldn’t have any service.” Gee, thanks.

Well, you couldn't back out now. You considered this a challenge. 

“Sooo, what you’re saying is… ask you when we get out of here? Cool, cool. Then, that means we can start with the basics for now, right? I’m [Name] [Surname].” 

“...I’m Byakuya Togami. ...I’m done. That’s it, right? Back off.” 

“Aww, c’mon, don’t be like that. Remember what Usami said? Our goal is to collect the friendship crack from everyone. If we wanna get off, we gotta connect!”

He clicked his tongue, eyes burning with impatience. “...Fine.” To your surprise, he relented. “Then, you can start by telling me this: what is your Ultimate Talent?” 

 “Seriously? Don't tell I'm gonna have to give the same spiel every single time. I’m in the Reserve Course," you started on the briefest explanation you could manage. These guys' fault for not researching more about the very school they were attending. 

“I see…” He cocked a brow. “That’s quite suspicious. Are you not an odd one out?”

You shrugged, “hey, I’m just as confused as you are, bud.”

He scoffed. “Figures. Useless.”

“Hey—“

”Well, I believe we’re done here.” 

You rolled your eyes. “You’re a smartass thing, aren’t you? You still haven’t told me your Ultimate Talent, y’know.” Of course, you’d heard of him, but you weren’t going to give him the satisfaction of assuming that. It was the little victories that counted, after all. In other words: two can play the petty game, bitch. 

He didn’t have as nice of a reaction as you would’ve liked. “I am the Ultimate Affluent Prodigy. Are we done?” 

“...Affluent Prodigy...? You mean like...an economics major or something?"

"What do you think?" He glared. You awkwardly stepped back.

"Oooookay then," you raised your hands, "Message received."

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

The airport was… certainly an airport. Marble tiled the floors, a pastel cross splitting the dark greys. Light spilled across every inch of the room; the potted palm trees, the unfamiliar students, and the giant white banner splaying Welcome to Paradise in tacky orange. The fore-facing wall was just a hatching of metal beams and glass panes. 

“Wait is that a fucking pineapple in the luggage pickup?” you blinked. "And two giant airplanes."

“Er, well, not exactly, miss. Those guys aren’t exactly qualified for employment, if y'know what I'm saying.” 

"Huh?" You turned to see pink hair back from the classroom. Woah, what was with those jagged teeth? Did he chew on metal in his spare time or something?

“Well, we’re talking about those planes, right? The engines are gone. Nothing more than props.”

“Uh... oh, so the materials aren’t real either?”

“Well, no, from what I’ve seen, those are legit… but without the engines, usin’ em is simply impossible. I mean, all I've got is this wrench. It's not like I can pick 'em apart or anything. Super freakin' weird, right? Totally makes you wonder what kinda tech this place is operating!"

"Oh, so you're like, handy with this kinda stuff." 

“Mhm!" He stopped himself. "Whoops, didn't mean to talk so much shop to a stranger. We haven't met yet, have we? The name's Kazuichi Soda, Ultimate Mechanic, at your service!”  

“A mechanic, ey?” you tapped your chin. “Well, care for a novice’s two-cents?” 

“Uh… sure?”

“Just because the plane materials are useless, doesn’t mean there aren’t some other pretty good ones out there.” 

“Really? Like what?” 

You poked him in the chest. “This finely made boyfriend material?” 

“...Wait—what!?" His voice cracked. "You—I—boyfriend material!?" 

"100% off at your local airport."

"Y—you can't just—!" He sputtered through the red on his face. "...Wait, are you calling me cheap!?"

"Of course not! You're limited edition! One dork left in stock!"

"Dork!?"

You snorted. "I mean, you're wearing a neon jumpsuit. What do you expect me to call you? The Dark knight?" 

"Hey, not true! It makes me look dependable!" 

"Sure, sure. Whatever goats your... goat?" 

He huffed. "I'm being serious here! you—you just wait! One day...I'm gonna do something so cool and heroic, you'll be swooning all over me! It—you'll be like 'wow, Kazuichi, you're so skilled and—and badass, and—y'know, handsome'!" 

"Alright, then, Batman." You snickered. "Keep wearing beanies, though. It's cute." 

"You—...!" He choked over his words, probably a mix of flustered and frustrated. "I—I swear it! I'll show you! I'm not just cute, I'm hella cool!"

"'Just'?"  

"Agh! You—you're putting words in my mouth!"

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

Hope Fragments? The hollow ring of déjà vu filled your chest. Ultimately, it didn’t look like much, but there had to be some kind of purpose. 

Ah, well, you’d probably find out eventually. 

Boy number two, as you labeled him, had black and white hair twisted into an almost cartoonish little swirl. Two yellow earrings dangled over a maroon scarf, and some weird lightning bolt print speared through his ashy eye (the other being red). 

“Stop right there. You will come no closer… if you value your life.” 

“Kayyyyy!” Of course, you refused to be threatened, or a good listener. 

“Wait—waitwaitwait personalspacepERSONALSPACELADY—HALT!” He shuffled back in a wide crouch, sweating, arms up as if he was about to swivel a karate kick at you.

You paused, limbs propped in a half-done bear hug.

In an instant, he loosened like a ribbon, mildly disheveled, but back to the ostentatious person he was thirty seconds ago. “H-hrmph! You reckless fool! Had I not—ever so thoughtfully—backed away then, you would be dead where you stand! There is a thin line between courage and carelessness, and it is not one you should be treading with such shallow responsibility!” 

“...uh… cooooool…” 

“...But, I suppose, out of pity for such an ignorant creature, I could grace your feeble ears, just this once. Very well! Let it be known! Before yourself stands Gundham Tanaka. Do not forget that name… when I rule the world, to do so would be to invite death.” 

“...I see! Well then, you can call me [Name]! Full title: [Name] [Surname]!” Gathering your bearings, you posed with drama equivalent to your life being at stake. Little games like these were always so fun—they lured that childlike glee from within you. “So like, just so we’re clear, you’re aiming for world dominion. And by that you’re… gonna kill us all?” Oh. You weren't very good at this, were you? Well, technically, this is just clarification... Everyone needs to know the rules of games to play. 

The space between his would-be brows (did you mention this guy didn’t have eyebrows?) furrowed. “Need you make me repeat myself? I, am Gundham Tanaka! Under my rule, death itself shall follow at my heel!” At the eruption of his voice, four furballs—oh wait, they’re hamsters—shot out from his scarf, each scurrying to a different part of his body (one on his somehow levitating scarf). 

You had to snuff out your laughter with your palms. “Hamsters? Oh my god, that is adorable!” That must’ve meant his talent was related to animals, considering no normal person carried four fluffy rodents with them twenty-four seven.

“‘Hamsters?’ Ha! Don’t make me laugh! These, are the Four Dark Devas of Destruction!” He rattled off each of their names, in short: Jum-P (the sleeper), Sun-D (the other light-furred one), Cham-p (the fat one), and Maga-G (the dark orange one). “You and your foolish mortal eye, unable to perceive what is right in front of you… truly, pitiful. Beware! I shall warn you once! Do not be fooled by forms as meek and ephemeral as this… for, if you were to get close, they would strike you down in an instant! Man knows not the true terror of the beasts that I tame!” Ah. It clicked: taming ‘beasts’, the hamsters; he was a trainer. Or something like that. 

“...Of course! Yes, indeed! My eyes have awoken, thanks to you, good sir! Now, if thine would let a ‘fool’ such as myself ask, how does a mighty—and extremely handsome—dark lord such as yourself tame such fearsome beasts? To what extent does your power protrude?” 

“H—handsome!? I—It’s the Supreme Overlord of Ice to You!” he exclaimed.

“Why, yes, of course. The Dashingly Handsome and Badass Supreme Overlord of Ice.”

“D—do not assign such arbitrary adjectives to my name!” he coughed. But, it seemed to end up giving him more power in his next words. “...Now! Behold! The ‘Tanaka Empire’! By making my very body home to my subjects, I have tamed their evil spirits!” 

You hummed. That truly did sound like a difficult thing to master. Although, there was one question of utmost importance that wouldn’t vacate your brain. How did those hamsters—excuse you, Almighty Four Dark Devas of Destruction—not shit all over him? You were teetering off the edge into this burning inquiry when he interrupted. 

“And now, you will answer a question from me. Whose master are you?”

“...Excuse me?”

“I suggest you answer promptly. With which species do you have bonds?” 

“...Okay, I’m totally lost now.”

“Answer now! For I shall destroy you once you do!”

“Uhhh…” 

“For hell’s sake—” He let out an impatient huff. “Upon which you mortals consider ‘domesticated creatures’ and… ‘pets’,” he spat the word out with vitriol. “Which have you contracted with?”

“Oh…” You paused. Well, shit. What were you supposed to tell him? That you—you had once owned a goldfish but cried so hard at its death your parents never let you get another one? How could you ever bring back something so embarrassing?

You kneaded and picked at your thumbs until they were red. “I mean..." you laughed. "I don’t really own any right now…” 

His gaze told you he wasn't interested in the mind games. Fuckin hypocrite. “Like—” You sealed your lips, a crack buzzing just beneath the surface. Come on, you told yourself. This is so goddamn stupid. It’s been years. “Just, a fish, once. Nothing special.”

Gundham hummed, towing out the silence as his heterochromatic eyes vetted you up and down. They came to a soft close. “I see. ...How foolish."

You winced.

"It's true, serpentine minions are but frail creatures. Their power hardly exceeds a five in the grand scheme of things." He 'hmphed'. "However, the raw power your magical ligature exudes is evident. It is clear you have ascended as partners." He nodded insightfully. “While you are but a fleeting shadow under my power, there is… potential.” 

“Thanks…” was all you could get out, a little stupefied. You found yourself in an odd balance between cringed out and touched by what you assumed to be an attempt at comfort.  

“Hmph.” He adjusted his scarf. “There is no need for ‘thanks’. I am simply offering up the fruits of my examination. Potential is nothing without raw and bloody cultivation.” His gaze narrowed in warning.

“Uh-huh, sure.” You snorted. “I’ll do my best, master.” 

“Mas—who said I would be anything of the sort to you!?” 

“Aw c’moon! But you’re so wise—and handsome—and if I want to ‘cultivate my potential’, then I need to learn from the very best, riiiight?” 

He combusted into a flurry of sputters as you continued to tease him. You hid your grin, exiting the airport with an extra bounce in your step. Flawless comeback. 

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

You stood in the looming shadow of a convex white building. Gaudy orange letters curved across the black signboard: Rocketpunch Market. 

“Man, what a cool name…” Smooth pavement clicked underfoot. A simple leveled lot, not a stair or slope around. Glass panes lined the front in place of a wall, tinted with a cool gradient that made it impossible to peer through. 

The inside was an odd supermarket, with mint green shelves and sandy yellow beams in an orderly grid under the ceiling. Not to mention the sheer size of this place. While backing away to admire its grandeur, you knocked a pair of snorkeling goggles to the floor. Wait, we can go snorkeling!? Sick!

Two distinct voices broke through the low hum of air conditioner. You peered around a shelf with the fattest cola bottles you’d ever seen, slowly making your way over.

“Oh, Mikan, you are just so adorable! I could gobble you up in one huge bite!” An overzealous girl squealed. Her dark hair was thick and ruffled, streaked with neon hues of blue, white, and pink. Metal girl. 

“H-huh? A—a—adorable...!?” The other girl was her polar opposite, hair cascading down her back in uneven clumps of rich purple, matching her eyes. "N—no one's ever said that to me before...!" she sobbed. Well, that's self-esteem if I've ever seen any.

“That's pretty weird. Maybe they're too intimidated to talk to such unparalleled beauty.” You said.

Their screams ruptured the air, tangling together in a mangled harmony. Mikan handled the octave, and Ibuki packed the volume. It was so effective, it seemed, that even Mikan herself took fright—the ice-smooth floorboards sending her head plummeting downward. 

Luckily, you had quick feet, adjusting so she would land safely in your arms—and, moving with the moment, thought, why the fuck not, and spin-dipped her. 

“...I-I’m sorry…! I—I'm so s—...eh?” Steam rose in the air as Mikan’s face kettled over (shrieking included). 

You couldn’t help your smirk turn into a cheeky grin.

“I'd say that was my best performance yet. Of course, only cuz you were here.” 

"W-w-w-w-w-whhh—EHHHH?"

“Eeeee! Mikan is soo lucky! A knight shining armor? And a charmer? Just imagine! A lover, tucking you in at night with cliche little pickup lines… Ibuki’s heart just gets all BOOM-BA-DA-DOOM at the thought!” She twirled. “Ibuki’s so excited she could probably speedrun eighteen concerts! And maybe stop for a good old bowl of ramen afterwords… oh, but what should she get for the main course? Just thinking about it gets her stomach all hungry-mungry!”

“Darling, you are the main course.” you snickered. 

She giggled, dabbing her wrist down playfully, “Oh stop it, you.” It turned into laughter. “Well, not actually, Ibuki just lo-o-o-o-ves this kind of energy! This tension!” 

You carefully set Mikan on the ground, red pigment almost bursting through her skin; eyes spiraling off into a different realm. Your grin was crooked, infectious, and flattered as pressed your back against a shelf—without closing any suggestions, of course. “Oh yeah? Just so I'm not misreading anything, we’re not talking the will-brutally-slaughter-you kind, right?” 

The porcelain skin under her eyes creased. Her nose was only inches from yours. “Mayyybe~. Depends where we’re talking. Alleyway? Bedroom? Rockhard headbanging contest?” Spittle shot out of her cackle, and you found yourself laughing too. 

“Ibuki, I presume? I'm [Name] [Surname].” 

You most definitely broke Mikan, so Ibuki was the only one replying. “Yes indeedy! I am… drumroll please!” 

Despite the fact you already stated half her name, you obliged, rapping your palms over a nearby shelf. 

“...Ibuki Mioda! The Ultimate Musician! And that little cinnamon bun over there is Mikan Tsumiki! She’s a nurse.” She winked, her thick lashes glossy and clumped together. 

“You sure? I'm preeeeetty sure nurse's jobs are healing hearts, not stealing them.” you returned the wink, before pointing to the heap of red-faced-waifu-material still slouched against the wall. “She okay though? I'd hate to lose such high moe levels."

Ibuki folded her arms and shook her grinning head. “Oh, sweet, unsuspecting [Name].” She pinched your cheeks, folding out your face despite your protests. Ow.

“I’m sure you can tell. The fragility, the timidititty…!” 

“Pronunciation needs work—” 

“You should’ve seen how poor little Mikan was when she got here! Hardly able to stand on her own two feet…!” Her head rocked with theatrical sorrow. “A crime, I tell you! Heartless! I swear if Ibuki ever gets her hands on the totally soulless bastards who did this…! You get me, right?”

“Yeeeeeah, I think so?” It didn’t take a genius to tell Mikan was severely lacking in self-esteem, to an unnatural degree. Even so, Ibuki never struck you as the type of person to pick up on things; soaking in most—if not all—of the spotlight for herself. Not that she wouldn’t be cute; she still is. Yet, surprising. How fun.

She released your face, and you patted it down to ensure no permanent damage was done. Mild swelling, perhaps.

“So!” Ibuki jabbed a black fingernail at you, not threatening, but certainly bold. “Ibuki officially declares you her assistant! Your first task is to pamper Mikan! Together, we’ll turn that nervous energy into energy energy!”

“...Wha?” 

“Exactly what I said!” Perhaps reacting to her borderline-horrific vitality, Ibuki’s nose elongated. Like—fucking pinochioed or some shit. 

Well, of all the people on Earth, it almost made sense that this was the one to be able to defy human biology. “If [Name] performs well enough, Ibuki may consider promoting her to a member of my music club!” She then squealed. “Kyaahh! Just feel Ibuki’s professionalism! It’s space-tabularly high!”

“So… if I can get a promotion, does that mean I get paid?”

She grinned, innocence sticking her lashes into a bright wink. “In love!”

“...Listen, Ibuki, beloved, I would die for you, but come on at least minimum wage.” 

“Oh, don’t sweat the details! We have a deal!” 

Welp. At least you could tell people you were getting screwed by a cute chick.

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

Your heels clicked against the stone walkway, to the ‘Hotel Mirai’ up ahead. It sheened rose gold, polished letters stamped into the curved roof. It really added to the resort feel, especially with the practically glowing azure pool next to you.

"Ah." Your lips rose along with tufts of your hair in the breeze. It was just so... free. It was like you were dancing atop the glory of the world and all it had to offer—it was what anyone would imagine when it came to true paradise.

How long would it last? I hope it doesn't get boring.

Before any of that, though: cute redhead spotted. 

You decided to have a little fun, lacing around her and bursting out a hello from behind.

She screeched, heeling around with a loaded punch. 

Your hands flurried. “Woah woah woah I come in peace!” 

She halted, mouth gaping. Then planted her hands on her hips. “Jeez, you really scared me there! I could’ve seriously hurt you!” 

“Oh—um…yeah?” Her maternal prowess was intimidating. “Sorry…?” 

“Apology accepted. But you have to make sure to be more careful, okay?” 

You shook yourself out of your trance, sliding into a coy grin. “Well, thanks for the warning, but I’m preeeetty sure the only hazardous thing here is your outrageous beauty.” 

“W—what are you saying all of a sudden…?” 

You set a theatrical hand on your chest. “Sudden? Why I’ve been thinking such since I first laid eyes on every last one of you!” 

“Oh, I think I see how it is." She blew out her cheeks, "have you just been goofing around with those cheesy pickup lines?”

“Whaaat? Cheesy? You wound me!” You peeled the hand from your heart. “And I’m certainly not joking. I’d learn how to clone myself just so you could steal my heart all over again.” 

She held you firm in her stern gaze. “Pfft—” not for long though, as it cracked into a warm smile. “Well, at least you don’t seem too bad.” 

“...Well, what is a ‘not too bad’ rating? ‘6/10’? ‘Would say yes if I proposed to you right now’? Asking for scientific purposes, of course, because I treat my research with critical importance. 100%. Max Power. Serious as a stone…er.”

She amusedly rolled her eyes, before setting her knuckles back on her hips. “Okay, now do you want to do introductions or not? I mean, that is why you’re here, right?” 

“Well, you could say that…” you made a show of scratching your cheek. “Actually, yeah, let’s just say that.” 

Wisps of her strict demeanor returned, but it was more of a gentle chiding. “Come on. Jokes aren’t bad here and there but remember, there are times when you need to take things seriously too! The boys here are all total amateurs, so us girls have no choice but to pick up the pace.” 

"Well, damn. You should watch out, a bunch of people would get offended with this kinda gender-typed stuff."

She rolled her eyes. “Jeez, don’t get me started. Those kinds of people are just uptight old geezers who can’t tell chicken from egg. All excuse, no substance. Actually, you’re the one who should be careful! With all the suggestive things you say, guys might get the wrong idea and try to take advantage of you! You can never let your guard down with this stuff, you know.” 

You laughed, a little awkward as her mother-ness reared back full force. You felt like a toddler who got caught red-handed scribbling all over the walls; currently receiving the lecture of a lifetime. “Hey, no worries. I’m not stupid. I can break a couple of bones when it comes down to the crunch!”

“...Hmph. Well then, I’ll take your word for it, since you seem to be able to handle yourself well. Don’t get too rough though, alright? The guys will really become unreliable if all their bones are broken!” Her laughter broke into a gasp, fingers flitting her chin. “Oh, how embarrassing… I got so distracted, I haven’t even told you my name yet.” She clasped her fingers behind her back, beaming, “I’m Mahiru Koizumi, the Ultimate Photographer. What about you?” 

“I’m [Name] [Surname].” You dipped into an exaggerated curtsey, winking up at her. “Ps: I love you and your refined beauty."

She flushed, exasperation increasing at your snickers. “Seriously? That one wasn’t even subtle!”

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

Ah, you recognized this one. Unadulterated meat pie. 

"Steroid man! Thought I'd never see you again."

“Hrmmm…?” He grunted; it sounded more like rumbling boulders. “I don’t know you…” 

“...I was the second to last one in the classroom? You’re the guy with intense diarrhea, right? Is that a side effect?” 

He ‘hah!’d, cracking his knuckles. “Nonsense! A good shit never stems from drugs! For a good lifestyle, you need three things: good sleep, good appetite, and a good shit! To do this, you must connect with all parts of your body! Channel your soul into the very depths of your bowels!”

You blinked. “...The fuck?” 

“Looks like you still gotta lot to learn, newbie. We’ll start with introductions! My name’s Nekomaru Nidai… the legendary ‘Ultimate Team Manager’, NEKOMARU NIDAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!” 

In those five seconds, a week-long migraine punched you. His scream rattled over the whole island, waiting a few minutes before easing into a wailing ring that stuck to your ears. 

“Gee, thanks. I always thought my hearing was too good for the world," you grimaced. "...[Name] [Surname], by the way." 

“SPEAK UP, KID! PUT YOUR BELLY INTO IT! SCREAM SO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR YOU!”

“Uh—[Name] [Surname] here!”

"LOUDERRRR!"

"Uh—" you hacked up an organ. "[NAME SURNAME]! THAT IS ME!"

“LOUUUUDERRRRRRRRR!!”

“Okay, what more do you want from my vocal cords you jacked up ass-stick?! I will shove a piranha down your throat and do shots to your screams as it eats you inside out!”

“GAHAHAHAHAHA! THAT’S IT! LET THE WHOLE UNIVERSE HEAR YOUR SPIRIT!”

"Goddammit," It was like steel shards were lodged in your throat.

He scratched at his chin. “I can tell, you have natural expression and energy. But there’s something you lack… passiooooooon!”

“Excuse you? I am plenty passionate as I am!”

“NO! YOU MUST GO BEYOOOOND THAT! BREAK FREE OF YOUR LIMITS AND LET YOUR HEART SOAR! SCREAM OUT ALL OF YOUR FEELINGS, HOPES, AND DREAMS! MY NAME IS NEKOMARU NIDAIIIIIIIIII! A NAME YOU WON’T FORGET, EVEN IN HELLLLL! ULTIMATE COACH! NEKOMARU NIDAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! THAT’S! MY! NAAAAME!”

“Okay, dude, I see what you mean... but shut the fuck up.” Being obnoxious, contrary to popular belief—fuck your friends—was not something you were into. 

“GAHAHAHAHA! DULY NOTED!”

¤¸¸.•´¯`•¸¸.•..>>*Obtained Hope Fragment.*<<..•.¸¸•´¯`•.¸¸¤   

This one was the buzz-cut blond from the classroom.

“Pfft—” you made a clumsy attempt to block your laughter, almost falling into the pool. 

He snarled. “What’s so funny, huh? Got something you wanna say? Say it to my face!”

“But I don’t know if I can reach that low…” 

“What was that?”

“Hey, hey, I’m just joking. Of course I can reach that low, I’m actually pretty flexible.” 

“Just—just who do you think you’re talking to!?” Red practically plumed from his ears.

 “C’mon now. First of all, I’m [Name] [Surname], no need for such aggressive second person. And, you’re quite the dapper young gentleman, if I do say so myself, but sometimes you gotta face it—charm like yours fits more into the ‘cutesy’ category.” 

“Alright—listen up! I! Am! Fuyuhiko! Kuzuryu! And I! Am the Ultimate Yakuza! Heir of the Kuzuruyu Clan!” He growled. “Listen, bitchface, if you look at me weirdly again, I won’t hesitate to cut you down.”

“...To your level?” 

You snickered, backing up from his storm of curses, threats, and glaring. 

“Okay okay, you’re right, I’m sorry, height jokes just aren’t fair play, you super scary Yakuza sir you. I’m sure you’re a great leader, especially with such incredible…” you gestured to his general face area, “...charisma.” you bit your lips to prevent yourself from floor-rolling.

“You think I’m joking or some shit!?” 

“Kinda.” you grinned, “This is Hope’s Peak Academy. Not only do you look like you just graduated from middle school, Ultimate Yakuza? That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“What did you—” red veins throbbed in his eyes, rage bubbling out at your every letter.

“This Academy is supposed to be raising Ultimates—people with an unprecedented talent that will go on to lead and better the world! And you’re telling me they accepted the heir to the biggest crime syndicate in the country? Hell, even then? What could a minor do to be deemed as one of Japan's best criminals? Well, other than being born to some angry-wangry murder loonies, of co—"

You choked as his hand yanked your collar straight down to his level with an unprecedented amount of strength. "Listen here, you smug cunt."