Notes:

To those reading this, thank you for giving my fanfiction a try! I know there are a lot of Danganronpa fanfics out there so I appreciate everyone who gives mine a read, and I promise to do my best to deliver a good story!

New chapters will be posted regularly, about once every 10 days or so, so I hope you'll stay for the consistent updates. I greatly appreciate any comments, kudos and constructive criticism!

This fanfiction was written before NDRV3's English release so there are no spoilers for/links to NDRV3.

P. S. The videogame script style was heavily inspired by other Danganronpa fanfictions I've read before, namely Magorgle's "Danganronpa: Legacy of Despair", so credit to them! While I did not come up with the following style of writing Danganronpa fanfiction in the form of a videogame script, I also tried to add my own spin on it with specific sprites, "CGs", and minigame formatting which I hope works!

Legend:
Narration/Description
Italicized - Umeko's thoughts
[CG] Description [CG]
[CG] End [CG]
[[flashback]]

Unknown #1: She's been lying to you all from the start!

No…

Unknown #2: How long were you planning on keeping up the deception?

I wasn't deceiving anyone!

Unknown 3: I guess all that stuff you said about us being a team was all bullshit in the end.

That's not true…

...

They say that when life throws you for a loop, the best thing to do is to hang on and hope for the best.

I don't remember exactly who quoted that, but I'm pretty sure he or she never had to adapt to a situation like this before.

And me? How did I get here, fighting for my life and the lives of my friends, with nothing but my own words to back me up? Well, it's a long story. And it only makes sense to start from the very beginning.

[[SEVERAL WEEKS AGO…]]

[[flashback]]

Mysterious Voice: Umeko…[static]...do you understand…[static]

…

To my surprise, I heard my own voice cut through the static, crisp and clear, without a hint of hesitation in my tone of voice as I gave my response.

Umeko: Affirmative.

Mysterious Voice: Copy that...[static]...set to go…[static]...Commence Operation…[static]

[[end: flashback :end]]

What...was that?

It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dim light, and when they did, I found myself lying on a strange bed, in a strange room.

...H-Huh?

Where...am I? What is this place?

How did I even get here?

Slowly, I untangled myself from the covers and got off the bed. I stumbled a little, feeling light-headed.

Umeko: What...happened to me? The last thing I remember…

I struggled to remember anything beyond the strange voice I'd heard in my head.

I'd been...talking...to someone. But who?

The memories were hazy, floating out of my reach, determined to evade me as I struggled, grasping at them. But it was like trying to hold water cupped in my palms - eventually they started slipping through my fingers until there was none left.

Umeko: Damn it...my mind is a blank.

All I remember...is my name. Umeko Hirayama.

[Umeko Hirayama - Unknown Talent]

[Character Bio: Umeko Hirayama]
Umeko Hirayama. Yup, that's me.

Auburn hair, slightly pale skin, a beige cardigan and frayed black jeans...I don't even remember this outfit of mine. Yet at the same time...it feels familiar to me.

Why can't I remember anything about who I am?
[Character Bio: End]

I held onto the knowledge of my name like it was a lifeline.

But...who am I? I'm a girl...I know that much. I...think I'm a student. But...I can't seem to remember anything else about myself.

I was gripped with a disorienting fear, and shuddered. I couldn't remember anything about my family, where I lived or grew up in...it was like every one of my memories beyond the strange voice I'd heard in my head was blocked off by an invisible wall.

It was surreal. I knew about the world I lived in. I knew about basic things like world geography and basic arithmetic and the alphabet. But...I couldn't remember any detail about myself, personally. No family, no friends...I didn't even know my exact age. How could I not know about any of that?

Umeko: Never mind that...I should get out of this room...find out where I am.

I took a second to exhale, and get my bearings, before turning to inspect the room.

[Inspect: Monitor]

Is that a...TV Monitor? It's not currently displaying anything so I guess it's off…

[Inspect: Security Camera]

Creepy...it looks like it's looking right at me. Am I being watched?

[Inspect: Bedside Table]

I found nothing inside except for a notepad and pen, and a sewing kit.

[Inspect: Bathroom]

It's...just a normal bathroom. Quaint sink, small shower...no cameras in here though. Thank goodness.

[Inspect: Fireplace]

It is a little cold in here...I guess that's what the fireplace is for. It's quite wide, and there are a couple logs of firewood nearby. I don't need it now.

[Use: Door]

I'm getting out of here.

Hurriedly, I left the room, trying desperately to escape the feeling of being stifled inside there, alone and discombobulated.

Guy in Green Hoodie: [shocked] Whoa!

Umeko: Ah! Sorry!

I'd nearly slammed the door right in the poor guy's face. He stumbled backwards, startled, but quickly recovered and flashed me a confident smirk.

Guy in Green Hoodie: [playful] No trouble at all, sweetheart. It takes more than that to knock me back.

Umeko: I...didn't see you there.

The boy was tall, taller than I was, dressed in a ripped lime green hoodie and jeans. He was obviously one of the 'cool kids' if I'd ever seen one - which was saying something, considering I really didn't remember ever having seen one.

Guy in Green Hoodie: I was just heading around to gather as many of the others as I can.

Umeko: Gather the others?

Guy in Green Hoodie: I take it you've just woken up?

Umeko: Yeah.

Guy in Green Hoodie: With no idea how you got here or where you are?

Umeko: Affirmative.

Guy in Green Hoodie: That's all of us. We're all in the same boat. Well, at least all of us that we've found so far. I woke up a while ago, and this guy called Eizo - he's another one of the students - he told me to come back up to the rooms and go see how many people's in this place too. I'm bringing the rest of the students I find to the Lounge downstairs where we're all gathering.

Umeko: There are other people here? Are we all students?

Guy in Green Hoodie: As far as I can tell, yeah. Everyone I've seen are students who have no idea how they got here or where we are. I assume you too are from Hope's Peak?

Umeko: Hope's...Peak?

The name sounded familiar. I don't know why it did, but...knowledge of the school he'd mentioned seemed to come to mind. It was a school...of students who were the best of the best at what they did, good enough to be considered the Super High School Level students at whatever it was that they excelled in.

Umeko: I've...heard of it.

Guy in Green Hoodie: [shocked] You've heard of it? You're not a student?

Umeko: Well...not that I can remember.

Guy in Green Hoodie: [worried] That's...honestly kind of strange. You're the only one who doesn't seem to know immediately what talent they have, at least, from all the people I've met so far.

Umeko: How many others have you already met?

Guy in Green Hoodie: I've met a bunch of the other students also holed up in here. We've got a lot of other SHSL students here. I'm surprised you're not one.

Umeko: I didn't say that. I...maybe I just don't remember. I don't know. I probably am a student here too, right? It wouldn't make sense for me to be the only one not a student.

Guy in Green Hoodie: Sure, I guess that makes sense.

Umeko: Where is this place? Where are we?

Guy in Green Hoodie: I've only looked around a little bit...but it seems like we're in an inn.

Umeko: An inn? What, like...a tavern?

Guy in Green Hoodie: Nothing quite so medieval but I guess it's like a smaller hotel, just a...less fancy, more cozy one.

Why did I wake up here? With no memory of my past? Who else is with us? My mind was full of questions that remained frustratingly unanswered.

Umeko: Um...my name's Umeko. And you are?

He puffed his chest out with a grin.

Guy in Green Hoodie: [happy] The name's Kenji Enomoto. I'm the SHSL Skateboarder. Nice to meet ya!

[Kenji Enomoto - SHSL Skateboarder]

Kenji Enomoto...I've heard of him! I don't know how or when...but I know I do know this guy. He's been dubbed the "Skateboarding King!"

[Character Bio: SHSL Skateboarder - Kenji Enomoto]
A bit of a flirt and a bit of a playboy, Kenji has participated in dozens of skateboarding competitions growing up, earning himself not just a SHSL title but the moniker "The Skateboarding King". Able to do almost every trick in the book, Kenji can work his magic on his wheels not just normally, but has also attempted to do so blindfolded, with his arms tied behind his back, balancing a sword on his nose, juggling fiery torches and on one brilliant, unforgettable occasion - all four at once. It came as no surprise to "The Skateboarding King" that he would be bestowed upon a second, more prestigious title of SHSL.

Cocky but charming, Kenji takes life easily and more laidback than most, and sees it all as a game to him. Carelessly bold, he is unafraid to flirt with girls he fancies and believes there is no girl he cannot win over, though his cocksure attitude does him few favors. Little fazes him in life, but the Killing Game will prove to be his biggest challenge. He often sports his favorite (ripped) green hoodie, which he has worn to every competition and claims is his lucky charm, as well as tattered baggy jeans, black sneakers and he sports a fair amount of piercings on his body.
[Character Bio: End]

Kenji: [shocked] Are you alright? You seemed to zone out there a little.

Umeko: Oh! Uh...no reason. Nothing. It's fine.

Kenji: Heh...if you say so. I'm going to go round up some more of the other students to make sure no one's left behind. This guy called Eizo seems to be taking charge so far, and he wants us all to gather in the Lounge on the first floor when everyone's got their bearings. Dude seems like a good enough leader so I let him take over. Hopefully there, we'll get some answers as to where we are and why the hell we're here in the first place. You think you can make your way downstairs by yourself?

Umeko: I can handle that. Thanks.

So there are more of us here...I wonder how many there are, other than me and Kenji. Well, at least he seems nice...enough.

[Inspect: Room Door]

Hm...the room I just left...there's a pixelated picture on the doorframe and it...kinda looks like me? It's got my outfit right...that's the beige cardigan I'm wearing...I guess that really is meant to be me. So this is my room then? I guess I shouldn't complain…

[Talk to: Kenji]

Kenji: Hey...you're still here? You should, like, go talk to the others, if you come across them. Head on down to the Lounge on the first floor, Eizo's having everyone else gather there.

Umeko: Eizo?

Kenji: I heard his SHSL Talent's got something to do with leadership so I'm not gonna contest him! The dude seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders for this kinda stuff, if not a little uptight. But it's not like we have any better option. I'm hoping he'll help us figure out why we're here.

[Move to: Stairs Down]

Taking the stairs down, I arrived on the second floor. There were more rooms here, and a couple more students in the hallway.

I came across a couple of them having an argument of sorts.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [angry] Would you quit it? Get it off, get it off me! Ugh, you're such a little troll!

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: [excited] I can't help it! You're just too easy to tease, no one could resist!

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [angry] Stop it before I...before I get really angry, hunny!

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: [snide] What are you gonna do, smother me between your breasts? You know, I'd quite like that actually. That wouldn't be a terribly awful way to go.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Wha- You idiotic pervert!

A second girl stood by the side, shooting the duo a cross look.

Mature Girl with Cap: I would think that with us all seemingly trapped in here with no memory of what's happened, you'd be a little more mature than to be pulling childish pranks right now.

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: [playful] What do you want me to tell ya? It's in my blood!

It looks like they're a...friendly bunch. What are they busy squabbling over? Do I really want to get into this?

The boy turned and spotted me standing on the stairs, watching them.

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: [snide] Well, hello hello. Who's this? Looks like another girl joins the party!

I guess I have no choice but to go and talk to them now.

[Talk to: Group]

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: Nice to meet you!

The boy held out his hand and I reached out to shake it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the girl with the cap widen her eyes as she saw what I was doing.

Mature Girl with Cap: [shocked] No, wait! Don't-

Umeko: Aghhh!

Mature Girl with Cap: -do that...

I drew my hand back sharply, wincing as I felt jolts of electricity shoot through my fingers and up my arm. The pain quickly faded, but I could feel my heart racing from the unexpected electric shock.

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: [laughing] Gotcha. Oh, man! Nothing ever beats the classics...gets 'em every time.

He held up his hand, revealing a joy buzzer. His eyes were lit up with a sort of mischievous delight, though the prank seemed a little silly in our current situation.

Umeko: What was that for?

Short Boy in Sleeveless Hoodie: My name's Yoshihiki, and as the SHSL Prankster, I never let an opportunity slide me by.

[Yoshihiki Kawamura - SHSL Prankster]

[Character Bio: SHSL Prankster - Yoshihiki Kawamura]
SHSL Prankster - Yoshihiki Kawamura
When he was young, Yoshihiki was able to charm most of the adults in his life - parents, teachers etc - by being one of the cutest boys in the room. Beneath that adorable exterior, however, Yoshihiki loved more than anything else to humiliate and embarrass others, and from a young age, he showed a penchant for pranks more than anything else. All across the board, from whoopie cushions to hand buzzers to propping buckets of water up on doors, Yoshihiki did it all - to family, teachers and classmates, and was known as the "Little Terror". With the Little Terror now grown up, Yoshihiki still has an innocent look to him, but still has the same malice and mischief inside him. Far from innocent, his pranks have only escalated. He has never gone a single week of his life without pranking anyone. His biggest prank to date was what shot him up to internet fame when he posted a video on YouTube of him pranking his local news station while they were live on air. He was caught by the cops and fined for it, but simply laughed it off on camera.

His relentless pranking, while silly and immature, shows he is actually an extremely resourceful person when he puts his mind to a task, albeit inherently playful and rarely serious. The shortest guy in the group, height is a very sensitive issue with him, and the one thing he wishes he could change about himself. He hates being treated like a kid. However, Yoshihiki turns things around by relying on his deceptively innocent looks, claiming it helps him pull off all his pranks successfully and without a hitch, and that no one would ever suspect such an innocent face as his. He wears a cyan tank top, and a brown sleeveless hoodie with a somewhat ironic cartoon design over it, long baggy jeans, scuffed bright red sneakers and has a Letterman jacket wrapped around his waist for when it gets cold. He has spiky light brown hair and mischievous green eyes.
[Character Bio: End]

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Come on! That was funny!

Umeko: I...I guess it was, a little.

Yoshihiki: Thank you! Finally, someone who gets my humor.

Mature Girl with Cap: Oh, please, don't humor him. The less stupid pranks around here, the better.

Umeko: Sorry, I...guess I'm just still a little out of sorts after waking up.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Where did you even get a fake spider in the first place?

The girl brushed a fake spider off the front of her dress with distaste.

Yoshihiki: [playful] A prankster is never without his trusty sack of tools and gimmicks.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] That is like, so not cool. Whatever, just get away from me, you dwarf. You're, like, messing with my vibe-

Yoshihiki: [angry] Sh-shut up! Don't call me that!

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [snide] What's this? Have I hit a nerve, it seems?

Yoshihiki: [sad] N-no! I...just…

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [snide] Oh, I see what's going on here...

Yoshihiki: [angry] No, you don't! And I'm not short! I'll be as tall as the other guys one day, then you'll see!

The girl with the cap very obviously rolled her eyes at the pair of them.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Yeah, yeah, you keep telling yourself that.

She turned to look at me.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: And what's your name, girl? You just gonna stand there, watching us with your mouth open or what?

Umeko: Oh, I was just...yeah, okay. My name's Umeko.

The three kept standing there, staring at me, waiting for me to go on.

Umeko: Umeko...Hirayama?

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: Yeah, okay, but like, what's your Talent?

Umeko: Um…

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] SHSL Confusion?

Mature Girl with Cap: [annoyed] That doesn't even make any sense. If you're gonna make a witty comeback, actually bring some wit into it.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Girl, you don't want to get me started.

Umeko: That's the thing. I...can't recall my talent.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [shocked] You...don't know your own talent?

Umeko: I'm not even sure I have one, to be perfectly honest…

Clearly, honesty is not the best policy. They look a little perturbed by this…

Mature Girl with Cap: [thoughtful] That's a little odd, I admit...but it's the least of our concerns right now.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [shocked] Maybe whatever drug it was that caused us all to lose our recent memories must've, like, affected you more…

Umeko: Who are you two then?

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Tch! Excuse me?

Umeko: What?

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] How do you not already know who I am?

Umeko: I...am I supposed to?

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Ugh! You must live under a rock. Do you not, like, watch any reality television?

Umeko: I...can't remember.

Mature Girl with Cap: [shocked] You don't remember that either? That's puzzling.

Stunningly Attractive, Voluptuous Girl: [annoyed] Whatever. I'm Wakako Noguchi. Ring a bell? Memorize that name.

All of a sudden, I could feel the information on Wakako come to mind, just like it did with Kenji and Yoshihiki. It was as if I was reading their biographies in my head. I must've read about all these people before, at some point, but just forgotten? I couldn't think of any other reason.

[Wakako Noguchi - SHSL Reality TV Star]

[Character Bio: SHSL Reality TV Star - Wakako Noguchi]
Wakako made a name for herself when she first starred on reality TV series Blind Date, when she and 19 other female contestants attempted to win the heart of a male contestant who would only be allowed to speak with the girls but not see them. Wakako quickly took to the cameras quite comfortably, and her candid answers, sassy confessionals and tongue-in-cheek humor made her a fast fan-favorite in spite of not winning. It was like she was made for the cameras. However, the main reason she won the Fan Favorite poll was thanks to a voting majority of starstruck male voters, citing her as the most attractive contestant. After the show's conclusion, Wakako went on to star in more reality TV shows as she was recruited by countless talent scouts. Her latest conquest had her locked up in a house for a summer for a local version of Big Brother. As such, she is no stranger to being confined for long periods of time in strange locations.

Blessed to be stunningly attractive, Wakako is aware of her effect on men and not only welcomes it but relishes the attention, using her talent and milking it for all its worth. More than a little ditzy, she knows her appearance can do wonders for her and she is willing to flirt with both men and women to get her way, whether it be bargaining for discounts when buying things or to get men to give up their seats on buses and trains. Being gawked at and lusted after is nothing strange to the voluptuous vixen. Wakako likes to wear low cut dresses that show off as much cleavage as possible, and is currently wearing a skimpy violet blouse and a pitiful excuse of a miniskirt that barely touches her knees and hugs her figure tightly. She has wavy dark blue hair, hazel eyes and is almost always never seen without make-up, eyeliner and lipstick when in public.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: Oh, it's you! Yeah, I...think I know who you are now.

Wakako: Oh good, so you're not completely out of the loop.

Mature Girl with Cap: I suppose I too should introduce myself. Hanako Asato. I founded the band, Upstart Tenacity.

[Hanako Asato - SHSL Band Leader]

[Character Bio: SHSL Band Leader - Hanako Asato]
Hanako displays a surprisingly adult maturity beyond what most would expect of a girl her age. Her rationality and level-headedness is matched only with her cold and calculating personality. As someone who is not likely to let trivial things stand in the way of her goals, Hanako believes there is no rest from striving to be the best of the best. She first came to fame encouraging her band members - initially misfits from all walks of life - to come together and become one of the strongest-running touring bands in recent memory. She pushed them to the limits, practicing and preparing for each live performance, and the stress seemed to have done little to faze her. She earned her title by being in charge of her entire band and raising them up from a group of nobodies to performing on some of the biggest stages in the world. However, upon being accepted to Hope's Peak, Hanako ditched them out of the blue, claiming they held her back, and they soon broke apart, going their separate ways. She is now using her resume, title and experience to her benefit and is currently up for recruitment to coach and lead new and promising bands in the industry.

Though initially cold and unfriendly, Hanako can be nice when she wants to, which is admittedly not often. She does not like to be interrupted most when she is performing, and can fly up into a shocking temper when she is. She loathes irresponsible people, and is an outspoken proponent of proactivity and hard work. Hanako wears a black cap on top of her head, with her reddish brown hair tied back in a ponytail. She wears tight-fitting clothes to better perform and dance with - a black denim jacket and plain red shirt, jeans and sneakers.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: I...believe I've heard of you too, yes. I can't believe it's actually you! I...think I remember hearing your music before...I think.

Upstart Tenacity...they were a relatively famous all-girls' EDM band, most well-known among the teenage-girl population, up there in the ranks alongside famous pop groups and musicians like Sayaka Maizono and Ibuki Mioda.

Is everyone here famous for something or other? An internet-famous prankster, a literal "King of Skateboarding", a reality television star and now the leader of a famous band...if I don't suddenly recall my past as a world-renowned artist or sculptor or something, I'm gonna feel really disappointed...

Hanako: Good. So we know each other now. Let's get back to searching.

Wakako: [annoyed] What for? This hallway is pointless, it's just a bunch more rooms.

Hanako's scowl reflected her clear disdain for Wakako.

Yoshihiki: [playful] We could go into one of those rooms together if you'd like, Wakako.

Wakako: [annoyed] How about you talk to me when you've grown a couple feet taller?

Yoshihiki: [angry] You…!

One big happy family, I guess? And I've still barely met everyone here. I don't know if I want the others to be as wacky as these two or not. I mean...they're certainly entertaining.

[Talk to: Hanako]

Hanako: [annoyed] Ugh. Those two...idiots. The both of them…

Umeko: Um…

Hanako: [annoyed] Klutzy girls like her...always with her head in the clouds. And you would think he'd realize now is hardly the time for childish antics.

Hanako turned sharply to regard me, looking cross.

Hanako: Yes. What is it?

Umeko: What are you doing?

Hanako: [annoyed] Searching this hallway for a way out, for clues, for anything to tell us why we're here. What do you think? And if you want to make yourself useful, I suggest you do the same.

Umeko: Whoa. Uh...okay. I'll get right to it.

Jeez. Who woke up on the wrong side of bed today?

[Talk to: Wakako]

Wakako: [annoyed] I still can't believe you've never heard of me.

Umeko: To be fair, you only star on reality television and there are a lot of celebrities out there…

Wakako: [annoyed] …

Umeko: I better not finish my thought.

Wakako: I guess I can't really blame you. Majority of my fanbase is male. It's like I attract boys to me like moths to an open flame.

That's...quite an analogy.

Wakako: [annoyed] Reality television is, like, made for me. Okay? It's the only medium that works. I'm not an actor or anything, I just...I was made for the camera in an entirely different way. Anyone who's a reality television fan knows who I am.

Umeko: Uh-uh, okay. I believe you, really. I guess I just didn't watch that kind of stuff often.

Wakako: [annoyed] Good. I'm glad we understand each other! Now go tell the little troll to quit gawking at my boobs.

[Talk to: Yoshihiki]

Yoshihiki: [playful] Hey, Umeko. How's it going so far?

Umeko: I guess I'm just still a little disoriented and I'm exploring.

Yoshihiki: Careful not to get lost. You know what they say, ghosts are always lurking in dark, scary hallways.

Umeko: They don't say that.

Yoshihiki: Nuh-uh, they totally do! Everyone knows that. I wouldn't go walking down anywhere dark and quiet all alone. If you want...I could… "accompany" you.

Why...does that sound less than favorable?

Umeko: I think...I'll do fine on my own. Thanks.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Aw, but I was looking forward to being your knight in shining armor.

I don't exactly trust him not to be the one scaring me in the dark instead.

[Move to: Down Hallway]

Around the corner, I found another set of stairs heading down, presumably to the first floor where the Lounge was that Kenji had asked me to make my way to. Here in the hall were a few more students, talking.

A really skinny boy was standing next to one of the doors, holding what appeared to be a tiny cactus in a pot, looking uncomfortable, as another boy chattered away excitedly to him. Behind them stood a girl in a fluffy pink dress, and she seemed to be playing with a...doll?

[Talk to: Boys]

Short, Bespectacled Boy: [excited] B-b-but, like, I th-think that's super cool, how you grow all your own p-p-plants like that! And th-that you h-h-h-have your own p-personal gr-greenhouse and it's all cool and official like real gr-greenhouses. And what about your c-c-cactus? I've r-read a lot about them! Can I touch it? Can you let me h-h-hold it?

Skinny Boy with Potted Cactus: [annoyed] Oh my God, Taro, please, I just...can you just leave me alone, already? You're so annoying.

It was like watching a dog's ears fall after being reprimanded by its master. The light left Taro's eyes and his excited expression melted away.

Taro: [disappointed] Oh...o-o-okay, Ichiro. I d-d-didn't mean to b-bother you. S-S-Sorry…

Ichiro almost flinched a little, but then his own expression hardened into a scowl.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Look, just go away, alright? I don't care. I'd just like to actually hear myself think.

What is with this guy?

Taro: [shocked] Oh! Hello!

Taro noticed me watching them.

Taro: [happy] S-someone new!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Great.

Taro: [excited] Hi! D-D-Did you wake up in one of these r-rooms too?

Umeko: I uh...I sure did.

This kid's excitement is really contagious. He seems to like talking a lot, which is surprising considering he's stuttering every few seconds. But he seems really nice, at least.

...Can't say the same for his friend over there, though...

Taro: [happy] I'm Taro Tahara! It's a pl-pleasure to m-m-meet you!

[Taro Tahara - SHSL Bookworm]

[Character Bio: SHSL Bookworm - Taro Tahara]
Since he was younger, Taro found little interest in other activities boys enjoyed. He didn't enjoy sports or videogames, but rather shared a love for reading that both his parents did too. He has only ever received books as birthday presents, all of which have increased in thickness and complexity as he has grown older year by year. From the moment he got into reading, Taro had decided reading and writing would be the only path his life would take him. By now, Taro has read several libraries' worth of books, and has more bookcases at home than all other furniture combined. While he has read countless books ranging from crime novels to romance and fantasy genres to encyclopedias and trivia books, he has also written his fair share of prose and poetry, though he has never published any of them but one. His one story soared in popularity since its publication and got him sought out by talent agents around the world. With the title of SHSL Writing Prodigy taken by Toko Fukawa, Taro was instead given the title of SHSL Bookworm, a title he is perfectly fine with as he prefers reading to writing anyway. His excessive and thorough reading has made him a handy spell-checker to most amateur authors starting out their careers.

Despite almost always having his nose buried in a book, Taro is sweet, easily excited and sociable and will gladly welcome a conversation with others - though not when he is too invested in a book at the time. However, this eagerness to talk with others often leads to him being gullible, impressionable and the butt of many jokes, as he is blind to sarcasm and teasing and takes things almost too literally. He speaks with an incurable stutter, which is a sore subject for him. He has round blue eyes, thick-rimmed glasses, jet black hair and freckles. He wears a loose-fitting green shirt that seems to be more about comfort than style, which he tucks into his pants only halfway, clearly unbothered about what people think of the way he dresses. He also wears short beige trousers and lime green Crocs.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: You're...a bookworm. That's your talent. Not, like...an author or poet? Just...you like books.

Taro: [nervous] Heh...th-that's probably an underst-statement...but yeah.

Umeko: What does an SHSL talent like that even entail?

Taro: [thoughtful] W-Well...obviously I r-read a lot…I can r-r-r-read really f-fast...I once read a 500-page n-novel in under tw-two hours.

Umeko: Really? Wow. Color me impressed.

Taro: [excited] I'm also a r-r-really good editor. I've had p-plenty of authors ask me to l-l-look over their drafts before p-publication. [embarrassed] It's k-k-kind of like...my job.

Umeko: You're like a real-life, human spellchecker, then. You must own a lot of books.

Taro: [thoughtful] Oh, yeah. I've got a r-r-really extensive l-l-library back home…[happy] Just like how Ichiro h-has his own g-g-greenhouse and everything!

Umeko: Greenhouse?

The skinny boy next to Taro scowled, like he hadn't expected to be drawn into the conversation.

Ichiro: [annoyed] …

Taro: [annoyed] C'mon, Ichiro! D-D-Don't be r-rude! Introduce yourself!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Ugh…*sighs* Fine. I'm Ichiro. Nice to meet you, I guess.

[Ichiro Umemoto - SHSL Botanist]

[Character Bio: SHSL Botanist - Ichiro Umemoto]
Ichiro is passionate for little else other than his beloved plants, and keeps his favorite potted cactus on his person or by his bed at all times, claiming its prickly nature suits him perfectly. Growing up hampered by severe social anxiety and a crippling inferiority complex, Ichiro found it difficult to communicate with his fellow schoolmates and make friends, and as such, often withdrew from others and stuck to himself. He first realized his love for botany when he aced a science project requiring him to take care of a seedling for a few weeks. Since then, he has taken pride in his one talent, and has grown and cared for numerous different plants, filling his house and room with them.

Innately cynical, constantly feeling like others are judging him for his hobbies and behavior, he is quick to lash out at others who treat him differently, believing they are making fun of him. He harbors a lot of bitterness and resentment in his heart towards others. He is extremely thin, and his clothes often hang off him. He wears a dark black hoodie, light brown bermudas and worn-out sneakers. He has short brown hair, green eyes and often greets people with a scowl on his face. He would probably have more friends if he cracked a smile more often.
[Character Bio: End]

Taro: Wh-what's your n-n-name?

Umeko: I'm Umeko...Umeko Hirayama. Um...I...can't remember my own talent.

Taro: [shocked] You...can't r-remember?

Ichiro: [annoyed] What kind of SHSL Student are you if you don't even remember your own damn talent?

Taro: [worried] Oh n-n-no! Do you have amnesia? Th-that sounds h-h-horrible!

Umeko: Haha...I guess I just...don't remember as of right now. I know it's super sketchy...that's what the others I've met have already told me. Sorry…

Taro: [shocked] Oh no, don't apologize! It's f-f-f-fine! I'm s-s-s-sure it'll c-c-come back to you eventually!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Shouldn't you be off to go look for other ways out of here now?

Umeko: Yeah...I guess I should go do that too, if it's what everyone else is doing.

Taro: [happy] Okay! S-s-see you at the L-l-lounge later, Umeko!

[Talk to: Ichiro]

Ichiro: [annoyed] What? What do you want?

Umeko: Nothing, I was just...curious about your plant.

Ichiro instinctively clutched his cactus and brought it up to his chest, wrapping his skinny arms around it almost protectively.

Ichiro: [annoyed] What about it? Do you think I'm weird?

Umeko: Huh?

Ichiro: [angry] It's...it's not weird! I just...it's my favorite cactus, alright? You got a problem with that or what? Huh?

Umeko: N-no! Nothing like that! That's not weird, I swear!

Ichiro: [annoyed] …*grumbles* I hate judgmental people like you.

Umeko: …

Ichiro: [annoyed] People always think I'm a weirdo because I carry a plant around wherever I go. [embarrassed] It's...it's not a weird hobby at all! I just...it's my favorite cactus, alright? I'm not...I'm not weird! Stop acting like I'm weird!

Time to bail out of this conversation.

[Talk to: Taro]

Taro: [happy] Hi, Umeko!

Umeko: Hey. What's the deal with Ichiro over there?

Taro: [thoughtful] Oh, he's just a little...w-w-withdrawn, I guess. I don't think he's a "people" p-p-person, if you c-c-catch my dr-drift. I've been tr-trying to get him to open up. But I'm s-sure he's quite n-n-nice on the inside, once you g-get to know him a little better!

Nothing about Ichiro I've seen so far suggests "nice". Taro's probably too soft-hearted to call him out for what he really is.

[Talk to: Girl with Doll]

Girl with Doll: [talking to Doll] Yes, Ms. Shortcake, this is an odd situation. Do you know how we can get out of here?

Then, to my bewilderment, the doll - which looked like a smaller version of the girl herself, except in a lilac dress - opened her mouth and spoke!

Girl with Doll: [as Ms. Shortcake] No, Miyumi, and I'm scared! What should we do?

Umeko: Ahh!

Miyumi: [shocked] Whaaa! What was that for?

She stared at me reproachfully, and the doll swivelled its head to look at me too.

Umeko: Th-that thing! It...it talked!

Miyumi: [annoyed] Hey, be respectful! Ms. Shortcake's not a "thing"! She's my friend!

Umeko: H-How...how did it- I mean...how did "she" just talk?

Miyumi: [annoyed] What do you think? She speaks through me.

Umeko: Wh...what?

Miyumi: [annoyed] I'm...Miyumi Ishibashi. I'm a ventriloquist.

[Miyumi Ishibashi - SHSL Ventriloquist]

[Character Bio: SHSL Ventriloquist - Miyumi Ishibashi]
Always with her hand up her favorite doll Ms. Shortcake, Miyumi often alternates between speaking as herself or through the dummy, in different voices, even reverting to them without even realizing it at times. Beyond just talking without seeming to open her mouth, Miyumi can also sing, laugh, scream and pretend to cry through her various doll characters. Apart from Ms. Shortcake, she also has a variety of different dolls she keeps with her, like the mysterious Dr. Creeper - sporting a surprisingly deep and throaty voice quite unlike Miyumi's soft, high pitch, or the wooden puppet Nico, who insists on being a real boy.

Miyumi was considered a child prodigy when her talents in ventriloquism were first discovered and she has spent years cultivating her talent, investing more time with her dolls than most people would consider healthy. Her ease with switching between her dolls' personalities may also give some cause for worry, but when Miyumi is being Miyumi, she seems perfectly same, albeit a bit reclusive. Though she has a completely different personality when voicing one of her dolls, she will often claim that it is not her saying the words but the dolls themselves. She is an otherwise sweet and soft-hearted girl, though a little eccentric, as she relies a little too strongly on her dolls for comfort in stressful situations, considering them her closest friends. She has thick dyed-bubblegum-pink hair with large red ribbons in it, dresses just like Ms. Shortcake, and both girls wear large gowns that go all the way down to the floor - hers being lilac and Ms. Shortcake's being bright pink.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: Ventriloquism, huh? That's...pretty impressive. I didn't even see you open your mouth.

Miyumi: [sad] Say you're sorry.

Umeko: Huh?

Miyumi: [sad] You called Ms. Shortcake a "thing" just now. It made her really sad.

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Yeah! You hurt my feelings! *cries*

Umeko: Uhh...I'm...really sorry.

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] It's okay! I forgive you!

All of a sudden, Miyumi was pulling another doll out from her backpack and propping it - or "him" - up on her other hand. This time, it was a wooden dummy.

Miyumi: [as Nico] And the rest of us forgive you too!

Umeko: You...have another one.

Miyumi: [happy] Yup! And I have Dr. Creeper in my bag too! But he only likes to come out in creepy situations…

Umeko: That's...cool.

She's kinda...unnerving me. She seems sweet but her...dolls are a little concerning.

[Move to: Stairs Down]

I finally arrived at the Lounge on the first floor. There were a couple doors leading out, presumably to a Dining Room. A couple couches and chairs were arranged in the centre of the room, and there was a fireplace in the centre of the wall, with a fake deer head mounted over it, and a mantelpiece with several framed photographs, trinkets and three trophies arranged on top of it.

There were more students here.

I saw a tall, sallow guy dressed in a black turtleneck standing by the coat rack. He was swivelling a bowler hat in his hands absent-mindedly, observing the room. I was even more surprised to see a girl kneeling on the floor, and she was with a dog! Why is there a dog here, in this place? It was a Golden Retriever, and the girl was petting it fondly as the dog licked her face, wagging his tail merrily.

By the front door, I spotted a guy in a gray suit and tie, talking with a girl dressed like a punk, and a strange-looking guy dressed in some outlandish outfit. Without warning, the punk girl grabbed a nearby chair, and threw it at the door in a fit of rage.

Punk Girl: [angry] Graaahh! Stupid door won't open!

Guy in Gray Suit: [worried] Samira, please relax! Throwing chairs around the place won't solve anything!

Samira: [angry] Neither is standing around doing nothing.

Guy in Gray Suit: We're not doing nothing about the situation. It's best to stay calm and look for clues or another way out of here. Whoever brought us here clearly went to great lengths to do so, I doubt the door would be that easily broken down.

Samira: [embarrassed] Well...I mean, it certainly gets my anger out. And who knows? Maybe I will break the door down!

Guy in Gray Suit: [worried] Let's just...all think rationally for a second. I understand your frustration but you're not getting us anywhere.

Samira: [annoyed] Hmph.

Guy in Outlandish Outfit: Nonsense! You fool! Samira is right! This door is but a challenging adversary, and we must use force to topple it from its hinges! A mere door cannot stand in my path to victory!

Guy in Gray Suit: [worried] Mordecai, don't!

Mordecai raised his leg and gave the door a square kick. Nothing happened, and Mordecai stumbled back, looking flabbergasted.

Mordecai: [shocked] What...what is this sorcery? This door has stayed firm!

Samira: [bored] Wow. Shocker. Your foot couldn't accomplish what a chair failed to do.

Mordecai: [excited] This is an illusion created by one of the thirteen trickster devils! This is no door...it is an impenetrable wall posing as one! No matter...both doors and walls shall eventually fall before me!

He kicked the door again, and the boy in the gray suit was getting more and more agitated.

Guy in Gray Suit: [annoyed] I said, stop! You'd be more useful looking around the place than kicking at a door and wasting your energy!

Mordecai: [annoyed] You peasant! My strength and energy is boundless, I'm afraid! A million more kicks and I'll have the door down in no time!

[Talk to: Group]

I slowly approached the troublesome threesome.

Umeko: Um...hello there.

Mordecai: [shocked] Whaaa? Another civilian has joined our ranks?

Guy in Gray Suit: Oh, did Kenji find you? I knew there'd be more people in their rooms. Sorry. You must be really confused right about now.

Umeko: Yeah, that's putting it lightly.

Guy in Gray Suit: Trust me, we're confused too. But I'm hoping once we've properly investigated this place, some answers will be provided.

Umeko: Um...hi. I'm Umeko. I'm assuming you're Eizo?

Guy in Gray Suit: That would be me, yes.

[Eizo Oshima - SHSL Commander]

[Character Bio: SHSL Commander - Eizo Oshima]
Growing up in a family full of people working in leadership roles, it was decided since he was born that Eizo would continue the tradition. His family's reputation, and fear of being overshadowed by his siblings - all of whom are older than him and have become leaders in various industries themselves - has driven Eizo to push himself harder than any of his brothers and sisters before him.

Though he does his best to exude an aura of confidence, on the inside, Eizo is constantly full of insecurities regarding his leadership skills, and this only propels him to become an overachiever and perfectionist, wanting more than anything to prove his worth to his family. While at times unwittingly abrasive, Eizo tries his best to be accommodating as a leader, lending a listening ear to all members of any team he commands, to keep the morale of the group high and his team a cohesive unit, as he was brought up to do.

Eizo finds it hard to balance being firm and harsh as well as being kind and not overbearing, and is sincere about wanting to do things to the best of his ability. He has grayish blond hair and his eyes are a rare shade of amber. He dresses smartly, in a dark gray suit jacket and pants that look too big for him, a navy blue tie, a large shiny Rolex watch, and shiny suede shoes which he polishes every night - again, as he was taught to do.
[Character Bio: End]

Eizo held out a hand to shake, looking very formal, and feeling a little subconscious, I shook it. He grasped my hand firmly and squeezed hard, almost as if deciding what to think of me based off how hard I squeezed back.

Pathetically, I tried to give him just as hard a squeeze in return but he'd already let go fast.

Eizo: It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Umeko. I hope we can work well together to get out of here.

Umeko: Yeah...thanks. There's...no need to be so formal.

Eizo: [embarrassed] Oh...sorry. It's a habit, I suppose. I'm...around adults a lot. There are times I'm not used to acting like a normal high schooler.

Samira: [bored] You can say that again. You want to introduce us?

Eizo: This here is Samira and Mordecai.

Samira grinned and flashed the sign of the horns in greeting.

Samira: 'Sup.

[Samira St. Clair - SHSL Street Artist]

[Character Bio: SHSL Street Artist - Samira St. Clair]
Despite coming from a well-to-do family, Samira resented being handed things in life on a silver platter and she found her ideals and goals in life frequently directing her away from what her parents wanted of her. Her passion for art clashed with their desires for her to follow in her brother's footsteps as a lawyer, and she often took to street art and graffiti as a sign of rebellion, putting her on close brushes with the law on several occasions that eventually landed her out of the house for good. Now living on her own, being on the streets has further toughened her up, and her daring and meaningful artworks have garnered her a fast reputation.

Brazen and straightforward, at times a little brash, but with good intentions underneath, Samira dropped her family name to cut herself off from them entirely. She wears a white cotton shirt emblazoned with flaming skull designs, a black studded vest, ripped jeans and studded boots. She has long black hair with multi-colored highlights in it.
[Character Bio: End]

Wow. Her outfit looks really cool. Samira clearly wanted to make a statement. She doesn't look like the kind of person I'd want to piss off... Somehow, I know about her background, coming from a rich family...how do I know that without any of these people telling me their histories? I must've done some really in-depth research before I lost my memory. But why? Did I just want to know more about my schoolmates, assuming I really did go to Hope's Peak with them?

Samira brushed her colorful hair out of her eyes and planted her hands firmly on her hips.

Samira: [bored] I don't suppose you have an explanation for why we're all here, do you, Umeko?

Umeko: Not that I know of...sorry.

Samira: [annoyed] Ugh, this whole situation sucks. I want to know who had the gall to kidnap students. Whoever did this was certainly bold...mark my words, I'm not resting until I find the bastard behind this and make him pay!

Mordecai: [excited] Now that is the spirit, Samira! You truly have the heart of a real warrior!

[Mordecai Fisher - SHSL Marksman]

[Character Bio: SHSL Marksman - Mordecai Fisher]
Outlandishly dressed and of foreign descent, Mordecai (not his real name - he just thought it made him sound cool) will tell all willing to listen to him about his various exploits of increasingly nonsensical nature, surrounding a past shrouded in mystery and tales of daredevilish adventure. Claiming to have come from a heritage full of heroes and vigilantes, Mordecai believes strongly in his supposed code-of-honor and has lived his whole life believing he serves a higher purpose.

It is unknown if Mordecai actually does suffer from delusions of grandeur and believes half the stuff that comes out of his mouth or if he really is who he says he is and has done all that he claims to have. Regardless, he often behaves in a self-righteous manner, and his air of superiority is viewed by the others as either comical or maddeningly infuriating. He is quick to believe fairy tales, myths and urban legends as hard facts, and this only serves to disprove his own claims more in the eyes of others. He has a tanned complexion, short close-cropped hair, sparkling gray eyes and tattoos on his neck and the back of both his hands. He regularly wears outrageously colorful garb, but is most fond of his tattered red cape, which he claims was a prize won from his first ever victory in battle over a tyrant that had been terrorizing one of his country's small villages. Few people believe him, but most will admit his cloak is the coolest part about him. Mordecai hardly ever takes it off.
[Character Bio: End]

Mordecai: [sad] Our kidnappers took my crossbow from me...I cannot help but feel nakedly vulnerable without it...Oh! I feel so naked! So naked and vulnerable!

Samira: [uncomfortable] …

Umeko: You had a crossbow?

Mordecai: Of course! I would never leave my homeland without it! You never know what dangers you will find roaming around foreign lands...it is best to always stay guarded and armed at all times!

Umeko: ...Right.

Mordecai drew his cloak around him and laughed into his hood.

Who the heck is this guy and where did he come from? He's probably the most colorful character I've seen, personality-wise. Is he a nutjob or just really kooky?

Eizo: Um...we should continue searching this area. We need to report on our findings when the group regroups in a bit…

He seems a little unsure of himself...it's not exactly what I was expecting of the SHSL Commander...but he seems to have a level head, and genuinely just wants to help us get out of here.

Samira: Wait, Umeko still hasn't told us her talent.

Eizo: Oh, that's right. Um...what is your talent, Umeko? Would you care to tell us?

Umeko: I...don't remember.

Mordecai's eyes instantly lit up with suspicion. Samira folded her arms, looking at me sketchily.

Samira: [annoyed] You...don't remember.

Mordecai: [thoughtful] This is most troubling, Umeko. I can smell...deceit, hanging off your body like a horrible stench. [accusatory] This had better not be a deception!

Umeko: It's not! I...don't smell. And I'm not lying, I swear! I...can't remember what my talent is. Is that bad?

Eizo: [thoughtful] Well, it's certainly strange...but there's a lot of strange things going on. We shouldn't puzzle over this too much, and put more focus on getting out of here and figure out what's happening.

Umeko: I agree. Thank you.

Eizo: You should go talk to the others, introduce yourself. Once Kenji's rounded up the last of the stragglers, we plan to congregate here. Don't...don't be late.

Umeko: You got it.

[Talk to: Mordecai]

Mordecai: [sad] Oh...my poor crossbow.

Umeko: So you're a marksman?

Mordecai: [excited] I never miss my mark! It's why I'm considered a hero in my homeland! I've toppled tyrants and vanquished armies with little more than a few trusty arrows or firearms in my arsenal. People across the land would fear my name and cower in my presence!

Talk about an ego...

Umeko: That…certainly sounds impressive.

If any of it is even true, that is…

Mordecai: No need to fret. When you're in the presence of royalty like me, there's no doubt about it. We will get out of here soon and I will rescue us all!

How...reassuring…

[Talk to: Samira]

Umeko: So you're a street artist? You...create graffiti art?

Samira: Yeah. I've been living on the streets for a while now. An everyday man would call me a vandal, but there's a lot of beauty in filling the gray, lifeless streets and alleys with something...beautiful...and artistic.

She's definitely passionate about it, there's no denying that.

Umeko: That's really unique. I read somewhere that...you came from a rich background.

Samira: [angry] How do you know that?

Umeko: I...uh...don't know?

Samira: [annoyed] Hmph. As if you weren't already super suspicious...but yeah, whatever. Rich background or not...that's my past. This is my present. And I'd really like living in this inn or whatever this place is...to not be my future.

Umeko: Is St. Clair your family name?

Samira: [annoyed] Grr...No. Now let's leave it at that...

Yeesh. Okay...

[Talk to: Eizo]

Umeko: Kenji spoke quite highly of you.

Eizo: Did he now?

Umeko: He said you were a good leader.

Eizo: [embarrassed] I...I'm glad to hear that. Admittedly, we only got to talk for a couple minutes, and I didn't think that was long enough to make a good impression. Nevertheless...thank you...or him. I'm just trying to step up and help us all get out of this mess.

[Talk to: Girl with Dog]

Umeko: Hey! Is that a dog?

The girl didn't acknowledge me.

Umeko: Um...hello? You...there?

She abruptly turned around when I poked her.

Girl with Dog: Huh? Who are you?

Umeko: I'm...Umeko. I'm...another one of the students.

Girl with Dog: Cool.

She turned back to the dog she was petting oh so lovingly, barely noticing me still standing there.

Umeko: Um…

Girl with Dog: [annoyed] What? What is it?

Umeko: Nothing, I was just...asking if that's a dog.

Girl with Dog: [annoyed] What do you think, genius? Does it look like it's a cat? Oh, maybe it's a fish!

Umeko: I...guess that was pretty obvious.

Great. Now I just feel stupid on top of being unwanted.

Umeko: No, what I meant was...why is there a dog here?

Girl with Dog: This place looks like it's an inn or a lodge of sorts...maybe the owners owned Buddy over here.

Umeko: Buddy? Is that his name?

Girl with Dog: That's what it says on his collar.

Buddy barked and licked the girl's cheek again. She smiled, hugging him.

Umeko: So...who are you?

Girl with Dog: [annoyed] *sighs* Kaori Nishimoto.

[Kaori Nishimoto - SHSL Dog Whisperer]

[Character Bio: SHSL Dog Whisperer - Kaori Nishimoto]
Kaori has been a dog person her whole life, and very plainly admits that she prefers dogs over both other animals and people. Citing a strange affinity with all canines, Kaori grew up in a household with over a dozen puppies, and has fallen in love with all dogs everywhere. She possesses an almost unnatural ability to soothe and communicate with them, and first displayed her talent in public when she managed to calm down a rabid dog that had been chasing after a civilian in broad daylight.

Quiet and a bit shy, Kaori does not dislike talking, but just prefers to talk to dogs than people and enjoys spending time grooming her canine companions, prioritizing them over even herself. It would not be uncommon for her to forget to bathe because she was busy bathing her dogs instead. She wears a pink beanie over her short red hair, a woolly light purple sweater with dog designs sewn onto it, white track pants and flip flops. She carries around a handbag that contains emergency dog treats, among other trivial possessions. She has round black doe eyes, a button nose and dimples around her mouth that usually only see the light of day when she is smiling at a dog.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: You're the SHSL Dog Whisperer? I guess...that's not really surprising. I suppose it's lucky we've got a dog around here for you to take care of and groom.

Kaori: Mhm.

She's not even really listening to me. She's so absorbed with Buddy, it's like I'm not even here.

Umeko: So...I guess I'll take my leave then?

Kaori: Mhm.

Not even a glance my way…

[Talk to: Shady Guy with Bowler Hat]

Shady Guy with Bowler Hat: [thoughtful] Mmm...very interesting...hello there.

Umeko: Um...hi?

Shady Guy with Bowler Hat: Aren't you going to introduce yourself?

Umeko: Oh, um...yes, of course. I'm Umeko Hirayama.

Shady Guy with Bowler Hat: I see...I see…

Umeko: Now it's your turn.

Shady Guy with Bowler Hat: Nagatomo Yamaoka. The pleasure is all mine to make your acquaintance.

[Nagatomo Yamaoka - SHSL Thief]

[Character Bio: SHSL Thief - Nagatomo Yamaoka]
Shrouded in mystery, Nagatomo argues he does not suffer from kleptomania but that thievery and pickpocketing has been a skill he has enjoyed and takes pride in for years. Possessing an uncanny ability to be unnoticed while in plain sight despite his height, Nagatomo's prowess in sleight of hand would have made him an amazing magician had he not chosen a less public path instead. Though arrested a couple times before, since mastering the art of thievery, he has been able to perfect his robberies to the point where he is long gone by the time people realize he has stolen their belongings. To stay on the right side of the law, Nagatomo always leaves behind a note promising to return the stolen items after an undisclosed amount of time - to avoid police lying in wait - and always fulfils promises and manages to return them without getting caught either. His talents, which he swore publicly to only use as a fun skill and not to actually profit, have caught the eye of talent scouts, who managed to track the elusive man down for enrolment.

Mysterious by nature, Nagatomo enjoys stealing peoples' items and presenting it to them before they even realize they have been pickpocketed or stolen from. Needless to say, this has led many to distrust him, though he has only ever broken a promise to return a stolen good one time. He wears a black turtleneck, gray pants and white shoes, and at times a nondescript bowler hat too, which he is prone to taking off and twirling in his hands from time to time.
[Character Bio: End]

Umeko: You...you're a thief?

Nagatomo: [playful] Oh...so my reputation precedes me...I'm flattered, truly I am.

He caught my distrustful gaze and laughed softly.

Nagatomo: I can already see the suspicion in your eyes. You don't trust me, do you?

Umeko: No, I wasn't trying to be rude, I just...I mean, you're a thief! Isn't that in your nature?

Nagatomo: [sad] Such ignorance, jumping to conclusions so fast...not all thieves are sly and wily like that, you know.

Umeko: So...that's not like you?

Nagatomo: Oh no, that is exactly like me. I've already stolen three of your belongings in the span of this conversation.

Umeko: What!

Nagatomo smirked and took one of my hairclips out from his pocket.

Umeko: H-How did you…?

He turned his bowler hat over, and out fell my wristwatch.

Umeko: M-My watch! You...that's...wait, what else have you taken off me?

He brandished a necklace from inside his sleeve.

Umeko: That's not mine.

Nagatomo: [confused] No? Hm. I must've taken it off someone else and forgotten to return it. Oh well. I'll find its owner later.

Umeko: But wait...that's honestly amazing! Give me those back!

I snatched my stolen goods back from him, and he only smiled mysteriously, putting his bowler hat back on.

Umeko: How on Earth did you do that? We've talked for less than two minutes!

Nagatomo: I have my ways.

I don't trust that shifty twinkle in his eyes.

Umeko: You haven't even shaken my hand or anything. How did you get my watch off?

Nagatomo: I'm a thief. I wouldn't be a good one if I gave away all my secrets, now, would I? It's the tools of the trade, Umeko.

Umeko: I'm impressed...and also a little unnerved.

Nagatomo: Oh, don't worry. I return everything I ever steal...most of the time.

Umeko: Most...of the time?

A sudden sad look crossed his face as he stared off into the distance.

Nagatomo: [disappointed] Yes. Most of the time.

He waved me away and I took that to mean the conversation was over between us. What an odd character. I should really keep watch of all my belongings when I'm around him. Though to be fair...I don't have much of value on me right now that he can steal.

Just then, Kenji came down the stairs, and following behind him were a couple more of the other students.

Kenji: Yo Eizo! My man!

Eizo: [bored] What? Have you got them all?

Kenji: [playful] Just about? I'm gonna go round up the stragglers. I found these two as well.

Eizo: You go do that then.

Kenji saw me and gave me a flirtatious wink. I smiled back weakly as he scampered back up the stairs. The two girls who had been following him came down to the Lounge, looking around their surroundings curiously.

Short Girl with Motorcycle Goggles: [excited] Whoa! What is this place?

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [bored] Ugh...it's so musty and confined in here. This is nothing like I'm used to. What is going on here? I certainly hope we won't be made to stay for long.

[Talk to: Girls]

Short Girl with Motorcycle Goggles: [excited] Hello!

Umeko: Hi there...who are you?

Short Girl with Motorcycle Goggles: [excited] I'm Fukumi Futurani! You know me as the SHSL Daredevil!

[Fukumi Futurani - SHSL Daredevil]

[Character Bio: SHSL Daredevil - Fukumi Furutani]
Being the shortest girl in the group (still taller than Yoshihiki) Fukumi's young appearance is deceiving, as Fukumi has been a major thrill seeker ever since discovering roller coasters. From her first trip to a theme park, she wanted to go on roller coasters over and over, so much so that from the moment she got on one, she never wanted to go on any of the other rides for the rest of the day, and returned several times just to get back on. When she grew older, she turned away from roller coasters and began seeking other outlets to relive the same thrill, and she has tried various activities including ziplining, bungee jumping and skydiving. Her latest conquest has been mastering motorcycling, and she has been motorcycling through several obstacle courses for the past year before moving on to finding her next thrill.

Though her many thrill-seeking escapades has often brought her at times into seedier company, Fukumi is surprisingly jovial and cheery, and carries an almost annoyingly cloy optimism around her, believing that things will always work out for her one way or another and worrying about it does little to solve matters. She is a strong believer in trying over worrying, in actions over words, in doing before thinking, and this has led her to be impulsive and rash at times, and can accidentally offend or hurt people with the things she does. She wears a white tank top, black jeans and boots, motorcycle goggles on her head, and has numerous bangles, necklaces and accessories hanging off her. She has sparkling blue eyes, and ties her long shoulder-length hair back in (perhaps ironic) pigtails. Oh yeah, and Harley Quinn is her heroine.
[Character Bio: End]

W-What? This...short, cute, innocent-looking girl is...the SHSL Daredevil? She is nothing like what I'd expect from someone with that title… I'd expect the SHSL Daredevil to look like Samira or something.

Fukumi: [annoyed] Now, I know what you're thinking. How could this cute little chibi with such an adorable face be the SHSL Daredevil?

Umeko: That's...uh...not what I was thinking.

I'm a liar.

Fukumi: [annoyed] Nuh-uh, that was totally what you were thinking! I can tell. That's what everyone always thinks when they see me. "But you're just a child! How can you be doing all those dangerous, death-defying stunts!" It takes everything in me not to give people like that a wallop!

Umeko: Er…

Fukumi: [playful] But it's okay. I forgive you!

Umeko: Heh...thanks?

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: Needless to say, I will not require an introduction.

Umeko: …

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: I assume you are stunned speechless and are secretly dying for an autograph?

I've already dealt with girls with huge egoes when I met Wakako. Now I have to deal with another one? She's not as attractive as Wakako so maybe her career doesn't have anything to do with her looks...but she definitely carries herself like a celebrity. And that accent...she doesn't sound foreign but it sounds like she's used to speaking in a lot of different accents…

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [annoyed] Do you want my autograph or not?

Umeko: I...You're...an actress?

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [annoyed] You have to be kidding me. You even have to ask?

Taro: [shocked] No way! Is th-that who I th-think it is?

Taro and Ichiro had made their way down the stairs as well. Seeing her, Taro bounded over to the tall girl, looking excited.

Taro: [excited] Haha! No way, it is you! In the f-f-flesh! I'm s-s-such a fan, I've w-w-watched so many of your movies! I loved you in the movie adaptation of Flesh Eaters! Could I have your autograph?

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [happy] See? At least some people around here don't live under a rock.

Umeko: Sorry...I guess I've just lost my memory a little.

Fukumi: [shocked] Omigosh! Flesh Eaters? That is, like, a cult classic!

Taro: [excited] I kn-know! But I m-m-mean, nothing's going to beat the s-s-s-source material. The book's still the b-b-best…

Fukumi: You were in that movie? I don't remember you.

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [annoyed] Probably. I've been in so many movies, that I've lost count.

Taro: [excited] That's s-s-s-so awesome!

Tall Girl with Thick Accent: [shocked] Do you not have a pen or paper? What am I meant to sign?

Taro: Hold on.

He presented a notebook from his back pocket.

Taro: [excited] I n-n-never go anywhere without my n-n-n-notebook! Here!

She signed an autograph for him. I caught a glimpse of her signature: Shizuko.

Shizuko: [bored] There you go, sweetie.

Taro: [nervous] Th-Thanks!

Umeko: Wait a minute...I think I do have some information on you.

[Shizuko Ikehara - SHSL Actress]

[Character Bio: SHSL Actress - Shizuko Ikehara]
A professional actress for both movie and television roles as well as theatre performances, Shizuko proudly claims that there is no role too big or challenging for her to play. Having been acting since she was young, Shizuko has adopted hundreds of different characters and personalities ranging from meek and shy nerds, to overzealous superheroes, to villainous heiresses. She believes her heart belongs on the stage and plans to continue acting well into her nineties.

Her time in the public eye has seen her used to endless adoration from countless fans, which does nothing to lessen her ego. The one good thing from being a star is that she is no stranger to receiving death threats from viewers of her shows who find her a nuisance - the Killing Game to her is no different. Arrogant and sure of herself, she is used to getting her own way and will not hesitate to voice her discontent with anything taking place. She wears a frilly pink top, high heels - which make a lot of noise as she walks, and tight black pants that leave little to the imagination regarding her hips and curves.
[Character Bio: End]

Shizuko: Thanks for being a fan.

Taro: [excited] My p-p-parents aren't g-g-gonna believe this!

Ichiro: [snide] I'm surprised you even watch movies. You don't spend all your time reading like you claim to? The way you go on and on about your library, I thought you lived with your nose in a book.

Taro: [annoyed] W-W-Well, I mean...I w-w-watched it because they were turning one of my f-f-favorite horror stories into a b-b-blockbuster…

Ichiro: [bored] What's the big deal? It sounds dumb.

Shizuko: [disappointed] Evidently, there's more than one person here lacking a proper appreciation for the big screen. It's a shame I have to be stuck here with commoners like you.

Umeko: What's life like as a celebrity?

Shizuko: [snide] It's the high life, that's for certain.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Seems overrated, to me.

Fukumi: [shocked] Are you not even the least bit starstruck?

Ichiro: Nope.

Shizuko: [annoyed] I'll just ignore that. Now, can someone finally tell me what we're all doing here?

Umeko: You mean, us being trapped in this place?

Taro: [confused] I think th-th-this place is an inn of s-s-s-some sort…

Fukumi: [excited] Is this a new Escape Room game? Awesome, I love those games! It's so intense!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Are you people all daft? Isn't it obvious? This isn't a stupid game, we've all been kidnapped!

Taro: [shocked] K-K-K-Kidnapped?

Shizuko: [angry] Oh, that would explain it all. They've decided to kidnap a celebrity, because the ransom money would be huge! Oh, that's dastardly, but if they were to kidnap any celebrity...at least they made the right choice picking me. I'm sure to fetch a high price.

Umeko: Is that...really what we should be focusing on?

All of a sudden, there was a high-pitched shriek from upstairs. Wakako came storming down, looking cross, and Yoshihiki was running after her, snickering.

Wakako: [angry] Ugh! That's it! That's the last straw! I almost broke a nail because of you!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Oh, come on! It wasn't that bad of a scare.

Wakako: [angry] How many fucking plastic bugs do you have with you?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Not enough.

Wakako: [angry] Ugh, do you know how much effort it takes me to maintain this body? These nails alone cost a fortune to get manicured! Don't make me waste it all trying to scratch your eyes out!

Yoshihiki: [playful] My, such hostility. You wound me, truly.

And here I thought Wakako had an artificial personality...Yoshihiki is just as bad.

Yoshihiki: Yoshihiki Kawamura. Nice to meetcha!

He held out a hand to the other two girls.

Ichiro: [annoyed] I wouldn't do that if I were you…

Yoshihiki simply shot the girls an innocent smile, and for a moment, it almost fooled me, even though I knew what he was about to pull. While Shizuko hissed and recoiled away from him like an irritated feline, Fukumi gladly grabbed a hold of his hand to shake.

Umeko: Fukumi, wai-

Fukumi: [shocked] Agg-g-g-g-g-g-gh!

She winced and jerked backwards.

Fukumi: [shocked] What the…?

Yoshihiki: [laughing] That's the fifth person I've got with the joy buzzer! This is the best part of meeting new people. So ripe for the pranking!

Hanako: [annoyed] Immature.

Hanako stood on the stairwell, arms crossed, a stormy look in her eyes, partially obscured by the shadows her hat threw over her face.

Yoshihiki: [disappointed] Awh, come on...do none of you people ever have fun, or a sense of humor?

Wakako: [annoyed] All you're doing is pissing people off.

Instead of reciprocating the sentiment, Fukumi seemed positively tickled.

Fukumi: [laughing] Okay, you got me there. That was pretty funny! [excited] Ooh, you have a joy buzzer? Shiny...Where'd you get that from?

Yoshihiki: [snide] I would never leave home without one! It's the quickest and most convenient way to prank someone on your first meeting and ruin their first impression of you forever!

Birds of a feather flock together...

Fukumi: You know, apart from the fact that we were brought here against our own will...this place doesn't seem half bad. It's like a cozy little holiday inn.

She walked around the Lounge, running a hand over the soft cushiony surface of one of the couches. Shizuko folded her arms and plopped herself down in one of the seats with a dramatic sigh.

Shizuko: [disappointed] This is all positively dreary...

Taro: [excited] Aww! A d-d-doggie!

Having noticed Buddy, Taro reached out to pet him, and Buddy growled a little, looking uncertain.

Taro: [scared] Ah!

Kaori: [annoyed] Be careful! Don't frighten him!

At first I thought Kaori was scolding Buddy...then I realized she was glaring at Taro.

Taro: [sad] S-S-Sorry…

Ichiro: [confused] What the...? Why is there a dog here?

Kaori: [sad] I don't know...it would be so sad if his owners just left him here.

She stroked his fur, and he happily reciprocated by nuzzling up against her.

Eizo: [confused] Is everyone here?

Kenji: Hold up! We're coming!

Miyumi had arrived, with Kenji bringing up the rear. Beside Kenji was the last student. It was a boy, with messy red hair, dressed in a gray polo tee and with a coat draped over his arm. He was...surprisingly good-looking.

Wakako: [excited] Oooh...who's this hunk over here?

Shizuko: Indeed...what's your name?

Kenji: [confused] Haven't we already met?

Shizuko: [annoyed] I wasn't talking to you.

Kenji: [sad] Aw...but I'm a hunk too!

The boy Kenji had brought along with him looked strong and athletic, with muscular arms and a chiselled torso that showed through his shirt. His eyes were another striking feature of his, making him look sincere and undoubtedly charming. He had the kind of look that could leave girls weak at the knees. I half-expected him to introduce himself with the kind of boisterous confidence I associated with handsome jocks like him. Despite this, he smiled a little sheepishly at Shizuko's praise.

Athletic Boy: [embarrassed] Hello, everyone.

Shizuko: And who are you, handsome?

Athletic Boy: Heh...uh...my name's Azuma. It's nice to meet you.

He held out a hand to shake and before Shizuko could take it, Wakako was elbowing her out of the way.

Wakako: [playful] Oh, the pleasure's all mine!

She laughed a fake, tinkly giggle, and Shizuko shot her an annoyed look. By the stairs, Hanako looked like she wanted to sink into the ground and die at this display.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Kill me...

Yoshihiki: [playful] Heh, if only you'd greeted me with as much gusto, Wakako.

Wakako: You're not even worth my time, Yoshihiki.

I frowned. There was something about Azuma that seemed...oddly familiar. I felt like...I knew him from before. But how could that be? Weren't we all meeting each other for the first time?

Azuma turned and caught me looking. His eyes widened as well, and he met my intense gaze with one of his own.

Kenji saw the looks between us, and looked a little jealous.

Kenji: [annoyed] Alright, alright, enough of this already. Can we just find a way out of this stupid place?

Shizuko: What's your talent, Ken Doll?

Kenji: [confused] Did you just...call me a doll?

Miyumi: [as Nico] Did someone say doll? I'm not a doll, I'm a real boy!

Shizuko: [annoyed] I was talking to Azuma over here.

Kenji: [sad] Jeez, Bufflord over here gets all the attention. It sucks to be in second place.

Azuma: [embarrassed] I...I'm the SHSL Spy.

Shizuko: [shocked] You're a...a spy?

[Azuma Takemoto - SHSL Spy]

[Character Bio: SHSL Spy - Azuma Takemoto]
Before Azuma was awarded an SHSL title, he used to work for the government as one of their spies. He leads a life of secrecy, but he was born and raised in a facility by his parents - two government scientists - with a group of other children who were raised there, and they were part of an unknown program in which the children were taught various spy-related skills such as infiltration, stealth and martial arts. Azuma was the best of his class, and completed missions both in simulation and out on the field exceptionally well. While living a dangerous life, he has never killed a man, and has always opted to knockout his opponents using his gadgets. The Directors of the program received an invitation of enrolment for "their best spy", and Azuma was set to go.

Although he lives in the world of espionage and suspicion, Azuma is a generally friendly and modest person. Well-built and athletic, he is no fitness guru but trains regularly to stay in shape. His connections with the government gives him confidence in dealing with the perpetrators of the Killing Game when it comes to an end, that they will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. He wears a gray polo tee, coat and camouflaged bermudas, but also has an all-black suit for his spy activities.
[Character Bio: End]

Kenji: [annoyed] What? Shut up, you've got to be kidding.

Wakako: [excited] Ooh, no way! That sounds totally badass. That's really hot.

Fukumi: [shocked] You're a spy? Super cool! I've never met a spy in real life before! Finally I can check it off the bucket list. That's, like, the kind of stuff you only get in movies.

Shizuko: Indeed, I've had my fair share of spy flicks, but I suppose this is my first time meeting one in the flesh.

Azuma looked even more sheepish as he scratched his head.

Azuma: [embarrassed] It's really not that big of a deal, you know...I may be considered the SHSL Spy but by my agency's standards, I'm still a trainee. I was raised in a government facility for this...my parents were my mentors.

Shizuko: That sounds like a deep and mysterious backstory to me.

Fukumi: [excited] You must train and work out, like, a lot! Can you take me on one of your missions? Please? I promise not to interfere! Being a spy would be soooo epic!

Wakako leaned in close to him.

Wakako: [playful] You know, I'm totally open and available for a showmance, if you're willing…

Hanako: [annoyed] Oh God, this isn't a stupid reality show. We're in an actual situation over here, and we need to get organized. Cut it out with the damn flirting, let's go.

Azuma: [uncomfortable] Yeah...I've only just woke up and I have no clue what's going on...we should all meet up.

Wakako: [excited] Oh, yes, I agree! Totes!

Hanako was rolling her eyes again and stomping off. Eizo was having everyone gather together. The doors had remained locked in spite of Samira's chairs and Mordecai's persistent kicking, and so the sixteen of us sat in the couches and chairs around the fireplace.

Eizo: Is this all of us? Everyone here?

Kenji: I counted 16 rooms, and here are 16 students.

Hanako: I guess that's everyone.

Eizo: Okay, so…no one has any clue whatsoever as to how they got here?

People shook their heads. Everyone was clueless. I turned and saw Azuma still looking at me, and he hurriedly looked away. Wakako saw the movement, and pushed her boobs up a little, looking haughty.

Eizo: [thoughtful] Are we all students from Hope's Peak?

Yoshihiki: Umeko isn't. Is she?

Everyone turned to look at me and I blushed, feeling their eyes on me.

Umeko: Uh…

Yoshihiki: [playful] Isn't that highly suspicious…

Nagatomo: Why would you be here if you weren't a student, I wonder…?

Umeko: No, it's just...maybe I am a student! I just...can't seem to recall what my talent is.

Fukumi: [confused] You don't even know what your own talent is?

Shizuko: A SHSL Student without a talent ceases to be an SHSL at all. You're not even close to being at our level. Everyone of us here - even, regrettably, some of the annoying ones - have at least some form of talent to call our own.

Hanako: Do you not remember anything you used to be good at? Anything at all?

Umeko: No...I'm sorry.

I heard soft laughter, and I realized it was coming from Nagatomo, who was perched on the edge of one of the couches. He had taken his bowler hat off again, and was obscuring half his face with it as he watched me out of the corner of his narrowed eyes.

Nagatomo: It's...very curious.

Eizo: [confused] Perhaps you have come down with amnesia! I can think of no other answer.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Maybe that's your talent: Amnesia. You're really good at forgetting things.

Wakako: [annoyed] That's a stupid talent!

Yoshihiki: All in favor of calling Umeko the SHSL Amnesiac?

Umeko: Now, hang on a minute…

Hanako: This is the least of our concerns. We have more pressing issues to deal with.

Eizo: Hanako is correct! We must report on what we have found during our mutual explorations of this strange building...where are we?

Taro: [nervous] I th-think this p-place is an inn…

Eizo: [thoughtful] An inn? Hmm...but why have we been brought here? The last thing I remember was arriving at the Academy early for our scheduled orientation!

Hanako: [thoughtful] That's the last thing I remember as well. It seems we've all lost our memories from that point forward, except for Umeko, who has forgotten back even further, it seems.

I can feel everyone's distrust of me already. To think that someone who doesn't even remember her talent would be more suspicious than the guy whose talent is literally being a thief, or a spy, even. I guess I can't blame them...people fear the unknown, and prefer the devil they know over the devil they don't, I suppose.

Maybe I should've lied about my talent so they at least stop looking at me with such suspicion.

Eizo: Does anyone know why we're even here?

Wakako: [annoyed] Who cares? But it's, like, totally creepy.

Miyumi: [as Dr. Creeper] Did somebody say… "creepy"?

Wakako: [shocked] Euch! What the hell? Gurl, don't do that!

Kenji: [playful] Perhaps this is just the orientation ceremony. You know, like a hazing? Schools do that at times, don't they?

Shizuko: [annoyed] You think this is a hazing ceremony? We just got drugged and kidnapped and put in a weird inn for reason and with little explanation...that's more than a little seedy. And for some of us, who are actually famous, we have reasons to be afraid of getting kidnapped!

Fukumi: [excited] Oh, don't be so pessimistic! Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll be fine! It'll be like an adventure!

Buddy barked his assent, and Kaori pet him approvingly.

Fukumi: [excited] Maybe we've all been kidnapped by some shady organization and have to escape!

Eizo: [worried] You...really shouldn't sound so gleeful about that.

Hanako: [thoughtful] The logical course of action is to keep searching for means of escape.

Kenji: [annoyed] What? Again? I've already scoured this place up and down!

Hanako: Not everyone has. I myself have not yet been up to the fourth and fifth floors.

Wakako: [shocked] There's a fourth floor?

Hanako: I rest my case. Perhaps we should continue our investigation together.

Fukumi: [annoyed] That sounds boring.

Ichiro: [annoyed] I'd prefer to be by myself, actually.

Taro: [shocked] Wh-what? But th-that's a terrible idea! Sh-shouldn't we st-stick t-t-t-together?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Ichiro's a b-b-b-big b-b-b-boy, I'm sure he can make his own d-d-d-d-decisions.

Taro: [sad] H-Hey! Are you m-m-m-mocking m-m-me?

Yoshihiki: [playful] I don't kn-kn-know. What do y-y-you th-think?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Don't be a dick.

Samira: [annoyed] How can you make fun of his stutter when your own height is a sore subject for you?

Yoshihiki: [angry] My height isn't a sore subject!

Fukumi: [excited] Hey! You have a dog!

Kaori: I do.

Buddy barked at Fukumi's acknowledgment.

Mordecai: [shocked] Man's best friend walks among us?

Fukumi: [excited] Awh, the wittle puppy's such a cutie! Is he yours?

Kaori: He was already in the inn when I woke up. [sad] The owners...must have left him behind.

Buddy happily barked and ran in circles around Kaori's feet.

Fukumi: Can't he, like, sniff out a way out of here or something?

Kaori: He does not seem to smell anything like that.

Fukumi: [disappointed] Aw...that's kinda lame.

Eizo: So, should we just take Hanako's idea and continue looking around?

Wakako: [annoyed] What? My feet are tired! Can't we rest for a bit? Someone get the fire going, it's chilly in here!

Fukumi: [excited] I'm getting bored! Let's just do it already, enough with the chitchat or we're never getting anywhere!

She leaped to her feet, getting pumped up, and it was at that moment that the monitor on the wall flickered to life, showing a screen full of static, and a strange dark silhouette in the middle.

Silhouette: Ahem...testing, testing, one two three...Can everyone hear me?

The high-pitched, cheerful voice sounded incredibly out of place in our current situation. I felt the hairs on the back of my arms and neck stand on end as we all turned to look at the monitor.

Eizo: [happy] Ah! There we go! That must be whoever brought us here, ready to give us instructions!

Hanako: I don't trust this.

Silhouette: Mic check, mic check...okay! I'm sure you're all wondering what the heck is going on around here, and I'm more than happy to give you answers! Would everyone please report to the dining hall at once! Right this very moment! Splendid! I'll be waiting…

The monitor shut itself off, and we were left in stunned silence.

Kenji: [confused] The dining hall?

Samira: It's right next door to the Lounge.

Eizo: In that case, let us make haste! There's no time to waste!

Everyone got off their seats and began moving towards one of the doors adjacent to the Lounge, following Samira as she led the way to the Dining Hall.

As I followed, I felt someone put his hand on my shoulder. Turning around, I was greeted by Azuma.

Azuma: Hey...it's Umeko, right?

Umeko: Yeah, that's me.

Azuma: [confused] Do I...know you from somewhere?

Umeko: I...I'm sorry, I'm not sure.

Azuma: [disappointed] Oh...okay.

Umeko: But, it's the strangest feeling, I...I feel like I should know you.

Azuma: That's what I've been feeling too.

He cocked his head to the side.

Azuma: Maybe we did know each other but we've both forgotten.

There's something about Azuma that really does seem familiar! I'm confident that I know him from somewhere but...my mind remains frustratingly blank.

Out of the blue, someone was putting his hand around me and I turned to see Kenji shooting me his trademark grin.

Kenji: [playful] Azuma's not bothering you, is he?

Umeko: No, he's not. And take your hand off me!

He backed off fast.

Kenji: [playful] Hey, I just thought you needed a little help. [worried] You looked bothered by him.

Azuma: We should get to the Dining Hall with the others.

The three of us rejoined the group in the Dining Hall. It was a long, rectangular room, with a table smack in the middle, running the length of the room, covered in a clean, white tablecloth.

Samira: Look. There are enough seats for all of us. Someone's prepared for our arrival.

Hanako: [thoughtful] That honestly concerns me. This must've been planned long before we woke up here…

Samira: I'm not sure I trust this either.

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Where is the man on the monitor? Is he hiding?

Kaori: Hold on. I think Buddy smells something.

Buddy was sniffing the air and he barked once.

Kaori: Someone - or something - is nearby.

Eizo: Hey! Show yourself, whoever you are!

From the gloom, I heard the same high-pitched voice cry out in reply.

Voice: Hmm? So impatient, the lot of you! Alright, alright, hold your applause, because ready or not, here I come!

Surviving Students: 16
Eizo - SHSL Commander
Mordecai - SHSL Marksman
Ichiro - SHSL Botanist
Azuma - SHSL Spy
Taro - SHSL Bookworm
Nagatomo - SHSL Thief
Kenji - SHSL Skateboarder
Yoshihiki - SHSL Prankster

Umeko - SHSL "Amnesiac"
Hanako - SHSL Band Leader
Miyumi - SHSL Ventriloquist
Shizuko - SHSL Actress
Kaori - SHSL Dog Whisperer
Samira - SHSL Street Artist
Fukumi - SHSL Daredevil
Wakako - SHSL Reality TV Star

Notes:

If you've come this far, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! I hope to be able to update this fanfic consistently so it should not take too long for the next update. I would love to hear your thoughts on what you've read so far, predictions, ways to improve etc!

I'll include a list of the Surviving Students at the bottom of every chapter since I know how hard it is to keep track of a large cast of new characters. Their names and talents have been listed for convenience and they have also been split up based on gender so you can keep track of how many girls and guys are left alive.

P. S. I recently read that there already was an SHSL Botanist in the Danganronpa universe and was apparently briefly mentioned in the first game to have created the plants in the Garden in the first game. But since the character has never actually shown up in the games and he's not particularly well-known, and I'd already planned out the fic at that point, I decided to just let Ichiro keep his talent. :