Chapter Text
♬ Now Playing - Re: Despair Syndrome ♬
A/N:
The characters are all speaking in Japanese. If they are speaking in italics, they are speaking in English. All sprites are drawn by me and my dearest friend, Kel (@/huhu.kel on instagram)! Recommended to read on PC, or listen to the mentioned songs in Spotify or the sort.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
TIME: UNKNOWN
DAY: ???
Dreams are a wonderful thing, aren't they?
So bright, colorful, full of life and hope that despair never seems to lurk around.
Yet its fragility brings it to its demise, one that even despair can conquer.
And when that happens, only a void remains in a blank slate of the world.
Devoid of life, joy, and hope.
Dreams are as fragile as dandelions that fly with the wind.
Once you let your sight shift from it...
Despair devours and runs amok without you having the chance to blink.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
♬ Now Playing - Beautiful Ruin (Summer Salt) ♬
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
TIME: MORNING
DAY: 1
I wake up to the sound of the alarm piercing through my ears, disturbing my dreamless slumber. How odd! I don't ever recall setting the alarm so early at 6AM... Actually, where am I?
I look around at my surroundings to a nice, fancy and elegant room. FIlled to the brim with high-end adornments, marble floor, and even the bed I'm sleeping on feels like clouds gathering up just to form a bed for me. The lights are dim, befitting that of when I slept last night.
But... I don't ever remember stepping foot here, especially sleeping.
More importantly, my head hurts like hell... it feels like it's getting split open. Did someone move me in this nice room just to... no, it's definitely not kidnapping. That's impossible! They would've done something to me when I was unconscious if I... I'm going to stop myself before I let my train of thought overwhelm me.
Well, time's a wasting~! What good will it do if I were to stay here and do naught?
I sat up and looked around, my hair disheveled and a big, huge, humongous, gigantic mess. As I gaze at the mirror in front of me, it seems that I've slept for 10 years! No time to think about it now, I have an audience to entertain later in the day!
Swiftly changing my clothes to one that befits a performer, my modified kimono shines its' glory to the whole world. Its flashy colors take the audience's eyes, just how I like it. Except, my performance as a rakugo storyteller is waaay better than my fit, though!
"Ashikaga Sara is now good to go~." Speaking to myself in the mirror, I tidied up my hair and styled it just the way I like it. A distinctive style that I created! God, what a genius I am for this, hahahaha!
Stepping afoot to a new day and journeying out of my hotel room, I descended down the stairs quickly, hoping to see the receptionist as always and have my breakfast. The servants and maids are always so nice and their hospitality glows like a firefly in the dark, guiding the way. The food and beverages they serve are superb, second to none, really!
And yet, only silence ensues and a hotel lobby, devoid of life.
At times like this, I can only think of how life can have such drastic plot twists.
"Blood...?" I recognise this metallic smell. One that could only belong to such a substance. Blood is our life, yet it's such a scary concept to truly see blood be drained off of someone's life. Fear threatened to consume me, yet what am I if not the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller that's known to be fearless?
Gulping my saliva down my throat, I dared to look through the dining hall. Adorned by chandeliers and a myriad of chairs and tables, alongside a fancy red carpet being laid out across the floor. The candles dimly lit the room, yet it didn't stop me from letting out a bloodcurdling scream that might as well wake up the other guests.
The scene laid out upon me... it's as if the curtains were drawn to an unsightly scene of an unprepared actor, stumbling over his words and making a fool out of himself.
No, no, I can't even describe the horror to anything like rakugo...
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
♬ Now Playing - Re: Weekly Despair Magazine ♬
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
A swarm of gunshots ruined the walls of the dining hall and the furniture, some of the chandeliers fell from its place and crashed upon impact. The red carpet didn't help anything, as it just blended in with the blood that's drained from the lifeless mass of hotel staff spread out across the dining hall.
"W-What the hell happened...?!" I couldn't help but let out an exclamation, seeing their raw agony and pain as the scene is bestowed upon me. Footsteps were heard behind me, and I trembled immediately. Turning my head slowly, I feared for the worst. I... I'm not ready to die yet! I don't want to die yet! I'm too young to die!
And yet, the painful impact of gunshots never reached me. Only another scream penetrated my ears, to which I can't help but scream as well.
"W-What on earth is this blasphemy...?! W-We must report to the police immediately!" The lady spoke as she covered her mouth and nose from inhaling the bloody air any longer. Blanking out from shock, I vigorously nodded before I could manage to introduce myself.
Speeding up our pace in walking outside, fate wasn't being so kind to us right now.
Mass upon mass of bodies piled up against each other outside the hotel, the metallic liquid staining the road and air. What feels like a billion of monochromatic plush bears lined up to form a barricade, alongside these terrifying, huge machines...
"Aaaaah! E-Everyone's—"
"Dead...?" The lady cut me off, her eyes being sucked out of its' purity and grace, filled with panic. We looked around if there were any signs of life, yet to no avail. The more we walked, the more we saw of those hideous bears and machines.
"Puhuhuhuhu! Well now, someone's up a bit early!"
The big billboard in the middle of the now desecrated city is now a big screen, showing what looks like the same bear that was holding the gun.
"Who are you?! What have you done to this city and its people?!" My companion spoke, as I was at a loss for words. It's never professional or good if a performer forgot their lines, yet the massacre, odd atmosphere and eerie amount of machines got me right off my edge.
"Wow, making assumptions already? Save that for later, missy!" The bear laughed, yet it was not a laughter of joy. It was filled with mocking intent, one that mocked our very existence. "If you want to know what happened, please gather at the hotel lobby! Unless you want to same fate as these poor, poor civilians, aaahahahahahaa!"
Shutting ever so suddenly like a show that abruptly ends without a climax, the bear disappears. I looked at the lady and smiled nervously.
"I think we should go to the hotel lobby... m-maybe this is just a big fluke..."
"It would be wise to not defy him. For now..." She eyed the bears and machines, full of weapons. "I don't think this is a fluke, Ashikaga-san."
Right. The woman in front of me is none other than the Ultimate Harpist Prodigy, Hasegawa Ena. I know she existed due to her world-class harp skills, but that's all I know of her. Rumors have it that she's a very graceful and realistic person, making her the ideal person to ask for advice. Silly little me on the other hand, is just the world famous rakugo storyteller that always wins awards.
"... Ashikaga-san?"
"A-Ah! Sorry! I was thinking of something..." A nervous chuckle escapes my lips as Hasegawa-chan looks at me in suspicion, albeit she decided to brush it off and walk to the hotel lobby.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
♬ Now Playing - Beautiful Day (Piano Arrangement) ♬
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
As we arrive at the seemingly deserted lobby, joy springs from my mien to see people who are... you know. Alive. 14 of them, to be exact. All famous people from around the world, all Ultimates... they must have their respective business of being here.
"Were you also summoned here by that black and white bear?" The man with a dark, rather desaturated purple locks spoke up to us, eyeing us. It's as if he's observing and examining us... I love having eyes on me, but not this close!
"That's true. It would seem that the billboard in the city has been transformed to a screen... somehow." Hasegawa-chan mused, crossing her arms. "Everyone in here... seems familiar."
"Based on my observations, it would seem that everyone here is an Ultimate due to the that fact 5 of the people I talked to are Ultimates. Pretty peculiar if it was just a coincidence, wouldn't you agree, ladies?" He thought aloud, resting his fingers on his chin. "This is a rather strange situation... I wonder what the offender benefits, perhaps a black market? Or simply for amusement?"
"B-Black market?! Are they... are they going to sell the entire city's civilians, including us, to the Yakuza or something?!" I blurted out my thoughts without hesitation, frowning as my eyebrows knitted together as well.
"... No, no, that's just... a possibility that seems plausible, yet at the same time, unlikely. But it seems that I got lost in my own musing again, my apologies. I am Daisuke Ayumu, the Ultimate Investigator. From what I have gathered, I assume that you are also an Ultimate?"
"Ah, yes, yes! Do you not know me? I'm the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller, the one and only, Ashikaga Sara!" I pull out my fan and move it to cover my face, lowering my voice down an octave to resemble that of a court lady. "What a pleasure to meet you on this... rather peculiar day, young man."
"I see. So my understanding is correct, judging from your outfit and the way you carry yourself, you must not be an imposter of Ashikaga Sara." He nods, as if affirming my existence. "You must be Hasegawa Ena, the Ultimate Harpist Prodigy, yes?"
"That's right. It's nice to meet you, Daisuke-san." She smiled warmly, one that touched my heart. A truly professional yet gentle smile. How is she able to smile like that whilst a massacre just happened?
"I've heard of your great deeds, it's an honor to be able to witness your investigating skills live, what with the situation we're in now." She added, to which Daisuke just shook his head.
"Oh, please, it was nothing." He remained humble as he replied. "I suggest that you introduce yourself to the others, as we are waiting for that bear to appear again... it sure is delaying its promise."
"We will, thanks a lot, Daisuke-chan!" I waved my fan at him in lieu of my hand, walking with Hasegawa-chan to a woman with a bird, dressed rather casually. She seems familiar too... my memories are never this hazy. I wonder if it's because of my busy schedule lately...
Nevertheless, we approached her. She didn't budge an inch, only eyeing us with her sharp gaze then back at her bird.
"Hello~. We're here to introduce ourselves!" I started, yet she only looked at me and Hasegawa-chan in silence before looking back again at her bird. What's so interesting about the bird more than our current dire situation?
"Pardon us, but we're speaking to you right now." Hasegawa-chan reminded warmly, although there was the slightest trace of annoyance as she got ignored.
"... Ah, sorry, I was guessing what bird everyone will grow to be. I'm Kawa Tsubame. What Ultimate are you?"
"Hey, you haven't told us your Ultimate yet!" I retaliated, pouting. "But I'm Ashikaga Sara, the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller, the one and only gem in the rakugo entertainment industry!"
"And I am Hasegawa Ena. The Ultimate Harpist Prodigy. It is nice to meet you, Kawa-san." Hasegawa-chan bowed down a bit, still keeping that gentle smile of hers. Kawa-chan, on the other hand, completely ignored us for a bit before replying to my statement.
"... Ultimate Ornithologist." She uttered quietly before walking away from us, seemingly chatting with her bird. What an odd fellow. Maybe I should talk to my fans too as if they're sentient beings? ... that sounds like a bad idea.
"Hm... she's quite the silent type." Hasegawa-chan sighed, looking back at me then. "You can go ahead and introduce yourself to the others, I want to discuss something with Daisuke-san and how we can get out of this predicament."
"So cool! Okay! Good luck!" I cheered on for the Harpist Prodigy, earning myself a neat smile from her. Okay then, it's about time I do my best and introduce myself to the others too!
I walked up to the next person I saw, an energetic pair of athletes... ugh. I wonder if they think they're superior to the human race or something. Just because they're physically strong... Whatever. I need to get rid of these intrusive thoughts, or else it'll be trouble for me!
I approached the three with my biggest, warmest smile. Two of them smiled back much to my relief, though one of them frowned. Is my smile ugly or something...?
"Hey there! I'm Ashikaga Sara, the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller! What about you guys?"
"Am I allowed to speak?" The man with a short ponytail grinned widely as he asked for my permission, which I nod to of course.
"Alright! My name is Uemura Rin! Remember my name well because I won't repeat it twice! I am the Ultimate Scout Leader, and I promise that we will survive through all of this somehow!" He enthusiastically put pressure in every single word he said. Now it feels like his words have lost meaning...
"Geez, stop yelling so much, Uemura." The buff woman spoke sternly, rolling her eyes. "It hurts my ears."
"Oh! My apologies! I have a hard time controlling my voice, since it's mandatory for me to always speak in a loud voice!" He still has that grin of his, one that showed his passion for 'leading' well and passion in talking. I quite like this guy already.
"In any case, the name's Nakahara Kamiko. Ultimate Blacksmith. My talent and name are not much in these days, so you're probably going to forget about it soon..." She sulked, to which the girl with a bag of arrows pat her back, maybe a bit too hard. Wait, how does she have a bow and arrow in a hotel...?!
"Cheer up, Kamiko-kun! Nothing's more exciting than doing physical activities that rile up your mind!" She giggles, looking at me then. "Me? I'm the Ultimate Archer that's soon going to rise internationally, Sasaki Mai! Nice to meet you, Sara-kun."
"You guys are so... cool! I've suddenly gained the urge to write a rakugo based on you guys!" I hit my fan to my other palm in this epiphany, sparkles light up my eyes as if they didn't before.
"What, rakugo? So you're going to humiliate us in the name of comedy?" The Ultimate Blacksmith spoke, snarling in annoyance. Uemura-chan then smacked her back lightly.
"No, no, we must not assume negative things from people! Only bad things will come out of this, unless there are signs that they're dangerous! In which, there hasn't been any signs that Ashikaga is dangerous, yet!"
"What do you mean, yet?! I can't hurt a fly, I'm just a poor, little storyteller." I whined, cupping my face and swishing around to prove a point better. Nakahara-chan just sighs in annoyance, accepting Uemura-chan's assertion. Sasaki-chan just cackles at them.
Once I'm done with them, I'm left to an odd pair of what seems like a priest and a... musician? Passionate music lover? But they seem to be in the middle of bickering. Reminding me of how truly grim this situation is, and how desperately I'm trying to cheer myself up by pretending. ... Well, at least I don't think my smiles are fake earlier...
I walk up to them, a smile plastered on my mien like the professional I am. They still did not cease their squabble upon my arrival. How annoying...
"Ogawa-san, settle down. It will do you no good if you keep panicking and screaming like a lost duckling." The priest utters, his gaze retains that of pure annoyance. One that I wouldn't expect of a priest. Wouldn't want to piss him off...
"Kawasaki-nii, I'm supposed to have a show tonight only to know that my manager died too!! All because of that stupid, idiotic, worms-for-brains of a bear! How's the whole world gonna hear my music now?!" The boy that seems to be a gyaruo and headphones scratched his hair in frustration.
"Your music is absurd. Too loud."
"Ugh, you're no fun at all, man! Have some more fun in your life!"
"Gentlemen! Cease this bickering at once!" Intentionally changing my accent to a British one, I sound like that befitting of a queen. Not... something I play as in my shows, but still a good way to practice my english.
Both of them cluelessly looked at me, turning their gazes to shower me with attention. The gyaruo spoke up first, a big smile adorning his previously scorned mien.
"You must be the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller!! I know all about you, I'm a huge fan of you!" Immediately, he shook my hand up and down vigorously. I feel like my joints moved...
"Uh, yes, yes, you are indeed correct! It is I, Ashikaga Sara!" I grinned just as brightly back at him, matching his energy. I thought the priest would scorn at me too for being loud, and my guess was correct... he doesn't even hide it.
"Please, lower your voice. My ears... they've dealt with enough insults of life already." He covered his ears, his voice as gentle as an angel. Befitting of a priest, I suppose.
"I'm sorry, I'll keep it hush-hush then." Again, my voice pitched up an octave and cutely looked at him. He sighed again, yet a smile curved his lips.
"That's more preferable." He chuckles. "Well then, may God bless your day with tranquility and happiness in these trying times. My name is Kawasaki Shin."
"Heeeey, no fair! Introducing yourself to the girl first." The sunkissed boy pouted, looking at me then. "Yo! The name's Washi, I'm an ultra famous DJ around here! Nice to meet'cha!"
"Washi-chan and Kawasaki-chan, what a pleasure to meet such a unique duo~." I giggled as the Ultimate DJ laughed along, the Ultimate Priest just sighing endlessly.
"Us? A duo? Hell yeah, we should make one, Kawasaki-nii! Us two, rocking away in the night... that's like, totally cool, man!"
At this point, he gave up in trying to quiet the DJ down. He could only smile in desperation, shaking his head. They conversed in their vastly contrasting tastes in music then, clearly showing just how they're much like the sun and moon.
As I continued to walk around the rather eerily lively hotel lobby, I saw a man in a navy suit talking to a short-haired girl. They seem to be deep in thought, are they having a conversation about philosophy?
As I get closer, it seems that they're talking about the current situation. However...
"D'you think that it's possible that a psycho is behind all of this? Come on, can't you figure something out?" The man in the suit suggested, to which the girl replied with an exasperated sigh.
"I'm telling you, I don't know anything about this whole massacre situation. Besides, you're the one who's supposed to figure it out." She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms.
"You're the Ultimate Informant, right? Don't you... you know, have all the information in the world? Even government secrets?"
"Most, not all. Even this I didn't know..." The girl frowned, seemingly disappointed. "I'm sorry. I know I can do better."
"Can't tell if this is a government scheme or not, if so, what would they benefit from it?" The man mused out loud. He reminds me of Daisuke-chan, but... his ideas seem rather unsupported with evidence, unlike Daisuke-chan's musings. "W-What if we're experiment subjects for the government?! Are they planning to start an apocalypse?!"
"I don't think that's possible, young man!" I point my fan at him, objecting to his claim. "Why would the government do that and leave us 16 people alive...? It's an odd choice, don't you think?"
"Um... do we know you?" And yet, he didn't reply to my statement immediately and asked for my credentials.
"Oh, right! I was supposed to introduce myself! Sorry, heheheh." I scratched my nape with my fan. "My name's Ashikaga Sara, I'm a rakugo artist! Nice to meet you two~."
"Ooooh, I see, I see, I knew you were a Japanese traditional performer or sorts..." The man held his chin with his hand, closing his eyes and nodding to himself. "Yep! Good work as always, Kohaku!"
"You didn't even do anything but think aloud..." the girl sighs, her gaze shifted at me then. The man named 'Kohaku' let out a protest, yet she ignored him. Again, like some people previously, she just stared at me.
"Ashikaga Sara, Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller. You're well known for your entertaining performances, especially your first hit when you were 11, Jugemu. You've been performing nationally and internationally ever since, and have earned many awards from your talent." She blurted out whilst looking at me. I couldn't contain my surprise and let out a gasp, fanning myself.
"I... I'm flattered! Are you a devoted fan of mine? A fan for a fan, I'll write you an autograph—"
"I think you got the wrong idea... I, I was just reciting information that I remember of you. N-Not to say that your rakugo performances aren't worth watching...! I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."
"Oh. I see." I flatly said, sheer disappointment exposed to the world. But my smile returns alongside my energy. "But that's okay, you still dedicated yourself to remember so much of me! So, can I have your name?"
"It's... It's Keldrin. Keldrin Walness. Please just call me Kel, if you don't mind. I'm the Ultimate Informant... haha, please don't ask me any weird questions for weird information, thank you..." She eyed the man beside her as she said 'weird questions', one that he noticed immediately and retaliated.
"H-Hey! I'm asking out of genuine curiosity, not to weird you out..." the man puts his hands on his hips, a pronounced pout adorned his face. "B-But anyway, that was... unprofessional of me. My name is Saito Kohaku, call me if you need me to defend you in trials!"
"An attorney? The Ultimate Attorney?! That's so cool! Maybe if I get into a stalking scandal, I can hire you for sure, right?" I innocently asked, my eyes glimmering with hope to widen my connection with people.
"Saito is... unique, but he gets the job done. Rumours say that he bluffs a lot to get the job done, yet somehow always manages to find the truth." She added, which Saito-chan definitely didn't take well...
I leave the two of them to their constant musings to go to an isolated boy, writing down in his notebook. Piqued my interest for sure. He stood still near the sofa provided by the hotel, I'm not sure why he's just not sitting down...
"Hey there! I hope I'm not bothering you." I waved with my fan, expecting to receive some sort of reaction. Whether it be shock, joy, heck, even anger.
And yet, he just slowly turns his head up to me from his notebook, blankly staring at me again. I couldn't tell what he's feeling, as if though an actor that does not know what role they're playing. This is like with Kawa-chan all over again... do I need to repeat myself...?
"Um... hello? Aaanybody home?"
It took a while, what felt like a minute, for him to reply. Just a few words that were as soft as the gentle breeze in the morning.
"Uh... um... greetings...! I am Nigel Resu... Call me Nigel, please..."
He spoke rather robotically, it was as if he just learned how to speak. Well... I guess some people just prefer to stay silent so much that they forgot how to speak, I guess?
"Oh, okay, Nigel-chan. My name is Ashikaga Sara, the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller! Can you tell me your Ultimate?" ... and awkward silence engulfs us.
"Um-"
"Well-"
"S-Sorry... you, can talk first." He pointed his pencil at me to urge me to talk first, which I just nod quietly.
"Y-You don't have to tell me your Ultimate, if you don't want to... I was wondering what you were writing. Can I see, Nigel-chan?" Before he could give me a proper response, I peered over to his notebook, noticing his scribbles. I thought that at first, he was writing his thoughts about the situation as a whole. Although that's not entirely untrue, the words he wrote were...
'Someone's head got decapitated. Multiple gunshot wounds. Eerie enclosed city. What if someone got mutilated here? Possible. Their guts would stain the road and provide me with a grotesque scene to write. Who is behind this murder mystery? What is the cause of this?'
I let out a squeal, confused and worried at his writing. And yet, before I could ask more questions, he cut me off.
"I-I am a horror writer, please... do not misunderstand. I... express my thoughts, well- better, with writing..." He sighs, instantly closing his book afterwards. Knowing that fact made me heave a sigh of relief, yet... I wonder if what he wrote was true.
"I-I see... you're very interesting, Nigel-chan. I hope that what you wrote won't and isn't true..." I mumbled out, flabbergasted. Bowing down at him, I excused myself early from this seemingly innocent and pure boy.
I move on to the two individuals that seem to be engaged in a calming conversation. The aura around them is so nice, it might lull me to sleep... I approach them gently, not wanting to scare them like I did with Nigel-chan.
"Hello, you two. What are you talking about?" I started, immediately earning their attention. The girl was writing something on her notebook and God, I sure hope it's nothing as gory as Nigel's... at least he had some semblance of an explanation. Some semblance.
"And greetings, my friend!" The girl bowed down immediately to me, which I wasn't expecting at all. My reflexes kicked in and bowed back, albeit not as low as hers. "We are discussing about the flower species Kento-kun has discovered. I'm interested in knowing all about the flower. It's very intriguing, you should join us... oh! Where are my manners? I am Kobayashi Isamu, you can call me Samu for short. I am the Ultimate Student, it is always a pleasure to meet a new person."
Wow, the way she spoke was so... punctual. Despite her speed in talking, I could hear her articulation is very well. She's most likely very talented in public speaking, I'm sure!
"Flowers? That's so cute! I'd love to learn more, if I could, but I've yet to introduce myself to everyone. And now it's you two's turns." I fanned myself again, letting the cool breeze kiss my face. "I'm Ashikaga Kira, the Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller. It's nice to meet you two!"
"Ashikaga-san, you're a storyteller? I'd love to hear your stories. I'm sure my flowers would be happy to hear them too." The jet black haired boy spoke, smiling warmly at me. He smiles as warm as the sun. But actually, these two's smiles are as bright as the sun... I might perish due to their brightness.
"Like Samu-san said, I'm Kento. Kento Fuji, the Ultimate Florist, as you can tell! I'm an artistic flower designer in this city and I take care of a lot of flowers, of any kind. How can I help you?"
"You're a flower designer? Aw, you'd make such good bouquets for my shows!" Cheerfully, an idea springs to my mind to widen my connections again. If only I could do my show right now...
"Right? Kento-kun is very disciplined in taking care of his flowers, I aspire to be just as disciplined if not more as him." Samu-chan pondered aloud, writing down notes as ideas flowed to her head. Probably self-improvement tips from the glance I stole to see her notebook.
"Ahaha, you're too kind, Samu-san. You're the Ultimate Student, the most disciplined and ideal student for all. There's no way I can compare to you."
"Enough comparison! We both are doing our best in becoming the best and that's what matters. Don't humble yourself too much to the point you degrade yourself, Kento-kun!" She immediately retaliated to his statement, which he just nodded and followed along.
Waving farewell to them, I finally went to the last 2 people that I've yet to talk to. There's a tall blonde-haired man with a short girl, chit-chatting away in the grisly morning. The man looks like a foreigner, that's for sure. The moment I got closer to him, his accent sounded rather... distinct. Like French. The girl, on the other hand, looks more like... a manager to me. Is it possible that she's the Ultimate Manager?
"Ah, it seems that we have a guest in our hands now." He spoke fluently in English, some bits of his accent bleeding through. The girl shifted her gaze at me, perceptive and sharp.
"Good day, mademoiselle." The man spoke, reaching down to kiss the back of my hand which I gladly let him. It made me feel like a princess with her prince! "Apologies, my Japanese is lacking. I will have to switch between English and Japanese once in a while."
"He speaks nonsense. He's fluent in Japanese, he's just messing with you." The girl bluntly stated, crossing her arms.
"Mademoiselle Takeshita, can you not play along with my act of a lost foreigner to this poor girl?" He looked down at her due to their height difference, but there was a hint of arrogance and annoyance in his voice. I'm not sure why, but the way he carries himself is befitting of an actor... so he must be...
"Ugh, in any case, I am Theo Laurent. You Japanese people have... a way with English words, so call me Lou instead. Be grateful that you can be in the presence of the Ultimate Actor that shines like a diamond like no other!"
So my guess is correct. He is indeed the Ultimate Actor, an arrogant one at that. Well... no matter. People in the entertainment industry are, well, entertaining in a way.
Disregarding his previous statement, the girl observed me and had a small smile on her visage. "Takeshita Hekima, CEO of the Takeshita Company that specializes in abstract art. Pleasure doing business with you."
"T-Takeshita-cha- san, the Ultimate Entrepreneur?! I-I didn't know you were in this hotel!" I was more intrigued with Takeshita-chan, who's now cleaning her glasses then putting it on.
"How come you have not reacted the same way in the presence of one such as I?" Lou-chan complained, pouting in a sort of way. Yep. The way he carries himself reeks of an actor, what with the way his intonation rises and drops at the right spots to make me feel guilty that I wasn't as surprised at his presence.
"I'm more popular with the Japanese audience, it seems. You might need to evaluate your performance, Lou. I might be able to help with that." Although the sentence insinuates that she's mocking him, she had a smile on her face, as though she had no intention to do so in the first place. The Ultimate Actor just clicked his tongue in response.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! The name's Ashikaga Sara, Ultimate Rakugo Storyteller, surely you two have heard of me, yes?"
"Sorry, no." Both of them said in unison, as if a jolt of lightning struck my heart and shattered it to a million unsalvageable pieces!
"W-Well... it's nice to meet you now, then!" I tried to stay optimistic and hit my fan to my other palm as usual, a habit of mine when I get excited. They both nod their head at me and I left it at that. They kept rattling on and on about business... ugh. Difficult buzz words.
After I finished introducing myself to everyone, I returned to Hasegawa-chan, who's in the middle of chatting with Daisuke-chan.
"Have there been any updates on that bear?" Hasegawa-chan asked the investigator, who only shook his head. As he opened his lips to say something...
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
♬ Now Playing - Re: Mr. Monokuma's Tutoring ♬
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
"Ehem, mike check, mike check, one two, one two! Is everyone gathered in the hotel lobby already?"
The speaker that used to play slow jazz in the hotel lobby cut into that awful voice, earning all of our attention simultaneously.
"It seems that everyone is! Puhuhuhuhu, well then, let me make my grand entrance!"
The speaker then turned silent, and as we looked at the receptionist's desk...
A black and white bear popped out of nowhere!
"Hello, my dear people! It's so nice to see you all on this bright, beeeeautiful day! I'm Monokuma, and as the mayor of our beloved city, I've gathered all of you, special in your own way, to participate in one of our latest programs!"
"Hey! Before you do that, care to explain what is going on and why a massacre happened?!" Uemura is the first one to speak up, his smile disintegrating to a frown.
"Yeah! Tell us what the hell happened and why we're the only ones left!" Washi-chan added, pointing at the bear.
"Puhuhuhuhu, so eager, so eager! Let me explain it to you in a simple way: they were nuisances to the program. We can't have 1 million people participate in it, that's too much... though, the anguish in their faces were brilliant, they performed well as the background characters, aaahahahahahaha!"
"N-Nuisances?! But they were all humans who had life and hoped to live out their lives to the fullest! You... You murderer!" Hasegawa-chan protested, pure and raw anger written through her eyebrows, gaze and definitely intonation.
"Hey, come on now, don't badmouth your mayor like that! You're going to get punished if you keep accusing me of stuff! I just had to do it, okay?"
"And for what?! There shall never be a reason to justify murder!"
The bear's gaze darkened, the red glow shines even brighter and an even more ominous aura omits from it.
"Are you sure? Even when your life is on the line?"
"What do you mean...?" I blurted out, to which its cheerfulness returned in a second.
"Glad you asked!" It exclaimed. "Your lives were soooo boring before I came in and overtook the city! Now, you guys have to play a simple game for me then your lives will go back to normal."
"W-What is that game...?" Surprisingly, Kento-chan followed after its statement.
Yet, despair comes crashing down like acid rain, burning away everything that you cherish at a rapid pace.
"You guys are officially in a killing game!"
Upon hearing that, we all let out exclaims and screams, some were yelling for help, some were breaking down, and I... I couldn't even say anything as I was simply... shocked.
"S-Settle down, everyone! It won't do well to trust that plush!" Uemura-chan tried to regain control of the situation, but to no avail.
"Aw man, you guys treat your mayor in such a mean way..." Monokuma sulked. "I even prepared this city just for you guys! Look, I even modified your phones to be an E-Handbook now..."
"What?!" Daisuke-chan let out a surprised remark, and immediately, we checked all our phones. It's been hijacked...?! We can't chat or call anyone and the only thing available are these... report cards. All 16 of us have our credentials written to the T.
"W-We never asked for any of this! Why are you doing this...?" I shouted, to which the 'mayor' just giggled.
"For despair. Is that enough reason for you?" Monokuma replied bluntly. "Now shoo! Go back to your assigned rooms! That is all for my announcement, let the killings begin! Aaaaahahahahahahaa!"
He immediately vanished before any of us could say or do anything.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
♬ Now Playing - Re: Welcome to Despair Academy ♬
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"First, we're in this scary massacre situation and now we're doomed to kill each other... can't my day get any worse?" Nakahara-chan, grumbled, fiddling with her gloves. She seems much more nervous than usual, though that's to be expected.
"I couldn't find any other birds too. It seems that this city is deserted except for us as the only inhabitants in it." Kawa-chan commented, still rubbing the little sparrow on her fingers.
"Now's not the time to tell tales and dillydallying, everyone! We must analyse the situation first before we make any rash decisions!" Uemura-chan declared, his voice much louder than the others. Not that he needed to shout in the first place...
"I agree." Daisuke-chan nodded. "Before we discuss about the killing game, let us discuss about the activities we were doing before Monokuma made the announcement."
"I woke up to pray, yet I found myself in an unfamiliar environment which is this hotel. I thought that I fell asleep in someone else's room much to my discomfort, but I found out that the room belonged to me." Kawasaki-chan answered in a calm manner, showing everyone the keycard he owns to his room.
'Room 203. Kawasaki Shin.'
"The priest speaks the truth. I also checked whether or not this third-rate hotel is my room, and behold!" Lou showed us his keycard as well, room 301.
"Everyone! Show your keycards, now!" Uemura-chan commanded, and everyone complied although some did it reluctantly. Uemura-chan then examined each and every one of those keycards, confirming that the rooms indeed belong to the owners.
"What a strange situation... I don't remember sleeping in a hotel. I was in my bedroom!" I made a statement loud and clear amongst us. I heard whispers and saw nods from the others, assuming that they also experienced the same thing.
"Okay. So we can confirm that everyone has no memory of how and why they got here, correct?" Daisuke-chan asked as we nodded in unison.
"Hey, did anyone get a migraine by the way? Or whatever headache that was? It hurt so much!" I added, and some people nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, yes! It felt like my head was being hammered down by homework..." Samu-chan crossed her arms, a hand reached for her head to massage it.
"Indeed. It felt like I haven't taken a break ever since I started working from 7AM to 9PM. Tiring... but it was much more intense than a migraine." Takeshita-chan adjusted her glasses again, receiving a gasp from Uemura-chan.
"Takeshita! Be sure to take care of your health more often!" He reminded with that signature smile of his, radiating warmth like the embrace of a mother. Takeshita-chan jjust sighs and nods.
"After that, we all saw the massacre that happened in the city..." Hasegawa-chan spoke so softly that it sounds like she was about to weep. Poor girl... now I feel like crying too...
"Affirmative... I-I saw such a.... an interesting, sight from the window..." Nigel chirped in, though his words remain ominous for me despite already knowing his Ultimate...
"Nigel-kun! Now is not the time to reminisce about your horror experience!" Sasaki shouted in horror, holding her cheek with a hand.
"S-Sorry... I, I was just... thinking aloud..." Nigel-chan replied back weakly and softly. Who would've thought he's such a horror enjoyer?
"In any case, now we're stuck here in a killing game..." Saito-chan started, "To kill or be killed. It's like we're living in our ancestors' days again. If only life is as decisive as the law..."
"Even the law is not decisive at times. You and your court system could use some work..." Kel-chan mumbled, looking away from Saito-chan's grumpy expression.
"What Saito-san said is correct. This is a 'to kill or be killed' situation. There's no guarantee that we'll get help, due to Monokuma hijacking our phones and turning it into an E-Handbook." Daisuke-chan calmly concluded Saito-chan's assertion. "I doubt there's a way we can retaliate, should we be realistic. We haven't even discussed the rules that Monokuma gave us anyway."
"What in the name of hell? This is... We would never kill anyone!" Washi-chan denied the truth that some of us want to get out of here, including me. But to go so far as to kill...
"H-Hey! We don't even know each other that well! Who can say that nobody is going to kill someone?" Nakahara-chan, pessimistic just when I met her, said something that... none of us had wanted to accept.
The fact that none of us truly know each other.
The fact that none of us truly know each other's intentions and how far they would go.
The fact that none of us are truly friends and are just strangers enclosed in this city.
We all looked at each other, suspicion rising in the air. Everyone's gaze was sharp, like a thousand knives have stabbed through me. My eyes darted around the room to every single participant in this forced killing game. It was tense, and I hated every single moment of it.
"This... Monokuma figure and the Rules... let us discuss it together in this lobby tomorrow! We shall make a plan on how to survive without having to kill anyone! I vow to everyone that everyone will get out of this predicament safely! It will do us no good if we just keep staring at each other!" Uemura-chan broke the tense atmosphere with his smile, albeit it was so obviously forced it was painful to see.
"May God accompany us in our perilous journey of escaping and bless us with a miracle." Kawasaki-chan prayed for us, closing his eyes and clasping his hand together. "Let us rest for now... the trauma of seeing death all around must be making us weary. Once we can't think clearly, we won't be able to see the light of truth shining down upon us."
"That's right! Kawasaki is absolutely correct!" Uemura-chan smiled, nodding vigorously. "And I end the meeting here! Everyone, disperse to each of your rooms!"
One by one, everyone left. Whether it be from ascending the stairs or elevator, they left. Only Hasegawa-chan and I are left.
"Hasegawa-chan, l-let's... go back to our rooms. We'll figure something out together, okay?"
I was foolish to think that everyone would be good at masking their emotions and playing out an act, as tears rolled down from her eyes and stained her dress. She looked at me in silence, nodding then.
We ascended up the elevator together, silence engulfing us. And as we bid farewell, we vanish to our respective rooms.
"..."
I used to be so happy to return to this room. But now, the situation has changed.
What's going to happen to us now?
Has the world really abandoned us?
Is someone... really going to kill another person just for their own selfish desires?
As these thoughts swirl in my mind, I didn't realize how exhausted I am from pretending. Slumber befalls me, and I once again, fall into a dreamless slumber. Hoping that this was just a sick joke or prank that a whole city played on us.
I was still denying the facts, even in my slumber.
The curtain falls to an ominous performance, hiding me away from the world in shame.
"PROLOGUE - GREETINGS, DESPAIR!" - END.
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A/N:
Keldrin Walness and Kobayashi Isamu are drawn by my lovely wife, huhu.kel at instagram! Nigel Resu belongs to 4bludabest in instagram, Kento Fuji belongs to snakehead_exe at instagram, Kawa Tsubame belongs to kitsune_shortfoxy__, Daisuke Ayumu belongs to nekora12 in instagram. :)
Thank you so much for reading! Please endure the cringe as the story goes on LMAOO