Prologue 2 - Awkward Encounters

-- On the beach --

Twenty minutes seems like a long time when nothing is happening and that holds true to this situation. I have been waiting alongside Nagito for Hajime to wake up. During this time, Nagito tried to make small talk with me which ultimately failed when I only answered him with a small "Uhuh" or "Hmm". Knowing that he wouldn't be able to get much out of me he kept his mouth shut.

I looked towards Hajime and it looked like he was starting to arise from his slumber. I peered into Nagito's eyes, and I gave him a look that said "You're going to do all the talking" he sighed and walked over to the bewildered boy. I sat down under a tree to watch the confrontation.

"Hey… Can you hear me? Are you okay?... You seem pretty out of it. To be honest, I'm also… No, everyone else feels the same, too. Since we suddenly… got put in this weird situation." After an uncomfortable silence. "...Hey, are you listening?"

Nagito was ignored, even after his 'caring' speech Hajime still wasn't able to form any response. He got himself off the hot hand and stood there momentarily, still dazed. "Hey, are you sure you're okay?" Nagito sported a look of concern.

More silence, until. "Leave me alone" Hajime the moody teenager dreadfully muttered. I can understand where he is coming from, he expected to be inside Hope's Peak right now, not an uninhabited island. I just feel he should have shown Nagito a bit more hospitality for the worry he was showing him.

"Th-There's no way I can leave someone alone when they look that pale…"

Like usual, Hajime remained silent. Staring off into the distance while observing his immediate surroundings. It was obvious he was having a tug of war with his sanity right now. After a little while he began to focus, speaking out his first substantial sentence.

"That rabbit thing said we're...on a tropical island."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Monologuing to himself I imagine, he kept quiet again.

He and Nagito began conversing about the objects placed nearby, such as the suspicious surveillance cameras. A moment or so later, Nagito introduced himself to Hajime as the Ultimate Lucky Student and how he was scouted/invited by winning a lottery to come to Hope's Peak. It wouldn't be Nagito if he explained it in the most self-deprecating manner possible.

"Now then, it's your turn," Nagito asserted.

It was finally Hajime's turn to introduce himself. "Yeah… I'm Hajime Hinata."

"Then let me ask you a question: what is your Ultimate talent?" It was important for Nagito to know, he loves talent after all.

"Um, I.. I...I…" He looked stressed and burdened. He tried several times to release a single word, but it was all for naught. He stood there in what seemed like agony, mental and physical.

They went back and forth again, Hajime played his whole mental struggle as "nothing". Claiming that he was so confused that he has trouble remembering some things. Nagito considered it for a second before coming to his own understanding, reassuring Hajime that he would remember soon once things began to settle down.

A fraction of a second after they finished their introductions a jubilant beep could be heard. Hajime buried his hand into his pocket to try and find the contraption that gave off the irregular sound. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and what he held was an E-Handbook. The E-Handbook is probably one of the most important items in a Danganronpa game. Usami popped out of nowhere, startling Hajime.

She explained that the E-Handbook is used to gather every person's hope fragments. As our relationships improve with each encounter it would be possible for us to gain a hope fragment from that person. Hajime still seemed quite perplexed even when Usami explained it, he does tend to repeat things that other people have said in a puzzled tone.

"More importantly… You don't know anything about the other students yet, right?" Nagito suspected. "Then… I think it's best if you at least introduce yourself to them." I guess now is the time where I have to talk more, I just hope I can think of something to cover up my Ultimate Assassin talent. After what happened when Maki was revealed to be an assassin in V3, quite a lot of them became scared or wary of her.

"Th-That's also true…but… Where did everyone go?" Hajime asked, confusion plastered onto his face

"Maybe they're exploring the island as well?" Nagito surmised, and what do you know Hajime repeated part of what Nagito said in needless confusion. "As long as we're expected to live on this island, we should learn as much as can about it. For example, what's this island's name? Is there a way to escape? What about food and living arrangements? So… why don't we finish introducing ourselves to the others and explore the island at the same time? I pretty much went around and introduced myself to everyone already… except for one person, but I'll tag along with you."

"Yeah, all right… but who should we introduce ourselves to first, the one who you haven't introduced yourself yet?" Hajime suggested.

"Oh… we don't need to travel that far. Take a look at the tree to your right" Nagito answered. Welp, here it comes.

-- Hajime POV --

Taking Nagito's advice I turned my head at exactly 90 degrees to meet the red glaring eyes of a girl, sitting right below the palm tree. Being in the shadow's her eyes seemed to be glowing as she continued gazing at me. If looks could kill, I would probably be dead right now, no she would probably end up killing me herself.

After a few seconds, she stood up and stepped out of the shadows. I could fully see her now. Her midnight black hair was so long that it reached right down to her knees, I wouldn't be surprised if she got her hair tangled up or tripped up on it quite often. Her outfit consisted of a black sleeveless dress connected to a black pleated skirt, which had a red belt wrapped around her waist. She also wore a red tie around her neck. What I found weird was the red armor-like accessory connected to the left side of her belt, which covered the left side of her skirt. She wore red gauntlets that looked similar to the skirt armor. Finally, she wore mid-length black socks and black shoes. In general she was very attractive, she was well-blessed in 'that' area , but if I continued to describe her any further I would be seen as a pervert.

Before I could speak to the girl Nagito nudged me on the shoulder and whispered some advice and a word of warning. " Don't worry if you don't get much of an answer from her... all she's told me is her name. Everytime I ask her opinion on something all she replies with is just a quick nod or mumble, don't be too scared all right?" He whispered.

"I can hear you both…" chills rushed through me as I spun back around to face the demonic girl, same with Nagito. She continued to stare at the ground with a pained face, I assume she was contemplating something. "Um.. If you really want to know about me then I'll tell you my name... it's Akame."

"Well uh, nice to meet you Akame. My name is Haj-" "Yeah I already know… I heard you and Nagito talking." She interrupted me, when she was talking she kept looking away from me, rarely meeting my eyes. Either she was really shy or so disgusted by me that she couldn't look at me. If it was the former then it would be a stark contrast to the menacing glare that I received previously.

"W-Would mind uh.. telling me what your Ultimate Talent is?" If I was lucky she would give me the answer I'm hoping for.

Raising her eyes at me for a couple seconds it seemed like she was going to say something, but she stopped herself and turned around. She walked away, hair flowing elegantly in the wind.

The same joyful beep resounded in my pocket, I had just received her Hope Fragment.

I looked back at Nagito and he shrugged " I told you so. I guess we should go and follow her, right?"

We began to hasten our speed to catch up to her, to meet the remaining Ultimate's.

-- Akame POV --

Jeez, why do I find it so difficult to talk to people? When I stood a few yards away it was fine, but as soon as I got near him the pressure of talking to someone new face to face got me scared. Even when I was my old self, I found it hard to look people who I didn't know in the eyes as I was talking. The only reason why I didn't struggle when talking to Monokuma is because I knew he wasn't a real person. It's funny how even with the memories given to me I can't even handle a proper conversation. I just know after we all get to know each other I'll be fine.

A hundred yards away I could feel the presence of two people following me, to be honest I could sense them the entire time I walked away. Guess I'll lead them to the airport to meet the first two classmates.

-- At the airport --

I waited outside for Nagito and Hajime to arrive, and as soon as I saw them in my peripheral vision I opened the door and went inside.

-- Inside --

I spotted two boisterous individuals, the more mysterious one seemed to be less tolerant of people in a conversation than even me. The scarf wearing individual became wary of my presence as I walked up to the less-on-edge boy with colourful pink hair and a pitch black beanie, wearing a bright green-yellow jumpsuit. I started our small conversation with "Hello, my name is Akame"

I eagerly awaited for him to say "Oh hey there, my name's Kazuichi Soda, nice to meet y--" "HEY! Where are you going?!" I walked away before he could say anything else. In the corner of my eye I saw Nagito and Hajime walk up to him, hopefully that will allow me to listen to the conversation without my own input.

They introduced themselves to each other, then proceeded to have a little debate on a method of escape - the main focus being by plane. Kazuichi shut their speculations down by saying the engines have been removed, making it impossible to use them.

"Hey you two.. What's her problem?" It was clear he was talking about me, but still, everytime someone said "she" or "her" it still felt a bit strange. It felt wrong for 15 years of my life as a boy to go down the drain. I personally was glad I was born male and I don't hate that, perhaps once the first day is over I can dispute all of the events so far in my mind. It may help me get used to this change.

Tuning back into the conversation I heard, "She only told you her name and walked away? Um.. I don't think she walked away from you because she hates you… isn't that right Akame?"

The three of them turned to look at me, boring their eyes into my soul. With a little bit of hesitation I answered "No.. I don't hate you."

"See Kazuichi, there's nothing to be worried about!" Nagito cheered.

I could tell that the conversation was about to conclude, so I was about to make my way to the mysterious boy when I could feel his stare on my back. I spun around to meet his glare when one of his hamsters leaped out from under his scarf. I probably deadpanned harder than ever before.

I had to wait for Nagito and Hajime before I could tackle the battle between Gundham Tanaka 'The Supreme Overlord of Ice'. I tapped my finger on Hajime's shoulder, scaring him by accident.

"Wh-What the hell? I couldn't hear you approaching me… you scared me." Hajime still seemed a little shook.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to." I genuinely apologised to him. I pointed my finger over in Gundham's direction, I think he's caught on by now that I don't hold up well in a conversation.

"You want us to go with you to talk to that guy?" I answered his question with a straight faced nod. He looked over at Nagito who then looked at him, they shared a look for a few seconds before he shrugged his shoulders like before and led the way.

When we reached the chuunibyou, he exclaimed loudly "Stop right there. If you value your life, do not come any closer" As expected, that is the first line he says after the appearance of Usami.

It was the first time I wasn't afraid of coming closer. Perhaps my body didn't consider his 'threat' as an actual threat. Hajime and Nagito probably felt a little concerned by the fact it looked like I don't value my life. They steeled themselves and also made their way towards him.

"Hmph, I said stay back! Oh, very well…I shall accept that courage of yours. Kehehe, would you like to know my name? Others may see your courage as recklessness… However…I welcome it. In honor of your courage, I shall reveal to you my name. May you never forget it as long as you live. You may call me…Gundham Tanaka! Remember it well, for it is the name that will one day rule this world!"

Even with my previous knowledge of Gundham, he still manages to make me want to laugh. Hajime on the other hand, had cynical thoughts in his head when reacting to his claim of ruling the world. Even after the grandiose speech he still had something to say.

"Now then, it is my turn to ask questions. Who's master are you?"

I already know he is asking if we have any pets. As a matter of fact I did, when I was Adam Lunarphase. I had a parrot by the name of Max, he was just the cutest thing ever. He was really good at whistling. That makes me wonder, is he all right? And what about my parents, surely they'll be sad I've disappeared. I love my parents deeply, my mother would always make sure I was ok, if I wasn't we would talk about it and she would help me. My father was a great man, grumpy, but his heart was in the right place. It took me a long time to realise it, they were the only ones who clearly loved me and it was evil to think the way I did.

During my inner struggle, Hajime had no clue what he was talking about until Nagito told him he was asking about any pets he had made a 'pact' with. He then answered saying the only pet he had taken care of was a hermit crab that was passed around in elementary school. Gundham seemed revolted, saying his magic essence capped at a lowly five - what is this… a DBZ reference?- and that he was trash.

This chuunibyou really has a huge ego. Momentarily, 4 hamsters appeared. 3 small ones, white bellies and the rest of the fur was an orange-blond colour. On his left shoulder there was a chubby brown hamster who seemed to be stuffing his face with some kind of food. This is when Nagito informs Hajime of Gundham's Talent as that of the Ultimate Breeder.

"One of my Four Dark Devas of Destruction, Mirage Golden Hawk Jum-P, has this to say:

We're not used to going easy on our enemies...so don't make us angry. You wouldn't like us when we're angry."

It seemed like the hamster I saw climb out the scarf previously was Jum-P, not going to lie his hamsters are quite cute. Nagito, the Ultimate Guru, explained his backstory to Hajime, stuff I obviously already knew.

"What about you, who's master are you?" Gundham turned his head to me expectantly.

I thought of whether I should tell him or not. Hajime spoke up, "Um… Akame you don't have to tell him if you don--" "...I have a parrot, called Max….." I decided to tell him, interrupting Hajime in the process.

His face exploded in shock. "WHAT!? YOU ARE THE MASTER OF THE LEGENDARY PHOENIX, MAXIMUS PYRUS?!?!" I don't know how Max turned into "Maximus Pyrus", but I'm not going to question it.

"You.. are a very formidable foe, but you are still not a match for my Tanaka Empire!" I simply deadpanned and nodded. Welp, this conversation seems to be over. Time to go meet the next two classmates.

-- Rocketpunch Market --

Instead of walking ahead of Nagito and Hajime, I decided to walk with them to our next destination: Rocketpunch Market. I was on the right, Nagito was in the middle and Hajime was on the left.

On our little voyage, Hajime started coming up with some weird theories and speculations, only for Nagito to reassure him that nothing was wrong. Despite that, he still didn't want to chill out at all. I had to tell him to calm down again.

Hajime asked Nagito to tell us about himself, but he played it off by saying how "people with such talent and hope like you shouldn't concern themselves with me" So much for that. I tapped onto Nagito's shoulder to tell him that the next destination was close. It looked like he wanted to question how I knew, but stayed silent.

Arriving at our destination we all stood there observing it. From the outside it was mostly white, except from the glass windows that were layered in the front. "Rocketpunch Market" could be seen placed on the front in orange above the doors..

"Let's go inside," I ordered.

We began to march our way towards the door of the giant supermarket.

-- Inside Rocketpunch Market --

Promptly on our entrance a colourful atmosphere awaited us. From our first glance, we could see a variety of beverages, snacks, swimwear, and many other essential items. A shopping trolley was standing stationary, filled to the brim with different products next to a camo table that said "Survival Goods"

"So this is the supermarket… It's pretty big" Hajime stated the obvious.

"Thanks to this place, we won't need to worry about food and other necessities for a while." Nagito was right, without this place we would suffer greatly. It's kind of sad that some of these items will be used to murder or cover up a murder.

"For a while?" Hajime instantly nit-picked that little part of what Nagito said.

"I-It's just a figure of speech" Nagito lifted his hands apologetically to defend himself.

"But there's no guarantee anything here is edible. What if all this stuff is poisoned?" Hajime proposed. This went on for at least half a minute, when I voiced my own opinion.

"...Hajime listen to me. You don't have to.. be worried at all. Here, I'll clear your concerns right now" I strolled over to a jumbo size plastic bottle with a big red label that read "COLA" in clear white. Gripping onto the bottle cap I unscrewed it from its place and proceeded to gulp it all down, not leaving a single drop behind.

"There, I'm not dead… *burp*" I raised my hand to my mouth in embarrassment.

Both of them stood there a bit starstruck. Hopefully that would be able to reduce the strain he was feeling previously. Accepting the fact I wasn't dying from it, Hajime apologised for his unneeded concern.

Shortly after, Hajime jumped back slightly, Nagito questioned his behaviour. We turned our heads to the source of Hajime's fright, it was a girl standing right about the same height as me. She had purplish hair that had been cut at many odd angles -this was due to the uncanny amount of bullying that had been forced upon her. She wore a nurse uniform which consists of a pale pink short-sleeved shirt with a white collar and puffed sleeves. A short, pale blue, slightly wrinkled pleated skirt is visible underneath. She also wore a white apron over this which is tied behind her neck with a ribbon. She was covered in several bandages, it's rather obvious why. This girl is.. Mikan Tsumiki, The Ultimate Nurse.

She had been staring at us for a while, debating whether to start a conversation or to wait for us to initiate it. I can hold a conversation, I just need to think about what to say beforehand, but this girl is worse than me. She was the epitome of clumsiness and awkwardness, maybe we can be anti-social buddies.

We roamed towards her and she got tangled even more in nervousness. "Ah, uhhhh, um…um, you know.." Silence… "I-I'm sorry." she started bawling her eyes out. I did feel a little bad for her and so did Nagito apparently when he made a certain snarky comment.

"Bullying a girl… Not cool, Hajime." It almost made me laugh, to hide my little smile I lifted my hand to cover it. It seemed Hajime noticed and gave me a look of offense. I coughed into my hand to hopefully get him back on track.

"...I didn't even do anything."

Mikan looked pleased to hear Hajime's name. "Ah, so your name is Hajime… If it's okay with you, may I please remember your name?"

"O-Of course...I don't mind you remembering it but.." Hajime lacked the words to complete his sentence.

"M-My name is Mikan Tsumiki, Um… From the bottom of my heart, I hope we get along." She exhibited a pinkish blush as she said her name. It reminded me that Mikan wasn't just an extremely shy klutz, she was quite unhinged in a way.

"U-Um.. mind if I know your n-name?" Mikan timidly requested.

"Yeah, It's Akame." After I said I blankly stared at her for a couple seconds. She abruptly started crying again.

"Bullying a girl… Not cool, Akame" He replied exactly like he did with Hajime before. The thing is though, this body is that of a girl so I'm not sure Nagito is making any sense right now. Despite the feeling similar to that of stepping on a Lego, I corrected him. ".. But I am a girl.."

"Oh yeah.. Sorry." A weak apology from Nagito.

Throughout all of this I could sense a rather eccentric girl keeping tabs on our conversation, there was actually no need to look who it was until we went to her.

Mikan still sobbed as she explained how she had prepared 5000 different topics to talk about introductions. Nagito reassured her, telling her that we'll wait for her as long as it takes for her to calm herself. Mr Clueless was obviously thinking that it would put even more pressure on her, the only reason why I know is because I remember the exact words in the game. Nagito explained Mikan's talent to Hajime, again he managed to make a strange comment and set Hajime off again. I shook my head in dismay.

Mikan began laughing with pure glee. She then justified herself by saying that she couldn't remember the last time she had made any friends, poor girl must be lonely. Seconds later she apologised saying it was presumptuous to think we would want to be her friends. It was sad to hear her say "please don't hate me"

I calmly walked up to her and gave her a hug. "Don't worry we won't hate you at all. Let's be great friends, all right?" I felt a bit flustered afterwards, I haven't really hugged anyone of the opposite sex besides my mum before. I know I'm in the body of a girl right now, but I still felt embarrassed by it.

I let go and stepped away, her face was burning red. My face may have gone a little pink, but I was able to hold back my awkwardness.

"Y-Yes I'd love to be friends with you… I'll remember your name forever A-Akame."

A serene smile appeared on my face for a short moment. "Sorry Mikan, we're going to go talk to everyone else now… goodbye." She smiled and shyly nodded. Nagito and Hajime looked a little surprised by how much I talked, I guess the reason why is because I can relate to her quite a lot. That's something I'd rather not say for now.

After saying goodbye we searched for the other person hiding in this place. She was hiding in the aisle next to the shelf of giant Cola bottles.

"Peeking, peeking…" -silence- "Oh haiiiiiiiiiii! Who're you!?" The girl loudly greeted us.

"U-Um… I'm Hajime Hinata.."

"I'm Akame.."

"Oh I remember! I asked you for your name before, didn't I? No last name?" Yes she was one of the few who weren't put off by the distant look I had in the classroom. I only nodded to her question.

"Anyways… Hellooooo? Your tension is super low! Are you both feeling alright?... Ah that's right! Introductions are a go-go!... "I," "Buki," "Mio," "Da!" Put it together and what do you get ? Ibuki Mioda!" It was obvious to all three of us that this girl would certainly liven up our time on this island.

She started gossiping about the contents of the supermarket, such as: hamburgers, ramen noodles, chili beans, bratwurst, pasta and with extra excitement, melons. Let's just assume she was talking about fruits and not the other type of melons, if you catch my drift.

For a couple of minutes she kept talking about how excited she was for everything, until Nagito explained to Hajime - that includes me as well- about her Ultimate Musician Talent. I know that she played in an all-girl band that was very popular with high school girls, but because of certain musical choices they split up. It will clearly be shown before 'that scene' in chapter three.

Hajime questioned the "creative differences" and Ibuki heard him, freaking him out a little. She declared herself as a musician due to the fact she could hear very well, then she started naming people who weren't even musicians.

"Ibuki.. I'm sure that most of them aren't even musicians.." I corrected her, stealing Hajime's spotlight, sorry Hajime.

"Don't sweat the details!" she made a star-eyed face while sticking her tongue out.

Finishing up the conversation we said goodbye to Ibuki, as we were walking out I saw Mikan watching me. I smiled and waved back at her, which seemed to make her blush more, despite that she still waved back at me.

Sigh, I guess it's time to go to the next location.

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A/N: Well hello there! I know I said I would post the next chapter sometime next week because I was lazy and I thought it would take me a couple days to do the chapter. Well, I thought wrong. Turns out I wasn't lazy and started working on the chapter about an hour after I posted the first one so yeah. Just wanted to ask, would you all want me to skip the rest of the character introductions, comment if you do. They won't be fully skipped, just summarised a little. This is just so we can truly get into the meat and potatoes of the story. Thanks for the collections and also thank you for reading. Not lying this time, next chapter will be out sometime next week. :)