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wake up

You open your eyes. And then immediately squeeze them shut as a cloud of chalk dust gets clapped in your face, the student next to you looking surprised— but the sort of surprised as if they're faking it, barely suppressing a laugh. "What're you dozing off for, transfer student?" they ask, going back to wiping clean the chalkboard you two are standing in front of. "The sooner we get everything cleaned up, the sooner we can go home!" Another classmate tosses a wet rag at the side of your face, laughing as if a joke— if it weren't strangely warm to the touch, with dark red stains smelling strongly of iron.

All characters open their eyes and wake up in one of the classrooms around school. Whatever they remember last, it's lost in a thick, sleepy fog, the drowsiness still wearing off and making it difficult to reconcile the fact that they've never seen this classroom or these people in their lives, but somehow, it feels like they've been here forever. The other students all act familiar towards you, calling you by name and encouraging you to help clean the classrooms as part of observing the Vernal Equinox. Buckets of soapy water are set on the desks around the classrooms, light pink suds spilling over the sides, and both students and faculty can be seen hard of work scrubbing dark, stubborn stains out of the walls and floors. "It must be absolutely spotless," they murmur under their breaths. "All evidence must be erased."

You don't have to stay and clean. You could throw the rag back into a bucket and flip these strangers the bird and exit the classroom. But those who don't help clean even a little will find that they leave sticky red footprints wherever they walk, creating more work for everybody else and becoming very easy to track down and """accidentally""" knock over the backside of the head with a mop handle. Besides, it's not like you can walk out of the school and get back to whatever you were doing before. Your feet may bring you to the front door on autopilot, but the doors do not open for you, and neither do any of the windows no matter how hard you try to pry them open or kick them in.

Careful, though. On some windowsills, particularly on the third and fourth floors, rests a stack of five flat stones one on top of another: a gorinto to those who recognize such a thing, a pile of rocks to those who do not. The stones are all damp with water, topped with a scattering of wisteria flowers, and flanked by cheap packaged snacks. Whether on accident or on purpose, the moment you touch any of it—-

wake up

You open your eyes. The last thing you remember is touching a wet stone or trying to swipe the rice cracker beside it, and in the next moment, you're somewhere else inside the school. Characters who touch the gorinto or its offerings will find themselves pulled into a memory of high school life, one that feels like theirs, although they recognize that that's impossible. There's the feeling of being classmates with the other characters- perhaps two characters are seat partners, or best friends, or rivals, or club members- but despite the familiarity, do not know each other's names or recall ever seeing their faces before. Essentially, live your pre-established cr high school au dreams.

The memories fade in and out of different scenarios, but they all start off the same: You open your eyes.

(tw: implied suicide)

You're standing in front of a window, cold fingers wrapped around your wrist and pulling it away from the pile of stones. Perhaps another character has come to your rescue, or else one student in particular who shakes his head, whispers "don't," and walks away.

wake up

You open your eyes and wipe a bit of drool off the corner of your mouth. There's really no shame, when half the students sitting around you in the auditorium are half asleep as well. As if coming out of a dream, the characters don't remember getting here, just that they are now- sitting in uncomfortably hard plastic chairs in the back rows in the auditorium, the school principal's flat, droning voice reverberating oddly off the walls of the large room. No matter how hard you try, you cannot get up out of your seat.

"...and now, let us congratulate the graduating class," the principal says, stepping back from the podium. A single student rises to her feet and meets the principal at the center of the stage, her long dark hair falling across her face as she bows and receives her diploma. "Congratulations, graduate. May your life be full and prosperous. Please, if you would say a few words..."

The girl straightens and pushes her hair out of her face with one hand— she has no other hand, the entire sleeve of her right rolled all the way up to the shoulder and pinned flat. She forgoes the podium and the microphone, but somehow, her voice rings out clearly and reaches all the way to the back of the room: "Keep your eyes open."

With that parting message, she steps off the stage, disappearing into the mass of students who stand and fill the room with applause, drawing the graduation ceremony to a close. Characters find that they can now get up and move, which is a good thing because the other students are all pushing and shoving to get out of the auditorium and out the front doors, phasing right through the closed doors. Like a sieve, the school empties out, leaving behind the dregs.

wake up

Your eyes are open and the school is quiet. None of the students or faculty remain in the school, and all the staff— the principal, faculty, nurse, and counselor's— offices are locked. A skinny black cat flicks its tail from where it sits on top one of the lockers, where characters can find a copy of the school calendar showing the next two weeks to be spring vacation, with the school being closed for the holiday.

At least, with school vacated, it's clear from those left who's in the same boat and allows the chance for exploration away from prying eyes of the other students and staff. Introductions are probably in order, a discussion of what the fuck is going on, maybe also a plan of attack— or a plan for survival, at the very least, because there is no way out of this school. What ingredients are left in the home economics kitchen is going to have to last everybody the next two weeks. The student store is already empty. The water runs pink. The vending machines don't respond to jostling or being kicked over and brought to the ground, only the last dozen "merit points" on your PDA that you can't earn any more of, with class out of session. The snack you've been hiding in your locker should probably be saved as a last resort. The cats are starting to look tasty.

Hang in there. School will be starting again real soon.

OOC

✽ Characters experience the recurring feeling of drifting in (school life) and out (canon life) of sleep up until the graduation ceremony, after which they will have full awareness and come to their senses. Pre-established cr is possible to some extent, as a varying degree of familiarity may remain, but all characters will be strangers to one another unless they know each other in canon. All npcs will know the characters' names, but characters will not know each other's names until introduced.

✽ The second prompt occurs upon a character touching a gorinto or any of the offerings surrounding it. While touching it, characters fall into a trance and experience different scenes of high school life, with examples given in the prompt but players are free to play out any aspect of normal school life taking place at any time during the school year.

stopit

npc contact page

locations page

✽ As a reminder, all doors and windows leading outside are locked and cannot be broken. From midnight until 6AM, all sound disappears from the world. Characters are free to use their PDA as a network, but it is text (and shitty touchpad art) only and all threads are public.

✽ TDM threads may be used for bonus activity after April AC is submitted.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You too, huh? [He can't help but chuckle a little.] But... thank you. It's not the first time I've heard it, so I guess it must be true. Honestly, though, I just like making sure things get done.

[But any good cheer gets lost in what Ishimaru says next. If he's saying that, that must mean...

Sympathy floods Hinata. He really shouldn't have said anything after all.]

...I see. [His voice has become considerably softer.] You went through something bad, too, didn't you? I'm sorry for bringing back any bad memories.

[He's quiet for a bit, too, simply thinking, until Ishimaru brings up the nurse's office. Hinata takes a breath, squares his shoulders - they have to keep moving. He can't help Ishimaru or give him any peace of mind by just standing around.]

...Right. I'll give that one a try next.

It is an admirable approach, Hinata-kun! There is nothing wrong with wanting something accomplished as effectively as possible!

[As long as it doesn't involve murder, that is! In any case, he's glad to have found a dependable person to work with.

As Hinata softens up, Ishimaru meets him with a soft frown, while... trying not to think back to Hope's Peak.]

It- it is alright, Hinata-kun. I might have experienced something truly awful in the past, but that - that is in the past! Now, we are in a completely different situation entirely. So let us do our best!

[With that, he turns his attention to the nurse's office as Hinata steps up to bat.]

Do your best, Hinata-kun! You have my full support!

[His mouth quirks up in a half-smile.] If I ever have a chance, I'll introduce you to my friend, Souda. I think he'll learn a thing or two from you.

[He's not learning from Hinata, so.

But he's thoughtful, taking in Ishimaru's words. Before, he'd had nothing but his own fear and anxiety, woefully unequipped to fight against the odds. Here, at least, they still have some freedoms... So they have a chance, don't they?]

...You're right. Things are uncertain right now, but that means nothing's set in stone. We have a chance for things to be better, so... We can keep trying.

[With renewed steps, he approaches the door to the nurse's office and gives it a try...

...but the results are as expected.]

...Yep, that's about what I figured. [Hinata doesn't seem quite as discouraged as he had when they initially started.] But we've still got two more to try, at least.

Is that so? Well, should the time come, I would be glad to discipline this friend of yours!

[He asserts that with a slight smile. He somewhat looks forward to meeting someone for the sake of teaching them something!

Ishimaru clings to every difference in order to cope with this situation. No sign of Monokuma or a killing game. Unfortunately there's also no dorm rooms or cafeteria... and they do still happen to be locked... but that's fine! As long as this situation continues to be completely different!]

Correct. We cannot give up! Through the power of hard work, anything is possible!

[He keeps his spirits from being dampened as Hinata tries the next door.]

Yes, that's right! You did your best in trying to open that door, and I respect that. Next, it shall be my turn to try my hand at a door. Onward, Hinata-kun! To the principal's office!

[That sneaks another small laugh out of him.]

Discipline is exactly the thing he needs, so it'd be a huge help.

[It's said only half-jokingly. He doesn't want Souda stuck here, or Ishimaru stuck on the island, but if everybody could meet together outside of that... It'd be really great. With his and Ishimaru's will put together, that'd get Souda into shape for sure.]

...You know, you seem to value hard work highly. That's pretty admirable for somebody your age. [Like that doesn't make Hinata sound like an old man... But he shrugs a little as he follows alongside Ishimaru to the next door.] I value it more than my peers do too, I guess, but... It feels like it gives you strength, if that isn't too weird to say.

[Hinata wishes it came that easily to him in every moment... But it's a good example to follow, if nothing else.]

But... Thank you. I'll leave the next door in your care, then.

Splendid! Then should the time come, you can leave him in my care!

[He responds that with his voice full of duty, as if ready to fulfill an order. At least he figures that maybe this school would be better than whatever situation Hajime and his friends were last in. Especially since Ishimaru is sure that they will find an exit at any moment!

He does give a small, proud smile as Hajime commends his hardworking nature.]

Why thank you, Hinata-kun! The fact is that people of all ages should believe in hard work. It is the truest measure of one's ability, and it is a power that can change the world! If we all work hard together, the impossible can happen, and the world can become a better place. I suppose that it is a heartfelt belief that fuels me... and I am glad that you respect it as well, Hinata-kun!

[While he wishes that Hinata would value it more wholeheartedly, so far the other boy seems like a respectable young man.]

Very well! Here we go... [As they face the next door, he takes a deep breath to prepare himself! Then, with a growl, he throws himself at the door and struggles with the doorknob for a few moments before giving up.] ...Ah, I am sorry. This one still does not seem to work...

[He shoots Ishimaru a grin, a little bit stronger than last time.]

I'll be counting on you, then.

[It's something he already finds himself looking forward to. Something to aim for, to hope for, when they get out of here.]

It's pretty reassuring to hear, honestly. I know I don't work as hard as I should sometimes, but... I've always believed that I could accomplish things so long as I worked hard enough. Other guys I went to school with always thought I was too serious about things, so meeting somebody that doesn't is a nice change of pace. [Hinata's expression becomes a little softer.] I think if you keep on like that, believing in it so strongly... you'll be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to.

[Ishimaru is just the kind of person they need in this situation, Hinata thinks, and he's grateful that he's here.

It's about what he expected, though, when the next door remains unlocked.]

It's okay, Ishimaru. It makes sense that the principal's office would be closed more than any of the others. [He points a thumb in the direction of the last door. Almost there, now.] I'll give this last one a try, and then we can head back out into the hall.

And I will do my best not to let you down.

[Ishimaru has practically just met this other boy, yet he already finds himself feeling a lot of respect for him. Simple, diligent, humble and with a certain charisma. He feels lucky to have met him!]

Your previous peers sound like poor judges of character! It is good to have a serious work ethic, and it can only benefit you in the long run! [He smiles.] I believe the exact same thing, Hinata-kun. And I hope for a world in which that same belief burns in everyone's heart.

[He clasps a hand to his chest, looking emotional for a moment! And then just like that, he's ready to move along.]

Very well. This one is all yours, Hinata-kun!

[He nods gratefully in response, but for a moment, he's lost in thought just a little.

It's a warm feeling that fills Hinata's chest, thinking about those words. It's such a different turn, not having people call him boring, a "stick in the mud" or worse, just because of how determined he was to work hard and be accepted at Hope's Peak Academy. So many times, other students had laughed as they went out to play while Hinata stayed back to study, quietly determined.

And yet, Ishimaru's praising the one thing he's grasped onto desperately all his life... And it's a nice feeling.

If we had met before, I wonder if...]

...Maybe so. They didn't care much for hard work, but... Thank you, Ishimaru. [His eyes are warm as he looks at the other boy.] I think if the world were like that... it'd probably be a much better place.

[It's hard to be discouraged after that, even though Hinata expects the worst result when he turns the knob. As it is, all he does is let out a light sigh. It's okay.]

...Well. I guess that's all we can do here, then. [Hinata steps back from the door and tilts his head back in the direction they came from.] I guess we can regroup in front of the main door, then decide where to go next?

[Ishimaru just feels more and more that his assessment of Hinata was astute, and that he is truly met a soul that is somewhat like-minded. His response to Ishimaru's ideal vision of the world warms Ishimaru's face. And he gives a gentle smile to the other boy in return.]

I am quite glad that you feel that way. We have the power to change the world and make that happen. Let's both do our best to strive for a world like that, built on the power of hard work alone!

[He pumps a fist in air energetically! With such a dependable ally, Ishimaru feels like he's taken a significant step towards overcoming the geniuses of the world. He can't even feel too disappointed when the doorknob refuses to open. He's getting used to it at this point!]

Indeed. That sounds like a solid plan, Hinata-kun. Well said! Let us proceed there at once!

[He'll start marching forward immediately! It's easy to feel hopeless in the face of all of these locked doors, but at the same time, exploring with someone like Hinata has helped to soften his feelings. If he has people like him to work with in this locked-off place, maybe it won't be bad being stuck here for a little while! There's still hope.]

[If he says it that way... It really does feel like it'll happen. Hinata reaches up a hand that grasps onto nothing. Not quite nothing, but the openness of possibilities that Ishimaru's world will have.

If it's him, he can definitely do it.]

Yeah... It'll definitely be a great thing to see. A world like that will be fair and full of possibility. If we were able to work this hard to get as far as we have, then we can make it come true for sure.

[He lets out a laugh full of fondness as Ishimaru starts marching, then jogs just a short bit until he's caught up. There's still a lot of uncertainty and anxiety weighing on Hinata, but the weight doesn't feel as heavy as it did. If they're together... it can't be too bad.

By the time they've made it to the area by the bulletin board, he's humming in thought.]

Let's see... If we checked that whole side, there's not much on the opposite besides the auditorium... which is probably still worth a look if nothing else works, but I feel like there probably wouldn't be much there... [That, and Hinata just really doesn't want to look back in there.] I guess the next best place to look would probably be...

[As Hinata talks, he looks up... until something unusual catches his eye.]

...the second floor?

[Underneath the school's name and motto above their heads is a plaque bearing the words "est. 1384". Now that that's caught his gaze, he finds himself gazing at the board itself, where there are several images and drawings of a two-headed bird on some of the posters.]

That's... an odd choice for a school mascot.

[It's not often that someone agrees so earnestly to Ishimaru's ideas, so he feels very touched by Hinata's response. He smiles and holds back tears as he looks towards the other boy.]

Yes... You understand. You truly understand what I mean, Hinata-kun! I feel gladder to know you with each sentence! [He'll clap a hand on Hinata's shoulder.] Let's do our best to make such a world a reality! And we will start with figuring this school out!

[It's one way to help him feel spirited after the lack of any progress with the locked doors. With another like-minded individual around, Ishimaru feels like they truly can do anything, including finding a way out of here!]

Yes, I suppose that the second floor would be the next area of interest... [He isn't eager to revisit the auditorium either. It's an area that reminds him of Monokuma and his announcements. And who leaves something important in a room like that, anyway?

As Hinata looks at the bulletin board, Ishimaru joins him in looking it over with a confused glance.]

I agree. Not to mention a very unrealistic one! They should choose actual animals to act as their mascots, so that students are not confused by such myths!

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