Dreams Do Come True

SHSL Tarot Card Reader - Yumeko Yumekawa Status: Alive Affiliated With King's Game

[ousamageimu-blog]

Lovely ♡ Lovely // Prologue // Open (Yumeko)

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

shsl-nailist:

Keiko gently rested her hands on her forearms, patiently waiting for Yumeko to collect her thoughts. If there was anything she was good at, it was being patient, at least. The mention of being Hope’s Peak students caught her attention, and she spoke up quickly, 

“Oh, that’s right! How could I forget- Yumekawa-san is also a Hope’s Peak student, so… yeah, you’re probably right! This is probably some weird initiation ceremony, huh? Although… for a school as prestigious as Hope’s Peak, it’s a bit too weird of a way of introducing us, isn’t it? Especially considering we’re not even in a school, really… It’s all so suspicious…”

After thinking it over, the girl looks back towards Yumeko, giving her a reassuring smile, 

“Nehh, nehh~ Don’t worry about it too much, Yumekawa-san! I’m sure if something’s really up, people will come looking for us in no time. We’re pretty well known, after all!”

It’s hard to tell whether she really believes any of that herself. After those few encouraging words, she quickly changes the subject.

“Yumekawa-saaan! Tell me about what it’s like being a cool Tarot Card Idol, huh? I’ve always wanted to know more about you!” 

“Yes, I suppose you’re right...” Yumeko didn’t look entirely satisfied, but she allowed Keiko to segue the conversation elsewhere nonetheless. It wasn’t like talking about their situation would accomplish much, anyways. Perhaps a distraction was more in order, after all. 

“Wh-what it’s like, huh...” She began to stutter again, but after taking a few moments to collect her thoughts, she spoke freely and with a more satisfied air. 

“Well, I love it, of course. Sometimes all the attention can be a little overwhelming, but it makes me happier than I’m able to express that so many people are showing an interest in my passion, and that I’m working hard to make that a reality.” Talking about her work was something she clearly enjoyed, but naturally averse to the attention focused on her, she directed it back towards Keiko. 

“And how about being a nail technician? Is it something you love, as well?” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

PYRAMID Week || Boops + Yumeko || [Prologue]

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

thingsthatgoboops:

At the mention of his companion being honoured, Boops felt his ears grow warm in embarrassment. Him honouring someone else simply by recognizing their talent was a concept alien to him.

“Ah, really? I mean yer work’s really super great! Why wouldn’t I have room ta recognize it among everyone else? And kehe, not a purr-oblem. I know a lotta people don’t recognize it? Payin’ attention to every little thing’s pretty hard.”

He offered a shrug.

“Thank ya! I mean Tarou always said I had a natural talent fer it. And I wouldn’t doubt it, what with tarot and paranormal and all? I mean I’ve covered tarot stuff before. Though yeah, fair enough! I mean that’s just what I’ve come ta associate it with but yer wishes are heard. Paranormal or not, attracts similar crowds I’d imagine. I mean mostly I just deal in critters of the night and stuff.”

The prospect of “skeptics” caused a frown to appear, and he recalled back to the numerous times his work had been called into question. So what if they claimed ghosts didn’t exist? 

“…I should hope so! I mean ya make yer shows very interestin’, like a performance. Kehehe, no fears here, I’ve really seen and heard it all. Mostly I talk about urban legends and the paranormal, ya know, hauntings? I investigate stuff myself if I can, I’ve been all over Japan. Sometimes listeners send in their stories! Sometimes I talk about history and folklore. Sometimes science like dark matter. It kinda varies from episode ta episode but I am e-clectic! I’d ask you about yerself but I guess I can see wi’ my own two eyes.”

He pointed to them while also settling himself down on a different couch.

“Any further questions?”

As Yumeko listened intently to Boops talk about his work, she pocketed the Temperance card she was holding, and swapped it for another out of her deck, all in one quick motion that seemed fairly insignificant. If Boops was paying attention, he may have noticed her facial expression transition quickly from a placid smile to an all-too-exciting grin as she held up the Chariot to her chest. 

“You travel to investigate? That’s so cool!” Her enthusiasm came dangerously close to invading Boops’s personal space as she spoke. 

“Further questions? ‘Course I got questions! Have you ever seen a ghost? Talked to one? What did the ghost have to say? Or, oh! Have you talked to more than one? What about curses? Have you ever been cursed? Cursed by a ghost?” She sat upright, firing off questions faster than anyone could have possibly answered them. Once she finally decided that was enough, she stood smiling, practically vibrating with anticipation at hearing about Boops’ adventures. 

[ousamageimu-blog]

☆ Playing Cards of The Future ☆ || Hiro+Yumeko || Prologue

Currently, Hiro found himself in yet another lull period with nowhere to investigate and no company. He had been on the move since they had woken up and felt the first signs of fatigue beginning to show: his posture was starting to slip, he was gradually losing focus, and he had a strong urge to sit.

Looking at all of this information, he decided to start heading in the general direction of his room. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to lay down quite yet, as he wasn’t exhausted by any means, but it gave him at least somewhere to go.

Who knows? Maybe he would find someone or something to occupy his time? Anything would be better then letting himself ruminate over their current position, at least in his opinion.

As he lazily strolled his way down the hallway, he nearly slammed right into a blur of red hair and ribbons. Looks like he might get his wish after all.

“W-Woah!” Throwing out his arms to steady himself, the boy stumbled back from the close encounter. His already rosy cheeks darkened as he realized his mistake.

“Aah! I am so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking. I hope you’re alright!”

Regaining his balance, the speaker pulled his hands to himself and looked apologetically to the girl’s face. Just as he was to continue, however, he was suddenly quiet.

He recognized her.

“Oh? You…” Like a lost puppy, his head cocked to the side in innocent curiosity. “I think I’ve seen you somewhere before? Hmm… You’re a tarot card reader, yes?”

While Hiro wasn’t usually someone who tried reading into this fate, he did watch a lot of fellow performers in his spare time. Magicians, Comedians, Lecturers - he found merit in watching all types of presentations. If memory served him correctly, he did remember seeing a young girl like herself giving readings on a stage.

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

“Oh!” 

Hiro hadn’t crashed into her, but the surprise caused her to stumble backwards as well and drop the card in her hand. For a second, her eyes darted back and forth between the boy and the fallen card, until she decided to scoop it back up. She turned back, Hermit in hand, and addressed him. 

“I... I...” 

“I’m so sorry!! That was all my fault! You could have fallen, or hurt yourself, all because I wasn’t paying attention! Please, please, please forgive me!” Almost as if she had been cued to, Yumeko started crying. The tears were genuine, though, and she held her hands out and retracted them back several times, unsure exactly how to apologize. After sobbing to herself for a few more moments, she wiped her eyes and attempted to smile again, though her face was still noticeably red and puffy, and tears still lingered, as if ready to burst again at a moment’s notice. 

“Th-that’s right. I’m the SHSL Tarot Card Reader- Yumeko Yumekawa. I really am sorry we had to meet like this, but you are...?” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

PYRAMID Week || Boops + Yumeko || [Prologue]

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

thingsthatgoboops:

Once Boops had gotten a better view of his companion, his attention was immediately drawn to the card in her hand. Grinning, he shelved asking her about it away for later and instead thought about what to say. Off to the side the show continued to play in the background - mere white noise as the radio host didn’t make an effort to switch it off. Thankfully it was at a low enough volume that his voice could be heard, but it was still a distraction. 

“Cards? Oh, are ya a magician of some kind? Wait… oh, fiddlesticks, ya just said it. Tarot card reader, woah! I don’t own a deck but I know all ‘bout it. And I think I know about ya too, eh? Yumeko Yumekawa! God’s All-Knowin’ Idol? A pleasure and a half ta be in yer presence.”

His face lit up with interest, excitement bubbling within his chest. Not only a  talent that he had some knowledge of, but a person too! Adjusting his arm crutch slightly, he waited for his companion’s reaction to his observation. “Oh”? Was that it? Pushing aside his own feelings, a headtilt was given to the reader’s response. 

“Kehehe, me, nah. People seem ta think I’d be a talented actor but ain’t got the patience fer it. Guess I kinda am an actor, though; Boops Boops, SHSL Paranormal Radio Host. Host of “Things that Go Boops in the Night”. But eh, can imagine, what with the stage of yer performances? They’d think yer a natural at it. Me? People kinda don’t see my face outside a social media so they ain’t exactly clamorin’ ta get me on their shows.”

Though the small shrug he gave told nonchalance, his eyes said a different story as they glimmered at the chance to talk about himself. 

“Dunno what ya want ta know. Welcome, you nightcrawler, to the company of Boops Boops, star-and-host of my own radio show centred within Chuuou, Tokyo, along with the vast and cryptic realms of the internet. Interested in paranormal? I’ve talked about it. Call 1-800-BOO-PSBOO now fer a free consultation.”

A beat. 

“Disclaimer: Don’t, actually, call in to that. I dunno whose number it is but ain’t the station’s.”

As if they were capable of calling people outside of their current location now.  

“Oh, I’m so honored to be recognized, especially among so many other great talents,” Yumeko sighed slightly, looking somewhere between gratified and slightly embarrassed, “I’m sorry to say that I’m not familiar with your show... Boops, was it? but, oh--” 

“Your voice... it’s so distinct. Somewhat soothing, too. It’s no wonder you’ve become so acclaimed for what you do. Your subject matter seems to be quite intriguing as well. I imagine we attract a similar audience to some point, you and I, though despite what I’ve been labeled by those who call themselves skeptics, I wouldn’t personally classify my work as ‘paranormal’.” 

At the mention of ‘skeptics’, Yumeko cringed lightly. It was a purely physiological reaction to the term, but it made her personal feelings on the matter very visible. 

“No, I imagine the subjects of your shows would be classified as much more interesting than that. What sorts of things do you talk about, anyways? I’m very intrigued, I must say. Have no fear of judgment, you’re speaking to ‘God’s All-Knowing Idol’, after all.” She punctuated that statement with a pleasant giggle, and took a seat nearby. 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Rum Hackworth - Pint-Sized Powder-Pal Reporting

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

shslexplosivesengineer:

“So, you can see the future with pieces a’ cardstock? That’s pretty snazzy Fruit Salad.”

Rum didn’t necesarilly believe that Yumeko could tell fortunes just through cards. How would you even know what meant what? Rum looked at the card presented to her, raising an eyebrow as she examined it, before shrugging. Eh, there were probably weirder talents around here.

“Explosives Engineer, Fruit Salad! I don’t sell things that go boom, I make ‘em.”

Rum paused, before laughing to herself.

“Yeah, you’re right Sass. I don’t just make explosives. I do a lot of math and stuff to work out the best ways to use and improve them, yknow? But I like to focus on the part that goes boom.”

Rum was pleased that someone had a bit of sense and could see how absolutely awesome Explosives Engineering was, She liked Yumeko so far. The orange haired girl had a good head on her shoulders, at least in Rums opinion.

Yumeko stood still as Rum examined her card, speaking up slightly for further explanation. 

“This is The Lovers, one of the trump cards. As the name implies, this card symbolizes love, communication, beneficial relationships, and harmony- among other things, depending on the context, of course.” In a way that almost seemed rehearsed, she flipped the card upside down and continued talking without missing a beat. “But when it’s upside down like this, it could mean almost the opposite. Imbalance, conflicts, or the degradation of close relationships. Every card has a unique meaning like this~” 

With that, Yumeko quieted down and listened intently to Rum’s explanation of her talent. As difficult as it was for her to grasp personally, she was visibly impressed. 

“Oh, so you’re good with math and all that? That’s amazing!” She beamed slightly in Rum’s direction, “I’m afraid I can’t say the same. I could never get a good grasp on stuff like that... my grades in school were pretty embarrassing, actually but--” Yumeko struck a distinctly girlish pose, “We’re both doing what we love, right? That’s what important!” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Let's Game: Whatcha Name? | Prologue | Open | Hideki

Hideki expected normalcy, when he woke up. He’d never been in a situation where he didn’t recognize the place he woke up in, and he’d certainly never slept on a floor before. The voices of two strangers in an argument brought him to the world of the waking, and he realized he felt sore. He put his hands to the ground and pushed himself up, feeling anxiety on a level he’d never experienced before—this was all new to him, in every aspect of the situation. He didn’t recognize anyone here, and he certainly had never seen talking cartoon bears before.

As he looked around and tried to take everything in, Hideki slowly backed away and attempted to calm down. He couldn’t show his fear on his face, that would be giving away his power. No, he would keep neutral, learn what he could, and move on from there. As the two bears explained the situation, he began feeling around in his pockets and came across what they referred to as an ‘Electro ID’. He began to fuss with it, grateful for the distraction, and found the ‘order’ they described. It was almost funny enough to distract him from his trepidation, and he couldn’t help but let out a single incredulous chuckle as he pocketed the ID. He looked around yet again, then picked out someone in front of him. With his target in mind, he approached quickly and coughed, as if to get their attention before speaking.

“Hey. You. Tell me your name.”

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

Yumeko squealed in surprise, a little melodramatically, at the sudden greeting. She stared blankly, blinking for a few moments as she looked him over. When she did speak up, it was with an uncharacteristically aggressive tone, one that was almost jarring. 

“Hey! Is that really any way for you to speak to a girl...?” She paused for a few moments more to take in his reaction, before relaxing her shoulders and completely abandoning her earlier “anger” for a light giggle. 

“Just kidding!! I’m Yumeko Yumekawa, SHSL Tarot Card Reader ☆!” Being used to people recognizing her on sight, Yumeko refrained from any further introduction, instead turning the attention onto her new friend. 

“So, it’s only fair you tell me your name now, right~?” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

PYRAMID Week || Boops + Yumeko || [Prologue]

This was his lucky week, wasn’t it. Despite the minor setback realizing he had been kidnapped was, Boops still had plenty of energy to spare and with the goal in mind of talking to as many people as possible kept firm in his sight he set forth once again with adventure on the brain. Since he had been at the conservatory the previous few times he encountered others, he veered off course and instead found himself making his way to an area he had visited prior, but never given thorough consideration - the common room.

And the view of the inside, all plush carpeting and red tones, elicited a gasp from the radio host despite having been here twice before. How wonderful was this, a room furnished unlike anything he had seen before aside from the time he spent in a fancy hotel when he first lived in Japan. But even this was a much different sight from the drab grey and brown of the lobby area of that building. Hands trembling slightly, the radio host limped over to one of the seats and settled, placing his crutch neatly over his lap. Switching on the TV, he eagerly took in the sight of… yet another plush bear contorting on the screen.

Wasn’t that like an anime he had seen once? Dramatic character poses? Out of the corner of his eye he noticed someone else in the room with him, and the radio host motioned excitedly without another thought given.

“Hey! Hey, look at these co-OOOOL shows!”

“Cool shows” of course meaning in this context that the bear was still posing merrily on the screen, which his companion could clearly see should they choose to approach. Bouncing in his seat, the radio host continued speaking to the other person regardless of whether they were listening or not.

“Woah, aren’t they such a talented actor? Ya know, I’d love ta act sometime but I don’t have ta patience fer it. Sides, ’m not good at acrobatics and all that. But I love seein’ what others get up to if they try their best. Yeah, yeah! Anyways, howdy-do there, hope I’m not cuttin’ in to whatever yer here for. Kehehe, don’t mind me.”

Said with a wink to his companion, as if to say “please mind me”. Thanks, Boops.

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

After things had settled down slightly, Yumeko lingered in the common room, taking a seat at one of the tables and setting both her decks in front of her. Carefully, she overturned each card and counted slowly in her head. The relief she felt that they were still on her person had faded with time, and she wasn’t able to shake the feeling that one or two could be missing. She wasn’t sure how exactly she got here, after all. 

As she was nearing the end, though, an unfamiliar voice broke her concentration. She turned immediately, the uncounted card still in her hand, Temperance. 

“Cool shows...?” She asked quietly. As he continued to speak, Yumeko quickly finished counting her cards, being sure to continue to listen the best she could. Once she finally confirmed she had all of them, she carefully packed them back in their separate cases- save the Temperance card still held in her hand- and joined the person sitting in front the television. 

“Oh, don’t worry. I was only counting my cards, I apologize for not speaking up earlier.” She bowed politely with a pleasant, friendly smile. “I don’t believe we’ve met yet. My name is Yumeko Yumekawa, known as the SHSL Tarot Card Reader.” In the midst of introducing herself, Yumeko hadn’t yet checked the ‘cool show’ he was talking about. Once she turned to look at it, she could only manage to look at it for a few moments, stuttering out a slightly embarrassed “oh” and turning back to address her new friend. 

“Yes, well, I’m certain you’d be more of a talented actor than... ah, whatever this is meant to be,” Yumeko’s tone was too gentle to tell if this was a joke or a genuine compliment, “I’ve been invited to play small parts in shows before, but I’ve never accepted. It’s just not the right environment for me, I’m afraid.” She spoke freely, without a hint of boastfulness, though obviously under the assumption that this person already knew she was somewhat of a celebrity. 

“But that’s more than enough about me, isn’t it? Please, tell me more about yourself- starting with your name, of course.” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Rum Hackworth - Pint-Sized Powder-Pal Reporting

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

 shslexplosivesengineer:

Rum looked this strange girl up and down, her manic grin continuing to spread across her face. Ah! This girl got it!  Rum grinned, nodding as Yumeko introduced herself. 

“Nice to see someone who gets what’s up! We’re gonna take this game by storm!” 

Rum was clearly enjoying the attention, and gave Yumeko a quick salute before extending her hand to shake as she introduced herself, looking up at the slightly taller girl.

“Th’ Names Rum! I’m the SHSL Explosives Engineer! Pleased ta’ make yer acquaintance! I’ve only got one question for ya, Fruit Salad!”

“What the heck is a Tarot Card? Is it like, Counting cards in Blackjack or somethin?…Yeah, I know Sass. I didn’t expect to see lil’ miss twintails to be a gambling mastermind either.”

Rum mumbled to herself as she asked Yumeko the question, glancing to her left as she did so.

“Fruit Salad...? Oh, I see! I’ve already got a nickname! How cute!!” Yumeko giggled, calming down only ever so slightly, “It’s so nice to meet you, Rum-chan! Let’s see...” 

Still smiling, she looked up and went silent for a few seconds, thinking over how to answer Rum’s question. It was actually fairly often she was asked about her cards, and she was always happy to offer an explanation, but she had been in this business long enough to know she needed to choose her words carefully when answering. 

“Tarot cards are playing cards, yes! Very old ones. 5 suits, 4 standard and one trump suit. 78 cards in all!” During her little lecture, her voice maintained her earlier cutesy tone, “But I don’t use them for playing games. I use them for divination, you see! Fortune telling ☆ ! Have you ever seen my show?” The fact that Rum didn’t even know what a Tarot card was answered that question a little prematurely. 

“People come to me with a question, and I use my cards to give them an answer! It’s a little more complicated than that, but I won’t bore you with the whole explanation~” She winked, holding her card out closely for Rum to examine. 

“So now you get to tell me about being an- ah, what was it- an explosives auctioneer?? That sounds so interesting!” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Lovely ♡ Lovely // Prologue // Open (Yumeko)

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

shsl-nailist:

Keiko’s eyes widened and she blushed slightly as Yumeko complimented her appearance, and even more so as her hands were grasped. She stuttered slightly, obviously pretty flattered- it’s not every day you get complimented by such a big celebrity.

“Ahah~ you like them? I’m flattered, Yumekawa-san! To be complimented by you is a real honor, you know? I’ve always admired those cute ribbons of yours, myself…”

She giggles politely, 

“Oh, I’d love to be your friend! We’ll keep an eye out for each other in here, right? I’m sure we’ll get out of here in no time, considering our popularity– especially yours! I’d say it was a pretty dumb move kidnapping famous people, hahah~”

Keiko put a hand to her cheek once hers were released, watching with an internal excitement as Yumeko switched cards- just like on TV!

“Nehh, don’t worry about it!~ I’m Keiko Kimura– SHSL Nail Technician! I work in a salon in Akihabara called Crescent Nail, if you’ve ever heard of it. I can’t stress how nice it is to meet you, Yumekawa-san! Even in such strange circumstances…”

“Ah... thank you very much,” Yumeko said, her earlier stammering mostly dissipating into a much more comfortable, albeit barely audible, speech pattern. “I appreciate the reassurance.” 

She put a finger under her chin and tapped her foot, as if impatient with her own thoughts. It was difficult to tell exactly what she was thinking about, but once she noticed Keiko was, in fact, still here, Yumeko waved apologetically and spoke up again. 

“What you said- about kidnapping famous people, I mean,” Yumeko looked to her left and right, studying the students still in the room for a second, “We’re all Hope’s Peak students, aren’t we? But it doesn’t seem like we’re being held for ransom for anything...” 

“We’re just being made to play some game... it hardly even seems dangerous. It could just be some kind of prank or bizarre initiation ritual, but I just can’t help but have a bad feeling about all this...” At this point, it seemed more like Yumeko was deliberating with herself rather than conversing with Keiko, worry clearly etched on a face that was bright with her cutesy idol smile only a few minutes ago. 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Rum Hackworth - Pint-Sized Powder-Pal Reporting

“…….”

“Wait, so you’re sayin’ we’re stuck here to play some sorta game, or some shit?”

“…….”

The diminutive girl paused, looking to the side, a hand on her hip as she mused over the facts she’s been presented in her head.

“Fuck it, I’m in! Sounds like a blast! Right Sass…? Damn skippy! Bring it on, Rum and Sarsaparilla, in the building!”

Rum started to laugh, wringing her hands together while her eye twitched slightly. What an interesting sight. 

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

Yumeko covered her mouth coyly with The Lovers card as she giggled at the sight of the small girl, clearly excited by their predicament. Cautiously, she approached her, though still clearly fighting back a bit of a laughing fit. 

“You’re taking this in stride- oh, don’t worry! I think that’s a great attitude to have, really!” Yumeko waved her hands defensively, albeit a bit exaggerated, and flashed a pleasant smile.

“In fact, I think it’s an excellent attitude to have!! I can already tell we’re gonna be such good friends!” Yumeko swayed slightly and stomped her feet quickly in an obvious show of excitement. It was a bit performative, as if she were trying to force herself to match her new friend’s enthusiasm, but she was genuinely happy to be making acquaintance nonetheless. “Oh no! I’m so sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! Stupid, stupid Yumeko.” She stuck her tongue out tapped her head with her fist. 

“But that’s me! Yumeko Yumekawa, SHSL Tarot Card Reader!” To top off her introduction, she flashed a peace sign and her best, brightest idol smile. “And yours?” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Lovely ♡ Lovely // Prologue // Open (Yumeko)

[godsallknowingidol-blog]

shsl-nailist:

Keiko seemed startled by the sudden interruption, doubling back and blinking at the sight of the other. She’d been nervously surveying the area, looking around at everyone who was supposedly “trapped” there with her and trying to guess who might be a part of all this.

Bumping into Yumeko snapped her out of it for a moment, and she choked out a weak,

“H-huh?….”

She looked the girl up and down, her eyes widening. This person… she’d seen them before…. this was…. no, it couldn’t be– but…. it definitely was! Gotta turn on the charm…

“I… I know you… you’re….”

“W-wow! You’re Yumeko Yumekawa! I’ve seen your show lots of times! It’s so amazing to finally meet you in person! Hah… this is a pretty strange circumstance to get to meet you in, isn’t it? It’s too bad that it has to be this way, you know?”

“Mmm– I think this may be some sort of celebrity kidnapping! I mean- I’m not really a celebrity, but I’d say I’ve got a fanbase! Maybe that’s what’s going on?”

She taps her lip curiously. Hopefully Yumeko hadn’t seen the huge scene Keiko had pulled earlier.

“Oh!! I’m always so happy to meet a fan!” Yumeko positively beamed, swaying back and forth with excitement. “Oh, and you’re so beautiful! I love all your hairclips- so, so cute!!” She punctuated her compliment with a small, girlish squeal. 

“These aren’t the best circumstances, certainly, but...” Yumeko stuck The Lovers back into her case so that both her hands would be free, and in the same motion took both of Keiko’s in her own, “I’m always happy to make a new friend! A new best friend!” She continued to beam, almost allowing her intensely friendly smile to speak for her. “And I won’t let any harm come to a friend of mine, that’s a promise!” 

With that, Yumeko let go Keiko’s hands free and reached into her case again. This time, she drew another card- High Priestess. Immediately, her smile faded ever so slightly, replaced by a more sheepish and uncertain expression. 

“O-oh, I’m sorry... I never even...” For a second, it was if she was struggling to complete her sentence, “I never asked your name. You said you had a fanbase, b-but, oh, I’m sorry...” 

[ousamageimu-blog]

Lovely ♡ Lovely // Prologue // Open (Yumeko)

As if waking up suddenly from an intense dream, Yumeko barely noticed what was happening around her. Rather, her mind was elsewhere- but where? At Hope’s Peak? Home? On stage? It was difficult to say, really, but for the most part she hadn’t even processed her situation until well into the two bears’ speech. 

A game, then? Games were fun. Were they? Deliberating on the question for a few seconds, the realization that they had all been kidnapped suddenly dawned on Yumeko like an anvil dropping in an old cartoon. With an audible gasp, she quickly grasped her hips and breathed a sigh of relief once she felt her decks secure on her belts. Without missing another beat, she reached into one and effortlessly drew a single card- The Lovers. 

Allowing herself to breathe again, she held the card securely in her fingers and listened intently to what the bears had to say. Of course, it was somewhat difficult to take them seriously, but the reality of the fact was that they had been kidnapped- she hadn’t really much choice in the matter. 

With the explanation out of the way, Yumeko immediately drew her attention to her Electro ID, swiping away with a pleasant smile on her face like a child who had just received a new toy. 

“Well, that seems easy enough!" 

Yumeko looked up from the screen and scanned the room. No one looked too familiar at first sight. Oh well. Time to make a new friend! Catching someone walking by her, Yumeko quickly turned heel and blocked their path with her body. 

"Hello!”, she waved enthusiastically with her free hand, the other holding The Lovers close to her chest, “Yumeko Yumekawa! It’s so nice to meet you! We’re gonna be best friends from here on out, alright~?" 

[ousamageimu-blog]

【Prologue 】 Part 5. - Final.

“Say….you’re all hip young kids- you musta’ played King’s Game back home before right?”

“–Such a fun game!!” Shirokuma interjected, with a clap.

“So we have a little warmup planned for you, a talent warmup you could call it. We’re gonna play a little round'a King’s Game!” Kurokuma threw his hands up in a motion of grandeur… He clearly expected fanfare, but he received none. “–What? Tough crowd… is it because some of you losers ain’t ever played before? That’s gotta be it… makes sense really now that I get a clear look at you….. Shiro! Tell em’ how they play.”

“It’s really simple! This game is a game of orders! Everyone is going to get their own personal number… all to yourself, how nice! Annnd one of you gets to be the King… and you get to give an order!! But… here’s where it won’t be so fun, so please be careful…. if you don’t complete your order… you’re going to get a punishment! Aaaa!! I don’t want to have to give anyone’s that! Please work hard and get your orders done!! We’ve even given you all some handy devices, Electro IDs, to help you keep track of this… aside from the order board! That’s the old pen and paper way of doing it, kinda charming~! You all will really love the game… I promise! Swear on my heart and hope to die!!

Aaaah! Wait… I take that back! I don’t wanna die! ”

“It’s pretty damn simple!! Only 10% skill, 20% luck, and 15% concentrated power of will. We’re making it real easy for you this first time…. and we’re even letting you stay in this place - look how fuckin’ baller it is! Like I said, even industry pros gotta scrape the bucket for this kind of lifestyle! Even that gizmo you all got, pretty fuckin’ luxurious! It’s even got all the rules there, it’ll save us some damn time if you read it frequently too!”

Both of them…. really don’t know how to orchestrate… whatever they’re trying to orchestrate.

“You kids reading the situation? We’re your Kings this round, you do what we tell you, OK? Simple. If I ask you to rub my back it better be done by yesterday!! And well too, like a pricey Wagyu!!”

“—B-but If you don’t complete my order… I won’t be too mad!”

In an instant Kurokuma smacked Shirokuma behind the back of the head.

“Don’t listen to this idiot! You better take this seriously - it’s your role before to the main event!”

Kurokuma grabbed Shirokuma’s arm, “Alright… I need a trip back to my jacuzzi. Let’s blow this popsicle stand!” Much to the others displeasure he began to be dragged away.

“If you need me– just message me on your Electroooo IIIIIDDDDD!” Shirokuma left you with those parting words, echoing as the two disappeared. Silence hung momentarily, before 20 ‘ping’s resounded from a weight within your pockets.

Your orders have been issued. It was time to play.

[ousamageimu-blog]

【Prologue】 Part 4.

The bear raised its paw for a brutal strike but heard the bustling of those waking up around it; and the entire fight scene fell flat. Both bears now stood still with their eyes intently on all of you. Awkward as it should have been, this was nothing less than pure tension - what were these creatures and why were they arguing about presumably - you?

“Alright. Gigs up! You can all stop lookin’ at us like bats outta’ hell too!…. Even if that’s pretty fuckin’ dope.” The black bear addressed you all first, pulling the cigar out of it’s mouth and twirling it as it finished.

“Shiro! S-Man! You tell em’ what’s going down this time, hehe–!” It gave a hefty smack to the back of it’s counterpart who sputtered and whined before it began.

“We’re your friendly–!” Another smack to it’s back from the other.

“God dammit! You can’t even get the introduction right– friendly!?”

“…I am friendly though…”

You could feel the inevitability of them fighting each other once again just on the horizon - but much to the contrary the black bear growled and took charge.

“Ok’ Nuf’ bullshit. Welcome to King’s Game – the biggest debut of your short careers!! You brats better be really grateful you got given this chance’… most industry pros need to spend years breaking into this role.”

“Ehehe– he’s right! Me and Kurokuma are gonna help you live up to your fullest potential… how fun is that gonna be!!” The white bear clapped his hands together giddily, before immediately shifting gears to anxiety. “Oh! Ah! I’m Shirokuma by the way!”

“That’s us!! You better remember our names if you manage to get big… I’ll ruin your fuckin life if you forget me!!” Kurokuma screeched, before patting himself down and getting to the real business.   

[ousamageimu-blog]

【Prologue】 Part 3.

“Huuu… but I don’t know if–”

“Oh, quit being such a whiny baby bitch! Of course things’ll be fine! Who do you think I am? Some–”

“-Ooohhh– ahhh! I’m so s-scared!! Oooohh!! Look! They’re waking up!”

“Really? All-fuckin’-ready you’re scared? They’re still half catatonic like the morning after a big bangin’ concert you wet noodle. We gotta start moving before they’re up an’ at em’ !”

“But they look so peaceful right now—”

“You just said they fuckin’ scared you! Make up your damn mind!!”

“Ahhhh!! Scary things can be beautiful sometimes–!!!”

… You were definitely still dreaming. You definitely were– how else would you be able to explain this? Two plushie bears, one white, one black; at eachothers throats– or rather, one was on the offensive while one simply cowered away. You slap yourself– pinch yourself– shut your eyes tightly, willing the figures away– whichever action that suited your character best to wake yourself up, but the bears weren’t going away. In fact, they were clearly getting into a tussle. Speechless. All of you were speechless, now sitting up or standing, and eyes glued to the slapstick act taking place before you.

Punches and kicks - slaps and throws, nothing was off the table in the fight you were witnessing, even if it seemed entirely one-sided on half of those actions. The black bear rained all forms of violence onto the white one, who cowered and merely waved its hands limply back in defense.

(Art by Shinx!)

“Man up and take responsibility once and a fuckin’ while!!!”

“—AAAaaa!! I’ll try- I’ll try! Please stop hitting me! My ears are sensitive! -Hey hey hey hey, they’re– they’re waking up for real now!”

“You’re not trickin’ me this time!!”

[ousamageimu-blog]

【Prologue】 Part 2.

Darkness. Where are you? You can’t see anything, can’t feel anything – are you lying down or floating? You can’t tell. There’s a voice, though. Deep, smooth. It’s relaxing. Muffled like a scream behind a pillow, but it’s there– reassuring you, comforting you. You want it to keep talking to you. It sounds so far away – it’s going further away. It’s reassurances don’t stop but now other voices are piping up, drowning the tiny comfort. Yells and screams – of happiness, of joy, of desperation, of despair, an argument, a shove and a push turned into bloodshed – an apocalyptic cacophony that rises in its crescendo and it keeps rising and rising and rising at a staccato pace– it’s not slowing down, it’s not stopping, you want it to stop you want it stop you want it to stop–

And the tiny comfort whispers, like the gentle release of piano strings;  “It’ll be okay.”

You jolt awake on cold concrete, barely able to remember the dream that cradled you to consciousness. Your head is pounding– weren’t you just in front of HPA? Speaking of which, was this HPA? Where were you? What you saw was blurred, fading into shapes from the edges of your eye, but an abandoned warehouse was what it looked like, rather than a school. Vision now focusing and adjusting, 19 other figures that were on the ground by you begin to stir– confusion, fear, and wariness etched on their features. There was some comfort in knowing that others appeared to be in the same situation you were in– but the situation itself was strange, disconcerting. You open your mouth, perhaps to ask the person nearest to you what was happening (though of course, a part of you knew they wouldn’t know), or to rally the others– whatever the reason, you’re interrupted by two voices - oddly pitched, somewhat annoying – one soft and one harsh…..

[ousamageimu-blog]

【PROLOGUE】 Part 1.

Hope’s Peak Academy is an exclusive, government-sanctioned school that only accepts students with exceptional abilities. The campus stands tall in the center of largest metropolitan community in Japan, as a symbol of hope and success for the future.

Only the best of the best may enter, with average high school students envying those who manage to make it in. It’s only fitting that students of Hope’s Peak Academy are dubbed ’Ultimate’, and are given specific ’Super Highschool Level’ Titles befitting their field of expertise. Students who graduate from the Main Course are certainly guaranteed success and prosperity in life, with alumni often influencing the world with their talents. No matter what decade, the world remains on track to a future, always brighter than the last – and it’s all thanks to Hope’s Peak Academy..

The pounding in your chest grows heavy as you stand before it’s pearly gates; this is it – the start of your high school life as an Ultimate. Excitement, fear, adrenaline – emotions flood your senses as you take your first step. Your visions blurs – but from what? You don’t mind. The world contorts and darkens, numbness pangs within your mind, seeping throughout your body –

and it all slips away.