[b][u]Hideaki Fudai[/u][/b] [b]"....and so you see, not only to I gain the prestige of attending this exclusive academy, but I will also be provided with the unique opportunity to acquire paraphernalia relating to a number of famous individuals from all walks of life. My fame will grow, and so too will my collection. Truly, a fortuitous occasion if ever there was one!"[/b] All seated at the table clapped as Hideaki finished his speech. This gathering was a celebration called by him to mark the occasion on which he would be entering Hope's Peak Academy. He had called business associates and relatives from far and wide to make this event a true spectacle. After all, a recognition of his talents was something that deserved a real occasion to go along with it. [b]"You've really done well for yourself, kiddo."[/b] Speaking was Hideaki's uncle. [b]"But didn't I hear that they were having a party of their own?"[/b] [b]"Indeed they are."[/b] Hideaki told him. [b]"However, I would never be satisfied unless I hosted my own event, to my own standards, and with the people I know and love present for it."[/b] He spoke the last part addressed to the entire group, which was met with a resounding cheer. [b]"Besides, I could never pass on the opportunity to call something my own. You know that, uncle."[/b] [b]"Hah, yeah! You're the Super High School Level Hoar-"[/b] He stopped himself, with Hideaki's expression turning from a pleasant smile to an icy glare. [b]"[u]Collector[/u] through and through."[/b] [b]"Quite."[/b] Hideaki said through gritted teeth. [b]"Besides, they're hosting it in a shopping complex. What on earth were they thinking? I do hope this isn't an indication of things to come. It sounds more befitting a gaggle of schoolgirls than an event for people of note."[/b] [b]"Whaddaya gonna do? Some people like that stuff. But don't let it get to ya; you worked for this, you earned it. It's all you!"[/b] [b]"Yes indeed."[/b] Hideaki would later make his way to the party at the mall. He expected little from it, other than a good opportunity to add to his collection. Indeed, he even arrived to see naught but a gathering of friends. He expected more pomp and ceremony. And perhaps there would've been, if not for his sudden spasm of pain and immediate collapse. --- Hideaki arose to find himself in a room most unfamiliar to him. [b]"What on earth...?"[/b] He murmured, as he stood up straight and tall. It was dark, but he could see other people were here with him. [b]"Hello?"[/b] He asked sheepishly. He had no idea what was going on or where he was, and these people could be hostile. It was best to tread carefully, and slowly figure out what the situation was..... [b][u]Tamiko Yokoshima[/u][/b] Sitting around, doing not much of anything. That was what Tamiko was usually found 'doing', in between events of note. She had no real hobbies. Reading bored her, and television wasn't half as exciting as doing things herself. Anyone that looked at her right now would think she was miserable. She would just tell them she was biding her time. Why waste energy when there was nothing worth wasting it on? So there she sat, awaiting the time at which she would be ported off to this new school. She had made an effort to get into it out of guilt, and she didn't really care much for the idea of attending this "Hope's Peak Academy". But at least they were throwing a party, and that she could get behind. She could only hope they wouldn't follow it up with a whole lot of work. At some point, her dad came in. [b]"It's time to go, Tamiko."[/b] He was going to drive her to the mall for the party. Tamiko grunted to indicate she had heard him, and picked herself off the couch. [b]"You will promise me that you'll try your best at the academy, right?"[/b] [b]"Already did."[/b] Tamiko had been made to promise [i]many[/i] times over that she would do her best to make something of herself at this academy. She didn't see the need, but her parents really wanted her to keep affirming it. [b]"With some emotion, Tamiko."[/b] Her dad whined as she got into the car with him. [b]"I will try my hardest."[/b] She replied. She didn't put all that much effort into saying it, but it was a notable change from her usual tone. [b]"That'll do."[/b] He sounded far from satisfied. But he also knew there wasn't much to be achieved twisting Tamiko's arm. [b]"I've told you a hundred times our hopes are riding on you, and I'll tell you as many times as I feel like. This is your big chance, you can't let it go to waste."[/b] Tamiko grunted in affirmation. Her dad would continue to intermittently ask her to state that she was going to do her best. She told him what he wanted to hear each time. She did plan on trying to be something, but she doubted she was going to be the something they wanted her to be. They expected her to end up being a scientist or a doctor or whatever else. She hoped she would find out that she could make a career off of professional partying. But even she knew it was probably a vain hope. This whole academy was a vain hope. She just wanted it to be a bearable experience. Finally arriving at the mall, she knew it was time for the party. As she got closer, she could feel the rush as her energy came to her. She was in her element. She was definitely going to have fun. And she was definitely going to suddenly feel a sharp pain and black out. --- Tamiko awoke in a dark room with no idea how she got there. In fact, she didn't even recall her own name until it strangely came to her within a few moments of waking up. Hearing a crying sound in the room, Tamiko noticed she was sharing the room with someone else. Tamiko approached the girl. [b]"Hey, are you alright there?"[/b] She asked. She had no idea how she got here, but maybe this person would know. Hopefully she wouldn't be creeped out by the answer.