Truth, Perjury, and Sacrifice

First Day Back

Monday morning came quickly, pushing many of the former classmates to wake up early and prepare for the day they had all been waiting for. The doors to the new Hope's Peak Academy would be opening up. Makoto stood in front of the mirror, hands frozen mid-way in tying his tie. His heart was heavy, even though he was a mix of excited and nervous. He closed his eyes and saw the faces of his late classmates. In his mind, they smiled back at him, as if to encourage him. Over two years ago, their normal school life, or their lives in general, stopped. The world they once knew was gone and this new one had replaced it.

"Are you alright?" Kyoko asked. Her hand was squeezing his shoulder.

"Just a bit nervous. Do you think they're ready?"

Kyoko nodded, "I think they've adjusted to living in the dorms. Two weeks together has given them time to get to know one another and experience a stable environment again." Makoto didn't seem convinced. "I think...my father would be happy about what we're doing. He would be happy that someone like you continued his work."

"It still feels wrong sometimes. To continue on without everyone," Makoto said.

"I know. The others have said the same thing." They stood in front of the mirror, acknowledging the slight age they've gained in their bodies and faces. While not much has changed, there was a new air around them. Kyoko's phone beeped, showing a new text message. "Karen's already at the school. We should get going, then."

"Right," Makoto nodded, finishing the knot in his tie.

"Early as always," Kyoko said, exiting the car.

"Of course!" Karen smiled. "I'm eager to get back to what I'm best at. So, what time do classes start?"

"Eight, so I'll start homeroom, and then you can take them individually to have their measurements taken," Kyoko said.

"Wonderful! How are you doing, Makoto? You seem a bit off." Karen glanced at the school, noticing the new emblem that replaced the tainted one. "Right. First day back. Hey," she whipped around, grabbing Makoto's wrist. "It's okay. It's okay that we're moving on."

"Exactly. Sayaka and the others wouldn't want us to give up living for them," Kyoko said.

Makoto glanced between the girls and nodded, "Right. Of course." He took a deep breath and straightened his posture. "Okay, let's go."

"Good morning, everyone!" Kyoko greeted the surprisingly quiet students in their classroom. It must still be weird to know that they're the only class currently enrolled in the school. "To start your first day, I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Kyoko Kirigiri, your Vice Principal," she bowed slightly, "and I hope your time with us will be beneficial".

A few of the students murmured and nodded in acknowledgment. "I would also like to formally introduce Karen Billotte. She will be making your uniforms for the current school year."

Karen took a step forward, "Good morning, everyone! Once Ms. Kirigiri is finished going over important information, I would like each one of you to step into the hall with me, individually, so that I can take your measurements."

Kyoko quickly handed out student handbooks and reviewed the rules of the school. The school would no longer be scouted talent only, as a means to counteract the backlash of the Reserve Course. Since the government no longer could afford, nor would want to afford, to fund Hope's Peak, the school would need to be more open toward students, hence select applicants would be allowed entry. "Classes will start at eight AM and conclude at three PM. From there, curfew begins at eight PM. If you are not on campus by then, disciplinary measures will be taken."

"Well, that's not much of a threat after the shit we've been through," Kaito spoke up.

"I'd imagine not. But please do try to readjust to a normal routine as best as possible. That includes respecting the rules," Kyoko said, glaring over the handbook she was reading from. "Now, that covers the most important information, but please finish reading the rest of the handbook on your own. There are several unique rules that stand as a testament to the challenges this school has faced."

"So, you have a rule about no trapping your friends to make them kill each other?" Miu asked.

"Miss Iruma, such a rule doesn't need to be written in a book because that's self-explanatory," Karen blurted. She immediately cleared her throat and mouthed an apology to Kyoko.

Kyoko nodded, "She's correct. Let's be as civil as possible with the school's recent history. Now, we are familiar with warning signs, so we are better prepared in case anyone in the future does try to replicate what Enoshima managed," she said. No one else spoke or blurted another smart-ass remark. "If there are no other comments, Mrs. Billotte, you are free to take over." Kyoko gathered her things and quietly left the room.

Tsumugi rose her hand, "Uh, Mrs. Billotte? I already have my measurements. Can I just write them down for you?"

"Tsumugi Shirogane, correct?" Karen asked and the girl nodded. "Ah, the Ultimate Cosplayer. You would be quite familiar with such a skill, but I think having someone else take your measurements would be beneficial to your knowledge, so let's start with you." Karen waved the girl on to follow her into the hallway.

Tsumugi shut the door behind her, waiting for Karen's instructions. "Uh, can I ask a plain question?"

"Of course, but first, arms out and legs shoulder-width apart." Karen pulled a long measuring tape from her skirt pocket. With every quick, but subtle shift, she wrote down the number onto a small stationary pad that was velcroed to her wrist.

"So, Tojo referred to you as Mrs. Togami, but you went by a different name just now. Why?"

Karen chuckled, "Professionalism. I prefer to use my maiden name for work. This is work."

"So what was your talent?"

"Ultimate Fashion Designer. However, we may be former Ultimates, but that doesn't change that we are supposedly the best of the best."

"Supposedly?" Tsumugi tilted her head.

"Some of us take the title too far. Humbleness is an attractive quality, miss Shirogane, remember that."

"Too bad Togami isn't all that humble," a familiar voice said. Karen glanced over to see Aoi and Sakura approaching from down the hall.

"Well, hello to you, too!" Karen smiled. "Aoi, you can't say things like that in front of the students. They're not our classmates, after all."

"Oops, sorry!" Aoi chuckled. "Anyway, we came by to meet everyone. We just saw Kyoko and Makoto in their fancy offices. It's so weird, we're all grown up now!"

"Yeah, I know. Okay, Tsumugi, I'm finished. Please send Maki Harukawa out next," Karen said. "You two can go right in, but they aren't the most...receptive bunch."

"That is to be expected, based on what they must have experienced. We were trapped inside a building while they were forced to survive in what was essentially wildland," Sakura said.

"You're right. If you can manage to learn more about their experiences, that would be great," Karen said. "Besides Kirumi, no one in there will really talk to us."

"We'll do what we can!" Aoi said, flexing one arm upward. The pair passed by Maki as they entered the classroom, leaving Karen to resume her busy work.