Project Arc: an Original Fanganronpa

Chapter 3, Act 1

"Attention, everyone," called out a familiar shrill voice. "Attention!"

On top of the table at the very center of the room, the cat-like figure from before sprung up, clinking a champagne glass with a teaspoon and holding a large cardboard box in its lap. Huh... I wonder what's in there.

"Are all my little Ultimates listening? Pay attention!"

At this point, everyone's attention was now focused on the little black and white cat, whether they wanted to or not.

"Okay, good! As you all know, I am Mononeko! Your feline headmaster at Hope's Peak." He spread his arms out in grandeur.

"Yeah, right..." muttered Merian, to which many other Ultimates nodded and mumbled in agreement, even that Miko girl, who seemed to dislike her. Mononeko ignored them and went on.

"Consider this a little orientation talk to get you up to speed with your situation." Mononeko paced around the room as he spoke, eyeing the Ultimates one by one with an unreadable expression. "Now, you may be wondering why sixteen of you have been brought here, to this little paradise of a manor, when you have been expecting to attend Hope's Peak. How you got here is not important, but the truth of the matter, and the most important thing, is that you're all trapped, as I'm sure the brighter of the bunch have figured out."

What? That's the first I've heard of it.

I felt a small tap on my shoulder.

"I'll tell you later," whispered a voice in my ear, most likely after noticing my puzzled expression. Huh? Who was that? Ah. I glanced behind me to find Henri with a grim yet calm expression on his face, who managed to find me amidst the crowd. Oh, of course it's Henri. The only one who would help me out in this Godforsaken place.

"That's right!" Mononeko repeated with glee. "You're all stuck here–"

"Until when?" interrupted a calm, unfamiliar voice with a neutral accent. I glance around the Ultimates to find the owner of the voice, before my eyes finally land on him. Wait, no. A girl? And she's certainly... something. While Henri was always calm in a peaceful sense, a better word for this girl would be unfazed. She stuck out like a sore thumb, not because of her appearance (well, maybe so), but her slightly cold yet amused expression as if this was an opportunity to get ahead and challenge herself rather than a situation to fear. She emanated a very clear aura of coolness and collectedness, her head held high as she crossed her arms, staring down the cat with a competitive gleam in her dark eyes. She almost seemed bored with the current situation, despite the small challenging smile on her face. Her face had rather soft features, except for her sharp, piercing eyes and the fact that it was marred by a pale, long scar on her cheek. And yet... despite her intentions seeming so clear, her pupils contained a certain dullness to them, like windows to the soul curtained by a mask. Ignore the top layer, and she is unreadable.

She ran her hands through her dark brown and bright blue hair as she stared him down, almost seeming completely relaxed. She wore a simple white button-up, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows and regular black dress pants and shoes. Her outfit was supplemented with black suspenders, black leather gloves, an undone plain tie, and... my eyes traced her figure to her hips to the leather holsters strapped to her belt. Ah. Looks like I found you, "Gun Girl."

"Oh, it's you again. The impertinent one," Mononeko said drably with a huff, not bothering to overlook her comment. He stomped his foot– no, his paw– on the ground in irritation. "Ugh, Felix... You're so annoying! I was just getting to that!"

Felix? That's Felix? I never would've guessed that "Gun Girl" and Felix were the same person. I mean, it's just because Moxie never specified neither Felix's Ultimate nor gender, nor did she reveal Gun Girl's name, but wow. Somehow, Moxie manages to confuse me even when we're not talking. I swear, she's sweet and all, but if I spend any more time than I need to with that girl, I'll end up eventually losing my title as Ultimate Detective Novelist. Bless her heart.