Introduction

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I checked my email, and refreshed the screen for what felt like an eternity. I applied to Hope's Peak Academy last month, and today's the day they're sending out acceptance letters. I held my breath with every press of the "command" and "r" keys.
  "Just...a few...more." I repeated to myself, losing hope.
  As I felt tears sting my eyes, and dread fill my system, a new email popped up. I gasped as I read the subject line.
"Mizuki Doro, Thank You for Your Application."
I swallowed hard before opening the message. I read it aloud without realizing it.
"Mizuki Doro, Thank you for your application. Hope's Academy looks to offer everyone...yada yada yada..." I grunted anxiously, and scrolled until I found a line of bold text.
"After considering these factors explained in your application, we are pleased to inform you that you will be joining our class of 2020!" My voice started climbing while reading, and ended with me yelling the final words.
I am the oldest of many children, and my Ultimate is what keeps my family afloat. I am the ultimate caretaker. I get a new babysitting job every other day, with the occasional weekend of helping the elderly. Because of my skills, I am able to charge a lot per hour.
My mother cannot work (besides the occasional odd job for a friend) due to a major injury, my father left after my younger brother was born, and my other siblings aren't old enough to work. Because of this, I am the breadwinner for my household.
I clasped my hands over my mouth, stifling my giggles and sobs of joy. I shot a text to my mom, who was watching a friend's house for the week. She replied immediately, telling me how much love and pride she held for me, and wished me the best.
The first day was next week, giving me time to scrape together some money for school supplies. I even had enough left over to buy a new outfit. I made extra sure that everything was in order, before setting an alarm for 5:30. I had to be at school by 7, but it was a long drive, and I wanted to look nice. Due to all the preparation, I passed out right after setting the alarm.
I woke up to a harsh beeping coming from my phone, as if it'd been going for several minutes. With that realization, adrenaline rushed through my system, nearly forcing me to sit up, and check my phone. My anxiety wasn't without reason, as my phone read "6:30." I had to be at school in 30 minutes!
I practically threw myself out of bed, and frantically brushed my jet black hair. It sat above my shoulders, but it was thick, so it took time to look presentable. I got in my car, and sped off.
I damn near crashed a few times, and got honked at twice as much, but I didn't care. I made it to the entrance with just a couple minutes to spare. When I entered, I noticed I was the last student to make it in. Everyone turned to me, making me blush.
I was about to find a seat among the small crowd, but I was interrupted by a shrill, grating voice:
"It looks like the final student has shown up!"
I turned to the source of the voice, expecting it to belong to a young teenager, but what I was met with was anything but. Instead, it belonged to a bear, shorter than I am. Half his body was white, and the other half was black as midnight. Not only that, but one of his eyes was a red streak, that almost looked like it was etched into his face.
"Kyaaaah!" I screamed.
"Calm down, toots. I'm Monokuma, the headmaster."
Once I collected myself, I felt more confused than anything.
"Y-You're the headmaster?"
He scoffed. "Surprised?"
I was at a loss for words.
"Listen, I ain't got all day to humor your questions and fears, so go make yourself at home. Introduce yourself."
I decided to try and salvage a good impression, so I obeyed. I walked towards a lovely girl with wavy blonde hair, wearing a white crop-top, with high-waisted jeans.
"Uh, h-hello there, I'm Mizuki."
She looked up at her phone, and smiled warmly.
"Hi! I'm Aiko. Aiko Kaminari."
She held her hand out, and I hesitatingly shook it. I tried my hardest to make small talk.
"Wh-What's your ultimate?"
She blushed lightly, making me regret the question.
"It's a little embarrassing, but...I'm the ultimate romantic."
"Well, that makes a lot of sense!" I replied without thinking. She blushed a bit brighter, before we both broke into laughter. Laughing lessened the tension, but I was still eager to be anywhere else.
I walked to a boy and a girl, who looked like twins. They noticed my presence before I could speak.
"Hello there! We're Eiko and Eikoh! We're the ultimate builders!"
As soon as they introduced themselves, I recognized them. They're part of a local, family-owned construction company. Billboards around the town have their faces plastered onto it. Their navy blue hair and dimples are very trustworthy, I guess. Eiko had long braids and freckles, and Eikoh had what looked like a buzz cut.
"Oh, yeah! I've heard of you guys!"
We had a short conversation before I noticed a boy wearing a scarf, and goggles. I chuckled, and decided to talk to him next.
"Uh...hi?" I began shyly.
He saluted. "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"May I...may I ask about your...outfit?"
"Oh, yeah. I'm Sora Arita, the ultimate pilot!"
I realized I recognized him, too. He does helicopter tours in popular vacation areas, and I've even babysat his little sister. After some small talk, a girl with dark red hair, wearing a leather jacket caught my eye. Her thick hair was in a ponytail, and the t-shirt under her jacket had an inverted pentagram in the center.
"Hello, pretty girl."
I was at first flattered by her comment, until I recognized her tone as sarcastic and teasing. I already did not care for her.
"Uh, hi, I'm-"
"Mizuki Doro, Ultimate caretaker."
"H-How did you-"
"I'm Torēsā Hatori, ultimate stalker."
I stood there in shock, trying to think of something, anything, to say.
"..."
My mind went blank.
"...Oh. Interesting."
I quickly walked away, and went towards a boy I hadn't met yet.
As his features became visible, I regretted my decision. He had a short, dirty blonde Mohawk, and a tattered, burnt, red tank top. He also had dozens of tiny scars littering his hands and arms.
"H-Hello..." I meekly greeted.
He looked down, and smirked.
"Hello."
I cleared my throat, and continued.
"I-I'm Mizuki Doro. Ultimate caretaker."
"Eto Hiroji, Ultimate pyromaniac. Though, I do dabble in explosives as well."
Suddenly all the scars made sense.
I made my way to the last student I had yet to meet. She was a timid looking girl, with a nice bust and wide hips. She was wearing yellow gloves that were dusted with dirt, a sunhat, and jeans that were rolled up past her ankles. Her brown hair was tied up in a loose bun. This gave me a sneaking suspicion of what her ultimate was.
"Doro?"
I recognized her French accent.
"O-Oh, hi!"
Marguerite Gagne was famous for her talents in the field of agriculture, and her humongous family. Because of this, I come over every other week to help her take care of them.
  "It is excellent to see you, Mizu!"
  I hugged her, and we chatted about our hopes for the school year. I have a feeling this year will change my life for the better!

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