Kogasa

"I don't think one, or two, or any amount of bad people or thoughts can-- can ever erase the kind of person you are today; someone who-- who really loves so many people and things. Someone who's really loved. And I... I'll remind you-- every time you forget. Every time you think-- you're going to do something that you're scared of doing, or become something you're scared of becoming. Okay?"
Kogasa was a Player from Week 11 of The Reaper's Game. He is Taiki's older brother, and is the eldest brother of three boys. He is also one of Jean's pseudo-children... psuedo-siblings... psuedo-family??; Kogasa see's Jean as his friend and older brother figure.
(If you are here for Week 11 page numbers, please scroll down to the comments section.)
==Appearance==
Kogasa is a fair skinned boy with fiery orange-red hair and hazel eyes. A pair of glasses sit on the bridge of his nose, and are often just a little bit crooked due to his rough treatment of them. A scar that had been slashed diagonally across the bridge of his nose could be seen underneath his glasses, and a lightning bolt shaped gash across his left cheek could be clearly seen on his face as well.
=== Week 11 (Pre-Entry Fee) ===
Kogasa was a five foot tall boy who had large round glasses and several bandages littered along his body, including his knees, fingers, and especially his face. His orange hair was a greatly disheveled mess that ended at his neck... for the most part; two stray pieces of hair framed his face from behind his head, and one greater strand of hair sprouted along where his hair parted. A bandage covered the scar - which, back then, was a true cut - on his nose, and a thick gauze with medical tape covered the gash along his left cheek. Both injuries stung him when touched.
Kogasa had a bright yellow raincoat with matching yellow rain boots. He had a plain black T-shirt and navy pants hidden underneath the raincoat. Kogasa carried around a backpack that was faded green in color, though one strap has been replaced with a plain strip of brown leather. His backpack had school supplies, an umbrella - his psyche during the game - and a soccer ball in it. It also had turtle food in it before he gave it to Pippin.
==== Winter Outfit ====
Pippin and Des bought Kogasa a black winter coat with white fur trimmings as the weather transitioned from fall coolness to winter chilliness. Coupled with red pants, black winter boots, white gloves, and an orange scarf, he was better equipped for the week thanks to the two Reapers.
=== Week 11 (Entry Fee) ===
Kogasa's entry fee made him look like a teenager, seemingly reflecting his intellectual maturity. His hair had been cut into an underfade with a messy mop of hair at the top of his head, and his round glasses were replaced with slim oval-shaped ones. The winter coat et al that Pippin gave to Kogasa months before the game became his older self's default clothing. His backpack from before the game also carried over to his newer appearance during Week 11. Finally, the bandages that littered his body carried over to his teenaged look; the cuts on his face, particularly the one covered by thick medical gauze, stung upon contact.
-- Oh, and he was six feet tall and had a deeper voice. He was pretty good looking. Several parties can confirm this, namely Jean and Yasumu.
=== Week 13 ===
Kogasa, who was exclusively visiting Amaryllis in Cat's Cradle during the week, wore his raincoat over his school uniform. Said uniform consisted of a brown sweater over a white dress shirt, with black pants. I mean, I'm pretty sure he looked like this. Anyway, the most important part of this is that Kogasa's wild hair had since been tamed into a neck-length style with his hair parting at the center. His bangs framed his face, and a single, holy ahoge sprouted from the back of his head.
=== Week 14 ===
Kogasa wore a pink apron over a white dress shirt, black pants, and black dress shoes. This was his work outfit during his time as a shopkeeper for Ribbonshades.
=== Week 15 ===
Kogasa wore his school uniform most days, taking on the habit of rolling up his sleeves up to his elbows. His hair had gotten a little bit longer since Week 14. 
His hair has since grown longer during post-Week. Kogasa can tie his hair up to a small ponytail now!
=== Other Notes ===
Other notes about Kogasa's appearance include:
* During Kogasa's time in the Underground, Kogasa was drawn with dot-like eyes. In chat, his /me text jokingly used descriptions and emojis that emphasized his "tiny, hollow [dot-like] eyes." After winning the game and becoming thirteen, Kogasa was drawn with regular eyes.
* Prior to Week 15, Kogasa was depicted with having a small heart in the highlights of his hair. After Week 15 - specifically, after Valentine's Day - Kogasa's eyes began adopting heart-shaped highlights in his eyes on occasion. The meaning behind this is not as obvious as one thinks.
* Kogasa's costume for Halloween 2017 was Peter Pan.
==Personality==
Kogasa is an amiable yet introverted boy who has been doing his best to reach out to others, thanks to the game he played. His manners are rough around the edges, but he tries to be polite to others. He is quick to make a comment on things that are off or wrong, but he refrains from being too aggressive or confrontational unless the person in question is well-deserving of such behavior.
Kogasa has the academic intellect of a college student, and he has a particularly extensive knowledge on algebra, calculus, economics, physics and biology. He has the ability to quickly assess situations based off of his knowledge on mathematics and sciences beyond his grade level, and he always has a notebook on hand in order to jot down quick calculations. His knowledge was once a source of pride for him; after Week 11, this had since become something Kogasa doesn't mention unless needed, and is no longer a fact that he rubs into others' faces. Kogasa's talents when it comes to being an awesome source of homework help remains unchanged, if not moderately improved upon, to this day.
Socially awkward and slow on picking up certain types of social cues, Kogasa is far from the sharpest kid in Shibuya when it comes to reading others sometimes. He has a short temper when he is handling people who are not friendly nor relaxed right off of the bat; even so, he does his best to give others multiple chances towards earning his friendship if they had gotten off of the wrong foot. If he gets irritated or angered by somebody for too long, Kogasa may develop a lasting dislike towards them. The boy holds grudges and keeps them, even after the person in question amends what they have done.
As of Week 15, he started looking for a way to let go of hatred; because of how recently this decision was made, he has yet to get over the many grudges he has against others. The exception to this is Ulfric - Amaryllis' cousin - who has harmed Amaryllis and himself far too many times to warrant any amount of reconciliation with.
Those who get past the boy's prickly exterior are met with a loyal, honest, and friendly boy who would put his life on the line for those he loves most. Kogasa is a strongly family and honor oriented individual, and those who are especially close to him are people that he would defend until the end of time. He is quieter, calmer, and more relaxed around people he is close to - and while it may take a while for the boy to speak his mind on some subjects, he means the words he says once spoken. The boy can be quite the young gentleman towards people who capture his heart... though nothing can help the fact that he would always be a bumbling, awkward, and easily flustered kid.
=== Pre Week 11 ===
Kogasa was a formal and slightly snobbish boy with a large brain. He was ready to dive into complicated mathematics and theories for small things, and he got stressed out when he found himself faced with too much adversary. Constantly trying to prove himself, Kogasa was arrogant and stubborn in the middle of arguments; he was the first to bolt when he felt too worked up to answer anything anymore.
While candid and quick to comment on things, Kogasa offered support to others who tend to be quieter. While selfless in practice, Kogasa reserve d certain ideals for himself, particularly his concepts of independence and maturity; though, while insistent on being able to support himself, he didn't like to be alone.
=== Other Notes ===
Other notable behaviors Kogasa exhibits are:
* As of Week 15+, Kogasa's character alignment is Lawful Good. He performs good acts both as it is required of him, and as he feels he needs to perform. He is a strict follower of rules, and seeks to meet the expectations of powers higher than him. He cannot stand the wicked and wants to see them fall, even if they are his superior. In the end, the credit he earns for doing good is something he takes modestly - if at all - as he continues to strive for the protection and peace of the good around him.
* Kogasa likes physical contact from people he feels close to. With strangers, acquaintances, and even friends, he displays distaste when touched - especially if said gestures are childish, such as having his head petted.
* In addition to the above note: he is comfortable with holding hands, and otherwise making constant contact, with people he feels especially close to. So far, this is exclusively towards his little brothers Taiki and Nori, Sayoko, Des, and Amaryllis. Jean and Yasumu, while included in the list, are still not allowed to give Kogasa hair ruffles :T (jk it's fine, he'll just pout intensely.)
* Kogasa began to take an interest in English during Week 11. By Week 13-ish, he was able to comprehend spoken English sentences; by pre-Week 15, he is able to have nearly full conversations in English. His English writing has been slowly improving as well.
* Kogasa has several notable nervous ticks that he resorts to when under pressure, including but not limited to: removing his glasses (roughly) and cleaning them (aggressively), running a hand through his hair, pulling at his hair, scratching at his cheeks or the back of his neck, and tugging at his sleeves if he is wearing long sleeves.
* Additionally, Kogasa's speech is usually simple and straightforward, and he has a stutter. While capable of steadier and more enunciated speech, his quick temper usually prevents him from practicing as much.
* During Week 11, Kogasa had a bad habit of saying words that were approximately close to other words that he meant to say. This resulted in a variety of funny and awkward situations - most of which are saved by Sayoko or others who correct his words near immediately after making a verbal blunder.
* During pre Week 11 and throughout Week 11, Kogasa was a bit of a crybaby. Like, seriously; Kogasa sniffled and sobbed when he was sad, mad, confused, what have you. Kogasa cried when he was flustered, too. GDFI, Kogasa. Upon growing older, he had since outgrown crying at things that didn't go his way... but he still cries. GDFI x2 Kogasa.
* Kogasa loves turtles. Honestly? Get yourself a man who stares lovingly at you the same way Kogasa stares at turtles.
* Kogasa's favorite food is hamburger, and his favorite drink is caramel mocha latte. For a good while before and during Week 11, Kogasa drank black coffee in order to assert his maturity, despite disliking how bitter it tasted.
* Kogasa has the ability to draw perfect geometric shapes, particularly circles.
==History==
=== Pre-Game ===
Kogasa was the first son of two parents - his mother and father - and lived in a small house in [Masaaki Village] all his life. His parents adored him, but were insistent on giving him as great of a life as they could manage. This was especially the case for Kogasa's father, whose pride in his son also made him push the boy to do as much as the child possibly could. Finding the attention and challenges that his father provided to be fun, Kogasa did his best in all that he did in order to be a boy that his father could be proud in.
Kogasa would not be alone for long, however, as the Hiraokas had another addition to the family: Taiki. The newest child in the family had mixed reactions; Kogasa's mother, who had always adored her first son, now had her attention divided between two boys; and Kogasa's father showed interest in Taiki for a short span of time before returning to Kogasa and giving him his time and care. Kogasa, at first, followed his father's lead and paid the new child little mind at first. After a few weeks, however, Kogasa's curiosity towards the boy lead him to spend time with the small child, and Kogasa came to love his new baby brother quickly.
Kogasa's life had been busy but happy since then; days spent in school, learning about the world, playing sports with his friends - particularly soccer - and coming home to do homework and care for his little brother was a routine that he cherished. His life became all the better when his mother brought home one more brother to call his own - Nori. With two little brothers to watch over, Kogasa, Taiki and Nori became a close trio.
However, that happiness was not meant to last.
Tensions between Kogasa's mother and father began to rise a few months after Nori was born. There had been hushed arguments between the two late at night that Kogasa had eavesdropped upon by mistake; his father was becoming displeased with how things were, and his mother insisted that the two of them were only doing what they could. Kogasa's father, while finding that he was happy about their family, was distressed about their financial situation - something that was quickly deteriorating.
Kogasa didn't understand what the two were talking about at first - but after a few nights where the same conversation took place, with each one sounding more exhausted and exasperated than the last, Kogasa felt that he had to do something in order to help his mother and father. Taking things upon himself, Kogasa researched the things his parents mentioned during their talks and was able to come up with a shocking truth about his parents;
His mother and father were both impoverished people who were unable to find jobs that could sustain either of them for long. The Hiraokas were a poor family that was not going to get better any time soon, and having to support five people in a single household was going to become a miracle if they did not do something about it soon.
Kogasa, having barely becoming a preteen when he made this discovery, firmly decided that he would do everything he could to keep his family together...
==== Before Death ====
Kogasa spent at least a year (TO BE CONFIRMED;;) overworking himself, learning sciences and mathematics well beyond his grade level at an alarming rate, and sacrificed his family and fun time to the academic gods. His family situation worsened, he lost his friends in school, and his little brothers were left clinging to what remained of his social side as Kogasa pushed himself to his limits day after day.
During this time, and in response to the growing hostility between his mother and father, Kogasa's mother had the three boys stay with a babysitter from the start of the day to the end of it, keeping the trio away from home and far from the falling out that was happening at home. As Kogasa got acquainted with the babysitter, she offered her turtle, Shimimamoto, to the Hiraoka boys as a pet to call their own. Shimimamoto soon became one of Kogasa's last friends before death, as the boy cared for the turtle in between long studying sessions and enjoyed the little reptile's company.
Days working back to back on schoolwork, independent research, and eventually taking college courses online through his babysitter's computer, began to take a toll on Kogasa as they progressed. He became irritable and lost most semblances of social etiquette, and started becoming more abrasive with his peers due to his lack of sleep and their lack of understanding towards him. His health deteriorated; he had to get glasses, which dismayed him greatly, when stress began to make him near-sighted; and due to his carelessness, Kogasa frequently got into accidents that resulted in numerous cuts and gashes across his face and body. These were all things he was willing to endure, however. The sooner he became intelligent, got to highschool and college, and got a good job, the better his family would be, right?
That one truck in Shibuya on that dark, rainy and brooding October day could say otherwise.
=== Pre Week 11 ===
Kogasa was aggressively shot out of the static and awoke in Shibuya after Week 10's conclusion. While he was bewildered by his new surroundings and by the rules of the Underground, as provided by Kei and Pippin, Kogasa was especially rattled by the fact that he had work due in the RG and had no means to turn it all in. Greatly distressed by the prospect of his intellectual pursuits stagnating, the boy sought to make up for lost time by mathematically and scientifically picking apart the Underground.
During his time researching, Kogasa met Sayoko, Des, Kaito, Weiss, Pippin, Daichi, Jean, Carel, William and Amaryllis. Sayoko - his future partner during the Game - was somebody that he was able to get along with and considered them to be a friendly person. The two of them spoke to each other often, and Sayoko looked out for him as he approached Underground matters that interested him. He found their company to be likeable and enjoyable - however, he was displeased whenever they treated him like a child, namely the times they fixed his glasses or corrected his words. This behavior prevented him from feeling any deeper connection to them besides a shallow friendship.
Des, Kaito, Weiss and Pippin were amiable Reapers who affected his Game in the future. Des was a patient friend to Kogasa, and even managed to pry his attention away from his research long enough for him to get to know others before he went on a two month hiatus; Kaito, who was as outwardly prickly as Kogasa, was considered good company despite the way the two of them debated with each other; Weiss allowed Kogasa to lodge in Fly High, Swim Deep, and even gave him food during his stay; and Pippin let him balance her checks and gave him winter clothing for the Game.
Daichi, another Player, was a friendly person to Kogasa, but the older boy's nervous and reckless actions set off Kogasa's more arrogant side easily. In order to help Daichi adjust to the Underground as quickly as possible, he forced the boy to sit down and learn about the Game's rules. This proved to be a bad first impression to Jean, an Officer Reaper who Kogasa came to dislike at first; Kogasa found his forward actions to be distasteful. The boy countered Jean physically and verbally with each thing the man said, and he actively called Jean "garbage" and other names. Kogasa also found Jean's watchful eye over the Players to be data that counteracted the "ruthless" nature of other Reapers. Finally, Kogasa witnessed William's re-introduction to the UG as a Replayer; and while Kogasa silently wished William luck for his success in the game, his opinion on William's sister, Amaryllis, was far from the highest one. Finding her to be dependent upon others and meek despite he and she being the same age, Kogasa held his tongue around her and ignored her as best as he could.
While researching the Underground offered him insight on the Game's mechanics and eased his worries, Kogasa's research displeased plenty of Reapers and Officers. Kei, especially, was alarmed by Kogasa's research when the boy somehow crafted a formula that could have unbalanced the UG. Kogasa's research was confiscated, to the boy's dismay. Word of his actions reached as many people as possible, including Yasumu and Lee. While the former had been impressed, the latter was especially displeased. An argument between Lee and Kogasa caused the boy to throw a fit; Kogasa was positive that everybody was angry with him because he was a child, and that people did not see him for the intelligent adult-like person he truly was. Despite Yasumu's attempts to rationally talk to the boy, Kogasa backed off and ran away, claiming that if adults found being alone to be the easiest way out, he would rather be alone.
Between his argument with Yasumu and the last time he was spotted before Week 11 began, Kogasa progressively battled with unimpressed Reapers of all types as his abrasive nature prevented him getting along with others. For a while, only Sayoko and Des were Kogasa's true friends, and were people he relaxed around; everyone else was met with an angered boy who treated every encounter like a fight. He was particularly aggressive towards Jean, whose behavior confused and angered Kogasa. This was amended with Carel's help, as she was able to get Kogasa to understand Jean's stance on the Game, and the relationship between Reapers and Players according to her and Jean's experiences, thus granting Kogasa a perspective that lead him to seek Jean out for forgiveness. Kogasa asked Jean to help him with the Game that was to come, and Jean agreed to do so, further stating that he was proud of Kogasa.
Flustered but pleased with this development, Kogasa proceeded to hole himself up in Fly High, Swim Deep for two whole months as he learned physics in its entirety. Thanks, Kei, for giving him that textbook--
=== Week 11 ===
Week 11 took place between February 16th to the 22nd, 2015. Day 0 was February 15th, 2015. Kogasa began the week with pins #035 Frantic, #046 Strong 'n Proud, #073 Impact Warning, and #155 Fiery Spirit, Spirited Fire.
This week? was honestly? such a mental trip? I forget stuff about it immediately after reading it because of reasons-- fhskjdfhasdf. Please have this really crappy summary in the mean time:
==== Act Zero (Day 0) ====
Kogasa was forced out of Fly High, Swim Deep in order to participate in Day 0. He met many of the Players, and got particularly friendly with Aiichirou, Hozen and Hana. He also got to learn about a few Reapers, most of whom he got off on the wrong foot with. As Day 0 came to a close Kogasa got acquainted with Kaito's Noise form, Turntable Ferret, under the guise that it was a feral yet friendly ferret Noise named Aki-chan. Aside from knocking out time and again due to his severely bad luck with projectile yoyos and paddle balls, Kogasa had a tame Day 0 overall.
However, Kogasa overheard Sayoko's bet with Kei a little bit, and he couldn't help but feel concerned for them. Due to his minimal knowledge on their situation, however, he made no further comment on it. He awaited the next day, worried about what the game would have in store for him.
Kogasa never expected what would happen to him next.
==== Act One: Frantic (D1 - D3) ====
Kogasa's entry fee caused him to change appearance. No longer was he a little twelve year old boy; Kogasa had become a teenager that towered over most of the Week 11 cast, with a lean, muscular build and deeper voice to match. As the Player pool despaired and panicked over their entry fees, Kogasa was elated - he finally looked close to his mental age, and was persuaded that people would no longer treat him like a child. This newfound confidence allowed him to talk to people with more ease, particularly Ethan - the Game Master - and several Reapers.
Kogasa spent the day leading up to Day 1's Mission getting used to his entry fee, learning about others' fees, and worrying about Sayoko and Daichi finding partners. Before the Mission began, Kogasa went to Ochre and discovered the Plumeria Ring. Thinking that it would be a good gift for Sayoko as a way to thank them for being his friend, he wished for the ring. He was able to converse with Lee and Yasumu, and even managed to befriend Yasumu - a man who would later become Kogasa's rock - before returning to the Underground proper.
A wall that required pacted partners set the boy on edge at first, as he didn't know who to partner with. Sayoko decided that they would partner with Kogasa at that moment. After making sure that they were certain with their decision, Kogasa accepted Sayoko as his partner, and the two pacted.
Day 1's mission went on without any further hitches. After a fight with a very strange Pig Noise, Pig Dattebayo, the Players encountered Ethan interacting with a Realgrounder named Akemi. Akemi was able to see the UG despite being in the RG. Kogasa supplied Ethan with information in regards to what a Realgrounder was, and he proceeded to get flustered as Ethan asked Akemi out. The boy was uneasy with this development; matters of the heart could drastically affect a person. Will the Game change because the Game Master found a partner at the start of the week?
As Kogasa gathered notes about what transpired that day, Kei and Sayoko spoke to each other. The moment Kogasa finished note-taking, Kei called Kogasa over and revealed the terms of his bet with Sayoko to the boy. Sayoko abandoned the two afterwards, leaving Kogasa to reel in shock and betrayal. The boy, having no words to say to the Composer, left the smug man in order to linger around the remaining Reapers and Players. He ignored Sayoko as he sorted through his feelings, and he snapped at most of the people who approached him.
A talk with Daichi hit the root of Kogasa's problems and, unbeknownst to Kogasa, the revealed the reality behind his entry fee: Kogasa thought that by looking older, the notion that he could handle problems on his own would be a guarantee. However, Kogasa was just as in need of help as any other person was. Nothing changed just because he looked his mental age. Distraught and upset with this revelation, Kogasa ran away from Daichi.
Moments later, the boy returned to the Player group and was looped into a talk with Sayoko. However, any attempts towards conversing with Sayoko were thwarted by Hana, who had unintentionally interrupted them. Kogasa took this opportunity in order to avoid Sayoko, but was shocked when Hana showed off his trump card in his survival of the Reaper's Game, a Plumeria Ring, to Kogasa. Knowing that the Plumeria Ring was the only one of its kind, Kogasa became heartbroken. Seeing the boy's distress, Hana promised a teary-eyed Kogasa that he would have the ring at the end of the game.
As Hana was pulled into the Noise plane after being accused of swindling Players, Kogasa was urged by an insistent Aki-chan to talk to Sayoko. Kogasa approached his partner, and the two managed to talk a little bit about Sayoko's bet and Kogasa's final stance towards them, before Hana returned from the Noise plane in one piece. The boy was able to fully talk to Sayoko over a lunch he provided, and the two became closer friends. They exchanged pins with each other as a further sign of friendship; Kogasa gave Sayoko Frantic, and they gave him The Eyes Have It.
Day 2's mission went smoothly for the most part. However, Hana and his partner, Hotaru, were pulled into a battle at the end of the mission after expending all of their bounces earlier that day. Coupled with Daichi and William getting pulled into a battle as well, Kogasa was on edge. Kogasa spoke to a few of the Players and Reapers in the area as he waited for the Players to return.
However, any good feelings he had lingering were killed upon tuning in on the fight Hana was in at the wrong time; mishearing Hana's words, Kogasa thought that Hana intended to give Hotaru the Plumeria Ring, and had no plans on giving the ring to Kogasa after all. Figuring that such a notion was fair - the Plumeria Ring was rightfully purchased by Hana, and giving the ring to his partner was a good idea - yet deeply hurt by the prospect of being lied to, Kogasa shut down and willed himself to avoid Hana afterwards.
Avoiding the other Player proved to be impossible, and Kogasa and Hana had an argument. By the end of it, Kogasa turned his back on Hana, dropping their friendship in the process. Kogasa officially requested Hana to stop talking to him early Day 3. His wishes were respected, and the two parted ways as best as they could.
Kogasa also discovered what lesbians were upon Day 2's closing. What a day.
The morning of Day 3, Kogasa ran away from a talk between himself, Jean, Aiichirou, Sayoko and Eleonore upon stumbling upon Kogasa's distraughtness over his lack of independence and strength. He had become angered and upset with the advice that he was being given; claiming that he heard the same advice over and over, and that nobody understood what he was going through, Kogasa took his leave thinking that the gathering of Players and Jean were tired of his problems.
Later on, before the mission began for the day, Kogasa overheard a conversation between Kei, Kaito and Takumi in regards to Players who should live or die. Kei made eye contact with Kogasa as he referred to a male Player who was guaranteed to lose; with Kaito and Takumi agreeing upon the sentiment, Kogasa was convinced that he was the Player who they were talking about. This knowledge, coupled with the conditions of Sayoko's bet, made Kogasa think that he was playing a doomed game the entire time, upsetting the boy and making him dislike Kei even more. In truth, Kei was talking about Hana.
And the PROM is TOMORROW-- I mean, bookmarking at page 1847.
==== Act Two: Strong 'N Proud (D4 - D5) ====
After a few days, Kogasa and Hana were able to amend, and the two exchanged psyches in order to further fix their friendship; Hana got to use Kogasa's umbrella, which acted like a dull katana upon transformation, and Kogasa wielded Hana's hat, which simply became a boomerang-esque fighting weapon upon tossing it at a target.
Hana got erased, shaking Kogasa to the core. Kogasa kept Hana's hat; since then, the hat became a shield for Kogasa to use alongside his umbrella-sword.
After a talk with Yasumu and Sayoko, Kogasa manage to collect his bearings and press on into the week...
==== Act Three: Broken Heart (D6 - D7) ====
A talk with Retro revealed Kogasa's reasoning behind his behavior and made him realize the true meaning behind his fee. The boy voiced this for Ethan and the Players to hear later on during Day 6, after Juste's erasure; while Kogasa strove to be an adult and looked nearly like one, imitating adult-like behaviors and going for pursuits well above his age did not make him an adult. Rather, what he needed to learn was maturity.
After an exhausting fight with Jean and Kaito that could have ended with Jean's erasure, Kogasa and Sayoko quietly comforted each other as they waited for Day 7 to approach - or, so Kogasa had hoped. Kei approached the two in order to wish them both luck on the following day. Having become fed up with Kei, Kogasa gave the man a verbal thrashing based off of the misunderstanding he had earlier that week. Once Kei clarified that it was not Kogasa he wanted to see erased but Hana, Kogasa lost the rest of his reserve for the Composer and openly displayed his hatred towards the man whenever possible.
With Ethan's defeat and the award ceremony that followed, Kogasa stopped Kei from congratulating him in order to verbally thrash the Composer one last time. Kei, who was impressed with Kogasa's growth, offered him two things: ascension, and a wish. Kogasa rejected ascension, as it would ultimately do nothing for him nor his family in the RG. However, for the wish, Kogasa negotiated with Kei and used it on Juste's replayerdom, granting his senpai a second chance to play while having his entry fee returned.
Kogasa chose to go back to life without so much thanking Kei. Like, seriously: screw that guy.
=== Post Week 11 ===
Kogasa went home, dropped his intensive studies in favor of going for his dream clubs - soccer and kendo, the latter of which being a direct response to his sword-fighting style in Week 11 - and committed his free time towards raising his brothers. With Jean, Sayoko, Amaryllis, and others' help, the Hiraokas were given steadier grounds to recover and rebuild upon.
=== Week 12 ===
While not a part of the week, Kogasa donated Hana's hat to the base of the memorial, making it the pole's first official prayer upon it's establishment.
=== Week 13 ===
While not a part of the week, Kogasa visited Cat's Cradle as a morale boost for Amaryllis.
=== Pre-Week 14 ===
WAS THIS WHEN ULFRIC MESSED AMA UP??? OR WAS THIS AFTER WEEK 14?? BECAUSE KOGASA WAS A BIG CONCERN
=== Week 14 ===
Kogasa shopkept with Carel and Jean in Ribbonshades as he looked out for Noriko, who had died recently. He wanted to be there to help her. He and Ama also talked/flir??ted?????
=== Pre-Week 15 ===
Kogasa's life fell into a regular routine of schoolwork, home-life and back again. When Amaryllis was grounded in order to to homework and get better grades at school, Kogasa offered to help her out.
A study session between the two was interrupted with the news that Taiki had died and was admitted into Shibuya's Game, something that was to take place within a week's time. Kogasa and Amaryllis were simultaneously crushed and shocked.
=== Week 15 ===
Kogasa was banned from talking to Taiki due to his brother's request, and he was one whole entire worry.
=== Post Week 15 ===
A day after the week ended, Kogasa and Amaryllis were taken to Jean's apartment in order to greet a sleepy Taiki. Both teenagers were relieved to see him in the RG once more, and had a demi-emotional reunion as a greatly injured Jean bleeded in the background. It was an experience.
A day later, Kogasa stayed home in order to keep Taiki company as the younger boy returned home. A few days following Taiki's return, Taiki pushed Kogasa into telling Amaryllis his true feelings via a date with her on Valentine's Day. While nervous, Kogasa obliged; losing Taiki made him realize that he had little control of anything that happened in the RG, and that he needed to appreciate the people that were in his life while they stayed by him.
Kogasa went on a date with Amaryllis the night of Valentine's Day. The two went to a cafe and had dessert together, where Kogasa awkwardly but sincerely thanked Amaryllis for her patience and kindness towards him. After exiting the cafe and asking Amaryllis if she wanted to go anywhere else, she led him to the secret garden that she kept full of flowers she grew from the seeds her mother left behind; the girl questioned aloud whether or not her mother would be proud of her. Moved by Amaryllis' dedication and care for the garden, and further falling in love with her fortitude and kindness, Kogasa held her cheek and told her that she had become a girl any mother would be proud of.
Amaryllis had moved in to hug the boy, only to move too quickly and kiss him instead. While Kogasa was caught by surprise and reacted accordingly, he found himself laughing about being unprepared for his first kiss. He was able to kiss her properly after bringing home that night, and went home feeling as if he was on cloud nine.
Taiki Hiraoka never celebrated so hard in all eleven years of his fucking life.
As Taiki returned to a regular RG life, the younger boy made an aggressive push towards moving the Hiraokas to Shibuya. After a few days of discussion between all of the Hiraokas on the matter, their mother decided that she would get things arranged for the move. Kogasa covered the mathematics and costs for the move in order to free up the technicalities of things for his mother, and Taiki and Nori excitedly prepared their things in the mean time.
A few days going into the moving plan and following Kogasa's date with Amaryllis, the boy approached the memorial and spotted the photograph of Kei pinned onto it. Feeling that he needed to get over his deep-seated hatred of Kei in order to become a better person "for [his family, friends, and Amaryllis]," Kogasa left a bitter prayer for Kei at the pole before returning home that night.
Soon afterwards, Kogasa learned about Amaryllis' renewed ability to grow up and look her age. It was a good time!
Jean and he got to talk about who they were to each other from a relationship standpoint. The two figured out that they were both friends, if not brotherly; Kogasa, in particular, is both relieved and pleased with this development.
As of March 10th, the Hiraokas have moved into Pork City, Suite 707. Thanks base Jean.
Kogasa spent the rest of the year going to school, working at Ribbonshades to support his family, and spending time with family and friends alike. On top of their studying sessions together, Amaryllis and he began to teach each other their prospective hobbies - gardening and kendo. Kogasa had since developed a green thumb, and he serves as a mentor and sparring partner for Amaryllis.
At some point within 2018, the Hiraokas began working in Shingetsu. Kogasa actively began collaborating with Kazuya, Daichi, and Taiki in order to provide a shelter for UGers, with Kogasa being the financial and mathematical bastion for the business.
==== Alteo ====
Alteo is a series of Memorial prayers. There are four in total, all of which are reactions to the following events;
One day, Amaryllis found a choker that Ulfric had left behind. Upon wearing it, Amaryllis was subjected into a dreamlike state while her insecurities from Week 12 took control. Naming herself Valerian, Kogasa was quick to pick up the girl's deviation from Amaryllis' usual behavior and confronted her. After talking to Valerian and learning about Amaryllis' fears, Kogasa let Valerian know that he understood what Amaryllis was afraid of, and wanted to talk to the girl herself in order to work out their fears themselves. After he vowed to become somebody that Amaryllis and Valerian could trust, Valerian let him awaken Amaryllis.
Soon afterwards, as Kogasa tried to tell Amaryllis about what had happened to her, he was made aware of the fact that she still had Ulfric's choker. He told her to get rid of it, but did not expect Amaryllis to succumb to the object's imprints once more. In an attempt to free her, Kogasa took the choker away from her, and was sent sprawling on the floor as thoughts of surrender flooded his mind. With Amaryllis' help, he was able to get a hold of himself long enough to shove the choker into his backpack and away from the two of them. Shaken, yet grateful that they were both okay, the two spent a tender moment with each other before Kogasa promised to tell Amaryllis what had happened to her and took her home.
Kogasa had gone to the memorial in hopes of praying there afterwards, but he encountered Jean once he arrived. Thinking that Jean would know the best way to get rid of the choker, Kogasa asked for the Composer's help. However, once Jean took the choker, he was subjected to the same imprints Amaryllis and Kogasa suffered. Kogasa helplessly watched Jean struggle to destroy the choker before he finally succeeded. Feeling as if he did nothing of worth for the day, Kogasa thanked Jean and quickly went his own way as his emotions got the best of him.
Tired the next day, yet determined to keep his promise with Amaryllis, Kogasa told her what took place after school. Amaryllis, in turn, revealed her painful experiences during Week 12, and was reduced to tears by the end of her revelation. Kogasa comforted her, and brought her home once she was feeling better.
A few days later, Kogasa has a nightmare of his own. Similar nightmares will continue to plague him for a long time.
Time passes. Amaryllis has a nightmare regarding Kei one day, causing her to harbor violent feelings and urges. Kogasa suggested that she took her frustration out on Noise, which she agreed to. Kogasa watched as Amaryllis created a convincing image of Ulfric for her to tear apart, transforming into Maestoso Fatalis as she delivered a devastating finish to the lookalike.
Kogasa rescued a distraught Maestoso Fatalis from the Noise Plane and helped her transform back to Amaryllis - not without fearing how his ideas could have ended up hurting Amaryllis. Amaryllis soothes his fears, and he promises that he would do anything to help her. Her words are reflected upon later that day.
Kogasa's nightmares worsen, until he is pushed to talk to Amaryllis about them.
He reflects upon his birth father - how he would never be what his father wanted him to be, revealing abusive undertones to his relationship with his father as he did, and how he feared falling short of being the person he'd like to be - before Amaryllis countered his fears one by one. Feeling a weight being lifted from this conversation, they spent the day together before Kogasa returned to the memorial for one last reflection.
Congrats on becoming a little bit closer to being a man, Kogasa. You earned it.
* "Alteo" was named after the deuteragonist of the origin of the amaryllis flower.
* Alteo, as a character, is scarcely detailed as the origin of the amaryllis flower focuses upon the main character, Amaryllis. In a similar fashion, Kogasa's RGer status puts him within the background while Reapers like Amaryllis are focused upon in TRG. Kogasa's shortcomings as a person and as an RGer deeply affect him throughout the four prayers before he comes to reconcile with them at the end - but not before Amaryllis and he endure several trials together.
=== Pre-Week 16 ===
Kogasa spent time with his family and friends. At one point during the beginning of June, Amaryllis spoke to him about her deeply rooted fears and scars, to which Kogasa comforted her and assured her that he would remind her of her strengths and of everyone's love for her whenever she needed it.
==Relationships==
=== Taiki ===
Taiki is Kogasa's younger brother. Kogasa's love for Taiki is strong and unwavering; coming to adore the little boy shortly after he entered the Hiraoka's' lives, Kogasa worked himself to the bone in order to shield Taiki and Nori from the truth of the Hiraoka family situation. While Taiki was always a bright, imaginative, and emotionally strong boy, there was an evident shift in his disposition after Kogasa won the Game. This concerned Kogasa deeply, but he always believed in Taiki's strength, and still does.
After Taiki won his game, he and Kogasa opened up further to each other, now that they had both undergone Shibuya's Game. While numerous aspects of their games differed and their opinions upon the Game are just as different, Kogasa is forever grateful for Taiki's victory and for the boy's willingness towards discussing Underground matters with him.
=== Nori ===
Nori is Kogasa's youngest brother. The child Kogasa new before death differed from the one he encountered after it, but Nori was still the same bright-minded little brother Kogasa loved all the same. Nori, after Week 11, developed a penchant for saying abrupt, humorous things while keeping a straight face; while Kogasa is easily baffled by this new development, he is happy that Nori seemed to find fun in new, unexpected ways.
=== Sayoko ===
Sayoko was Kogasa's partner, and is unquestionably his closest friend. He adores them with every bit of his being. WHEN WILL I WRITE MORE FOR THIS S O B S
=== Amaryllis ===
Amaryllis is a girl who was a Reaper during his Week, and is now the most important girl in his life. Kogasa has a hard time putting his feelings for Amaryllis into words, but he would say them all if he could; he adores her and respects her for her strong will, her bravery, and her immense amount of caring over others. He is also afraid for her; the Underground was a harsh and unfair place, and there was only so much he could do for her as an RGer. With all of the horrors she had undergone, Kogasa could only hope that he could be somebody Amaryllis could turn to when she needed somebody who believed in her - for he believes in her with his whole heart.
* You upset Ama, Kogasa will break you. You break Ama, Kogasa will destroy you. You destroy Ama, Kogasa will level everything you love, including you--
* She's the Sakura to his Syaoran--
* There is an entire playlist with music that was made for this ship? And it's getting constantly updated with even more music? Yo???
* Literally Kogasa was the most grayromo child, and then Amaryllis happened. TRG and it's unpredictability sucker punches me every time--
* W11 OTP-
===== KogAma: The Movie =====
Initially seeing her as somebody who was weak and who heavily depended upon others, Kogasa came to understand why Amaryllis acted the way she did upon learning about her life in America. A friendship, and a growing fondness, formed between the two as the week concluded and the pair kept in contact. From being a great friend, to being a favorite amongst his little brothers, to continuously offering the Hiraokas her support, Kogasa came to like her greatly. Kogasa's younger brother, Taiki, gradually pushed Kogasa towards liking Amaryllis as the girl in question seemed to fall for Kogasa; the boy in question was oblivious to what was happening.
The boy wasn't made aware of Amaryllis' feelings towards him until late December of 2015, wherein the two exchanged gifts for Christmas and Amaryllis kissed his cheek underneath some mistletoe. Unable to register what had occurred, Kogasa ran away; as he consulted Sayoko for advice, he learned that Amaryllis had a crush on him. Kogasa hesitated to face Amaryllis for six months afterwards as he sorted through his own feelings. JDI, Kogasa.
Upon Amaryllis finally confessing to him post Week 13, Kogasa told her that he cared a lot about her, but left his feelings out to be ambiguous as he prompted that the two remained friends. Trying his best to keep such grounds as that, the boy did his best to run away again, only for him to trip and realize that Kei was watching. Enraged, Kogasa's verbal attack on the Composer caused him to let his true feelings out: he wanted to return his feelings for Amaryllis, but matters within the Realground prevented him from acting upon them. When Kei left, Amaryllis comforted Kogasa as he confessed his fears to her. Once he calmed down, the two walked back to Amaryllis' home hand in hand, and Kogasa promised that he would come back to his feelings towards her another day. Meanwhile, he wanted to spend days out with her in the future.
Days were spent in school and in Shibuya where the two spent time together and helped each other with homework. This routine became a constant for Kogasa - one that he found happiness and comfort in, even if Amaryllis' presence flustered him and her horrible flirting, even more so. It was during this time that Kogasa really fell in love with her - like, literally nothing says one-way ticket to Kogasa's heart like mundane routines doing very normal things and slow-burning the romo out of this kid. JDI x2 Kogasa.
Their routine was interrupted, however, with the news of Taiki's death and his admission into the Game Week 15. The two, devastated by this news, consoled each other as Taiki constantly texted the pair of his wellbeing. When Taiki won his game, came back to life, and went back to the Hiraokas, Taiki pushed Kogasa to finally confess to Amaryllis about his feelings on Valentine's Day. The rest is history.
And now Alteo exists. Someone please protect these poor kids.
=== Kei ===
Kei was the Composer during Kogasa's game, and is a man that the boy loathes. One of the first things Kogasa learned about the Underground was Kei's leadership over it, and thus all of the negative aspects of the Players, the Reapers, the Game, and the trials Kogasa underwent before and during his week, reflected upon his view of the man. Kei didn't help Kogasa's opinion of him with his arrogant and pompous nature during those days, and he further cemented himself as a disgusting figure with Sayoko's bet. A misunderstanding that involved Kogasa eavesdropping upon Kei, Kaito and Takumi discussing which Players lived or not made Kogasa fear Kei - but once said misunderstanding was cleared, Kogasa had little reason to reserve himself around Kei any longer, and dropped all of his fears and formalities around the Composer as he openly expressed his hatred for the man.
As of Kogasa's date with Amaryllis Valentine's Day 2017, Kogasa took a step back to consider himself as a person. Feeling that he had to let go of what held him back in order to be a better person for others, especially Amaryllis, he found a photograph of Kei pinned to the memorial and proceeded to vow that he would overcome his hatred of Kei. While he would never forgive Kei for all of the wrongdoings he had and hadn't committed, Kogasa is determined to push past his confusion and loathing if it meant that he could let Kei go.
=== Juste ===
A Player from Week 11, Juste is one of Kogasa's closest friends and is the boy's undeniable top-tiered senpai. Initially finding Juste to be a cool, if not loud, person, he reached out to Juste when the other Player doubted his strength. He was immediately drawn to Juste's presence and attitude straight afterwards, and began to look up to Juste as his senpai. Juste's erasure had shaken Kogasa greatly; as Kogasa was left with one of Juste's pins, Creepy Weepy Barrier, the pin itself seemed to manifest the remains of the Player's spirit during the Game Master fight, pushing Kogasa to keep on fighting and survive Ethan's onslaught.
At the end of Week 11, Kogasa was offered the opportunity to have a wish granted by Kei. Thinking back upon Juste's erasure, Kogasa wished for Juste's replayerdom, granting Juste's voice back in the process. Juste came through at the end of Week 12 as a winner, and Kogasa had ever since become one of Juste's (most religious kouhai and) friend.
* Kogasa has Juste's music downloaded onto his phone. Literally the boy could have downloaded his other idols into that dataspace, like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu or Capsule, but he loves Juste too much yo--
=== Jean ===
Jean and Kogasa had a hard time seeing eye to eye at first. However, after Jean demonstrated how willing he was to encourage Player growth and offered Kogasa advice far more times than Kogasa could count, the boy had grown to the Reaper and began seeing him as somebody of great importance to him. He is eternally grateful to Jean for helping the Hiraokas out, and for taking care of his younger brothers when they needed him and Carel.
Kogasa feels very fondly for Jean, and looks up to him like a friend, teacher, and older brother. He feels uncomfortable with being called Jean's son, but he would not deny being a part of Jean's family. WE DID IT KIDS: WE FOUND A LABEL FOR THEIR RELATIONSHIP.
* In terms of Underground and ex-Player matters, Jean is the person Kogasa primarily turns to if he has questions or concerns. In fact, Jean's word trumps all other words on these matters. (So, like, Aiichirou? He changed in the game and Kogasa hadn't seen him around since, but since Jean has a low opinion of him? get fucked???)
=== Yasumu ===
Yasumu, in a manner of speaking, saved Kogasa during Week 11. He was a source of comfort and wisdom when he felt that the Game was becoming too much, and Kogasa appreciated the man's patient guidance and honest words when the time called for them. In short, Yasumu is Kogasa's rock; he's the boy's sensei, rivalled only by Shimimamoto; and he's just... Kogasa's strange, cross-dressing mentor who has an intimidating boyfriend.
*Yasumu, like Jean, has the power to say things that Kogasa will undoubtedly lean upon with matters regarding the Underground, ex-Players, and life.
*... D, dad?
=== Des ===
Des was a Reaper who looked out for Kogasa when he first entered the Underground, and had since been a friend to him. He appreciates her energy and optimism, even if it riled him up more times than he could count. He considers her to be one of his closest friends even after he won his game.
=== Daichi ===
Daichi was Player from Week 11, and is one of Kogasa's closest friends. At first, Kogasa was irritated by Daichi's jumpy nature and his kleptomaniac tendencies. However, during the Week, Daichi not only challenged Kogasa's stubbornness and supported his strength, but he opened Kogasa up to new perspectives on problems. Daichi became one of the Players Kogasa fought for as the week progressed.
=== William ===
William was Player from Week 11, and was one of Kogasa's closest friends during the week. William struck Kogasa as interesting as first, as the boy played the Game once and was allowed to play again thanks to Kei. He had seen William struggle with the effects of the fees that he had to deal with, and came to admire William's genuine bravery and overall resolve during the game. He lowkey unironically looks up to William as a senpai-esque figure but shhh.
Aaand now he's dating his senpai's sister, what the f u d g e how does the world even WORK-
=== Ritsuko (Retro) ===
Ritsuko (known as Retro for the majority of Kogasa's week) was a Reaper from Week 11 who Kogasa considers to be a friend. At first, Retro was a quirky figure who Kogasa could relate to; both of them liked information, and Retro seemed to know a lot of things that Kogasa never knew before. As he got to talk to Retro and see how similar they both were, they both discovered how human both of them really were. Kogasa, to this day, see's a kindred spirit within Ritsuko.
=== Kaito ===
A Reaper from Week 11 who Kogasa considers to be a friend. The two have had their banter and their differences, but ultimately Kogasa knows that he can count on Kaito for input that was honest - if not, roundabout.
=== Takumi ===
A Reaper from Week 11 who Kogasa considers to be a friend. Takumi and Kogasa got off of the wrong foot at first, but after a few conversations and an assortment of walls, the two of them started to get along. Takumi helped Kogasa get new clothes and a new hairstyle after winning the game, and he is grateful towards them on that account. He is especially happy with the fact that the Reaper and Daichi are roommates, as Daichi needed a place to stay and Takumi was one of the more agreeable Reapers from his week.
=== Aiichirou ===
A Player from Week 11 and a fellow winner. Kogasa and he had a couple of conversations with each other throughout the game, and they got along rather well. For a while after winning, Kogasa's opinion on Aiichirou was a high one. However, the moment Jean implied that Aiichirou was no longer the redeemed man he was, any good opinions of Aiichirou that Kogasa had flew out the window. Now, Kogasa will forever be disappointed and disgusted with Aiichirou.
=== Kin ===
A Reaper from Week 11 who not only had a less than savory attitude during the game, but also erased Juste. Honestly? Kin could say and do whatever he felt like doing; Kogasa will never find it in himself to fully accept what Kin had done, and will bare this grudge even if Juste told Kogasa directly to let go of Kin's actions.
* Kogasa purposely gunched Kin during his revival ceremony, stating that Kin did not deserve to live after erasing Juste, just a moment short from bringing the Player back. Get absolutely fucked Kin.
* On a good day, Kogasa would just be deadpan around Kin if he had to deal with him. Literally what isn't holding him back from wanting to throw Kin down verbally and relentlessly-
* Kogasa is in the process of letting go of grudges and hatred... but there'll always be room to hate Kin for now. God I am sO SORRY ALY HE DOESN'T. LIKE KIN. HDJFHSD;;;
=== Sai ===
Awkward bro.
=== Noriko ===
Noriko is one of Kogasa's teammates in his soccer team. Her vast repertoire in sports, her skill in soccer, and her energetic dedication towards the things she approaches is very admirable to him, and he respects her greatly. He is greatly troubled by her death, especially since there is a chance that one of Tokyo's Games could claim her. At the moment, Kogasa doesn't know that Noriko has been accepted into Shibuya's Game as a Player.
==Trivia==
*Kogasa's headcanon voice is Midoriya Izuku from Boku no Hero, for both Japanese and English.
* After Kogasa's entry fee was taken, he started sounding like this this person - singing/rapping included.
* Kogasu's name translates to "fiery" or "scorching," while Kogasa translates to"little umbrella". His last name - Hiraoka - means "flat hill".
* Kogasa is, apparently, a feminine name. Cin did not know this. No fucking wonder he liked being called Kogasu instead for a good while--
* Kogasa is the rat of the Chinese Zodiac crew. (He was initially the dog.)
* Kogasa had a pet turtle named Mr. Shimimamoto. He calls the turtle Shimimamoto-sensei as well.
* While Kogasa made his sibling's ages to be eight (Taiki) and three (Nori), these ages are incorrect; in Kogasa's original character concepts, Taiki was nine and Nori was five. Cin lost access to this document during the week and placed approximate ages. It was cloze enaf.
* Koga's favorite colors are yellow and... pink?!
* I wanNA SCREAM I LOVE YOU FROM THE TOP OF MY LUNGS - BUT I'M AFRAID THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL HEAR ME
==== Battling Style ====
Kogasa's main psyche was an umbrella that turned into a sword. He depended upon the nature of his pins in order to attack; a pin like Fiery Spirit, Spirited Fire, would result in an attack that utilized fire, and a pin like The Eyes Have It would issue an attack that was filled with light. Because the most consistent pin he had throughout the week was a fire-based one, Kogasa naturally aligned with fire-typed attacks; as the week progressed and Kogasa and Sayoko attained fusion pins, his part of their fusion attack reflected his newfound affinity for fire.
With Hana's erasure, Kogasa adopted a shield based off of Hana's hat. When he underwent development and began wearing threads, his general clothing transformed into armor that became progressively elaborate leading up to Day 7.
==== Alternative Universes ====
===== Pokemon Trainer =====
* While no set details for this AU has been set, Kogasa has a Pokemon team based off of the Pokemon that fits his personality best.
* Dude, I should totally do a Nuzlocke with Kogasa's character in mind-- line up behind Taiki on that notion tho Kogaboi
===== Pokemon (Mystery Dungeon) =====
* As a Pokemon, Kogasa and the Hiraokas are all members of the Pichu evolutionary line. Kogasa (W11) himself is a Pichu that evolves into a Pikachu after befriending Sayoko and Amaryllis.
* In reflection of his canon design, Kogasa has a gash across his left cheek, making him unable to properly administer electrical charges. Instead of relying upon electricity to fight, Kogasa had learned how to fight with sticks and sharp objects in a sword-like fashion.
* Kogasa's moveset - Swords Dance, Slash, Hidden Power (Fire) and X-Scissor - is based off of a Pawniard's moveset as opposed to a Pichu and Pikachu one.
* According to the Pokemon quiz from Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, Kogasa's personality is brave, and he would be a Pikachu. Literally nobody is surprised by this.
==== TV Tropes (WIP): ====
If you think for a second that I got half of these TV Tropes from Syaoran from Card Captor Sakura... you're right. Too many of them fit too well with him-
* Adorkable - Kogasa can be pretty awkward, clumsy and endearing - all without meaning to be, but... goodness gracious, he can be pretty darn cute.
* Allergic to Love - After discovering Amaryllis' feelings for him, Kogasa had taken to running away from her. He once took an entire six month hiatus in order to get his feelings sorted out. God damnit Kogasa.
* Astonishingly Appropriate Appearance - Kogasa, meaning little umbrella, wore a raincoat as a twelve year old and channeled his attacks through an umbrella. Kogasu, meaning fiery or scorching, aligned with fiery powers as his week progressed - nevermind the fact that Kogasa is a red-haired, short tempered and passionate boy with the things he strives for...
* Berserk Button - "Aren't you twelve?" "You can't, because you're twelve." "You're just a kid." The list goes on. As of post Week 11 and going into more recent weeks (15+), mentions of Kei, Kin, or Ulfric immediately enrages him as well.
* Butt Monkey - Pre Week 11, and early Week 11. Kogasa was subjected to constant bad luck when it came to being smacked, glomped, slammed, steam-rolled and barreled into to the point of passing out, mostly due to Des. He gained a small reputation for being a magnet for trouble because of this.
* Chaste Hero - Strictly for Week 11 Kogasa. Being twelve and looking seventeen during his Week, Kogasa did not identify any advances made towards him... nor did he want any advances once he finally registers them. In fact, prior to the week beginning, a fortune-teller that claimed that Kogasa would never find love made the boy answer that he was disinterested in love. Oh, how the tables have turned since, Kogasa Hiraoka.
* Deadpan Snarker - Particularly towards strangers and those who get on his nerves.
* Demoted to Satellite Love Interest - Kogasa is an RGer, and thus cannot make any further appearances in TRG beyond off-week RPs and other content. Amaryllis, as a Reaper, is still active in TRG following Week 11. As Kogasa's interests in Shibuya only apply when Amaryllis, Jean or Taiki get themselves involved with the district, he comes into the picture when something happens to Ama nowadays.
* Enemies List - And boy, does Kogasa keep a list and unabashedly hate those people.
* Failed a Spot Check - Kogasa, pre Week 11 and during Week 11, mixed up his words often with complete obliviousness and seriousness. If it were not for the careful awareness of Sayoko and fellow UGers, many of his statements would have been taken the wrong way if left uncorrected. No matter how many times he is corrected, these mix ups just keep on happening.
* Forgets to Eat - During pre Week 11, when Kogasa went on for days without food or sleep for the sake of studying.
* Geeky Turn-On - Any form of studying, practice, or extensive knowledge gets Kogasa invested in the topic, even if he doesn't know much about it. He was especially the case during pre Week 11 and Week 11.
* Hereditary Hairstyle - The Hiraoka brothers all have ahoges. As the eldest brother of three, Kogasa has one notable sprout of hair.
* Innocent Prodigy - Did you mean: the core of Kogasa's character pre Week 11?
* It's Personal - Kogasa verbally assaults Kei during Day 6 and before he is resurrected Day 7. Kogasa goes on an all-out attack mode on Kaito, as Turntable Ferret, the two times he fought with him. Kogasa brought Juste back from erasure, stating clearly that Kin didn't deserve to live in the process. Kogasa harbors an intense feeling of hatred towards Ulfric despite never meeting him face to face. The connection between all of these things? Kogasa's friends and loved ones were hurt by these people. No matter how small the injury, nor whether or not the injustice was forgiven, it will always be personal and unforgiven for him.
* Just A Kid - Three words that result one instant smash onto Kogasa's berserk button upon speaking them. Coupled with being shooed away from topics that are too mature for him and being silenced when he had real concerns during pre Week 11, being dismissed due to being twelve years old practically prepped and served his entry fee upon a silver platter when his week arrived.
* Malaproper - Kogasa, pre Week 11 and during Week 11, mixed up his words often with complete obliviousness and seriousness... unless they were curse words. Those were intentionally made.
* Meaningful Name - Kogasa means little umbrella, and twelve year old Koga was a raincoat-toting boy who fought with an umbrella. Kogasu, his self-issued nickname, means fiery or scorching; as Week 11 progressed, Kogasa began to align with fire-based attacks, with the element playing a major role in his and Sayoko's fusion attack.
* Older Than They Look - Kogasa underwent mental and emotional strain during his time in the Realground that made him more mature than a boy his age should be, thus admitting him into Shibuya's Game despite being twelve years old. That's nothing compared to Taiki, however; now there is a true case of being mentally older than they look.
* Pint-Sized Powerhouse - Technically speaking, Kogasa landed 100+ ATK and nearly 1,000 HP while being twelve years old, six-foot teenaged appearance be damned. After the Game, he proceeded to take his newly found swordfighting skills into the Realground by becoming a fearsome kendo combatant. (Someone remind me to add this trope to Taiki's page-)
* Shorter Means Smarter - Kogasa pre Week 11 and Day 0, though purely on a mathematic, scientific, and Underground trivia standpoint.
* Sugar and Ice Personality - The contrast between how Kogasa acts around people he likes - such as Amaryllis and Sayoko - versus people he does not - like Kei or Kin - is pretty stark. Having parties that he likes and dislikes in the same environment is pretty funny, considering how he could shift from one mood to the next within a matter of heartbeats.
* Took A Level In Badass - Who would have thought that socially awkward and easily flustered Kogasa Hiraoka could go from a boy who was the butt monkey of the Week 11 cast, to a fierce fighter who couldn't stand injustices being made? He even delivers some pretty pointed Kirk Summations towards some Reapers, particularly towards Kei and his behavior towards himself and Sayoko, and towards Ethan to a lesser degree during the Game Master fight. And those fusions he pulled off with Sayoko? Goodness gracious Kogasa-
* Tragic Keepsake - Juste's Creepy Weepy Barrier. This turns out to be a pseudo Soul Jar of the boy's spirit, as Kogasa felt Juste calling out to him in the middle of the GM battle.
* Twice Shy - DID YOU MEAN: KOGAMA
* Unskilled But Strong - Kogasa has never fought with a sword before, but he gets increasingly better at fighting with it as the week progressed. Sword fighting eventually becomes a part of Kogasa's life as he joins his middle school's kendo team post Week 11.
* You Gotta Have Blue Hair - Kogasa has natural, impossibly red-orange hair, despite being 100% Japanese.
* Younger Than They Look - Taken literally Week 11, with Kogasa's entry fee.
==Gallery==
Bbys First Concepts 1.png|Kogasa's initial concepts - part 1
Bbys First Concepts 2.png|Kogasa's initial concepts - part 2
Nessas Art Is the Hero We Deserve 2.png|Kogasa, Kei and Sayoko being cool-looking. (Even then, Koga disliked that dude's guts-)
Nessas Art Is The Hero We Deserve 1.png|Look at these children who grew up too fast.
W11 Ad P2.gif|Sayoko and Kogasa, featured in an ad for Week 11.
Soft Koga Warm Koga.png|Kogasa's wintry outfit, provided by Pippin.
W11 Koga Older Lineart.png|Lineart of Kogasa's enty-fee'd appearance.
Goodbye W11 Jean.png|Jean's reaction to post-fee Kogasa.
DES PLZ.png|Des. Koga loves you, Des, but. Des. DES.
E4nuZwJ.png|A kid gets a haircut!!
Kogasa you straight.png|Listening to voicemail from Amaryllis like... (also, hello, Taiki's first appearance ever.)
Kogasa Is An Orange Starburst.png|A singular headshot of Kogasa.
Hiraoka Brooos.png|Headshots of the Hiraoka brothers.
KogasaStats p1 1.png|A screencap of Kogasa's stats.
KogasaStats pt 2.png|A screencap of Kogasa's stats: a sequel.
Category:Week 11
Category:Week 14
Category:Players
Category:Shopkeeper