Ladies and gents welcome back! Sorry that I am sooooo late, life has been utterly insane recently! Between prepping for uni and near nervous breakdowns at work due to never-ending shifts; I have been thoroughly distracted but its here!

Anyway today our FTE participants are!...

Yuko and Rintarou!

First off thank you so much for giving me permission to draw you characters! I needed to finalise who was okay with it before I even thought about posting as I'm a stickler for copyright ^.^; alongside them I have also been doing some basic sketches of how I imagine Mount Hope to be. I will be posting a mix of colour and sketch so I hope you enjoy them :)

As always I only own my OC and this particular setting whereas all the other OCs/characters belong to their respective owners! The concept isn't mine however so please support the games and anime!

Also give the OCs' owners some love too!

Chapter 7

Daily Life: Motives and free time

The next morning began as the one before, with the grating voice of our captor rousing me cruelly from my relatively pieceful slumber.

Ding dong, bing bong.

"This is an announcement from the Mayor's office, it is now seven am, rise and shine! It is time to greet another beautiful morning!"

Groaning and growling my out of bed; I stumbled, drunk with exhaustion, into my small kitchen. My eyes were blurred with sleep as I searched the contents of the cupboards, pulling out a kettle and a box of tea. Carefully I prepared a cup of tea to waken me, standing numbly as I bumped and stumbled about on my mission for refreshment. Finally pouring the comforting beverage I settled myself on the soft cream couch of the sitting room. l watched the coloured dome, imagining the sunrise as the warm liquid soothed my itchy throat; the heat reviving my tingling nerves. As I sat, my mind now fully concious, a niggling feeling awoke in the back of my mind... As though I had forgotten about something... Or that something was missing...

Tap tap.

Jumping from my trance I realised that there was a soft tapping at the front door. Must be Azu coming to get me for breakfast... Is that what I forgot?

I didn't allow myself to ponder the thought long as I rushed to dress and answer the door. I opened it only find the tall figure of Mitsuru, a small smile on his lips with her coat across her arm almost as though she had just lifted it. Her menacing aura wasn't as prominant as before, allowing me to relax from my surprise; The friendly atmosphere allowed my heart to slow somewhat around the gang leader, our small alliance warming it as the thought came to my mind.

I smiled at the taller girl, stepping out and locking my door. "Good morning Mitsuru, thank you for coming to get me, I had forgotten about breakfast."

The pink haired girl shrugged in acknowledgement. "No problem, when I didn't see you leave with the others I assumed you must have forgotten."

I chuckled. "Yeah I'm quite prone to it unfortunately... I must admit I assumed Azu would collect me."

The Black Guard founded rose a thin eyebrow at my statement. "Oh and why did you expect her?"

I shrigged, heading down the hall with her keeping step. "Well she came for me yesterday, so I just assumed..."

Mitsuru hummed in response as we exited the building. Entering the courtyard she pointed ahead to the figures of Yuko and Azusa as they walked ahead, chatting quietly between themselves. "It seems she has found a friend in Yuko."

I smiled at the sight. It was nice to see the skittish girl finding familiarity in the artist. We headed towards the café in a companionable silence, quietly tailing the writer duo as we joined the rest of the group. Unlike the day before there were definite groups forming as we began forming friendships. The sight removed a heavy weight from my shoulders as I observed everyone. Like hell we would hurt our friends! Suck it Monokuma!

I quietly cheered to myself as I joined one of the groups, settling myself by Takeo and Rin as they chatted about their talents. Comparing there respective skills. Trailing off into my subconscious, I started off into space. Thinking of my parents and my siblings. Was Mum still in hospital? Was Dad coping alright without me? Did Yuri get that job at the café? Did-

I was drawn from my imaginings as Takeo snapped his fingers before me; the loud pop making me jump.

"Hey Ash are you there?"

Snapping my gaze to the muddy eyed fisherman, I nodded my head sharply. "Yeah, sorry Takeo, I was in my own head. What's up?"

The muscular man chuckled lightly as a dark look came to his eyes. "It's okay, also call me Take, Rin started it and I quite like it. Anyway I was wondering have you noticed anything strange about Azu?"

I rose an eyebrow in question. "Umm not particularly, why? Is something wrong?"

The boy shrugged looking over to the aforementioned girl. Her head was drooping worryingly and her eyes had deep, dark bags below them. "She doesn't look well I was just wondering if she was maybe sick or something?"

I frowned at the sight, worry boiling in my stomach. "I have no idea man, I'll find out later... I'll let you know what I find out okay?"

The tanned man nodded, concern deep in his eyes when a loud whistle called everyone's attention to the front and the profile of Ane. The forensics specialist had a look of contemplation on her face, a shadow of worry in her eyes as she gazed at us.

"Good morning everyone. Chatting and bonding is wonderful, but as these 'breakfast meetings' now seem to have become a thing, so to begin I must ask... Has anyone discovered anything strange about this day?"

Our group lulled into a deep silence as we thought.

"Something is missing..."

All eyes turned to the previously silent figure of Takuya. The medium seemed to be staring off into the distance when his magnetic eyes connected with mine. A shiver rocketed down my spine at the sudden eye contact, prompting me to break our gaze.

"There was no gift this morning. Monokuma has broke his word."

A hum of realisation traveled through the group as heated words passed from one side of the table to the other. My niggling feeling grew, my head nodding as I looked back to Takuya in agreement.

"He's right... Which means..." All of my companions faced me as I spoke, a shudder passing through us. "That bear is up to something..."

"I'm up to what?"

We all jumped, spinning to find the fuzzy 'mayor' standing beside me, a paw pressed to his chin in thought.

"Whatcha talkin' 'bout guys? Now do tell! I can't stand secrets!"

My heart raced at the mechanical bear's sudden appearance. He was so close I could hear the whirring of gears and the exhausts of pistons within his plush body. The noises combined with the movement sent shocks of worry to my gut. If he's a machine... Who knows what's under his fur... He could self destruct and kill us all right now for all we know...

The bear waddled nonchalantly up the table, looking to us all curiously. "Come on guys! I wanna know your theories too!"

There was a frustrated grunt from a separate table, as Fiona walked calmly to the side of the tables. "You said we would get a new present everyday right?"

The bear nodded. "Correct-o-mondo!"

The designer planted her perfectly manicured hand on her hips, scoffing at the plush, far from impressed. "Well then where is today's gift?"

The bear tilted his head cluelessly. "Huh?"

My frustration boiled within my gut, a fire exploding in my chest at the stupid plush's façade. Fiona leant in and stared the bear in the eye.

"Are you really that dense? As the mastermind of this dome I would have expected more but I see that you are just a disappointment."

The bear clutched it's chest dramatically, stumbling back my way. "I am hurt madam! I am a grade A mayor and am very proud of my intelligent programming."

Unable to hold back I reached forward and grabbed the bear in anger, dragging it to my face. "How about we cut the bullshit and you just tell us what you are planning you little shit?!"

The machine began to shake in my grip when a beeping began violently. Staring at it in confusion, I heard Ane shouting hysterically. "Throw it it's going to blow!"

Digesting her words, I quickly threw the bear only for it to explode in mid air. My eyes widened in shock when I was suddenly tackled, burning pain radiating from my left forearm as I was pinned by the hard body of a feline monobeast. Everything burst into chaos as the others jumped to their feet, some retreated behind tables and chairs for protection whilst others approached to help. Rin, Takeo and Mitsuru reaching for my mechanical assailant when a sharp voice cut the panic of the situation.

"Touch the beast and she dies!"

Screaming in agony, I struggled against the jaws of the beast, only partially registering Monokuma's threat to the others as a new one seemed to appear. Punching the robot I aimed for the jaw connection as I was dragged painfully about the floor by the leopard. I could feel my shirt tearing as the cobble gorged my back, whilst the robotic feline tore at my forearm. I planted my feet against its stomach and with a final punch I unlocked it's jaw, flinging the cat from me and into the fountain. It scrambled to it's feet as I shuffled back, trying to reach the others as I cradled my injured arm.

The monobeast stalked forward towards me, only stopping when Monokuma raised his paw. "I did warn you MIss Saiki, but you didn't listen... It's a shame really."

I turned to the bear, bloodloss making me rock precariously. "Fuck you Monokuma!"

Monokuma gasped in mock offense. "Such language! And you kiss your mother with that mouth? Oh, by the way, how is the lunatic?"

My eyesight was coloured red at his statement, making me lunge for him only for Mitsuru to hold me back.

His cackle sounded, making my ears ring against the shrill sound. "Upupupupupupupupu! Now, now we wouldn't want a repeat now would we? Also to answer you question, I have your gifts ready! Meet me in front of the town hall at noon and I will personally give you them! Anyway I must be going!"

Back flipping like something from an anime, the demented being landed on his minion and rode the feline from the scene; leaving me to bleed before my fellow students. As he disappeared, the others rushed to my side. MItsuru and Takeo lifted me from the ground and set me in a chair, both white faced as Ane and Rin tended to my and Yuko gathered food and water for me, trying to make me as comfortable as possible whilst the others kept their distance, unable to look at my injured form.

Suddenly Akeno came to stand by me. "You know if you had life and health insurance, it might help in this kind of situation! You know incase of hospital bills and sudden death."

Looking to the salesman in my dizzy state I snorted at his suggestion; giggling when Mitsuru dragged him from my side. Yuko took his place and began to feed me my breakfast as Ane and Rin finished treating me with the first aid kit that they had found in the café.

Ane began wrapping a wide bandage around my middle whilst Rin wrapped my arm. I hissed as they worked, my wounds burning due to the pressure. "Take it easy with the bandages! You'll suffocate me in a minute!"

Ane popped up behind me and shrugged. "Sorry, I'm used to working with the dead. After all, all the living do is complain!"

Rin chuckled at her comeback, finishing his work before he retreated. "Well that is breakfast ruined."

A murmur rumbled through the students, guilt blooming in my gut. "Sorry guys, I ruined your morning."

Yuko set a hand on my shoulder with a gentle smile. "It's okay Ash, it was Monokuma's fault, not yours."

Fiona snorted at Yuko's statement. "I beg to differ."

My heart dropped at her words as Yuko rubbed my shoulder supportively.

Tohru cleared his throat. "Well for anyone who wants to join me I will be eating breakfast inside."

The majority of the group agreed, shuffling into the establishment when Tohru turned to Yuko. "What about you Yuko? You coming?"

Yuko smiled but shook her head. "I'm gonna stay and help out Ash thanks."

The luckster nodded, glancing my way. "Take care of yourself Ash."

I nodded to him as everyone dispersed, leaving me and Yuko alone.

FREE TIME EVENT

Yuko Himaru- 1

The artist carefully tended to me in my broken state. Cutting my food and and helping me to feed myself as I rocked within my chair. My mind was fuzzy from blood loss but the food began to settle me. However as I looked to Yuko she seemed to begin to glow, an almost angelic aura about her. Yep, it was definitely the bloodloss. She reached forward to wipe my face when I took her by the wrist, stopping her movement. She looked to me in confusion as I examined her hand, stilling swaying.

"You have nice hands... Like my mum... She likes art too... It's her outlet..."

Yuko continued to sit, quietly letting me look at her hand in fascination; gently tracing her callouses, the marks of an artist. I took my free hand and compared my rough skin to that of her soft digits, realising just how different our hands were. Archer and artist. Sportswoman and Writer. Destroyer and creator.

"Your mother... You must be very close to her."

Looking to the blonde haired girl, I gently released her hand. "Yeah, she's my best friend, I don't know what I would do without her... Or what she would do without me..."

The girl gently smiled, an understanding gleam in her eye. "I'm like that with my mum too... Monokuma said something about her... Being a 'lunatic'?... What did he mean by that?"

I flinched at her wounds looking away, quickly. "She isn't a lunatic..."

The girl pulled back, a look of regret on her face. "Oh, sorry I didn't mean-"

"She is just I'll... She is mentally ill, but she isn't crazy... Life just gets to her because of her depression, that's all."

The Manga artist slowly nodded in realisation, once again placing her hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, I don't doubt you."

I relaxed slightly and looked back to the girl slowly. A gentle smile was on her lips but behind it her eyes sparkled with sadness, a vulnerability behind her dark eyes. She removed her hand from me, but the warmth of her fingers seemed to linger.

"My mum is ill too... Just physically rather than mentally... She's been in the hospital for a long time... I'm assuming it's the same for yours?"

I nodded in silence, unwilling to break her train of thought.

"My mum, has been there for a long time... Her illness is incurable... I just wish I was with her now, rather than stuck in this hell hole."

I nodded again, sadness building in my gut as my empathy kicked in. Saying nothing I watched as Tohru immerged from the café, carrying a plate which he set infront of Yuko.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting, just made this incase you were hungry Yuko."

The girl smiled, the growling of a stomach answering it for her.

We all chuckled at the sound, the heavy atmosphere lifting. "I'll take that as a yes! Well I hope you guys have a good breakfast, I'll see you later!"

We smiled and waved to the blue haired boy as he retreated before tucking into our respective meals.

...

We sat in a comfortable silence as we finished our food. The atmosphere for the first time since we arrived seemed genuinely relaxed with just Yuko and I sitting and enjoying eachother's company. But as time began to pass, it became increasingly difficult for me to keep my eyes open as my battered body screamed for sleep. Yuko seemed to see my plight as she quickly gathered our plates and excused herself so that she could return them. As I waited my entire body just seemed to slow down, my movements becoming sluggish as my neck refused to hold my head up.

Nodding in exhaustion, I heard footsteps approach, forcing my gaze up to see Yuko with Tohru behind her.

"Okay Ash, we're going to take you to your apartment to rest, you really need it."

I tried to respond by my mouth refused to obey. Nodding drunkenly I tried to stand only to be caught by the luckster as my legs gave way. Careful to avoid my injuries, my temporary carers gently placed my arms across their shoulders, patiently guiding me towards the apartments. However with every step the darkness kept lulling me into sleep until I finally accepted it, resting my weary cheek on Yuko's shoulder.

We had bonded and before my mind was lost to sleep I gave Yuko a silent promise... We would see our mums again... No matter what.

My mind was blank. There was no noise, no colour, only the comforting black of my subconsciou. The peace was incredible. My mind relished in the serenity. It was such a precious commodity that my restful sleep latched onto it as my body attempted to heal. But as with all things it wasn't to last.

My sleep was broken by snippets of raised voices and poisonous tongues which dragged me from my sanctuary.

"-To mend her wounds, as I am the only one qualified for the job. So I don't need your presence getting in my way!"

"Well I am here to protect Ashida under Yuko's suggestion! After all with Monokuma's 'gift' we can't be too careful!"

I gently rose from, what I discovered to be, my bed and quietly crept to my door as best as my body could. My steps were shakey and uncertain but I arrived silently, peering out to my living space to see Ane and Mitsuru squaring off beside the kitchen counter. Both of them looked visually shaken, with pure white complexions and haunted eyes that shone with worry and distrust.

"You are right Miss Banba, but surely I should be more worried about YOU hurting Miss Saiki rather than the opposite scenario."

Mitsuru's gaze darkened as she towered over the cocky forensic scientist, a darkness in her gaze that sent shivers down my spine. "Miss Ogihara... I will gladly make you regret the day you were born and have you suffer for your words, but I am also here to protect an ally and loyalty comes before revenge in my personal code. So consider yourself lucky that I respect Ash enough not to lay a finger on you within her private space, else I would gladly smear you across the floor."

The tension between the girls continued to build as their stare off continued, making me concerned that they would actually kill eachother in my sitting room. Unable to watch their exchange any longer, I pushed my door aside and stumbled into view, glancing between the rivals cautiously.

"I would rather you guys didn't fight in my apartment... how are you in here anyway?"

Shirane glanced at me, concern in her usually condescending gaze, and produced a handbook which I assumed was mine. A wave of dizziness suddenly washed over me, causing me to sway. Mitsuru stepped up, wrapping an arm around me to steady me before guiding me to my couch.

As I settled in my seat, Ane returned my handbook whilst Mitsuru went off to brew some tea.

Glancing to my handbook, I saw that the clock read 12:13pm. I had missed the 'gift' the others had mentioned. As I looked to the black haired scientist once more, MItsuru appeared with the tea, quietly pouring us each a cup. "So what was this 'gift' you mentioned?.. What did Monokuma do?"

The girls' faces dropped once more as they looked away. Neither answered when the pink haired gang leader produced a thick brown envelope from her trenchcoat, setting it quietly infront of me. The object had my name on it and was still fully sealed with a wax mark of Monokuma staring back at me. Taking it with shaky hands I broke the seal and dumped the contents into my palm to see a collection of polaroid photos. My stomach flipped in shock as I gazed upon the images of my family members.

There they were, my parents and my two younger siblings, smiling at the camera as though everything was perfectly normal. I flicked through the collection, skimming the images which ranged from my mother in hospital to my father in work, and my brother Yuri in that café to my sister Kohana studying in our kitchen. They seemed so happy... But suddenly they changed and everything became a lot darker. None of my family members were present in the last photos but now it showed the destroyed remnants of where they had once been.

My hand shook uncontrollably as I slammed the collection onto the coffee table, turning my wild eyes to my companions as they jumped. "Is this all he gave you?!"

Before they could answer the aforementioned bear appeared behind the sofa. Peering at us innocently. "Nope! After all what is a motive without instructions?!"

My entire body shook in uncontrolled rage as I stared the plush bear down. "What the fuck have you done to them you sick bastard?!"

Monokuma giggled. A knowing look in his eye. "Well you see Miss Saiki, you will have to kill someone to find out! After all I'm getting bored of all this comradery! Oh, and just so you know we can get to them. Dead or alive, every loved one you have is accessible... So weigh your options, it could be their only chance~! Upupupupu- Ahahahahaha!"

With his message received and his giggle playing him out, the monochrome plush once again disappeared, leaving myself, Mitsuru and Ane to our thoughts.

...What did he mean by 'we'?...

After that, to distract ourselves Ane, redressed my wounds and even fashioned me a makeshift sling whilst Mitsuru watched on, a dark look in her blue eyes. Her special person... That's probably who Monokuma is holding against her...

Unlike my pink haired bodyguard, I had no idea who Ane's ransom was... I desperately wanted to ask but I knew it would only harm the situation, so I held my tongue.

Eventually my visitors left, allowing me time to rest. But as always it didn't last as the loud ringing of a door bell interrupted my peace. Slipping my arm into it's sling and carefully making my way to the bottom floor of the complex; I opened the front door to find a pale, scarf wearing visitor who jumped at my presence, raising his comforting garment to hide his embarrassment. I greeted my visitor with a smile, kinda glad that he had arrived so that I could thank him for his earlier bravery.

"Hey Rin, it's nice to see you! Also thank you for helping me out earlier, you did a good job with the first aid on my arm." I lifted the limb, to emphasise my point, grinning in thanks.

The ninja retreated further into his scarf at the compliment, playing with the fraying cloth of his neck wear. "Thanks Ash, it was no problem, I'm just sorry that I couldn't step in sooner as Monokuma had threatened your life if we did... But I should have done something..."

I reached forward and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "There was nothing you could do, I'm just glad you could help me afterwards."

Rin nodded, his golden eyes lighting up as his confidence returned. "Actually while we're on the subject, that's why I am here, I came by to ask how you are getting on and how your wounds feel."

"They are good, Ane just checked them out and was saying that they should be okay in a couple of days as most of them were just superficial. My forearm might need stitches though, at least I'll have some cool scars!"

My companion snorted at my statement when his eyes widened. "Oh wait did I interrupt your rest?! I'm sorry, I'll head now so you can get some sleep."

I shook my head and joined Rin outside of the girls apartment, locking the door tight. "No its fine! I actually planned to go for a walk about the place. Stretch my legs and such, do you want to join me?"

The long haired boy look to me wide eyed, his cheeks becoming red. "W. ! As in us alone together?! But what about the motive?!"

I shrugged, my mind going dark from the reminder, but instead I decided to push it aside. Instead I, once again, adopted my smile. "I trust you Rin. Plus I wouldn't go down without a fight."

He chuckled at my words but accepted my offer, following me through the back streets.

FREE TIME EVENT

Rintarou Quarta- 1

For the first ten minutes we walked in a tense silence; Unspoken distrust haunting our steps as we wandered. We walked aide by side, stealing questioning glances as we moved until I had finally had enough. I stopped beside a lamppost which sat within the open space of the main street. Partially to relax our atmosphere, partially for its safety but mostly so that I could rest.

Leaning heavily on the metal structure I slid down, settling on the floor with a tired sigh. Rin joined me, sitting at arm's length, crossed legged in front of me.

Lying back on the post I smiled to my companion, deciding to diffuse the situation. "So, Rin, how did you get into the whole ninja thing?"

The golden eyed boy glanced my way before diverting his gaze. "I was born in a village where jujitsu and ninjitsu were practised. Skills passed on from generation to generation, it's tradition."

I nodde, watching his face as I pride further. "Sounds like something out of Naruto, did your entire village practise it?"

Rin snorted at my comparison, his form relaxing gently. "I guess you could say that but no, not everyone did. Everyone knows the basics but not everyone practises it further."

I nodded in understanding, leaning my chin on my fist in interest. "Yeah, I get that, it's like my friends. Most of them know the basics. But only me and Sato continued to competition level."

He hummed in agreement, his eyes lighting up with fire at the mention of my friend. "Sato huh? Is he your boyfriend... You know the kind of person you do 'stuff' with?..."

The ninja hid his face once more as I dealt a light slap to his shoulder, laughing at his lewd comment. "No! He's just a friend and training buddy! He's closer to my brother then my boyfriend!"

Rin's eyes lit up with a positive sparkle as I explained but I refused to let his mind wander. "So how do you use your skills? Do you compete too?"

The martial artist shook his head with a snort. "Definitely not! My skills are for practical use not tournaments! I use them to protect my village and it's people, that's my role."

I watched as a flash of pride passed through his amber irises, his relaxed demeanour encouraging a smile from me. With a wicked grin I leant forward, mischief in my eyes.

"Well then, how about you? Anyone special back at the village?"

The boy looked to me with dark eyes, a dangerous glint shining from them as he tightly grabbed a hold of his scarf and pressed it firmly to his lips. "Once... They she was taken away from me... And now with that fucking bear..."

My grin was gone as realisation hit my gut. "Oh god... She's your ransom... Cuz he said..."

"He would get to them, dead or alive... I won't let him touch her!" Rin aggressively slammed his fist into the cobbled floor, real fury radiating from him.

The violent act made me jump, shocking the boy from his trance as he cradled his sore hand. "I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me."

I shook my head, touching his forearm in support. "It's fine Rin, it's a stressful time... He has targeted my loved ones as well... My family... So I know how you feel, but we can't give in to his demands or wants, we have to be stronger than him so that we can get out of here and go home."

Rin looked to me with teary eyes, standing abruptly and turning away with a sharp nod. "I understand... But I must protect her."

And with that Rintarou sprinted away, out of sight within the blink of an eye. Our bonding was done, but it had left me cold with worry. I could tell something bad was going to happen... My intuition dumping ice into my gut.

Wandering back to the apartments I realised how late it had become. It was much too late to pursue a meal or to find a friend to talk to so instead I decided to retire, reaching the door when the bells sounded.

Bing bong, ding dong.

"This is an announcement from the Mayor's office. It is now ten pm and is now officially nighttime. The café, arcade and convenience store are now closed. I hope you enjoyed my gift today and I hope you will give my words some thought. After all there is much at stake and you never know what else you will lose~! Upupupupu! Goodnight!"

My body shook in anger at his words but I resigned myself to unattainable sleep, with his words running about in my head and my gut still frozen in fear.

A/N- Third FTEs done and Monokuma's first motive bomb dropped... So who will snap first? Well that's for me to know and you to find out! :)

Well guys thats us this time. Remember to review! And I will see you guys in the next one! :D