Location: Hope's Peak...? Time: Unknown...

Ace's POV

I exited out the classroom, appalled on how the entire school was able to change in so little time. It seemed more dark and evil than a school full of hope. But I soon shook off the feeling of uncertainty.

I looked both ways down the hall, and both seemed to go on forever into darkness. Where did the paper say to go again? I thought to myself. Looking at the brochure to check again, it says I need to make my way to the entrance hall. If I want to make it there, I need to know where I am, first. Taking a closer look at the brochure, I check the map drawn on it and I saw I was still some way away from the entrance hall. Actually, it was on the other side of the building! So, I dashed down the halls, wishing I made it on time.

On the way there, I passed numerous rooms; The Nurse's Office, which for some reason was sealed shut, a school shop, and what appeared to be a AV Room. This school has everything! I thought, till I finally made my way to the front entrance hall. The door was open, and I could hear voices on the other side. At least I'm not alone... Gathering my senses and nerves, I pressed onward into the hall.

Upon entering, a sea of faces greeted me. One of which was Naegi! Before I could even say hi to him, a rather calm, but threatening voice spoke out. "You're late." It was a tall, blonde kid with glasses. He had what appeared to be a rather expensive suit on with matching shoes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be late, but I woke up in a classroom on the other side of the school. Plus I don't even know how I got there...," I explained.

"Sorry, are you? No need to be. For this school is boring enough to put anyone to sleep. Well, I have to admit, it seems rather odd that that would happen to you as well." the guy placed his pointer and middle finger on the side of his head, as if thinking.

"What? Why do you say that?" I asked.

"Because everyone else had the same thing happen to them," said a girl with a red running jacket on.

Those words hit me like a blow. How!? How can the same thing happen to everyone else as well!? "Is this true?" I asked in a rather shaky voice.

Everyone either gave a silent nod or yes. This is strange...maybe I had better investigate around for a little. See what everyone else thinks about the situation. I made my way down, introducing myself to the others, starting with the blonde. "Well, I'm A-"

"I already know who you are, Ace Hogana, SDHS Swordsman, if I am not mistaken?" he asked certain of the answer.

"H-How did you-" I asked confused.

"My name is Byakuya Togami, the SDHS Scion, I know information on everyone in this room, so I won't need to converse with everyone else in the room. Leave me," he said dismissing me.

He was kind of rude. Anyway, let's go to the girl in the red jacket next.

She introduced herself, "Hiya! I am Aio Asahina, SDHS Swimmer! And you are?"

"Ace Hogana, SDHS Swordsman. Pleasure to meet you." We shook hands, and started up conversation on what's going on. According to Asahina, everyone else remembers walking into the entrance, and had the same experience I had, the sensation of losing vision...and blacking out. This is bad.

"Ace? You ok?" Asahina asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just lost in thought, my bad." I replied.

"Oh, OK! Well, I suggest you introduce yourself to the others, because I don't think it would be good if someone didn't know you," She started to giggle and rub her head.

"Yeah. Nice talking to you, Asahina!" I said moving on.

"Same here!" she called out.

As we parted ways, I made my way to a kid who appeared to be reading a manga. "Hey there."

"AAAaah, so, you are the Legendary Master Ace Hogana? The user of Dual-Blades?! SDHS SWORDSMAN?!" the kid asked excitedly.

"Y-yeah, I guess my reputation precedes me..." I stated embarrassed.

"Excellent! I am Hifumi Yamada, SDHS Otaku! At your service! May I interest you in some of my manga?" he offered.

"Thanks, but I actually need to get to know the others. I promise I'll get back to you though, alright Yamada?" I said walking away.

"Of course, my guild shall always be open to you! I could use skills like yours!" Yamada then bowed, glasses flashing like lightning.

He's great! I like him! Having a great smile on my face, I move on to...wow. I knew she was a girl...but she was HUGE!

"Greetings...I am Sakura Oogami, SDHS Fighter, and you must be the SDHS Swordsman, Ace Hogana?" Oogami greeted me.

"Y-yeah, I am." I responded.

"Pleasure to meet you. Do you mind if I test your body?" she asked kindly.

"Huh? Oh, you mean...yeah, I don't mind at all..." I answered confused at first.

Sakura then proceeded to evaluate my body. Nodding on every angle she found.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked feeling exposed.

"To see if you are a good person to spare with, which is the case. I'll look forward to sparing with you one day." she commented.

"Likewise! I wouldn't so easily pass up a good chance like this!" After bunting fists, we heard what appeared to be an argument.

Turning to greet it, I see Naegi and some weird hair guy arguing. Maizuno, the SDHS Idol, which I recognize from T.V. and her music I listen to, tried to break up the fight, along with someone who appeared to be...Leon, the SDHS All-Star.

Then, the crazy-hair guy looked as if he was cocking his arm, ready to punch. Crud! I rushed to put myself between the two and I grabbed his fist just before he was able to punch Naegi. "I wouldn't do that if I were you!"

The crazy-hair guy yelled, "What the-?! What the HECK do you think you're doing? Butting in on our business!?"

"Naegi, you alright?" speaking to Naegi without turning my back on the crazy-hair guy.

Naegi replied, "Yeah, just a little frustrated..."

"Hey do you know who you're messing with?! I'm Mondo Oowada, SDHS Biker! Leader of the CRAZY DIAMONDS!" Oowada announced.

Oowada took a swing with his left hand. I easily dodged the punch, and I then pulled his right arm to my left hip. Since he had bad balance, he flew forward. Using his momentum, I moved my left hand's grip from his wrist to his bicep, and put my arm through his left arms opening. I then put my right leg over his legs, performing a hip toss. I flipped him over onto the ground. He was stunned for a moment, but got up quickly. He then pulled out a knife that was stashed inside his coat pocket. At the sight of that, everyone backed away with fear and caution, until two girls came up in between us.

"Enough! Now isn't the time to be fighting amongst ourselves!" one girl stated.

"Indeed! Put the knife away, Oowada!" the other girl commanded.

"You can't tell me what to do!" Oowada refused.

"I can, and will! DO IT!" the other girl said firmly.

Oowada, grunting at the command, but put his knife back into his coat and walked to the wall. He was probably swearing under his breath. The two girls then walked up to me. One had a leather jacket, similar to mine, and it had gloves on her hands. She also had long, flowing whitish hair. The other one also had long hair but she was a brunette, and she...looked somewhat familiar...

"Hey, sorry about Oowada. Did he get you in any way?" the white haired girl said apologizing.

"No, not that he could..." I stated in the matter of fact.

The white haired girl started the introductions, "That's a relief...anyway, my name is Kyoko Kirigiri, and this is my friend, Jade Kurosaki, the SDHS Swordsman..."

Huh? ANOTHER SDHS Swordsman?! How is that even possible?! I thought to myself confused.

Jade waves saying, "Hi there!"

"You're another SDHS Swordsman?!" I asked doubting the earlier statement.

Jade confused on the confusion, "Huh? Another...wait a minute...are you the one I fought in the Tokyo National Finals?!"

Kirigiri picking up on the tension, "You two know each other? Well, you guys can catch up on old times. I am going to check on Oowada and get him to hand over the knife before anyone dies..." Kirigiri made her leave and Jade nor I made an attempt at trying to stop her.

It was weird to see someone who you have previously fought with in a swordfight not too long ago...and I couldn't believe she was here...

"So...how have you been since the tournament?" Jade broke the silence first.

I replied, "Well, after the tournament, I traveled overseas to the U.S. to train. What about you?"

"I stayed in Tokyo to train with my master, till I found out my mother had me enrolled into here." Jade stated.

"Well, at least since your here, we can have a rematch" I said cheerful.

"Oh, you bet!" she said excitedly.

We each looked at each other and laughed. It was nice seeing Jade again and I had already made a couple of new friends...some more than others. Then, we all heard the announcement system came on. It had a static screen on it for a minute or so, but it then opened into a silhouette of...what appeared to be a bear?

"Ahem...Sup Guys! It's the sexiest, most well known thing in the entire galaxy, MONOOOOOOOKUUUMAAAA! Thank you, thank you. Hold your applause," a voice called out in a greeting tone.

Everyone looked confused and a little girl who I hadn't been able to get to introduce myself to seemed to be hiding behind Oogami. Wonder what's she scared about? I thought to myself.

"Anywhoooo, I need you guys to get your butts over the Gym, ASAP. And you had better not keep me waiting! I'll get BEARY upset if you dooo! Upupupup!" And just like that, the silhouette vanished.

Everyone was quiet at first. Heck, I don't even think anyone breathed.

"I'm going..." Togami said, and left us without another word. A girl with glasses and a black dress followed close behind, nearly drooling...ugh.

"I guess we should all head there..." Kirigiri said and left as well. She was followed by Asahina, Oogami, the girl that hid behind her, and Oowada.

Maizuno and Naegi left as well, along with Yamada trailing behind.

There was another girl who dressed in gothic clothing who went as well. She waved to me as she walked out. "Bye lovebirds, names Celestia Ludenburg by the way..." she said as she passed.

After she said that, both Jade and I were blushing. That's also when Jade and I realized that we were the only ones left in the room. We both darted out of the room, passing Celestia as we did so. Whatever that situation was back there, I HOPE that doesn't happen again. Well, maybe I liked the fact that happened. A-anyway, we continued dashing down the halls, until we came to the Gym's doors. As we did, Jade stopped dead in her tracks and she looked stressed.

"Jade?" I asked concerned.

"Ace...I just got a big sense of despair...like, something terrible is going to happen through those doors...do you feel that evil energy?" Jade asked feeling worried.

After she said that word...despair...I felt an evil aura coming from those doors... "Jade...no matter the despair, we need to push onward. I know you're scared, but there is no need to be..."

She looked at me with a rather sad face. "W-why is that?"

"U-uh...well, see...I'll...protect you...and make sure we make it through this..." I started to blush uncontrollably and I thought she started too, but I couldn't tell. She then walked up to me and gave me a hug. I was in shock from the sudden hug and I was dumbstruck.

"Thanks Ace," she then looked up to me, "but I think the protecting part should belong to me!" She then punched me in the arm playfully and went into the doors with hope beaming from her.

All I could do is laugh. "Get back here!" I said, as I chased after her...

To Be Continued...