"When I draw my swords, I don't only just draw a weapon. I also draw my partners and with my partners, I share a bond. If you have a partner, then you have a bond. If you have a bond, then you and your partner will share a friendship that will last a lifetime..." ~Ace Hogana

Location: Ace's Room Time: 7: 00

DING DONG DING DOOOONG!

I woke with a start, nearly having a heart attack. Thinking that someone was trying to kill me, I flipped over drawing my dual-blades waiting for an enemy to strike. However, there was no one there. Scanning the area, I realized where I was. I was at Hope's Peak...the place that I was trapped in...I sheathed my blades, sighing in relief. Hearing a static noise, I looked up to the monitor that was in my room. The screen fizzled around a little, till it showed Monokuma eating pancakes.

Monokuma greeted, "Hello Guys! RISE AND SHINE! Let's put our best foot forward today! Also, today's pancake day, so hurry up before they run out!" After that announcement the monitor was off.

''Put our best foot forward? More like 'Kill each other for my amusement!'..." I said in anger. I hate Monokuma...He's gonna pay for this...

Ugh...I slide off of my bed, dragging myself to get dressed. After making my bed and doing everything I normally did in the morning, I made my way to the doors with my swords strapped tightly to my back. As I pushed through the doors, Oowada was waiting for me. At first, I thought Oowada wanted to have another go, so I grabbed my right sword's hilt.

However, Oowada held his hands up. "Chill man, I just want to talk..."

Still staying on guard, I let go of my sword's hilt crossing my arms. "You have my attention. For how long, I don't even know, so speak."

Oowada then put out his hand as if he wanted me to shake it. At first, I thought he was joking, so I gave him a sarcastic look. "What are you doing?"

"Look, I'm sorry for being a jerk, alright? I know I haven't been the kindest gentlemen, but I realized that what I did was wrong...so, can we call a truce? Can you forgive me, dude?" Oowada apologized.

Again, I was expecting someone to throw up a sign saying 'Jokes on you!'...but it looked like Oowada was sincere about his apology. I took his hand using my dead-lock grip. Oowada winced a little at the pain, but tightened his grip as well. "Ok, fine. But don't be a jerk again; I would hate to flip you again..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Just hurry up and get to the Cafeteria, alright?" Oowada waved the comment away.

Shaking my head yes, Oowada let go of my hand and started walking to the Cafeteria. Sighing, I turned on my Electro ID and I looked at the map. After finding out my location and where the Cafeteria was, I found that Naegi was near my location. He was in the Storage Room. Why is he in there? I thought.

Turning my Electro ID off, I dashed over to the Storage Room and found Naegi there. "Hey Naegi!"

"Oh, hi Ace, what's up?" Naegi seemed to be looking for something because there was about 3-5 boxes surrounding him.

"Nothing much, what are you doing?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, I was looking fooooor...ah, here it is." Naegi held up a couple of plates," plates for breakfast. There wasn't any in the Kitchen. Mind helping me to get these to the Cafeteria?"

"No problem!" I replied.

Naegi staked up as many plates as I could carry, which was all of them and we made our way to the Cafeteria. On the way, we said hello to Asahina. As we neared our destination, I decided to see if Naegi knew the little girl's name. I thought I should at least know her name when we got the chance to talk to one another.

"Hey Naegi, do you know the little girl? The one in the green dress?" I asked looking where I was going.

Naegi looked confused and then snapped with his face lighting up as if he solved a scientific problem. "Oh, you mean Fujusaki? She's the SDHS Programmer; really good with anything with a screen."

"Fujusaki, huh?" I thought about Fujusaki for a second. The SDHS Programmer...she seems so small, almost childlike. If I hadn't known any better, I would've guessed she was a grade-school student. Still processing these thoughts in my mind, I hadn't noticed we had entered the Cafeteria; where Leon, Oowada, Fujusaki, Sakura, and Asahina where waiting for us.

Naegi called out, "I've got the plates!"

Asahina said excitedly, "Finally! I've been dying for donuts for the past 15 minutes!"

"Can't you just use your hands to eat donuts?" Leon asked.

"Yeah, but I pile them on; more than you could eat, I bet!" Asahina challenged.

Leon accepted, "You're on!"

Just then, Kirigiri and Fukawa walked out with plates of pancakes and donuts. At first, I thought it was a little gross...I mean, who would eat donuts and pancakes together? But then hunger slashed at my stomach...as they all cheered on sight, I realized how hungry I really was. Guess it couldn't hurt to try it, I guess...

So we arranged everything for the table and at that moment, Celes, Jade, Yamada, and Togami entered the Cafeteria.

"Sorry I was late, took longer to shine my sword than I thought." Jade grinned.

"It appears everyone is here," Fujusaki said happily.

Kirigiri called them over, "Dig in everyone. We won't accomplish anything with empty stomachs."

"Oh, goodie. Pancakes. Yamada, do you mind fetching me a plate of those delicious looking pancakes?" Celes asked looking at the food.

Yamada obeyed, "Right away!" Yamada scurried to get the plate of food for Celes. I rolled my eyes to that thinking that Celes was a drama queen. As Leon and Asahina had their donut chow-down event, I got myself a couple of pancakes, 2 Boston cream donuts, and an éclair. I walked to the end of the room finding a table where I could sit and eat.

As I sat down, Jade came over with her food. "Mind if I sit with you?"

"No, go right ahead." I answered pointing to the seat.

As she sat down, we both removed our swords, placing them in front of us. "How was your room, Ace? Was it weird sleeping in?"

"Well...it was, but it wasn't the first time I hadn't slept in my own bed before...why do you ask?" I asked.

"Well...I felt out of place...I mean we are trapped here unless...we..." Jade couldn't finish her sentence. She started to shiver in fear, gripping her hands tightly. I also saw that she was tearing up.

I began to silently panic. What was I suppose to do?! I wasn't trained for these situations! What if I did something that would make this even worse?! Then I caught Naegi looking our way. At first, I couldn't see what he was doing, but I then saw he was mouthing words to me. "What are you doing?!" Naegi mouthed.

"I don't know! She's shaking in fear because of Monokuma's words! What do I do?!" I mouthed back. Naegi then motion for me to wrap my arm around her. I instantly blushed and mouthed "Are you crazy?!", but

Naegi continued to motion it and then mouthed 'Do it for her! She needs comfort! Trust me, it'll work!'

Looks like I'm going to have to count on luck, good thing I had the SDHS Luckster on my side. I slowly wrapped my arm around her hoping it would comfort her. At first, she jumped surprised I did so, but she then started to stop shaking and calming down into a steady breathing.

Close call... I thought. Looking back at Naegi, he gave me two thumbs up. I looked back at everyone else and it appeared that no one had noticed Jade, Naegi, or me. And from the looks of it, they were all interested in Leon' and Asahina's doughnut chow-down. I looked down at Jade who still looked as if she was scared.

She then looked up at me with fear and despair in her eyes. "Ace...Are we going to die? Or worse, live here for-"

"Hey, that isn't going to happen. We'll find a way out and give Monokuma a taste of what hope and blades can really do. Alright?" I reassured her.

"How can you be so sure? How do you know that that'll never happen?" Jade asked doubtful.

I hesitated before answering. I knew that if anyone had planned to kill someone else there was only so much I could do because I can't read minds. But, I thought of an answer to Jade's question. "Because I'm here. As long as I am breathing, I won't rest until I find a way out of here without murdering someone. It will happen one way or the other. I swear it on my name that I will use my blades and anything to make sure that we all make it out of here, alive!"

Jade was surprised at my answer looking as if she was seeing a different person. She then rested her head on my shoulder finally relaxing. Sighing with relief, I leaned back against my chair. "Ace...where do you get your strength from?"

I looked down at her, slightly confused. My strength? "What do you mean?"

She then looked up into my eyes. Her eyes were...lightly emerald green sparkling in the light. "I mean...how are you able to...stay calm in a situation like this?"

I sat up pushing my breakfast away. Why I was strong...why was I strong? At the moment, I didn't really have an answer and I couldn't think of any sufficient answer. I thought about it for about 4 minutes thinking about where I drew my strength from. Then I was able to come up with a sufficient answer. "Well...I look at this situation as if I were fighting a new enemy...I am scared, it's human nature to be scared...but I don't let my fear show or control me. My swords also play a role in my strength. See my swords have been with me since day one and we've been through a lot together. They lend me the strength so that I can be strong...With that, I feel that I can overcome any foe and Monokuma is just one of those foes...There is also another thing that I draw my strength from..." I felt rather weird talking to Jade like this...and what I did next was something I had never done before. I took out my memento...the one my mother gave me. I raised it high into the air, so that she and I could see it glow its ruby-like glow.

Jade was in a state of awe mesmerized by my pendant. "W...what is it?"

"A memento from my mother...she gave it me on my 13th birthday. It's ruby encrusted in volcanic glass. Its shape is also unique because it's in the shape of a dragon's head." I described my pendant.

Jade then asked if she could take a closer look at it. I agreed and she examined the pendant. After a while, she gave it back to me. "I see...you draw strength from things that are precious to you?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that..." I answered looking her.

"So...So would I be considered one of those precious things?" she asked blushing with every word.

This question caught me off guard making me blush in embarrassment. I was so surprised by the question that I fell backwards off my chair. Landing on my back sucked! The crash made everyone look in our direction. Well everyone other than Leon, he was out on the table. Fujusaki, Asahina, and Maizuno giggled, while Oowada and Yamada where dumbstruck. Togami didn't show any emotion.

Fukawa rolled her eyes, saying, "A-Amateurs..."

Naegi covered his face with his hand.

Kirigiri smiled lightly laughing. "I see your getting to know one another better?"

Asahina confused, "Huh? I thought you guys left already!"

Sakura impressed, "Love does possess many good qualities..."

Naegi shaking his head, "Just our luck..."

Jade embarrassed, "W-wait! It was...I was just..."

"L-love?! Uuuuh..." I was dumbstruck by the word.

Fujusaki teasing, "If you want privacy, you could try the kitchen..."

Jade and I yelled in sync, "No way! It's nothing like that! What?! Stop copying me!"

Oowada laughing, "That's not really helping your case..."

Celes teasing some more, "Are you sure, lovebirds? We don't mind you two as a couple."

Fukawa stuttered, "R-Really, Ace? Do y-you not know anything about r-r-romance?!"

"G-guys?! That wasn't-" I tried to explain.

Asahina said not helping, "It's actually kinda cute."

Jade screeched flustered, "Cute?!"

Yamada asked playfully, "Do I sense a hint of love in the air?"

Jade and I were now both flustered. Everyone seemed to approve, but I didn't...I mean, I did...UGH! Why is the life of a teenager so full of confusion?!

Togami stated killing the mood, "Love or not, you shouldn't waste your time making relations. If you hadn't already noticed, we are supposed to kill each other, remember?"

This made everyone stare at Togami. Why would he remind everyone of that? I'm sure everyone knew about it, but the way he said it...it made the entire mood of the room change from hope to despair...

"I know about the unearthly truth, Togami, but making relations may actually help your chances in surviving, you might wanna try it sometime." I said firmly.

Togami smirked, "That's refreshing...being told to make friends with fools… Tell me this, Ace. If you support love and friendship so much, then what will you do if Jade, for example, were to one day stab you in the back with her rapier?!"

Asahina shouted at him, "That would NEVER happen! Jade isn't a killer!"

Togami countered, "Oh, can you be so sure?! In your mind, you may think that, but can you really be sure Jade wouldn't kill to escape?"

I looked back at Jade's fists balled on anger. Next moment, I saw her draw her blade and dashed at Togami. I drew both blades jumping in front of Jade parrying her strike. Everyone was stuck in awe...well, Other than Kirigiri and Sakura.

"Jade?! What are doing? Are you mad?!" I asked.

Jade roared, "Get out of my way Ace!"

"Jade, snap out of it! It's not worth killing Togami! No matter how mad you may be!" I said trying to reason with her.

Jade still tried to get after Togami, but I didn't let her. Then, Kirigiri stepped in. "Obviously, we need to put this to a close now. Togami, get out now!"

Togami replied walking behind me, "I was actually on my way now...By the way, Ace, you tell me what love and friends will bring you. I'm dying to know..." Togami then walked out, Fukawa following closely by.

Sighing, Kirigiri told everyone else to give Jade and I some space and told them to help her in the kitchen.

Nearly everyone went to the Kitchen; all but Fujusaki. She actually walked up to us… "Jade, are you okay?"

"No, I'm not! Togami is nothing more than a heartless monster! I just...lost it..." Jade answered frustrated.

"Jade, try to calm down. I know Togami's a jerk, but killing him wouldn't have solved anything. In fact it would have proved his point..." I stated.

Fujusaki defending my point, "It wasn't your fault Jade. All you have to do is prove that big meanie wrong."

I was surprised with Fujusaki. She wasn't her shy, scared self. She seemed more determined having found some type of drive...

Jade looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Ace...I didn't mean for all of this to happen..."

"Don't sweat it Jade. I'm sure everyone knows you were provoked with that, right, Fujusaki?" I said to reassure her. Fujusaki nodded. Helping Jade to her feet I grabbed our swords and walked her back to her room.

When we got there, Jade hugged me tightly. Slightly blushing, I hugged back. "Ace...I'm not as strong as you are...please, let me lean on you a little longer..." She then went into her room locking it.

Sighing, I turned over to Fujusaki. "Thanks for the support back there..."

"Oh, it was no problem, honestly. I'm glad that no one got hurt." she said shyly.

"Yeah...anyway, what's your plan now?" I asked.

"Well...now that you mention it...I believe I haven't anything to do..." Fujusaki said thoughtfully. Fujusaki then looked down almost depressed. She seemed sad that she had no plans.

I wasn't having much luck with girls... "W-well...maybe, if you wanna hang out later today, could you meet me in the Cafeteria?"

Fujusaki then looked up surprised. Then she started frantically shaking her head and hands. "Oh, nonono, I couldn't take up your time like that! I wouldn't want to be a burden!"

"What? No, Fujusaki, you've got it all wrong! I assure you that you wouldn't be a burden, I promise." I said surprised by her reaction.

Fujusaki then stopped jumping around and then made a face as if she was thinking. She then nodded. "Ok...Do you think you'll be free around 4: 30?"

"Y-yeah...I'll be free. So, wanna meet up at the Cafeteria?" I asked again.

"Sure! See you then!"Fujusaki then parted ways with me, both heading to our respective rooms.

Location: Ace's Room Time: 9: 05 am

Upon entering my room, I detached my blades and placed then next to my bed. I also took off my boots and stretched out my body. It was still early, so I wanted to get as much rest as I could. That way I could face the afternoon I had ahead of me. I then jumped onto my bed grabbing the notepad that I had that was next to my bed.

Might as well keep a day-to-day account on what's happening here... I thought. Grabbing the pen that was next to it, I began to vigorously write the events that transpired in the Cafeteria. I wrote how Togami acted, how Asahina won the doughnut chow-down, and what happened in the back of the room...how Jade and I were. After a while, I found that I had sketched out Jade, looking out of a window, clutching her rapier.

I saw it was a pretty good drawing, so I took the tape that was on my dresser and posted it onto my wall. It looked as if it was meant to be there. Maybe I'll do sketches of everyone here... I thought. Looking back at the time, I saw it was 9: 55. Should probably get going, I have a lot of people to meet with today...

Putting my boots and swords back on, I headed out the door heading to my first destination, Kirigiri's room. I wanted to know what Kirigiri wanted to talk to me about...

Flashback, In the Gym

"K-Kirigiri?! What are you doing? You scared the heck out of me..." I said catching my breath.

Kirigiri stated, "I wanted to talk to you..."

Back to the Present

Leaving my room, I dashed over to Kirigiri's room. Ready to knock...

To be Continued...