Two FTEs this time around, for Kasane and Jean! Voting is still going on, so make sure to vote while you still got the chance!

Day 2

BEGIN

I bolted upright, panicking for a moment before taking a deep breath. It took me a few seconds to remember everything that had happened and where exactly I was. And immediately afterwards, I wish I didn't.

The Field Trip of Mutual Killing….a Killing Game…. I frowned thinking about it. And we're truly still trapped within this place….Of course...it would've been too easy if this all was just a simple dream….this is too frighteningly real. After the announcement made by the dolls, we all split up. I wasn't too sure were the others had gone, as I had gone straight to my room to just mull over everything. At one point, I suppose I fell asleep right where I sat, which happened to be the couch in my room.

I quickly made a mental note not to try that again, rubbing my back slightly with a grimace. I also made sure to check the time, discovering it was about 7:45 in the morning. That curfew Gigi mentioned before must still be in effect. At least it gave me time to get ready before I finally decided to head out.

I first headed right to the bathroom, slipping off my gloves and facemask along the way. I figured I might as well take a shower before heading down. Besides, my hair looked like a mess anyways and probably needed a good wash. Hell, I couldn't even remember the last time I had washed it, or even taken a shower for that matter.

Another major problem when dealing with amnesia, I suppose…. I sighed, shaking my head and reaching over to turn the shower on. However, when I did so, no water came gushing out. Are you kidding me? Why isn't it working?

"'Cause it's still during curfew, dumbass!"

I yelped, jumping back and spinning to the door. Sure enough, there stood Mimi, arms on her hips. She continued walking in, somehow managing to jump onto the counter in a single leap.

"H-How did you-" I stuttered, caught off guard. Mimi just laughed it off, jerking a thumb towards the door.

"You sure are lucky, girl. I wouldn't be able to sleep in a place like this without my door locked!" She explained. I wanted to bite my lip in response, remembering ruefully that I really hadn't cared about making sure my door was locked last night. "But whatever. I know sis didn't mention it before, but all water to this building is kinda sorta shut off from 11:00 to 8, basically around the same time as curfew."

"Why on earth wouldn't you mention that?" I asked, more than a little annoyed at this point. "It seems like an important thing to mention. Is this in the rules?!" Mimi pouted, putting a finger to her chin before grumbling.

"Fuck, no it ain't." She muttered, before she pulled out a small, phone-like device. "Hang on! Give me a sec and I'll update this bitch!" My watch suddenly buzzed, alerting me to a change in the rules.

Rule 4 has been updated: Curfew is at 10:00 PM. Water to the apartment buildings is also shut off at 11:00 PM. Until 8:00 AM of the next morning, no student is allowed to go past the cafe. The water will also be turned on once more at 8:00 AM.

"Welp! That's all I really wanted to tell ya!" Mimi said, stuffing the object back into some hidden pocket of her dress. "Oh, and to also teach ya a lesson 'bout lockin' your doors. After all, in the midst of a Killing Game you can't trust anybody~! Any one of these motherfucker's could take advantage of ya and stab ya right in the back, both metaphorically and literally!" She laughed to herself, jumping down and landing like a child. "Welp! See ya, bitch!"

I just watched, mouth slightly agape as I just watched this all happen. I didn't even make a move when Mimi just walked out, only snapping out of it once I heard the door slam close. And when that did happen, all I did in response was groan and run a hand through my hair.

"I guess that shower will have to wait…" I muttered, grabbing my gloves and face mask. I quickly put them back on as I went for my room's door, also putting my jacket on along the way. For the time being, it might be a better idea to just swallow my suspicions and face the others. I wasn't sure how many people were even up at this hour, but figured there would be at least a few people down by the cafe.

There was nobody in the lobby of the building. Again, I assumed the reason for this being that some of the others were asleep or were down by the cafe. Outside, however, I did actually meet up with someone outside. Standing by one of the many little gardens in the courtyard stood Raiko, one hand in his pocket and the other holding the same cigarette he had been holding when I first met him. I distinctly saw his eyes quickly glance over to me as I walked closer, but he otherwise tried to keep up the pretense that he either didn't see me coming or just didn't care.

"Good morning, Raiko." I eventually said, nodding as I finally came closer. "I didn't take you for a morning person...if I'll be honest."

"I could say the same about you, miss." Raiko said, smiling slightly. "Going down to the cafe, I'm assuming? There's not too many up at this hour."

"I figured." I replied. "Is that where you are going as well?" He shrugged, placing the cigarette into his mouth silently.

"...Eventually. I'm keeping an eye out for now. You never know who'll be the first to snap." He said after a brief moment of silence. "If anyone is planning something, then I'll be sure to put a stop to it. Just go eat and relax for now." I hesitated, trying to get some kind of read on him before I finally gave up and began heading back for the cafe as well. Even if he might be a hitman, Raiko at least seemed somewhat trustworthy. Or at least, I hoped he was.

"Yo! Jiji!" Someone yelled as soon as I entered. I quickly recognized it as Jean, who was sitting at a table with Katsumi and an asleep Naoki and who was also waving like a madman to get my attention. Kasane and Bonnie sat at a different table that wasn't too far from them, where Bonnie seemed to be having a very, very one-sided conversation. I couldn't see him, but I figured that Yuri must've been in the kitchen as well, possibly making more coffee.

"Good morning. There's more people here than I expected." I greeted them, walking over and taking a seat with them. "Do you know if anyone else would be coming?"

"Not Edmund, that's for sure." Katsumi replied, rubbing his shoulder slightly. "I figured that since he's a general, he'd be up early normally. And...well, I was right. Thing is, he also apparently gets really touchy and grouchy in the morning and….rudely declined my offer to come join us for breakfast."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me." Jean said, leaning back in his chair. "Dude seems like a dick if you ask me. How much you wanna bet he's gonna be the first one to snap and kill? 10 bucks? Or...er...however much that is over here."

"That would be over 1000 yen, and that's merely an estimate." I said. "And...you're acting far too carefree about this. We are essentially in a hostage situation and told our only escape is murder. Yet you wish to make...bets?"

"Finding some light in an otherwise hopeless situation. I suppose that's one way of dealing with it." Katsumi said, as Jean simply shrugged. "It's not a bad strategy but….that isn't exactly going to help with the situation we're in...Is it?"

"And staying depressed is supposed to?" Jean shot right back. "We can't lose hope yet! Someone's gotta come for us soon!" He stood up, glancing around quickly before he slammed his fist into his open palm. "I'm gonna go get some breakfast, bros! You guys want me to get anything?"

"I can get it myself later…" Katsumi said, just waving it aside. "What about you guys? Denjii? Naoki?"

"I will be fine for now." I replied. "But….as for Naoki," I reached across the table and tapped the sleeping aromatherapist's shoulder several times, eventually having to give him a small shake this time around. "Naoki, did you want anything for breakfast?"

"Mmmm...I-I don't...mind…" He mumbled, not even lifting his head up this time. "...W-Whatever's available...I-I'm fine with…." And just like that, he was asleep once more. I couldn't help but scratch my head slightly at this, but decided not to question it just yet.

"Thanks for narrowing down the specifics, man." Jean said, although I was unsure if he was being sarcastic or not. "But whatever! I got ya man!" The Ultimate Rapper began walking for the kitchen, yelling out a greeting to Bonnie and Kasane as he passed them.

"Jean is very gung-ho, wouldn't you say?" Katsumi commented, leaning on the table with his left arm (again making me think his right shoulder was injured). "It's admirable...he's able to keep such a level head about all of this."

"Agreed." I simply said back. Before either of us could say anything more, I felt my bracelet suddenly begin buzzing. The same could be said for everyone else's, as I caught a glimpse of Kasane glancing to her wrist and heard Naoki start back awake once he felt it.

Looking down to it as well, I watched as a symbol appeared for a brief minute, before it showed Gigi sitting at a desk surrounded by many computers. Her voice began coming from the speakers, although I couldn't tell if her mouth was moving on-screen to match.

"Attention all students. Curfew is now over. You may proceed past the cafe as you please. Let's make today another wonderful day!" She simply said, before it all turned off once more.

"Curfew is over….I guess I shall be taking my leave…." Kasane suddenly said, standing. "It was….interesting talking with you, Miss Matsushita….but I must be going…."

"Oi! What's so important ya already gotta high-tail it on outta here?" Bonnie said, rather indignantly. Kasane didn't say anything, instead continuing on by walking for the door. The Ultimate Cowgirl only huffed, crossing her arms. "Bah, whatever. Be like that then, ya harum scarum." I frowned under my mask, telling myself that I'll need to follow after her later, just to check if she was really ok.

But I'd have to wait for now. After all, I still needed to eat breakfast.

Free Time

BEGIN

Kasane

After I finished my breakfast, I immediately bid goodbye to Katsumi and Naoki (only Katsumi replied back, given that Naoki was still asleep). I decided to begin looking for Kasane, trying to figure out where exactly a Kendo Practitioner would go in a place like this. It took me a while, but I eventually found her in the general store, leafing through the small book section of the store.

She seemed to be, interestingly enough, looking through the manga section, pulling out an old, worn book and quickly skimming over the pages. I stopped a bit a ways from her, craning my neck a small bit just to try and read what the book said.

"If you….wanted to read…." Kasane suddenly said, making me jump a small bit. "Then...you could've just said something...I wouldn't mind."

"A-Ah, I'm terribly sorry, Kasane…" I said quickly, rubbing my arm. "After you left, I got worried. So I went to check on you and I…" Kasane didn't make any other movement, instead flipping the page. "Er...May I ask what you are reading?"

"Shinakoi….It's one of my favorite mangas…." She replied. "It's about a very skilled kendo fighter who hears of a duo of dojo destroyers….she ends up deciding that she should defend her own dojo against them and…." She slammed the book shut as she seemingly realized she had begun rambling a bit. "A-Ah….I-I apologize, Miss Tokunaga...I did not mean to speak for so long...Shinakoi is merely one of my favorite manga and I-"

"Kasane, it's fine, you don't need to worry." I cut across, waving it aside. "It truly does sound like you enjoy this manga. I'm guessing you don't get to talk about it too often?" Kasane nodded, turning to me while holding her book close to her chest.

"Mm...I don't...I am often busy." She explained. "Much of my time is mostly taken up by my kendo practice...My instructor tells me it's important to practice every day….otherwise my skills will fall behind and I will eventually lose my title as Ultimate Kendo Practitioner…." I frowned slightly, thinking back to when we had first met. I had gotten this sense that her title of Ultimate Kendo Practitioner meant nothing to her. And yet, here she was, telling me all about how she would train everyday just to keep her title. Part of me thought of asking her about it, but I decided against it.

"May I hear more about this manga?" I asked, tilting my head. Kasane gave a small start, turning her face up towards mine a small bit. "You sounded so happy talking about it before. I'd love to hear more about it, if you don't mind." She bit her lower lip for a moment, her grip on the book tightening.

"...If you really are that interested then…" She finally said. "Then….I'll be happy to! They also have the first volume here so...i-if you want to read it, then I'm sure those dolls won't mind if you take it…"

We both sat in the aisle as Kasane described most of Shinakoi. I made sure to listen intently as she did so.

I noticed a few other things about her as I listened. Unlike before, she seemed to let her more excited and enthusiastic side shine through. Her entire face, although her eyes remained firmly closed, lit up as she described the main character and some of the plot points. I was also getting the sense that she possibly could still see, but instead only chose to keep her eyes closed the whole time. I couldn't see a reason in this, especially since I would imagine kendo requiring someone to see.

"...and that's as far as I've read….I'm afraid…." Kasane suddenly broke me out of my thoughts, folding her hands neatly on her lap. "I wonder if we will be allowed to explore the rest of this place...there might be a bookstore. I only have the last volume to finish…."

"I'm sure we'll be allowed there soon. If so...I may want to catch up on it as well." I commented, giving her a smile until I remembered she kept her eyes closed. "How did you even come across such a manga? I thought you said earlier that you were always busy with your practice."

"Ah...I did say that...didn't I?" Kasane said, putting a finger to her chin. "Well….I started my training when I was 6...but I was always interested in kendo since I was very young. I found out about Shinakoi back then and I managed to convince my parents to buy me the first copy….It was around the same time I began practicing that I got around to the second volume…" She began tugging at the sleeve of her haori, rather nervously as well. "I….I think I managed to get around to the third one when Cidea accepted me….I'm afraid I can't remember too well…" She paused for a moment, before holding out the book for me, her cheeks puffed out slightly. "Miss Tokunaga….if it does not bother you, then will you accept this?"

"Er….are you sure about this, Kasane?" I asked, eyes darting from Kasane's face to the book hesitantly. She only nodded, holding it out as if she was insisting I took it. "I...see. Thank you very much, Kasane."

Kasane and I grew a little closer today.

Jean

Kasane and I stayed for about an hour longer, where we read through a good portion of the volume. Eventually, however, she excused herself and said that she had planned on going to practice for a bit. I instead decided I should try and read more, heading to the courtyard. There were a few people hanging out there, but I just avoided them. I just headed right for one of the small gardens, sitting with my back against the stone pot.

Just as I opened the book, however, I heard someone calling for me. Or, more like someone was calling me by a nickname.

"Yo! Jiji!" I looked up, only to see Jean running towards me and waving. "I've been lookin' all ova for ya, girl! Where have you been?"

"Ah, I was talking with Kasane." I explained, setting the volume down besides me. "What did you need me for, Jean? Is it something important?" Jean made a 'sort of' gesture, shrugging slightly.

"Ehhhhhh….Kinda? Just need ya to come with me." He said. "You up to it? Just thought it might be a nice thing, y'know to take our minds off all this shit." I paused for a few seconds, hand twitching on the volume. ...Hmm...I suppose I could help him out. I figured, standing once more. I also stowed away the book in my jacket, before I began to follow Jean back down the road once more.

It turns out Jean wanted to make good on that promise he made when we were all still introducing ourselves. He took me to the plaza, practically ordering for me to sit down as he dug around in his pockets for...something. I just watched, trying not to burst out laughing in the meantime.

"Oh come on! Did those things take my pocket mic?!" Jean yelled, frustratedly. "I can understand my phone, but my fucking pocket mic?!"

"Do you mean...your pocket microphone?" I asked, on the verge of covering my mouth as if I didn't have a facemask hiding my smile. "I'm only assuming you wish to put on some kind of performance, to show off your talent, correct?"

"Yep, you got it sista." Jean replied with a grin, before throwing his hands into the air. "Fuck. My mic wouldn't have been plugged into anything either, so I wouldn't have been loud! Whatever, I can still rap just as good without it! Let's rock, Jiji!"

I sat and listened as Jean began rapping at an incredible speed. I think I truly understand why he's called the Ultimate Rapper now, I've never quite heard someone speak that fast before.

As Jean finished his final verse, I began clapping, preferably as hard as I could to show the proper enthusiasm. Jean merely laughed, stumbling over his words at the end as he rubbed the back of his head embarrassedly.

"That was excellent, Jean." I said as he walked a bit closer. "Were you always able to talk that fast or did you have to learn it?"

"Nah. Always felt like a natural talent, y'know?" He explained, plopping down on the bench directly next to me. "I mainly just used to rap to pass the time or vent and whatever. Helped me a lot in middle school. Those years were the fucking worst."

"I'm guessing you didn't exactly enjoy your time back in your home country?" I asked, tilting my head a small bit. Jean thought about for a bit, before shaking his head with a grin.

"Actually...as bad as middle school was, I still enjoyed my time back in the ol' U.S, believe it or not." He eventually said. "Didn't grow up back there, I probably wouldn't be the same cool dude you see here. Hell, I don't even think I'd be the Ultimate Rapper. I'd probably be the Ultimate Most-Boring-Dude-On-The-Planet, or somethin' like that."

"I believe that your talent must've been innate. Not just anyone can become quite the same rapper like you." I pointed out. However, he only gave me a questioning look, to which I responded with; "I mean...your talent as a rapper may also be just something natural. A talent you were born with."

"Huh….Never really thought about it that way." Jean said, nodding slowly. "Guess that'd be a better way of lookin' at it." He gave me a grin once more. "Thanks for helpin' me see it that way then, I guess! You're pretty cool in that way, Jiji!"

I...guess I'm glad to have met Jean. Although I can't say this is the most ideal of situations. I thought, nodding in reply. But...at least he makes me feel like we'll be able to live through this. And for that, I will forever be thankful.

Jean and I grew a bit closer today.

We hung around in the town square for most of the day, greeting whoever happened to walk in. Eventually, Jean and I parted ways and I was free to read the manga Kasane had given me. Or at least, that's what I thought. My bracelet suddenly began buzzing with what looked like another announcement from Gigi, although this certainly wasn't an announcement about curfew.

"Attention all students. This is an official announcement from your trip supervisors. We need your presence in the town square. Please make your way there or else suffer the consequences. That is all. Thank you!"

Gigi's voice was cut off with a jaring crackle of static, to which I only sighed in response. Another announcement? What on earth do these things have planned for us? I wondered, beginning to make my way to the town square once more. Does this have anything else to do with….this Killing Game they mentioned? From what I can tell, nobody has since tried to murder anyone, which I guess is a good sign.

I shook my head, picking up the pace. No, I can't keep worrying about that. I'd better just get over there as quickly as I can…. I told myself. Just….stay positive for now. Stay positive!

After all, staying positive was supposed to work in such a hopeless situation like this, right?

And here we begin Chapter 1, Things Seen In The Dark! I'm super excited to get this show on the road! I also have two more FTEs planned for this chapter as well. Possibly even a third FTE if I decide to do it. This is also a good idea to say that I still have that poll up for which FTE I should do next, although it should be obvious that I won't be doing Kasane or Jean again. Here's the link if you need it, just remember to replace the | with .: www|strawpoll|me/16746348/r

Anyways, same stuff as always! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter!