A/N: I wanted to play around with a few scenes in Battle Royale. While this chapter, Takako's death, doesn't deviate from the story so much, I hope that I managed to bring something to the table.

Pairing: [One-sided] Takako/Hiroki

Warnings: Character death, minor violence and language

"So it's..."

Takako felt the bullets pierce her back as she fell forward into the green shrubs, where thorns and loose rocks scraped her face.

"...Too bad." Mitsuko lowered her gun and turned away, calmly walking away from the dying girl.

So, Mitsuko...you're playing the game? She grimaced in pain, willing her body to move. You could have at least finished me off. Bitch. Takako's body wouldn't respond to her commands, frustrating her to no end. She could still feel a searing pain in her back as her hand gripped her weapon-an ice pick. Doesn't look like this will do me much good anymore. Still, she could bring herself to toss the weapon aside. What if someone comes to finish me off? I can at least pretend to defend myself...

How disgraceful, she thought, to die like this. Plants danced in front of her eyes as a gentle breeze blew through the forest. At the very least, she wished she had the strength to roll over. Could the last thing I see be the sky, please? It was funny how something so trivial meant the world to her now.

No...I wish I could see someone else. Images quickly flashed through her mind: Her mother and father, her little sister Ayako and their dog, Hanako, gathered together and somberly bidding farewell to her. Tears streamed down their faces as they silently mouthed 'goodbye'. Even now, did they know their daughter was on the verge of death? She saw her best friend, Kahoru, shouting "What about him?"

She thought of the handsome boy on the track team briefly, but more importantly-

Hiroki. The name seemed to invigorate her; her eyes flared open as she pushed herself up. Hiroki...where are you? You need to be careful. Mitsuko- Her arm gave way and she collapsed to the ground once again. I need to tell you, you must know-

'Must know what?' Kahoru asked, a knowing grin on her face.

Everything. Takako thought. She realized that there was so much to say, but she was quickly running out of time. She needed to warn Hiroki about Mitsuko, if he didn't know already. A fleeting thought crossed her mind-Is Hiroki already dead? Did Mitsuko get to him? She quickly extinguished the idea. He couldn't be dead...right? No. Hiroki is alive. He has to be. A childish thought entered her mind; Hiroki bursting through the forest and sweeping her up. A romantic kiss, right before she passed into the next world.

A painful chuckle escaped her lips. That's gotta be the stupidest thing I've ever thought of. Still, she waited for a sign, anything to let her know that he was still alive. She was met with silence.

So...this is it? This is how it ends? It's so quiet. In a way, it was nice to leave like this. The forest was tranquil, and the wounds she suffered from were numb now. Is it because of all the blood I've lost? The cold seeped through her bones, and briefly she pondered how ironic the whole situation was. It was peaceful here in the clearing; yet, she had just murdered someone, and had been brutally attacked as well just moments-well, she wasn't sure how much time had passed, really-ago. She wanted to laugh. What a world we live in.

Please. Can I see him one more time?

They were young children. Someone had just stolen Hiroki's comic book, causing the boy to cry.

"Come on, boys don't cry. Be strong." Takako chided with her hands on her hips. Seeing that Hiroki was crying harder at that, she added, "Wanna see my puppies?" She extended her hand to the smaller boy.

"...Okay." He sniffled, as he took her hand.

**/\\**

"Do you like anyone, Hiroki?" Takako asked, staring straight ahead.

"Hmm?" He seemed to be caught off guard by the question.

"Don't you have a crush?" Takako asked, hoping she wasn't being too obvious. She could feel his gaze burning into the side of her face.

"No...I can't say that I do."

Not even in the running, huh? Whatever. She couldn't deny the tiny clinch she felt in her heart.

**/\\**

"Who told you I had a crush?" Takako asked, surprised that Hiroki knew. What was even more surprising was that he cared enough to act. Did that mean he-

"It's floating around." He shrugged. "Any luck?"

"No. He has a girlfriend. How about you, Hiroki? Do you have a girlfriend yet?"

"Leave me alone."

Please?

She could tell she was on the verge of tears. Did you like me? I mean, we've always had a thing for each other...right? Or was it all in my head? I liked you...did you feel the same?

She closed her eyes, knowing how futile it all was. I'll never see you again. Another breeze rolled over, but this time she didn't shiver. It's over. I'm going to go alone? Suddenly she felt lighter, as if she was floating. Was this what dying felt like? What an odd sensation.

"Takako, you can't die."

Are you really here? She opened her eyes. By some miracle, Hiroki was looking down at her. He seemed to be engulfed in the warm, orange rays of the setting sun. She could see treetops beyond her friend, and through the leaves, the pink and orange hues of the sky. She could smell the flowers that bloomed all around her, feel the weeds tickle her palm. She definitely wasn't in the same place where Mitsuko shot her. Had Hiroki carried her here?

"How-" The amount of energy it took to form these words surprised her. I don't have much time left, do I? "-did you...find me?"

"I managed." He replied quietly. He knelt down beside her and carefully held her head up. "Who got you?"

This was important. Hiroki needed to know; Takako wouldn't allow Hiroki to die as she had. Who gave a damn about Kazushi now? "Mitsuko. Watch out for her."

He nodded slowly. Then said, "I'm sorry."

For what? Her face must have shown her confusion, as Hiroki continued.

"I was waiting outside of the school for you. When Yoshio came back I-I got distracted. But then you ran and I...lost you. I went after you but I couldn't find you."

Oh...Takako had thought she heard someone calling her name when she first left the school, but she had been so afraid. Hiroki had waited for her, risking his own life by doing so. Even worse, he had probably spent all of his time looking for her, only to find her like this. She wanted to cry at the injustice of it all.

I'll be strong for you, Hiroki.

Instead, she managed to form a small smile. "You did that...for me? Thanks." She wouldn't be able to talk much longer. But there was so much left to say; how could she let him know how much he meant to her?

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. "Do you like anyone?"

His eyebrows raised, but he answered. "I do."

"Don't say it's me." Please, say it's me.

His eyes softened. Though he still looked sad, he gave her a smile. "No, it's not."

Damn...I wonder who I've lost out to?

"Well then…" She took in a deep breath. This would be the last time she saw the afternoon sky, the last time she would ever see Hiroki. An eternal sleep was all that awaited her now. She could feel tears build up at the corner of her eyes. I'm only fifteen...

"Could you just...hold me tight? It will be over soon."

Hiroki's lips quivered slightly but held her up. She felt his warm arms wrap around her body as he pulled her close. Ah, I'm staining your clothes with my blood. Sorry about that. Her head began to fall backwards, but Hiroki held it up.

"You must survive, Hiroki." He looked down at her, sorrow evident on his face.

Please God, just one more thing? Takako thought desperately.

"You know...you've become quite the stud." She looked into his eyes and smiled.

"And you're...the most stylin' girl in the world." His eyes gleamed in the dying sun.

Please don't cry. She needed to tell him that it was alright, but she was out of breath. It means so much to me that you came for me. That's enough. She stared into Hiroki's eyes. Thank you Hiroki. She wasn't going to die alone.

Be good, Ayako. Be a better girl than I was.

Sorry mom, sorry dad. Doesn't look like I'm coming home from this school trip.

Thank you, Kahoru. I heard you loud and clear.

Hiroki...I...

Her eyes closed for the final time, a smile still on her face. It was then that Hiroki let the tears fall onto Takako's beautiful face. He held her body close as he cried.