Save Me Lollipop

Rating: T plus mature subject matter

Disclaimer: I do not own Save Me Lollipop; some other guy does, but not me

Characters: Nina, Zero, Forte, San, Gou, Roka, and Yakamo

Note: thoughts


Chapter 7

Everybody sat around the campfire, deep in the Town's Forest, as the Co-ed Manhunt was underway. Yakamo just told everyone what happened between him and Nanase, since the game started.

"I still don't get why Nanase would go through all this trouble just to get back at Zero." Said Forte, a little confused.

"But let's not forget the fact that Ichi was forced to cooperate with Nanase. But according to what Yakamo just told us... Ichi didn't have any other choice but to side with Nanase." Said Gou like he was pointing out facts.

Nina looked to her side to see that Zero hasn't said a single word, since they started to talk. He also seemed to be deep in thought.

Poor Zero. He's been so quiet since we started talking... I just hope he doesn't do anything rash.

"So... what are we going to do now? Do we go after Nanase? Or do we finish this game first? Fo, what do you think?" Said San with a sad expression, looking at her partner.

Forte shook his head. "I don't know, San. But what I do know right now is that, we need to finish the Man-Hunt before we go get Ichi back. But... it's not really my place to say, Fo. Because right now, everything is revolving around Zero. So in my opinion... I think it's Zero's decision on what we do next."

Everybody looked towards Zero for an answer, knowing that Forte was right. Nina saw something weird in Zero's eyes. The only emotion that she saw there was hate. And hate usually leads to rash decisions. Nina knew that this group of magical students, friends, and past enemies, need a leader with a clear head to get things done. And well, since she was in the thick of this mess, she felt somehow responsible to take on that role. And help Zero in any way she can.

"You know what I think? I think right now, we need to finish the Man-Hunt first. And besides..." She looked at Zero's watch. "In about four hours it'll be midnight. Meaning the Hunt will be over. And I don't know about you guys, but I don't care what the reward will be. All I care right now is to get Ichi back... and give Nanase a piece of my mind."

As Nina said that last part, everybody started to agree with her, with nods and smiles, even Zero looked up towards Nina, with a thankful smile.

"Alright! So since we have four hours left, we might as well make the most of it... don't you think?" Said Yakamo, sporting a mischievous smile.

Nina looked up towards Yakamo with a smile of her own. "Oh? And how would you do that Yakamo, without a single flag?"

Yakamo blinked. "What are you talking about? I have my..."

As Yakamo checked his pocket, he realized that his flag was missing. "WHAT! How did this happen?!"

"Ha-ha! Yakamo is flag-less!" Laughed little Roka.

Nina kept her smile. "And don't the rules state that if you lose your flag... it means that you're disqualified?"

As Yakamo's eyes were filled with hatred and defeat, Nina knew she would never have another chance to outdo Yakamo and put him in his place. After all those times being stalked by the pervert himself.

"What are you waiting for Yakamo? Get out of the Forest already." Laughed Forte.

"But this is impossible!" Suddenly a thought came to Yakamo. "Wait a minute... Ha! Zero and Nina are out too! I know that Nanase took your flag too! I know he did!"

Everybody looked towards Nina and Zero for confirmation, but Zero held up the duplicated blue flag with a star mark, that he snatched from some other team not long ago. Luckily no one knew that the flag wasn't their original one, but as long as they see proof that they are still in the game, then they'll believe him.

"I don't know what you're talking about Yakamo. Our flag is right here."

Cheater. But, oh well. As long as we are still in the game, then its fine with me. Thought Nina with a smile.

"There you go Yakamo, Nina and Zero are still in the game." Said Forte, looking back at Yakamo.

"And as the rules state, those without flags must leave the forest." Stated Gou.

As all eyes turned to Yakamo, Nina had this feeling that things are not over between them. Either he will stalk her to the end of the world, or he would join forces with Nanase. Either way, things will not end positively with Yakamo around.

Yakamo scowled. "I swear to all of you, especially you Zero... that things are far from over."

With that, Yakamo left the forest, leaving Nina an uneasy feeling. Suddenly out of nowhere, Zero jumped up with a goofy grin on his face.

"Alright! The game is still on! And all I see are flags ready for me to take!"

With that remark, everybody jumped up and separated themselves among their partners, as everybody gave each other daring looks, to see who would take the first move.

"Oh boy... this is not gonna end well." Said Nina with wide eyes.

"Ha-ha! Let's get ready to rumble!" Yelled Zero excitedly.

As if on cue, everybody except Nina charged into the middle, only to create a cloud of dust as everybody collided with one another trying to take each other's flags. It didn't take long for everyone to start using their magic to get the flags. Everything started to get out of control, as Nina almost got hit with a spell.

"Oh crap!... Geez, that was close!"

As Nina looked on, she started to notice that magic spells were shooting out in every direction. "I better get out of here... before I become fish food or worse!"

As Nina hid behind the stones that overlooked the campsite and the battle field, it didn't take long for Zero to join her. "Mind if I join you?

"Nope, go ahead."

Zero sat down next to Nina in silence with calculating eyes.

"Uh, Zero... what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just catching my breath behind here... with you."

"Uh, Zero... I'm hiding, not catching my breath."

Zero turned towards Nina with a warm smile. "I know."

Zero got up to look over the stones, and turned back towards Nina, just before he left back towards the battlefield.

"Nina, you stay here... so you won't get hit by spells."

"Right."

Zero hesitated a bit. "But... before I leave, wish me luck. So we can win this thing."

Nina smiled. "Yeah sure. Good luck."

Zero chuckled, while his eyes sparkled with amusement and a little something that looked like love.

"I meant... a different kind of luck... close your eyes."

As Nina closed her eyes, Zero leaned in towards her and planted a quick, but sweet, kiss on her lips. But when Nina opened her eyes, Zero was already back on the battlefield, with their friends and past rivals.

What... What just happened?