Disclaimers: I don't own YYH!
Once again, it's me! – updating my recent fic!
Waaah! Find out the results of FLAG HUNTING!
SO IT'S YOU
Chapter 10
Parting
-
Friday morning was packed with rush and excitement. The teams were on their fresh role of heightened thrill as they try to accomplish the tasks set before them before the clock strikes eight in the morning. Even the slumbered Shin woke up early to get his job well done.
The stakes were high – and there was huge competition building between Green and the Violet team. The map searching and organizing activity progressed at the same hour. And the results were quite alarming.
For that third day, Violet and Green team had already earned 180 points; leading the map searching and falling second in organizing at the same time. The points for radio men and medic were like bonus points so that each team has a seventy-point head start. Blue Team falls second by 170, Yellow comes next by 160 points, and Red team fell last by 150 points.
By eight o'clock, the preparation team started. 30 minutes later, after being checked, each team received 30 points free, with Violet and Green still leading ahead by 210 points.
By then, the Flag Hunters were ready, map in their hands and backpacks in their shoulders. Everything now depends upon their hands. Mr. Patron held them for twenty minutes of instructions.
"You now have all you need and have been given credit for your men's work. Now it's up to you whether you're up for it. In that map, there are drawings of flags – but don't expect them to be visible as though they will be. Open your eyes, use your head and be resourceful.
"Now, each of you has been packed with flare guns in case of emergency. Each team has their own signal point. Look at your maps."
They did.
"One or two should be in the signal area. Of course, the radio is not reliable in all points of the forest. We are – after all – in a mountain with dead signals. Every successful flag encounters should be reported so we will have information down here with your victory.
"Now, once you had all of the things you ought to find, come back here before the sun sets. After that hour and you still haven't climbed down, we will come after you – and it means forfeiture of any points you could have gained even if you were the last.
"As for the flare gun, it is just right to have them with you. And I must say that if you use it by the skies – it means you have lost your way – you forfeit. But then again, a flare gun isn't only used for one purpose only.
"So use your wit and skill, and bring glory to your team."
They were lined up in the obstacle they all have to pass before climbing the forest. Mr. Kim shoved the whistle between his lips, and blew.
The game started.
Cheers came everywhere. But the contenders were serious and in concentration. Botan kept up with the pace of their group.
Soon, it was the Green team that first entered the forest, followed by Violet, then Red, Yellow and Blue, all under the surveillance of hidden cameras. After that area, there was no more eyes to follow them.
-
"Okay, where to now, sensei?"
He could hear some of the other groups climbing, but it seemed distant. Then he understood the purpose of the obstacle. It made them all enter the forest from different directions.
Kurama looked at the map, following instruction; he looked at the skies and saw that the sun was still rising from east. He followed that direction.
"It says here, that facing this direction, the signal area is 30 degrees northeast." Some students pulled out their compasses. Maya read it.
"I think it's over here then."
-
"Okay, what does 30 degrees southwest mean?" asked Kamo.
Botan took the compass as Shuichi H. helped her with computation.
"Right now, if we face south like this," she looked at the map and concentrated.
"30 degrees will be – " she looked at the compass again. She pointed at her left side backward.
"That way."
-
Later, they had all reached their own signal point. From that point, Kurama thought of a plan – which is to leave some marking seeds from each tree, so it would be easy for his students to trek back to the signal pole without getting lost. Botan, however, thought of something much visible. She had tied the five-meter roped by the pole's base and disentangling it as they walk to their flags, their team singing happily.
Soon, all groups were at least down to two or one flag that late afternoon. The Green Team were progressing on their last one that was hanging by a tree, where surrounding the landing below it was full of ants. Kurama and Maya's students were as bright as them as together they planned their action. Kurama only gave hints – so as to make his team also independent. The trees around were denser, but Kurama was sure he could make an outline of a cave five meters from them.
Maya, however, had been cheering her class when something caught her eye. She quietly slipped away.
Ten minutes later, the students had successfully gotten the flag without getting bitten by the ants. Kurama gave them a pat, as they laugh victoriously. He signaled that they should return. It was not only the time he was thinking – but he sensed something else by the weather. It was getting dark earlier for a summer. Then, he noticed Maya was nowhere to be seen.
"Have any of you seen Maya?" he asked them. There was a rustle from behind. The girls jumped back, scared as Maya revealed herself, slightly scathed.
"What happened?"
"Oh… just got slipped back there… not to worry…" she consciously held to her bag tighter.
Kurama looked at her anxiously. "Of course, you could be tired. Sorry for my manners, Maya. You could give me my load and yours as well – "
She wiggled her arms, sweatdropping. "Uh – no… I can manage mine, here just take yours. I'm fine with mine. " she stood up and handed him his green bag, "See?"
Then the rain began to fall.
"I think we should head back." Said Haruhiko. The others nodded. Maya looked back, looking quite guilty.
-
"Oh, don't give up, we're gonna find it soon." Botan said, in attempt to liven her team's spirit. They were obviously tired and looked beaten. Only Sasame seems to be the only one with the energy, though he had submitted to sit down for a while. To tell the truth, they could not find their last flag.
"Are you sure this is the place Botan? Not inside the cave?" Kamo asked, pointing up ahead a dark cave that seems to scare the three girls they have.
"Oh no." she said.
She had been totally perfect with nine others – which are now held by the students and have been reported back the camp, Tomoe and Shin happily answering back informally. Could she possibly fail this time? She examined the map carefully, with three other students – who had earlier been helping her also.
"No, Botan-sensei is correct, Kamo-sensei." Said the girl. "In fact, it should just be around here."
"So where is it?" huffed an irritated plump boy from soccer class. The rain was slightly blurring their vision. It had started earlier.
They sat up to catch their breath. Then, something made Botan heighten her senses. There was something – somebody watching them. She stared hard at the dark bushes behind Hojo. She narrowed her eyes. The sudden movement confirmed her suspicions.
"HOJO!"
CRACK!
-
"Congratulations, Green Team! You will receive the highest point – 150 each if you all have the complete flags – oh very good. 150 for your team!"
The sea of green rejoiced as they met up with the rest of their class – looking dirty and drenched but all in all unharmed.
Hime hugged Maya tightly. She also gave Kurama a wide sincere smile – the very first she ever gave him. Kurama smiled back to return her sincerity.
"Oh – Blue team is here! GREAT!"
Kurama uneasily stares back at the forest. He just feels something wrong.
-
Pain stretched from her head to her legs – particularly her ankles. Apart from the physical pain – Botan felt stupid.
Hojo, surprised, was pushed away and received a hard knock on his head, blood oozed from it but he appeared conscious and okay. Something hopped on her forehead.
She had just saved him from what she thought was unordinary wolf was an innocent hare, who scampered over her head and out of sight.
Her ankles had cracked – she was sure. Her foot got tangled with the huge roots she had been sitting on and – because of suddenness and force – had broken and was giving shot of pain and an odd look on it.
She couldn't help it. It felt like she was in the past again, got lost with her friend and escaped from a demon wolf.
"S-sensei…" Hojo said.
"There was… there…"
There was a thunderclap and a loud burning THUD near Botan, where Hojo had been sitting on earlier, had she not pushed him. The lightning had shot out of nowhere and struck the small branch – smoking and slightly burning.
"Botan!"
The impact of that made others panic. Three of the class ran away, screaming their heads off, following the trail of the rope down the slope to the signal pole. The others started crying. Sasame remained indifferent. Shuichi H. tried hard to look calm.
Kamo and Botan calmed them all as soon as the lightning and thunder subsided somewhat.
"Botan! Are you alright?"
She appeared fine, though deep inside the pain she felt was killing her. Well good for you for thinking stupid! Now what do we do?
"Here, let me – "
"NO – wait…" she muttered painfully. The class huddled with them, now doused from head to toe – obviously tired.
"Listen. You've got to get down and get some help."
"What? We can't do that!" said one of the class. "It will mean forfeiture." She snapped.
"We didn't come here for nothing! Sensei!" said the other from her Soccer class.
"Now listen," she snapped, taking a stern position. The forest was becoming darker and darker by the minute.
"I want all of you back to the main tent." She said painfully as the present clashed with her past. The dark memories reflected the seemingly storm. She had hoped it could just as well be a drizzle. But the blessing days seem over.
"Listen Kamo. I know you can't treat me now. Okay? Hazune just carried off the first aid kit with her and I don't think you have enough time to bring it back. It's nearly past six." she gritted through her teeth in attempt to hide the pain. But her expression was giving it away. The class looked frightened.
"Listen, guys. This is what I want you to do. As you can see, there's no hope in finding the last flag and I have no intention of firing any flares just to forfeit our fruit of success. But according to my calculation, I don't think we'll fall out in case we become second or the last or if we're one flag short. So, don't worry." She said, giving them an assuring smile.
She breathed as the rain becomes light.
"Now, Kamo I want you to bring the children safe and – "
"Are you listening to yourself? We can't leave you here!" he argued. Botan thwacked his head.
"You're the leader and we're both teachers, damn it!" she admonished him. "It's our job to put the safety of the children first! Anyway, you can't carry me, my ankle is badly broken and I won't let you touch it. We're both amateur about this thing and you know it." She said dismissively. "Its bad enough to trek down the slippery slopes with heavy baggage."
"Now, go down, and get some help. Explain to them our stand without submitting to forfeiture; can I trust you with that Kamo?"
He gave her a worried look. Botan patted his head.
"How about the radio? Maybe we can ask help through radio?"
Botan looked at Shuichi H. thoughtfully. "Nah. With this weather? The signal will go nuts under this charged electricity around. No chance to explain it clearer."
Suddenly, one of the students who had dashed to the signal pole went back, horror etched on his face.
"Sensei! The signal's blocked – what do we do?"
Botan stared back at Kamo. "See, I told you."
She smiled. "Don't worry, I'll stay here. With my injury, I won't be able to do anything at all. Now go."
Hesitating, Kamo stood up.
"Let's go guys."
"Sensei!" Sasame called angrily. "We can't – "
"Listen to me, Kyoko-kun." He said sternly. At that, Sasame closed his mouth. He looked over at his sensei.
"Go Sasame. I'll be fine. Promise."
-
The windless storm – if there's one – was currently pouring on Camp Hiriyosaki. From the way it looks, Kurama doubted whether they'll still follow the scheduled presentation for the next day. The Hills won't now be the best place to hold the Gallery Show. But right now, there was this sinister feeling that wouldn't leave him even though he knew that his team is the declared winner.
"Shuichi… here's your tea." Maya said. He had refused the coffee she offered earlier.
"Red and Yellow had descended twenty minutes after we did." He said, taking a sip.
"Well – let's celebrate, shall we? For our victorious win!" she raised the teacup. Kurama looked at her and gave her a small smile as he raised his own cup.
"Maybe we should wait for them, Maya. Aren't you worried about your schoolmate?" he asked, setting his finished tea now striding towards the opening of the Green Tent. She held him fast, setting down her teacup as well.
"Wait. I – I have something to tell you."
He turned around just in time for Maya to lean closer – closer than space could permit – and lightly kissed him.
"I – I really like you, Shuichi."
"Maya…"
There was something begging behind her eyes.
"Please Shuichi… please, give me a chance… a chance to know you… allow me to be part of you…"
And it came back to him. All the reasons. All the reasons of why he had been close from the activities of his own school, of why he chose not to get attached to others aside from his friends. The reasons why he had avoided every affectionate move just to talk to him. The very reasons why he had made the impression of independency – the fact that he can't reveal himself without the risk of hurting others, the risk of showing the real him.
"MAYA! SHUICHI! TROUBLE! VIOLET TEAM'S BACK!"
The sudden interruption made Kurama move back before Hime could rip the door open. Her face spelled trouble. Though, she stopped – as though she missed something important before she came in. She looked at them.
"Violet Team is back, you said Hime-san?" he asked, returning – to Hime's wonder – to his own self. "Are the children alright?"
"Yes but Botan's not with them– "
Suddenly, the door opened once again.
"Did you see them Maya? Shuichi?" Asked the troubled Mia, pulling off the hood from her head.
"Who?" Maya asked. She seemed to have recovered from the coldness she received.
Mia answered. "Kamo - "
SHUICHI.
Kurama didn't hear what she said as his senses sharpened, looking back up, as if seeing something else other than the roof of the tent.
-
Okay… summon more powers… more powers…
Botan rubbed her palm in attempt to heat it up and warm her neck. She had dragged herself to a safer shelter – inside the cave, just near the mouth at least. It was dry there. She had been summoning her strength back so she could relax and not tense. Being alone didn't look inviting but the prospect of going down with the soil slippery – an additional 115 kilogram load looked dangerous.
So, to kill time, she had been summoning her strength as Miu-sama had taught her. Though it needed more concentration than she would usually do in mathematics. That's the reason she seldom send telepathic messages. It was truly rare if it did send like a voice mail.
Summon powers…
Okay, if she did have enough powers, who is she gonna call? Miu-sama had once taught her this trick – but she couldn't possibly send a telepathic message to her at this point. It was – after all – raining and she's a million miles away…
If you need me just give a shout, okay?
Botan clapped her hands. "Of course!"
She concentrated.
SHUICHI.
-
The calling was strong, like how Hiei would send some insult in his head sometimes. Truth be told, only Hiei would send this strongly-charged message by telepathy. It was like a name pronounced in bold words. Kurama was trekking the path back to the forest, using his fox senses as a tool to find Botan.
He has to do it faster. He did not know the forest much. The map they had only showed the flags and their points in the map – not the entire forest. Moreover, he didn't know what's this forest like in the darkness. The forbidding feeling was closing in.
-
Maya sat alone in the main tent. Her eyes were behind her bangs. Hime and Mia were at the Violet tent, discussing things. She looked at the unfinished tea, then back at her own. She took the green bag that lay near, zipped the pocket open, and pulled a violet flag, the stick still baring soil in it. A scissor lay abandoned near her.
Maya decides.
-
"Oh… it's not working!" she scolded herself. "Might as well shout!"
"SHUICHI!"
Silence. She sighed. "Stupid, stupid – "
A movement from the corner of her eyes. She looked up.
"Botan?"
She squinted through the curtain of rain. The voice is familiar.
"Kamo?"
And it was him, looking drenched. "Oh hi!" he said as though there was nothing happening around, like they had just talking about lessons earlier. She looked at him, incredulous.
"Back so soon? Where are the kids?"
"Now listen to me Botan – don't – just listen…" he held up his hand. "I just thought you need more attention than them and, honestly Botan you do need help."
THWACK! THUMP! SWACK!
Three bumps appeared in his head. The rain was slightly subsiding into drizzle. The lightning and thunder was passing. The place looked lighter as though the sun wanted a late sunset.
"Stupid! Stupid! Leaving! The! Kids! Alone!" she scolded, thumping him. Then, Kamo caught her hand, and pushed her back – forcing her to lie down by the rock behind her, him on top of her.
"Botan…"
"Kamo! What are you doing?" she said, as he held her two arms by her side.
"I really liked you so. Why is it that you refuse to feel it?"
She was astounded. He was leaning closer. She didn't like the position. And her ankle was throbbing more painfully.
"K-Kamo… M-Mia – "
He scoffed. "You thought I didn't notice?" he said, pulling off slightly, "You were linking me with Mia when all I see of her is as a sister?"
"W-what?"
He returned back, this time deliberately close to her face. Botan could feel his breath brushing his cheeks.
"Kamo – what are you – ?"
And he lunged. Botan widened her eyes – and then closed them.
She felt something wet on her forehead.
Followed by a deafening slap.
"How dare you!" she cried, literally tears in her eyes. She touched her forehead.
Kamo didn't stir from his place. He was still.
"How dare you kiss my forehead when I have my cheek and lips instead!"
Kamo stared, unbelieving.
-
Kurama stood, frozen on the spot.
His senses could not have been wrong.
Head down, refusing any reasons why he did feel that way, he turned around, refusing to hear any longer.
PEEK IN… PEEK OUT…
Did Botan mean what she really meant?
Is Kamo the one she truly loved?
Is she – as Mia had said – a player?
How will Kurama take this? – or better yet – will Kurama take this?
Maya is behind the missing flag after all. What did she do to the flag?
Things fall apart on the next chapter. See ya guys!
To all of you, my dear reviewers. THANK YOU.
You may hate this fic – or my characters – or worse, me – for turning things upside down. Oh well – not all of us have happy endings. See you next fic!
midnight 1987: Thank you Thank you!
Animoon: well – I admit, I didn't totally lay out a plan on the games (heck! I'm never been an organizer) by the by – I based it on the games I had in my high school years! Oooh! Thanks for the praise – I may not have a vast vocabulary – but I'm a spelling and somewhat grammar-freak – so… I guess that's it… ' and a reply to your PS: I haven't planned out that yet – bet I'm certain that's more than twenty – there is life after camp after all! Thanks for the review!
Sweetcanines: Sounds like Austin? Hah… thanks for stopping by sis!