Violet Blossoms

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Chapter 21- Willow

章21 - 柳

"No! Not Kuranosuke!"

Fujitaka Atsushi, the most well known figure in the school council, stood before me, looking princely as ever. I stared at him, my mind blazing off in different directions.

"Well, that was a great way to start of a greeting, isn't it? Hanamaru-san," he declared in a loud voice, a boastful smirk slowly appearing on his lips

My brows furrowed together, "Fujitaka…..senpai."

"Ah, you actually called me senpai for once," his smirk widened, "I am honored."

I ignored his arrogant words. Instead, I demanded, "What do you want from me?"

Standing next Fujitaka, Maikoya chuckled and shook her head, "You really are innocent huh?" she rolled her eyes

My frown deepened, " I thought we've already being through this," I exclaimed

Fujitaka sighed, "I have to apologize first that I was overseas for sometime," he uttered, "Too bad that I couldn't talk to you personally. Though I did tell Maikoya-san to keep an eye on you."

"So that's why she has been stalking me," I stated, "And with the messages."

Fujitaka chuckled, "No, that was me." He insisted

"What do you want from me," I urged, "I told you to leave me alone."

A second of silence flowed passed, my eyes glaring into Fujitaka's

"I have a deal to make with you," Fujitaka announced in a clear tone

I raised a brow, "What deal?" I commanded

"You have a choice, to either end your relationship with Shiraishi Kuranosuke or to forfeit the nationals for the tennis team and stay with your beloved boyfriend," he remarked, "Though I am sure the team will be disappointed if they found out."

The message hit me like a big yellow school bus. Slowly I sunk my shoulders, the energy I had in my body was slowly dying out. Glancing down at the ground, I felt my knees beginning shake

"N-no…" I muttered to myself, "Y-y-you can't d-do that."

Letting out a sigh and a shake of his head, Fujitaka uttered, "It's your choice Hanamaru," he says, "Though it'll be rather interesting to watch one of best teams in Shitenhoji to suddenly forfeit huh?" a plastered fake smile, "Or to watch you break up with your boyfriend, and instead come with us?"

I shot my head up with a furious glare, "No!" I cried out, "You can't do that!"

-SLAP-

A powerful blow was delivered to my cheek, making me lose balance and crash down into the soft field of gold. My cheek suddenly stung, hurt and turned numb.

"Don't talk to our boss like that," one of the guards growled out as I slowly began to sit back up

From a distance, a cold laugh and snicker were heard from Maikoya, "Serves you right Hanamaru," called out the bashful voice

Knowing my outcome for arguing, I willingly remained silent, merely sitting up and clutching onto my sore cheek.

"I'll give two days to decide," Fujitaka announced, "I'll get Maikoya to come and fetch you on the third day,"

"You better have a decision by then Hanamaru," Maikoya added in from the sidelines, "Or you better watch out."

And with those words declared in a cold harsh way, the group slowly began to emerge back into the forest. Fujitaka and Maikoya in lead while the rest of the four guards followed, one of them throwing my confiscated phone back along the way.

Watching as the team disappeared into the mists of the trees, I remained in my sitting position. Re-thinking the options that Fujitaka just threw at me, my mind began to haze, panic and worry took over. It was like choosing between two things that I loved so much, whether to let someone I adored so much go, or to ruin a dream that was wished for so long.

Feeling an uncontrollable tear suddenly roll down my cheek, I desperately gave my eyes a hard wipe before grabbing my phone and bravely standing back onto my feet again. I need to go somewhere quiet, somewhere to calm down and think, somewhere just by myself.

Giving a push to my feet and breaking into a small jog, I casually ran out of the golden meadow and into the forest, ignoring the fact that'll probably get myself lost.

End your relationship with Shiraishi Kuranosuke

Forfeit…..Nationals…Team…

Your choice Hanamaru….

End…

Forfeit…

End….

Forfeit…..

"I don't know!" I cried out, trying to force out the repeating words that were trapped inside my brainless mind.

Urging more power and pressure into my feet, I sprinted across the forest, occasionally ducking at tall branches and jumping over tree roots. Yet, as I ran, the words returned, stronger and more cogent.

"Shut up! Shut up!

Tears began forming around the corners of my eyes, dangerously beginning to leak out as I sprinted deeper into the forest, taking random turns and twists onto paths as I ran.

I must've have been running for some time, as soon, I found myself out of breath and desperately panting for more air. Nevertheless, I continued to dash through the bushes, disregarding the fact that my legs and feet were aching with pain.

Hanamaru, join us…

No! No!

Adding even more tension and strength into my already cramping feet, I lifted my eyes onto the sky, just so wondering how long I've been running. With my concentration taken, I was instantly unaware of my surroundings. Until suddenly, my right foot met with a uprooted tree root, tripping me over and literally brining me into the air for a few seconds before my body re-met with the ground. Thumping onto the soil planted ground, I felt my body roll down a steep hill, bruising and wounding my arms before feeling my head hit against something extremely solid and hard.

My head began to ache, I felt a trickle of blood slowly roll down my forehead as my vision clouded and blurred, everything around me turning and spinning in circles. Finally giving up, I slowly closed my eyes until a blanket of darkness took over.

I could swear, at that very moment, I died…

~3 hours later~

-( Kura-chan's POV)-

"Hey Shiraishi, it's snowing," Kenya suddenly exclaimed after he arrived back from his laps

Glancing up at the darkened layer of cloud hovering above us, I frowned to myself as small drops of snowflakes pelted down on us, "Your right," I muttered, eying back at my team as they lifted their heads and examined the sky themselves

"Man, this is frustrating," Yuuji remarked as he folded his arms, "I was hoping to get some good weather today."

Sighing, I turned to face them, "Right then, we'll stop here today," I announced, "Let's head back before the snowing gets too heavy."

Kin-chan groaned and jumped towards me, "But I want to play tennis ya Shiraishi!" he complained

Giving the innocent first year a smile, I raised a hand and patted him gently on the head, "Tomorrow Kin-chan," I assured, "I promise I'll have a match with you then."

Mumbling to himself, Kin-chan bounded back to collect his racket before joining with the rest of the team, "Now let's go." I declared before throwing my tennis bag over my shoulder and turning around to lead the way back home

~15 minutes later~

By now, the snow was already pouring down on us. Though luckily, we managed to get home in record time and all rushed in, hoping to find some delicious warm snack waiting for us.

"We're home!" we all shouted into the household

Two small figures slowly appeared from the living room archway, "W-welcome home," Yukari uttered in an unsure voice

I blinked at the two standing before me. They looked somehow, scared and terrified. Yukari had her hazel eyes lowered, her body shrunk back next to Miyuki's while she looked pale and worried.

"What happened to you two?" Chitose, from behind asked, clearly noticing his sister's odd behavior

Kenya seemed to add on to Chitose's point, "Yeah," he agreed, "Looks like you guys just saw a ghost or something," the speed star pointed out before glancing around, "Where's our sweet Hanamaru-chan anyways?"

The two shot each other a nervous stare before Yuki-chan replied, "She's gone missing…."

~10 minutes later~

"What do you mean she's missing?" I blurted out in a rather annoyed voice, making both Miyuki and Yukari tense up

"S-she left this morning and said that she was going down to the shops," Miyuki answered, her face filled with anxiety, "We asked if she needed help finding her way around. But she said no."

Yuki-chan stepped forward as well, "She said she'll be back by lunch," she added on, "Though she never returned."

I sighed and glared out the window before turning back at my sister, "Have you tired her phone?" I questioned, this time in a more calm voice

Responding with a nod, Yukari pronounced, "We have many times. But she never answered a single one."

From across the room, Yuuji sighed, "Maybe she's got caught in the snow and her cell phone's dead." He suggested, folding his arms and leaning against the wall next to Koharu

Hearing Yuuji's proposal, the room was filled with chatter as the team discussed their own thoughts. Everyone, expect for Kenya who frowned and ignored the noise around him.

"Shiraishi, I should've-"

"Nii-san!" Yuki-chan suddenly shirked as she pointed at a nearby window

Turning my attention away from Kenya, I glanced out to where Yukari was pointing her index finger to. My eyes immediately widened as a group of around six were making their way down the pathway and towards the door.

"Those guys-" I heard Kenya mumble before I quickly rushed towards the door, the others trailing after me

Swiftly slipping my runners back on, I flung open the front door and stepped out into the cold frosty snowing humidity. The long unseen Fujitaka along with a girl that we met quite some time ago, greeted me with a unfriendly smirk.

"Oh dear," Fujitaka muttered, "And I thought it was a surprise."

Four males, acting as 'bodyguards', chuckled behind him.

"Looks like Hanamaru has gotten the lead," the girl snickered in a sharp voice

Hearing Kagami's name, Kenya instantly squeezed past the door and pushed his way in front of me, "What have you done Maikoya," he gritted through his teeth

I blinked at Kenya's actions. How the hell did he know this girl's name without even hesitating to remember it?

The Maikoya girl merely chuckled and shook her head, "Strange for you to say that," her eyes narrowed, "Kenya-kun"

Kenya clenched his teeth even more, "What have you done to Hanamaru?" he demanded, "What have you done to my sister?"

A bothered sigh was heard from Fujitaka as he stepped in front of the glaring two, "Alright. I am not here to see two dogs fight," he smirked before turning his attention onto me, "Shiraishi-kun."

I closed my eyes before re-opening them, "I see you have made an appearance again," I remarked in a cold, hard tone, making the newly arrived group behind me shiver and immediately tense up

Fujitaka lets out a chuckle, "Has our dear Hanamaru-san broken your warm heart yet?" he grins almost evilly

"Define broken," I retorted, trying my best to remain calm

Exchanging a small glance with each other, Fujitaka and Maikoya both eyed me carefully, "Looks like she hasn't given the news yet." Maikoya muttered

"She if you're meaning Kagami," I started, "Is missing."

Fujitaka blinked, "Ah sou?" he 'innocently' scratched his chin, "But I've only seen her for about ten minutes this morning," he grins once again

"You're lying!" Kenya jumped in again, proclaiming in an angry tone, "What on earth have you done to her!"

"Like I said beforehand," Fujitaka attached on straight after Kenya, "I only saw her once this morning, then I left her in the middle of the Freesia field."

Hearing the words, my left hand abruptly clenched up into a fist before suddenly losing control and throwing a direct punch at Fujitaka's cheek, sending him to fall and land on the grass garden, a trickle of blood slowly trailing down from the corners of his mouth.

Seeing this surprise, Maikoya and the four 'bodyguards' in the background, instantaneously took a few steps forward to me, threatening me with their death glares and artic stares.

Nonetheless ignoring these harsh looks, I eyed the fallen Fujitaka with murderous eyes, "You asshole," I scowled, "How dare you leave Kagami alone in the middle of nowhere! You know she has no sense of direction!"

"Watch what you-"

Adverting my eyes onto Maikoya who just interrupted my speech, I sent her a forbidding glare. The girl tensed up and narrowed her eyes. Though with her arrogant poise and 'I am not scared of you' look, she yet showed a hint of fear in her eyes.

"Alright," Fujitaka suddenly had arisen back onto his feet, "We won't go into any more violence today," he declared, giving a small wipe to the corners of his mouth, "But if you want to see your dear Kagami again, " a haughty grin, "Then you better hurry and go find her."

I smirked, "Easy for you to say," I let out chuckle, "But hard for you to do." My laughs continued to erupt through my throat, my brain knowing that my sarcastic side was kicking in

"S-Shiraishi…" Kenya stammered, clearly surprised by my mood change

I widened my smirk, "Kenya," I exclaimed, my right hand slowly beginning to undo the first layer of my bandages, "How are you injures?"

From the corners of my eyes, I could just make out Kenya blinking at me with confusion, "T-there good," he stuttered

"Good," another layer of bandages slid off, "Can you run?"

"I've been running all day," he replied, "Of course I can run."

The final layer of white bandages came off, revealing my gauntlet underneath, "Then come for a quick jog with me," I insisted, swiftly slipping off the heavy gold covering

Kenya grinned, "Why not?" he agreed, "It's been some time since we last had a run together,"

Twirling around and chuckling at the speed star's agreement, I threw my gauntlet at Chitose who was standing behind me, "Look after this for me," I remarked, "And deal with the rest of this," I gestured towards the four bodyguards who stood in front of both Maikoya and Fujitaka

Chitose snickered, "Roger," he inclined before calling out and into the background, "Gin-san, we need your help!"

Turning back, I gave Kenya a small nod before stepping out into the pathway, brushing past two 'bodyguards' as I did. Yet, I stopped in front of Fujitaka and glared daggers at him.

"If something happens to Kagami, I'll never forgive you."

~A few minutes later~

"Hey Shiraishi, do you where if we're going the right way?" Kenya observed as we dashed through the forest, skimming through trees and hopping over roots as we did

"There's a link," I exclaimed in response, "I can feel it getting stronger."

Pushing more power into my legs, I stared up ahead. My eyes scanning across every branch and arm of trees as I passed. We're running in full speed, our feet kicking up snow and dirt as both Kenya and I dashed through the forest, our speed evening each other out.

"Ah, it's snowing again," Kenya announced as droplets of pure white snow began floating down from the darkened night sky

I managed out a sigh, "Be more careful now," I warned, "Fallen snow can be slippery."

"You got it," Kenya uttered back, an excited smirk plastering on his lips

Closing my eyes for a millisecond, my mind concentrated on the link, wondering what direction it was heading next.

Kagami….Tell me where you are….

Kagami….

My brows furrowed, the link was fading, something was happening to Kagami…

Growling, I forced more power and strength into my body, pushing myself forward in speed.

Kuranosuke….

The calm gentle voice, it reappeared weakly. Calling for me, sending a signal to my brain.

"Kenya left!" I shouted, taking a sudden turn off the main road and onto a narrow bush trail

The speed star hitched for a second, but nevertheless reflexed and made the turn on time, "Testing my instincts huh?" he chuckled, "This is getting pretty interesting."

Ignoring Kenya's comments, I merely continued to sprint, letting my mind take over my actions. It was getting cold, snowfall became heavier, blurring the trail and misting the trees. I panted, urging myself to run faster.

After another few more minutes of running, the bitter winter wind began blowing in, sending the floating snow into a swarm of blizzard. It was getting harder and harder to see, my running pace slowed down, Kenya did the same until we both were in a light jogging pace

"Shiraishi," Kenya worriedly called out, "The trees in the front seem to slope down," he stated, "I think there's a hill!"

Knowing the dangers of falling down a hill in this whether, I came to halt, huffing and puffing out white whips of air, "We'll walk from now," I declared

Replying with a nod, Kenya fully stopped his jogging and lowered it to a steady hike through the snow covered ground, "Do you think she'll be around here?" he asked

I glanced around and sighed, more puffs of white escaping through my mouth, "She should be," I answered, "Though the feeling is growing weak."

Kenya's brows dipped with anxiety, "Shiraishi, maybe she's not here," he muttered, "Maybe she's….gone."

"Kenya!" I cracked it, "Don't say that!"

"But-"

"No buts Kenya." I cut through, giving the speed star a scowl, "I will find her, even if it kills me."

"Shiraishi…."

A few moments of pure silence passed through us, as we carefully listened to the sounds of the frosty wind beating around us, snow sticking onto our bare skin, coldness wrapping us up.

Kenya groaned and sighed as the humidity lowered each minute. Hopping around and kicking some snow, he glanced around the surroundings, "Sa, what're we going to do," he grumbled, giving another good kick to the snow.

The snow from the ground flew up, shattering into a million pieces. Yet, something caught my eye as the pile of snow broke up. Just like how curiosity killed the cat, I bent down and picked up, what seems like a metal round bracelet.

"What is it?" Kenya bent down from behind and stared

I frowned, swearing that I have seen this somewhere. Turning the cool surfaced sliver bracelet around, I vigilantly examined the letters that we're engraved on the bangle.

"Shi-ten-" I breathed

"Ho-ji," Kenya finished

My brain suddenly clicked. No wonder I've seen this before. The sliver bangle belonged to Kagami! She usually wore this along with the 'Shiraishi' bracelet on her right hand.

Kenya blinked, "Isn't that Hanamaru's?" he mumbled

I nodded and stood back onto my feet, clutching the bracelet in my palms, "This means she should be around here." I pronounced, grimacing back down at the engraved bangle

"Alright then!" Kenya grinned, "Let's find her before the weather worsens!"

I smiled at the speed star's determination, "That's get going!"

-(Back to Normal POV)-

It was cold. Freezing, like I was sleeping in the middle of an iceberg.

I was awake, but I still saw pitch black. My eyes wouldn't open. Yet my ears picked up two well-known voices from only a few meters away. One sounded like Kura-chan, the other a little like Chitose or maybe Zaizen. Nevertheless, I needed them, I needed their help.

My body was stiff. My muscles refused any movement while my brain ached with pain. The voices were slowly getting nearer and nearer, but still, I needed them to know my whereabouts. Literally forcing my eyes to open just a inch, my orbs saw a pale white layer of snow. I wanted to groan, knowing Mother Nature's effects to this Island.

Carefully tilting my head up a little, I managed to open my mouth and lightly mouth out a inaudible, "Kuranosuke."

It was barely a whisper, but still I accomplished the task of actually moving my mouth. Hoping to add a bit more sound and noise, I took a deep breath and moved my lips.

"Kuranosuke!"

-(Kura-chan's POV)-

"Kuranosuke!"

Immediately, I blinked in surprise and turned towards the direction my name just came from. It was Kagami's voice, and I was sure of it.

"Kenya," I reached for the speed star and grabbed him by the arm

"W-what?"

"I think I just heard her," I blurted out

"Eh!"

Hauling and rushing over to what it seems, like an edge of a hill, I glanced down. Shock. Lying down there in the middle of a willow field, was Kagami herself. Dressed in only a shorts and shirt, but covered in a heavy layer of thick snow, I instantly felt my heart tug with fear. Taking a step forward, I felt a gap beneath my feet and nearly lost my balance. Kenya caught me by the elbow and pulled me back to ground.

"Don't lose yourself Shiraishi!" he shouted, an upset expression caked his face, "We can't lose you now!"

I sighed, "I am sorry Kenya," I muttered, but glanced down at the fallen Kagami

Kenya saw my glance, "Look," he pointed towards a less steeper part of the hill, "It's better there," he urged, "We could go down there without getting injured."

I nodded, "Thank you Kenya," I expressed

A smile took over, "Your welcome."

~10 minutes later~

"Kagami!" I cried out and skidded next to her body, circling my arms around her and pulling her up, "Kagami wake up!"

She was cold and I mean cold. Her body was stiff like an iceberg, her skin was purple, and her usual pink lips were now a shade blue. Colorless, lifeless. My heart shattered from seeing her like this.

"Hanamaru!" Kenya landed next to me, "Shiraishi how is she?"

I felt myself tense up at his words, "S-she's not responding," I murmured

Kenya's eyes widened as he glanced down at Kagami's limped body in my arms, "W-what do you m-mean?" he stumbled, placing a hand on her shoulder and gently shook her, "Hanamaru…Hanamaru…."

"Kenya…." I whispered, "I don't think it's going to work."

Brows furrowed, "Hanamaru….." Kenya ignored my comments and continued to shake Kagami, with a little more force this time, "Kagami!" he suddenly cried out, "Kagami!" his shakes coming harder and harder each time, "God you're my sister in law! You can't do this!"

Finally giving up, Kenya dropped his hand and grabbed a handful of willow leaves instead, giving them a frustrated pull.

Glancing down at Kagami's beautifully still face, I gently moved a hand up her cheeks, gliding my fingers up and past the place she loved to be kissed, remembering the warmth that played upon these cheeks, remembering how much I wanted to kiss and touch them….

"Kagami please….please wake up…." Uncontrollable words began rolling off my tongue, "Please…Kagami….i am begging you…." More soft words until I lost it. Pulling her rigid figure up and pushing it into my chest, I held her weak body tight as more snow fell around us.

"Kagami! I am begging you to wake up! Please!"

"I…I can't live without you…."

And that was the first time in a long period of time, did I ever lose a tear in my eyes….

End of chapter 21

第21章の終わり

Gah! I have tears in my eyes…

*Sniffs* Review everyone please!