I'm so sorry guys (but you're sick of hearing that, huh?). I pretty much disappeared for over a month. Either school was being a pain in the ass or I had writer's block. But hey, school is over now. Winter break! Yay! And I believe I have my creativity back. But…my computer's firewall is all screwy right now so my computer time is exceedingly limited. Which is another reason why this chapter took so long to get up. But anyways, that's my problem, so you guys get on to the chapter now. Enjoy!

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The Reluctant Gladiators

Chapter 11: Mourning

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September 24, 2004; 1:15 AM

21 Students Remain

Recently Deceased: Ginta Kawada

Shippo trudged through the woods. The idea of finding Kagome had seemed a good idea at first. But once he started walking he realized he had no idea how to find her. The island wasn't all that big. But when you were trying to locate someone on foot it proved to be huge.

Shippo wiped the sweat from his brow and once again pulled out his map and compass. He had to make sure he didn't accidentally pass into D5 as he was currently walking through D6. If he walked to far to the west…well he wouldn't have to worry about finding Kagome as he would be without a head.

When Kazuhiko had made the announcement Shippo had been in C4. Once he made up his mind to find Kagome he had decided to look south of the law office. There was a higher probability of Kagome being south of him as there was a lot more land to the south. But he didn't want to walk directly south as that would have forced him to walk through a mile of open area. Shippo wished to avoid open areas as much as possible. So he went east through C4 and C5. He cut close inside of C6 and entered the forested area of D6. After D6 he would be in the hills. After the hills he would search the forests on the south part of the island. Followed by the houses. He knew the chance of him finding Kagome paled in comparison to the chance of him finding an enemy. But he figured that if he died while searching for his friend it would be more commendable than if he died while in hiding.

Shippo had already come to terms to the fact that this island would be his final resting place. He wasn't going to hold onto the false hope that perhaps Kazuhiko was too cocky and there was a way off the island. He wasn't going to attempt to kill Kazuhiko. He wasn't going to try and round up his classmates in an attempt to defy Kazuhiko. No, Shippo wasn't going to play hero. He wasn't going to even pretend to be a hero. He knew he wasn't one. So why pretend to be someone you know you aren't?

He knew some would think he was trying to play hero for Kagome. And maybe that was true. But then Kagome was the only one he would want to play hero for. After all, once a long time ago she had played hero for him. So really, Shippo was only repaying his debt to her.

The only wish Shippo has was that when he did die it would be quick and painless. He didn't want to drown in his own blood. He didn't want to be in pain. He just wanted it to be quick. He hoped that if there was a higher power then it would hear him and grant him his one wish. His life had already been harder than most of his classmates; he hoped it wouldn't end horribly. He hoped his last moments on Earth wouldn't be full of torture. He knew he would die. Now the only question was how he would go out.

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Hojo looked at Yuka, clear admiration for her shining in his eyes. "You know, that just might work. It's at least worth a try. We really should try your plan."

Ayumi and Eri quickly nodded their agreement. Yuka sighed.

"Perhaps," she said. "But it requires at least dome of us to leave the safety of the house to gather supplies. And if we fail then everyone will know our location. There are a lot of risks to go along with my plan."

"Yuka, look at where we are," said Hojo. "This whole island is a big risk. Everything we do has a risk to go along with it. At least your plan gives us something to work on. It gives us something to do to prevent us from just sitting around, waiting to die. This gives us a little hope. And you know what? I'm going to grab whatever hope I can and hold on for dear life. I'm going for it."

Ayumi grinned. "I couldn't have said it any better myself. Count me in."

Eri looked at her three friends all staring worriedly at her. "Hey, I want off this hell hole as much as all of you do. And if I can take down Kazuhiko while I'm at it than I'm definitely going for it."

"Then it's settled," said Hojo. "We're all in. Now what do we do next?"

"Well, we need to get supplies," said Yuka. "The store is only a half mile away from here. We can go there and bring back what we need."

"Do you know what kind of store it is?" asked Ayumi.

Yuka shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me. But I figure if this is the only store on the island it has to have a little bit of everything in it."

"Makes sense," agreed Hojo.

"So now the question is, what do we need, and who goes," said Ayumi.

"Well, I'm definitely going since I need to see what the store has to offer to decided what we need," said Yuka.

"I should be the other who goes," said Hojo. "I can carry more than any of you so it would make sense that I would go to the store."

"So Eri and myself stay here," said Ayumi in slight anger. "And do what? Sit on our asses while you guys are out risking your lives? I don't really care for that idea."

"Neither do I. What if something happens to you two? We'll never know. Why don't we all go together?" argued Eri.

Yuka shook her head. "No. You two need to stay and hold down this house. And you can also search the house for any materials you think might be useful."

"Plus, the larger the group the noisier you are and the more attention you bring to yourself," added Hojo. "It's safer to only have two go to the store."

"Fine, you win," sighed Ayumi, her shoulders sagging. "But I swear, if anything happens to either of you…" She let the threat hang in the air.

Yuka hugged her friend. "Don't worry. We'll be fine. Besides, Hojo has a gun. And we'll move fast. We won't be gone for long."

"You better not be," said Eri. "The longer you're gone the more nervous I'll become. If you're gone for more than a few hours I'll probably pull all of my hair out. And my nails will be bitten down to the quick."

"That would be a pretty scary sight to come back to. So don't worry, we won't be gone that long," Hojo said with a laugh.

"Well then, shall we go?" asked Yuka.

"The sooner we get going the sooner we can get back. And the sooner we can put our plan into action. And the sooner we can blow Kazuhiko to hell," said Hojo while standing up.

"Can't argue with that," said Yuka, also rising to her feet.

Eri and Ayumi also stood up. "You two move fast, stay silent, and stay safe," demanded Ayumi.

"Of course," replied Yuka.

"Give me a grenade Eri," said Hojo. "Please," he added as an afterthought.

Eri looked at him oddly but did as he requested. "Why?" she asked once he had placed the grenade in his bag.

"We have no way of communicating with you. In the worse case scenario if something does happen to us we will hopefully still be able to set off this grenade. The sound would definitely cover the half mile. That way you would know that something bad happened and that there is an enemy within a half mile of you two so you could maybe hide or prepare for it. I desperately hope to not have to use it, but it's a safeguard."

"That's not a bad idea," said Yuka softly.

"Maybe, but you won't be using it," said Ayumi, her voice strained.

Eri didn't say anything but her face had turned white and her hands shook. Hojo quickly hugged the trembling girl. "Hey, don't worry. We'll be safe. That's just the worse case scenario. And the chances of that happening are slim."

Eri nodded. "All right. I believe you. But if you guys are actually going to do this than you better leave soon. Before I get my head back on and barricade the door to prevent you from leaving."

Hojo laughed and shouldered his bag. "I guess we better leave then. Are you ready Yuka?"

Yuka hugged both Eri and Ayumi. "You two stay safe too. If you have to, run. We'll find you if you do."

Both girls nodded and they watched Hojo open the door and step outside. Yuka followed him. Hojo turned and gave the girls a mock salute. His hand was trembling. Yuka gave her friends a wave and one last, nervous, smile. Then the door closed. And they were gone.

Eri stared at the door. Ayumi draped an arm around Eri's shoulders. "We'll see them again. In only a few short hours they'll be walking back through that door. You'll see," she comforted.

Eri faced Ayumi, her eyes plainly showing her fear. "Are you sure? What if…"

Ayumi swiftly clamped a hand over Eri's mouth. "No what if's. Don't even think 'what if'. Just…don't. I'll take the first watch. You can start searching the house."

Eri stiffly nodded and turned to walk away.

"Eri?"

Eri turned around to face her friend again.

"Just trust them. That's all we can do. Just…trust."

Eri let a ghost of smile cross her face before she disappeared into a room. Ayumi walked to the front window and rested her forehead against it. "Trust," she whispered softly to herself.

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Kouga opened his eyes and pushed away from Hakkaku. "She can't be far," he growled. "I'm going after her."

Hakkaku stared at Kouga, grief still clouding his eyes. "But…but…you told Ginta we'd still try and find a way off the island."

Kouga abruptly stood up, his body quivering with barely suppressed rage. "You don't fucking get it, do you? There is no fuckin way off this shitty island. There never was and there never will be. The fuckin government set this up. How the hell do you propose we find a way off that the government didn't already think of? How the hell do you think a ninth grader could outsmart the government? And oh yeah, don't you dare forget the fact that our own fuckin classmates are hunting us. Don't you dare forget that one crucialpiece of information."

Hakkaku dug his fingers into the ground to prevent himself from jumping up in anger. "So you were just lying to Ginta when you agreed to continue to try and find a way off? Our friend was dying and you thought it would be fine to lie to him?" Hakkaku glared at Kouga, his eyes now blazing with anger. He was yelling now. "You little fuckin bastard. I can't believe you. Ginta was thinking of us when he took off like that. He was trying to protect us. Even when he was dying he was still only thinking of our safety. He didn't want you chasing after Kagura because he didn't want you to die. But you're going to ignore his last request. He told you to not hunt down Kagura. He told us to get off this island. You agreed. You fucking AGREED with him! Does Ginta's death mean nothing to you? Do you not even care that he just died? Do you? DO YOU?"

Kouga reached down and grabbed Hakkaku by the front of his shirt. He yanked his friend to his feet and immediately slammed Hakkaku into a tree. Hakkaku stared at him, fear and anger mixing equally in his eyes.

"Don't you ever dare accuse me of not being affected by Ginta's dead. You have NO fuckin idea how much his death is affecting me. So don't accuse me of not caring. Because I care. I care enough to fuckin risk my life to hunt down and kill Kagura. It's the least I can do for Ginta. I wasn't there to protect him. At least I can kill his murderer." At each sentence Kouga slammed Hakkaku into the tree. His face was red with rage and his voice was dripping with hate.

Hakkaku ripped himself out of Kouga's grasp. "No Kouga, I'm not the one who doesn't get it. You're the one who doesn't get it. Ginta didn't want you chasing after Kagura. He wanted you continue to try and find a way off the island. But you're stuck on revenge. You won't see it any other way."

"What the fuck do you want me to do?" screamed Kouga. "Do you expect me to fuckin sprout wings and fly away to safety? I'm not some fuckin god Hakkaku! I don't even know what I'm doing. Don't you understand? I'm so fuckin lost and confused and hurt right now. You have no idea how much I'm hurting right now." Kouga's voice no longer held any anger in it. It was instead full of pain and grief. He turned away from Hakkaku and walked to Ginta's body. He stared down at his lost friend. "Ginta was asking too much," he said softly. "He wanted me to put his death out of my mind and continue on the search for an escape. Every thought in my mind right now is about hunting Kagura down and killing her for murdering Ginta. I can't even think straight. Do you think I'm happy with myself for straight out lying to Ginta? But I didn't want him to worry. I wanted him to die in as much peace as I could possibly offer him. The only way to do that was to agree with him. But I just can't forget about revenge. I can't do it."

Kouga dropped down by Ginta's head. He had completely forgotten about Hakkaku. He gently grasped one of his friend's hands. "I'm sorry Ginta. But I have to hunt down Kagura. I couldn't live with myself if I let her off. I know you would have done the same for me." Silent tears streamed down Kouga's face. He looked up when footsteps sounded near him. The handle of Ginta's butcher knife was held in front of him.

"I understand Kouga. I also wish to kill Kagura. But once she's dead we have to at least try and fulfill our promise to Ginta. That's the least we can do for him."

Kouga took the knife and held it in his hands. It would be fitting to kill Ginta's murderer with Ginta's weapon. He looked at the hand Hakkaku held out for him. He set his jaw in a firm line and grasped Hakkaku's hand with his strong grip.

Hakkaku hauled his friend to his feet. "Let's do this for Ginta."

Kouga nodded. He suddenly handed the knife to Hakkaku and knelt back down.

"Kouga?" questioned Hakkaku.

"We can't just leave him like this," said Kouga stiffly. He grabbed the throwing star that was still imbedded in Ginta's chest. Taking a deep breath he pulled it out. He and Hakkaku stared blankly at it. This simple yet deadly weapon was what had killed their friend. Kouga slammed it into the ground beside Ginta.Kouga crossed Ginta's hands over his waist. He gripped Ginta's shoulder tightly. I'm sorry my friend. But this is the best I could do for you. If I were able to I would dig you a grave. Or bring your body back to your family. Please forgive Hakkaku and myself for lying to you. But we need to do this. We can't exchange places with you so we need to hunt down Kagura. But I swear to you this. If we find a way off this island I will come back and retrieve your body. And you will have a proper burial. I'm sorry that is all I can promise. I know you'll understand.

Kouga gingerly rose to his feet and let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"You ok?" asked Hakkaku quietly.

"Of course not. You?"

"Hell no."

"Then let's be off."

"And hunt down that bitch."

"And kill her."

"And then find a way off this island."

"My thoughts exactly."

Hakkaku smiled and held the knife back out.

Kouga looked at hesitantly. "You sure you don't want to keep it? You did know Ginta longer than I did."

Hakkaku shrugged his shoulders. "I'm giving it to you. I honestly don't think I could really drive this knife into Kagura."

"What?! You mean you don't want to kill her?"

"Fuck no! I want that bitch dead for killing Ginta in cold blood. What I meant was that most likely as soon as I see her I'll become so overcome with rage I would just charge her and beat upon her face. I wouldn't be thinking clearly enough to use a weapon other than my fists. She killed my childhood friend. We were best friends since before kindergarten. And just like that…he died. No, I definitely wouldn't be clearheaded enough to use a knife."

Kouga responded by taking the knife back. "All right, well then let's go seek our revenge."

Hakkaku nodded and together the two friends began walking away. When they reached the border of the woods Hakkaku suddenly stopped. He slowly turned around and stared in sorrow at his best friend. Kouga placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Hakkaku continued to stare at his friends, tears slowing winding their way down his face. "How can I just leave? He's like my brother Kouga. If a family member was murdered how could you just walk away from their body? You know they're dead. You know they won't come back. But it's still them. That is still Ginta. That is still my best friend. The guy I grew up with. I keep imagining him alive. And all the stupid pranks he would always try and pull on me. Did you know that when we first met you Ginta didn't like you? Yeah, he thought you were too cocky and arrogant. Heh, I was the one who convinced him to give you a chance. It didn't take him too long to change his opinion of you. But…he's gone now. Ginta…you're dead. Kouga, he's truly gone. We were going to go off to college together and go to as many parties as possible. Pick up girls. Have fun. But…he's gone. Kouga, I just can't leave him. I just can't."

Kouga stepped between Hakkaku and Ginta's body. Hakkaku slowly blinked and focused on his living friend. "Hakkaku, we can't stay here. Don't worry; I know Ginta would understand you leaving him. He wouldn't want you staying with his dead body just like you wouldn't want him staying with yours if you had died. If he truly was like your brother he would want you to continue on. So come on, let's go find Kagura. Let's do that first and then think of the next step. All right?"

Hakkaku stared at Kouga, defeat clearly imprinted in his eyes. "Yeah, you're right," he sighed. "All right, I think I'm ready to go. Let's do this."

Kouga pointed over Hakkaku's shoulder. "You lead. I'll follow."

Hakkaku started to protest but than saw the wisdom behind Kouga's words. He turned and walked a few steps. He looked over his shoulder. All he saw was Kouga. Ginta was completely blocked from his gaze. He turned forward again, newfound determination in his eyes. He was ready. Ready to find Kagura. And kill her.

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Kikyo continued to stare off into the distance. She heard the waves crashing against the bluffs she was on. If she closed her eyes she could almost believe she was in a peaceful area. But the thought of the game was never far from her mind. The sickle still lay by her side. Every now and then she would glance down at it. But then immediately whip her gaze back to the ocean.

She jumped in fright when she heard someone rustling in the grass behind her. She turned and grabbed her sickle before jumping up. "Who is it?" she ask, not able to keep her voice from cracking.

"Kikyo, what are you doing just sitting there? Are you not playing the game?" asked a cool voice.

Kikyo was able to make out who it was by the soft glow of moonlight that fell upon his body. "Naraku," she hissed, "what do you want?"

"Are you playing the game Kikyo?"

"Hell no!" she spat. "This game is sick. I could never kill one of my classmates. Even you Naraku."

"You say my name with such anger. What ever did I do to you?"

"Everyone knows about you Naraku. So don't play dumb with me. You do drugs, drink, smoke, steal, and have athing for prostitutes. You're a sick and vile creature. But I still couldn't kill you."

Naraku laughed mirthlessly. "Ah yes, my little reputation. But the prostitute rumor is false. The girls throw themselves at me. They want me. So who am I to deny them?"

Kikyo clenched her fists tightly around the handle of the sickle. "You disgust me. So please, tell me what you want and then leave me alone. I am no threat to you. I simply wish to sit her and enjoy the night and imagine I'm somewhere else. So tell me, what do you want?"

Naraku smirked. "Why my lovely Kikyo, the answer is simple."

"Then spit it out already!" yelled Kikyo in anger.

"I want you," he said so softly she could barely hear him.

Kikyo gasped. The sickle fell forgotten to the ground. She stepped backwards. And into empty air.

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Aww, look at that. I come back after a long absence…and I end the chapter like that. I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. Well anyways, please review. Who knows when I'll be able to read them, but I'd still like you to review. And you can also yell at me for taking so long to update if you'd wish. You deserve that if you're still reading this story after my long absence. Well, for those who are still in school, good luck with your exams if you have them. For those who don't…lucky young bastards…

Review Responses:

Guardian of the Hell Gate: Yeah, last chapter was kind of sad. Poor Ginta. Aww, don't cry! I would like to say things will look up for the others...but I'd probably be lying.

kierra-shadowcat: Well right now Naraku, Nazuna, Kagura, Kanna, and Yura are playing the game. If others join in only time will tell!

silverkitsunekagome: Yeah, I'm trying to fit in as many as the actual anime relationships as possible, so I definitely had to find a way to get Kouga to hate Kagura. And you have a story out too? Cool, I'll check it out sometime when my firewall quits acting up.

moonglow gal: Aww, I'm sorry! But...if you're this sad when Ginta died...who really is just a minor character...how will you react when a bigger character dies? Well...if a bigger characters dies of course...which you can probably guarantee at least some will...

tetsukon: Thanks for the review...and sorry for the really slow update this time. I'll try really hard to not let it happen again...and since my semester just finished today (yay!!) it is looking promising that I won't die like that again. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Hart: Battle Royale is written by...Koushun something (I forgot his last name). But I do know I put who wroteit in the disclaimer of my prologue, so the author will be there if you'd like to see who wrote it. Ahh, thanks for the input on screwdriver damage. And 5 pounds for a nose?That was someinteresting info you shared with me!

Shadow-Wolf-Jedi-Demon: Yay! Thanks for the compliment about me making the characters sound real. That was my intent and I'm glad to see I was able to pull it off. Well, sorry for the slow update. Sigh, you guys are all so nice in your reviews and I take forever to update. Sorry about that! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Draconic Ban-sidhea: Heh, you're breaking out the shotgun when Sess dies? Well...if Sess dies of course.... And now you have me intrigued about what you're thinking of for your next story. I'm thinking...character deaths? And I think I've fallen behind with your story...stupid school and internet...I'll catch up when my firewall isn't screwing everything up. Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

animecutie: Haha, of course I'm not getting tired of you. You're probably getting tired of my slow and random updates though. But don't worry, I'm already working on the next chapter so it will definitely be out in under two weeks. My semester is officially over so I can devote a lot more time to writing again. Sorry again for the lousy update time, hope you'll forgive me and continue to like my story!

babylemon: Heh, yeah, there is a little bit of gore in my story. But I don't think it's all that bad, do you? Heh, and I've already got plans for Kagome, Sango, and Naraku. But when it will happen only I know...and what will happen between them...also, only I know. But don't worry, it will come soon enough!

luckykittykagome: Oh my god, the first part of your review cracked me up. I hope that doesn't sound morbid or mean that I was laughing about your 'grandfather in a box'...but I found that amusing. Interesting way of putting it, that's for sure! And yes, poor Ginta died, evil Kagura! She must die! But...the question is...will she? Hmm...Haha, and yeah, Yura was never met to be trusted. Whenever you read about her in my story you can be sure it's nothing good. Poor Sesshoumaru and Rin, wonder if they'll find out about her true colors before it's too late. Well, there used to be a doctor on the island, now there's only a doctor's office. So we'll get to see Miroku play doctor really soon...probably next chapter. That ought to be interesting! Poor Inu...Heh, probably by the time this chapter you're bday was over...so...Happy Belated Birthday! Hope you had a fun time being kidnapped.

Gizmo369: Aww, I'm sorry! I never realized Ginta had so many fans! I thought that by picking him or Hakkaku to die first it would kind of gradually wean you guys into good character deaths. Guess I was mistaken! Well, I hope you liked this chapter even though Ginta is no longer in the story. But you can be sure that he will live on in our hearts and memories forever!

miss-yunz: Here's your much awaited for update! Sorry for taking so long. I'll try not to let it happen again. but, glad you're liking my story!