The Hunt is On
It's time for the scavenger hunt, the last event of the day. As competitors make their way to the center of the arena floor, the stadium echoes with excitement. Kurama is joined by nineteen of Heliopolis's finest athletes and is the first "outsider" to compete in this year's event.
"Alright, everyone," Kiyoni says from the sky deck, "Here's how things are going to go down. In the interest of fairness, those without wings are allowed to use the provided hovercrafts that await you outside of the stadium. Between here and the final spot are four or more miles of territory with each containing clues as to where you may find the prizes. There are three prizes to choose from and I've chosen one of them to be the special item. Once you have retrieved the items, you are to return and present them to me. Whoever has the right prize, wins the scavenger hunt. Simple, no?" The crowd cheers again.
One contestant steps forward, "Princess, it is I who shall retrieve your prize." This young man seems to be in his early twenties with tanned skin, a lean build, and braided hair shaped in a bob who appears to have his eye on Kiyoni.
"No," says another competitor, "It is I who will win." This one is taller, bulky, and has cornrows.
"You two are sorely mistaken," says a third of Afro-asian descent, "The princess wouldn't bat an eye your way but, she will for me." Kurama keeps a close eye on this one. Judging by the man's scent, alone, this one seems the most focused on Kiyoni. The man finds Kurama in the crowd and approaches him, "Watch yourself, human. After today, you'll be nothing but a distant memory." Kurama doesn't let the vampire's words get to him. By outside appearances, he's just one of nineteen men Kurama has to face.
"Did you see that guy," Kuwabara watches from the infirmary, "He totally thinks he's hot stuff. Kurama is so gonna win this for sure."
"Could this contest not be any more in Kurama's favor," Koenma opinionates, "He's a former thief for crying out loud."
"Hunters, take your positions," a guardsmen demands, "Three…two…one…" He blows a horn and the race begins. Those with wings take off immediately while those without head outside of the stadium.
As Kurama activates his hover bike, he asks, "How do we know where to go?"
A couple of sanguinistas laugh. "You gotta roam through the city and find the clues," answers a competitor, "Don't you know what a scavenger hunt is?" Since Kurama isn't too familiar with Heliopolis, his best course of action would be to follow the flow of traffic, which he does for a bit.
The first mile of the race is within the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Heliopolis. Businesses unrelated to the competition place signs on their windows and doors informing racers not to bother them. However, jewelry stores and flower shops tell a different story. Kurama stops by a flower shop and reads its clue:
"In vast fields of green, sits a stone mountain uncommonly seen. In a box is a stone in plain sight. Round, beautiful, and dark as night."
"Green fields, stone mountain, and a round, dark stone," Kurama assumes, "That's certainly not here. If only I had a map." The screen on his hover bike displays a map of the country. "That's it," he concludes. Off to the country's woodlands.
Elsewhere in the city, Kurama's competition discovers the same clue. "A stone that's round, dark, and beautiful," he says, "Sounds like it's either obsidian or onyx. A stone mountain? I know exactly where that is." He heads to the woodlands as well.
Inside the country's forested lands, competitors scatter all over looking for either the "stone mountain" or the next clue. Natives do their best not to damage any of the trees. Not only is the forest a place to relax and marvel, it is also a cemetery. Ashes and bodies of the deceased blend into the soil that feeds the trees. Anything, so much as a broken branch or a disturbed leaf would be seen as offensive. It is best to journey through these lands on foot.
Kurama follows everyone's lead. In his mind, maybe it was best to ask either Kiyoni or her family for some idea about the country. However, he is a former thief so, he uses his technique to get a head's up by listening for some clues. "Do you remember where that pyramid was," asks one competitor to another.
"Like I would know. I've only been to it, once," the other competitor answers.
So, the stone mountain is a pyramid. Good to know, Kurama concludes. He goes on for another couple of miles until he sees a crowd gathered around a fellow vampire. She's dressed in traditional African garb and represents nobility. Kurama recognizes the woman for she was at the welcoming feast nearly two nights ago. Best to hear from her.
"Your second clue is as follows," she announces, "Gold is the metal that makes divine bone. It is also what lies in the mountain made of stone. Hunters and warriors sing his chorus. Find the figure that represents Horus." Those who figure it out continue on their journey.
"Gold, Horus figure," Kurama puts the clues together, "What did Kiyoni say about Horus? Wasn't he a god?" At that moment, Kurama catches the man who personally challenged him at the stadium seeming to have his wits together. Follow this man, Kurama tells himself, but, keep my distance.
"Who the hell is that guy," Yusuke watches.
"Who," Kiyoni replies.
"That guy. He clearly has the hots for you. You know him?"
Kiyoni sighs as she recalls awkward memories, "His name is Toshio and yes, he has…the hots for me. It began when he helped train my brother and I. He kept commenting on how 'adorable' I was whenever I got angry. Ugh, he's annoying."
"Most men, like him, usually are," Shizuru comments.
Kurama and Toshio are neck and neck at this point of the race but, are still distant from each other. Another member of the noble class is there to share the final clue and provide water at the final mile before reaching the pyramid. Kurama knows he should stick around to learn of the final hint but, Toshio doesn't care and is seen bypassing the checkpoint. However, even in the humid, summer heat, foxes and vampires need hydration. "When glass met ruby, they produced this prize," says the noble man, "When you see it, you will widen your eyes. This last object brings the race to a close. It is a special plant that never grows." Kurama approaches the man who serves water in edible pods. He takes three and goes about his way, hearing only the last part of the clue.
A plant that never grows?
Finally and in the clear, Toshio takes to the skies. It doesn't take him long to find the pyramid. "There you are," he discovers with a confident smile, "The princess is as good as mine."
Kurama continues to scour the lands looking for both the pyramid and Toshio. The thickness of the trees don't provide much help. "I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me…" he says to the trees, "but, I need leverage." He climbs one of the tallest trees and finds the pyramid…and Toshio. Time to put fire to one's ass.
Toshio and a few others make it to the stone mountain and climbs its stairs. He could easily fly inside but, wants to give the competition some legitimacy. "Where's your drive," he boasts, "Do either of you want to please her highness?" Upon reaching the door of the pyramid is a note that reads:
"Congratulations! You've made it to the top! But, this point does not mean stop. One of these boxes will win the princess's heart. Grab it, secure it, and head back to start."
"Yeah, yeah," Toshio enters, "No need to tell me what to do." Inside the mossy and vine covered pyramid sits three wooden boxes on three pillars. Since Toshio is the first to arrive, he becomes the first to open them. Which one will make you mine, princess?
As others enter and take a look, Kurama makes his way inside as well. "I see we're having a hard time deciding," he says.
"Well, well. Looks like the human has made it. I'm surprised you did."
Kurama holds out a water pod, "Marvelous invention, your country has." The pod is, then, ingested.
Toshio calls, "Warriors!" The others take heed. "Let's take out this human," he suggests, "Then, work on each other." The others hiss and display their serpent tongues to get a good scent out of Kurama. It seems the fox has got himself cornered in a room full of "snakes". How will he survive?
