Chapter SIX
The Ultimate Assassin Strategy - by Captain Kairi & Sora (you're Deputy, Sora, I told you) who put you in charge? fine you're demoted to third-in-command. everyone, we have ourselves a dictator
- Identify reps so we're gonna need spies...or maybe turn the weak links of the other classes? SPY KAI I like the sound of that
- Ambush reps we might need special training for stealth and teamwork lead on Deputy I thought I was demoted JUST DO WHAT I SAY
- BE THE ULTIMATE CLASS yasssss let's do this
"...is everyone here?" I ask in my most solemn voice. Within the dark confines of the classroom, doors closed and curtains drawn, I can barely make out the silhouettes of my classmates.
"Sir, yessir!" someone barks back.
"I like that energy. Deputy, how are the casualties looking?" I expectantly turn towards our class' best soccer player, the only person I can trust being my second-in-command.
An amused smile threatens to split across his face. But he manages to keep his cool and responds evenly, "3 this morning."
"...3?!" I shriek, slamming a hand down on my desk. I look around the class - I mean, troops. "How are we down 3 good men already?"
"3 women, actually," one of the girls chimes in. She pauses for a moment, as if regretting speaking, but hey, I'm not a leader who can't take feedback.
"3 good women," I repeat, nodding my head in her direction. "We're all in this together, men! And women! We can't win without each other. Mark my words, we will be the last class standing! Who's with me?"
"Woohoo!" "Yeah!" "Those coupons better be worth all this…"
The class (largely) bursts into cheers, and I relish in the camaraderie in this room.
"Wait, where's Naminé?" Sora asks.
My eyes widen. How is Naminé not here yet? I specifically told everyone to get to class 5 minutes early to discuss strategy. And most importantly...she's our class' rep! She can't just be...missing!
"Everyone, standby!" I exclaim before dashing out the door.
Where is that girl? I know these halls like the back of my hand, so unless she's hiding, I'll find her soon enough. Plus, the bell's about to ring and Naminé's never late. It's strange enough that she's late to our strategizing meeting. Which only gives me a bad feeling that something's happened…!
I catch familiar blonde hair just before she rounds a corner, so with the widest steps I can take without being caught for running in the halls, I quickly catch up to her.
"Naminé!"
Sure enough, my bestie's here, seemingly safe and sound without any wet marks on her floral dress. "Oh, Kairi. Good morning!" she greets pleasantly.
She's so oblivious - what if she'd gotten caught? - and belatedly, I realize she's with someone. Someone I know.
I narrow my eyes suspiciously. "Roxas," I level my greeting.
The blond mimics my suspicious countenance. "Kairi," he returns.
I latch onto Naminé, dragging her aside and whispering, "What are you doing with him?"
"I can hear you, you know," Roxas says exasperatedly. And rudely. He's never been the friendliest person, if you know what I mean.
"He's the enemy!" I hiss at Naminé, wondering if my at times oblivious friend realizes the situation she's in.
"I can still hear you," Roxas says.
Naminé chuckles. "Roxas wouldn't do anything like that. We were just chatting before class starts."
My suspicious glare never leaves Roxas' direction. To this day, I'm surprised sweet-as-an-angel Naminé is friends with a jerk like him. Or maybe her caring heart is precisely how they're friends. I don't know Roxas all that well, considering he tends to keep to himself. In fact, most of what I know is from Naminé, who of course only says nice things. Like how he's real patient, he's unassuming, and…
Okay, listing Roxas' good qualities is weird, so I'mma stop.
"C'mon, the class is waiting for you," I tug discreetly on Naminé's sleeve. "I told you to come 5 minutes early today to discuss Assassin strategy."
Naminé's eyes widen. "...oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Kairi! I completely forgot…"
"You're taking this game way too seriously," Roxas mocks.
Did I or did I not mention: rudeeeee?
"You're taking life way too seriously," I respond. And just like that, I render Roxas speechless. Yeah, so beat it!
Before I can gloat some more, Naminé chimes in. "I'll see you later, Roxas," she says.
Roxas shifts his eyes over to her and then shoves his hands into his pockets. "See you, Naminé." And - and without even acknowledging my existence, he just walks off!
"Yeah, 'goodbye, Kairi!' Oh, Roxas, goodbye too!" I holler at him, but his lack of response just annoys me further. I turn towards Naminé. "Seriously. What's up with him? And don't say he's just in a bad mood...cause then he's always in a bad mood."
Naminé blushes as she closes her mouth and smiles sweetly. Ah, so this is how she wins over the hearts of our school's male population. Fine, fine, I yield as well. "Let's go," I say, dragging her to homeroom before the tardy bell rings.
Unfortunately, by the time we're back, our homeroom teacher's commandeered control. We sit through a few announcements and his reminder to not get too into "a silly game" and to remember his "history class still has an essay due tomorrow."
Thanks for being a party pooper, sir.
"Men!" I regain power once the homeroom teacher steps away from the podium. "We haven't done much reconnaissance, so our spies have a lot of work to do! Turn your friends, figure out the weakest links...the ends justify the means, people! Ambush squad, I trust my deputy has trained you well." I send an appreciative nod in Sora's direction, and he smirks. "So, ARE YOU GUYS WITH ME?"
"Whoopee!" "Yeah, let's do this!" "I didn't sign up for this…"
"And...where do you think you're going?" I ask, stopping Naminé as she's rising to her feet. She blinks innocently while she gathers her belongings.
"Um, my next class?"
"Oh no you don't!" I latch onto her wrist to stop her from leaving. "You're our rep, so you need protective detail!"
"...oh, right. So, you're gonna walk me to class?"
"I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but since you're so important, I didn't want to take any chances."
"You're stuck with me for the rest of the week, Naminé." Sora makes a timely appearance with a goofy smile and his arms crossed over his chest. All he's doing is showing off his scrawny biceps. Is he taking even taking his job seriously?
Okay, I need to rein in some of the hostility. I'd come to the conclusion last week that Sora is the best choice as Naminé's bodyguard. I may be quick on my feet, but Sora's got faster reflexes in general. As much as I hate to admit it, he can do a better job keeping Naminé out of trouble than I can.
Anything for the win, amirite?
"O - oh," Naminé stammers, glancing between me and Sora. "Is that...kinda weird?"
"Huh? What do you mean?" I ask.
"I mean - wait, not you!" Naminé exclaims, raising a hand in Sora's direction. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking when I said that. I don't mean you."
Sora laughs easily. "Don't worry, I've been called worse."
"No, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to call you that…"
"It's okay, Naminé," Sora reassures again. "Wow, and you're friends with Kairi? She, like, never apologizes to people."
"What?!" I interject, cause why's he bringing me up?
"She does!" Naminé insists, glancing at me. I smile - yay, go friendship solidarity. "Maybe just not to you?"
Sora pauses and then chokes on a laugh. "I - ha! You're secretly super sassy, aren'tcha, Naminé?"
"Seconded!" I chime in, directing a smirk at Naminé.
"I - I'm just kidding!" Naminé exclaims. Sora chuckles to assure her he's not offended (when's he ever?) and before I know it, we're all laughing.
"Well, we'd better get going before we're late," Sora announces. "What class do you have, Naminé?"
"Honors calc," she says with a sigh. "Really, Sora, if it's out of your way, you don't have to walk me to the math building - "
"Nah, it's perfect. I have history, so it's in the same direction." He watches Naminé struggling to get all her stuff and reaches out to help hold some things. Wow, it's weird seeing Sora act like...a gentleman?
Pfft. That thought makes me laugh.
Naminé and Sora both turn in my direction. Belatedly, I realize I'd actually laughed aloud. I don't know how to explain the joke to them in 30 seconds so I smile sheepishly and they let it go, resuming polite chit-chat or whatever distant acquaintances do.
Hmm, they get along awfully well for distant acquaintances. Do they actually know each other very well? I don't remember seeing them interact much before...
"Kairi!" a voice chirps. I turn around to face 3 pairs of hopeful, shining eyes. Which reminds me of my role.
Ah, so this is what it feels like to be an inspiring leader.
"Men, and women!" I exclaim, quickly resuming my designated position in this game - I mean, war. "Shall we?"
"Yes, we shall!" "I don't really have a choice..." "Hell yeah."
The other classes, they won't even know what hit'em.
It's a bright sunny day in the halls of Tremblay High. An unassuming boy minding his own business strolls down the hall, head ducked and hands tucked in his pockets. To any other bystander, he blends in with the rest of the largely homogenous student population.
But not to the eyes of our heroine, whose sharp eyes and wit have determined this boy may be the key to defeating their enemy Senior Class A once and for all. Thrust into her position at the young age of 17, this kindhearted and fearless leader is determined to repay the people who elected her to lead them.
"But you basically nominated yourself…"
"Shut up, no one asked for your opinion," I snipe.
Ahem. Back to the story.
The heroine does a double-take, raising a hand to halt the movement of her troops. Someone has called out the boy's name. He looks up, and a smile rises to his face. The leader panics - has he stumbled upon reinforcements? Will this mission end before it's even begun?
A rather attractive girl ('smoking hot,' in the words of Soldier #1) heads in his direction, arms extended for a hug. No one in the heroine's troop recognizes her, so they assume she's a citizen of Senior Class A. The two begin speaking with each other, but from their distance, neither the heroine nor her people can hear what they're saying.
"I wanna know who she is! Someone dig up her information!" the heroine exclaims, the anxiety of an unaccounted third party getting to her.
"Yes ma'am!" Soldier #2 says, pulling out her phone and rapidly tapping across the screen. In less than a minute, she has an answer. "Her name's Lulu. She's in Senior Class B, and she plays tennis."
...she's an athlete? B - but…how does she have such nice legs? Is it genetics? Does she never skip leg day? Maybe it's just cause she's tall? Why's the universe so unfair?
"Kai - I mean, Captain," Soldier #2 mumbles, "they're on the move."
Right. "Let's move out!" the heroine exclaims, motioning for her troops to follow after her as they trail behind the couple. "Is it possible that Senior Class A and B have become allies?" the heroine discusses with her troop.
"Man, she is hot," Soldier #1 reiterates.
"Yeah, you said that."
"I'm pretty sure they're just catching up between class or something," Soldier #3 remarks dryly. "Also, class starts in 10 minutes and I need to get to the auditorium on the other side of school."
"We'll be done by then," I promise.
The dissent dies out with some grumbles. Like a true leader, this heroine knows how to handle rebellious members.
The couple ahead remains conveniently distracted by each other's company. Nonetheless, the heroine notes that they're taking a very roundabout path to get through the building. A thought occurs to her - have they noticed their tail? Are her troop's covers as unsuspecting civilians blown?
"We are civilians," Soldier #3 points out. "And we have 8 minutes before I'm out."
"I said, we'll be done by then."
The brief power struggle ends with a subdued sigh. Being a leader is tough.
The heroine returns her attention to the couple - or, actually, couple no more. After another hug, the girl is off, heading back down the halls. A forlorn expression seizes the boy's features, as if he were sending off the love of his life.
But he's like...18. He probably doesn't even know what love is.
Everyone is on high alert when the boy reaches into his pocket to retrieve something - a concealed weapon, perhaps? The newest weapon on the market, the SquirtGun000, is the perfect size to hide away in a pocket. Everyone tenses up as the boy pulls out from his pocket -
His phone. Phew, crisis averted.
As he's completely focused on his handheld device, he mindlessly begins heading towards the door. Quickly, the heroine signals for her troops to take their places. Once everyone's in the right position and the target's officially outside the building, the heroine tiptoes her way towards him, hoping he doesn't hear her shoes squeaking on the linoleum floor.
She exits the building with the boy and raises her hand just as -
"AH!"
"Dammit!" I - uh, the heroine curses when her shot misses. The boy jumps into motion, fleeing for his life. "Plan A, Plan A!" she hollers.
Two soldiers leap out of their ambush positions, trapping the boy effectively between them and their leader. One of them raises a steady arm wielding a handheld weapon.
BAM, BAM, BAM -
"...shit."
"Yes!" I cheer, doing a little victory dance. Raising a hand, I high-five my fellow soldiers, who did a perfect job covering for my small mishap. Teamwork at its finest.
"...what the hell, Kairi? The game literally started like today!"
"Exactly!" I chirp. "Time waits for no one! So sorry, but you're out, Wakka!"
Wakka frowns. "Your cousin will get revenge for me."
"Don't be a sore loser. And tell Tidus to bring it!" I taunt. He's the one who started this war, after all.
Wakka grumbles some more before walking off. Score one for Junior Class A!
I turn towards my ambush squad classmates, but I realize one of them is gone already, the other is on the phone, and the last person's looking at me apologetically, mumbling about having to prepare for a presentation. Before I can say much, everyone's basically gone their own way.
The first bell rings, and I remember I have a quiz next period...I should probably go study.
Alas, as usual, life gets in the way of everything.
Crap. Crappity-doodle crap.
"Damn, she's fast!" I hear one of my pursuers comment.
"No duh, she's on the track team. She's just a junior though. Stop embarrassing yourself!"
"Man, I got it! She's just...real fast…"
Hell yeah! is what I'd proudly exclaim if I weren't running for my life. Honestly I didn't expect them to come at me while I'm coming out of the lockers after cross-country. It's like almost 6:00 - did they seriously wait 3 hours just to ambush me?
And I thought my class was intense.
"You're not getting anywhere!" one of them hollers from behind, and I risk a glance over my shoulder just as I'm rounding a corner. Wait, why's there only one of 'em? Where'd the other guy go - ?
Aww shit.
"Ha! We've been in this school for almost 4 years, so we know this place inside out!" One of them had cut through the building and blocked my way around. I'm so close to getting indoors!
Nervously, I assume a defensive stance, glancing between the two senior guys slowly inching forward on my 2 sides. At least now I know what falling for an ambush feels like - it sucks. For the first time...I'm a little worried about this game. I've come so far, only to lose to these 2 idiots?
They're arguing about whose car to drive to the movie theater! Seriously! Can we just get this over with so I can go home?
"...running out of gas, unless you wanna pay for me."
"Hell no, dude, my parents just cut back on allowance cause I failed that English test. I'm broke."
"Man, you always say your allowance is getting cut. You lying, aren'tcha?"
"Why would I lie about that?!"
All of us then hear a loud voice that carries well from a distance. "Duck, Kairi! I got left!"
I react before I even register what I'd heard. My knees hit the ground as I reach into my pocket, pulling out my own water gun. Trusting the voice and leaving my back exposed to one of the seniors, I twist my body and aim at one of their shoes. My shot hits the mark, and after some grumbling, the senior walks off.
My body tenses, awaiting a possible attack from behind, but it never comes. Instead, when I turn around, I see Sora hovering over me with an outstretched hand. My dumb brain lags for awhile, staring at him, then his hand, and back to him. His face contorts with confusion until I accept his help and he pulls me to my feet.
"What happened to you?" he asks with a laugh.
"I - they got me while I was coming out of cross-country!"
"Oh wow. And I thought we were taking this game pretty seriously. School ended hours ago - don't they have some place better to be?"
"Right? That's what I thought!" I chime in my agreement.
It then grows quiet. As if just realizing the chase is over, my legs suddenly feel like jelly and threaten to give way. I would've fallen butt-first onto the ground if I hadn't reached out and...and if Sora didn't help steady me.
"Wow, getting you after practice is low," he says as he rests his hands on my shoulders. Huh. "You good?"
"...what, did you say something?"
A smirk rises to his face. "You zoning out? It's 6:00pm - s'not your bedtime yet."
"Says the one who slept at 8:00pm till middle school."
"Do you know how hard it is to wake up for morning practice?" Sora squawks. "It's torture!"
I smirk. "I know, I know. I did soccer in middle school too, remember?"
"Psh, middle school soccer's nothing. We practiced in the mornings like...every other Wednesday? Coach makes us come in at 5:00am 3 times a week now!"
"Oh, boohoo, a bunch of grown-ass boys can't wake up in the morning!" I mock. "Thank goodness you guys have Coach to whoop your asses into shape, otherwise our team would be embarrassing."
"Ooh, why so harsh? I just saved you."
"I - "
Somehow, in that moment, words fall short. He's right, he did just save me. And I'm trying to act all holier-than-thou because...what? To salvage my ego or something?
"You're either daydreaming about me or gonna crash. I'm going with the latter, so let's get going," Sora jokes.
I'm still sort of on autopilot as I follow behind Sora towards the front gate. So lost in my own thoughts, I keep walking and literally hit Sora's back cause he suddenly came to a halt.
"Oww!" I clutch my nose. "Why'd you stop?"
While steadily inching backwards, he whispers, "One of the guys in our class - one of the spies - said he heard someone from senior class A discussing plans to set up an ambush around this area." On high alert, Sora cautiously regards the open space. I nervously take a step back. "The plan had something to do with the school gate…" he trails off, glancing at the cement walls leading to ivory gates.
It's as if he's psychic. In the next moment, two groups of people launch out from outside the school gates. Oh, hell no - are they serious? I have to run again? This game is gonna be the death of me.
"Let's get outta here!" Sora exclaims, adjusting his backpack strap before headings towards the school building. Is he serious? Are they serious? They're gonna trap us in the school overnight? That's seriously overkill.
"...hello?" Sora says.
"What?" I turn towards him, only then realizing he's on the phone. "Wow, seriously? Can't that wait?"
Sora rolls his eyes and mouths who the caller is. "Yeah, uh-huh," he says, returning to his phone call. "I'm eating dinner at home, I'm just gonna be back late. Yeah, don't wait up. Bye Mom."
"Such a momma's boy," I tease, which makes Sora frown a little.
"Honor thy father and mother," he returns. "And hey, you're one to talk when your parents - oh, what? Are you serious?"
I come to an abrupt stop right behind Sora. Peering over his shoulder, I stare down the very last person I thought I'd see.
But in hindsight...of course only he would carry out such an insane plan.
"We meet again. Hikari...and Kairi."
We stare down Tidus, who is blocking our way to the buildings. Meanwhile, the two groups have cornered our back route, so we're effectively trapped. Dammit. This is hell of a plan. Did Tidus really come up with this? And wait a sec...
"Tidus, aren't you supposed to be home helping your mom with the groceries today?"
Tidus momentarily falters. "...oh shit! Whatever, she should've known better than to count on me."
"...did he just call himself unreliable?" Sora asks.
"Yeah," I say, "he disses himself sometimes. Usually when it involves his mom."
"Ha! So he's a momma's boy too?"
"Of course. How do you think I could tell you're also one?"
"Anyways!" Tidus exclaims, bringing the attention back to him. "My dear fallen comrade Wakka told me of your treachery. You're going down today, Kairi O'Hara. Just surrender! It'll make things easier for everyone."
A part of me considers the alluring temptation. Cause seriously. I'm dead exhausted, and this game is both mentally and physically draining. Whenever I'm running to the next building in between classes, I'm way too paranoid for anyone's good. Maybe it'll be easier to just take a shot and be done with all this…
But then I see Sora, his eyes furtively darting around trying to find a way out. He hasn't given up yet. And I remember my entire class, working hard with them to strategize and spying and ambushing...they're tired too. How can I give up just cause I'm tired?
"I'd never surrender," I exclaim. "People have given their time and energy for us to win, and I won't disrespect them or our cause. I'm not gonna give up just cause it's easy. This is bigger than just me - this is a cause my class has devoted itself to. I won't give in."
Will you look at my improv eloquence? Never knew I'm a natural at public speaking.
"...the fuck is she talking about?"
"What the hell? What cause?"
"Can we just eliminate her already? I'm starving, Tidus."
Way to rain on my parade. I guess haters gon' hate.
"You've been a worthy opponent, Kairi O'Hara," Tidus acknowledges with a nod, reaching for his water gun. "But today...this is the end."
He raises his arm, and I get to stare death in the face. Despite my bravado, I can't deny that maybe...this is the end. I feel like after rallying them together and basically forcing them to participate (yeah, I realize what I'm doing), I'm letting down my classmates. Hey, I tried! I really did! Well, I mean, I probably should've tried harder, but...what am I supposed to do now?
"...sorry," I mumble under my breath. I'm not even sure who I'm apologizing to.
I try to be brave and face death head-on, but instinctively, I close my eyes, bracing myself for an imminent attack.
A/N: I'm still here guys! Yeah, I know I'm 1 chapter behind on my schedule. Got caught up in some Korean melodramas and midterms stress and, y'know, life. Ugh. Besides being busy, I also wasn't in the mood to write from some perky high schooler's POV. Again, it's hard to maintain Kairi's POV.
I had some fun with the Kairi's third-person narration (sort of) in the middle there - let me know what you think about it? I was actually inspired by Dhustura's review that Kairi's grip on reality is "pretty loose." Of course, that's what makes things interesting to read and write.
And so, the game continues. I suck at writing cliffhangers, but gotta up the tension somehow.